I do accept books (only young adult) to be reviewed from big/small publishers or from any authors. I do not accept E-books. I also love to do interviews, giveaways, guest posts, or participate in blog tours. Do not hesitate to email me at katieb206@gmail.com
Rating System!
A: Amazing! Go buy it because it is totally worth it. B: Pretty good book. Some flaws but definitely give it a shot. C: Okay but not a book for me. Maybe check it out from your library before buying it. D: Really bad. Maybe check it out from your library but don't waste your money. F: Horrible. Don't even bother reading it.
In My Mailbox is a meme created by The Story Siren and inspired by Alea of Pop Culture Junkie! It is a list of what books you have received over the previous week, either in the mail, from the bookstore, from the library, or from trades. =]
Not very many books this week but that is actually good. I really need to get caught up and next month I will be visiting family out of state for most of the month so I won't have a lot of reading time. Also, I am really hoping to hit the used bookstores while I visit and find some good deals. =]
Oh but I did get some great books this week. All of them sound really good but I am most excited about The Sky Is Everywhere. I can't wait to start it and I hope that I will be able to soon.
I turned 18 today so I have been a bit busy but I am working on all the contest entries. Thanks to all the wonderful people who entered and winners should be posted either tonight or tomorrow morning, along with an IMM post!
Book: Daughters Of The Sea: Hannah by Kathryn Lasky
Rating: 3 Stars
Release date: September 1, 2009 from Scholastic
From: Publisher
Summary: Daughters of the Sea tells the story of 3 mermaid sisters who are separated at birth by a storm and go on to lead three very different lives. Book 1 is about Hannah, who spent her early days in an orphanage and is now a scullery maid in the house of rich, powerful family. She is irresistibly drawn to the sea and through a series of accidents and encounters discovers her true identity. Hannah realizes that she must keep the truth a secret but she also knows that soon she will have to make the choice - to be a creature of the land or the sea.
*****
For starters, this is definitely a middle grade book. I didn't know that when I received it but it was pretty obvious once I started reading it. It wasn't that a young adult wouldn't like it, it was more that it was just a really easy book for me to read and didn't have anything really explicit in it, unlike most YA books these days. =]
Hannah was a likable enough character and she definitely gained my sympathy from her situation. The only problem was that she was super quiet and I felt that she might have been a better character if she had been a bit more outspoken. I know she was a servant so that kind of makes things different but she never even really talked to the other servants. She just kept everything to herself and I would have liked it if she maybe made friends with the other servants. I didn't really get a feel for her personality and I felt she was undeveloped as a main character.
Also, her relationship with the painter was so weird, at least to me. It never really amounted to anything even though I really wanted it to. He seemed like he was maybe her friend, possibly more, but I just couldn't tell. He just kind of seemed to flirt with Hannah and then disappear. Oh and the book gave some hints about his past but nothing really concrete and nothing that was ever elaborated on.
The plot of the book was pretty much non-existent or if there was a plot, I didn't get it. The book just bored me and there were so many things I didn't understand
Overall, I didn't really like the book but I think it might appeal to some. It would be better for younger kids because I don't think they would question it nearly as much as I did. Also, this is the first in the trilogy so maybe some things will be explained later. Well I am hoping they will be explained later!
I just wanted to remind everyone about all my contests. I know I won't remember to post this tomorrow so I am posting it now. All of the contests, except the Hold Still one, will end tomorrow night at midnight. I am going to try my hardest to post all the winners on Saturday but it's also my birthday so I might be a little busy. They will be posted on Sunday at the latest!
That's all. If you haven't already entered, well what are you waiting for?
Summary: Very LeFreak has a problem: she’s a crazed technology addict. Very can’t get enough of her iPhone, laptop, IMs, text messages, whatever. If there’s any chance the incoming message, call, text, or photo might be from her supersecret online crush, she’s going to answer, no matter what. Nothing is too important: sleep, friends in mid-conversation, class, a meeting with the dean about academic probation. Soon enough, though, this obsession costs Very everything and everyone. Can she learn to block out the noise so she can finally hear her heart?
Rachel Cohn makes her Knopf solo debut with this funny, touching, and surely recognizable story about a girl and the technology habit that threatens everything.
So, the synopsis wasn't actually what made me want to read this. The trailer was. I saw it over at Tales Of A Ravenous Reader and I was hooked. I knew that it was going to be a book that I had to get as soon as it is released. It sounds so fun. I can't wait.
If you want to check out the trailer, go here. I know that isn't the only place to see it but that was the one that popped up first on Google. =]
Release date: October 27, 2009 from Farrar, Straus, and Giroux
From: Publisher
Summary: What’s your drink of choice? Is it a small pumpkin spice latte? Then you’re lots of fun and a bit sassy. Or a medium americano? You prefer simplicity in life. Or perhaps it’s a small decaf soy sugar-free hazelnut caffe latte? Some might call you a yuppie. Seventeen-year-old barista Jane Turner has this theory that you can tell a lot about a person by their regular coffee drink. She scribbles it all down in a notebook and calls it Espressology. So it’s not a totally crazy idea when Jane starts hooking up some of her friends based on their coffee orders. Like her best friend, Em, a medium hot chocolate, and Cam, a toffee nut latte. But when her boss, Derek, gets wind of Jane’s Espressology, he makes it an in-store holiday promotion, promising customers their perfect matches for the price of their favorite coffee. Things are going better than Derek could ever have hoped, so why is Jane so freaked out? Does it have anything to do with Em dating Cam? She’s the one who set them up! She should be happy for them, right?
With overtones of Jane Austen’s Emma and brimming with humor and heart, this sweet, frothy debut will be savored by readers.
*****
The Espressologist was such a cute book with such a unique storyline. I never would have thought to match people up based on their coffee drink of choice. It was actually a brilliant and plausible idea that really livened the book up and made it stand out among YA romances.
