The Book Barbies

|Review| My Soul to Lose by Rachel Vincent

noreply@blogger.com (Racquel (A Book Barbie)) — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 06:00:00 +0000

Title: My Soul to Lose
Author: Rachel Vincent
Series: Soul Screamers #0.5
Published: July 1st 2009 by Harlequin Teen
Rating: ♥♥♥♥
Goodreads summary:

It was supposed to be a fun day, shopping at the mall with her best friend. Then the panic attack started and Kaylee Cavanaugh finds herself screaming, unable to stop. Her secret fears are exposed and it's the worst day of her life.
Until she wakes up in the psychiatric unit.
She tries to convince everyone she's fine--despite the shadows she sees forming around another patient and the urge to scream which comes burbling up again and again. Everyone thinks she's crazy. Everyone except Lydia, that is. Another patient with some special abilities....

Racquel's thoughts:
This is the perfect prequel to a start of what seems to be a great series for me! Only 51 pages in the Soul Screamers Vol. 1 book, this is like a tease of what's to come and it definitely left me with a I WANT MORE, NEXT BOOK NOW! feeling.

It starts off right into the action and I loved that. We have Kaylee and Emma two bestfriends going on a shopping spree. Usually I don't like best friend relationships. I barely see genuine ones! The bestfriend always ends up being a bitch and back stabbing the main character, if the best friend is a guy then he will fall in love with the main character or the best friend starts 'hanging out with different' crowd, she's changing, usually becoming more 'popular' and her relationship with he main character is falling. The only bestfriend relationship I actually didn't hate was between Harper and Laney from Saving June and I think I can add Kaylee and Emma to the list!

Rachel Vincent really had me engrossed! I was going as crazy as Kaylee at the psychiatric unit and I felt like even *I* needed to escape. It was very interesting seeing how Kaylee handles being deemed as somewhat "crazy" and it broke my heart when she found out she couldn't leave right away like she thought she would. Vincent handled the issue very well, I believe and the paranormal aspect of the book was scary but intriguing.

Eve though this is only a novella (a mini, short novel basically), the characters were as developed and as great (and even better in some cases) as the would be in a full length book. Rachel Vincent definitely has talent and I know I'm going to be dreaming about this series!!

Rating: 4 hearts~ a solid novella that will make you a fan of the series!

First:

“Thanks for the ride, Traci!”

Favorite:

If anyone could, it would be Uncle Brendon. He could sell water to a fish.

Teaser:

My pulse swooshed in my ears, a hollow echo of real fear.

[Review] Titan Magic by Jodi Lamm

noreply@blogger.com (Emma Delacroix) — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 06:00:00 +0000

Title: Titan Magic
Author: Jodi Lamm
Published: September 30th 2011
Genre: Fantasy, Mythology.
Purchase it: Amazon
Rating: ★★★★
Goodreads summary:

Mute, heartless, and tormented by auditory hallucinations, Madeleine Lavoie never questions why her family has hidden her from the world. But the night her brother casts her out, she learns the mysterious voice she thought existed only in her mind is no delusion, and no matter how hard she tries, she can never disobey it.

Now Madeleine must find her own voice in a cacophony of powerful tyrants, monsters, and gods. If she fails, she will forfeit her life and the lives of everyone who loves her. But if she succeeds, she may finally gain the ability to love someone in return.

Emma's thoughts:

I was drawn into this book from the very first line of the summary. Mute and mad, Madeleine Lavoie has lived her entire life confined to bedposts in her room. Her life is not what she believed it to be...

To say I was so excited to read this after the first chapter(here) may be an understatement. Mythology is something I absolutely adoooore. I think it's absolutely magical that Jodi took something that NOBODY has tried to recreate and made it into something beautiful! I shall bow down to Jodi for making me see golems with a totally new perspective. Because honestly, when was the last time you read an amazing story about golems?! Those clunky, clay things? This is what I love most about reading mythology. We've all had those long, droning history lessons about Greeks, Romans, and whatnot. But really, history's about the way you interpret it. So here's a fascinating interpretation of golems!

The heartbreaking moment when Maddy learns about her true nature, I just wanted to wrap her in a hug and assure she's just as human as any of us! Her creator/master, Jas, is one aggravating and confusing character. No, actually Marcus, Jas, and Eli are confusing. Their motivation and reasoning is just a shocker, really. I never knew what to expect out of this book. It just kept turning and turning and at the end, I was just left... flabbergasted.

All in all, Will Taylor was my favourite character. He's so sweet and and true gentleman. Oh and Marcus.. Marcus, Marcus, Marcus..! He's just...! I really love what Jodi did with his character! Yes, I got extremely confused throughout the book about Marcus, her supposed brother, but it made sense. It had me going: 'YES. I GET IT NOW!' because it was just such an ingenious twist to the book!

It was a such pleasure to read this book, to be introduced to this new way of looking at clay creatures. I think this will be one of those book I'll end up thinking about in the middle of class, contemplating the way I look at things now. I can't wait to see else Jodi has up her sleeve!

I recommend this to: Anyone who loves mythology with a twist!

Rating: 4 stars~ Books like these make the impossible seem possible♥

First:

Tonight, no matter what the voice said, Madeleine Lavoie would not listen to it, she would not sympathize with it and, most importantly, she would not obey it.

Favourite:

"...love makes people stupid. It doesn't matter whether the person you love could ever love you back. You'll still follow them everywhere. You'll still do anything for them."

Teaser:

"Nonsense. She's just a gorgeous piece of clay. You know that as well as I do."

Thanks to the author for a free copy of this ebook in exchange for my honest review!

[Review] Putting Boys On The Ledge by Stephanie Rowe

noreply@blogger.com (Emma Delacroix) — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 06:00:00 +0000

Title: Putting Boys On The Ledge (A Girlfriend's Guide To Boys #1)
Author: Stephanie Rowe
Published: Published October 31st 2011 by TKA Distribution
Rating: ★★★
Goodreads summary:

Meet Blueberry Waller, whose name is the only interesting thing about her life. Until now.

Not only is Blue dealing with the worst name in the world, crazy parents and a clingy younger sister, she just got a part in the school play. And now she’s acting with Heath Cavendish, total crush-worthy senior. He would never give a second look to a girl like Blue. Except he has.

Her friends say Blue should play it cool, put Heath on the Ledge so she can keep the upper hand. Trouble is, she doesn’t know how to be clever around boys. Thankfully her pal Colin offers his help in teaching her how to get the guy. But he’s just being a good friend. Isn’t he?

Suddenly the wallflower is getting all the attention. But will being in the spotlight keep Blue from making the right decisions...for her?

A Girlfriend’s Guide to Boys: For these four friends, understanding the world of boys is only half the battle.

Emma's thoughts:

Blue is a fourteen year old girl. I am fourteen years old. That's where the similarities end. I always have so much trouble reading stories about teenagers my age, or younger. First of all, they never get it right - to me anyways. I realise that Stephanie Rowe didn't exactly write this two days ago and things change a lot, even within a year. But just in general, I think you have to be fourteen to write about being fourteen. Of course, this is not the same case for every other age, but the fact is, fourteen is an awkward stage. Girls are in and out of puberty, boys are short and scrawny or way too tall, and nobody likes to remember when they were fourteen years of age. Nothing happens at this stage. Parties and alcohol are reserved for those deemed cool enough by the older kids and sex is either too confronting or just perverted.

But maybe I'm just too biased for my own good. Stephanie Rowe did get most of it right though, I'll give her that. It's just that she wrote about the girls in my class that I hate. 'Oh my god guys, look there's Jake! Should I say hi?!' 'Do you really think he likes me? Even with my small boobs!?' It's a nightmare, I tell you (Not the book! The girls!). But one thing that I did find really weird in this? A boy in Year 12 would never, ever, ever, ever, ever look at a girl in Year 9. Even if they had to work together in a school production. Even if they had great chemistry on stage. I just... No. I could not wrap my head around that. Heath just CREEPED me out.

Blue, other than her annoying obsession with Heath and her, was actually pretty funny. I loved her friends. They made an awesome group. Allie and Frances were pretty awesome. I'd really love to read Frances' story. Sounds uber exciting with the whole best friend's brother she-bang!

Colin was another character I liked. I wish, I wish, I wish I could come across a guy like him! All I ever seem to see is endless Heaths *sigh*. He just had his own, cute confidence that was attractive in an entirely different way. But again with the whole age difference! Colin (no offense, Blue) could've done much better. But still, it was fun to read, and comical to say the least! So many quirky moments of the stories I could partly relate to and nod along in recognition.

It was a nice, simple read about teenagers attempting to fit into your typical high school and reeling in guys from all different angles, tempting them to the edge of the Ledge.

Rating: 3 stars~ A quick fun and entertaining read!

First:

The only way to survive boys is to put them on the Ledge as often as possible.

Favourite:

Forget boys and read a good book. Or study. When you're twenty-five and raking in the big bucks, men will be falling all over you because you're a successful professional woman.

Teaser:

"You want me to decide whether you want to be kissed?"

Thanks to the publisher for the free copy of this ebook in exchange for my honest review (via Netgalley).

|Adult review| One Perfect Night by Rachel Johns

noreply@blogger.com (Racquel (A Book Barbie)) — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 06:00:00 +0000

Title: One Perfect Night
Author: Rachel Johns
Published: December 19th 2011 by Carina Press
Genre: Contemporary, romance
Rating: ♥♥♥♥
Goodread's summary:

Peppa Grant's fellow employees may call their new CEO Mr. McSexy, but she's also heard that he's aloof and distant. Cameron McCormac certainly seems cold toward Christmas when she meets him at the company's annual party...but he's also the sexiest man Peppa has ever seen. And when he offers to forgive the damage she accidentally caused to his expensive car in exchange for accompanying him to his family's holiday get-together, she agrees.

Cameron needs a date to the family party to get his matchmaking relatives off his back. Their chemistry is instant and undeniable, leading to an incredible one-night stand. But Peppa wants love and family, while Cameron's only interested in temporary pleasure. When their relationship takes an unexpectedly serious turn, will he run the other way—or will he give love a second chance?

