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Book Review - Dark Kiss by Michelle Rowen

2012-05-25T07:00:00.000-07:00

Title - Dark Kiss
Author - Michelle Rowen
Publisher - Harlequin Teen
Release date - May 29, 2012

Synopsis from Goodreads - I don't do dangerous. Smart, über-careful, ordinary Samantha-that's me. But I just couldn't pass up a surprise kiss from my number-one unattainable crush. A kiss that did something to me...something strange. Now I feel hungry all the time, but not for food. It's like part of me is missing-and I don't know if I can get it back. Then there's Bishop. At first I thought he was just a street kid, but the secrets he's keeping are as intense as his unearthly blue eyes. If he's what I think he is, he may be the only one who can help me. But something terrifying is closing in, and the one chance Bishop and I have to stop it means losing everything I ever wanted and embracing the darkness inside me.... NIGHTWATCHERS When angels and demons must work together, something beyond evil is rising...

My Review - A kiss from Samantha's long time crush turns her world upside down... and not in a good way. One night while at a club, the guy Samantha's been crushing on for ages kisses her... little does she know that while he's kissing her, he's pulling out her soul. Talk about an unforgettable kiss! Now I know I've heard from readers that they are getting a little tired of the whole Angel/Demon story lines, I would tell you to still give this read a chance, because in this read, the author has the angels and demons working together as a team, which brings a different twist to the book.

When Samantha meets Bishop on a park bench, she finds she is drawn to him and he to her. Bishop is able to warm Samantha against the cold she always feels ever since that dreadful kiss. While Bishop is a character you can't help but love, Kraven steals the show with his sarcastic, evil and angry attitude. I couldn't help but want to know more about him.

This story has a little big of everything... some romance, magic, excitement, mystery, friendship and loss. It was a fast paced read that kept my attention and that cover... oh that cover is GORGEOUS! Don't you think? I'm looking forward to the rest of the Nightwatchers series, and Michelle has also written several other books. I'm interested in checking those out too! Have you read any of Michelle's other books? Tell me about them!

Thank you to Net Galley and Harlequin Teen for the eBook!

Reviewed by Jen

Book Review - Wrecked by Anna Davies

2012-05-24T00:22:00.000-07:00

Book Title - Wrecked
Author - Anna Davies
Publisher - Simon & Schuster
Release date - May 1st 2012

Synopsis from Goodreads - Secrets of the sea have never been sexier than this.

Ever since the death of her parents, Miranda has lived on Whym Island, taking comfort in the local folklore, which claims a mysterious sea witch controls the fate of all on the island and in its surrounding waters. Sometimes it’s just easier to believe things are out of your control.

But then a terrible boating accident takes the lives of several of her friends, and Miranda is rescued by a mysterious boy who haunts her dreams. Consumed by guilt from the accident, she finds refuge in late-night swims—and meets Christian, a boy who seems eerily familiar, but who is full of mystery: He won’t tell her where he is from, or why they can only meet at the beach. But Miranda falls for him anyway…and discovers that Christian’s secrets, though meant to protect her, may bring her nothing but harm.

Seductive and compelling, Wrecked brings a contemporary, paranormal twist to a classic enchanting tale.

My Review - I was really looking forward to reading Wrecked. I heard a few good things about the book and chose it for my book club to read and discuss. Anna writes a great description of Whym Island which is the location for this book, and reading about the town through her eyes brought it to life. I admit however I was left disappointed with the book. Miranda and all of her friends are on her boat one night after partying on the beach, when suddenly the water becomes choppy and the boat stops functioning. Suddenly a boat fire breaks out and Miranda's boyfriend grabs her and throws her overboard to save herself while he goes to help others get off the boat. Sadly, several of Miranda's friends die, her boyfriend is brain dead and on life support, and Miranda is mysteriously saved by a boy she can hardly remember and who never comes forward and admits to rescuing her.

After the accident, the two survivors aside from Miranda blame her for the accident and her whole school and town turns against her. Miranda can barely go anywhere without people whispering about her or people at her school outright telling her she should leave and that she isn't wanted. Then her Grandmother which is also her guardian, due to the death of her parents, insists that Miranda continues to go on almost as if nothing ever happened, all for the sake of the family's "image". The thing is... Miranda never says a word. Not ever. She never sticks up for herself, never calls her friends on their viciousness, never just breaks down and cries, never gets angry and yells, she just keeps it all bottled up. Never. Says. A. Word. It doesn't make her strong because she's crumbling and dying on the inside. This kind of weakness infuriated me. The thing is that even if you keep things bottled up in the beginning, eventually you deal with the emotions and ramifications of your feelings. As my friend Becky pointed out... "When you are grieving, you find your voice and like it or not you just start spewing out your feelings and anger all over." Miranda never does this, she just accepts this to be the reality of the situation and pretty much allows everyone to stomp all over her. This never changes.

When Miranda finally comes face to face with Christian they fall for one another quickly. When Miranda finds out not only the secrets Christian is keeping, but who is responsible for the accident out on the water that day, Christian is determined to save Miranda from a danger that is lurking. The infuriating part about this is ... the evil in this story, has no reason at all for being so. As my friend Georgia said, "Evil just for the sake of being evil, doesn't make sense." Generally there is a reason behind it, but here there seemed to be one.

Add all of this to an ending that is not how I envisioned and you get a book that just wasn't my cup of tea. If you read this book and loved it, tell me your thoughts!

Review by Jennifer

Book Review and Giveaway - Darkness Before Dawn by J.A. London

2012-05-23T07:00:00.000-07:00

Book Title - Darkness Before Dawn
Author - J.A. London
Publisher - HarperCollins
Release Date - May 29, 2012

Synopsis from Goodreads - This electrifying new trilogy blends the best of paranormal and dystopian storytelling in a world where the war is over. And the vampires won.

Humans huddle in their walled cities, supplying blood in exchange for safety. But not even that is guaranteed. Dawn has lost her entire family and now reluctantly serves as the delegate to Lord Valentine, the most powerful vampire for miles. It isn’t until she meets Victor, Valentine’s son, that she realizes not all vampires are monsters....

Darkness Before Dawn is a fresh new story with captivating characters, unexpected plot twists, a fascinating setting, and a compelling voice. Written under the name J. A. London by a talented mother-son team, the trilogy is perfect for fans of True Blood and the House of Night and Morganville Vampires series.

My Review - First of course I have to mention the cover. I'm really loving these dark covers with girls in beautiful dresses where their faces are hidden and they leave you to use your imagination to picture the rest. They are beautiful, full of mystery and beauty and just grab a person's attention. This cover is no exception. It is simply eye candy!