Jane works at a coffee shop called Wired Joes. She's always bored so she analyzes the customers and writes down her thoughts in her notebook. When one of her friends is dumped by his girlfriend, she makes it her business to fix him up based on his drink. Surprisingly, it works and her idea for Espressology really takes off. And when her boss finds out, things get even crazier.
It was actually pretty comical, all the things Jane did. She was really good at matching up other people but not so great at picking the right guy for herself, even when he was right in front of her. My only problem with the book was that it was kind of predictable. There were some surprising things that I never would have guessed but from the very first page, I knew who Jane was going to end up with and it kind of ruined the fun for me. I guess it's kind of hard to make it mysterious when it is a romance but at least this one had something new.
Overall, I really did enjoy The Espressologist. It was a really quick and fun read. I would definitely recommend it if you love short, sweet romances. =]
Summary: An arresting story about starting over after a friend’s suicide, from a breakthrough new voice in YA fiction.
dear caitlin, there are so many things that i want so badly to tell you but i just can’t.
Devastating, hopeful, hopeless, playful . . . in words and illustrations, Ingrid left behind a painful farewell in her journal for Caitlin. Now Caitlin is left alone, by loss and by choice, struggling to find renewed hope in the wake of her best friend’s suicide. With the help of family and newfound friends, Caitlin will encounter first love, broaden her horizons, and start to realize that true friendship didn’t die with Ingrid. And the journal which once seemed only to chronicle Ingrid’s descent into depression, becomes the tool by which Caitlin once again reaches out to all those who loved Ingrid—and Caitlin herself.
Details:
-Penguin was so awesome and donated one finished copy for one of you guys to win. This is not one of my birthday contests so it will not be ending on the 31st.
-Check out the awesome trailers for this book. The one made for the Point Of View site is here and the one that Nina made is here. For one entry into the contest comment and tell me which one you like better!
-Also, on October 28th at 7 PM Pacific time Nina's event at the Borders in San Francisco will be streaming live at the POV site. You can check it out here. You will get 5 extra entries if you watch that on Wednesday!
Requirements:
-You must be a follower to enter. If you aren't already a follower then just click the follow button in the lefthand sidebar and you will be eligible.
-You must leave a valid email in your comment. If you don't feel comfortable leaving your email in a comment email it to me. Just click the contact button in the menu bar to do that. =]
-This contest is only for residents of the United States and Canada.
Extra entries:
+1 become a follower
+2 already a follower
+5 watch Nina's event at the POV website on Wednesday
In case I didn't make this clear, to be entered you must tell me which trailer you prefer. That is your main entry and the rest are extras. Sorry if I didn't state that too well.
This contest will end on November 10 so start entering!
In My Mailbox is a meme created by The Story Siren and inspired by Alea of Pop Culture Junkie! It is a list of what books you have received over the previous week, either in the mail, from the bookstore, from the library, or from trades. =]
I didn't do my IMM last week so this is two weeks worth of books. I didn't buy any this week. All of these are from last week and some of them I have already read but I wanted to finish out my series so I bought them. Also, I got Blue Bloods for less than five dollars so it was a steal. The rest of them were ones that I really wanted but had been putting off getting.
For review this week I got a ton of books that I can't wait to read. I got Gone yesterday and I almost screamed. It was so unexpected and I can't wait to read it. The Naughty List was the same for me. It looks so cute and I hope to read it really soon.
Summary: On Solange’s sixteenth birthday, she is going to wake up dead. As if that’s not bad enough, she also has to outwit her seven overprotective older brothers, avoid the politics involved with being the only daughter born to an ancient vampire dynasty, and elude Kieran Black—agent of an anti-vampire league who is searching for his father’s killer and is intent on staking Solange and her entire family.
Luckily she has her own secret weapon—her human best friend Lucy—who is willing to defend Solange’s right to a normal life, whether she’s being smothered by her well-intentioned brothers or abducted by a power-hungry queen. Two unlikely alliances are formed in a race to save Solange’s eternal life—Lucy and Solange’s brother Nicholas, and Solange and Kieran Black—in a dual romance that is guaranteed to jump start any romance-lover’s heart.
Seeing as I don't feel like doing my IMM tonight, I decided that I would post a new contest instead. Bloomsbury was awesome and provided me with an ARC of Hearts At Stake to giveaway to one lucky reader. =]
Details: -One reader will win an ARC of Hearts At Stake by Alyxandra Harvey!
Requirements: -You must be a follower to enter. If you aren't already one, become one! -You must leave a valid email in your comment. If you don't feel comfortable leaving it in a comment, email me your entries. -Please inlude all entries in one comment. -This contest is international!
Extra entries: +1 become a follower +2 link to contest (up to 3) +3 already a follower
That's it. I am going to try to fit in another contest before my birthday but if not I will save it until November. This one ends on October 30 like all the others so start entering!
Summary: Samara Taylor used to believe in miracles. She used to believe in a lot of things. As a pastor's kid, it's hard not to buy in to the idea of the perfect family, a loving God, and amazing grace. But lately, Sam has a lot of reason to doubt. Her mother lands in rehab after a DUI and her father seems more interested in his congregation than his family. When a young girl in her small town is kidnapped, the local tragedy overlaps with Sam's personal one, and the already-worn thread of faith holding her together begins to unravel.
In her third novel, acclaimed author Sara Zarr examines the coexistence of affliction and hope, and what happens when everything you thought you believed---about God, about your family, about yourself---is transformed.
*****
Once Was Lost was my first ever book by Sara Zarr. I know I am very behind most bloggers and I plan to remedy that as soon as possible. If her other books are anything like this one, I know I will love them.
When I first started reading Once Was Lost, I wasn’t sure I would even be able to finish it. I really don’t like books about religion. It’s not really the topic that turns me off, it’s the writing. Most religious books are preachy and I can’t stand that. I read to get away from being told what to do. Luckily, Once Was Lost wasn’t like any other book about religion that I have read. It wasn’t preachy at all and all the religious matter had to do with the storyline. It didn’t detract from the book at all.