Racquel's thought's:
I love Australians authors! They just do not disappoint *knocks on wood* and One Perfect Night proved that. From the beginning, I couldn't put the book down. Peppa was such an entertaining voice and so was Cameron. They were extremely 3D characters and I laughed with them and felt sad when they did, I was rooting for them to just kiss, kiss, kiss! Together they were just unbelievably funny and heartbreaking at the same time. They both had demons they needed to get past and seeing them realize their feelings for each other was definitely an enjoyable journey.

Rachel Johns has a lovely writing style and as always, I absolutely loved the Australian setting, it was like traveling and falling in love all due to a fantastic book. I wasn't bored once with the story because I couldn't get enough of this romance, it really touched me you Peppa and Cameron helped each other in so many ways that they would have never imagined and I think Johns handled the hard situation in an extremely well way.

Overall, this book had it all. A great heroine, a sexy bear of a hero and a love story that will make you smile like an idiot! I definitely look forward to read more of Rachel Johns books.

Rating: 4 hears~ a book that will satisfy a romance lover's thirst!

First:

"Don't look now, but Mr. McSexy just entered the building."

Favorite:

"Sweetheart, if we were sleeping together, there'd be no sides. It'd be a case of who's on top and who's on bottom."

Teaser:

Blast!

|Review| The Lifeguard by Deborah Blumenthal

noreply@blogger.com (Racquel (A Book Barbie)) — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 06:01:00 +0000

Title: The Lifeguard
Author: Deborah Blumenthal
Expected publication: March 1st 2012 by Albert Whitman & Company
Genre: YA contemporary, fantasy & romance

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥
Goodread's summary:

It's an unsettled summer for Sirena. Back in Texas, her family's splitting apart, but here in Rhode Island, at the cottage of her aunt, it's a different world. There are long days at the beach and intriguing encounters with Pilot, the lifeguard with shamanic skills. Sirena explores her obsession with Pilot and discovers his mysterious--almost magical--gifts.

Racquel's thoughts:
I'm not a car or a plane reader, whether print book, reading off of my phone or Kindle, if am in a moving vehicle while reading I will get a headache immediately. I mean it happens so fast where I'll read only two sentence then the pounding start and I have to put that book down. But with The Lifeguard as I was on my way home from school I said to myself, "So what if I'll get a killer headache? keep reading, Racquel!" So yeah, I was engrossed!

Despite the fun looking cover and summary, this book had absolute depth to it. Sirena, our pleasant main character was growing up and viewing the world with new eyes due to her parents divorce that really hit her hard.

Sirena's vacation and coming in terms with everything happening to her was handled completely realistically and I absolutely adored that! She was definitely a great narrator and I didn't want to let her go at the end of the book. Pilot is another character I didn't want to let go off, I wish we saw more of him throughout the book but in end I was happy with him. Some might argue that the romance was insta-love between Sirena and Pilot but I say (and I definitely hate insta-love!) it wasn't. To me it started out as lust and curiosity on Sirena's behalf before growing to something more, even if it happened quickly.

Another thing that I enjoyed while others didn't is the fantasy element of the book. Some people I noticed were bothered it wasn't fully explained but I- and again, this is coming from a person who isn't the biggest fan of the paranormal genre- actually liked that! There wasn't anything paranormal of evil about the 'magic' and I didn't really need an in depth explanation because the the fantasy element was just so, it just existed and that was enough for me because it was a spiritual and natural element rather then a paranormal one. It was mysterious yet even believable and I enjoyed that. It reminded me of The Secret Sisterhood of Heartbreakers by Lynn Weingarten because it also had the magical element that was never explained because it just was. There was magic and you had to believe it, something that I find intriguing. Overall, this is a hard book to resist! It's a beach read with depth and I absolutely enjoyed every page of it.

Rating: 5 hearts~ with a cast of characters you will love, humor and realism despite initial doubts people might face, this book is a fantastic read that I know I will reread again!

*quotes are taken from ARC copy, they might change*

First:

The summer my parents were getting divorced in Texas, I was exiled.

Favorite:

"Arrive the same, leave different."

Teaser:

"Bye, superman."

*thanks to the publishers at Netgalley for providing me with a copy to review*

Tune In Tuesday [4]: Safetysuit

noreply@blogger.com (Emma Delacroix) — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 06:00:00 +0000

A weekly feature hosted by GReads that showcases music.

I absolutely adore Safetysuit (I know Ginger does too from her twitter ;D)! I discovered them in the strangest way. I was youtubing SYTYCD dances two years ago when I came across a contemporary number to Find A Way by Safetysuit. The funny thing is, they didn't actually dance to the song, someone just decided to play it over the original! I can't find it anymore though, sigh...

So there's not really a single song of theirs I don't like. My most played is Gone Away at 457 plays. It's such a sad song and still brings tears to my eyes occasionally, but I can't ever get enough of it♥

Anyways, that's all on the old album. Onto the NEW album!

Words cannot explain how much I love this right now! I've been listening to this for three days straight, and probably will for the next month.. Song of the moment? You Don't See Me. I listen to Staring At It all day at school (over 100 plays), and occasionally Stranger.

Believe was my song for The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer. Every time I hear it now, I think of that awesome book!

What I absolutely love about Safetysuit is that every time I listen to them, I feel this strange urge to create. Their early album, I wrote a bajillion meaningless stories, and These Times, I'm drawing and drawing, and still drawing! It's crazy! I feel so inspired :)

And, watch this:

DOUG LOOKS SO CUTE!!!♥♥♥

All their songs are worth checking out, so just take a few minutes and search them up! :)

Links:

Official Website | Twitter | Facebook | Youtube | Myspace

[Review] Angelfall by Susan Ee

noreply@blogger.com (Emma Delacroix) — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 06:00:00 +0000

Title: Angelfall (Penryn & The End Of Days #1)
Author: Susan Ee
Published: Published May 21st 2011 by Feral Dream
Rating: ★★★★★
Goodreads summary:

It's been six weeks since angels of the apocalypse descended to demolish the modern world. Street gangs rule the day while fear and superstition rule the night. When warrior angels fly away with a helpless little girl, her seventeen-year-old sister Penryn will do anything to get her back.   Anything, including making a deal with an enemy angel.   Raffe is a warrior who lies broken and wingless on the street. After eons of fighting his own battles, he finds himself being rescued from a desperate situation by a half-starved teenage girl.   Traveling through a dark and twisted Northern California, they have only each other to rely on for survival. Together, they journey toward the angels' stronghold in San Francisco where she'll risk everything to rescue her sister and he'll put himself at the mercy of his greatest enemies for the chance to be made whole again.

Emma's thoughts:

If you're only ever going to read one paranormal story in your life, let it be this one.

What I absolutely love, love, love about this book is that it's about bad angels! I mean, we've always seen angels as pure innocence, messengers of God, whatever else... but never as the deliverance of a massacre! The angels are the bad guys here. They're the one killing the humans they apparently were once supposed to watch over. I just cannot get over how much I adore this! I know, that sounds pretty horrid, but it's BOOM! New! Refreshing! I know we've all heard of bad angels before, but this brings it to a whole new level.

And of course, we've all read our fair share of fallen angels. Raffe is just... sigh... He's my perfect Valentine's date if you'll look back to the post a few days ago. I simply love him. He's so surprisingly human for a celestial being. And this quote just says it: "A sense of humor is one more thing I don't think angels should have. The fact that his sense of humor is corny makes it even more wrong." Raffe is FUNNY. In a sarcastic way. And who ever thought angels to be sarcastic? There's more to him that I'm sure you'll love, but I'll let you find out for yourselves!

Penryn makes an awesome MC. She's strong. She knows how to fight! (One thing I'll always be jealous of is people who actually know how to fight. I wish I knew how to defend myself!) And the whole time, she's on the mission to find her sister. Paige, crippled at a young age, presumably by her mother, was taken away by the angels when Penryn interfered with a civil fight. Paige is the reason Penryn saves Raffe time and time again and lugs around his wings for leverage. And that kind of determination is admirable, but I guess that's what fuels most MCs in situations like these.

Thing about Angelfall is that it doesn't start when the apocalypse happened. It starts after. I think it was exceptionally genius because we're not overwhelmed with attacking winged devils (of course, there is a lot of action throughout this nevertheless). And there is a lot of gruesome scenes in here. I don't mean to sound like a sadist, but it was awesome! It was just the perfect combination of post-apocalyptic paranormal romance! Angelfall had everything I could ever wish to read.

I just cannot believe I got all that for .99 cents on Amazon. NINETY-NINE CENTS. It makes me tear up to think that I had to spend $15 on a horrid school book that was barely 100 pages and was horribly tedious, when I could've gifted away 14 of these lovely copies of Angelfall... But seriously, just one dollar, and you will get so much more.

So there it is guys. This epic, adrenalin-fueled story about angels gone bad, and one particularly sexy fallen angel is not to be missed!

I recommend this to: Everyoneeee!

Rating: 5 stars~ It's about evil angels! What's not to love?!

First:

Ironically, since the attacks, the sunsets have been glorious.

Favourite:

"You are nothing but a bird with an attitude. Okay, so you have a few muscles, I'll grant you that. But you know, a bird is nothing but a barely evolved lizard. That's what you are."

Teaser:

"My friends call me Wrath," says Raffe, "My enemies call me Please Have Mercy. What's your name, soldier boy?"

Blog Tour: A Place in this Life- Charcater Interview

noreply@blogger.com (Racquel (A Book Barbie)) — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 06:00:00 +0000

I'm beyond ecstatic to be participating in the A Place in This Life by Julie Rieman Duck blog tour because I absolutely fell in love with this book, its truly exceptional!

So without further ado, I bring you a terrific character interview with the main character of the book, Natalie:

1. What does living life to the fullest mean to you? any limitations?
I'm still trying to figure out what a full life really is. I used to think it meant having a boyfriend and freedom from my parents. I know now that it goes a lot deeper - inside my heart. When my heart hurts because of things going on around it, I know I'm not living life to the fullest. The only limitation is what I'm able to resist, which is not much.

