Katie's Book Blog

Waiting, Wanting, Wishing: Penguin Edition! (16)

2012-01-27T00:00:00.002-05:00

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 in 2012!

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

Title: Amelia Anne Is Dead And Gone
Author: Kat Rosenfield
Release date: July 5, 2012

On the night of Becca’s high school graduation, the discovery of an unidentified dead girl left to bleed out on the side of a dirt road sends the town—and Becca—into a tailspin. Becca has always longed to break free from her small home town, but as the violence of the outside world creeps into her backyard, she withdraws and retreats inward, paralyzed for the first time in her life.

Short chapters detailing the last days of Amelia Anne Richardson’s life are intercut with Becca’s own coming-of-age summer, unfolding into the parallel stories of two young women struggling with self-identity and tense romantic relationships as the summer’s tumultuous events twist Becca closer and closer to the truth about Amelia’s murder.

Title: Beauty

Author: Lisa Daily

Release date: May 10, 2012

When we first meet Molly, she is plain, shy, and practically invisible to most of her fellow high school students. Hudson, the boy she cannot help but like, is handsome and popular. One day at a town carnival, Molly stumbles across an eccentric artist who offers to sketch her portrait. Thinking aloud, she wishes she was the most beautiful girl in the world. The following day, Molly gets her wish. All the guys at school are vying for her affection. Best of all, Hudson’s finally noticing her. As Molly’s relationship with Hudson heats up, violence threatens to erupt among the guys of their high school, and the newfound attention threatens to destroy the relationships she values.

Title: Dangerous Boy
Author: Mandy Hubbard
Release date: August 30, 2012

Harper’s new boyfriend Logan Townsend is everything she never knew she always wanted—tall, muscular, with tousled brown hair that falls effortlessly around his face. But what’s most exciting about Logan is that he’s exhilaratingly dangerous, and dating him allows Harper to say, “buh bye” to her good-girl past and “hello” to newfound adventure.

There’s only one problem with Harper’s otherwise heart-stopping romance: Logan’s twin brother Daemon. Harper knows he’s a bad seed, but she tries to look past his dark, icy stare and his chilling demeanor. After all, he and Logan are a package deal.

Then cow bones start appearing in people’s mailboxes, a flock of birds show up dead, and all of the cars in the senior parking lot are given flat tires—and covered with blood-red handprints. Logan insists that Daemon isn’t involved—sure, he’s had some trouble in the past, but they moved to Harper’s quiet northwest Washington town so that they could both start over.

Harper desperately wants to believe Logan, but the more he tries to protect his brother, the more she wonders what she isn’t being told. Now, Harper must unearth the hidden secrets of the mysterious Townsend brothers’ history if she and Logan are to have any hope of a future. But learning what brought Logan and Daemon to town won’t put just her heart in jeopardy... She’s playing with her life.

Title: Fifteen Love (Pretty Tough #6)

Author: Nicole Leigh Sheperd

Release date: August 30, 2012

Maggie Anderson and her twin sister, Bella, are a doubles team destined for tennis greatness. They've just started their freshman year at Beachwood Academy and it seems like everything—even the Olympics!—is within their sights. But when Maggie quits the tennis team suddenly, she leaves Bella in the lurch.

Told in alternating first-person POVs, Fifteen Love is the kind of sweet, super-clean paperback you'd give to your younger sister.

Title: Gilt
Author: Katherine Longshore
Release date: May 15, 2012

In the Tudor age, ambition, power and charismatic allure are essential and Catherine Howard has plenty of all three. Not to mention her loyal best friend, Kitty Tylney, to help cover her tracks. Kitty, the abandoned youngest daughter of minor aristocracy, owes everything to Cat – where she is, what she is, even who she is. Friend, flirt, and self-proclaimed Queen of Misrule, Cat reigns supreme in a loyal court of girls under the none-too-watchful eye of the Dowager Duchess of Norfolk.

When Cat worms her way into the heart of Henry VIII and becomes Queen of England, Kitty is thrown into the intoxicating Tudor Court. It’s a world of glittering jewels and elegant costumes, of gossip and deception. As the Queen’s right-hand-woman, Kitty goes from the girl nobody noticed to being caught between two men – the object of her affection and the object of her desire.

But the atmosphere of the court turns from dazzling to deadly, and Kitty is forced to learn the difference between trust and loyalty, love and lust, secrets and treason. And to accept the consequences when some lessons are learned too late.

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

Books By Their Covers (3)

2012-01-26T00:00:00.000-05:00

Books By Their Covers is a new feature here on Katie's Book Blog. It is created by me and it is a chance for me to share my love of book covers. In this feature, I will pick one book cover and give you guys my opinion of it. =)

My opinion: I didn't like this one at first but after looking at it more closely, it really is a striking cover. The carnival scene with the ferris wheel, the boardwalk, and the mist coming off the guy all give it a creepy feel. The font for the title adds to the creepiness. The dark color and the fact that a guy is on the cover also make this cover very appealing, especially to guys. This one is definitely unique for YA.

Rating: A+

Everneath (Everneath #1) by Brodi Ashton

2012-01-25T00:00:00.001-05:00

Title: Everneath (Everneath #1)
Author: Brodi Ashton
Release date: January 24, 2012
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Pages: 384
Source: Publisher

Last spring, Nikki Beckett vanished, sucked into an underworld known as the Everneath, where immortals Feed on the emotions of despairing humans. Now she's returned- to her old life, her family, her friends- before being banished back to the underworld... this time forever.

She has six months before the Everneath comes to claim her, six months for good-byes she can't find the words for, six months to find redemption, if it exists.

Nikki longs to spend these months reconnecting with her boyfriend, Jack, the one person she loves more than anything. But there's a problem: Cole, the smoldering immortal who first enticed her to the Everneath, has followed Nikki to the mortal world. And he'll do whatever it takes to bring her back- this time as his queen.

As Nikki's time grows short and her relationships begin slipping from her grasp, she's forced to make the hardest decision of her life: find a way to cheat fate and remain on the Surface with Jack or return to the Everneath and become Cole's...

Brodi Ashton's debut novel is better than I imagined and believe me, my imagination is pretty wild! This trilogy and this author are going to be beyond fabulous.

Everneath has been described as a retelling of the Hades and Persephone myth. In some ways I think that is a fitting description but in no way does this book seem like a retelling. Brodi Ashton took the age-old, well-known myth and made it her own. There is nothing predictable about this book. It isn 100% unique and 100% unputdownable!

Nikki doesn't start the book out as a great heroine. She starts out lost, alone, broken, and defeated. She does not stay that way for long though. Throughout the book Nikki grows in so many ways and by the end, she may have flaws but she is one strong and awesome heroine. Cole also changes throughout the book but his changes are more subtle. Cole is a guy that is hard to stay away from yet impossible to be around. Jack, on the other hand, is pretty dang perfect from the beginning. He is sweet, kind, loving, smart, and protective. He doesn't lie, cheat, or abuse Nikki in any way. He is a great guy and his and Nikki's love story is one you can't help but get sucked into. I find it very hard to believe that anyone who has read this isn't 100% Team Jack.

The story itself is fast-paced and so mind-blowing. Once you start reading you will be unable to stop. The story alternates between past and present so pay attention. It was a bit confusing at first but it is pretty easy to get used to and it really adds to the story. Sadly, the ending was a bit of a cliffhanger. I want book two now!

Overall, Everneath is a fabulous debut novel and a wonderful start to this trilogy. Get your hands on a copy as soon as possible!

Rating: A++

Some Personal News

2012-01-24T00:03:00.000-05:00

Penny
April 13, 2001 - January 23, 2012

Today is a really hard day for me. Last night I got a phone call from my mom telling me that in one day my dog had gotten so sick that they knew they were going to have to put her down. As if that wasn't hard enough, I knew I would not get home in time to see her again.

I thought last night was going to be the saddest night of my life but I found out today that knowing she is gone hurts even more. Knowing that my puppy will not be there when I get home is the hardest thing ever. She has been such a huge part of my life for the past ten years, I don't know what it is going to be like without her. She won't be there to bark when the UPS guy comes to the door (I'm sure he will be happy about that), she won't wake up the whole house when my brother comes in at two in the morning, she won't howl when she hears police sirens, she won't stick her wet nose in my face when I'm trying to sleep, she just won't be there.

I know that Penny is in a better place. From what my parents told me, she was really hurting. I mean, they told me she wasn't even begging for food anymore. That is when I knew it was really bad. I wish there had been a way for me to get there in time to say goodbye but I wouldn't have wanted her to suffer any longer. My parents took care of her and she left this world knowing she was very loved (at least, I like to think so.)

I hope to one day get another puppy, maybe one that looks just like Penny, but right now it hurts so much, I can't imagine going through this again. I know she had a good life and that it was her time but it doesn't make it hurt less.

Thanks for all the support through Twitter and messages. It helps knowing I'm not alone and that others have gone through this same thing (though I don't wish it on anyone!) I know this is a detour from my regular postings but I just wanted to share.

Katie's Book Blog is 3 Years Old Today!

2012-01-24T00:00:00.000-05:00

The title says it all! Today is my 3 year blogoversary.

To everyone who has been with me since the beginning, thank you so much. To everyone who has just joined me on this crazy journey, thank you too. You lucked out and don't have to see all the crappy stuff I posted when I first started this blog. =)

I am so grateful to everyone who has something to do with this blog: followers, readers, other bloggers, friends, authors, publishers. I couldn't do it without you. I look forward to many more fabulous years of blogging.

