Waiting, Wanting, Wishing: Penguin Edition (11)

Waiting, Wanting, Wishing is a meme based off of The Story Siren's Books To Pine For and other posts such as that one. There are so many books out there that I want to read and this is a good way to spotlight some of them.  This weeks theme is books being published by Penguin this year!

Click on the books title to be taken to the Goodreads page.

Title:  Legend
Author:  Marie Lu
Release date:  November 29, 2011

The United States is gone, along with its flooded coasts. North America's two warring nations, the western Republic and the eastern Colonies, have reached a breaking point. In the midst of this broken continent and dark new world are two teenagers who will go down in history....

Born into the slums of Los Angeles, fifteen-year old Day is the country's most wanted criminal. A mysterious boy with no recorded image or fingerprints. A boy who should no longer exist. A boy who watches over his family until one evening, when the plague patrols mark his family's door with an X--the sign of plague infection. A death sentence for any family too poor to afford the antidote. Desperate, Day has no choice; he must steal it.

Born to an elite family in Los Angeles' wealthy Ruby sector, fifteen-year old June is the Republic's most promising prodigy. A superintelligent girl destined for great things in the country's highest military circles. Obedient, passionate, and committed to her country--until the day her brother Metias is murdered while on patrol during a break-in at the plague hospital.

Only one person could be responsible.

Day.

And now it's June's mission to hunt him down.

The truth they'll uncover will become legend.

Title:  The Probability Of Miracles
Author:  Wendy Wunder
Release date:  December 8, 2011

Cameron Cooper, a cynical teenage girl dying of cancer, is told by her doctors she needs a miracle to survive. In a last-ditch effort to save her daughter’s life, her mother takes her to a small town in Maine rumored to be magical. If there’s a shot for Cameron, her mom believes, it’s here. But for Cameron, believing in miracles would mean believing she has another chance at life ... and that’s dangerous for someone who knows better than to get her hopes up. As the girls settle into Promise, amazing things start happening: it snows in August; there’s a rainbow when it doesn’t rain; a flock of flamingos takes residence in the pond behind the high school, even though they’re not supposed to live this far north. Cameron, a scientist at heart, searches for explanations for these bizarre occurrences, refusing to believe they’re miracles.

But soon, the magic of the town—and her feelings for Asher, a local boy who seems to know Cam better than she knows herself—become impossible to deny. Over the course of the coming months, Cameron lets go of her cynicism and opens herself up to life and the world. In the end, Promise is a magical place, but for Cameron becoming a believer might just be the biggest miracle of all.

Title:  Illuminated
Author:  Erica Orloff
Release date:  December 8, 2011

Some loves are not made to last . . . Like Romeo and Juliet, Heloise and Abelard were doomed from the start, and their romance was destined to pass into history. Yet when sixteen-year-old Callie Martin discovers a diary hidden within an antique book, their story—and hers—takes on another life. For the diary leads Callie to the brilliant and handsome August, who is just as mysterious as the secret the diary hides. Their attraction is undeniable. As the two hunt down the truth behind the diary—and that of Heloise and Abelard’s ancient romance—their romance becomes all-consuming. But Callie knows it can’t last . . . love never does. Will their love that burns as bright as a shooting star flame out, or will these star-crossed lovers be able to defy history?

Title:  As I Wake
Author:  Elizabeth Scott
Release date:  September 15, 2011

What if you woke up and didn't know where you were?

What if you didn't know who you were?

And what if, when your memories started to come back--what if they didn't match the you that you're supposed to be?

Title:  Girls Don't Fly
Author:  Kristen Chandler
Release date:  October 13, 2011

Myra is used to keeping her feet firmly on the ground. She's got four younger brothers, overworked parents, and a pregnant older sister, and if Myra wasn't there to take care of everyone, they'd probably fall apart. But when her boyfriend unceremoniously dumps her, Myra feels like she's lost her footing. Suddenly she's doing things she never would've a few months earlier: quitting her job, applying for a scholarship to study birds in the Galapogos, and falling for a guy who's encouraging her to leap from her old life . . . and fly.

Title:  The Space Between
Author:  Brenna Yovanoff
Release date:  November 15, 2011

Everything burns in Pandemonium

Everything is made of steel, even the flowers. How can you love anything in a place like this?