2. Did being exposed to a fatal disease teach you anything?
I learned that there's nothing permanent. Nothing. It's one thing when your boyfriend breaks up with you, and a whole other when he dies and there's nothing you can do about it. I could have felt helpless with Todd, but then everything we'd have done would have been helpless. That's not living. That's not life.

3. It's been a wild year for you, would you take it back if you could? If you had the opportunity to go through the year minus the craziness Todd and Alex brought, would you?
In the back of my mind, I wonder what it would've been like to have had the boring vacation and then go on to school, meet Alex... have a regular relationship from the start. Not sure that would've worked for me - I became so much more because of Todd. He showed me the garden on the other side of life, and Alex taught me how to grow.

4. Tell me more about your friendship with Cara.
Oh God, she came up to me in grade school - I think it was the first day of 4th grade - and told me how she was going to Hollywood and was an actress and had an agent. Ha! I can tell you, it was more like she had a dream and an attitude to match, but I liked that. She was how I wanted to be, but was afraid to try being. I guess it's like living vicariously through someone else? She's okay with it. Sometimes it feels like the "Cara Show" but she's always there for me. I can't say that about most people.

5. How is living by the beach like? if only we all had that opportunity *sigh*
I must take it for granted. My cousins came down to visit one year and all they wanted to do was walk on the beach, go in the water, and fish on the pier. It was like gold to them, but for me it's a few blocks away. My school is in Long Beach, which is... lol... by the beach! I can't get away from it. Actually, Alex is in Pasadena, which is not near the beach and I'll admit that when I'm up there, I feel strange without the Pacific less than a mile away. I guess I'm a beach bum.
_________________________________________________________________________________

This is a truly terrific book that will have you tearing up for sure and this is coming up from a person whose family believes was born without tear ducts!

Don't forget to check out the other tour stops and schedule HERE. There is a giveaway ;D

Author Website | Twitter | Facebook
Buy the book: Amazon | B&N
Trust me, you are going to NEED to buy it! For .99 cents only, this book is gives much more then it costs♥

Thanks for stopping by!

|Review| My Soul to Take by Rachel Vincent

noreply@blogger.com (Racquel (A Book Barbie)) — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 04:37:00 +0000

Title: My Soul to Take
Author: Rachel Vincent
Series: Soul Screamers #1
Published: August 1st 2009 by Harlequin
Rating: ♥♥♥♥
Goodreads summary:

She doesn't see dead people. She senses when someone near her is about to die. And when that happens, a force beyond her control compels her to scream bloody murder. Literally.

Kaylee just wants to enjoy having caught the attention of the hottest guy in school. But a normal date is hard to come by when Nash seems to know more about her need to scream than she does. And when classmates start dropping dead for no apparent reason, only Kaylee knows who'll be next.

Racquel's thoughts:
My Soul to Take is a book that falls under the category of "WHY DID I NOT READ THIS BOOK ALREADY?!" Well if you know me, you already understand that contemporary and romance are my loves while my relationship with paranormal is a mediocre one but hello Soul Screamers series, this looks to be a start to a beautiful friendship! I absolutely loved how this book wasted no time with nonsense. From the beginning we got the important details and it jumped right into action, that's how the entire book is actually, there are no fillers. Everything is important which makes it a fast paced book that you will finish quickly.

I loved Kaylee, she was relatable girl plus she was a real teen girl!! I could go to school and randomly point at some girl and there's a 50-50 chance that that girl goes through similar things as Kaylee (not the paranormal things, mind you. If somebody could relate to that then we got a problem!). Her best friend relationship with Emma wasn't an annoying one (thank god) and there was no back stabbing involved for once.

Same thing with Nash, he could be a real guy if you push the paranormal things to a side, he had his friends, his past girlfriends, his teammates and his family. I liked how he was involved with sports at school but wasn't an asshole even if there was a present stereotype in the book that the majority of the dancers and jocks are jerks. That annoyed me to no end but I guess since Nash wasn't a jerk, that somewhat made up for it.

I loved the family dynamics in this book! Family plays a big part in every persons life so to see it present here made me really happy. Really my favorite parts were with Kaylee's uncle, dad or Nash's mom. Also, being moi, I have to mention the romance which I will say was lovely! Nash and Kaylee are a perfect duo, I loved seeing them help each other but I also liked how they knew where they stood. When something was too great for them they didn't try to act as superman and fight it, they got their families to help which is a foreign thing in YA books.

The only thing that really didn't sit well with me besides the stereotypes is the reaction characters had upon learning about this whole paranormal world. I wanted more "THAT'S IMPOSSIBLE!" but it didn't annoy me to extremes because I could understand Kaylee's quick acceptance since she's been somewhat dealing with the screaming for a long while now. But in the end, the great characters and fantastic writing made this a super enjoyable read and I just cannot wait to start book two like NOW!

Rating: 4 hearts~ a great paranormal series that makes me hate myself for not reading it sooner!

First:

"Come on!" Emma whispered from my right, her words floating from her mouth in a thin white cloud.

Favorite:

...he sounded eager to slay the dragon Skepticism, And I was ready to ride into battle with him...

Teaser:

"Does she come with a mute button?"

Check out the Soul Screamers challenge:

Soul Screamer Challenge
20 members If you are participating in the Soul Screamer Challenge and interested in discussing the books along...

View this group on Goodreads »

[Review] Revealing Eden by Victoria Foyt

noreply@blogger.com (Emma Delacroix) — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 06:00:00 +0000

Title: Revealing Eden
Author: Victoria Foyt
Published: January 10th 2012 by Sand Dollar Press Inc.
Rating: ★★★
Goodreads summary:

Eden Newman must mate before her 18th birthday in six months or she'll be left outside to die in a burning world. But who will pick up her mate-option when she's cursed with white skin and a tragically low mate-rate of 15%? In a post-apocalyptic, totalitarian, underground world where class and beauty are defined by resistance to an overheated environment, Eden's coloring brands her as a member of the lowest class, a weak and ugly Pearl. If only she can mate with a dark-skinned Coal from the ruling class, she'll be safe. Just maybe one Coal sees the Real Eden and will be her salvation her co-worker Jamal has begun secretly dating her. But when Eden unwittingly compromises her father's secret biological experiment, she finds herself in the eye of a storm and thrown into the last area of rainforest, a strange and dangerous land. Eden must fight to save her father, who may be humanity's last hope, while standing up to a powerful beast-man she believes is her enemy, despite her overwhelming attraction. Eden must change to survive but only if she can redefine her ideas of beauty and of love, along with a little help from her "adopted aunt" Emily Dickinson.

Emma's thoughts:

I really hoped for more for this story. It has such a promising story, and the idea was great, but Eden was so annoying! I get that most MC's are in the beginning of a dystopian novel, but she never changed! I mean, yes, Eden did say something about looking at the world differently, but she was still annoying. I could not stand her, really I just couldn't. I want to grab her, shake her, and smack some sense into that girl!

She's all high and mighty - which is ironic because her skin colour puts her virtually at the bottom of the ladder - and thinks she knows everything! When she says over and over again that Bramford is bad, I'm really not sure who she's trying to convince. Her dad, me, or herself? She wants to go home, but HELLO, it's been destroyed, she has no friends to go back to, and how would she be safer with the people that obviously hate her skin colour as opposed to friendly natives that worship her rescuer?!

So there's my little rant about the MC, but really, I loved the whole idea of the book. The fact that in Eden's world, the darker your skin, the more authority you apparently have. I mean, this brings racism onto a whole new level.

My history class was actually discussing this the other day. So apparently the European colonies bombarded pretty much the entire African continent because they thought they were infinitely superior to the dark skinned people that obviously didn't understand them. The European had guns and machinery and so they went 'HA. We are CLEARLY more advanced and smarter than you, so therefore you can be our slaves and clean our floors!'

But in Revealing Eden, Victoria Foyt explores this idea of sun flares. I'm sure we all have that friend with really pale skin that's permanently red in summer. So that's Eden and every other white person in the novel. But the difference is that they supposedly die from these flares. So in this case, you have the darker skinned people laughing, 'Karma's a BITCH honey! We can survive the sun but YOU can't, so bow down to us!'

In comes scary, half-man, half-jaguar, Bramford. He's arrogant, bossy, and a megalomaniac. Did I mention half-jaguar?!? I had the hardest time trying to imagine this jaguar/man creature... I just, don't understand...! But other than his utterly confusing appearances, I really liked him. He was smart, confident, totally crush-worthy, and way too good for Eden! I mean, really, even after he makes a clearly correct statement, she still has the nerve to question him. He could seriously do better.

Bramford's secret is really a touching one. I cannot wait to see where it leads with the next novels!

Rating: 3 stars~ Not a fan of the MC, but everything else was great.

First:

Eden jumped at the sound of approaching steps.

Favourite:

"You're a blind and selfish girl who cannot see the greater good."

If you're asking me why this is my favourite. It's because it's TRUE.

Teaser:

"Make it past the snake god and you live happily ever after. Fail, and you come back to earth as an animal."

Thanks to the publisher for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review (via Netgalley).

Perfect Valentine Guest Post Part 2

noreply@blogger.com (Emma Delacroix) — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 06:00:00 +0000

Emma and I decided we needed to get together something fun for Valentine Day or Forever Alone day (depends on your perspective!) so we asked some of our favorite book bloggers (and friend) and got together a guest post of:

the guy (or multiple guys ;D) each one of us would choose from a fictional book to go out with for Valentine's Day and what we would do for our date

This part TWO of the post, don't miss yesterday's PART ONE!