Also, this was not your typical religious family. Samara’s dad was the pastor at one of the many churches in their tiny town. Everyone knew him and his family, but nobody really knew what that family was like. Eventually Samara realizes that not even she knows what her family is truly like because they are forced to lie and pretend to be perfect, when they are anything but. Once Was Lost is Samara’s journey to find that truth with the help of some new friends and some old ones.
Overall, I think this is one of the best books I have read recently. The storyline was really captivating and I just wanted to keep reading. I think if you give this book a shot, you won’t want to put it down either!
Book: Soulstice (The Devouring Book 2) by Simon Holt
Rating: 5 Stars
Release date: September 1,2009 from Little,Brown
Summary: The terrifying, nail-biting, and grossly intriguing sequel to The Devouring.
It's been six months since Reggie first discovered and fought against the Vours, malicious and demonic beings that inhabit human bodies on the eve of the Winter Solstice.
The Vours still haunt Reggie, but only in her dreams-until one night, when an unexpected visitor turns her nightmares into reality.
The battle against evil continues in Soulstice, the second book in the thrilling The Devouring series, which School Library Journal called, "Comparable to books by R. L. Stine and Stephen King....A must-have for horror fans."
*****
SPOILER ALERT: If you haven’t read the first book in the series there will be spoilers.
The first thing I want to say about this is that it is probably my new favorite series! I loved both this and the first one. They were both the perfect mixes of scary, funny, and cute. I definitely never really thought that I would like the books when I started but I was so wrong.
Soulstice begins six months after the ending of The Devouring and I really got into it from the very first page. Reggie’s visions from the Vours are getting worse but she doesn’t know who the Vour is. She knows Quinn is gone but she also knows that there are more Vours in her small town and they continue to torment her, her brother, and her friend. And things seem to be getting more intense for all of them and Henry is finally getting his memories back. And Reggie gets an unexpected visit in the middle of the night that I really did not see coming. The book really took off from there.
The one thing that tore me up about this book was how sad I felt for Henry. He was only eight and he had no clue what had happened to him or why he wanted to hurt people that were mean to him. He thought he was the monster when it was just the Vour inside him. I felt so bad for him. He was too cute. =]
Oh and I will warn you that the end is a total cliffhanger. I never expected it and there were so many other things that I couldn’t have predicted would happen in the book. It was just so great! But yeah if you don’t like waiting you might want to hold off on reading this one until we know when the next book will be released.
Overall, I think you can tell what I think about this series. Check it out because it is purely awesome and like I said, right in time for Halloween!
Release date: February 9, 2010 from Delacorte BFYR
Summary: LACEY’S WORLD SHATTERS when her dad is killed in a car accident. And secretly? She feels like it’s her fault. If she hadn’t taken her own sweet time getting ready that morning . . . well, it never would have happened. Her mom wouldn’t be a basket case. Her brother Logan wouldn’t drink. And her little brother would still have two parents.
But life goes on even if you don’t want it to. And when Lacey gets the chance to make a difference in the lives of some people at school, she jumps at it. Making lemonade out of lemons is her specialty. Except she didn’t count on meeting a guy like Sam. Or that sometimes? Lemonade can be a pretty bitter drink to swallow.
I love this cover. It's so bright for such a sad sounding book. And even though it does sound sad, it also sounds really good. I haven't read any of Kristin Harmel's other books so I think this will be a good one to start with. I can't wait for February!
* Grab your current read. * Let the book fall to a random page. * Share two (2) "teaser" sentences from that page, somewhere between lines 7 and 12. * Share the title of the book that you're getting your teaser from... That way people can have some great book recommendations if they like the teaser you've given! * Please avoid spoilers!
SPOILER ALERT: If you haven't read the first 3 books, don't read this teaser!
From page 30 of The Van Alen Legacy by Melissa de la Cruz:
Mimi nodded. She released her hold on his mind, and the four of them stepped back into the real world. Their witness was slumped over the table, snoring.
This was no suspect.
This was a victim.
Wow. I am farther than this but I didn't want to give too much away from the book. I started it late last night and I plan on finishing it before I go to bed today. It is just so good I can hardly put it down. I think it is probably the best book in the series so far and it is so full of shocking surprises. I can tell that as soon as I finish it I will be dying for the next one.
Summary: Getting into Yale has been Kate Larson’s dream for years—and being overworked and under-rested is the price of admission. But when she opens her eyes after falling asleep on her keyboard one night, she comes face-to-face with, well, herself.
Meet Kate’s computer-generated twin. Kate doesn’t know why she’s here or how to put her back where she belongs, but she’s real. And she’s the last thing Kate has time to deal with right now. Unless. . .could having a double be the answer to Kate’s prayers?
In this hilarious second novel, Cherry Cheva introduces a character who has been granted the wish of every overscheduled teen everywhere—for there to be two of her. But as everyone knows, you should be careful what you wish for...it just might come true and wear all your clothes and steal your boyfriend.
*****
Well what can I say about Duplikate? It's hard to find words to describe such a great book. It was so funny but more than that, it was real. Having just recently graduated from high school I could really picture everything Kate was going through and totally relate to it.
Kate's social life is pretty much nonexistent with applications and extracurricular activities. She almost never gets to see her boyfriend or her friend. Add to that a huge science project for her final with a slacker for a partner and things become too much to handle. Then Rina shows up.
I guess one of the things I liked so much about Duplikate was that it wasn't very predictable. I hate books where you know exactly what is going to happen as soon as you open the book. It takes all the fun out of reading a book.
Overall, I really liked Duplikate and it's a good book for people of any age group. If you have graduated from high school of are in high school you will really know what Kate has to go through and realize that you are not alone. =]
Book: The Sky Always Hears Me: And The Hills Don't Mind
Rating: 5 Stars
Release date: September 1, 2009 from Flux
Summary: I borrow the car again from Grandma and drive out to my hill. I scream I AM A BIG FAT ZERO, plus I AM SWEARING OFF KISSING FOREVER, and I HATE BEING A SECRET SEX FIEND, about sixteen times each. Then I sit very still and watch a hawk swirl over the fields. I have to get a new life before I go crazy.