I really enjoyed Darkness Before Dawn. Yes, it is another vampire novel, but it has a twist, because in this world the vampires have taken over the world. There isn't anything that happens that they don't know about and they are in control of everything. After Dawn's parents are killed, Dawn is asked to serve as delegate replacing the role her parents fulfilled, to Lord Valentine, the most powerful vampire in their town. Dawn isn't looking forward to this job, but doesn't have much of a choice in the matter but she will never trust a vampire as they are all evil... or so she thought. When she is rescued by Victor, who turns out to be none other than Lord Valentine's son, her views quickly change.

I enjoyed the love story between Victor and Dawn very much. I like the fact that it is a slow build between the characters with lots of chemistry, and although there is a love triangle it is handled very tastefully. The romance only serves as a backdrop to the action and dystopian storyline this novel presents. The main story is the fact that Victor is trying to change things. The way his Father runs things is not how he feels things should be handled. His Father is old-fashioned, and that town is in need of a change, but of course, that is easier said than done. Full of twists and turns, the fast paced plot kept my interest and made me turn the pages quickly! Ending on a MAJOR cliff hanger, I can't wait to see what happens next in book two, Blood-Kissed Sky.

Reviewed by Jen

Giveaway!
Fill out the form below for your chance to win a copy of Darkness Before Dawn! Contest will run through mid June. Good luck!

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The Soul Savers Book Tour!

2012-05-22T01:00:00.000-07:00

I was really excited when I was asked to be part of the blog tour for Kristie and her Soul Savers series. Not only do I really like her books, but I really like Kristie. She is such a nice person, and I always see her happiness and book love spread all over facebook and twitter! If you haven't read this series, you are missing out on a great story, and some hot romance. I have one word for you people... "Tristan". That is all you need to know :) Ha! The first book begins with Promise, the second book in the series is Purpose, and the third is Devotion. She has a Soul Savers novella as well called Genesis. I am going to tell you about Devotion today, but you definitely want to start from the beginning if you haven't read the series. This is a series for adults, there is some language and plenty of steamy goodness!

For this tour, not only am I giving away a copy of Devotion, but Kristie has some amazing prizes she is giving away. All you have to do is a leave a comment on my post to be entered to win on my blog and hers. See the prizes and rules below...

Grand Prize – Nook Simple Touch (US only)

1st Prize — All 4 of my books signed (US only)

2nd Prize — Soul Savers Swag bag (US only)

International Prize — All 4 books as ebooks

Rules: Just leave a comment on my tour post to be entered to win.
Each comment left throughout the tour will count as an entry.

Include your email address and if you are an International entry.

For a list of other tour stops, go here http://www.kristiecook.com/2012/05/on-tour-and-you-could-win-nook.html

Synopsis of Devotion from Goodreads - With powerful abilities gained from the Ang’dora and Tristan back by her side, Alexis thinks she’s ready for the next challenge— protecting her son from what appears to be the inevitable. But she has so much to learn about her powers, her new world and the people in it. Nothing is what it seems to be on the surface, including the Amadis.

Power-hungry politicians comprise the council and make impossible demands. A traitor lurks among them all, inciting trouble that could destroy the Amadis and, ultimately, humanity. The Daemoni wreak havoc in the human world, with the ultimatum that they’ll continue attacking innocents until Alexis and Tristan are expelled from the Amadis’ protection. The couple’s own society begins to shut them out. But that’s not all.

Someone’s keeping a secret. A big one. Faith and hope in Alexis and Tristan will be restored if she can uncover the truth in time.

But the search for answers leads only to the discovery of more betrayals by those closest to Alexis. Her devotion is put to the test—devotion to her husband, to her family, to her people and to her beliefs—leaving her to question whom she’s fighting for and why she should even bother. But if she won’t fight . . . who will?

My Review - After reading Promise, I became a big fan of this series. Promise hooked me and from then on I've been waiting with bated breath for each book in the series to be released. The characters are the kind that stick in your heart and mind like barbed wire and don't let go. I would think about them days after reading the books like they are real people. The characters of Alexis and Tristan have already been through so much that by the time you get to Devotion you are so happy they are together again and just want things to calm down for them and see them be able to relax, but Kristie isn't about to let that happen! The path that Alexis and Tristan are on is far from its end and they still have many twists and turns ahead of them. In Devotion, there is a traitor amongst them and Alexis and Tristan's love is going to be tested yet again. I cried SO MUCH when I read Promise, that I was prepared with tissues within my reach when I started Purpose. Kristie's writing makes you feel the characters' emotions as if they are your own. Each book is fast-paced, action-packed and a fast-moving read with the right amount of romance and as I mentioned above... steamy goodness!

GUEST POST - Character question

CHARACTER: Charlotte

QUESTION: Of all personal virtues, where does loyalty and devotion rank with you?

Charlotte: Warlocks are warriors. We value courage, strength (of mind and body), intelligence, wit, integrity and passion in what we’re fighting for. But most of all, we value loyalty and devotion. A warrior must be loyal to the beliefs and cause she’s fighting for and devoted to the people she protects. What’s the point in putting yourself out there if you’re not 100% committed to what you’re doing? And if you’re not, I don’t want you fighting by my side!

About Kristie Cook:

Kristie Cook is a lifelong writer in various genres, from marketing communications to fantasy fiction. Besides writing, she enjoys reading, cooking, traveling and riding on the back of a motorcycle. She has lived in ten states, but currently calls Southwest Florida home with her husband, three teenage sons, a beagle and a puggle. She can be found at www.KristieCook.com

- Kristie’s Links:

Kristie Cook’s Website: http://www.kristiecook.com/

Goodreads Page: http://www.goodreads.com/KristieCook

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/kristiecookauth

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AuthorKristieCook

-Purchase Devotion:

Amazon Print: http://www.amazon.com/Devotion-Kristie-Cook/dp/0984699031/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1336344725&sr=8-1

Amazon ebook: http://www.amazon.com/Devotion-Soul-Savers-ebook/dp/B0073XXOGO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1336344725&sr=8-1

Barnes & Noble Print: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/devotion-kristie-cook/1037750160?ean=9780984699032

Barnes & Noble ebook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/devotion-kristie-cook/1108240265?ean=2940014077279

Be sure to head on over to http://simpleloveofreading.blogspot.com/ who is also featuring Kristie's series today! Thank you so much Kristie for including me in the tour, and thank you to Jessica for organizing!

Book Review - Obsidian by Jennifer Armentrout

2012-05-21T18:52:00.002-07:00

Book Title - Obsidian (Lux #1)
Author - Jennifer Armentrout
Publisher - Entangled Teen
Release date - May 8, 2012

Synopsis from Goodreads - Starting over sucks.
When we moved to West Virginia right before my senior year, I'd pretty much resigned myself to thick accents, dodgy internet access, and a whole lot of boring.... until I spotted my hot neighbor, with his looming height and eerie green eyes. Things were looking up.
And then he opened his mouth.
Daemon is infuriating. Arrogant. Stab-worthy. We do not get along. At all. But when a stranger attacks me and Daemon literally freezes time with a wave of his hand, well, something...unexpected happens.
The hot alien living next door marks me.
You heard me. Alien. Turns out Daemon and his sister have a galaxy of enemies wanting to steal their abilities, and Daemon's touch has me lit up like the Vegas Strip. The only way I'm getting out of this alive is by sticking close to Daemon until my alien mojo fades.
If I don't kill him first, that is.