Celine's @Forget Me Not answer:
If you guys know me, then it is not a secret that I HAVE A VERY VERY (And I mean VERY) BIG CRUSH in Monsieur Étienne St. Clair. So of course I'd want to go out with Étienne on Valentine's Day! If you have read Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins, you'd know the answer. But for those of you who haven't, Étienne St. Clair is the most hottest, awesome French-American-British hybrid EVER! And please do believe me when I say this because how can you be a French, American and British person at the same time? There's only one answer to this and that is Étienne St. Clair. His mom is American, his father is French and he used to live in England. This means that he speaks English with a BRITISH ACCENT and French fluently. He has I-pretend-I-don't-care-but-I-really-do hair, good looks, crooked smile and he is romantic. He'd also move from the place he live so that he can stay close to you (like how one of the reasons why he moved to America from France was for Anna). From what I've mentioned, he might sound TOO perfect and unbelievable but there is one flaw and that is his height! He is not tall, but he walks confidently and that makes him look tall. This means that he is not perfect and he is 'believe-able' in a way that you might find someone like him out there! What I'd do for him? I'd do ANYTHING for him. But specifically, I'd learn French for the rest of my life if it means that I'll be able to speak the language fluently with him (rather than using English all the time because French is one of the most romantic languages out there and it is quite a difficult language to me!), I would fight his father if it means that I can get him to spend more time with me, I'd highlight my hair like Anna (because I don't like colouring my hair or anything related), I even won't mind never wearing high heels for the rest of my life so that he wouldn't feel short standing next to me or anything, especially on Valentine's day! He's all I ask for Valentine's day. J'aime Étienne St. Clair toujours! ♥

Thank you to Racquel and Emma for having me here!

Do you think Étienne will want to spend his Valentine's day with me? ;P

Emma's answer:
I'm terrible at decision-making, so you have know, I had a horrid time choosing between my book crushes! It was pretty much down to Ky from the Matched series, and Tucker from the Unearthly series, but I just have to choose Raffe from Angelfall. I only finished Angelfall like two hours ago, so he's still fresh in my mind, and I love him! I have this little, tiny thing for angels (fallen or not), and Raffe is just beyond fine. Stripped of his wings (clearly a badass), relentless fighter, plus a witty attitude? Perfection♥

Anyways, I don't want to give anything away because I want to write a full review on Angelfall (BECAUSE IT'S FREAKING FANTABULOUS! Seriously guys, $1 ebook on Kindle. Get it. Now.) But in short, Raffe is hot. *fans self* He's injured for most of the book, but he's permanently got that fearless vibe going on, he knows how to fight, and he never backs down. And the little things he does, makes me smile like crazy! His emotions are pretty tightly locked away, but when he cares about something - or someone - you just know.
As for a perfect date, I don't know. He'd have to surprise me. Because I like surprises, and if he can make it a good surprise, it'd really be perfect! Otherwise, I'd be happy with a walk through a beautiful setting, talking about everything and anything! Highlight for spoiler>>> Or he could take me for a ride with his new wings! ;D<<<

Grace @Words like Silver answer:
Wow. Where do I even begin? I always joke about how I'm looking for a "book boyfriend" - one of those fictional guys that you read about and instantly fall in love with. This got me thinking about love triangles. In books, there are usually those guys that you love and are best friends with and then you meet a guy who is flawed but passionate, intense, and of course, good looking. I definitely go back and forth on my perfect guy, especially how there are so many in YA. I want one of the guys who is intense and passionate, but not overbearing. It has to stem out of a friendship and he has to be good. I want a guy like Peeta from The Hunger Games or Lend from Paranormalcy but I find myself swooning over guys like Vincent from Die for Me or Stefan from The Vampire Diaries.
While all these guys are incredible, my dream guy would probably be Sam from Shiver or James from Lament, ironically both books by the same author. Sam dates a girl named Grace - it's fate! - and as much as I love him, I'm almost exactly like James. I write all over my hands and he is passionate and intense about his music, but he makes you laugh and he is a best friend first and then a boyfriend. The love he has for Deidre is the sweetest and he suffers in silence because she'll always be in love with Luke. Although he's hurt that she won't love him, he still loves her and is always looking out for her as her best friend. He just sounds amazing. I think I'd go with James. As much as James would laugh about my perfect date, he'd secretly love it. My dream date is going to the beach. That's it. We would spend the day laughing on the beach, swimming, relaxing, just talking for the majority of the day. Then at sunset we would maybe go for a walk or something and then we would go nightswimming. I know, it sounds cheesy, but that has both the friendship but it's still romantic and enough of a romantic gesture to make my inner romantic swoon. So, James, how about it?

Hannah @Paperback Treasures answer:
This is such a great topic! I love fictional guys, and I think we can all agree YA love interests are way better than real-life guys. There are so many awesome boys to choose from, but I think I'm going to go with Wes from Sarah Dessen's The Truth About Forever. I know, choosing a Sarah Dessen book is totally predictable, but she just writes the best male characters, and Wes is my favorite of the bunch. He's gorgeous, he's an artist and makes incredible sculptures, he's a reformed bad boy - what more could you want? He's so sweet, and the way he helps Macy with her problems is just adorable. I feel kind of mean taking Wes away from Macy but, you know, all's fair. Wes is so swoonworthy and unperfectly perfect and just amazing - I can't even think about him without smiling adoringly. Now, for what we'd do on our date... When I think of Wes, there are two scenes that I can't get out of my head. The first is where Macy and Wes are at a party, and all of the girls are checking Wes out because, well, he's Wes, but he's just sitting there talking to Macy. The second scene is when their car breaks down and they have to walk for ages to find help. In both scenes, they're playing their adorable question-asking game. Again, this feels wrong, since it's a Wes-and-Macy thing, but I'd give anything to be Macy in one of those scenes. It's not much of a date, but I can't imagine anything more romantic being at a party with Wes, ignoring the jealous stares, and talking about the adorable things Wes and Macy talk about. But, you know, it's not like I'm picky - I wouldn't say no to St. Claire from Anna and the French Kiss, Jake from Saving June, Roger from Amy and Roger's Epic Detour, Augustus from The Fault in Our Stars, Dexter from This Lullaby, Dash from Dash and Lily's Book of Dares, and many more.

Rayne @My Cute Bookshelf

Normally, my perfect date would be with either Ariel from the Theatré Illûminata trilogy by Lisa Mantchev, because, hello, long, white hair, sexy, mysterious and kind of a bad boy, or with Alexander fromVampire kisses by Ellen Schrieber because of long black hair (notice the pattern here XD) and because he’s sweet and mysterious and clad all in black, just like I like ‘em. But since this is Valentine’s Day we are talking about, I want to go on a date with someone who is as cynical about this date as I am and someone who would not subject me to the tradition of flowers, pink hearts, chocolates, fake gentlemanly behavior I will never witness again and promises neither of us intend to keep. So that’s why I’m going with Shane Collins from The MorganvilleVampires series by Rachel Cain.

We’d probably lounge around all day on a nice, comfy couch in front of the TV, wrestling each other for the controller and a turn to bash in the brains of pixelated zombies. We’d be comfortable in our jeans and t-shirts and he’d tell me I look just fine like that, with my hair twisted into a messy knot and not a trace of make-up on my face. We’d have pints of chocolate ice-cream, some Nutella, bowls of potato chips and some cokes well within reach. And then, when night fell, we’d probably catch a horror movie or eat some sushi while we discuss movies, books I’ve recently read or video games or how awesome The Walking Dead episode was the previous Sunday. He would make me laugh and tease me and we’d probably banter with witty and sarcastic observations all night long while lying on top of the hood of his car looking at the stars. He would also take a moment when I least expect it and make my heart race with sweet but intense words about his feelings, not because he feels pressured to do it because of the date, but because he truly feels that way; Shane would never do or say anything he doesn’t mean from the bottom of his heart. My date would be easy and uncomplicated, fun and unpredictable and unexpectedly sweet, just like every other date should be regardless if it is Valentine’s day or not. How I picture him and our night date:

Sarah @Saz101 answer:

Jake Tolan from Saving June A date with ANY book boy? At all? Anywhere? Wow... The first name that pops into my head is the smoking hot Bones from Jeaniene Frost’s Night Huntress series, but, uh, the idea is to talk about a perfect DATE, right? And I don’t think anyone could think of anything to do with Bones that would really be considered a ‘date’... or appropriate in public... so in the interests of avoiding an R rating? Jake Tolan fromHannah Harrington’s Saving June.

This boy lives and breathes music, and I love that. So I think the night would play out something like this: pull on my favourite jeans and black hoodie, jump into Joplin (hell YES his van is named after Janis) and listen to his latest mix CD on the way to a gig of his choosing (you KNOW he’ll choose good). Mosh and scream like crazy at the show, then debate over which is the best Beatles album while we grab kebabs (felafel for me), then finish the night by chilling at his place and listening to Hendrix on vinyl. Parfait. This sounds BEYOND perfect to me... and can you tell I’ve just finished reading Saving June, and I’m slightly obsessed?
(thanks Mary for this post for the inspiration ;D)

Sam @Realm of Fiction answer:
If I had to narrow down my never-ending list of literary crushes and pick one guy to be my Valentine’s Day date, it would most certainly have to be the gorgeous Daemon Black from Jennifer L. Armentrout’s Obsidian. Why’s that, I hear you asking? Well, Daemon Black just happens to be the hottest, funniest, and most confident guy in YA fiction. This green-eyed heart-throb has had girls from all over the country positively drooling. With his maddening cockiness and bad-boy demeanour, Daemon is most definitely the guy I would choose to be my Valentine. Oh, and he also happens to be an alien. Hello, sexy!

For our date, Daemon will meet me at my front door with swimming trunks on. We take a trip down to the lake – Yes, THAT lake. What better way to spend Valentine’s Day than with a shirtless alien swimming through the calm water? Now that would definitely be my ideal date. Daemon will make some swaggering comment to infuriate me and I’ll pretend to be annoyed. Secretly, I’ll be hoping for a sweet kiss at the end of our trip. Let’s face it, as arrogant as he can be sometimes, Daemon Black is a bad boy with a BIG heart. And I totally want him to call me ‘Kitten’. ;)

Thanks for stopping by ♥ I leave you with a highly funny and what some might call inappropriate though TRUE picture:

*sigh* if only!

