Bubble Gum Book Reviews

Touch of Frost (Mythos Academy, #1) by Jennifer Estep

noreply@blogger.com (Keturcullen1340) — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 12:00:00 +0000

My name is Gwen Frost, and I go to Mythos Academy — a school of myths, magic and warrior whiz kids, where even the lowliest geek knows how to chop off somebody's head with a sword and Logan Quinn, the hottest Spartan guy in school, also happens to be the deadliest. But lately, things have been weird, even for Mythos. First, mean girl Jasmine Ashton was murdered in the Library of Antiquities. Then, someone stole the Bowl of Tears, a magical artifact that can be used to bring about the second Chaos War. You know, death, destruction and lots of other bad, bad things. Freaky stuff like this goes on all the time at Mythos, but I'm determined to find out who killed Jasmine and why—especially since I should have been the one who died. . .

Touch of Frost was one of the books I found while reading a My Book Boyfriend post. I think that Touch of Frost was bittersweet in my opinion. Gwen is a wonderful female character. She is so funny and quirky. I loved her instantly. She does so much growing in the book and makes me so proud. She discovers her reason for being at Mythos and solves a murder, making friends along the way. The only part of the book that I didn't like was the love interest, Logan. He was hot and they had great chemistry, but throughout the book, I found myself wishing he was around more. I did hate him by the end of the book because of his "protective behavior." I don't want to spoil anything, but he is another Edward. SMH. Go get this book!

Seeing Reading

noreply@blogger.com (Keturcullen1340) — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Seeing Reading

How I See Reading & How I Think Non-Readers See It

How I See Reading

To me, reading is the most wonderful thing in the world. I can't explain how it makes me feel. Let's start from the beginning. The sight of books make my heart beat faster. I LOVE the smell of libraries and the feel on pages. Covers that feel soft and raised letters for the title are the best. When I crack open the first page and read the first word, I always imagine a vortex, swirling and me yelling in delight as I am sucked into another world. The anticipation of what's happening next, the feel of fear I have when something bad happens to a character. Truthfully and wholeheartedly, books are my lifeline. They're how I go all around the world without leaving my seat, how I live the most exciting life until I am of age to actually live out loud.

How I Think Other (non-readers) See Reading

I think the reason others see reading the way they do is psychological. In the same way they label someone a nerd or outcast without giving them a chance is the same way they treat books. They go by the popular vote, it may not be right, but it is the majority. I, among anyone, knows how hard it is to avoid the status quo. This is the reason I don't feel offended at the crazed looks I get because I spend my birthdays at bookstores.

That's my view, people! How do you see reading?

ARC Review: Melody Burning by Whitley Strieber

noreply@blogger.com (Keturcullen1340) — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Beresford doesn’t remember much about his past or how he came to live in the chutes and crawl spaces of the posh high-rise that shares his name. But when rock star and teen sensation Melody McGrath moves to an apartment on the fiftieth floor, he knows he has to be near her. Although she doesn’t realize it, Melody is threatened by more dangerous forces than her manipulative stage mom and the pressures of life in the spotlight. The owner of the glamorous building has been hiding a fatal secret within its walls, and Beresford puts all his plans at risk. Will Beresford and Melody be able to escape with their lives (and love) intact?

I honestly don't know what I take from Melody Burning. It was crazy! The story, the plot, the characters, they were all over the place! Somehow though it all tied together nicely. It was just something about it that made me at least think of it for a while and good books make you think. Melody is a nice girl under too much pressure from people, mostly and especially her mother, I felt sorry for her. Beresford's story was sad also and his voice was adorably innocent. The building is all he knows, making him have hardly no tactic about things. Strieber did an excellent job of developing his character. Together, he and Melody are a whirlwind of love and preciousness. Making the ending satisfying and cute!

Daughter of Smoke and Bone (Daughter of Smoke and Bone, 1) by Laini Taylor

noreply@blogger.com (Keturcullen1340) — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Around the world, black handprints are appearing on doorways, scorched there by winged strangers who have crept through a slit in the sky. In a dark and dusty shop, a devil's supply of human teeth grown dangerously low. And in the tangled lanes of Prague, a young art student is about to be caught up in a brutal otherwordly war. Meet Karou. She fills her sketchbooks with monsters that may or may not be real; she's prone to disappearing on mysterious "errands"; she speaks many languages—not all of them human; and her bright blue hair actually grows out of her head that color. Who is she? That is the question that haunts her, and she's about to find out. When one of the strangers—beautiful, haunted Akiva—fixes his fire-colored eyes on her in an alley in Marrakesh, the result is blood and starlight, secrets unveiled, and a star-crossed love whose roots drink deep of a violent past. But will Karou live to regret learning the truth about herself?