Sixteen-year-old Morgan lives in a hick town. Her mom was killed in a car accident when she was two, her dad drinks, and her stepmom is a non-entity. Her boyfriend Derek is boring and she can't stop staring at her coworker Rob's cute butt. Then there's the kiss she shared with her neighbor Tessa . . . But when Morgan discovers a devastating secret about the one person she completely trusted, her entire world crashes and she must redefine her life and herself.
Compelling and complex, The Sky Always Hears Me is a fast-paced narrative with raw humor and a heart-wrenching twist.
*****
The first review I read about The Sky Always Hears Me: And The Hills don't mind made it shoot right to the top of my wishlist. When Id finally got a copy, I couldn't wait to read it. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint me in any way.
Morgan lives in a town in the middle of nowhere with nothing to do except work, write crazy fortunes, and stare at Rob's butt. Well okay maybe more than that but those are Morgan's favorite things. And from descriptions of Rob, I wouldn't mind staring at his butt either. =]
The only big flaw in Morgan's plan is that she already has a boyfriend. Not a very smart boyfriend but still a boyfriend. Then add to that a cute boy, a kiss with a girl, and things really start to heat up in that tiny little town. Oh, and on top of all that she wants to write a great American novel and that can't happen where she lives, so what is she to do but find a way to get out?
I really did like Morgan. There were times I didn't agree with her thinking, when she was being stubborn and selfish, but it didn't make me dislike her. Morgan was just a good character all around. She was normal and relatable and quite funny. She had relationship, friendship, and family problems but she didn't let it get her down and ruin her dreams. In fact, it made her stronger.
Also, one of the best things about this book was how Kirstin Cronn-Mills incorporated so many issues that are very present in today's society but she didn't overdo it. There was homosexuality, bullying, sex, prejudices, and so much more. Normally it would seem a bit much for one book but somehow it wasn't. It was honest and real and just perfect.
Overall, I think The Sky Always Hears Me: And The Hills Don't Mind is something everyone will enjoy. It involves so many things relevant to today's teens and it portrays them all in a very enjoyable way. My warning to anyone who reads this is: don't read in a public place. You will find yourself getting some very odd looks when you start laughing out loud. So I definitely think you should add this one to your to be read list because if you give it a chance, I am sure you will like it. =]
Summary: It’s a fight to the death—on live TV—when a gladiator’s daughter steps into the arena.
Lyn is a neo-gladiator’s daughter, through and through. Her mother has made a career out of marrying into the high-profile world of televised blood sport, and the rules of the Gladiator Sports Association are second nature to their family. Always lend ineffable confidence to the gladiator. Remind him constantly of his victories. And most importantly: Never leave the stadium when your father is dying. The rules help the family survive, but rules—and the GSA—can also turn against you. When a gifted young fighter kills Lyn’s seventh father, he also captures Lyn’s dowry bracelet, which means she must marry him... For fans of The Hunger Games and Fight Club, Lise Haines’ debut novel is a mesmerizing look at a world addicted to violence—a modern world that’s disturbingly easy to imagine.
*****
Girl in the Arena was quite an unusual book. It was unlike anything I have read before, but not always in a good way. In the end, I liked the book but as I was reading it, I wasn’t so sure. It didn’t really get good until really near the end and I know that might make a lot of people give up on it without even finishing it.
First off, the writing style is very odd. It took me a while to figure out what I didn’t like about it but I finally realized that it seemed choppy. Chapters ended in the middle of conversations, dialogue wasn’t in quotes, and things just seemed to switch a lot without any warning. It didn’t make the book bad but it did take me a while to get used to the style and it was mainly just annoying.
Also, the summary is so misleading. I went into the book expecting something similar to The Hunger Games with battles and gore and while we did get that, it was very minor. The main battles were at the very beginning and the very end. Oh and it also made me think that Lyn would be spending most of the book in battles with her dad’s killer, Uber. In actuality she was only in battle for about three or four pages of the book. I guess I just really wanted more from it.
Another thing I didn’t really like was the ending because I felt that there could have been more to it and it was just so open. I am actually hoping that there might be a sequel just so I can really find out what happens to Lyn and her family. It seemed like there was so much unfinished business between Lynn and Uber.
Overall, Girl in the Arena was just okay. I think there could have been so much more to it and I really do hope that there might be more in the works. I guess this is one I would recommend checking out from your library before buying.
Summary: "When dark creeps in and eats the light, Bury your fears on Sorry Night. For in the winter's blackest hours, Comes the feasting of the Vours, No one can see it, the life they stole, Your body's here but not your soul..."
THE VOURS: Evil, demonic beings that inhabit human bodies on Sorry Night, the darkest hours of the winter solstice.
When Reggie reads about the Vours in a mysterious old journal, she assumes they are just the musings of an anonymous lunatic. But when her little brother, Henry, begins to act strangely, it's clear that these creatures exist beyond a madwoman's imagination, and Reggie finds out what happens when fears come to life.
To save the people she loves, Reggie must learn to survive in a world of nightmares. Can she devour her own fears before they devour her?
The Devouring is an engrossing tale of terror that will have you wondering: what if your worst fears became your living nightmare?
*****
The Devouring was my first scary book.It wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be but I don’t recommend reading this when you are alone at night.You might get a little spooked!=]
Reggie’s whole life begins to change when she finds an old book called The Devouring in the bookstore where she works.She and her best friend Aaron are huge horror fans so she figures there won’t be any harm in borrowing it.When strange things start happening to her little brother, Henry, Reggie begins to believe The Devouring might be more than fiction and the only way to save her brother is to dig deeper into the history of the Vours.