My Review - I have no idea why it took me so long to check out Jennifer Armentrout's books. I've always read the synopsis of each and have always been interested, but I just now started reading her novels. I should not have waiting so long, I've been missing out! I am now a huge fan of Jennifer and her Lux and Covenant series. Today I'm going to review Obsidian, but I have other reviews coming!

After the death of her Father, Kat and her Mother need a fresh start and they move to a small town that is in the middle of nowhere and where a new face sticks out like a sore thumb. With one grocery store and one hardware store, it is a big change for Kat. It isn't long before Kat meets her new twin neighbors, the fabulous Dee whom I adored and the sexy Daemon. To say that it was love at first sight between Kat and Daemon would be laughable. While Kat may have enjoyed the view that the shirtless Daemon presented when he opened the door when Kat went to meet her neighbors for the first time using the excuse of asking for directions, that first impression was quickly ruined when Daemon opened his mouth and started speaking. With comments reminiscent of Cassandra Clare's Jace, Daemon could give Jace a run for his money in a contest over which character likes themselves more! There is no love lost between the two, and reading them exchange insults is pure entertainment! Daemon made me laugh out loud at his audacity more than once!

It isn't long before you realize that Daemon has a reason behind his extremely protective attitude towards his sister Dee and the fact that he uses his rudeness as a way of pushing others away to protect their secret. Obsidian is pure entertainment - a fun, sexy story that kept me turning the pages. I also loved the fact that Kat is a book blogger! I did not want the book to end and I cannot wait for the next one! I just know Daemon will keep me highly amused with that sassy mouth of his!

Final comment - Holy Alien Hotness Batman! This is a must read :)

Reviewed by: Jennifer

Epic Reads from HarperTeen

2012-05-15T10:49:00.000-07:00

Check out these great reads! Only $2.99 for these eBooks for a limited time! CLICK HERE for more information including links to read excerpts from the books and for purchase links! Hurry and grab them while you can!

Book Review - The Fame Game

2012-05-10T14:25:00.003-07:00

Title - The Fame Game
Author - Lauren Conrad
Release date - April 3, 2012
Publisher - Harper Teen

Synopsis from Goodreads - In Hollywood, fame can be found on every corner and behind any door. You just have to know where to look for it. Nineteen-year-old Madison Parker made a name for herself as best frenemy of nice-girl-next-door Jane Roberts on the hot reality show L.A. Candy. Now Madison's ready for her turn in the spotlight and she'll stop at nothing to get it. Sure, she's the star of a new show, but with backstabbing friends and suspicious family members trying to bring her down, Madison has her work cut out for her. Plus, there's a new nice girl in "reality" town—aspiring actress Carmen Price, the daughter of Hollywood royalty—and she's a lot more experienced at playing the fame game... When the camera's start rolling, whose star will shine brighter?

Filled with characters both familiar and new, Lauren Conrad's series about the highs and lows of being famous delivers Hollywood gossip and drama at every turn.

Review - As a fan of The Hills, I read with cautious optimism the LA Candy series a couple of years ago, and was pleasantly surprised! So, I expected more of the same from Conrad's new series, THE FAME GAME. She didn't disappoint. Based on character Madison Parker, whom we first met in the LA CANDY series, PopTV has a new series and tells Madison that she will be the star of this "scripted" reality series. The premise of the new reality show is gorgeous young women trying to "make it" in Hollywood. They all soon learn that in order to succeed in show businIess, you have to learn to play the game...The Fame Game. How far are you willing to take it to reach the top? While the book has four main characters once again caught in the middle between the real world and reality TV, Madison's back story plays a much more prominent role in this novel as she learns that she may not always have it when it comes to her previous back-stabbing ways.

I admit that I am a fan of pop culture, I guiltily admit I soak up celebrity gossip regularly. This YA reincarnation of all that is Hollywood had me turning the pages non-stop. I'm glad that Conrad has created a new series that I can devour as quickly as I did the LA CANDY series. If you are looking for a fun escape from reality, this is a GREAT one!

Reviewed by: Espe

ALA Book Conference 2012

2012-05-07T13:57:00.000-07:00

I am SO excited to announce that I will be attending the ALA - American Library Association book conference in Anaheim, California in June! I will be heading to the conference with Georgia from Eve's Fan Garden and our friend Espe! This is the first book conference I've ever attended and I am really excited!

If you are going... we really want to meet up with you! Request an invite to our facebook group HERE and be part of our plans to try and schedule a lunch or dinner at some point over the weekend. We would love to meet you!

If you have attended ALA before and have any fun information or advice to share, please leave a comment below!!! I would love to have a heads up about what to expect, or if you have suggestions on something we shouldn't miss, tell me!

Sweet Evil Blog Tour

2012-05-03T00:05:00.000-07:00

I am thrilled to be a stop on Wendy Higgin's blog tour for Sweet Evil. I loved, loved, loved this book. Definitely one of the best books of 2012 so far!

Synopsis from Goodreads - What if there were teens whose lives depended on being bad influences? This is life for sons and daughters of fallen angels in Sweet Evil.

Tenderhearted Southern girl, Anna Whitt, was born with the sixth sense to see and feel emotions of other people. She’s aware of a struggle within herself, an inexplicable pull toward danger, but it isn’t until she turns sixteen and meets the alluring Kaidan Rowe that she discovers her terrifying heritage, and her will-power is put to the test. He’s the boy your daddy warned you about. If only someone had warned Anna.

A cross-country trip to meet her father forces Anna to face the reality that hope and love are not options for her kind. When she confronts her destiny, will Anna embrace her halo or her horns?

My Review - One of my absolute favorite books of 2012 so far, Sweet Evil is just downright sexy people! I’ve heard a lot of people say they are tired of the angel stories out right now, that they are starting to run together… well this is not your typical angel story people. I promise!

Anna is a sweet, lovable, southern girl that you can’t help but love. Anna has always been able to see the emotions in others through the colors their bodies produce, but she’s never really realized that this means something, its always just been a part of herself that she figured was odd. When Anna meets the super hot Kaidan Rowe she is immediately attracted to him, and intrigued because she doesn’t see color around Kaidan. It isn’t long before Anna realizes that Kaidan knows more about her than she knows about herself and Anna wants answers. When Anna goes on a road trip to find her Father and to get information about her birth Mother, she finds out more about herself and her destiny. It is more than she bargained for, and the sweet Anna is going to have to learn how to be evil.