I had so many expectations for Daughter of Smoke and Bone. I can't tell you how hyped up I was after reading thousands of raving reviews. Sad to say that, it was not my cup of tea. It seemed that I couldn't get hooked on the book anywhere. Karou is a wonderful character and she is....likable, but her voice just couldn't pull me in. The book was not lacking in descriptions, beautiful descriptive passages, but sometimes they seemed overwhelming and too much. I was constantly told how beautiful Akiva was and it was annoying. The story seemed to be all over the place to me and sometimes I found myself flipping pages because I had gotten bored. As a result, I don't think I'll be buying the sequel to this book when it comes out. Try it out, though, you may like it.

Earn Points, Get Books | Random Buzzers

noreply@blogger.com (Keturcullen1340) — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 12:39:00 +0000

I just recently became an Ambuzzador, which is this really cool reviewing program they have going on and I realized that not many people talk about Random Buzzers so I decided tell people about its awesome-ness.

What is Random Buzzers?
Random Buzzers is this wonderful teen book site ran by Random House Publishers. It has tons of stuff going on like featured authors and book sweepstakes, but the best part has got to be the opportunity to do stuff to earn points to order books from the store.

How do I join?
All you have to do to join Random Buzzers is fill out a short form to ensure that you have a wicked username and meet the age requirements.

You mentioned points, how do I earn the so called points?
There's so much you can do to quickly earn points. They have quizzes, polls, and fun surveys for you to answer or you can submit stuff to gallerys. You can even complete easy activities like following them on Twitter to earn massive amounts of points!

What others stuff can I do on Random Buzzers?
You'll never be bored with Random Buzzers. You can join and comment on forums, review books, answer the Question of the Day, or even become an Ambuzzador like I did!

Keturah, you make Random Buzzers sound extravagant! I really wanna join, do you have a referral link?
Thanks so much for asking! As a matter of fact I do! Here it is------> INVITE. Hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

Jekel Loves Hyde by Beth Fantaskey

noreply@blogger.com (Keturcullen1340) — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Jill Jekel has always obeyed her parents rules; especially the one about never opening the mysterious, old box in her father's office. But when her dad is murdered, and her college savings disappear, she's tempted to peek inside, as the contents might be the key to a lucrative chemistry scholarship.

To improve her odds, Jill enlists the help of gorgeous, brooding Tristen Hyde, who has his own dark secrets locked away. As the team of Jekel and Hyde, they recreate experiments based on the classic novel, hoping not only to win a prize, but to save Tristen's sanity. Maybe his life. But Jill's accidental taste of a formula unleashes her darkest nature and compels her to risk everything, even Tristen's love just for the thrill of being . . . bad.

The first time I watched or saw anything relating to Jekel and Hyde was when I watched Alvin and the Chipmunks do a rendition of it. I loved that one, of course, they have cute voices, but overall the Jekel and Hyde story sounded a bit weak. I was a little girl then and I didn't think about it anymore. Skip ahead 7 years and I come across this book. I've heard the name, the plot sounds good, and it's written by an author I already know does good work. So I get it and I am not disappointed. Their name's are Jill Jekel and Tristen Hyde. Jill is quiet and keeps to herself, and really smart and I could relate to her. She spoke to me. Hearing her deal with her father's death and her mother's breakdown kills me. She was strong though, paying bills and helping crazy boys, making me love her even more.
Tristen is sweet and arrogant. He's quiet, too, but in another way. He and Jill are each others missing puzzle piece. Jill has something that Tristen wants. The cure to his insanity. A science competition allows them the chance to bring back the Jekel-Hyde name and bring Tristen some piece. Tristen was so very tortured. His nightmares, his dad, being on the brink of insanity and destruction. It couldn't have been easy, but he didn't stop trying. He didn't want to be a monster. He tries to distance himself from Jill, but it's impossible. As they go down the trail to cure Tristen, they find a beautiful love and he finds the purest cure of all.

Look Familiar?

noreply@blogger.com (Keturcullen1340) — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 04:33:00 +0000

Last Stand by Niki Burnham and Existence by Abbi Glines both have a familiar sexy face on them.

Review: Waterfall (River of Time, #1) by Lisa T. Bergen

noreply@blogger.com (Keturcullen1340) — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 12:00:00 +0000

What do you do when your knight in shining armor lives, literally, in a different world?

Most American teenagers want a vacation in Italy, but the Betarrini sisters have spent every summer of their lives among the romantic hills with their archaelogist parents. Stuck among the rubble of the medieval castles in rural Tuscany, on yet another hot, dusty archaeological site, Gabi and Lia are bored out of their minds...until Gabi places her hand atop a handprint in an ancient tomb and finds herself in fourteenth-century Italy. And worse yet, in the middle of a fierce battle between knights of two opposing forces.