When I first started The Devouring I didn’t see anything really scary about it.I read about 50 pages in and I still couldn’t really get into the story.I just had to make myself keep reading and I finally got to the good stuff.And boy was I wrong about the book.It may not have been creepy to begin with but it was once I really started reading.
The characters weren’t that well-developed but it didn’t detract from the story.You could tell that Reggie really loved her little brother and that she would do anything for him.You could also tell that their dad wasn’t really all there, ever since their mom left them.My one really big question was about the family history.There wasn’t really info about when or why their mom left.I would’ve liked to know more about that.
Overall, I really did love The Devouring.And while I say that it’s scary, don’t let it stop you from giving it a try.I think it was just the right amount of horror, friendship, and love.When everything is together, in the end, it just balances.And it’s just in time for Halloween!
Yay, another contest! This time it is for two signed copies of The Ex Games by Jennifer Echols. She was so kind as to offer them up to two lucky readers. My review is posted and you should know that it is a great book. I loved it and I hope that if you guys don't win you will still go out and get yourself a copy!
Details:
-Two readers will win signed copies of The Ex Games by Jennifer Echols.
Requirements:
-You must be a follower to enter. If you aren't one already, just click on the follow button in the left sidebar.
-You must leave a valid email in your comment. If you don't feel comfortable leaving your email address in a comment, email your entries to me at katieb206[at]gmail[dot]com
-Please include all entries in one comment.
-This is for US and Canada residents only. Sorry international followers!
Extra entries:
+1 become a follower
+2 link to the contest somewhere (up to 3)
+3 already a follower
+4 comment on my review
That's all you have to do. Just leave me a comment with this info and you are entered. This one also ends on October 30 so start entering. =]
Summary: BRACE YOURSELF FOR THE BATTLE OF THE EXES...
Hayden and Nick used to be a hot item, but their brief affair ended with a highly publicized break-up. Now the two are “just friends,” excluding the occasional flirtation.
When Hayden wins the girls’ division of a local snowboarding competition, Nick is unimpressed, claiming that Hayden wouldn’t have a chance against a guy. Hayden calls Nick’s bluff and challenges him to a head-to-head boarding contest. Their mutual friends quickly take sides, the girls on Hayden’s and the boys on Nick’s, making for an all-out battle of the sexes. This friendly competition is bound to get heated--and if they’re not careful, they might end up igniting some old flames.
*****
Okay first off, I love Jennifer Echols books.I don’t think she can write a bad book.So it stands to reason that The Ex Games was wonderful!I loved it.It was a perfect mix of seriousness, comedy, romance, and of course, battle of the exes.
One of the things I loved was that I was kept guessing.Nick and Hayden were always at each other’s throats.I never knew if they were going to start making out or hitting each other.Also, their friends were so funny.Of course both of their friends were dating each other so they were always trying to set them up together.And a couple times it seemed like it might work but then one of them opened their big mouths and managed to screw everything up, again.I was left wondering till the very end what would happen.And that is always a good thing!
Oh and the whole book wasn’t just about Hayden and Nick’s relationship status.When Hayden accidentally said something that upset Nick, he challenged her to a battle of the exes, snowboarding style.=]Now is one of those times I wish I could snowboard.It sounds so cool and there was quite a bit of it in the book.And while there was a lot of snowboarding going on, I didn’t feel confused about what they were talking about.There was just enough description to explain things without going overboard.I hate it when a book has too much information.
Overall, The Ex Games is probably the best Simon Pulse Romantic Comedy that I have ever read.Most of the time they are too predictable but this one stands out.If you haven’t read it yet, or anything else by Jennifer Echols go pick up a book.Like I said, they are all good so it doesn’t matter which one you start with.I am positive you will end up wanting more.=]
I know this is super short notice but there is a family emergency so I am leaving tomorrow for Texas. I am going to try to schedule some posts to keep on track with my October contests but that is on top of packing and getting everything ready. Also, I am pretty sure that I won't have internet access while in Texas other than to check my emails so if you need to get in touch for some reason, email me. =]
Hopefully I will be back soon and maybe able to post while I am there but I can't promise anything.
Book: A Match Made In High School by Kristin Walker
Release date: February 4, 2010 from Razorbill
Summary: When the principal announces that every senior must participate in a mandatory year-long Marriage Education program, Fiona Sheehan believes that her life can’t get any worse. Then she marries her “husband”: Jerky jock Todd, whose cheerleader girlfriend, Amanda, has had it in for Fiona since day one of second grade. Even worse? Amanda is paired with Fiona’s long-term crush, Gabe. At least Fiona is doing better than her best friend, Marcie, who is paired up with the very quiet, very mysterious Johnny Mercer. Pranks, fights, misunderstandings, and reconciliations ensue in an almost Shakespearean comedy of errors about mistaken first impressions, convoluted coupling, and hidden crushes.
My thoughts: Originally, this was supposed to be released this year so I have known about it for a while. Pretty much since the first time I heard about it, I have wanted to read it. It sounds like a really cute, funny book and I love the cover. I was really disappointed when it wasn't released this year but now it just gives me another book to add to my 2010 wishlist. =]
* Grab your current read. * Let the book fall to a random page. * Share two (2) "teaser" sentences from that page, somewhere between lines 7 and 12. * Share the title of the book that you're getting your teaser from... That way people can have some great book recommendations if they like the teaser you've given! * Please avoid spoilers!
From page 21 of How To Say Goodbye In Robot by Natalie Standiford: Maybe Anne and her friends were right. G-g-g-ghost Boy was a lost cause, beyond the reach of the human world. But what about the Robot World? Robot World had room for misfits of all stripes. We would see.