I love the characters in this book. Wendy isn’t afraid to keep it real with these characters. She shows their flaws, needs, and desires, and they aren’t perfect. Anna is a likable character that you can’t help routing for. Kaidan…oh man… Kaidan… yet boy added to my fictional boyfriend list! Kai is a hot drummer, has smoldering eyes, has a cocky attitude and a British accent, and did I mention he is a lust demon?! Anna’s best friend Jay is a fun lovable best friend and I loved their friendship. He is completely loyal to Anna and would do anything for her. Even Anna’s Mother Patti is a great character that added depth to the story.

This book is FULL of sexual tension and I devoured each and every word. I could not get enough of the slow burning attraction between Anna and Kai. Full of excitement and action, Sweet Evil while 464 pages is a fast read because you won’t be able to turn the pages fast enough. Thank you Wendy Higgins for such an awesome book. I CAN’T WAIT for the next one! The wait is going to be agonizing!!!

Guest post by Wendy Higgins

I asked Wendy if Kaidan had a yard sale, what are some things of his he would place for sale? Here are her answers!

KAIDAN'S YARD SALE

Over the years Kaidan Rowe has received many interesting presents from well-intentioned fans and loyal groupies. But things are getting a little crazy in his life, and he needs to downsize his belongings. The following ten items are for sale. Enjoy.

1) Justin Timberlake's "Sexy Back" CD.

Seeing as how sexy has never been gone, this particular item makes makes Kaidan giggle...in a very manly way, of course.

2) Robotic Drummer Toy. It did actually amuse him for a bit.

3) Spiked Leather Wrist Cuff.

This item frightens him, believe it or not. Mostly because it could inflict damage on his handsome face while drumming.

4) Skull Tie. It's lovely, but...yeah.

5) Bobble-head Drummer. You will need to blow the dust off this one. It's been sitting on his computer desk for a couple years.

6) British Hat: While he appreciated the sentiment, "UK Pride" and all that, it's not *quite* his style.

7) Glow-In-the-Dark Drumsticks. Wow. Those are special.

8) "I Rock" T-Shirt. He was saving this one for when he grows old, but like I said, time to downsize.

9) Drummer Boxers. Unused. Sorry if you were hoping otherwise.

10) Mystery Box. This item is not for the weak of heart. It contains the most special scraps thrown to Kai on stage over the years. This ain't your mama's lace and satin.

I am giving away one copy of SWEET EVIL to a lucky winner because I love this book so much, I want to share the love with you! To enter, fill out the attached form. Thank you to Harper Teen and Alison for sending me the ARC to review and asking me to be a part of this blog tour!!!

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Amanda Hocking's Trylle Series - Review

2012-05-02T07:00:00.000-07:00

Book Titles - Switched, Torn, & Ascend
Author - Amanda Hocking
All three books are out now.

I decided to read Amanda Hocking's series because I've heard so much about Amanda herself. The self published phenomenon that sold over a million books. An amazing accomplishment, and I wanted to read what the hype was about. Little did I know I would become addicted to her series!!

The Trylle series is entertaining in the fact that the idea alone is fresh and new. In the first book Switched, Wendy finds out she was a born a changeling and the woman that is her birth Mother has now sent Finn a Sentinel guard to bring her home where she belongs . Wendy feels an amazing attraction to Finn but Wendy soon discovers that what is expected of her, combined with her destiny, is something she never expected. Not to mention that fact that a relationship between herself and Finn is impossible because it is forbidden.

Wendy is a character that I really like. She is thrown into this world that she had no clue even existed and finds out the reason her "Mother" had tried to kill her when she was little may not be so crazy after all. Wendy handles all of this with admirable strength and a fierce determination to not lose herself in the middle of everything that is happening to her.

The story continues with the second book Torn in which everything Wendy thinks she knows and thought she wanted changes when the Vittra come after her. The Vittra are enemies of the Trylle and when Wendy finds out the reason behind the Trylle's attack, she is torn between two worlds, love and responsibility and what she thought she wanted changes, especially when not everyone may be exactly what they appear. Of course what Wendy may be willing to do in order to follow her heart... doesn't mean that others are able to look past duty and do that same.

By the time the final book Ascend comes around I couldn't wait to see how this story was going to end and whom Wendy would end up with out of her love interests. Finn and Loki both are amazing love interests and while I did favor one over the other, I could still see it going either way. The Trylle and Vittra meet in battle, and Wendy is willing to do whatever it takes to save the people she loves. A perfect ending to a great series. I was thoroughly entertained.

If you are looking for a great love story, full of excitement and great characters, read this series!

Reviewed by Jennifer

Book Birthday with a Giveaway!

2012-05-01T07:00:00.000-07:00

As many of you know, this here review site started after my best friend Espe and I read Aprilynne Pike's first book Wings and fell in love with it. Not long after we started a fan site forum, and then later came this book review blog that was dedicated to Aprilynne and her work. While we've experienced many changes over these last few years, our love of Aprilynne's books and our happiness at the friendship we've forged with her, have remained steadfast.

In celebration of the final book in the amazing Wings series, I am giving away a copy of Destined to 2 lucky blog followers! I want to thank you for all the support you've shown this blog over the course of this series! The final book is everything I hoped it would be, and you all will love it. Please find my review HERE. I truly believe Destined is the best book by Aprilynne yet, and while this is the end of a wonderful series, in many ways, this series was only the beginning...we have so much more to see out of Aprilynne!

Please fill out the form below to be entered into the contest and a winner will be chosen in one week, on May 8, 2012.

HAPPY BOOK BIRTHDAY APRILYNNE!!!!!!!!

May Releases!

2012-04-30T10:13:00.000-07:00

There are SO MANY exciting books out this month! Here are a few I have either read and can't wait for you to read too, or I can't wait to read myself! Did I miss one? Tell me what book you are looking forward to this month!

Book Review - Destined by Aprilynne Pike

2012-04-29T23:02:00.000-07:00

Book Title - Destined
Author - Aprilynne Pike
Release date - May 1, 2012
Publisher - Harper Teen

Synopsis from Goodreads - Laurel now knows the truth: Yuki is a rare Winter faerie, the most powerful—and deadly—of all, and Klea plans to use her to help conquer and destroy Avalon. But Klea's reach extends far beyond one wild Winter faerie. With Tamani, David, and Chelsea by her side, Laurel prepares to face what may be Avalon's final days, in the stunning conclusion to the Wings series.

My Review - Destined is the dramatic conclusion to Aprilynne Pike's Wings series. While I am sad to see the series end, because in many ways this was the series that helped start this blog, it honestly couldn't have ended any better. This is in my opinion, Aprilynne's best work to date. Full of excitement, action, heartbreak, and hope, there couldn't have been a better ending to what will always be a memorable series.