The Way We Fall by Megan Crewe

2012-01-23T10:00:00.000-05:00

Title: The Way We Fall
Author: Megan Crewe
Release date: January 24, 2012
Publisher: Disney Hyperion
Pages: 304
Source: Publisher

It starts with an itch you just can't shake. Then comes a fever and a tickle in your throat. A few days later, you'll be blabbing your secrets and chatting with strangers like they’re old friends. Three more, and the paranoid hallucinations kick in.

And then you're dead.

When a deadly virus begins to sweep through sixteen-year-old Kaelyn’s community, the government quarantines her island—no one can leave, and no one can come back.

Those still healthy must fight for dwindling supplies, or lose all chance of survival. As everything familiar comes crashing down, Kaelyn joins forces with a former rival and discovers a new love in the midst of heartbreak. When the virus starts to rob her of friends and family, she clings to the belief that there must be a way to save the people she holds dearest.

Because how will she go on if there isn't?

The Way We Fall is a book that is solidly in the middle for me. I didn't love it but I didn't hate it. It definitely made me think though which I liked and I'm sure others will too.

Most of the characters in The Way We Fall fell flat. The heroine, her family, her friend Tessa, they all were pretty one-dimensional. The heroine, Kaelyn, was rather dull and I hate to say it, whiny. There was a lot going on not just with her but the whole island, but all she focused on was her own life. Even when she was trying to help it seemed like she was doing it for the wrong reasons. Her parents and her brother were the same way. They were distant and that went unexplained. They very rarely acted like a family. The only person who had a personality was Gav. He was sweet and funny at times but serious and closed off at others. He was really the only well-rounded character.

One other big flaw with The Way We Fall is that it required a lot of build-up. Nothing happened for so long and even when something did happen it wasn't all that gripping. It took about half the book to set up the story and the set up was dull. Once things finally started happening it was very gripping but definitely took too long to get to that point.

This book is also the first in a new series. Don't worry though there isn't a cliffhanger ending. In fact, everything is almost all resolved at the end. I honestly don't see the point in a sequel. Things could have been tied up in this one. I think it will leave a lot of readers questioning whether or not they will bother with the next book.

The best thing about this book was the romance and the build up of a few other relationships. The virus brings Gav and Kaelyn together but that isn't the reason why they get together. They get to know each other because of the virus but they like each other because of who they are. It was very sweet. The build-up of Tessa and Kaelyn's friendship was also very good. It was thought out and plausible. Once again these are two people brought together by the virus but that isn't what makes them friends. The relationships were some of the best I've read.

Overall, The Way We Fall is one book I recommend checking out from the library. It just needed a bit more development and it would have been fabulous. As it is, if you can make it through the first half of the book you will be enthralled with the second half.

Rating: B-

Blogger Interview: Rie from Mission To Read

2012-01-22T00:00:00.000-05:00

Today I have the lovely Rie from Mission To Read. Isn't her blog button adorable?

What are you like outside of blogging?

I’m pretty boring actually. I’m a history graduate student and as such school and interning takes up a majority of my time. Right now during winter break I’m kinda consumed with baking. I love to bake. I’ve baked like 4 pecan pies (my favorite) since winter break began two weeks ago. As well as a ton of other sweets. My husband and I’s waistline is starting to expand.

What book changed your life?

Books have influenced me from an early age. I’d say the books that influenced me the most would be The Boxcar Series, Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson, and most recently Everneath by Brodi Ashton.

On the surface, Everneath seems to be a simple story about Hades and Peresphone, but I found it to be about so much more. It deals with things such as addiction, depression, and family.

What made you decide to start your blog?

Reading has always been a social activity for me. As a child my entire family would grab a book on Sunday afternoons and read for a few hours. My sister and I would then discuss the books we were reading.

I had an writing blog a long time ago and the people that stopped by were more often book bloggers than other writers. I didn’t think of it much then, but when I moved away from my sister I missed the social aspect of reading. That’s when I decided to start my own book blog.

What blogs/bloggers inspire you?

So many bloggers inspire me. Some of my favorites are Ginger @ Greads, Ashley @ Basically Amazing Books, and Isalys @ Book Soulmates are my go to bloggers.

What are your goals for your blog in the future?

I would love to network more with the book community. I love twitter, but sometimes I slack off and I’m horrible at commenting. I would love to be more social.

Do you love or hate your mailman?

I LOVE my mailman. I think he kinda hates me though. I start squeeing and he gives me the strangest looks. Oh well! I can’t contain my excitement when amazing books come.

Favorites:

-Book of all time: This changes pretty much daily.

-New release: Everneath by Brodi Ashton

-Genre: Paranormal and Historical Fiction; whether it be adult or young adult

-Place to Read: The only places I can pay attention while reading is either in the car or in bed. Seriously, I’m seriously ADHD so if there are other things going on around me I can’t read.

-TV show: Big Bang Theory

-Candy: Milk Chocolate with Nuts

-Drink: As a southerner the only correct answer would be Sweet Tea!

You guys can find out more about Rie on her blog, Mission To Read, or on Twitter!

Spirit Bound (Vampire Academy #5) by Richelle Mead

2012-01-21T00:00:00.001-05:00

Title: Spirit Bound (Vampire Academy #5)
Author: Richelle Mead
Release date: May 18, 2010
Publisher: Razorbill
Pages: 489
Source: Bookstore

After a long and heartbreaking journey to Dimitri’s birthplace in Siberia, Rose Hathaway has finally returned to St. Vladimir’s—and to her best friend, Lissa Dragomir. It's graduation, and the girls can’t wait for their real lives outside of the Academy’s cold iron gates to finally begin. But even with the intrigue and excitement of court life looming, Rose’s heart still aches for Dimitri. He's out there, somewhere.

She failed to kill him when she had the chance, and now her worst fears are about to come true. Dimitri has tasted her blood, and she knows in her heart that he is hunting her. And if Rose won't join him, he won't rest until he's silenced her...forever.

But Rose can't forget what she learned on her journey—whispers of a magic too impossible and terrifying to comprehend. A magic inextricably tied to Lissa that could hold the answer to all of Rose's prayers, but not without devastating consequences. Now Rose will have to decide what—and who—matters most to her. In the end, is true love really worth the price?

SPOILER ALERT: If you haven't read the first four books in this series, this review will contain spoilers.

So I really have fallen in love with the Vampire Academy series. I can't get enough of them. Sadly, I did not love this one nearly as much as I have the previous four books. I enjoyed it, of course, but it was definitely not the best of the series.

What I really did not like about this book was the plot. It was fast-paced at the beginning, slowed way down in the middle, and then picked back up at the end. Normally I fly through these books but I didn't with this one. I just wasn't hooked.

Rose also kind of bothered me in this book. She was whiny at parts and all "poor me." I could not believe it. Normally she is very strong and funny. She was still plenty hilarious at parts which helped make up for the whiny parts. Her relationship with Adrian also confused me but I won't go into details so I don't give anything away.

Overall, I enjoyed Spirit Bound but it is my least favorite of the series so far. Fans of the first four books will enjoy it but expect it to be a little slower than normal.

Rating: B+

ALA Midwinter: Dallas, TX!

2012-01-20T11:25:00.001-05:00

Tonight I will be at ALA Midwinter followed by a ginormous blogger/author dinner. If you are planning to be there, let me know. I look forward to meeting some new bloggers and seeing some of my old favorites!

There will be lots of pictures later!

Waiting, Wanting, Wishing: Apocalypsies (15)

2012-01-20T00:00:00.001-05:00

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 debut novels being published in 2012!

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

Title: Above
Author: Leah Bobet
Release date: April 1, 2012

Matthew has loved Ariel from the moment he found her in the tunnels, her bee's wings falling away. They live in Safe, an underground refuge for those fleeing the city Above--like Whisper, who speaks to ghosts, and Jack Flash, who can shoot lightning from his fingers.

But one terrifying night, an old enemy invades Safe with an army of shadows, and only Matthew, Ariel, and a few friends escape Above. As Matthew unravels the mystery of Safe's history and the shadows' attack, he realizes he must find a way to remake his home--not just for himself, but for Ariel, who needs him more than ever before.

Title: Croak

Author: Gina Damico

Release date: March 20, 2012

Sixteen-year-old Lex Bartleby has sucker-punched her last classmate. Fed up with her punkish, wild behavior, her parents ship her off to upstate New York to live with her Uncle Mort for the summer, hoping that a few months of dirty farm work will whip her back into shape. But Uncle Mort’s true occupation is much dirtier than that of shoveling manure.

He’s a Grim Reaper. And he’s going to teach her the family business.

Lex quickly assimilates into the peculiar world of Croak, a town populated entirely by reapers who deliver souls from this life to the next. Along with her infuriating yet intriguing partner Driggs and a rockstar crew of fellow Grim apprentices, Lex is soon zapping her Targets like a natural born Killer.

Yet her innate ability morphs into an unchecked desire for justice—or is it vengeance?—whenever she’s forced to Kill a murder victim, craving to stop the attackers before they can strike again. So when people start to die—that is, people who aren’t supposed to be dying, people who have committed grievous crimes against the innocent—Lex’s curiosity is piqued. Her obsession grows as the bodies pile up, and a troubling question begins to swirl through her mind: if she succeeds in tracking down the murderer, will she stop the carnage—or will she ditch Croak and join in?