I haven't gotten very far in this one yet but it's pretty funny so far. Bea is just so weird, it's funny. And I don't really know much about Jonah yet but I think I will like him. I guess you guys will just have to wait for the review to find out more. =]
Book: Demon Princess: Reign Or Shine by Michelle Rowen
Rating: 5 Stars
Release date: September 29, 2009 from Walker Books
Summary: As if trying to fit in at a new school isn't stressful enough, sixteen-year-old Nikki Donovan just found out that her long-lost father is, in fact, the demon king of the Shadowlands—the world that separates and protects us from the Underworld. When she is brought there by the mysterious—and surprisingly cute—messenger Michael, she learns that her father is dying, and he wants her to assume the throne. To complicate matters, a war is brewing between the Shadowlands and the Underworld, her half-demon qualities are manifesting, and her gowing feelings for Michael are completely forbidden. Ruling a kingdom, navigating a secret crush, and still making it home by curfew—what's a teenage demon princess to do?
*****
OMG I loved this book! It was so fantastic! I have nothing bad to say about it. It was just perfect, at least in my opinion. Michelle Rowen has made a spectacular start to her YA writing career. I just can’t wait for the second book!
I loved Nikki and Michael. At first, I didn’t think they would be good together but as I got into the book my opinion totally changed. They seemed perfect for each other once I got used to the idea. And Nikki is a great main character. You find out a lot about her background without it getting boring or repetitive. Also, she was really strong. Strong girls in books are just something that I love. She wasn’t whiny or bratty either and that is one of my biggest peeves when it comes to main characters.
The whole storyline was really good. It’s not an overdone plot which makes the book even better. I loved that the story was about demons and not werewolves or vampires, for once. No offense to those books but they are being overdone right now and I love the originality of this new series. Also, this book does have some awesome unicorns and evil fairies involved. How cool is that?
Overall, I guess I stated what I thought about this book in the first sentence of my review, I loved it! I really think this is going to be a great new series and I will be rushing out to buy the next book as soon as it hits shelves! =]
It's that time again. Time for another contest! This time I will be giving away an awesome Jessica's Guide To Dating On The Dark Side t-shirt along with some swag from Beth Fantaskey. Sadly, I don't have a picture available and my camera is dead but that just means that the winner will be surprised when they get the t-shirt.
Details:
-One reader will win a Jessica's Guide To Dating On The Dark Side t-shirt along with signed swag from Beth Fantaskey!
Requirements:
-You must be a follower to enter .
-You must leave a valid email address in your comment. If you aren't comfortable leaving your email in a comment, email it to me at katieb206[at]gmail[dot]com
-Please include all entries in one comment.
-This is an international contest!
Extra entries:
+1 become a follower
+2 link to the contest (up to 3)
+3 already a follower
This is another one of those contests that ends on October 30 so start entering!
Summary:Shelby’s summer plans go totally awry when her horrible stepmother sends her off to “brat camp” as punishment for one too many broken curfews. Camp is full of spoiled rich kids, obnoxious counselors wanting Shelby to talk about her feelings, and a totally inhumane “no cell phones” policy.
Things start looking up, though, when Shelby meets fellow camper (and son of a rock star) Austin Bridges III. But soon she realizes there’s more to Austin than crush material—his family has a dark secret, and he wants Shelby’s help guarding it. Shelby knows that bad boys get her into trouble…but who is she to turn her back on a guy in need, especially such a good-looking one?
******
When I first started Never Cry Werewolf, I was skeptical. Most of the reviews I read said the book wasn't very good and one even said it was so boring she couldn't finish it. I was actually really pleased to find out that I didn't agree with those reviewers and I really enjoyed the book.
From the very first chapter, I was hooked. Shelby seemed to be a very likable character and one that I could find myself sympathizing with. When she got sent to brat camp it just got even more interesting. Especially when she met Austin. He was a really cute character with a bad boy edge but I felt like I didn't get to know him or his past, as much as I did with Shelby. The same goes with Ariel. I really wanted to know more about her and I wish her role had been bigger. She was just kind of a mystery to me.
And then there was the plot. Short, sweet, and to the point. Austin is a werewolf and he needs to get his medicine or get away from camp before the full moon. That's basically the whole story with some personality growth thrown in. Even though the story was rather predictable, I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Overall, Never Cry Werewolf was a very cute werewolf story. It's definitely no Shiver but it was still good. Also, the ending seemed a little open so I'm hoping for a sequel from Heather Davis in the future!
In My Mailbox is a meme created by The Story Siren and inspired by Alea of Pop Culture Junkie! It is a list of what books you have received over the previous week, either in the mail, from the bookstore, from the library, or from trades. =]
Okay so that is it for this week, at least for the stuff that you guys can see. The rest of the books and swag I got for more contests and you will just have to wait. I should be posting another contest tomorrow and at least one other this week.
Also, I am super excited about the books that I got this week. I got some awesome ARC's that I plan on reading as soon as possible. I don't even know where to start. I love the Gallagher Girls books so I am really eager to read Heist Society but Hex Hall is also right up there. Well how about this, what do you think I should read next?