Perfect Valentine Date Guest Post Part 1

noreply@blogger.com (Racquel (A Book Barbie)) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 06:00:00 +0000

the guy (or multiple guys ;D) each one of us would choose from a fictional book to go out with for Valentine's Day and what we would do for our date

April @Book Away answer:
I have SO MANY book boyfriends it’s not even funny... (or healthy). But after some consideration and thought, I decided to pick Finnick Odair from The Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins as my Valentine’s Day date. If you’ve read the books, you know that Finnick has the perfect combination of being brave, selfless, funny, sweet, and caring. And hot. *swoons* Perfect Valentine’s Day date material :)

And for the ideal date... even though I’ve only been to one or two of them in my life, I LOVE aquariums. So I would love to be able to go on a trip to the aquarium. I’m weird like that. As much as I love aquariums, I think Finnick would too. Finnick is from District 4 in The Hunger Games series, which is the fishing district, and it is by the sea. So naturally, I think Finnick would feel right in his element there :)

Aurora @Midnighthues (no blog) answer:
Hardy Cates and Gage Travis. Both of these amazing men have stolen my heart and refuse to give it back. I bet that those of you who’ve read the Travis series by Lisa Kleypas know exactly where I’m coming from. Anyway, there’s just something about Gage that makes makes me crazy and takes me to the other side. He’s your typical tall, dark and handsome Alpha Texan hottie but what I love most about him is that mysterious attitude of his. Less talking, more listening. The way he cared for Liberty’s sister was just a bonus. Without further battles with my brain, I figure that my ideal Valentines date would be Gage Travis.

We’ll start with renting a paddle boat or a canoe and go somewhere in the water far away imitate each other and laugh till we hurt all over. Food is the number one thing so we’ll have delicious tin-foil wrapped dishes. Then we’ll go for a hike and see waterfalls and Gage will tell me how much he loves me and we’ll go back to his house *cough mansion cough* and lock all doors behind us. While Hardy washes my car shirtless. Hey, a girl can dream right? Also, thank you so much for letting me participate Racquel. This was so much fun!

Jennie @My Cute Bookshelf answer:
This was a very tough choice, as there are many swoon-worthy book boyfriends out there. However, I had to go with Archer from the Hex Hall series. I discovered the series early last year, and I haven’t forgotten about Archer ever since. He’s just so amazing! First of all, he’s full of personality. If I were to go on a date with him, I know I would never get bored. He knows how to set the mood and keep it going. Archer is amusing, clever and a badass. He’s also a bit of a bad boy but I love him because of that. I think a date with archer would be awesome because he’s not afraid to be himself and speak his mind. So for this date, I would wear a cute fashion dress. Something simplistic, not too over the top. All I need is Archer in a suit, looking sexy. Yeah, where are you Archer? I’m waiting for you!

Katelyn @Kate's Tale of Books & Bands answer:
When Racquel first contacted me to come up with my fictional dream date I instantly said yes. Then a few minutes later I began to panic…majorly. How does one begin to pick their number one fictional crush? Out of all the books that I’ve read there have been a TON of hot guys. I change fictional boyfriends like I change my underwear (which is quite frequently). At first I tried to pass off a speed dating night with all my fictional crushes as the perfect date. It sounds fun, right? But that really wasn’t the idea behind this post! I’m so glad I waited until the last minute (being the procrastinator that I am…) to write up this post because I found a truly great guy the other day.

Awkward. It’s what I am without a doubt. It’s also the name of an incredible book by Marni Bates. In this book we have Logan, an exceptional guy that’s smart, cute, popular, a little bit distant but in a hot way that makes him mysterious, he’s responsible, he has a smirk that irritates you and melts the insides at the same time, he’s athletic, funny, caring, but most importantly he accepts a girl for who she is (nerdy, awkward, extremely strange package and all)! I love the hot, dangerous guys but if someone can accept my total weirdness and lack of coordination, I’m all his.

On my date with Logan we’d do the classic dinner and a movie. Since I’ve technically never been on a “real” date I figured we’d start out small (we’ll save the concert going, ice skating, and skydiving for date #3). He’d pick me up at my house, ON TIME, meet my dad, be stunned by my exquisite outfit (it’ll include a skirt, leggings, my cool boots, a sweater, and of course my robot earrings), he’ll even open the car door for me and off we’ll go. For dinner he’ll pick a place that has a wide range of options for vegetarians and I’ll pig out because I love food. I’d impress him immensely with my profound knowledge, huge appetite, and sense of humor. I’ll let him pick the movie which better be a comedy since chick flicks would be SO WEIRD on a first date. You better believe I will turn up the flirt-o-meter during the movies which may or may not result in embarrassing moments on my part. In the end he will fall in love with me…obviously because he likes really awkward girls and it will be epic!

Racquel's answer:
Any other day, my ideal Valentine date would be Alex Fuentes from Perfect Chemistry but since everyone knows I love him that would equal a boring answer. So for Valentine day, I would like to go out with Bram Griswold from Dearly, Departed by Lia Habel. Why Bram when I can have the perfection that is Alex? Well he's a gentlemen, a man's man type of guy who opens doors for the ladies and gets chairs out for them. Yet he's not overly soft, an army captain, he knows he wears the pants. There is nothing greater then a man who is confident without being arrogant and nothing sexier then a guy in a suit *sigh* Also, he's a... zombie!! A good zombie. Umm hello, who wouldn't want to go out with a zombie, let alone one with a conscious?! If you are not familiar with what Dearly, Departed, it's set in a New Victorian dsytopian world so ball gowns, carriages and decorum is how people roll. So I'm going to get glammed up in my fantasy purple gown, Bram will put his sexy lady-turner suit and then we can pretend that's me in his arms. Hello Perfect Date, here I come!

Sarah @Smitten Over Books answer:
Annabeth would probably blast me to pieces or at least plot my death with her mother, Athena because of this. But I choose Percy Jackson. I have actually 6 guys in mind (yeah, I’m that hot). Tucker from Unearthly, Adam from If I Stay/Where She Went, Gale from The Hunger Games, Etienne from Anna and the French Kiss, Mr. Darcy from Pride and Prejudice and of course Percy Jackson from Percy Jackson/The Heroes of Olympus. I almost picked Mr. Darcy but Percy looked at me like this:

Kidding aside, I’d choose him if given the opportunity to go out with someone because he’s life is just so adventurous. I’m a big lover of mythology and him being a demigod is like having a first-hand experience on how everything works in the Olympian world. But really he is HOT with cool water powers, I’d go out with him even if it’ll the last thing I’ll do. Heh. For our date we could visit all the landmarks in all Percy Jackson books, ride his strangely talkative black horse, Black Jack, walk in the park with his bloodhound pet, Mrs. O’leary, meet all his Demigod friends in Camp Halfblood, see his cool Dad, Poseidon in person and visit Olympus. And maybe at the end of the day we can even have our own awkward but sweet underwater kiss. How romantic!

Make sure to come back tomorrow to part TWO of this guest post with MORE bloggers and MORE sexy guys and dates ;D

Happy Valentine's Day♥

In My Mailbox |17| + Blogspiration |3|

noreply@blogger.com (Racquel (A Book Barbie)) — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 18:44:00 +0000

In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren where you can showcase the books you received during the week.

If you go to my Friday Fun post from two days ago, you will know I absolutely love Jennifer Echols, So when I got a signed book by her in the mail, I squealed, jumped, danced and woke my sister up and told her about it.

So you know, I'm NEVER EVER throwing away that package! I didn't even rip it open like I do to all my mail. I toke delicate care of it<3

From author which gave me happiness heart attack:
The One I want by Jennifer Echols

freebies people recommend:

Farsighted by Emily Chand

Soul Kissed by Courtney Cole

Chosen by Denise Grover Swank

Blogspiration is a weekly meme hosted by both GrowingUp YA and Saz101. The meme was created to help spark inspiration among bloggers, readers and writers alike. An inspirational quote/picture/video is posted weekly so that it may inspire creativity, conversation and just a little SOMETHING.

Don't let anyone tell you otherwise, but you know, reading is sexy.

What further prove do you need ^ ?
So yeah, come on over to read a book ;D

Have a good week and don't forget to leave me links to your IMM's + Blogspirations:D

|Adult review| Liar's Guide to True Love by Wendy Chen

noreply@blogger.com (Racquel (A Book Barbie)) — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 19:40:00 +0000

Title: Liar's Guide to True Love
Author: Wendy Chen
Published: November 28th 2011 by Carina Press
Genre: Adult contemporary, realistic fiction, chicklit, romance
Rating: ♥♥♥♥
Goodreads summary:

Wedding planner Cassandra Hanley is in the business of making other people's dreams come true. But for some reason, whenever she meets a potential mate of her own, she finds herself telling little (and not so little) white lies. She's not trying to sabotage her relationships on purpose: as a people pleaser, she just naturally tells men what she thinks they want to hear.
When Cassandra meets Nick, she's determined to be herself this time--until she learns he abhors weddings. So she recasts herself as an advertising exec, and now she's scrambling to cover up the lie...with more lies.
Into the tangled web wanders Cassandra's college sweetheart, Kevin. Kevin, the one man who knows the real Cassandra, and loves her anyway. Could he have been The One all along?
Torn between the past and the present, Cassandra is about to learn that you can't plan the perfect life the way you can plan the perfect wedding.

Racquel's thoughts:
A cute cover, a cute summary and a cuter story. Wendy Chen delivered awesomeness! For myself, I'm not a fan of weddings. I don't think I will ever have wedding even if I get married because I don't like being the center of attention and like a certain character in this book believes, I do not support the ridiculous amount of money that goes into a day that most people won't even appreciate. I will never force anyone against weddings though and with that being said, I loved the portrayal of the wedding business in this book! Wendy Chen made me actually like weddings! All the cake, fabric and flowers talk was terrific.