Suddenly Gabi's summer in Italy is much, much more interesting.

Waterfall was a wonderful start to a great series. I had heard and seen a lot about this series and have been wanting to read it forever. Gabi had a nice voice that echoed in my ears when I read. Her entrance into the past was unexpected and thunderous, but she took to it well. Meeting Marcello after being dropped through time wasn't that bad either. He invites her into his home to rest, but Gabi really has to find her sister, Lia. She is not like any woman the men have met and even though she's in the past, she never becomes or plays a weak girl. I loved Marcello. He was a gentleman, but strong and forceful when it came the time. He was not shy at all and when he feels something between he and Gabi, he confronts her outright and tells her about himself. Though, the past isn't as easy as I make it sound and Gabi and Marcello must fight to be safely together. In the end, I was sad to turn the last page of this book and see Marcello and Gabi go, but am ecstatic to read the next books!

Review: Saving June by Hannah Harrington

noreply@blogger.com (Keturcullen1340) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 12:00:00 +0000

    'If she’d waited less than two weeks, she’d be June who died in June. But I guess my sister didn’t consider that.’ Harper Scott’s older sister has always been the perfect one so when June takes her own life a week before her high school graduation, sixteen-year-old Harper is devastated. Everyone’s sorry, but no one can explain why.
    When her divorcing parents decide to split her sister’s ashes into his-and-her urns, Harper takes matters into her own hands. She’ll steal the ashes and drive cross-country with her best friend, Laney, to the one place June always dreamed of going California.
     Enter Jake Tolan. He’s a boy with a bad attitude, a classic-rock obsession and nothing in common with Harper’s sister. But Jake had a connection with June, and when he insists on joining them, Harper’s just desperate enough to let him. With his alternately charming and infuriating demeanour and his belief that music can see you through anything, he might be exactly what she needs.
     Except June wasn’t the only one hiding something. Jake’s keeping a secret that has the power to turn Harper’s life upside down again.

     Saving June was so raw and wonderful. I can't fully explain it, but it, like, drowns you in beautiful things. Harper's sister has killed herself and left Harper behind to deal with her own feelings. harper is way bitter and tired of all the "I'm Sorries." Then at June's wake, she meets this boy with crazy hair and with her loyal friend Laney, they embark on a journey to truly save June.
    Harper's voice just spoke to me. She has hardcore and saw the world with no blinders. She was honest and stubborn and a really incredible character. Taking her sister's ashes was a brave action. It was the epitome of her personality.
    Jake was definitely my kind of boy. He knew his music and his candor and honestly is slightly awkward and really funny. His sweet moments with Harper helped her find herself and without him, the book wouldn't have been half as good. Everybody, go get saving June!

Review: Something Witchy This Way Comes by Veronica Blade

noreply@blogger.com (Keturcullen1340) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 12:00:00 +0000

     Brainiac Tessa McClean’s newly discovered magical powers give her an escape from her self-absorbed parents. But the thrill of being a witch fades when she learns of a rival coven and begins to suspect her own coven’s motives. Evidence tells Tessa to trust one side, but instinct drives her toward the other. When the school’s scrumptious delinquent, Hayden Anders, offers Tessa self-defense lessons in exchange for tutoring, his timing couldn’t be better. Although hanging out with him is a necessary evil in Tessa’s fight to stay alive, resisting a bad-boy she secretly yearns for might be more than she can manage. Together, Tessa and Hayden work to unravel the mysteries behind the two covens to discover why they’ll stop at nothing to lure Tessa to their side. She must form an alliance with one of the covens before it’s too late. But the wrong decision could cost Tessa the lives of all who she holds dear — including Hayden.

     Something Witchy This Way Comes is an awesome book about a strong-willed girl and her fierce battle with making the right decisions and coming out unscathed. With a hot, annoying boy who has problems of his own, her story was a heartbreaker.
    Tessa is the best, She grabbed my attention from the beginning. Her voice was animated and she just seemed good. As she battles with quickly learning that she is a witch and that people want her, she strengthens with the turn of each page. She is thrown obstacle after obstacle, her neglectful parents, her "newly dead" sister and the responsibility for her adorable little sister. She refuses to be down for too long.
    With Hayden, Tessa is invincible. He balances her out and is not at all what she expects. Her guarded heart slowly melts for him throughout the story. Tessa isn't afraid of fully influenced by Hayden's looks or charm. She is so honest and frank with him about her feeling and situation.
    Hayden is a GOD. There is no other word to describe him. He is hired to protect Tessa when she first finds out about her powers. He is a bit hesitant at first, but quickly warms up after seeing and meeting Tessa. Hayden's point-of-view is so personal and eye-opening. His feelings for Tessa are expressed in such a raw way. She continually refuses him. Reading his voice, desperate to have Tessa, is too sweet for words and just incredible.
    Something Witchy This Way Comes exceeded my expectations. It shot them out of the sky. With its courageous protagonist and sexy love interest to the kidnapping and smoldering kisses, SWTWC takes the cake and runs with it.*

*Thanks to Crush Publishing for providing this book for review.