Laurel returns to Avalon along with David, Chelsea and Tamani in Destined to help save them from the danger heading their way in Yuki and Klea. Klea has a well thought out plan that she initiates to destroy all the faeries in Avalon, and I never saw her back story coming. The action is fast and fierce as Laurel runs from place to place within Avalon doing everything she can to save as many faeries as she can from meeting a horrifying end. The battle is hard fought and the devastation and deaths are vast. I commend Pike for writing the battle as savage and intense as she does, because it wouldn't have made sense otherwise. The intentions of Klea are so dark and twisted that writing a battle in which the consequences wouldn't match, would not have made sense and would have done an injustice to the story. So while it may be sad to read, and produce results that break our hearts, it was indeed necessary.

The characters of Laurel, David, Tamani and Chelsea do not disappoint and you will be happy to know that Laurel makes a decision at the end of this book as to whom she wants to be with.... David or Tamani. While the battle for Avalon is the prime focus of the story, there are plenty of romantic scenes written in as well that add just the right touch. The best part is that Pike gives readers justification for the choice Laurel makes, and it couldn't be more perfect.

Destined is amazing, and while saying goodbye to these characters is not an easy thing to do, with the writing in this book, Aprilynne has made me beyond excited to see what she does next! Congratulations on an amazing series Aprilynne, you should be so, so proud!

Reviewed by - Jennifer

The Immortal Rules WINNER

2012-04-27T11:35:00.001-07:00

Congratulations to.....

AMY K

You are the winner of The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa!!! Please email me at latebloomeradmin@gmail.com to claim your prize and confirm your mailing address!

Thank you so much to everyone that entered! We will have more giveaways coming soon!

The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa Giveaway

2012-04-16T11:40:00.000-07:00

Have you seen the trailer for Julie Kagawa's The Immortal Rules? I have this book, but haven't started it yet, but it is getting excellent reviews! The trailer made me more excited to read it! The book comes out on April 24th, so how about we have a little contest :) Fill out the form below to enter to win a hard copy of the book, or a kindle book, up to you. I will pick a winner on release day!

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J.K. Rowling's New Book

2012-04-12T19:19:00.001-07:00

Fans of Harry Potter will be happy to hear that J.K. Rowling announced the information about her new book today, and I for one am very excited! This is Rowling's first novel post Harry Potter, and it is an adult book that will be published by Little Brown.

Book Title: The Casual Vacancy

Release Date: September 27, 2012

This is what the publisher posted about the book-

When Barry Fairweather dies unexpectedly in his early forties, the little town of Pagford is left in shock. Pagford is, seemingly, an English idyll, with a cobbled market square and an ancient abbey, but what lies behind the pretty facade is a town at war. Rich at war with poor, teenagers at war with their parents, wives at war with their husbands, teachers at war with their pupils…Pagford is not what it first seems. And the empty seat left by Barry on the parish council soon becomes the catalyst for the biggest war the town has yet seen. Who will triumph in an election fraught with passion, duplicity and unexpected revelations?

So... what do you think? Will you be reading it? If not, why?

Breaking Dawn Pt 2 Poster

2012-04-10T17:31:00.000-07:00

This was posted on Stephanie Meyer's fan page on facebook today! What do you guys think??? At first I thought it was the new poster, but it turns out it is fan art. Makes me wonder what they will have on the movie poster! I can't wait!

Until Next Time by Amy Lignor

2012-03-30T21:48:00.000-07:00

Book Title - Until Next Time
Author - Amy Lignor
Published by - Tribute Books
Release date - February 1, 2012

Synopsis from Goodreads - How does a girl choose between the one who steals her heart and the one who owns her soul?

Matt and Emily were created for a specific job. Raised and trained as the ultimate angel/warrior team, they are sent down to save, defend, judge and forgive, depending on the 'life' they've been assigned. What they don't realize is that the power of human emotions, such as love, anger, passion and fear can take over even the best of souls, causing them to make mistakes and follow paths that lead to confusion and heartache.

When the reason for their training is finally revealed, the angel/warrior team find themselves thrust into a world they know nothing about. Matt takes over the life of Daniel, a young man with a great deal of baggage. Emily becomes Liz, a girl living in a remote village who relies on nothing more than her own strength to survive. A violent storm erupts one night, and framed in the window of Liz's establishment is a frightening face. Let in by the soul of a Good Samaritan, the two visitors bring with them a past full of secrets that could literally change an angel's path and a warrior's plans.

From murder to redemption, this angel/warrior team must find a way to keep the faith they have in each other in a world that's ripping them apart.

My Review -

Matt and Emily are best friends and soul mates…angels, created for each other, to support one another. When sent to Earth to take over the lives of for Matt a boy named Daniel and for Emily a girl named Liz, their goal is to learn to understand humans better. What makes them tick, what makes them emotional and to make the choices in life that they do. The catch? They have zero memories of their heavenly life. So although they are still in the same circle, they don’t even realize it and everything they felt and knew goes out the window. Dealing with all these new human emotions if overwhelming, especially when one night Emily/Liz meets a boy named Jason and she can’t help the feelings in her he evokes.

Amy Lignor has created a new spin on angel lore with a new and original twist. Full of mystery, action, love and sacrifice, Until Next Time is a must read.

Reviewed by Jen

The Angel Chronicles web site:
http://www.the-angel-chronicles.com

The Angel Chronicles Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/The-Angel-Chronicles/168932393209654

Until Next Time GoodReads page:
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13319888-until-next-time

Amy Lignor's Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/alignor

Amy Lignor's Twitter:
https://twitter.com/#!/HelloWritersAmy

Amy Lignor's Website:
http://www.thewritecompanion.com/

Amy Lignor's Blog:
http://hellowriters.wordpress.com/

Amy Lignor's GoodReads:
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5222068

Tribute Books website:
http://www.tribute-books.com

Tribute Books Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Archbald-PA/Tribute-Books/171628704176

Tribute Books Twitter:
http://www.twitter.com/TributeBooks

Tribute Books Blog Tours Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Tribute-Books-Blog-Tours/242431245775186

Amy Lignor's Bio:

Amy Lignor began her career at Grey House Publishing in northwest Connecticut where she was the Editor-in-Chief of numerous educational and business directories.

Now she is a published author of several works of fiction. The Billy the Kid historical The Heart of a Legend; the thriller, Mind Made; and the adventure novel, Tallent & Lowery 13.

She is also the owner of The Write Companion, a company that offers help and support to writers through a full range of editorial services from proofreading and copyediting to ghostwriting and research. As the daughter of a research librarian, she is also an active book reviewer.

Currently, she lives with her daughter, mother and a rambunctious German Shepherd named Reuben, in the beautiful state of New Mexico.