As I was cleaning up my blog, I realized that the sidebar was a little crowded. I decided to make a post of all the books that I have read this year and I will add to it as I read more. There will be a link in the menu so you can check them out and the list in the sidebar will be gone. =]
~#~ 13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson
~A~ After by Amy Efaw After The Moment by Garret Freyman-Weyr All-American Girl by Meg Cabot Along For The Ride by Sarah Dessen And Then Everything Unraveled by Jennifer Sturman As You Wish by Jackson Pearce Ash by Malinda Lo Awakening, The by Kelley Armstrong
~B~ Bad Apple by Laura Ruby Bad Girls Don't Die by Katie Alender
Ballad by Maggie Stiefvater Beautiful Americans by Lucy Silag
Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margi Stohl Betwixt by Tara Bray Smith
Blue Bloods: The Van Alen Legacy by Melissa de la Cruz Blue Moon by Alyson Noel Breathing by Cheryl Renee Herbsman Breathless by Jessica Warman
~C~ Candor by Pam Bachorz
Cashing In by Susan Colebank Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins Coffeehouse Angel by Suzanne Selfors Comeback, The by Marlene Perez
~D~ Dark Divine, The by Bree Despain Daughters Of The Sea: Hannah by Kathryn Lasky Debs, The by Susan McBride Debs, The: Love, Lies, and Texas Dips by Susan McBride Demon Princess: Reign Or Shine by Michelle Rowen Destroy All Cars by Blake Nelson Devil's Kiss, The by Sarwat Chadda Devouring, The by Simon Holt
Disreputable History Of Frankie Landau-Banks, The by E. Lockhart Do-Over by Niki Burnham
DupliKate by Cherry Cheva
~E~ Elite, The by Jennifer Banash Envy by Anna Godbersen The Esspressologist by Kristina Springer Ever by Gail Carson Levine Evermore by Alyson Noel Ex Games, The by Jennifer Echols Eyes Like Stars by Lisa Mantchev
~F~ Fade by Lisa McMann Fairest by Gail Carson Levine Fairest Of Them All by Jan Blazanin Fallen by Lauren Kate Fathom Five by James Bow Food, Girls, and Other Things I Can't Have by Allen Zadoff
~G~ Geektastic edited by Holly Black and Cecil Castelluci Generation Dead by Daniel Waters Girl In The Arena by Lise Haines Girlfriend Material by Melissa Kantor
Give Up The Ghost by Megan Crewe Going Too Far by Jennifer Echols
Gone by Lisa McMann
~H~ Hate List by Jennifer Brown Heartbreak River by Tricia Mills Hearts At Stake (The Drake Chronicles) by Alyxandra Harvey
Hold Still by Nina LaCour
How I Found The Perfect Dress by Maryrose Wood How It Ends by Laura Wiess
How To Say Goodbye In Robot by Natalie Standiford Hunger Games, The by Suzanne Collins Hush,Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick
~I~
I Am A Genius Of Unspeakable Evil And I Want To Be Your Class President by Josh Lieb In Too Deep by Jennifer Banash Intertwined by Gena Showalter
~J~ Jessica's Guide To Dating On The Dark Side by Beth Fantaskey Jumping Off Swings by Jo Knowles Just Another Girl by Melody Carlson
~K~ Killer by Sara Shepard Kiss In Time, A by Alex Flinn Kiss Of Life by Daniel Waters
~L~ Labor Of Love by Rachel Hawthorne Lady Macbeth's Daughter by Lisa Klein
Lament by Maggie Stiefvater Last Christmas by Kate Brian
Little Black Lies by Tish Cohen Lipstick Apology by Jennifer Jabaley Lost It by Kristen Tracy Lost Summer, The by Kathryn Williams Love Is The Higher Law by David Levithan Love Undercover by Jo Edwards Love You Hate You Miss You by Elizabeth Scott
~M~ Magic Study by Maria V Snyder
Magic Under Glass by Jaclyn Dolamore Maine Squeeze by Catherine Clark Map Of The Known World, A by Lisa Ann Sandell
Miles Between, The by Mary E. Pearson
~N~ Need by Carrie Jones Never Cry Werewolf by Heather Davis
Nothing Like You by Lauren Strasnick
~O~ Oh My Gods by Tera Lynn Childs Once Was Lost by Sara Zarr
~P~ Paradise Lost by Kate Brian Pastworld by Ian Beck
Poison Study by Maria V Snyder Poseur by Rachel Maude Prophecy Of The Sisters by Michelle Zink Psych Major Syndrome by Alicia Thompson
~R~ Radiant Darkness by Emily Whitman
Raiders' Ransom by Emily Diamand Red Queen's Daughter, The by Jacqueline Kolosov Revealers by Amanda Marrone Revelation by Kate Brian Rule Of Won, The by Stefan Petrucha
~S~ Same Difference by Siobahn Vivian Season, The by Sarah Maclean Second Skin by Jessica Wollman
Secret Society by Tom Dolby Secrets Of Truth And Beauty by Megan Frazer
Shadowland by Alyson Noel Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater Shrinking Violet by Danielle Joseph Sky Always Hears Me And The Hills Don't Mind, The by Kirstin Cronn Mills Snap by Carol Snow Soulstice by Simon Holt Spring Breakup by Stephanie Hale Stay With Me by Garret Freyman-Weyr Such A Pretty Girl by Laura Wiess Summoning, The by Kelley Armstrong Suspicion by Kate Brian
~T~
Taken By Storm by Angela Morrison Tangled by Carolyn Mackler
Touch by Francine Prose Troy High by Shana Norris Twenty Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler
~U~ Uninvited by Justine Musk Unwritten Girl, The by James Bow
~V~ Violet By Design by Melissa Walker Violet In Private by Melissa Walker Violet On The Runway by Melissa Walker
~W~ Waiting For You by Susane Colasanti Wake by Lisa McMann
Waking, The: Dreams Of The Dead by Thomas Randall Wanderlust (Beautiful Americans #2) by Lucy Silag What Happens Here by Tara Altebrando
What I Wore To Save The World by Maryrose Wood What Would Emma Do? by Eileen Cook Wherever Nina Lies by Lynn Weingarten
Why I Let My Hair Grow Out by Maryrose Wood Wicked by Sara Shepard Wings by Aprilynne Pike
Wish You Were Dead by Todd Strasser
WTF by Peter Lerangis
~Y~ You Are Here by Jennifer E Smith Young City, The by James Bow
Release date: October 13, 2009 from Simon and Schuster
Summary: For Nora Grey, romance was not part of the plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how much her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her. Not until Patch came along. With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Nora is drawn to him against her better judgment.
But after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora's not sure who to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is, and to know more about her than her closest friends. She can't decide whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide. And when she tries to seek some answers, she finds herself near a truth that is way more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel.
For Nora is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those that have fallen - and, when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost her life.
*****
I am in love! With Hush, Hush! =]
When I started Hush, Hush I expected to be disappointed. I have read some really great reviews for it and some horrible reviews for it. I didn’t know who to side with so I just decided to read it for myself. And at first I was disappointed. It seemed a bit Twilight-ish. Nora meets Patch in biology when they sit next to each other and for some reason they are really drawn to each other. It was a bit too familiar. After that, though, everything changed and it became a very unique book full of fallen angels, battles, romance, and history. Quite the mix!