Book Trailers: Yay or Nay?

noreply@blogger.com (Keturcullen1340) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 22:48:00 +0000

Do you like book trailers? Could you have them or leave them? Or are you such a book trailer lover that you spend all your time searching the Internet for the trailers to your favorite upcoming book?

Keturah says.....
....that book trailers are alright. They are something to pass the time until the release of the wonderful book or something to give you visuals after reading the summary. I really hardly ever watch book trailers. I can't remember the last time I watched one.

What do you say? Do you like it if book trailers are in reviews?

Review: Choker by Elizabeth Woods

noreply@blogger.com (Keturcullen1340) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Sixteen-year-old Cara Lange has been a loner ever since she moved away from her best and only friend, Zoe, years ago. She eats lunch with the other girls from the track team, but they're not really her friends. Mostly she spends her time watching Ethan Gray from a distance, wishing he would finally notice her, and avoiding the popular girls who call her "Choker" after a humiliating incident in the cafeteria.

Then one day Cara comes home to find Zoe waiting for her. Zoe's on the run from problems at home, and Cara agrees to help her hide. With her best friend back, Cara's life changes overnight. Zoe gives her a new look and new confidence, and next thing she knows, she's getting invited to parties and flirting with Ethan. Best of all, she has her BFF there to confide in.

But just as quickly as Cara's life came together, it starts to unravel. A girl goes missing in her town, and everyone is a suspect—including Ethan. Worse still, Zoe starts behaving strangely, and Cara begins to wonder what exactly her friend does all day when she's at school. You're supposed to trust your best friend no matter what, but what if she turns into a total stranger?

I just finished reading this book as I am typing this review and I am still surprised. Not "happy birthday!" surprised. But "Oh My God." surprised. I have never read a book like Choker before. Ever. It was actually the first book that scared me. I have never thought so much in my life.
Cara was a good character. Not necessarily someone you'd want to emulate, but the perfect girl for this book. She was lonely and so vulnerable. Honestly I don't really understand Choker at the moment. Was she or wasn't she? Did she or didn't she? I know this review is a huge bucket of ramblings, but just know that you need to read this book to truly understand. Also watch out for more by Elizabeth Woods, the woman is an artist.

ARC Review: Paradise by Jill S. Alexander

noreply@blogger.com (Keturcullen1340) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:00:00 +0000

      Paisley Tillery is the drummer for a country rock band. If they can make it to the stage at the Texapalooza music fest, then Paisley will be closer to her dream of a career in music and a ticket out of her small Texas town. Drumming and music are what Paisley has always wanted. Until the band gets a new lead singer, the boy from Paradise, Texas. With Paradise in her life, what Paisley wants, and what she needs, complicate her dreams coming true.

           Paradise was not what I expected and that was definitely not a bad thing. Paisley is spunky and brave. She's funny and has a mixed personality: shy at times, but isn't afraid to speak her mind. Gabe is a Colombian, can't even describe how hot I think that is. He sweetly confident and forward with Paisley, which is exactly what she needs. However there is deeper message than the romance in Paradise. I think the message is to follow your dreams and as Paradise says, "Live wide open." Paisley and her sister, Lacey are intensely pressured by their mother. In their mother's eyes, she does what she does because she loves them, but at their second gig, surrounded by everyone else's family, Paisley never feels more alone.
      The ending of Paradise is so wonderful and fast. The sisters tell their mother everything and get to live their dreams. Paradise was such and inspiring story with wonderful supporting characters and love all around. I do admit that I don't listen to much country music, but with an accordion player like Paradise and friendships like Paisley's with Waylon and Levi, it could quickly become my favorite genre of music.

Painted Library

noreply@blogger.com (Keturcullen1340) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 12:37:00 +0000

I just love these! I can imagine them in my house, can you?

Source

Review: Playing Hurt by Holly Schindler

noreply@blogger.com (Keturcullen1340) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Star basketball player Chelsea "Nitro" Keyes had the promise of a full ride to college-and everyone's admiration in her hometown. But everything changed senior year, when she took a horrible fall during a game. Now a metal plate holds her together and she feels like a stranger in her own family.
As a graduation present, Chelsea's dad springs for a three-week summer "boot camp" program at a northern Minnesota lake resort. There, she's immediately drawn to her trainer, Clint, a nineteen-year-old ex-hockey player who's haunted by his own traumatic past. As they grow close, Chelsea is torn between her feelings for Clint and her loyalty to her devoted boyfriend back home. Will an unexpected romance just end up causing Chelsea and Clint more pain-or finally heal their heartbreak?