Daphne is the half-demon, half-fallen angel daughter of Lucifer and Lilith. Life for her is an endless expanse of time, until her brother Obie is kidnapped—and Daphne realizes she may be partially responsible. Determined to find him, Daphne travels from her home in Pandemonium to the vast streets of Earth, where everything is colder and more terrifying. With the help of the human boy she believes was the last person to see her brother alive, Daphne glimpses into his dreams, discovering clues to Obie’s whereabouts. As she delves deeper into her demonic powers, she must navigate the jealousies and alliances of the violent archangels who stand in her way. But she also discovers, unexpectedly, what it means to love and be human in a world where human is the hardest thing to be.

What are you waiting, wanting, wishing for this week?

Giveaway: A Discovery Of Witches + Buttons

So I promised you guys another contest and here it is!

Book:  A Discovery Of Witches
Author:  Deborah Harkness

Deep in the stacks of Oxford's Bodleian Library, young scholar Diana Bishop unwittingly calls up a bewitched alchemical manuscript in the course of her research. Descended from an old and distinguished line of witches, Diana wants nothing to do with sorcery; so after a furtive glance and a few notes, she banishes the book to the stacks. But her discovery sets a fantastical underworld stirring, and a horde of daemons, witches, and vampires soon descends upon the library. Diana has stumbled upon a coveted treasure lost for centuries-and she is the only creature who can break its spell.

This is not technically a young adult book but I have many teen friends who have read and loved this so when I was given the opportunity to host a giveaway for it, I immediately accepted.  =)

One winner will receive:

-A finished copy of A Discovery Of Witches

-A set of buttons that go with the book

Requirements:

-You must have a US or CA mailing address.

-You must fill out the form.  

Fill out the form here!

This contest will end on May 15.

Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows Part 2 Trailer

Oh my gosh! I am dying right now. July 15 cannot get here fast enough. This movie looks AMAZING!

What do you think of the trailer?

Winners

Guess what time it is.  Time to announce some new winners on the blog.

The winner of the signed ARC of Crescendo is:

Kristin

The winner of the signed ARC of Nighshade is:

Jessica (Firefly Book Loft)

I have emailed both winners and they have 48 hours to contact me before I pick new winners.

Don't worry if you did not win though because I have many more contests coming up!

Blog Tour: Overprotected Review

Book:  Overprotected
Author:  Jennifer Laurens
Release date:  April 29, 2011
Publisher:  Grove Creek
Pages:  234
Source:  Publisher/Teen Book Scene

Ashlyn: A lonely society princess living in New York City.

Daddy hired you to be my bodyguard.

Colin: Childhood enemy, now her protector.

Daddy thought I’d be safe. He thought I’d never fall in love. He thought he could keep me forever.

Charles: obsessed with keeping her safe, keeping her his, he hires the one person he knows she could never fall in love with: Colin.

Daddy was wrong.

Overprotected is my first Jennifer Laurens book and after that thrill ride I am definitely planning to read her other books.  Overprotected drew me in and I fell in love with the characters and their stories.  This is a great YA romance with some twists.

Ashlyn is not your typical teenager.  She would like to be but with her fathers worries over her protection, she never will be.  When her father fires her bodyguard Ashlyn believes that maybe she can talk him out of hiring someone else but things don't go as planned.  Instead, her dad hires her childhood enemy as her new bodyguard.  Ashlyn is immediately drawn to the man that Colin has become but will she ever be more than a job to him?

Oh my gosh!  So cute!  I adored Ashlyn and Colin.  Their relationship was not the usual one and I loved reading about them.  Ashlyn was naive and innocent but it was refreshing.  Colin was a bit mysterious and very protective.  Watching their relationship grow was the best part of the book but I did love the crazy family dynamics too.  You don't see a lot of that in YA today.

I expected just another YA romance but Overprotected was so much more than that.  There was a bit of suspense toward the end and I was on the edge of my seat.  I kind of expected what happened but I was still shocked, if that makes any sense.

Overall, Jennifer Laurens has written a wonderful book.  I definitely recommend this for all you romance lovers!  =)

First line:  I saw him and my heart started racing.