Title: False Memory
Author: Dan Krokos
Release date: August 14, 2012

Miranda North wakes up alone on a park bench with no memory. In her panic, she releases a mysterious energy that incites pure terror in everyone around her. Except Peter, a boy who isn’t at all surprised by Miranda’s shocking ability.

Left with no choice but to trust this stranger, Miranda discovers she was trained to be a weapon and is part of an elite force of genetically-altered teens who possess flawless combat skills and powers strong enough to destroy a city. But adjusting to her old life isn’t easy—especially with Noah, the boyfriend she can't remember loving.

Then Miranda uncovers a dark truth that sets her team on the run. Suddenly her past doesn’t seem to matter...when there may not be a future.

Title: Something Strange and Deadly

Author: Susan Dennard

Release date: July 24, 2012

There’s something strange and deadly loose in Philadelphia…

Eleanor Fitt has a lot to worry about. Her brother has gone missing, her family has fallen on hard times, and her mother is determined to marry her off to any rich young man who walks by. But this is nothing compared to what she’s just read in the newspaper—

The Dead are rising in Philadelphia.

And then, in a frightening attack, a zombie delivers a letter to Eleanor…from her brother.

Whoever is controlling the Dead army has taken her brother as well. If Eleanor is going to find him, she’ll have to venture into the lab of the notorious Spirit-Hunters, who protect the city from supernatural forces. But as Eleanor spends more time with the Spirit-Hunters, including their maddeningly stubborn yet handsome inventor, Daniel, the situation becomes dire. And now, not only is her reputation on the line, but her very life may hang in the balance.

Title: The Vicious Deep
Author: Zoraida Cordova
Release date: May 12, 2012

Set against the backdrop of a Coney Island summer comes The Vicious Deep, the story of sixteen year old Tristan Hart whose life is turned upside down when the mermaids make an unscheduled return to land in search of their new king.

When a sudden storm pulls Tristan from lifeguard duty into a deadly riptide, he discovers what he really is—a prince of the Sea Court. Turns out, his girlfriend hopping and talents as a swimmer aren’t caused by his teenage prime hormones after all.

In this modern Arthurian tale with a twist, when all a guy wants to do is get The Girl and enjoy the freak show that is a Coney Island summer, Tristan has to fight for his life, the lives of his friends, and his humanity, if he still wants it, as he’s caught in a race for a throne that is as ancient as the gods.

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

Wherever You Go by Heather Davis

2012-01-19T00:00:00.000-05:00

Title: Wherever You Go
Author: Heather Davis
Release date: November 14, 2011
Publisher: Harcourt Children's Books
Pages: 320
Source: Publisher

Seventeen-year-old Holly Mullen has felt lost and lonely ever since her boyfriend, Rob, died in a tragic accident. The fact that she has to spend most of her free time caring for her little sister and Alzheimer’s-stricken grandfather doesn’t help. But Holly has no idea that as she goes about her days, Rob’s ghost is watching over her. He isn’t happy when he sees his best friend, Jason, reach out to help Holly with her grandfather—but as a ghost, he can do nothing to stop it. Is his best friend really falling for his girlfriend?

As Holly wonders whether to open her heart to Jason, the past comes back to haunt her. Her grandfather claims to be communicating with the ghost of Rob. Could the messages he has for Holly be real? And if so, how can the loved ones Rob left behind help his tortured soul make it to the other side?

Wherever You Go was not at all what I expected. It was part ghost story, part contemporary romance, and 100% amazing. Heather Davis is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors.

Holly still loves Rob but he is gone. She knows she needs to move on but she can't. Then Jason gets involved and things start to look up. He's willing to help her with her grandfather Aldo who has Alzheimer's and he even puts up with her little sister. Too bad Rob's ghost isn't so happy about Holly moving on.

Holly was a strong main character who had very bad luck. Her boyfriend died, her mom was always working, her little sister had to be taken care of, and so did her grandpa Aldo. Holly was the one taking care of the whole family but she never whined and she just did what she had to do. She was a very grown up teenager. Her mother, on the other hand, was pretty much worthless. Holly took care of her grandpa Aldo and it wasn't easy but she loved him. Aldo was actually a very complex character and I loved him for so many reasons. Jason was also great. He truly liked Holly and was willing to help her with her crazy situation. I really did like Rob too. He was very hard to understand but he loved Holly.

The plot was a bit slow at first. I didn't get how everything was going to tie together. Rob's ghost was the most confusing thing for me at first but it actually worked out really well. There were some very funny moments throughout the book and some tearjerker moments as well. In the end, everything tied together perfectly and the story really picked up.

Overall, Wherever You Go is a heartbreaking story but one that has a hopeful ending. It is a story of love, loss, and finding the strength to move on. Heather Davis tackled multiple tough subjects but she did it with tact and it ended up being a wonderful story. This one has earned my recommendation.

Rating: A-

2012 YA Contemporary Challenge: Month One Reviews + Giveaway!

2012-01-18T00:00:00.003-05:00

As January comes to a close, so does the first month of the contemporary challenge. I don't know about you guys but I managed to read a few great contemporaries this month!

If you posted a review of one of the contemporary challenge books (remember, it has to be published in 2012) on your blog, Goodreads, and/or Amazon, link to it in the linky below. Link each review only once even if you posted it on multiple sites.

The linky is only open until February 1. Every review entered in the linky will count as one entry into a giveaway for ARC copies of Lovetorn by Kavita Daswani and Don't Breathe A Word by Holly Cupala. The winner will be chosen on February 2 after the linky closes. Once you add your review to the linky, fill out the form so we have your contact info!

Fill out the form here!

Tempest (Tempest #1) by Julie Cross

2012-01-18T00:00:00.000-05:00

Title: Tempest (Tempest #1)
Author: Julie Cross
Release date: January 17, 2012
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Pages: 352
Source: Publisher

The year is 2009. Nineteen-year-old Jackson Meyer is a normal guy… he’s in college, has a girlfriend… and he can travel back through time. But it’s not like the movies – nothing changes in the present after his jumps, there’s no space-time continuum issues or broken flux capacitors – it’s just harmless fun.

That is… until the day strangers burst in on Jackson and his girlfriend, Holly, and during a struggle with Jackson, Holly is fatally shot. In his panic, Jackson jumps back two years to 2007, but this is not like his previous time jumps. Now he’s stuck in 2007 and can’t get back to the future.

Desperate to somehow return to 2009 to save Holly but unable to return to his rightful year, Jackson settles into 2007 and learns what he can about his abilities.

But it’s not long before the people who shot Holly in 2009 come looking for Jackson in the past, and these “Enemies of Time” will stop at nothing to recruit this powerful young time-traveler. Recruit… or kill him.

Piecing together the clues about his father, the Enemies of Time, and himself, Jackson must decide how far he’s willing to go to save Holly… and possibly the entire world.

Tempest is one of the most unique books I have read in a while. From the very beginning, I had a feeling I was going to love it and I was right.

Jackson has the ability to jump through time but he can only go back, not forward, and only for a short amount of time. That changes the day he sees his girlfriend, Holly, get shot. He ends up stuck in the year 2007. Things only get weirder from there.

Jackson is a mix of your typical teenage guy and the not-so-typical teenage guy. He is cocky at times but insecure at others. He worries what other people think of him but he does his own thing. He doesn't like long relationships but he loves Holly. I liked that I never knew what he was going to do next. Holly was also a bit typical but not all the time. She was the pretty girl but she didn't take advantage of her good looks. She was smart, nice, funny, and at times very insecure (mainly around Jackson). They brought out the best in each other. I also really liked Adam, Jackson's dad, Jana, and the other good guys. All the characters were very well-developed, especially for the first book in a trilogy.

The plot was what really kept me reading though. Everything was so fast-paced and intense. I loved that I could never guess what was going to happen next. Tempest was full of surprises and I am still reeling over that surprising ending. I'm happy to say it wasn't a total cliffhanger though.

Overall, Tempest has earned my highest rating. It will appeal to both guys and girls, young and old. Get your hands on a copy of this book as soon as possible!

Rating: A++

Hallowed (Unearthly #2) by Cynthia Hand

2012-01-17T00:00:00.000-05:00

Title: Hallowed (Unearthly #2)
Author: Cynthia Hand
Release date: January 17, 2012
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pages: 416
Source: Publisher

For months part-angel Clara Gardner trained to face the raging forest fire from her visions and rescue the alluring and mysterious Christian Prescott from the blaze. But nothing could prepare her for the fateful decisions she would be forced to make that day, or the startling revelation that her purpose—the task she was put on earth to accomplish—is not as straightforward as she thought. Now, torn between her increasingly complicated feelings for Christian and her love for her boyfriend, Tucker, Clara struggles to make sense of what she was supposed to do the day of the fire. And, as she is drawn further into the world of part angels and the growing conflict between White Wings and Black Wings, Clara learns of the terrifying new reality that she must face: Someone close to her will die in a matter of months. With her future uncertain, the only thing Clara knows for sure is that the fire was just the beginning.

SPOILER ALERT: If you have not read Unearthly, this review may contain spoilers.

I have to start off by saying there is not enough Tucker in this book. I love him and Clara together and I wanted more!

Okay not that that's out of the way I really did enjoy this book and I think it might even be better than Unearthly. Everything developed so much more in this story and while the ending didn't exactly tie things up, it was not a cliffhanger.