My brain is so scrambled about Playing Hurt. I loved it and then I didn't. It started out horribly slow. Chelsea's injury stops her from playing basketball. To me, her attitude is so pessimistic and awful. I felt sorry for her that basketball was all she had that would make her want to try again. Next, the romance. I liked it. *shrugs* Clint and Chelsea were good together. I didn't like how fast it progressed. Also, and this was my deal breaker, while she was cheating on her two-year boyfriend. He was sweet and thoughtful in an annoying way, but still he didn't deserve that. The ending was what redeemed the book for me. It was more slow-moving and I loved it. It was climactic and awesome.
Playing Hurt can easily be a five-star book for someone. It deals with a lot of morals and I think it depends on what you consider immoral to determine your thoughts on this book. Try it, you just might love it.

Authors Who Tweet: Tara Kelly

noreply@blogger.com (Keturcullen1340) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Tara Kelly is an author who tweets.

Twitter Name: @AuthorTaraKelly

About: YA author, editor, and one girl band. I wrote HARMONIC FEEDBACK and AMPLIFIED (Henry Holt) Editing & Design Services: violetink.org/volatilecreations.com

Website: The Tara Tracks

Books by @AuthorTaraKelly

Tara said...

"Clearly I need to get back under the covers and stay there. Wake me up when it's spring."

"A reason to drag my tired butt out of this chair and work out right now: I may regain the feeling back in my fingers and toes."

"Watching the snow fall outside my window right now. It's very relaxing, especially now that the heat is on full blast."

Follow Tara on Twitter

*Suggest other authors for this post in the comments!

Review: Isle of Night (The Watchers, #1) by Veronica Wolff

noreply@blogger.com (Keturcullen1340) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Is life offering fewer and fewer options? Then join the dead.

When Annelise meets dark and seductive Ronan, he promises her a new life-if she has the courage to chance the unknown. Now, she's whisked away to a mysterious island and pitted against other female recruits to become a Watcher-girls who are partnered with vampires and assist them in their missions. To survive and become a Watcher, Annelise has to beat out every other girl, but she's determined to do so, because to fail doesn't mean dishonor-it means death.

Annelise is a genius, but her life is a living hell. Finally her brain has given her an out and she'll be starting college a semester early. When a turn makes all Annelise's plans go down the drain, she is enticed by a seductive man into leaving all she knows and what little she has behind. Annelise was immediately a likeable character. She was funny and loud and shy, all at the same time. She's a little thing with a big IQ and an even bigger will. A will that helped her come out on top in the first book of this series. Ronan is a tracker and the one who persuades her to follow him to an unknown island. He is also her kinda love interest. I can't honestly say how I feel about him yet because he wasn't around much in the book. He seemed like he had potential.

Unfortunately, life on the island isn't a cup of tea. There is a big twist that surprised me, but might be obvious to others. There were also fighting matches to the death and a strong opponent that Annelise had to face down. Through all these trials, Annelise succeeded and won. Ending the book with a satisfying smackdown and an even better chance at escape.

Review: Sunlight And Shadow by Cameron Dokey

noreply@blogger.com (Keturcullen1340) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 12:00:00 +0000

A new spin on "The Magic Flute" by an acclaimed author!

In a time when the world was young and many things were quite commonplace that are now entirely forgotten, Sarastro, Mage of the Day, wed Pamina, the Queen of the Night. And in this way was the world complete, for light was joined to dark. For all time would they be joined together. Only the ending of the world could tear them apart. In other words, in the days in which my parents married, there was no such thing as divorce....
        Thus begins the tale of Mina, a girl-child born on the longest night of the darkest month of the year. When her father looked at her, all he saw was what he feared: By birth, by name, by nature, she belonged to the Dark. So when Mina turned sixteen, her father took her away from shadow and brought her into sunlight.
In retaliation, her mother lured a handsome prince into a deadly agreement: If he frees Mina, he can claim her as his bride.
Now Mina and her prince must endure deadly trials -- of love and fate and family -- before they can truly live happily ever after....