Rating:  B+

Wake Unto Me by Lisa Cach

Book:  Wake Unto Me
Author:  Lisa Cach
Release date:  March 31, 2011
Publisher:  Speak
Pages:  304
Source:  Author

A haunted castle, a handsome young man dead for four hundred years, one heck of a scary portrait of a witch, and a treasure hunt -- not to mention a princess for a roommate! -- all await 15 year old American girl Caitlyn Monahan when she earns a scholarship to a French boarding school.

There are secrets behind the stone walls of Chateau de la Fortune, buried for...moreA haunted castle, a handsome young man dead for four hundred years, one heck of a scary portrait of a witch, and a treasure hunt -- not to mention a princess for a roommate! -- all await 15 year old American girl Caitlyn Monahan when she earns a scholarship to a French boarding school.

There are secrets behind the stone walls of Chateau de la Fortune, buried for centuries along with the mystery of who killed Raphael, the charming ghost who visits Caitlyn at night. But as Caitlyn unearths the history of the castle, nothing scares her as badly as the secret she learns about herself, and the reason she was chosen to come to the Fortune School.

And nothing breaks her heart as badly as falling in love with a dead guy.

Wake Unto Me is an absolutely extraordinary debut from Lisa Cach.  I wasn't sure what to expect when I started it so I was pleasantly surprised when I was immediately drawn into Caitlyn's world.  This is another one of those books that I know my review will not do justice to.

Caitlyn Monahan doesn't know what is wrong with her.  All she knows is that she does not fit in, not with her family, her friends, or her town in Oregon.  When she gets the chance to go to boarding school in France, she jumps at it.  Everything is not as it seems at the Fortune school though.  Caitlyn is having strange dreams but she doesn't mind because they bring her to Raphael.  But how can she be with Raphael?  Is he even real?  And if so, how does Caitlyn visit him in her dreams?

Where to begin?  I can honestly say that there was nothing about this book that I didn't like.  At first I was a little confused by Caitlyn but that cleared up very quickly.  I began to understand her and really like her.  She was confused and pretty alone.  She was very easy to like and want to read about.  Raphael was also great.  He was so sweet.  I really did like him and his story.  Amalia and Naomi were great friends to Caitlyn and they were both great characters with very fun personalities.

The story is what really got me.  I had no idea how everything would tie together in the end.  The mystery of that kept me reading.  Lisa Cach did a wonderful job tying it together in the end and I felt that all my questions were answered.

Overall, Wake Unto Me is a very original debut that I think will appeal to everyone.  I can't wait to see what's next from Lisa Cach!

First line:  "Is she the one?"

Rating:  A++

Cover:  A

Wither (Chemical Garden #1) by Lauren DeStefano

Book:  Wither (Chemical Garden #1)
Author:  Lauren DeStefano
Release date:  March 22, 2011
Publisher:  Simon & Schuster
Pages:  356
Source:  Publisher

What if you knew exactly when you would die?

Thanks to modern science, every human being has become a ticking genetic time bomb—males only live to age twenty-five, and females only live to age twenty. In this bleak landscape, young girls are kidnapped and forced into polygamous marriages to keep the population from dying out.

When sixteen-year-old Rhine Ellery is taken by the Gatherers to become a bride, she enters a world of wealth and privilege. Despite her husband Linden's genuine love for her, and a tenuous trust among her sister wives, Rhine has one purpose: to escape—to find her twin brother and go home.

But Rhine has more to contend with than losing her freedom. Linden's eccentric father is bent on finding an antidote to the genetic virus that is getting closer to taking his son, even if it means collecting corpses in order to test his experiments. With the help of Gabriel, a servant Rhine is growing dangerously attracted to, Rhine attempts to break free, in the limited time she has left.

Before I picked up Wither I was skeptical.  There were so many fabulous reviews and I figured I would be the one person who hated it.  Boy was I wrong.  I completely agree with every amazing review and now I am going to attempt to write my own.

Rhine Ellery never thought she would be one of the girls take by the Gatherers and sold into a polygamous marriage.  She always thought she was too smart for them.  She was wrong.  Now she is trapped in a marriage that she does not want and the only way out may be with her death.  That, or with the help of Gabriel, an attendant who doesn't remember what freedom was like but is willing to risk his life for a chance at it with Rhine.

Wow!  This book is so hard for me to review because of how mixed up I am about it right now (in a good way).  I have never read anything like Wither and I was kind of disturbed but I pretty much just loved it.  Lauren DeStefano went where a lot of other authors wouldn't dare and I applaud her for that.  Wither was a beautiful story and I know I will be recommending this one to a lot of people.