I was recently in New York City for the first time ever and let me tell you, it won't be my last! I absolutely loved it and it's truly a city that's a world on it's own. So I appreciated the NYC setting here and from my short stay at The City, I would day Chen did a fantastic job portraying it! Along with these factors, a realistic, fun cast and a entertaining story this book was the perfect fun-weekend read! More then once the characters had me laughing out loud and I would have to say, this is one of the more realistic adult contemporaries I have read. Even though I didn't support some of Cass's actions at some parts, I actually liked them! They were realistic, and I'm all for realistic! Also it wasn't just Cass's but all the characters in this book were true their generation.

This is was definitely a pleasant surprise of a book, it left a big grin on my face at the end and I can see myself rereading in the future. I will definitely be picking up Wendy Chen's next book because Lair's Guide To True Love had it all! An enjoyable main character and lovely group of friends, an annoying family that we can't help but love and a story of realistic romance, friendship, embracing one's identity and a hero that's so real and loveable, I wanted to grab him straight out the page! (or screen since I did read this as an e-book)

Rating: 4 hearts~ if you're looking for a book to keep you engrossed and entertained, this one is for you!

First:

Springtime Sundays are my favorite days.

Favorite:

"Don't worry, we're gonna grab him by the balls and take that bastard for every penny. He's gonna wish he had his dick cut off instead of dipping it where it didn't belong."

Teaser:

"Yeah. Like send him the guy equivalent of a bouquet of flowers."

"And what would that be? A bouquet of panties?"

Purchase: Amazon | B&N | Carina Press

Friday Fun: TGIF at Gread & FF |8|

noreply@blogger.com (Racquel (A Book Barbie)) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 06:23:00 +0000

Love Stories: What are some of your favorite fictional love stories?

Oh lord, we're gonna be here ALL DAY! Romance is my favorite genre, so I can talk about this non stop! Here are some of my all time favorite romances that I will never forget! If you like any of these also or have suggestions for, TELL ME!

Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles- how can I even put this in words? I love the banter between the love interests. How their relationship started out more of "I hate you, get away!" but it progressed and developed in a nice pace to something deep. Hands down, my favorite relationship ever.

In no particular order:

Saving June by Hannah Harrington- the perfect mix of angst and funny, this is a relationship that started out as nothing and slowly turned to something beautiful through a road trip and music talk. As Harper and Jake sped to their California destination, I felt how much their relationship was growing.

Fixing Delilah by Sarah Ockler- Did I ever think I will see the day that I read a realistic YA romance? the love interest's actually talked about teen matters *GASP!* a weird concept indeed. Teens acting like teens?! UNNATURAL!
Two-Way Street by Lauren Barnholdt- a hilarious tale of rediscovering love. I never laughed more in laugh and it's all thanks to this book with it's realistic portrayal of the crazy world of adolescences.

Dearly, Departed by Lia Habel- a romance that didn't happen from the 3rd chapter of the 2nd chapter. Yet another strange concept. The love interest actually toke the time to get to know each other, feel comfortable with each other and their feelings before there was any mention of love. This was the "my heart just skipped a beat at that!" romance.
The Next Door Boys by Jolene B. Perry- ANOTHER fully and realistically developed relationship! We get the sweet agony of reading about the characters interact and just waiting for them to kiss. The build up is great!
There You'll Find Me by Jenny B. Jones- yes, it's a pattern. I love non insta-love romances, I like to see the characters get to know each other, talk, go out, figure their feelings out and all that. I want to see the journey to loving someone instead of having characters fall in love from the first chapter and BA-BAM! here's a romance for you. It should NOT work that way and thank god it doesn't in this book.

Jennifer Echols, MASTER of drama and funny put into romance. To me, her books are like a piece of heavenly red velvet cheesecake that I just want to devour without the civilized manners of using a utensil. Her writing is just perfect and her romances are even more so.

Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead- I wish we saw more of the love interests interacting but boy don't they take soul mates to a whole new level<3

One more Summer by Liz Flaherty- this romance and book in it's entirety, bring tears to my eyes.

Lisa Kleypas, you creator of the most swoony men, oh how much I love thee♥ Hardy Cates (Blue Eyed Devil hero) is about the greatest fictional man I ever had the pleasure of reading about. Same goes for Gage & Jack Tavis. Who doesn't love real men? and since this is a romance segment, great men aside, the romance is also is equally out of the world in all these 3 books.

Q: What would your prefer: reading your favorite book over and over again until you got sick of it OR reading 100s of mediocre books? And why?

Reading is essential for me, like water. I have to have it to survive. I don't drink it out of fun though, it doesn't make me happy and it doesn't leave me stratified. Red bull though, will do ALL that and more. It will literally give me wings with every sip I take I will have a grin on my face! So will I pick boring water to drink everyday out of necessity or Red bull out of satisfaction and pleasure? Red bull for the win. Favorite books for the win. With me, it's either all or nothing so why read books that don't fill me up (talking about the metaphorical reading stomach here xD) when I can read books that can make me throw up from goodness? this shouldn't even be question.

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As always, HAPPYY FABULOUS FRIDAY!

[Adult Review] Spin by Catherine McKenzie

noreply@blogger.com (Emma Delacroix) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 06:00:00 +0000

Title: Spin
Author: Catherine McKenzie
Published: 7th February 2012 by HarperCollins Publishers (Kindle/ebook)
Genre: Adult, Romance, Contemporary.
Rating: ★★★★★
Goodreads summary:

Katie Sandford has just gotten an interview at her favourite music magazine, The Line. It's the chance of a lifetime. So what does she do? Goes out to celebrate - and shows up still drunk at the interview. No surprise, she doesn't get the job, but the folks at The Line think she might be perfect for another assignment for their sister gossip rag. All Katie has to do is follow It Girl Amber Sheppard into rehab. If she can get the inside scoop (and complete the 30-day program without getting kicked out), they'll reconsider her for the job at The Line.

Katie takes the job. But things get complicated when real friendships develop, a cute celebrity handler named Henry gets involved, and Katie begins to realize she may be in rehab for a reason. Katie has to make a decision -- is publishing the article worth everything she has to lose?

Emma's thoughts:
“Imagine if Bridget Jones fell into a million little pieces, flew over the cuckoo’s nest, and befriended Lindsay Lohan along the way, and you are beginning to grasp the literary roller coaster ride that is Catherine McKenzie’s Spin.”

—Leah McLaren, author of The Continuity Girl

That is by far, the truest thing I've heard about this book.

I cannot even begin to explain how I feel about Spin. At first, I read the summary, thinking this would be a cute, easy read. Cute and easy doesn't even come close. Roller coaster is right.

Entering Kate's world is, I have to say, entertaining. She's a fun, relatable, and had me cracking up every page. I felt like this was a long novel, but not in the sense that it was boring, but I felt like after finishing this, I've lived an entire life with Kate, and the Oasis crew. When I first read about Kate's 'assignment', I admit it, I guffawed. Spy in rehab? Well, let me tell you this, I did not expect an intense, emotional, and utterly touching journey.

Amber (aka The Girl Next Door, aka TGND, aka the subject of the assignment) is a curious character. The first thing you hear from her is "Wrebbit!" An excellent actress, but a surprisingly deep and sentimental girl. She's moody and slightly eccentric, totally over the rails, but as Kate gets to know her, Amber managed to snuggle into a place in my heart. She's like a child, that you just can't help but to worry and care for.

I absolutely love the way all the relationships were developed in this story (with the exception of TGND and YJB's). Even with Saundra, Katie's therapist, dog-obsessed, and irritably stiff. Their discussions really introduces us to Katie and her upbringing. Thirty years old, aspiring journalist and an avid drinker, she begins to realize that maybe she does have a problem, and maybe she does need help.

Not only hearing about Kate's life, but everyone else's life in group therapy, it made me realize that people do actually have these problems. My life is tightly wound in bubble wrap in this sickeningly perfect community, and the closest thing I get to the real world is the news and books like these.

You learn to love each and every individual character. Even YJB grew on me! And when it's over, the saddest feeling washed over me. I was reluctant to finish this book. I didn't want to leave this family Kate had found. Her old friends, and the new ones.

This quote, I don't ever want to forget:

"...I know what messy is, and it isn't love. No, love is supposed to be simple. It's supposed to be about brushing raindrops off eyelashes, and looks across a crowded room. It's supposed to be about watching a shooting star, or the way a leaf falls off a tree and floats to the ground.
It's supposed to be about apple peels."

Henry and Kate's budding relationship was delightful to read about. It wasn't insta-love, it wasn't 'oh-i-can't-live-without-you!' It was just two people, affectionate, but cautious, and wary of the consequences (but c'mon, who can resist a delectable redhead with a witty mouth?).

I am so glad I requested this book. It deserves to be well-known and swooned over. Definitely a new favourite :)

I recommend this to: Anyone who loves a humorous, heart-warming read, or just really EVERYONE.

Rating: 5 stars~ Had me up til 4:30am! I just could not stop reading.

First:

This is how I lose my dream job.

Favourite:

His three days of stubble makes him look rugged and dangerous, like he could kill you with his bare hands.

Teaser:

Never get involved in a land war in Asia.

Thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review (via Netgalley)

THG Chapter Six: Avox

noreply@blogger.com (Emma Delacroix) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 06:00:00 +0000

This is The Hunger Games read along hosted by Larissa @ Howling Turtle and Sharon @ Obsession With Books in celebration of the movie coming out March 23rd!

So what happens in chapter six, lovelies?

We're introduced to these forlorn beings, Avoxes.

Avox: An Avox is a person who has been punished for rebelling against the Capitol; in other words, a traitor or a runaway. Avoxes have had their tongues cut out, rendering them unable to speak. People do not speak to Avoxes unless giving them an order. They spend their lives serving the Capitol.

Katniss carries this deep guilt with her, thinking that she could've helped the girl and saved the boy.

Truth is, she couldn't have. Not without sacrificing herself and potentially her family's lives.

So ladies (and gents), my question for you today is:

How far would you go to save another's life?