     Sunlight and Shadow was very short and cute. The beginning was filled with background information, but in an interesting way that made you want to know. Mina was a very unique character and her background was just as strange. Being the daughter of night and day doesn't seem like an easy position. She had a great relationship with her mother and I wish she could've interacted with her more throughout the book. Her father took an oath to not see her until her sixteenth birthday when she shall have the take a husband. He instantly made a bad impression on me when he broke his promise and me and Mina had the same thought process about his actions. All in all, Sunlight and Shadow was a very good fairytale with all the right elements. It had its flaws, like the run-through ending, but it is a wonderful choice if you want something quick and satisfying.

I'm Being Featured!

noreply@blogger.com (Keturcullen1340) — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 17:01:00 +0000

Hey Guys! Just wanted to stop by and tell you I'm being featured on Mission to Read! I answered some questions and was wondering if you guys would go check it out! Thanks! HERE

Toxic by Jus Accardo Reveal!!

noreply@blogger.com (Keturcullen1340) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 03:12:00 +0000

The cover for Toxic was revealed today!

Blurb:

When a Six saved Kale’s life the night of Sumrun, she warned there would be consequences. A trade-off. Something taken for the life they gained. But Dez never imagined she’d lose the one thing she’d give anything to keep… And as if it’s not enough Dez finds her immunity to Kale fading, the Six brought in to help Kale learn to control his killer touch starts drooling on him the moment they meet. Worse than that? Jade can touch Kale. But bimbo Barbie is the least of Dez's problems.

After Dez and Kale got away at Sumrun, her father lost not only his most powerful weapon but an important piece of the Supremacy project. Forced by Denazen to remedy the situation, he poisons Dez and offers her a choice—surrender to Denazen for the cure…or die. Determined to find a solution that doesn’t involve being bagged and tagged—or losing someone she loves—Dez keeps the poison a secret. But when a rash of Denazen attacks hit a little too close to home, Dez is convinced there’s a traitor among them. Jade.

Sacrifices, broken promises, and secrets. Dez will have to lay it all on the line if there’s any hope of proving Jade’s guilt before they all end up Residents of Denazen. Or worse, dead...

P.S. Jus says don't worry, Kale's delicious self will be on the cover of Untouched, which will be revealed next week.

Top 10 Books Coming in 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Keturcullen1340) — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 09:10:00 +0000

Today is the fifth and final day of the Top 10 of 2011 blogging event and today's topic is Top 10 Coming in 2012. I couldn't really find ten, because I'm really excited for a lot off books, so these are just randomly picked. I would leave you a link to my Goodreads list, but my shelf is private because Goodreads is ageist. <--disgruntled comment. Anyway, here's my list.

Existence (Existence Trilogy #1) by Abbi Glines

Death, What happens when you're stalked by Death? You fall in love with him, of course. Pagan Moore doesn't cheat but instead, falls in love with him. Seventeen year old Pagan Moore has seen souls her entire life. Once she realized the strangers she often saw walking through walls were not visible to anyone else, she started ignoring them. If she didn't let them know she could see them, then they left her alone. Until she stepped out of her car the first day of school and saw an incredibly sexy guy lounging on a picnic table, watching her with an amused smirk on his face. Problem is, she knows he's dead. Not only does he not go away when she ignores him, but he does something none of the others have ever done. He speaks. Pagan is fascinated by the soul. What she doesn't realize is that her appointed time to die is drawing near and the wickedly beautiful soul she is falling in love with is not a soul at all. He is Death and he's about to break all the rules.

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

Who would have guessed that four minutes could change everything? Today should be one of the worst days of seventeen-year-old Hadley Sullivan's life. She's stuck at JFK, late to her father's second wedding, which is taking place in London and involves a soon to be step-mother that Hadley's never even met. Then she meets the perfect boy in the airport's cramped waiting area. His name is Oliver, he's British, and he's in seat 18C. Hadley's in 18A. Twists of fate and quirks of timing play out in this thoughtful novel about family connections, second chances and first loves. Set over a 24-hour-period, Hadley and Oliver's story will make you believe that true love finds you when you're least expecting it.

Grave Mercy (His Fair Assassin #1) by R. L. LaFevers

Why be the sheep, when you can be the wolf? Seventeen-year-old Ismae escapes from the brutality of an arranged marriage into the sanctuary of the convent of St. Mortain, where the sisters still serve the gods of old. Here she learns that the god of Death Himself has blessed her with dangerous gifts—and a violent destiny. If she chooses to stay at the convent, she will be trained as an assassin and serve as a handmaiden to Death. To claim her new life, she must destroy the lives of others. Ismae's most important assignment takes her straight into the high court of Brittany—where she finds herself woefully under prepared—not only for the deadly games of intrigue and treason, but for the impossible choices she must make. For how can she deliver Death’s vengeance upon a target who, against her will, has stolen her heart?