Kindle buy link
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0071LLL2M/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=tributebooks-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0071LLL2M

Nook buy link
http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=dcSBhG3Rj8w&subid=&offerid=239662.1&type=10&tmpid=8432&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.barnesandnoble.com%252Fw%252Funtil-next-time-amy-lignor%252F1108191925%253Fean%253D2940014052627%2526itm%253D1%2526usri%253Duntil%252Bnext%252Btime%252Bthe%252Bangel%252Bchronicles

iBookstore buy link
http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?id=dcSBhG3Rj8w&offerid=146261&type=3&subid=0&tmpid=1826&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fitunes.apple.com%252Fus%252Fbook%252Funtil-next-time%252Fid497998203%253Fmt%253D11%2526uo%253D4%2526partnerId%253D30

Smashwords buy link
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/126226?ref=tributebooks

PDF buy link
https://www.payloadz.com/go/sip?id=1554857

Fractured Light Blog Tour

2012-03-27T13:32:00.002-07:00

Hi Everyone! Welcome to the Fractured Light by Rachel McClellan blog tour! Rachel has given us a fun blog post to share with you! Take a look, get to know Rachel better and then order her book!!!

Synopsis from Goodreads - Llona Reese is used to living on the run. After the Vykens killed her parents, she knew they would eventually come for her too. But she never felt ready to face them---until now. Defying the Auran Council and everything she's been taught, Llona must learn to use her power over light as a weapon if she wants to survive.

The top 10 things I learned from watching movies.

10. Always turn the lights on when you walk into an empty house at night.

9. To hot wire a car, all you have to do is touch a bunch of wires together under the dashboard.

8. While driving in the car with a passenger, looking at the road is optional.

7. One man shooting at 20 men has a better chance of killing them than 20 men firing at 1 man.

6. It’s never a good idea to build a home on top of an old cemetery. “You moved the headstones, but you forgot the bodies!”

5. An electric fence, powerful enough to kill a dinosaur will cause no lasting damage to an eight year old child.

4. If a dark haired, serious-faced man approaches you with an air compressor in his hand, run.

3. If you discover your super rich boyfriend is a dark, super hot vigilante at night, don’t leave him. Accept him for who he is.

2. The more a man and a woman hate each other, the more likely they will fall in love.

1. If a vampire sneaks into your room to watch you sleep, it’s not cool. It’s creepy.

To order your copy of Fractured Light, CLICK HERE!

THAT WEDDING CONTEST

2012-03-25T23:44:00.000-07:00

It’s time for you to tell us about your dream wedding! Every girl . . . and a few guys at one time have all dreamed about their fantasy wedding. From the Cinderella dress and horse drawn carriage to getting married at Yankee Stadium.

We all fell in love with JJ & Philip in THAT BOY so it was only fitting that in THAT WEDDING, JJ and Philip made their dreams and fantasies come true with a beautiful, elaborate and complete fairytale of a wedding. We just didn’t the invite to the party of the year!

Now it’s your turn. In 1000 words or less, tell us what your dream wedding is. So grab your pen, paper and your guy . . . girl and get to writing.

Important Info & Rules:

Contest dates: March 19^th – April 19^th

Winners announced – May 7^th

All entries are to be written in English.

You must be 17 years of age or older to enter. If you are under, parents’ permission is required.

Entries must be submitted via email. A word attachment is necessary, but encouraged.

All entries must include the following:

Name:
Age:
Site you are entering on:

Entries are emailed to Readiacs.Contest@gmail.com

Each site will pick 3 of their favorite Dream Wedding stories.

One (1) grand prize winner will be chosen – Winner receives a KINDLE FIRE – booyah!

Each site will have one second (2^nd) place winner - $25 Amazon Gift Card – Or Barnes & Noble if you have a Nook.

Each site will have one third (3^rd) place winner – E-Copy of THAT WEDDING by Jillian Dodd

We have joined forces with some fantastic blogs to bring you an amazing contest! (Please list all the participating blogs)

http://www.eventchicdallas.com

http://whatsonthebookshelf-jen.blogspot.com

http://www.latebloomeronline.com

http://joie-joiedelire.blogspot.com

http://www.iloveyafiction.com

http://toughcriticbookreviews.blogspot.com

http://readingeatinganddreaming.blogspot.com/

Good luck!!!

SECOND SKIN Blog Tour

2012-03-14T19:01:00.001-07:00

I am super excited to be part of Judith Grave's SECOND SKIN blog tour. I absolutely love this series, love this book. Today, Judith has given me a guest post to share with you below. I will be posting my review of SECOND SKIN tomorrow, but a sneak peek... 5 stars all the way... I loved it!

Synopsis of the first book in the series - UNDER MY SKIN

Redgrave had its share of monsters before Eryn moved to town. The Delacroix family is taking the blame, but Eryn knows the truth. Something stalks the night. The Delacroix are dangerous, but then so is Eryn--in fact, she's lethal.

Synopsis of book two - SECOND SKIN

Sequel to Under My Skin.

With FIENDS like Eryn…

Monsters. Bloodsuckers. The evil. The damned. Eryn McCain knows they exist— she’s been hunting them since she was a child. At sixteen, she’s ready to take on all comers. Being a shapeshifter gives her an advantage when it comes to her unusual part-time job. The hours suck and the pay is, well, non-existent, but bonuses like inhuman strength and night vision make tracking scary beasties a dream come true. Especially in a town like Redgrave.

When an ancient demon targets Redgrave High, Eryn and her crew of hunters must face their innermost fears to prevent the Harvest Moon Dance from becoming one serious Monster Mash. Loyalties are tested and temptations abound. With questions ever brewing, can Eryn share a future with the brooding, noble, human Alec—the hunter after her heart? Or will she succumb to her enemy’s son, Wade, a seductive predator as bloodthirsty as she is?

What happens when you’re both the beauty and the beast?

Everything I Know About Writing I Learned From HORROR FLICKS

While horror films or the horror genre may not be your cup of True Blood, there is much to be learned in terms of character development, plot, setting, tone, conflict, and pacing of your fiction if you sit back and watch a horror flick – not just for the thrills, or the blood and guts, but for the storytelling. Here are a few things I’ve learned while indulging in my love of a good scare.

Some characters will always go down into the dank, dark, basement no matter how many others are screaming at them to STOP! Characters must be driven to act against the odds.

The scary basement is often where the real story is hiding. Force yourself to write what scares you.

Maybe blondes do have more fun, but they pay for that fact with a much shorter lifespan. Highlights are better than full-on bleach jobs. This may or may not pertain to writing.

Abandoned houses, castles, hotels, hospitals, warehouses, playgrounds, streets, cities, towns, and even villages, get that way for a reason and that reason is just KILLING to be understood. Setting is a character.

Sometimes a zombie is just a zombie. Not every fallen enemy requires a post mortem during a battle scene. Keep the action flowing, then stop to reflect when your characters are safe once more.

Trying to shut a monster out of a room often backfires – now you’re trapped inside. Together. Each time your character tries to crawl out of the pan, they throw themselves into the fire. It can always get worse, in fact – it must.