Hallowed starts off shortly after the ending of Unearthly and it takes no time at all to get back into the story. Things are much more dangerous in this book and there are a lot of secrets. I think the secrets are what kept me interested the most. Everyone had secrets and I wanted to know them all. And boy were they some shocking secrets. I was a surprised by a lot of things that happened in Hallowed and the people that did them.

The story really took off in this book. A lot more angel-blood history was shared, a lot of new characters were introduced, and more was revealed about everyone's purposes. There was also a ton of action in this book. I think the new characters added a lot to the story and I was very glad to see the old characters grow. I was proud of how Clara handled things, I grew to care for Christian and see how sweet he was, I saw Tucker maturing, and I was shocked at some things that happened to the other characters. I am really excited to see what happens in the next book.

Overall, Hallowed is a must-read for everyone who read Unearthly. There is something in it for everyone! Cynthia Hand is a fabulous author and she really proved it with Hallowed!

Rating: A

Fracture by Megan Miranda

2012-01-16T00:00:00.000-05:00

Title: Fracture
Author: Megan Miranda
Release date: January 17, 2012
Publisher: Walker & Company
Pages: 272
Source: BEA

By the time Delaney Maxwell was pulled from a Maine lake’s icy waters by her best friend, Decker Phillips, her heart had stopped beating. Her brain had stopped working. She was dead.

But somehow Delaney survived—despite the brain scans that show irreparable damage. Everyone wants Delaney to be fine, but she knows she’s far from normal. Pulled by strange sensations she can’t control or explain, Delaney now finds herself drawn to the dying, and when she meets Troy Varga, a boy who recently emerged from a coma with the same abilities, she is relieved to share this strange new existence. Unsure if her altered brain is predicting death or causing it, Delaney must figure out if their gift is a miracle, a freak of nature—or something else much more frightening….

I didn't really have any expectations for Fracture but if I did, this book would have exceeded them. Megan Miranda's debut novel is suspenseful, sweet, and just an all-around page turner.

Fracture is a very messed up book and I mean that in the best possible way. It was very hard to predict what was going to happen next because the story was so unlike anything I have read in the past. I loved that about Fracture. It surprised me many times.

Delaney was a great character. It was so easy to sympathize with her. She was confused, lost, and torn about many things. She didn't think she should have liked, she didn't know what was wrong with her brain, she didn't know if her best friend Decker would understand, and she spent a lot of time looking for help in the wrong places. Decker was the perfectly imperfect guy and it was very hard not to fall for him. He was always there for Delaney and it was easy to see how much he cared for her. Troy, on the other hand, was very hard to figure out. I won't tell you more than that he was a very messed up kid.

Overall, Fracture is an amazing book that I highly recommend. It is a quick, fun read and I can't wait for Megan Miranda's next book. (Oh and I'm pretty sure this one is a standalone!)

Rating: A++

Blogger Interview: Melina from Reading Vacation

2012-01-15T00:00:00.000-05:00

Melina is one of the coolest bloggers I know. She reads like a maniac, has an amazing blog, and she started her blog when she was 10! I wish I was as cool as she is when I was her age!

What are you like outside of blogging?

I am the same exact girl you see on Reading Vacation and on twitter. I can be random and I get overly excited about great books. I love spending time with my friends and my family. School is super important too and I care about my grades, so I work hard to keep them high. Yeah, I can be a little nerd-ish.

What book changed your life?

Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher.

This fabulously written story of teen suicide teaches a most valuable lesson. Everything you say and do will affect those around you. It's not just the big things either. Something that may seem insignificant to one person may be hugely important to someone else. Believe it!

What made you decide to start your blog?

I like being creative and different. When I was in fifth grade, I wanted to do something fun with my reading. Why not be the only ten-year-old kid around with a book blog? Yeah, that's creative and different for sure! It's nearly two years later and Reading Vacation keeps bringing the fun!

What blogs/bloggers inspire you?

How much space do we have here, because that list will be very long? Come on, book lovers are all so awesome that it's hard not to be inspired by all of them. I will list a few of my absolute favorites.

HD @ Reading Writing Breathing – I don’t think it’s possible for me to find another blogger that I have more in common with than HD. Same grade, same town, same taste in books, same overuse of all caps when talking about books, ummm yeah. HD’s blog is relatively new, but he has already made a huge splash on the blogging scene because of his unique and fun reviews.

Hafsah @ IceyBooks – I love to visit Hafsah’s blog because she has a mix of so many different kinds of posts. Some of my favorites are her posts about blog design and HTML. She is also so friendly and helpful to everyone.

April @ Good Books and Good Wine – April and I are both reading machines! She is one of the few bloggers who reads even more than I do. I love that April gives her completely uncensored honest opinion about….everything.

Katie @ Katie’s Book Blog – I can’t forget you, Katie! I love that your blog is so bright and cheerful. You have been blogging for such a long time, but you keep your content fresh and lively.

What are your goals for your blog in the future?

The easy answer is to keep having fun, meeting awesome people, and reading amazing books! I am also planning some new and different posts for 2012.

Do you love or hate your mailman?

I gave him a hand written thank you note, if that gives you an idea of how much I love him.

Favorites:

-Book of all time: Not a fair question! Here are a FEW of my favorites.
Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi
The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin
Gone Series by Michael Grant
Cryer’s Cross by Lisa McMann

-New release: Fracture by Megan Miranda

-Genre: Mind blowing insanity (it’s a new genre I made up)

-Place to Read: My bedroom.

-TV show: Friends

-Candy: Cherry Twizzlers

-Drink: Homemade lemonade

Now you guys need to go check out Melina's blog, Reading Vacation, and follow her on Twitter!

Discussion: How Do You Interact With Bloggers?

2012-01-14T00:00:00.003-05:00

Blogging can be one of two things: a solitary endeavor or a community project. Most bloggers run their own site and they do everything on their own. That is how my blog is run. I make all final decisions about what gets posted on this site. I like to think though that this blog is a community project. I post memes that other bloggers create, I get ideas from friends on Twitter about what to post/read, I get guest posts from friends and authors that I have almost nothing to do with.

The problem though is how to interact outside of these things. I know I can't possibly comment on every blog out there, have every author guest post on the blog, post every meme that was ever created, or read/review everything that people suggest to me. That doesn't mean I don't want to though. =)

One of my new year's resolutions for 2012 was to interact more with other bloggers. Blogging can be a very lonely thing if you don't interact with others. If you don't get comments/views it starts to feel like nobody cares what you have to say. When you put as much work into blogging as all of us do, you never want to feel that way. This year I want to make sure that the rest of the book blogging community knows how much I love what they are doing and I would love some new ideas about how to do that.

Personally, comments drive my blog. When I get an email saying someone has commented on my latest review/IMM/WoW I get this giant smile on my face. It is a little thing that takes very little time but it shows that someone took the time to read my post and they liked it (or maybe hated it). It is just one little thing that shows that people really are reading what I write here.

Another thing that keeps me going is author comments, whether they be on the blog, Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, or email. I love it when an author thanks me for taking the time to read and review their book. It is a little thing that shows how much they appreciate what I do. It goes a long way.

So what about you guys? What is the thing that makes you get that huge grin on your face? What do you consider the best way to show your appreciation for the work bloggers put into their blogs?

Waiting, Wanting, Wishing: Sequels Edition (14)

2012-01-13T00:00:00.001-05:00

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 contemporary books being published in 2012!

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

Title: Fever (Chemical Garden #2)
Author: Lauren DeStefano
Release date: February 21, 2012

Rhine and Gabriel have escaped the mansion, but danger is never far behind.

Running away brings Rhine and Gabriel right into a trap, in the form of a twisted carnival whose ringmistress keeps watch over a menagerie of girls. Just as Rhine uncovers what plans await her, her fortune turns again. With Gabriel at her side, Rhine travels through an environment as grim as the one she left a year ago - surroundings that mirror her own feelings of fear and hopelessness.

The two are determined to get to Manhattan, to relative safety with Rhine’s twin brother, Rowan. But the road there is long and perilous - and in a world where young women only live to age twenty and young men die at twenty-five, time is precious. Worse still, they can’t seem to elude Rhine’s father-in-law, Vaughn, who is determined to bring Rhine back to the mansion...by any means necessary.

In the sequel to Lauren DeStefano’s harrowing Wither, Rhine must decide if freedom is worth the price - now that she has more to lose than ever.

Title: Insurgent (Divergent #2)

Author: Veronica Roth

Release date: May 1, 2012

One choice can transform you—or it can destroy you. But every choice has consequences, and as unrest surges in the factions all around her, Tris Prior must continue trying to save those she loves—and herself—while grappling with haunting questions of grief and forgiveness, identity and loyalty, politics and love.

Tris's initiation day should have been marked by celebration and victory with her chosen faction; instead, the day ended with unspeakable horrors. War now looms as conflict between the factions and their ideologies grows. And in times of war, sides must be chosen, secrets will emerge, and choices will become even more irrevocable—and even more powerful. Transformed by her own decisions but also by haunting grief and guilt, radical new discoveries, and shifting relationships, Tris must fully embrace her Divergence, even if she does not know what she may lose by doing so.

Title: Until I Die (Revenants #2)
Author: Amy Plum
Release date: May 8, 2012

Kate and Vincent have overcome the odds and at last they are together in Paris, the city of lights and love.

As their romance deepens there’s one question they can’t ignore: How are they supposed to be together if Vincent can’t resist sacrificing himself to save others? Although Vincent promises that he’ll do whatever it takes to lead a normal life with Kate, will that mean letting innocent people die? When a new and surprising enemy reveals itself, Kate realizes that even more may be at stake—and that Vincent’s immortality is in jeopardy.