Pandemonium (Delirium, #2) by Lauren Oliver

Lauren Oliver delivers an electrifying follow-up to her acclaimed New York Times bestseller, Delirium. This riveting, brilliant novel crackles with the fire of fierce defiance, forbidden romance, and the sparks of a revolution about to ignite.

Jessica Rules the Dark Side (Jessica #2) by Beth Fantaskey

It’s one thing to find out you’re a vampire princess. It’s a whole other thing to actually rule. Newly married Jessica Packwood is having a hard enough time feeling regal with her husband, Lucius, at her side. But when evidence in the murder of a powerful elder points to Lucius, sending him into solitary confinement, Jessica is suddenly on her own. Determined to clear her husband’s name, Jessica launches into a full-scale investigation, but hallucinations and nightmares of betrayal keep getting in her way. Jessica knows that with no blood to drink, Lucius’s time is running out. Can she figure out who the real killer is—and whom she can trust—before it’s too late?

Girl Meets Boy: Because There Are Two Sides to Every Story by Kelly Milner Halls

What do guys and girls really think? Twelve of the most dynamic and engaging YA authors writing today team up for this one-of-a-kind collection of "he said/she said" stories-he tells it from the guy's point of view, she tells it from the girl's. These are stories of love and heartbreak. There's the good-looking jock who falls for a dangerous girl, and the flipside, the toxic girl who never learned to be loved; the basketball star and the artistic (and shorter) boy she never knew she wanted; the gay boy looking for love online and the girl who could help make it happen. Each story in this unforgettable collection teaches us that relationships are complicated-because there are two sides to every story.

A Million Suns (Across the Universe, #2) by Beth Revis

Godspeed was fueled by lies. Now it is ruled by chaos.It's been three months since Amy was unplugged. The life she always knew is over. And everywhere she looks, she sees the walls of the spaceship Godspeed. But there may just be hope: Elder has assumed leadership of the ship. He's finally free to enact his vision - no more Phydus, no more lies. But when Elder discovers shocking news about the ship, he and Amy race to discover the truth behind life on Godspeed. They must work together to unlock a puzzle that was set in motion hundreds of years earlier, unable to fight the romance that's growing between them and the chaos that threatens to tear them apart. In book two of the Across the Universe trilogy, New York Times bestselling author Beth Revis mesmerizes us again with a brilliantly crafted mystery filled with action, suspense, romance, and deep philosophical questions. And this time it all builds to one mind-bending conclusion: They have to get off this ship.

Dreaming Awake (Falling Under, #2) by Gwen Hayes

She fell for him in a nighttime world. But the time for dreaming is past—and the here-and-now can be just as fragile their love… When Theia Alderson first encountered a mysterious, handsome boy in her dreams, she never imagined how finding Haden Black—and falling in love—could change her life. To save Haden, Theia sacrificed everything. And the dangerous bargain she made could have lasting repercussions. Now Theia has returned to Serendipity Falls, and she finds herself struggling with the same deadly hungers that have tortured Haden. When students at their high school fall prey to a mysterious illness, Theia can’t help but wonder if Haden’s control is slipping—and how much longer she’ll have a grip on her own. And still the nightmare realm of Under won’t let them go. Someone from Haden’s past is determined to destroy Theia from the inside out, starting with those closest to her, forcing Theia to choose between family and friends and a love that may have been doomed from the start…

The Immortal Rules (Blood of Eden #1) by Julie Kagawa

You will kill. The only question is when. In the dark days since the insidious Red Lung virus decimated the human population, vampires have risen to rule the crumbling cities and suburbs. Uncontested Princes hold sway over diminished ranks of humans: their "pets." In exchange for their labor, loyalty and of course, their blood, these pets are registered, given food and shelter, permitted to survive. Unregistered humans cling to fringes, scavenging for survival. Allison Sekemoto and her fellow Unregistereds are hunted, not only by vampires, but by rabids, the unholy result of Red Lung-infected vampires feeding on unwary humans. One night, Allie is attacked by a pack of rabids, saved by an unlikely hero...and turned vampire. Uncomfortable in her undead skin, Allie falls in with a ragtag crew of humans seeking a cure, or cures: for Rabidism and for Vampirism. She's passing for human...for now. But the hunger is growing and will not be denied. Not for friendship—not even for love.

Insurgent by Veronica Roth

One choice can transform you—or it can destroy you. But every choice has consequences, and as unrest surges in the factions all around her, Tris Prior must continue trying to save those she loves—and herself—while grappling with haunting questions of grief and forgiveness, identity and loyalty, politics and love. Tris's initiation day should have been marked by celebration and victory with her chosen faction; instead, the day ended with unspeakable horrors. War now looms as conflict between the factions and their ideologies grows. And in times of war, sides must be chosen, secrets will emerge, and choices will become even more irrevocable—and even more powerful. Transformed by her own decisions but also by haunting grief and guilt, radical new discoveries, and shifting relationships, Tris must fully embrace her Divergence, even if she does not know what she may lose by doing so. New York Times bestselling author Veronica Roth's much-anticipated second book of the dystopian Divergent series is another intoxicating thrill ride of a story, rich with hallmark twists, heartbreaks, romance, and powerful insights about human nature.