Rhine was one badass character.  She is my new favorite heroine.  She never gave up, no matter what.  She was brave, funny, and SMART!  I adored her.  Her sister wives, Cecily and Jenna, weren't bad but they are nothing like Rhine.  Jenna was very brave in her own way though and so was Cecily.  Gabriel was so sweet and cute.  I felt like he was only minor though because the story focused more on how Rhine didn't really need him to escape.  She was strong enough to do everything on her own.

Overall, Wither is fan-freaking-tastic.  I can't possibly describe how amazing it is so you must go check it out for yourself!

Disclaimer:  Definitely only for older teens.  Lots of mature content!!!

First line:  I wait.

Rating:  A++

Cover:  A++

In My Mailbox 108 (week of April 23)

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 for review, from the library, from the bookstore, or from trades. =]

For review:

-Flip by Martyn Bedford

-Faerie Winter by Janni Lee Simner

-Pride And Prejudice And Zombies by Jane Austen and Seth Grahame-Smith

-Dawn Of The Dreadfuls by Steve Hockensmith

-Dreadfully Ever After by Steve Hockensmith

-We'll Always Have Summer (Summer #3) by Jenny Han

-Beauty Queens by Libba Bray

-The Vampire Stalker by Allison Van Diepen

-The Rites And Wrongs Of Janice Wills by Joanna Pearson

-Unfriended (Top 8 #3) by Katie Finn

-The Eternal Sea (Everlasting #2) by Angie Frazier

-Pretty Bad Things by C.J. Skuse

-OyMG by Amy Fellner Dominy

-Tempest Rising by Tracy Deebs

-Flawless by Lara Chapman

-The A Circuit by Georgina Bloomberg and Catherine Hapka

-Family by Micol Ostow

-The Sweetest Thing by Christina Mandelski

-Trial By Fire (Raised By Wolves #2) by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

-Conspiracies (Shadow Grail #2) by Mercedes Lackey and Rosemary Edgehill

Bought:

-Some Like It Hot (The A-List #6) by Zoey Dean

-Lush by Natasha Friend

I am very excited to check out the books I got this week.  I got a ton of great titles that I have been dying to check out.  It's not great for my TBR pile but oh well.

What would you like me to read first?  What was in your mailbox? 

Waiting, Wanting, Wishing: The Contemps (10)

Waiting, Wanting, Wishing is a meme based off of The Story Siren's Books To Pine For and other posts such as that one. There are so many books out there that I want to read and this is a good way to spotlight some of them.  This weeks theme is books from the contemps challenge!

Click on the books title to be taken to the Goodreads page.

Title:  Family
Author:  Micol Ostow
Release date:  April 26, 2011

i have always been broken.
i could have. died.
and maybe it would have been better if i had.

It is a day like any other when seventeen-year-old Melinda Jensen hits the road for San Francisco, leaving behind her fractured home life and a constant assault on her self-esteem. Henry is the handsome, charismatic man who comes upon her, collapsed on a park bench, and offers love, a bright new consciousness, and—best of all—a family. One that will embrace her and give her love. Because family is what Mel has never really had. And this new family, Henry’s family, shares everything. They share the chores, their bodies, and their beliefs. And if Mel truly wants to belong, she will share in everything they do. No matter what the family does, or how far they go.

Title:  Back When You Were Easier To Love
Author:  Emily Wing Smith
Release date:  April 28, 2011

What's worse than getting dumped? Not even knowing if you've been dumped. Joy got no goodbye, and certainly no explanation when Zan—the love of her life and the only good thing about stifling, backward Haven, Utah—unceremoniously and unexpectedly left for college a year early. Joy needs closure almost as much as she needs Zan, so she heads for California, and Zan, riding shotgun beside Zan's former-best-friend Noah.

Title:  The Day Before
Author:  Lisa Schroeder
Release date:  June 28, 2011

Sometimes there's no turning back.

Amber's life is spinning out of control. All she wants is to turn up the volume on her iPod until all of the demands of her family and friends fade away. So she sneaks off to the beach to spend a day by herself.