Now I mean, a total stranger that clearly needs help and is on the brink of death (or becoming an unfortunate Avox).

Would you:

a) Jump in straight away and fight with all your life. I mean, every life is worth something.

b) Maybe go run for some help and hope for the best?

c) Hide, or just stand there helpless, frozen.

d) Run away. Because, c'mon, what's a stranger to you?

e) Other?

I'm, at best, a C, I'll admit that much. But that's just me. What would you do?

And here's a lovely countdown til the movie release. I am PSYCHED!

[Review] Incarnate by Jodi Meadows

noreply@blogger.com (Emma Delacroix) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 06:00:00 +0000

Title: Incarnate
Author: Jodi Meadows
Published: January 31st 2012 by HarperCollins Publishers
Series: Trilogy (Newsoul #1)
Rating: ★★★★
Goodreads summary:

NEWSOUL
Ana is new. For thousands of years in Range, a million souls have been reincarnated over and over, keeping their memories and experiences from previous lifetimes. When Ana was born, another soul vanished, and no one knows why.

NOSOUL
Even Ana’s own mother thinks she’s a nosoul, an omen of worse things to come, and has kept her away from society. To escape her seclusion and learn whether she’ll be reincarnated, Ana travels to the city of Heart, but its citizens are suspicious and afraid of what her presence means. When dragons and sylph attack the city, is Ana to blame?

HEART
Sam believes Ana’s new soul is good and worthwhile. When he stands up for her, their relationship blooms. But can he love someone who may live only once, and will Ana’s enemies—human and creature alike—let them be together? Ana needs to uncover the mistake that gave her someone else’s life, but will her quest threaten the peace of Heart and destroy the promise of reincarnation for all?

Emma's thoughts:

I had trouble getting myself into this book. I blame this on the fact that I started reading it on the plane, got half way, and left it for almost a week.

I love this story though, know that. The whole world, Heart, the people, the idea. I mean, just imagine, living with the same million people, the same souls, having the same past. Imagine being reborn over hundred times, being a boy, being a girl, being elderly, being a child and remembering your past hundred lives. Imagine knowing that no matter how many times you die, you'll come back again, always. Of course, that didn't apply to Ciana, but hey, here's Ana!

I think what confused me most is how? This story isn't set after our civilization, it wasn't set before. This is how I imagine life would be on another planet. With our pianos, of course. Can't deprive Sam of his music!

What really made me smile was the way Ana's character grew and developed through the book. She started off thinking she was a 'nosoul', worthy of nothing, and a disgrace to their world, but Sam.. oh Sam! He's the sweetest and most sensitive lead male character that I've ever had the pleasure of reading about! Their romance is one of the most adorable and swoon worthy stories ever. It's a beautiful piece of work. I admit, I have my own dreams of a handsome boy teaching me how to play piano, properly!

I have to say, all the characters were well written. Each individual person had their own cute, quirky attributes (annoying or not). You grow to love Stef and Sine, who aren't convulsed by the idea of Ana being a 'Newsoul.' They definitely deserve the Awesome People awards.

One of my favourite scenes in this novel is the rededication dance. As much havoc is wreaked afterwards, I feel like this is when Ana finally realizes, she's not a 'nosoul', she deserves her life just as much as the next person does. And Sam (oh, I'm still gushing about him). Please read this book, just for the dance!

I very much enjoyed the journey of reading this book. The last few chapters will blow your mind. The chaos that is created is: Oh. My. Gosh. I am impatiently waiting for the sequel because I know it will be amazing. So much is due to happen, and the mayhem Menehem has brought is bound to set an action-packed journey for the next two books!

I recommend this to: Fantasy & supernatural readers, and maybe you dystopian lovers too!

Rating: 4 stars~ An unforgettable story about self-discovery in a daunting world with no escape.

First:

What is a soul, but a consciousness born and born again?

Favourite:

"I hate being a teenager."
"Why?"
"Hormones."

Teaser:

"Where's the section on music history? I'm sleeping there."

In My Mailbox |16| + Blogspiration |2|

noreply@blogger.com (Racquel (A Book Barbie)) — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 08:18:00 +0000

In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren where you can showcase the books you received during the week.

From Kindle store:
Heavenly by Jennifer Laurens- I really enjoyed Jennifer Laurens Nailed and while Heavenly is definitely a different genre, I'm hoping the writing is just as great!
Notes to Self by Avery Sawyer- my excuse for every contemporary book I get: it's contemporary, DUH!

Blogspiration is a weekly meme hosted by both GrowingUp YA and Saz101. The meme was created to help spark inspiration among bloggers, readers and writers alike. An inspirational quote/picture/video is posted weekly so that it may inspire creativity, conversation and just a little SOMETHING.

Pretty simple: each person own self comes first before anyone else (you got to love yourself before you can love anyone else) which means no matter what, we will be let down and we will let people down. It's never hatred, just how life revolves. So I find consolations in books. A fictional world of escape. A bubble of a new reality that makes us feels less lonely. Books are perfect cures and companions.

Don't forget to share your IMM & Blogspiration. Keep reading ♥

[Review] Pure by Julianna Baggott

noreply@blogger.com (Emma Delacroix) — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 06:00:00 +0000

Title: Pure
Author: Julianna Baggott
Published: Expected publication: February 8th 2012 by Grand Central Publishing
Series: Trilogy (Pure #1)
Rating: ★★★★
Goodreads summary:

We know you are here, our brothers and sisters . . .
Pressia barely remembers the Detonations or much about life during the Before. In her sleeping cabinet behind the rubble of an old barbershop where she lives with her grandfather, she thinks about what is lost-how the world went from amusement parks, movie theaters, birthday parties, fathers and mothers . . . to ash and dust, scars, permanent burns, and fused, damaged bodies. And now, at an age when everyone is required to turn themselves over to the militia to either be trained as a soldier or, if they are too damaged and weak, to be used as live targets, Pressia can no longer pretend to be small. Pressia is on the run.
Burn a Pure and Breathe the Ash . . .
There are those who escaped the apocalypse unmarked. Pures. They are tucked safely inside the Dome that protects their healthy, superior bodies. Yet Partridge, whose father is one of the most influential men in the Dome, feels isolated and lonely. Different. He thinks about loss-maybe just because his family is broken; his father is emotionally distant; his brother killed himself; and his mother never made it inside their shelter. Or maybe it's his claustrophobia: his feeling that this Dome has become a swaddling of intensely rigid order. So when a slipped phrase suggests his mother might still be alive, Partridge risks his life to leave the Dome to find her.
When Pressia meets Partridge, their worlds shatter all over again.

Emma's thoughts:

The Maze Runner meets Gone, and their baby? Meet Pure.

Dive into this world ten years after a devastating catastrophe that leaves half the population cowering in Domes, and the other half... gruesomely disfigured. Told from the perspectives of five very different characters, we see this new world as broken and totally out of it's mind.

I adored each of the characters in this novel. We're first introduced to Pressia and her doll-head hand. The whole concept of being 'fused' to objects had me really confused, but it gave each of the characters a little more quirk. I especially loved Bradwell's birds. At first, I assumed birds referred tattoos, so imagine my surprise when I found out they moved! Think about that, having to live every moment of everyday with birds in your back.

Partridge's life was a little easier to relate to. Having a father with the ultimate power ensured him a safe life within the walls of the Dome. His life is perfect. No one is suffering. No one is disfigured nor poor. They don't even realize the horrors that go on outside of the walls. Partridge wants to get out. Find the mother that hurt his father so dearly.

I think, wanting to escape is something we all can comprehend. But, what happens when you do escape? Where are you escaping to?

Prepare yourself for an exciting and riveting journey. Meet El Capitan and Helmund, Ingership, Our Good Mother, and the two masterminds, good and bad. Again, I have to say how well each characters were written. The evil ones too. The twists and turns in this book were most definitely unexpected.

Everything is weaved together with intricate detail and obviously a lot of work as been put into the process. I had a hard time keeping up, but wow. I cannot explain how intense this entire book was. I couldn't stop reading, I couldn't even stop to catch a breath. I was constantly freaking out for Pressia, or Partridge, even Bradwell.

Bradwell started off as an annoyance ('pedantic' as Pressia put it), but his passion for his beliefs really struck me. He understood so much, and took all into consideration, but he stood his ground. I admire people like him.

Also, I liked the theme of birds in this book. Partridge, Lyda's wire bird, Bradwell's back, and the story of the mother swan! I think that's all that I can think of from the top of my head.

I'm so very looking forward to the sequel of Pure! It's bound to be another gripping adventure that'll have the readers' clenching their seats in anticipation!

The covers above are the Australian covers. I saw these in my local bookstore a few days ago. Isn't it just striking??

I recommend this to: Anyone who loves an intense, action-packed and thrilling read!

Rating: 4 stars~ Everything a dystopian lover could ever dream of!

First:

There was a low droning overhead a week or so after the Detonations; time was hard to track.

Favourite:

"Beautiful? It's a scar."
"It's a sign of survival."

Teaser:

"If you were smart, you'd walk away too," Bradwell says. "Generosity and charity can get you killed."

Thanks publisher for a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review (via Netgalley).

Be Good To Me: Valentine Month Edition

noreply@blogger.com (Racquel (A Book Barbie)) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 04:48:00 +0000

Dear Barbies, no shame! I KNOW that February is secretly your favorite month;D It's our human nature to want love and when there is day dictated to it, complaining aside, we all know we await February the 14th;D January was quite epic at The Book Barbies, let's hope the month of 'love' is too!