Title: Perception (Clarity #2)

Author: Kim Harrington

Release date: March 1, 2012

When you can see things others can't, what do you do when someone's watching you?

Everybody knows about Clarity "Clare" Fern. She's the psychic girl in school, the one who can place her hands on something and see hidden visions from the past.

Only Clare would rather not be a celebrity. She prefers hanging back, observing. Her gift is not a game to her.

But then someone starts playing with her head . . . and heart. Messages and gifts from a secret admirer crop up everywhere Clare turns. Could they be from Gabriel, the gorgeous boy who gets Clare's pulse racing? Or from Justin, Clare's hopeful ex-boyfriend who'd do anything to win her back?

One thing is certain. Clare needs to solve this mystery, and soon. Because the messages are becoming sinister, and a girl in town has suddenly disappeared.

Title: Underworld (Abandon #2)
Author: Meg Cabot
Release date: May 28, 2012

Escape from the realm of the dead is impossible when someone there wants you back.

Seventeen-year-old Pierce Oliviera isn’t dead.

Not this time.

But she is being held against her will in the dim, twilit world between heaven and hell, where the spirits of the deceased wait before embarking upon their final journey.

Her captor, John Hayden, claims it’s for her own safety. Because not all the departed are dear. Some are so unhappy with where they ended up after leaving the Underworld, they’ve come back as Furies, intent on vengeance…on the one who sent them there and on the one whom he loves.

But while Pierce might be safe from the Furies in the Underworld, far worse dangers could be lurking for her there…and they might have more to do with its ruler than with his enemies.

And unless Pierce is careful, this time there’ll be no escape.

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

From The Back Of My Shelf: Some Girls Are by Courtney Summers

2012-01-12T00:00:00.000-05:00

Title: Some Girls Are
Author: Courtney Summers
Release date: January 5, 2010
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Pages: 246
Source: Bookstore

Climbing to the top of the social ladder is hard--falling from it is even harder. Regina Afton used to be a member of the Fearsome Fivesome, an all-girl clique both feared and revered by the students at Hallowell High... until vicious rumors about her and her best friend's boyfriend start going around. Now Regina's been "frozen out" and her ex-best friends are out for revenge. If Regina was guilty, it would be one thing, but the rumors are far from the terrifying truth and the bullying is getting more intense by the day. She takes solace in the company of Michael Hayden, a misfit with a tragic past who she herself used to bully. Friendship doesn't come easily for these onetime enemies, and as Regina works hard to make amends for her past, she realizes Michael could be more than just a friend... if threats from the Fearsome Foursome don't break them both first.

Some Girls Are is one of those most intense books I have read. It had the effect that I couldn't stop reading it even when I wanted to. And yes, there were times when I wanted to stop reading it. Some Girls Are is a very heavy book but I definitely ended up liking it.

Regina is a bitch and she knows it. Being a bitch has always been what she does until the Fearsome Fivesome kick her out. Now she has absolutely no friends because of how she treated everyone and her former friends are determined to make her life a living hell. Throughout all the torment, Regina, not surprisingly, remains a bitch, at least to some people. She refuses to let her former friends beat her and so for everything they do, she retaliates.

While I hated how mean Regina was, I liked to see her get back at the Fearsome Foursome. She definitely did not lack a backbone. She also really did grow as a person throughout the book. She saw firsthand what she did to some of her victims and she truly felt remorse. Sadly I did not see the same growth in any of the other girls. They were just plain evil.

The story itself is all about Regina's fall from grace that is caused by something she didn't do. The whole book seemed to be one mean prank after another, some more serious than others. What's worse is that when Regina finally finds someone who makes her happy (Michael) her old friends find a very cruel way to ruin that as well. It was almost painful to read Some Girls Are because there truly are almost no happy moments.

Overall, Some Girls Are is not one I would recommend to everyone. It is a hard book to handle but I think a lot of people will appreciate it. You really need to be in the right mood to read this one though.

Rating: A-

Harbinger Book Trailer!

2012-01-11T18:50:00.000-05:00

I don't know about you guys but I am dying to read Harbinger by Sara Wilson Etienne. This trailer only makes me want to read it more!

About the book: Set in a world in which a diminishing oil supply has lead to chaos and mass rioting, sixteen year old Faye is plagued by waking visions and nightmares. Her parents think the only solution is to send her to Holbrook Academy, the creepy prison-like school for disturbed teenagers. When she and her friends wake up on the floor with their hands stained red, Faye has no idea what it means, but fears she may be the cause. But despite the strangeness of Holbrook and the island on which it sits, Faye feels oddly connected to the place. The handsome Kel tries to help her unravel the mystery, but Faye is certain he is trying to kill her –and the rest of the world too.

Advance Praise for Harbinger:
“Heart-wrenching, terrifying, hot, and un-put-down-able!” – Tamora Pierce, New York Times bestselling author·

“Intricate, suspenseful, completely absorbing. Harbinger is masterfully done.” – Lisa McMann, author of the New York Times bestselling Wake trilogy

What do you guys think?

Shatter Me (Shatter Me #1) by Tahereh Mafi

2012-01-11T00:00:00.001-05:00

Title: Shatter Me (Shatter Me #1)
Author: Tahereh Mafi
Release date: November 15, 2011
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pages: 338
Source: BEA

Juliette hasn't touched anyone in exactly 264 days.

The last time she did, it was an accident, but The Reestablishment locked her up for murder. No one knows why Juliette's touch is fatal. As long as she doesn't hurt anyone else, no one really cares. The world is too busy crumbling to pieces to pay attention to a 17-year-old girl. Diseases are destroying the population, food is hard to find, birds don't fly anymore, and the clouds are the wrong color.

The Reestablishment said their way was the only way to fix things, so they threw Juliette in a cell. Now so many people are dead that the survivors are whispering war-- and The Reestablishment has changed its mind. Maybe Juliette is more than a tortured soul stuffed into a poisonous body. Maybe she's exactly what they need right now.

Juliette has to make a choice: Be a weapon. Or be a warrior.

Wow! I'm kind of speechless right now. I knew Shatter Me was going to be good but I had no idea I would love it as much as I did. This one is definitely one of the best debut novels I have read.

Juliette has been locked up for 264 days. She has been in isolation for that whole time. When Adam is thrown into her cell one day she's not sure if she should be happy that she has company of terrified of what she might do to him. You see, Juliette can kill with a single touch. And now someone else knows about her gift and they want to make a deal with her. Will Juliette choose to become a monster and use her gift for power or will she fight back for a chance at freedom and the boy she has always loved?

Shatter Me is a new kind of dystopian novel. Sure the world is the same as a lot of others; bleak and hopeless, but that is where the similarities end. Tahereh Mafi really made dystopian her own. I don't feel like I can compare it to another book because it was just so unique from the characters to Juliette's crazy ability. The first thing that came to mind when reading about Juliette's ability though was X-Men. I loved it!

I also have to mention the romance in this book. I normally wouldn't dedicate a whole paragraph to the romance but I have to. Adam and Juliette were so good together. Adam was so sweet and caring but also strong and protective. It was so hot! Juliette was not weak by any means but it was very refreshing to read about a guy who is not afraid to show how he feels and stand up for the girl he cares about. Also, there is a shower scene. That's all I have to say. =)

My absolute favorite thing about Shatter Me was the writing. I really wanted to share some quotes with you guys but I would be sharing the whole book. I honestly cannot pick a favorite passage because they are all so beautifully written. I actually found myself tearing up many times at how Tahereh Mafi described how Juliette was feeling. I have never felt more connected to a character.

Overall, Shatter Me is a new favorite of mine that I recommend to everyone. I could gush about this book for days. Go check it out!

Rating: A++

Blog Tour: TMAS Crossover - Delaney's Secrets + Giveaway

2012-01-10T00:00:00.000-05:00

Today I have the fabulous Holly Cupala as part of the Don't Breathe A Word blog tour. Holly is here to share a few of Delaney's secrets and whether or not she makes an appearance in Don't Breathe A Word.

Books:

Tell Me A Secret
Don't Breathe A Word

DBAW Sneak Preview / Website
Twitter / Amazon / Indiebound

Welcome to the Don’t Breathe a Word stop at Katie’s Book Blog – and huge thanks to Katie for inviting me! I’m glad to be here to share a few behind-the-scenes secrets…

People keep asking me…does Delaney really show up in Don’t Breathe a Word?

In a word: Yes. Although it’s not obvious—if you haven’t read Tell Me a Secret, you might not even notice. In fact, you might not even notice anyway. She’s kind of sneaky and hidden…exactly as Delaney ought to be, right?

So how does Delaney fit into all this, anyway? Well…let’s just say she and Asher (the secretly abusive boyfriend in DBAW) share a past. How much of a past? Delaney and Asher knew each other before Tell Me a Secret, before Don’t Breathe a Word. Both of them were students at View Ridge Prep, and they knew each other before Delaney is kicked out. Are these events related? Hmm…perhaps.

In fact, I’m tossing around the idea of writing their story. Two villains…one steamy relationship…how their tragedy shaped the lives that followed...

What do you think? Would you like to see a Delaney-Asher backstory? Any suggestions for story events? Make a suggestion and be entered to win the TMAS-DBAW prize pack, with a signed copy of Don’t Breathe a Word and the special edition Tell Me a Secret audiobook!