Then Amber meets Cade. Their attraction is instant, and Amber can tell that he's also looking for an escape. Together they decide to share a perfect day: no pasts, no fears, no regrets.

The more time that Amber spends with Cade, the more she's drawn to him. And the more she's troubled by his darkness. Because Cade's not just living in the now--he's living each moment like it's his last.

Title:  Sharks & Boys
Author:  Kristen Tracy
Release date:  June 28, 2011

When 15-year-old Enid Calhoun follows her boyfriend Wick to Maryland for a party, fearful that he might be intending to cheat on her, she finds herself sneaking on board a houseboat where Wick and his friends plan to have a wild night. But before the boys discover their stowaway, a hurricane strikes, and the teenagers are carried miles from the shore and shipwrecked. What follows is a harrowing, yet heartwarming, story of survival, as the teens battle hypothermia, dehydration, man-eating sharks--and along the way, confront their own deepest secrets, including their catalytic roles in the disaster.

Title:  Want To Go Private?
Author:  Sarah Darer Littman
Release date:  August 1, 2011

When Abby meets Luke online, she can’t believe her luck. He’s nice. He’s funny. He listens to her and he thinks she’s pretty. He even gets jealous of other guys, which is adorable. Without Luke, Abby’s not sure how she’d make it through her first year of high school. Everyone, including her mom and her best friend, Faith, tells Abby that if she just made more of an effort, she’d be having fun instead of dreading each and every day as if it’s a prison sentence. But there’s nothing fun about being the lowest link in the social food chain. Abby knows she’s not supposed to chat with random guys online. But Luke isn’t random, and he isn’t a stranger. Best of all, he really loves her. So what if she never goes out with her friends anymore and her grades are slipping? All she needs is Luke. Luke is her secret, and she’s his — it’s perfect that way. So when Luke suggests that they meet each other in person, Abby agrees. And then she’s gone. Missing. Without a trace. And everyone is left to put together the pieces. If they don’t, they’ll never see Abby again.

Title:  Pearl
Author:  Jo Knowles
Release date:  July 19, 2011

Bean (née Pearl) and Henry, misfits and best friends, have the strangest mothers in town. Henry’s mom Sally never leaves the house. Bean’s mom Lexie, if she is home, is likely nursing a hangover or venting to her friend Claire about Bean’s beloved grandfather Gus, the third member of their sunny household.

Gus’s death unleashes a host of family secrets that brings them all together. And they threaten to change everything—including Bean’s relationship with Henry, her first friend, and who also might turn out to be her first love.

What are you waiting, wanting, wishing for this week?

Tiger's Curse by Colleen Houck

Book:  Tiger's Curse (Tiger Saga #1)
Author:  Colleen Houck
Release date:  January 11, 2011
Publisher:  Splinter
Pages:  448
Source:  Publisher

Passion. Fate. Loyalty.

Would you risk it all to change your destiny?

The last thing Kelsey Hayes thought she'd be doing this summer was trying to break a 300-year old Indian curse. With a mysterious white tiger named Ren. Halfway around the world.

But that's exactly what happened.

Face-to-face with dark forces, spell-binding magic, and mystical worlds where nothing is what it seems, Kelsey risks everything to piece together an ancient prophecy that could break the curse forever.

Tiger's Curse starts off with a bang but it ended with a whimper.  I was really impressed in the beginning but that changed throughout the book.  I do think it sets things up for the next book but I think Colleen Houck could have done a much better job with it.

Kelsey Hayes had lots of plans for her summer.  None of them involved traveling to India to break a 300-year-old curse but that is exactly what she is doing.  With the help of Ren, a white tiger, and Mr. Kadam, Kelsey will face things she never thought possible.  She might be killed on this journey but that's something she's prepared for.  She's not prepared to fall in love but that's exactly what happens.

Kelsey was my biggest problem with this book.  I didn't like her.  She was whiny, afraid, contradictory, and just plain annoying at times.  She had no backbone.  She was a weak character that I could find nothing to like about.  Ren was okay as a character.  I loved him.  He was such a big, cuddly tiger.  I want one!  Although I don't recommend going out to adopt a white tiger.  Mr. Kadam was also a great character.  He was kind and sweet.  I look forward to more of his story in the next book.

The plot was the only thing that kept me reading at times.  It was very interesting and the Indian mythology was fascinating.  I do give Colleen Houck props for that.  While the characters were lacking, the story was not.