Patch was sexily arrogant. I know arrogance isn’t really a good thing for guys but he just managed to pull it off. He was really full of himself which did annoy me a little bit but I got over it. He just seemed so hot! I can’t believe I have fallen for another fictional character. I am ashamed of myself. =]
Then there was Nora. She seemed a bit like a nerd and kind of shy but I liked her. Of course I am also totally jealous that she gets Patch but I will get over it. She was just one of those characters that you can’t help but like. I couldn’t really find many things wrong with her except that she acted kind of dumb in scary situations. She made me think of horror movies where you scream at the girl to run the other way and she runs toward the masked murderer. It was actually kind of entertaining.
Overall, I really did love Hush, Hush and I am already super excited for the sequel. If you haven’t managed to snag an ARC in one of the many contests for them, go buy it! It’s totally worth it!
This was going to be a wish-list of books that I really wanted but I decided it would benefit you guys more if I made it more of a list of books that are going to be released soon or in the relatively near future. The idea was taken from The Story Siren. =]
February 2012:
1
-Angelina's Secret by Lisa J. Rogers
-The Boy On Cinnamon Street by Phoebe Stone
-Drowning Instinct by Ilsa J. Bick
-The Girls Of No Return by Erin Saldin
-The Knife And The Butterfly by Ashley Hope Perez
-The Lifeguard by Deborah Blumenthal
2
-Beneath A Meth Moon by Jacqueline Woodson
-Chopsticks by Jessica Anthony and Rodrigo Corral
-Harbinger by Sara Wilson Etienne
-This One Time With Julia by David Lampson
6
-DJ Rising by Love Maia
-The Rivals by Daisy Whitney
7
-Almost Everything (Vampire Princess #3) by Tate Hallaway
-Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood
-Dead To You by Lisa McMann
-The Miseducation Of Cameron Post by Emily M. Danforth
-The One That I Want by Jennifer Echols
-Two Truths And A Lie (The Lying Game #3) by Sara Shepard
8
-In Too Deep by Amanda Grace
-Pure by Julianna Baggott
-The Wood Queen (The Iron Witch #2) by Karen Mahoney
14
-Above World by Jenn Reese
-Arcadia Awakens by Kai Meyers
-Article 5 by Kristen Simmons
-Bewitching: The Kendra Chronicles by Alex Flinn
-The Butterfly Clues by Kate Ellison
-Diabolical (Tantalize #4) by Cynthia Leitich Smith
-Graffiti Moon by Cath Crowley
-The Jade Notebook by Laura Resau
-The Nightmare Garden (Iron Codex #2) by Caitlin Kittredge
-Scarlet by A.C. Gaughen
-Someone Else's Life by Katie Dale
-Thief's Covenant by Ari Marmell
-The Vanishing Game by Kate Kae Myers
-Various Positions by Marta Schabas
-Wings Of The Wicked (Angelfire #2) by Courtney Allison Moulton
16
-The Disenchantments by Nina LaCour
-The Fine Art Of Truth Or Dare by Melissa Jensen
-Trafficked by Kim Purcell
21
-A Beautiful Evil by Kelly Keaton
-The Catastrophic History Of You & Me by Jess Rothenberg
-Double by Jenny Valentine
-Faery Tales & Nightmares by Melissa Marr
-Fever (Chemical Garden #2) by Lauren DeStefano
28
-Allegiance (Legacy #2) by Cayla Kluver
-BZRK by Michael Grant
-Forgiven (Demon Trapper's Daughter #3) by Jana Oliver
-Fugitives (Escape From Furnace #4) by Alexander Gordon Smith
-The Humming Room by Ellen Potter
-Partials by Dan Wells
-Shooting Stars by Allison Rushby
-Torn (Trylle #2) by Amanda Hocking
-A Touch Morbid (A Touch Mortal #2) by Leah Clifford
-The Traitor In The Tunnel (The Agency #3) by Y.S. Lee
-When The Sea Is Rising Red by Cat Hellisen
March 2012: 1
-Perception (Clarity #2) by Kim Harrington
-Ripper by Stefan Petrucha
5
-Boy21 by Matthew Quick
-Rock On by Denise Vega
6
-Balthazar: An Evernight Novel by Claudia Gray
-Dead Is A Battelfield by Marlene Perez
-Illuminate (Gilded Wings #1) by Aimee Agresti
-Pandemonium (Delirium #2) by Lauren Oliver
-Rivals (The Ivy #3) by Lauren Kunze and Rina Onur
-Vampire's Kiss (The Watchers #2) by Veronica Wolff
-Where It Began by Ann Redisch Stampler
8
-Katana by Cole Gibson
-Pieces Of Us by Margie Gelbwasser
13
-Another Jekyll, Another Hyde by Daniel and Dina Nayeri
-The Girl Who Could Silence The Wind by Meg Medina
-Infamous (Chronicles Of Nick #3) by Sherrilyn Kenyon
-Pretty Crooked by Elisa Ludwig
-The Savage Grace (The Dark Divine #3) by Bree Despain
-Spell Bound (Hex Hall #3) by Rachel Hawkins
-Starters by Lissa Price
-Wanderlove by Kirsten Hubbard
15
-Dark Eyes by William Richter
-The Difference Between You & Me by Madeleine George
20
-Croak by Gina Damico
-Loss (Riders Of The Apocalypse #3) by Jackie Morse Kessler
-Out Of Sight, Out Of Time (Gallagher Girls #5) by Ally Carter
-A Temptation Of Angels by Michelle Zink
27
-After The Snow by S.D. Crockett
-A Breath Of Eyre by Eve Marie Mont
-Invisible Sun by David Macinnis Gill
-Life Is But A Dream by Brian James
-Slide by Jill Hathaway
-The Stalker Chronicles by Carley Moore