And don’t forget to follow the DBAW tour for more secrets, swag, and signed books! Thank you, Katie, and I hope readers love Don’t Breathe a Word!

Readers, you have two chances to win today. Leave a comment with a suggestion for story events and be entered to win a signed copy of Don't Breathe A Word and the special edition Tell Me A Secret audiobook. Fill out the form and be entered to win a copy of Don't Breathe A Word.

Prize pack giveaway ends January 17 and is US only!

Don't Breathe A Word giveaway ends January 15 and is international. If an international winner is drawn the book will be shipped from The Book Depository. If a US winner is drawn the book will be shipped from Holly and signed.

Fill out the form here!

Books By Their Covers (2)

2012-01-09T00:00:00.000-05:00

My opinion: From the cover alone, the book looks super fun. The friends standing by the car, the pictures in the font, all the different colors. The font itself is a little generic but it works. I definitely think this book cover is very unique and something that will stand out on the shelf. I also think the title will catch a lot of people's eyes. It is hilarious.

Rating: A-

Blogger Interview: Willa from Willa's Ramblings (My Little Sib)

2012-01-08T00:00:00.001-05:00

Today I have a very special guest; my blogging little sis, Willa from Willa's Ramblings!

What are you like outside of blogging?

Awesome. I read like a crazy person, play piano all the time, and write. A lot. I have this weird and a bit odd obsession with saying “dearie”/ “dear” a lot. I try to be funny frequently.

What book changed your life?

This question is too hard. Can I have two? I’m going with two.

First, Thirteen Reasons Why, which probably changed everyone’s life. This book made me think about bullying in a new way, and realize how the things we do can impact people in ways we never thought possible.

Second, Go Ask Alice, changed my life in ways that only a book can. This book made me so scared of drugs to the point that I know that will never. Ever. Do drugs. It also scared me like crazy.

What made you decide to start your blog?

Meredith (Mint Tea And A Good Book) and books. Meredith made me aware of the book blogging community, and that yes, I can blog about books. This made my world rock. Then I realized that I could take my addiction to books and happiness whenever I tell people to read a book into a site, and people could take my advice without having to meet me! (What a fantastic invention.)

What blogs/bloggers inspire you?

Meredith from Mint Tea and a Good Book, (My twin sister. Just kidding.) Kristi at The Story Siren, Katie (!) at Katie’s Book Blog (!) and Ginger at GReads. These people all rock, and answer my questions. Frequently.

What are your goals for your blog in the future?

I would love to reach a thousand followers! But this will take a while, so in the meantime I simply want to get the blog out there. Spread the word, meet more amazing people in the community, and put myself out in the blogosphere.

Do you love or hate your mailman?

Umm... Honestly, I just got a new one I haven’t met him/her yet. Our old one rocked. She fed my dogs treats every time she saw them.

Favorites:
-Book of all time: Right now? Lola and the Boy Next Door.
-New release: Lola. Sorry. It rocks.
-Genre: YA Romance. I’m a romantic.
-Place to Read: Anywhere where I can not be disturbed.
-TV show: GLEE!
-Candy: Sour Patch kids. They are so addicting.
-Drink: Dr. Pepper. It’s a long story.

Can you guys see why I love Willa so much? You should check her out at Willa's Ramblings and on Twitter!

In My Mailbox 139 (week of January 7)

2012-01-07T22:06:00.000-05:00

In my mailbox is a meme created by Kristi at The Story Siren and inspired by Alea at 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 Asylum (Stefan's Diaries #5) by LJ Smith

-Forbidden by Syrie James and Ryan M. James

-Hallowed (Unearthly #2) by Cynthia Hand

-Pretty Little Secrets by Sara Shepard

-Immortal Beloved (Immortal Beloved #1) by Cate Tiernan

-Darkness Falls (Immortal Beloved #2) by Cate Tiernan

-The Queen Of Kentucky by Alecia Whitaker

-Bittersweet by Sarah Ockler

Bought:

-City Of Ashes (The Mortal Instruments #2) by Cassandra Clare

-The Iron Knight (The Iron Fey #4) by Julie Kagawa

Bookshelf Tour!

2012-01-07T19:06:00.000-05:00

I promised a few people that I would post an updated bookshelf tour and I finally found time to film it. I admit that it is pretty bad at some parts. I don't have the best lighting in my room. It is also rather long since I have 4 shelves. If you are interested to see what my shelves look like feel free to watch it. =)

(Also, these are only the books that fit on my shelves. I have boxes of books in my closet that hold a lot more books.)

Waiting, Wanting, Wishing: Contemporary Edition (13)

2012-01-06T00:00:00.000-05:00

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 contemporary books being published in 2012!

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

Title: Before You Go
Author: James Preller
Release date: July 17, 2012

The summer before his senior year, Jude (yes, he’s named after the Beatles song) gets his first job, falls in love for the first time, and starts to break away from his parents. Jude’s house is kept dark; no one talks much—it’s been that way since his little sister drowned in a swimming pool when Jude was supposed to be watching her.

He was watching her. He looked away for just a moment. He was only nine years old. And he’s never truly grieved for her, or for the emotional deaths of his parents, who refuse to talk about what happened. Seven years later, Jude is finally, finally starting to live. Really live. And then life spins out of control. Again.

Title: Belles

Author: Jen Calonita

Release date: April 10, 2012

Fifteen-year-old Isabelle Scott loves her life by the boardwalk on the supposed wrong side of the tracks in North Carolina. But when tragedy strikes, a social worker sends her to live with a long-lost uncle and his preppy privileged family. Isabelle is taken away from everything she's ever known, and, unfortunately, inserting her into the glamorous lifestyle of Emerald Cove doesn't go so well. Her cousin Mirabelle Monroe isn't thrilled to share her life with an outsider, and, in addition to dealing with all the rumors and backstabbing that lurk beneath their classmates' Southern charm, a secret is unfolding that will change both girls' lives forever.

Title: Perfect Escape
Author: Jennifer Brown
Release date: July 10, 2012

Kendra has always felt overshadowed by her older brother, Grayson, whose OCD forces him to live a life of carefully coordinated routines. The only way Kendra can stand out next to Grayson is to be perfect, and she has perfection down to an art -- until a cheating scandal threatens her flawless reputation.

Behind the wheel of her car, with Grayson asleep beside her, Kendra decides to drive away from it all -- with enough distance, maybe she'll be able to figure everything out. But eventually, Kendra must stop running and come to terms with herself, her brother, and her past.

With undeniable grace and humor, acclaimed author Jennifer Brown explores OCD, the pressure for perfection, and the emotional highs and lows of a complex sibling relationship.

Title: All These Lives

Author: Sarah Wylie
Release date: June 5, 2012

Sixteen-year-old Dani is convinced she has nine lives. As a child she twice walked away from situations where she should have died. But Dani’s twin, Jena, isn’t so lucky. She has cancer and might not even be able to keep her one life. Dani’s father is in denial. Her mother is trying to hold it together and prove everything’s normal. And Jena is wasting away.

To cope, Dani sets out to rid herself of all her extra lives. Maybe they’ll be released into the universe and someone who wants to live more than she does will get one. Someone like Jena. But just when Dani finds herself at the breaking point, she’s faced with a startling realization. Maybe she doesn’t have nine lives after all. Maybe she really only ever had one.

Title: Welcome, Caller, This Is Chloe
Author: Shelley Coriell
Release date: May 1, 2012

Big-hearted Chloe Camden is the queen of her universe until her best friend shreds her reputation and her school counselor axes her junior independent study project. Chloe is forced to take on a meaningful project in order to pass, and so she joins her school’s struggling radio station, where the other students don’t find her too queenly. Ostracized by her former BFs and struggling with her beloved Grams’s mental deterioration, lonely Chloe ends up hosting a call-in show that gets the station much-needed publicity and, in the end, trouble. She also befriends radio techie and loner Duncan Moore, a quiet soul with a romantic heart. On and off the air, Chloe faces her loneliness and helps others find the fun and joy in everyday life. Readers will fall in love with Chloe as she falls in love with the radio station and the misfits who call it home.

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

Dearly, Departed (Dearly #1) by Lia Habel

2012-01-05T00:00:00.003-05:00

Title: Dearly, Departed (Dearly #1)
Author: Lia Habel
Release date: October 18, 2011
Publisher: Del Rey
Pages: 470
Source: Publisher

Love conquers all, so they say. But can Cupid’s arrow pierce the hearts of the living and the dead—or rather, the undead? Can a proper young Victorian lady find true love in the arms of a dashing zombie?

The year is 2195. The place is New Victoria—a high-tech nation modeled on the manners, mores, and fashions of an antique era. A teenager in high society, Nora Dearly is far more interested in military history and her country’s political unrest than in tea parties and debutante balls. But after her beloved parents die, Nora is left at the mercy of her domineering aunt, a social-climbing spendthrift who has squandered the family fortune and now plans to marry her niece off for money. For Nora, no fate could be more horrible—until she’s nearly kidnapped by an army of walking corpses.

But fate is just getting started with Nora. Catapulted from her world of drawing-room civility, she’s suddenly gunning down ravenous zombies alongside mysterious black-clad commandos and confronting “The Laz,” a fatal virus that raises the dead—and hell along with them. Hardly ideal circumstances. Then Nora meets Bram Griswold, a young soldier who is brave, handsome, noble . . . and dead. But as is the case with the rest of his special undead unit, luck and modern science have enabled Bram to hold on to his mind, his manners, and his body parts. And when his bond of trust with Nora turns to tenderness, there’s no turning back. Eventually, they know, the disease will win, separating the star-crossed lovers forever. But until then, beating or not, their hearts will have what they desire.