Overall, Tiger's Curse is one I recommend if you can get past the characters.  Maybe check it out from your library before buying a copy.  (Although the cover is gorgeous and you may want a copy just for that.)

First line:  The prisoner stood with his hands tied in front of him, tired, beaten, and filthy but with a proud back befitting his royal Indian heritage.

Rating:  B

Cover:  A++

Waiting On Wednesday: Uncommon Criminals

Book:  Uncommon Criminals (Heist Society #2) by Ally Carter
Release date:  June 21, 2011
Publisher:  Hyperion Book

Katarina Bishop has worn a lot of labels in her short life. Friend. Niece. Daughter. Thief. But for the last two months she’s simply been known as the girl who ran the crew that robbed the greatest museum in the world. That’s why Kat isn’t surprised when she’s asked to steal the infamous Cleopatra Emerald so it can be returned to its rightful owners.

There are only three problems. First, the gem hasn’t been seen in public in thirty years. Second, since the fall of the Egyptian empire and the suicide of Cleopatra, no one who holds the emerald keeps it for long, and in Kat’s world, history almost always repeats itself. But it’s the third problem that makes Kat’s crew the most nervous and that is simply… the emerald is cursed.

Kat might be in way over her head, but she’s not going down without a fight. After all she has her best friend—the gorgeous Hale—and the rest of her crew with her as they chase the Cleopatra around the globe, dodging curses, realizing that the same tricks and cons her family has used for centuries are useless this time.

Which means, this time, Katarina Bishop is making up her own rules.

I loved the first book in this series so I am very excited to check this one out.  I loved Ally Carter's Gallagher Girls series and this one is one of my new favorites.  I also really love this cover.

What are you waiting on this Wednesday?

Blog Tour: Character Interview: Charles (Overprotected)

Today I am so lucky to have an interview with Charles from Overprotected!

KBB:  Ever since the incident when Ashlyn was little, you have hired bodyguards to protect her. Were there ever any other incidents over the years that reinforced your beliefs that she needed to be protected?

C:  That's confidential.

KBB:  As Ashlyn grew up were you more afraid of losing her altogether or of her being out of your life, of her own free will?

C:  It's preposterous to imply that I don't want her to have her own life. I do. In my line of work I deal with unsavory characters. I'm only looking out for her welfare.

KBB:  What were your plans for Ashlyn when she went away to college?

C:  To have a bodyguard, of course. My men can be invisible.

KBB:  What made you think Colin would be the perfect replacement bodyguard for Ashlyn?

C:  His father is a trusted friend. Colin comes from the most impeccable family background. And, he has an interest in law enforcement. That appealed to me.

KBB:  Did you really think Ashlyn would never find a guy? Were you prepared for if she did?

C:  She's seeing Colin now, yes, but I hardly call that 'finding a guy'. I'm certain, once she starts college and immerses herself in her studies this 'relationship' with Colin will end.

KBB:  Anything you would like to tell us about yourself and your worries for your daughter?

C:  I'm not worried for her, I want her safe. Ashlyn's capable of many things, but why should she have to be concerned about her safety when she has me?

Readers if you would like to find out more about Charles and Ashlyn check out Overprotected!  You can find more info about the book at Jennifer Lauren's website!

Oh and don't forget to check out the rest of the stops on the tour!

Books To Read Before BEA!

In 35 days I will be on a plane to New York City for Book Expo America.  Before that time, I really need to catch up on some of the books I already have to make room for some of the new ones.

My goal is to read 28 books before BEA.  Here is my list, in no particular order!

1.OyMG by Amy Fellner Dominy
2.Tempest Rising by Tracy Deebs
3.The A Circuit by Catherine Hapka and Georgina Bloomberg
4.Flawless by Lara Chapman
5.The Lucky Kind by Alyssa B. Sheinmel
6.Instructions For A Broken Heart by Kim Culbertson
7.John Belushi Is Dead by Kathy Charles
8.Enclave by Ann Aguirre
9.What Happened To Goodbye by Sarah Dessen
10.Die For Me by Amy Plum
11.Bumped by Megan McCafferty
12.My Fair Godmother by Janette Rallison
13.My Unfair Godmother by Janette Rallison
14.Nightshade by Andrea Cremer
15.Across The Universe by Beth Revis
16.Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini
17.The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han
18.It's Not Summer Without You by Jenny Han
19.We'll Always Have Summer by Jenny Han
20.Moonglass by Jessi Kirby
21.Laney by Joann Martin Sowles 
22.Favorite by Karen McQuestion
23.The Hourglass Door by Lisa Mangum
24.Virals by Kathy Reichs
25.The Emerald Atlas by John Stephens
26.Red Glove by Holly Black
27.Abandon by Meg Cabot
28.Wynter Chelsea: The Legacy by Becca Ritchie

So what do you guys think?  What should I read first?