Cats like to jump, hiss, and cause heart failure at just the right WRONG moments. To keep readers at the edge of their seats, build tension to insane levels, give them a false sense of security with oh-it’s-just-a-little-scardey cat action – then WHAM! Let the true danger strike.

A heart ripped out of an open chest still beats in the killer’s hand. When your character is at their lowest point, torn down, broken - they must have something or someone that their heart still beats for - propelling them back from the brink.

I’m barely carving a gash in the surface here, but I think you get the idea. Next time you sit down to watch a scary movie with popcorn in hand and a this-ain’t-gonna-scare me attitude, try evaluating why it DOES scare 90% of the audience. If you can break it down, you can wield those same tools in your own projects. You don’t have to be a horror / thriller writer to benefit. You’ll learn a ton about building tension, setting up character foils, love interests to DIE for, motive, foreshadowing, tapping into emotion / instinct, and how to plant the seeds of a mystery.

For more information about Judith Graves and her fun book series, visit her at her website HERE

Cicada Blog Tour

2012-03-13T12:28:00.000-07:00

Hi! Today Late Bloomer is a tour stop for Cicada by Belle Whittington. Take a look at our interview with Belle below and get to know her better. While you are here, leave a comment to win an ebook copy of Cicada, follow Belle on twitter, and visit her website by clicking on the links below.

Here is the synopsis of the book from Goodreads -

Summertime for Blair Reynolds and her friends had always been carefree and fun...until the summer they happened upon something that was not human. As they band together in a fight for their lives, Blair's true love becomes something more than human. Something unnatural. And their survival depends entirely upon their ability to keep a secret.

1. What do you love most about your book and hope readers love about it too?

The thing I love most about my book is that it contains a lot of the magic from my youth.

Growing up in Nacogdoches, the oldest town in Texas, afforded me summers full of adventure with my friends. I call on those adventures and memories a great deal for my YA stories. Cicada has a lot of the energy of those childhood adventures spun throughout. One of them is something that actually happened to me when I was thirteen years old. I was on one of my adventures in the woods with my dog, Dusty. We made our way through the woods to a neighboring pasture and crawled through the barbed wire fence. When we got to the top of one of the rolling hills in the grassy field, I realized I was standing in the middle of a giant circle imprinted in the pasture grass. No one had ever told me about crop circles at that time in my life, so I just thought it was an odd occurrence that there was a strange circle in the tall grass. Now that circle is forever memorialized in a YA novel, Cicada! I hope my readers will feel that energy in Cicada and be able to relate to it … and love it!

2. What is something you love to do in your spare time?

I love getting to know my readers through marketing and promoting my book. It really is the highlight of my day, and I look forward to it very much! I try to spend at least two hours a day promoting Cicada, and I have met so many wonderful new friends over the past few months! In fact, I haven’t met a book blogger that I didn’t like. They are all wonderful! And I feel so honored when my book is listed on a reviewer’s blog! All of this is a complete rush to me and the thrill of a lifetime. A dream come true. :)

3. What is something on your bucket list you have yet to accomplish but are determined to some day?

Wow! This question is more difficult to answer than one might think. I suppose that if I had to list just one, I would choose to list being able to completely support myself on my writing. I look forward to the day when the only work I have to do is writing, marketing, and promoting my books. It is my passion. :)

4. What is your favorite time of year, and why?

My favorite time of the year is summer. I know what you are thinking: “She lives in Texas and she loves summer best? She must be loons!” Yes, summers in my part of Texas really are hot. But the days are lit by the happy yellow summer sun, and they are such long days. Summer makes me feel like anything is possible.

5. Food you cannot live without?

I cannot live without coffee. I know this because I tried it once. For two weeks I did without it, and everyone around me was miserable! I don’t think I’ll ever try that again! LOL!

6. What inspires you?

I find inspiration in everything around me. For instance, I gain a lot of ideas for characters from people watching. I also find that music is very inspiring to me, because it can be such a mood setter that I sometimes rely on it to help me keep a scene in a certain mood until I’m ready to move on to the next scene. And one must never forget reading other authors. A writer can never read too much or from too many different genres.

7. Your favorite fashion accessory is...?

My watch. I’m lost if I forget to put it on in the morning. It’s a solar-charged watch, and the watch face is a tiny solar panel. So it never needs new batteries. It was a gift from my family when I graduated with my first college degree. I cherish it.

8. What is something readers would be surprised to know about you?

I think readers would be surprised to know that I don’t have a smart phone. In fact, I just upgraded my poor dumb phone day before yesterday. It had been such a faithful little phone and had been there for me through thick and thin since 2007. Yes … you read that right! I had that little phone for five years! And I wouldn’t have upgraded it if it hadn’t stopped working properly just last week! Alas, it did. And now I have a semi-smart phone that is way too complicated for me!

Thank you so much for having me over for a chat and a cup of tea! It has been wonderful getting to know you and your readers. I hope everyone will stop by any or all of my social networking sites and say “howdy”! I’m always happy to hear from my readers, and I always respond. Many warm regards for your hospitality. <3

Thank you so much Belle for stopping by Late Bloomer to talk about your book with us! To order your copy of Cicada, CLICK HERE. To visit Belle on her website, CLICK HERE. To follow Belle on twitter, CLICK HERE.

I am giving away one ebook copy of Cicada. To enter, please leave a comment below. Contest is for followers of the blog only.

Letter from Suzanne Collins

2012-03-07T11:46:00.001-07:00

Entertainment Weekly posted a letter from author Suzanne Collins where she answers the big question.... Will fans of the book like the movie?

Dear Readers,

I’ve just had the opportunity to see the finished film of The Hunger Games. I’m really happy with how it turned out. I feel like the book and the film are individual yet complementary pieces that enhance one another. The film opens up the world beyond Katniss’ point of view, allowing the audience access to the happenings of places like the Hunger Games control room and President Snow’s rose garden, thereby adding a new dimension to the story. Director Gary Ross has created an adaptation that is faithful in both narrative and theme, but he’s also brought a rich and powerful vision of Panem, its brutality and excesses, to the film as well. His world building’s fantastic, whether it be the Seam or the Capitol. It’s amazing to see things that are suggested in the book fully developed and so brilliantly realized through the artistry of the designers. And, my God, the actors. The cast, led by the extraordinary Jennifer Lawrence, is absolutely wonderful across the board. It’s such a pleasure to see how they’ve embodied the characters and brought them to life. So I’d like to sincerely thank all the many people who devoted their time and talents to the film, especially producers Nina Jacobson and Jon Kilik, and the excellent teams at Color Force, Larger Than Life, and Lionsgate. I hope you enjoy the film!

Suzanne Collins

What do you think about what she said? I personally can't wait to see the movie!

Book Review of That Wedding by Jillian Dodd

2012-03-04T21:50:00.003-07:00

Book Title - That Wedding
Author - Jillian Dodd
Release date - February 10, 2012

Synopsis from Goodreads - I know he's that boy. The boy I want to marry, my prince, my happily ever after. I feel like I'm living in a dreamy fairytale.