My Reading Stats*

*as of 2:42 AM

General

# of Books Read: 103

# of Pages Read: 34,311

Well, there they are. My list and my stats. I think I did pretty good with the reading this year. Next year I hope to bump it up by at least fifty. Also because I really want to tell someone this.... Lookie! Up there! Blockquote boxes! I did them all by myself! *grins* How do they look? Are the dots too light? If they are, what color should they be? When I put all this pink into my template, I kinda limited myself with color choices and I want your opinion. Tell me what you think!

What books are you looking forward to?

Previous Lists

Top 10 Books of 2011

Top 10 Book Boyfriends

Top 10 Book Characters

Top 10 Book Covers

Booking Through Thursday (12/29/11)

noreply@blogger.com (Keturcullen1340) — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 00:42:00 +0000

What were your favorite books of 2011?

Answer

Thankfully since I am participating in the Top 10 of 2011 blogging event, I already answered this question HERE.

My Favorite Female Characters of 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Keturcullen1340) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 07:19:00 +0000

Today is the fourth day of the Top 10 of 2011 event and today's topic is Top 10 Characters of 2011. I've chosen to do my favorite female characters from books I read in 2011. Here's my list....

My Favorite Female Characters of 2011

Tessa

Something Witchy This Way Comes by Veronica Blade

Tessa

Clockwork Angel (The Infernal Devices, #1) by Cassandra Clare

Tris

Divergent (Divergent, #1) by Veronica Roth

Alexandra

The Season by Sarah MacLean

Katarina

Heist Society (Heist Society, #1) by Ally Carter

Mia

If I Stay (If I Stay, #1) by Gayle Forman

Jasmine

Amplified by Tara Kelly

Meghan

The Iron Queen (Iron Fey, #3) by Julie Kagawa

Violet

Haunting Violet by Alyxandra Harvey

Saba

Blood Red Road by Moira Young

Who were your favorite characters of 2011? Leave me a link, please!

My Top 10 Book Boyfriends of 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Keturcullen1340) — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 05:56:00 +0000

This is the 3rd day of the Top 10 of 2011 event and today's topic is Top 10 Book Boyfriends. So here's my list of top 10 Book Boyfriends. There were a lot of delicious ones so there ARE some honoralble mentions. They are in no particular order.

My Top 10 Book Boyfriends of 2011

Reyn

Immortal Beloved by Cate Tierman

Nash

My Soul to Steal by Rachel Vincent

Ash

The Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa

Paradise (Gabe)

Paradise by Jill S. Alexander

Hayden

Something Witchy This Way Comes by Veronica Blade

Sean

Amplified by Tara Kelly

Adam

If I Stay by Gayle Forman

Four (Tobias)

Divergent by Veronica Roth

Will

Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

St. Clair

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

Honorable Mentions

Colin

Haunting Violet by Alyxandra Harvey

Narian

Legacy by Cayla Kluver

Wesley

The DUFF by Kody Keplinger

Haden

Falling Under by Gwen Hayes

Pietr

Secrets and Shadows by Shannon Delany

Who are your Book Boyfriends?

Bloody Bookaholic: Good Bye 2011 Contest- Win 40 Books!!!!!!!!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Keturcullen1340) — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 23:22:00 +0000

Bloody Bookaholic: Good Bye 2011 Contest- Win 40 Books!!!!!!!!!!!

It's that time again! the wonderful Bloody Bookaholic is having her awesome End-of-the-Year giveaway! She's giving away 40+ books!

Can you say OMG!!! Get on it! I still have my entry page up as I am typing this, trying to get all the entries I can get!

-Extra Ways to Win Points-

1. Follow her at Twitter (@TaschimaCullen), or Tumblr (bloodybookaholic.tumblr.com/), you can also friend her at Goodreads (www.goodreads.com/taschimacullen), or subscribe to her blog!
*If there are any other ways that she forgot, mention it =] (+1 for each)
2. Tweet about the contest +1

3. Contest Link on Sidebar +2

6. Put the awesome Bloody Bookaholic Button on your sidebar! +3

7. Community Service = Make a post and let others know +5

8. Comment on posts from here onward. (+1 for each comment)

You have till January 28 at 11:59 to sign up and win.

International!! GO FOR IT! And above all, have fun!!