Posted during January:

Happy New Year! ◎[Review] Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi ◎ Tune in Tuesday [1]

◎ |Adult Review| The Wanderer by Shawn Kirsten Maravel ◎ |Adult Review| One More Summer by Liz Flaherty ◎ [Review] Hallowed by Cynthia Hand ◎In My Mailbox |12| ◎2012 Reading Challenges ◎ [Review] Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare ◎ |Discussion| Should I Buy A Kindle? ◎{Double Review} The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin ◎ |Friday Fun| TGIF at Gread & FF |6| ◎ [Review] Daphne and The Mysterious Girls Secret Bathroom Society by Robert Shields ◎ Soul Screamers Reading Challenge ◎In My Mailbox |13| ◎ |Adult Review| Whisper Falls by Toni Blake ◎Tune In Tuesday [2]: Framing Hanley ◎ |Review| Dearly, Departed by Lia Habel ◎|Review| Dancergirl by Carol M. Tanzman ◎ Friday Fun: TGIF at Greads & FF |7| ◎[Review] Prized by Caragh M. O'Brien ◎ In My Mailbox |14| ◎ [Review] Brightest Kind Of Darkness by P.T. Michelle ◎ |Review| New Girl by Paige Harbison ◎ |Author Interview| Lia Habel◎ [Review] Under The Never Sky by Veronica Rossi ◎ In My Mailbox |15| + Blogspiration |1|◎ [Review] Destined by Jessie Harrell ◎ Tune In Tuesday [3]: Rookie Of The Year

Racquel read:

-The Sweetest Thing by Jill Shalvis

-One More Summer by Liz Flaherty

-Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neal Hurston

-The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

-Dearly, Departed by Lia Habel

-Dancergirl by Carol T. Tanzman

-New Girl by Paige Harbison

-Liar's Guide to True Love by Wendy Chen

-Fixing Delilah by Sarah Ockler

Favorites:

-One More Summer by Liz Flaherty
-Dearly, Departed by Lia Habel
-The Sweetest Thing by Jill Shalvis

Emma read:

-The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

-Daphne and The Mysterious Girls Secret Bathroom Society by Robert Shields

-Prized by Caragh M. O'Brien

-Brightest Kind Of Darkness by P.T. Michelle

-Under The Never Sky by Veronica Rossi

-Spin by Catherine McKenzie

-Pure by Julianna Baggott

-One More Summer by Liz Flaherty

-The Statistical Probability Of Love At First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith

-Split by Swati Avasthi

Favourites:

-Under The Never Sky by Veronica Rossi

-Spin by Catherine McKenzie

-One More Summer by Liz Flaherty

-The Statistical Probability Of Love At First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith

-Split by Swati Avasthi

Emma plans to read:

-Revealing Eden by Victoria Foyt

-Dust Girl by Sarah Zettel

-Shadows by Amy Meredith

-If I Stay by Gayle Forman

-Where She Went by Gayle Forman

-Fracture by Megan Miranda

-Legend by Marie Lu

-Wings by Aprilynne Pike

-Graceling by Kristin Cashore

Racquel plans to read:

-One Perfect Night by Rachel Jones

-Relatively Honest by Molly Ringle

-What Scotland Taught Me by Molly Ringle

-Unaccounted For by Nan Willard Cappo

-Casey Barnes Eponymous by E.A Rigg

-My Soul to Take Rachel Vincent
-Time Out by Jill Shalvis
-Forgiving Trinity by Liz Reinhardt

February releases:

February 1st

February 2nd:

February 6th:

February 7th:

February 8th:

February 14th:

February 16th:

February 21st

February 28th

I leave you with this, fellow barbies!

A lovely calender for a wallpaper;D You won't miss anything now!

Have a terrific month<3

Lucid Cover Reveal!

noreply@blogger.com (Emma Delacroix) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 06:00:00 +0000

A novella continuing Nara and Ethan's story...

Following the story after Brightest Kind of Darkness, P.T Michelle brings you Lucid.

If you're hunting it down on Goodreads, it's not there yet. No summary is available right now, but the release date will be sometime in spring of 2012 (Autumn/fall for you southerners!).

But just look at the cover! Who wouldn't want to share this beauty? Isn't it just stunning?

Love it? Hate it? Drop a comment down below and let me know!

Be sure to check out Brightest Kind of Darkness if you haven't already! Tis a thrilling paranormal series that will take your breath away. My review is here.

Contact P.T. Michelle or find more information about the series via these links:

Twitter | Facebook | Website | Goodreads

Tune In Tuesday [3]: Rookie Of The Year

noreply@blogger.com (Emma Delacroix) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 06:00:00 +0000

A weekly feature hosted by GReads that showcases music.

I only found Rookie Of The Year two weeks ago, before I came home, and my mind was blown.. I fell in love with Run Away the very first time I heard it.

I've listened to their entire album, The Most Beautiful, several times, but the songs below are by far my favourites.

The Most Beautiful

1. Run Away

2. Frustrated (Hurricane)

3. Turn The Page

5. Don't Tear Me Apart

7. Stars Fade Blue

8. Take These Words

During my five hour flight, I listened to them endlessly. Towards the end, I had Stars Fade Blue on repeat. This song is magical. I've tried playing the piano (it's hard), but my playing skills have dramatically decreased since I've stopped taking lessons, sigh. If anybody happens to find a tutorial or even just a piano cover of this song, please, please, please let me know! I'll love you forever!

Rookie Of The Year links:

Twitter | Facebook | Myspace | Purevolume

So which albums do you have constantly on repeat? Do comment below and let me know! I've been hunting down other bands to obsess over, but I seem to have hit a wall. Any recommendations would be awesome! Also, link me to your Tune In Tuesdays!

Next week: GReads Book Playlist Edition~ My Harry Potter Playlist

[Review] Destined by Jessie Harrell

noreply@blogger.com (Emma Delacroix) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 06:00:00 +0000

Title: Destined
Author: Jessie Harrell
Published: November 17th 2011 by Mae Day Publishing
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, Mythology.
Rating: ★★
Goodreads summary:

When Psyche receives a prophecy gone horribly wrong, she learns that even the most beautiful girl in Greece can have a hideous future. Her fate? Fall in love with the one creature even the gods fear.

As she feels herself slipping closer into the arms of the prophecy, Psyche must choose between the terrifyingly tender touch she feels almost powerless to resist and the one constant she's come to expect out of life: you cannot escape what is destined.

Emma's thoughts:

Okay, well at least I managed to finish it. So many times during reading this, I thought about putting it down and leaving it there for good.

I did not like it. I think I expected too much from a $1 ebook, especially with such a nice summary. Something about Jessie Harrell's writing bothered me. Sometimes it felt like she was trying too hard, other times, it felt... bland. And this line!: "My brain was a dog chasing it's tail, never quite getting what it's after." I didn't know what to think! I did not get it. Is my brain a dog chasing it's tail? Because I'm not getting what I'm after.

Psyche was annoying to say the least. Eros too. They were predictable, everything was pretty obvious and laid out within the first few chapters. I know, I know, I know she was only following the original plot line, but she could've added more and altered it to perfection. I mean, it's her story. She could've added her own little twist and scene to give it a little 'Harrell'.

And I have to say, Hermes was the only bearable character in the entire book. Psyche seemed fake, Eros was a love drunk idiot who didn't think rationally, and both were impossibly frustrating to read about!

I know it is based on Greek mythology, but I also wanted it to be realistic! I found myself guffawing in some Eros and Psyche scenes. Their love, their connection, it felt so forced. There was no substance, no moment where I swooned and wished I was Psyche. It was totally and completely insta-love. Yes, he is a cupid, yes, he got himself, yes that is how the story goes, but but but it just didn't feel real. I thought that was partly the point of retelling stories. Making it to suit the new age, for it to seem a little realistic? Because honestly, if I wanted to know Cupid and Psyche's story, I could just find it's wiki page and read it within minutes. Really, that's easier.

But don't let my negative review stop you from giving it a go! Apparently a lot of other people liked it and gave it 4-5 stars. This is just my opinion.

Rating: 2 stars- One star because I actually finished it. And another star just because it's Greek Mythology.

First line:

My stomach churned as the smell of ground charcoal and nearly-rancid oil smeared across my eyelids.

Favourite:

"I can't convince him he's dead. "

Teaser:

"I have too much work to do to listen to you whine anymore. No one stopped dying just because Eros fell in love."

In My Mailbox |15| + Blogspiration |1|

noreply@blogger.com (Racquel (A Book Barbie)) — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 06:19:00 +0000

In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren where you can showcase the books you received during the week.

What I got this past lovely week:

Kindle:

The Vincent Boys by Abbi Glines- I wanted to read this book FOREVER and when I saw it was free, I had a mini heart attack. I want to read ALL of Abbi Glines's books, they all seem fantastic!

Overprotected by Jennifer Laurens- I read Nailed by Jennifer Laurens and it was such a treat! I can't wait to read this one.

Moon Spell (The Tale of Lunarmorte #1) by Samantha Young- I really like the cover of this one (shallow much?)

Rippler (The Ripple Trilogy) by Cidney Swanson- The summary sounds très intéressant!

The Mind Readers by Lori Brighton- Wendy recommend this one, so I'm hoping it will be good.

Messed Up by Molly Owens- It's a contemporary book, need I say more?

Blood Like Poison: For the Love of a Vampire by M. Leighton- sexy cover, sign me up.

From author for review:

Casey Barnes Eponymous E.A. Rigg- I can't wait to dig into this one! I love the cover, the summary AND it's contemporary AND a self-published. I love self-pubs<3
Netgalley:

Don't You Wish by Roxanne St. Claire- Such a cute & girly cover! I hope the book is juts as cute as the cover:D
Hollyweird by Terri Clark- another cover I LOOVE.

Blogspiration is a weekly meme hosted by both GrowingUp YA and Saz101. The meme was created to help spark inspiration among bloggers, readers and writers alike. An inspirational quote/picture/video is posted weekly so that it may inspire creativity, conversation and just a little SOMETHING.

The reason I'm doing both IMM & Blogspiration in one post is because it's the end of the week and I just want to leave everyone already here with this lovely inspirational picture to hopefully encourage them to have a lovely week:D

Yes indeed, reading is the magical key to the world of dreaming and dreaming is the magical world of happiness.

Dreaming is what makes us go places, what makes us accomplish things, what drives us and inspires us. What makes us look forward to the night so we can wake up to the next lovely morning♥

leave me some love and your IMM or Blogspiration post:D