Hold Me Closer, Necromancer by Lish McBride

Book:  Hold Me Closer, Necromancer
Author:  Lish McBride
Release date:  October 12, 2010
Publisher:  Henry Holt and Co.
Pages:  352
Source:  Bookstore

Sam leads a pretty normal life. He may not have the most exciting job in the world, but he’s doing all right—until a fast food prank brings him to the attention of Douglas, a creepy guy with an intense violent streak.

Turns out Douglas is a necromancer who raises the dead for cash and sees potential in Sam. Then Sam discovers he’s a necromancer too, but with strangely latent powers. And his worst nightmare wants to join forces . . . or else.

With only a week to figure things out, Sam needs all the help he can get. Luckily he lives in Seattle, which has nearly as many paranormal types as it does coffee places. But even with newfound friends, will Sam be able to save his skin?

Lish McBride's debut novel is absolutely fantastic.  It is such a fresh, fun story.  I couldn't stop reading it and now I'm dying for more.  Sequel, please?

Samhain (Sam) Lacroix has never been normal but he's never known just quite how different he really is.  He probably would have remained clueless if he hadn't broken some creeps taillight.  Too bad he's not just a normal creep.  Douglas Montgomery is a necromancer and he knows that Sam is too.  He can't have that.  He now wants Sam's power and he will do anything to get it.  Will Sam find a way to defeat Douglas or will he lose everything right when he's finally beginning to make sense of his life?

The characters in this book are some of the best I have ever read.  I adored them all.  Sam was the biggest smart-ass but he had a soft side.  Ramon was an amazing friend and super funny.  Brooke and Frank were quite odd but in the best possible way.  Brid was bad-ass and Ashley was the funniest ghost.  There were more but I can't possibly go into detail about them all.  The rest were just as awesome, though.

The plot was very fast-paced and fun.  There weren't really any surprises to this story but I was okay with that.  It wasn't predictable though.  It was such a unique story.  Necromancy is something you don't read much about but it is a fascinating subject.

Overall, Hold Me Closer, Necromancer is a new favorite of mine.  I will be recommending it to everyone I know.  Word of warning, though:  you will laugh out loud and get some strange looks if you happen to be in a public place.  =)

First line:  I stood in front of today's schedule still holding my skateboard, still drenched from the ride over, and still desperately wishing that I hadn't dropped out of college.

Rating:  A++

Cover:  A

In My Mailbox 107 (week of April 17)

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 for review, from the library, from the bookstore, or from trades. =]

For review:

-The Prince Of Mist by Carlos Ruiz Zafon

-The Daughters Break The Rules by Joanna Philbin

-The Black (Morpheus Road #2) by DJ MacHale

-Everlost (Skinjackers #1) by Neal Shusterman

-My Unfair Godmother by Janette Rallison

-Rotters by Daniel Kraus

-Jasper Jones by Craig Silvey

-The Ghoul Next Door (Monster High #2) by Lisi Harrison

Bought:

-Solitary (Escape From Furnace #2) by Alexander Gordon Smith

-Bright Young Things by Anna Godbersen

-Sweet Little Lies (LA Candy #2) by Lauren Conrad

-Sugar And Spice (LA Candy #3) by Lauren Conrad

-Sweet Deceit (Privilege #4) by Kate Brian

-Pure Sin (Privilege #5) by Kate Brian

-Better Latte Than Never by Catherine Clark

-John Belushi Is Dead by Kathy Charles

I got some great books for review this week and I can't wait to read them.  I also bought some awesome books.  I got all 8 books for $20 at my closing Borders.  Tomorrow is their final day so I figured I would check it out one last time.  =)

What was in your mailbox this week?  What book would you like me to review first?