But then, Pastor starts asking questions I don’t know the answers to.
I have horrible wedding disaster dreams.
I can’t find a dress.
I have to manipulate him to get my way.
An old boyfriend asks me to run away and marry him.
My best friend tells me I'm going to ruin everything.
And forever is starting to sound like a really long time.

Which makes me start to wonder.

I wonder if best friends should get married.
I wonder if I'm settling.
I wonder if the fact that sex with him is so amazing that it’s clouding my judgment.
I wonder if it's just cold feet.
I wonder if marriage is all that fun.

And then I have to decide. Am I willing to give up on true love forever, or should I say, What the hell, and marry him anyway?

My Review - If you regularly follow my blog, then you know that the book That Boy by Jillian Dodd was one of my favorite books of 2011. I tell ALL of my friends about the book. In fact, I just had book club last night and was raving about her series again to my friends telling them they HAVE to read them. I may have even threatened to defriend them if they don't. Okay not really, but I am that serious about my book love :) Jillian recently released the second book in the series titled That Wedding, and I honestly didn't think it was possible to love her books any more, but I was wrong.

I can't even really say that That Wedding is better than That Boy because there is nothing wrong with That Boy at all. How do you improve upon perfect? As you can see in my review of That Boy... it made me laugh, cry, and took me on an amazing journey that resonated with me long after I finished it, and That Wedding is no exception.

That Wedding finds Jadyn completely in love and fully enveloped in her new relationship and engagement to her prince charming. When the Pastor requires them to attend counseling sessions prior to marrying them, he starts asking questions that make Jadyn second guess herself and her relationship. Did they rush into things? Does she just have cold feet? Is marriage really that awesome? Is she just in lust with her love or is it more than that? Is this really what she wants?

Where That Boy is full of depth and meaning about what it means to come into yourself, and battle the things that life can throw at you and learning that sometimes the best things in life are right in ront of you, That Wedding is meaningful in its own right. While the first book is interlaced with a tragedy and how Jadyn deals with the aftermath of that tragedy, That Wedding, is about the woman that Jadyn is becoming inspite of it all. The loss she experienced will always be a whisper in her heart, but learning that you can still continue to live a life full of hope and love and joy after such an experience is part of what we see Jadyn realizing and coming to terms with in That Wedding. After learning in That Boy who Jadyn really is as a woman, in That Wedding, she learns what she can become as a woman with the person she loves by her side. Jadyn's journey has her realizing that perhaps getting married doesn't mean giving up the person you are, but rather finding someone that loves you for that person and making you even better than you even dreamed you could be. How being with and loving your best friend and finding the man you are destined to be with, only makes you more of who you are because they bring out the best parts of you... if you let them. And the question is... can Jadyn let herself be loved like that? So yes, while That Wedding is more lighthearted and funny, and steamy, don't be fooled by thinking it is in any way less profound and moving in Jadyn's life journey.

One of my favorite parts in the book, is the planning of Jadyn's wedding. It is obvious that Jillian did her homework and had a lot of fun with it. It made me want to get married all over again for some of the super cute ideas!

This book is for anyone that wants to be taken on a wonderful journey that will bring you a beautiful romance, laughs, tears, and make you fall in love with a book and its characters! Those are the best kinds of books in my opinion!

Order your copies of That Boy and That Wedding by CLICKING HERE! For more information about the amazing Jillian Dodd, CLICK HERE!

Review by Jennifer

Little Bloomer Books - Review of Scary School by Derek the Ghost

2012-03-04T20:01:00.000-07:00

I'm excited to introduce a new feature, Little Bloomer Books. Occasionally I am going to post reviews of middle grade titles! I have two daughters... H is 9 years old, and G is 5. They love to read books with me, and I thought it would be fun to post reviews of the books they read, and aside from my thoughts as their parent, give their opinions too. Since the books are geared towards children their ages, who better than to review the books???

Our first middle grade title is Scary School by Derek the Ghost

Book Title - Scary School
Author - Derek the Ghost
Illustrated by- Scott M. Fischer
Publisher - HarperCollins
Release date - June 21, 2011

Synopsis from Goodreads -
You think your school's scary?
Get a load of these teachers:
"Ms. Fang," an 850-year-old vampire
"Dr. Dragonbreath," who just might eat you before recess
"Mr. Snakeskin"--science class is so much more fun when it's taught by someone who's half zombie
"Mrs. T"--break the rules and spend your detention with a hungry "Tyrannosaurus rex"
Plus
Gargoyles, goblins, and Frankenstein's monster on the loose
The world's most frighteningly delicious school lunch
And
The narrator's an eleven-year-old ghost
Join Charles "New Kid" Nukid as he makes some very Scary friends--including Petunia, Johnny, and Peter the Wolf--and figures out that Scary School can be just as funny as it is spooky.

Mom's review - Little Charles Nukid is in for a big surprise when he starts attending a new school and is almost killed on his first day by a T-Rex in a blue dress for not wearing the school uniform, when he is the only one that IS wearing the school uniform, and his teachers are all different kinds of monsters, some of which kill students on a daily basis. The students all come back as either vampires, dragons or zombies though, so no worries because this is just a normal day at Scary School!

My girls loved this story. The descriptions of Scary School as well as the illustrations were so clever, and my girls found them hilarious. Entertaining, and with traces of adult humor throughout, all of us were thoroughly entertained while reading this book. The writing by the author is wonderful, easy to follow for the kids in its simplicity, but not so simple that it is dull and boring, instead it is packed to the brim with creativity. The characters are fun, imaginative, and likable and my girls giggled throughout this book at the fun and unique world the author created. We would read some of the book each night before bed, and after I would finish a chapter, they would beg me to keep reading more. Usually bed time is an aggravation, my kids will make ANY excuse as to why they can't get in their bed quite yet, not while I was reading this book to them! they couldn't get into bed fast enough, and were excited to read more each night! H already asked me if I could get another Scary School book, I would say that is a good sign :) Some parents may wonder if this book is too scary for their little one, and I would say no. G is 5, and she was never frightened. So for ages 5 and up, I would say this is fine, unless of course your child may scare easily. However, the "scary" moments are woven in with so much humor that my children were never afraid, they just laughed! This book was a winner for us!

H's thoughts - "One of my favorite parts is when a character in the book tells a joke and the author tells you to go to his website to hear the joke. I thought it was silly, and cool that it was on the website for us to listen to. The book made me laugh a lot, and I think other kids my age would really like it."

G's thoughts - "This book was awesome. The book was scary and I like scary stuff but it wasn't too creepy. The book made me happy and I would think about it sometimes during the day. I liked it when Mommy would read it to us before bed."

Be sure to check out www.scaryschool.com for more information!