I have to start off by saying that this is one of the best books I have read recently and definitely my number one zombie book. The page count made be 470 but don't let that stop you because by the end you will be wishing it was longer. It is just that good.

Lia Habel may be a debut author but from her writing you cannot tell. The book is beautifully written, full of lush descriptions, and a wonderful, unique world. Lia Habel doesn't shy away from dark things. Instead she takes them and makes the beautiful. I'm sure you will fall in love with her zombies, just like Nora (and I) did.

The world Lia Habel creates is a very unique one. It is a futuristic world that's cultures revolve around the Victorian age. New London has very high tech gadgets but also historical standards such as chaperones, parasols, and dresses that cover every inch of skin. It seems rather odd at first but you are quickly given the history of New London and their customs begin to make sense.

The characters, each and every one of them, were fabulous. Nora and Pamela and Chas and Beryl were all strong females that kicked some serious zombie ass. Bram was the sweetest, bravest, most conflicted zombie out there. Renfield, Coalhouse, Tom, Dr.Samedi, all the good zombies really were wonderful and unique and quite hilarious. I cannot express how much I loved them all.

The plot was fast-paced and full of action (both romantic and of the zombie killing variety.) Interspersed throughout was some history of the characters but that did not slow things down at all. Another thing that kept it interesting was the switching point-of-views. You mainly get things from Nora and Bram but some of the other characters also get a few chapters. I really liked that about this book. Oh and the zombie killing action was rather gory at times but still totally awesome.

Overall, Dearly, Departed is a must read for everyone, even if you don't particularly care for zombie books. I am now eagerly awaiting the sequel, Dearly, Beloved.

Rating: A++

Barnes & Noble Sale!

2012-01-04T20:13:00.001-05:00

I just wanted to let everyone know that right now Barnes And Noble is having a sale for 50% off the list price of all YA books on their website and in-stores.

The code for your online purchase is: F3Y9V4J

The coupon for an in-store purchase is here!

The coupon expires on January 9! Have fun book shopping!

Love & Leftovers by Sarah Tregay

2012-01-04T00:00:00.001-05:00

Title: Love & Leftovers
Author: Sarah Tregay
Release date: December 27, 2011
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pages: 448
Source: Publisher

When her parents split, Marcie is dragged from Idaho to a family summerhouse in New Hampshire. She leaves behind her friends, a group of freaks and geeks called the Leftovers, including her emo-rocker boyfriend, and her father.

By the time Labor Day rolls around, Marcie suspects this "vacation" has become permanent. She starts at a new school where a cute boy brings her breakfast and a new romance heats up. But understanding love, especially when you've watched your parents' affections end, is elusive. What does it feel like, really? can you even know it until you've lost it?

Love & Leftovers is one of the best and cutest contemporaries I have read. Sarah Tregay's debut novel blew me away.

Love & Leftovers is a story told in verse. It makes it a lot quicker to read while still managing to get every emotion across. The verse is very lyrical and the story is one that I think everyone can relate to. That combination makes Love & Leftovers very hard to put down.

The characters were a great mix and it was hard not to like them all (even when they were doing stupid things.) Marcie had a lot going on in her life so at times she made some some stupid mistakes. Her family and best friend, Kate, were always there to help make things better. The leftovers: Angelo, Ian, Garrett, Linux, Emily, Kate, Carolina, and Marcie were great together. They were a diverse group of friends and all very fun. Linus was a sweetheart and I'm pretty sure by the end of this book everyone will have a crush on him. He's kind of irresistible that way. Marcie's dad and Danny were also fabulous. They were two of my favorite characters. It's hard not to like those two.

Overall, Love & Leftovers is another book I have to recommend. Everyone will be able to find something to love about it.

Rating: A

January TBR Pile!

2012-01-03T00:00:00.006-05:00

Physical books:
~~-Fever (Wither #2) by Lauren DeStefano~~
~~-Uglies: Shay's Story by Scott Westerfeld, Illustrated by Steven Cummings~~
-Paper Towns by John Green
-Unclaimed Heart by Kim Wilkins
~~-Everneath by Brodi Ashton~~
-The Queen Of Kentucky by Alecia Whitaker
~~-Ditched: A Love Story by Robin Mellom~~
~~-The Edumacation Of Jay Baker by Jay Clark~~
~~-The Catastrophic History Of You & Me by Jess Rothenberg~~
~~-The Way We Fall by Megan Crewe~~

E-books:
-Catching Jordan by Miranda Kenneally
-Touch Of Power by Maria V. Snyder
-New Girl by Paige Harbison
-Never Eighteen by Megan Bostic

I have a pretty high goal for this month but I will be off work and school for a lot of this month so I think I might be able to read them all. I also included a few older books because that was one of my resolutions for this year. I'm starting with only two older books but throughout the year I hope to get the chance to read more of those.

What books are on your TBR for this month?

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

2012-01-02T00:00:00.001-05:00

Title: The Statistical Probability Of Love At First Sight
Author: Jennifer E. Smith
Release date: January 2, 2012
Publisher: Poppy
Pages: 236
Source: Publisher

Who would have guessed that four minutes could change everything?

Today should be one of the worst days of seventeen-year-old Hadley Sullivan's life. She's stuck at JFK, late to her father's second wedding, which is taking place in London and involves a soon to be step-mother that Hadley's never even met. Then she meets the perfect boy in the airport's cramped waiting area. His name is Oliver, he's British, and he's in seat 18C. Hadley's in 18A.

Twists of fate and quirks of timing play out in this thoughtful novel about family connections, second chances and first loves. Set over a 24-hour-period, Hadley and Oliver's story will make you believe that true love finds you when you're least expecting it

The Statistical Probability Of Love At First Sight is a cute, fun, very quick read that I adored. Jennifer E. Smith has me up late into the night reading. It really is one of those books that you just have to read for yourself.

Hadley is not a happy character. She is sad, confused, lonely, and she feels abandoned by her father. She is not looking forward to his wedding and so when she misses her flight she isn't too torn up about it. Especially not when a cute British boy named Oliver ends up being on her new flight. Oliver has his own demons that you don't immediately find out about. He still manages to be sweet and funny with Hadley even though his problems are a lot bigger than hers. These two were perfect for each other.

I think my favorite thing about this book is that the whole story happens in one 24-hour time period. It really is a story of love at first sight and how it plays out. Also, in this case, I wouldn't call it insta-love because that is a bad thing and that was not the case with this book. It was a very good thing! Also, a lot can happen in the course of one day and Hadley and Oliver learned a lot about each other in that time.

Overall, The Statistical Probability Of Love At First Sight is one of my new favorite contemporary romance stories. It really is the perfect book to sit down and read straight through. And it will leave you wondering if maybe you could find your own love at first sight. =)

Rating: A++

Winners!

2012-01-01T16:33:00.000-05:00

First winners of 2012! Woo hoo!

The winner of the ARC of Balthazar is:

Rhianna

The winner of the ARC of Hallowed is:

Erin

The winner of the ARC of Partials is:

Alli

The winner of the ARC of Glimmer is:

LiLi

Congratulations to all the winners. I'm taking a short break from giveaways but there will be at least one this month so keep checking back!

2012 YA Contemporary Challenge: Month One Releases!

2012-01-01T13:53:00.000-05:00

Welcome to month one of the 2012 YA Contemporary Challenge! I hope you guys are just as excited about this as I am. If you haven't yet signed up, you still have time. Just create a post on your blog about the challenge and link back on this post!

Now, on to this month's releases. 2012 ARCs of contemporaries count whenever you read them in 2012 but these are the specific January releases.

What Boys Really Want by Pete Hautman - January 1

The Fault In Our Stars by John Green - January 10

The Queen Of Kentucky by Alecia Whitaker - January 2

Try Not To Breathe by Jennifer R. Hubbard - January 19

Why We Broke Up by Daniel Handler and Maira Kalman - December 27, 2011

Winter's Kiss by Jennifer Echols and Catherine Hapka - January 3

Never Eighteen by Megan Bostic - January 17

Fracture by Megan Miranda - January 17

Addison Blakely: Confessions Of A PK by Betsy St. Amant - January 1

Bittersweet by Sarah Ockler - January 3

Black Boy White School by Brian F. Walker - January 3

Cracked by K.M. Walton - January 3

Ditched: A Love Story by Robin Mellom - January 10

Don't Breathe A Word by Holly Cupala - January 3

Getting Over Garrett Delaney by Abby McDonald - January 24

The International Kissing Club by Ivy Adams - January 3

Love? Maybe by Heather Hepler - January 5

Lovetorn by Kavita Daswani - January 17

The Statistical Probability Of Love At First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith - January 2

The Darlings In Love (The Darlings #2) by Melissa Kantor - January 10

The Edumacation Of Jay Baker by Jay Clark - January 31

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T01:15:00.000-05:00

2011 was a great year for both me and my blog. I am so grateful to everyone out there who reads this blog and supports my addiction to reading. You guys just get me! =)

2012 is going to be even better! I can just tell! I look forward to another great year of blogging!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

In My Mailbox 138 (week of December 31)

2011-12-31T16:56:00.000-05:00

Bloggers mentioned:

-Willa from Willa's Ramblings

-Meredith from Mint Tea and A Good Book

-Angela from Reading Angel

-Jasmine from A Room With Books

For review:
-Initiation (Bonfire Academy #1) by Imogen Rose
-Winter's Kiss by Jennifer Echols and Catherine Hapka
-Uglies: Shay's Story by Scott Westerfeld, illustrated by Steven Cummings
-The Edumacation Of Jay Baker by Jay Clark
-Stolen Away by Alyxandra Harvey
-The Statistical Probability Of Love At First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith
-Fever (Wither #2) by Lauren DeStefano
-Pure (Covenant #2) by Jennifer L. Armentrout
-Unraveling by Elizabeth Norris
-Rivals (The Ivy #3) by Lauren Kunze and Rina Onur
-The Selection by Kiera Cass
-Eve Of Destruction (Dark Eden #2) by Patrick Carman
-The Temptation by Alisa Valdes
-Invisible Sun by David Macinnis Gill
-Thumped (Bumped #2) by Megan McCafferty
-Social Suicide (Deadly Cool #2) by Gemma Halliday
-Finding Somewhere by Joseph Monninger
-Blood Sun (Danger Zone #3) by David Gilman
-Unleashed (Wolf Springs Chronicles #1) by Nancy Holder and Debbie Viguie
-The Sharp Time by Mary O'Connell
-Don't Expect Magic by Kathy McCullough
-Extraordinary by Adam Selzer
-The File On Angelyn Stark by Catherine Atkins

Won:
-Forbidden by Tabitha Suzuma

Gifted:

-Private (Private #1) by Kate Brian

-Obsidian (Lux #1) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

-Touch (Denazen #1) by Jus Accardo

-The Daughters (The Daughters #1) by Joanna Philbin

-The House Of Dead Maids by Clare B. Dunkle

-The Patron Saint Of Butterflies by Cecilia Galante

-Slept Away by Julie Kraut

-Anna And The French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins (SIGNED!)

Bloggers' Most Anticipated of 2012 (4)!

2011-12-31T11:45:00.000-05:00

This December I am doing an end of the year feature with not only my picks as the most anticipated books of 2012 but also 20 other blogger's picks. Today I present to you the last 5 awesome bloggers' choices!

My "most anticipated book of 2012" is...
Fever by Lauren DeStefano because I am excited to see what happens to Rhine and how the story will progress further!!

Most Anticipated Book of 2012:

This Is Not a Test by Courtney Summers

It's been a long time since I've read a really good zombie book and this one sounds amazing. Of course, it has the zombie thing going for it, but it's also a totally different zombie concept than I've ever seen. Normally, the main characters is a survivor and will do anything to survive, but that's not the case here, in fact, the main character wants to die. It's definitely one of the most intriguing things I've heard in a while.

Most anticipated of 2012:

It would have been Pure by Jennifer Armentrout but lucky for me, I have already read it and it is AMAZING!! Trust me, you ALL want this book on your wishlists!

So I will have to go with... Isla and the Happily Ever After by Stephanie Perkins!

Since Lola was my favorite of this year, I guess it's pretty easy to guess why I would pick Isla as my most anticipated for 2012!!

Most anticipated of 2012:

The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken

Brightly Woven is about my favorite book out there. Alexandra Bracken managed to capture everything a good fantasy needs, and I just love it. While The Darkest Minds is going to be very different, as it is a dystopian, I am very excited for more from the wonderful Alexandra Bracken.

Mirage by Kristi Cook: Haven by Kristi Cook was one of the very first books I read in 2011, but it stuck with me throughout the rest of the year. I found myself thinking about Violet and Winterhaven long after finishing the book and I'll admit I've read it at least twice since that first reading. It's that good. I am on pins and needles waiting to see what happens in Mirage.

Bloggers' Best Of 2011 (4)!

2011-12-30T09:14:00.000-05:00

This December I am doing an end of the year feature with not only my picks as the best books of 2011 but also 20 other blogger's picks. Today I present to you the last 5 awesome bloggers' choices!

I think Wither by Lauren DeStefano is the "best book of 2011" because I am deeply engrossed and fascinated with polygamous marriages. I really enjoyed this dystopian novel. It also gave me a sense of a historical feeling because of the polygamous marriage between Linden and his three wives. The plot was original. The characters were interesting with unique names.

Wither is a strong, unique, and fascinating debut! Beautifully written! The characters and the story itself will blow you away! A must-read!

Favorite Book of 2011:

Divergent by Veronica Roth
I've read a pitiful amount of books this year, so the pool isn't very large, but this one easily takes the cake. Divergent has it all: kick-a** heroine (who grows into it, which is even more awesome), awesome love interest/romance, fantastic dystopian setting (which answers just enough questions to leave you both satisfied and wanting more), heart-pounding action, and tear-inducing moments.

Best of 2011: Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins
Such a tough choice, but I had to go with Lola!! I loved Anna and the French Kiss, but Lola went to a whole other level for me. I love her quirkyness, and Cricket is the perfect guy!

My favorite book of 2011, that is a tricky one as I loved so many books. For today, I am going to go with Angelfire by Courtney Allison Moulton but if you asked me tomorrow if may be A Touch Morbid or Touch of Frost or something entirely different. Angelfire was just so brilliant and it was that action packed awesome book and was completely unique. I am eager for more Courtney Allison Moulton books to come.

Obsidian by Jennifer L. Armentrout: This book was without a doubt my favorite of the year for many reasons, but let's just start with one of them: Daemon. I hated him. I loved him. I understood him. Did I mention I loved him? And Katy, well, she's so very easy to connect with. What book blogger doesn't? This book made me want to hug it and take it on a date and maybe read it over and over until the sequel comes out. That's totally normal right? Right.

Ashes (Ashes #1) by Ilsa J. Bick

2011-12-29T09:18:00.000-05:00

Title: Ashes (Ashes #1)
Author: Ilsa J. Bick
Release date: September 6, 2011
Publisher: Egmont USA
Pages: 480
Source: Boulder Book Store

It could happen tomorrow . . .

An electromagnetic pulse flashes across the sky, destroying every electronic device, wiping out every computerized system, and killing billions.

Alex hiked into the woods to say good-bye to her dead parents and her personal demons. Now desperate to find out what happened after the pulse crushes her to the ground, Alex meets up with Tom—a young soldier—and Ellie, a girl whose grandfather was killed by the EMP.

For this improvised family and the others who are spared, it’s now a question of who can be trusted and who is no longer human.

Ashes is a dark and gritty tale of a world gone mad. Ilsa J. Bick does not shy away from anything and while at times it seems overwhelming, in the end it all adds up to a fabulous book.

Ashes packs a punch from the very beginning. It is full of action, suspense, and tons of terrifying revelations about what happens when there aren't enough resources for everyone. It is full of death, destruction, and a quite a few gory surprises. The scariest thing about Ashes is how realistic it is. It is startling to think that this could happen sometime in the very near future.

Every character, even the ones with the smallest roles, are three-dimensional and wonderfully well-rounded. Alex, the main character, is full of spunk, fight, and quite a few snarky comments. Ellie, one of the first characters you meet after Alex, is a breath of fresh air in the gloomy atmosphere of post-EMP United States. Even through the toughest times she lightens the moods and brings out Alex's sweeter side. Tom is my favorite character because I think everyone can relate to him in some way. He is very real and steady. No matter what, I think everyone can find someone to relate to in Ashes.

Overall, Ashes is one of the most gripping stories that I have read in a long time. This trilogy is one to watch out for. It holds a lot of potential. If the following books are anything like this one, Ilsa J. Bick can expect to have a lot of engrossed fans.

Rating: A

Most Anticipated 12 of 2012!

2011-12-28T01:11:00.000-05:00

2012 is going to be a seriously awesome year for books, I just know it. Today I am going to share with you 12 books that I think are going to be the most awesome.

(Click on titles to be taken to Goodreads page.)

#1 Enshadowed (Nevermore #2) by Kelly Creagh

I have been dying to read this book ever since I finished Nevermore last year. I was so upset that they pushed the release date back. August cannot get here fast enough!

#2 Fever (Chemical Garden #2) by Lauren DeStefano

I loved Wither and the ending wasn't a total cliffhanger but it definitely left me wanting more. Luckily this one will be out in February so I don't have to wait much longer.

#3 Insurgent (Divergent #2) by Veronica Roth

Divergent was another favorite of mine for 2011. The ending was a bit of a cliffhanger so I can't wait to see what happens next. Plus, I love Tris and Four!

#4 Something Like Normal by Trish Doller

This one is a debut novel and it sounds totally fabulous. I love the cover and the tag line and just everything about this one. It's a bonus that it qualifies for the 2012 YA Contemporary Challenge.

#5 If I Lie by Corrine Jackson

I seem to be really big on military themed books. This one sounds totally unique and interesting. I can't wait to read it.

#6 In Honor by Jessi Kirby

Like I said, I'm big on military themed books. This one is especially my style because it involves a road trip too! Jessi Kirby's debut novel, Moonglass, was great and in my opinion, this one looks even better!

#7 Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson

I loved Morgan Matson's debut novel, Amy & Roger's Epic Detour, so I am very excited to read this one. It sounds super cute!

#8 My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick

2012 looks like it is going to be a great year for contemporary novels and this one is one of those that is very high on my wishlist. It looks super cute and fun with a hint of some more serious stuff.

#9 Article 5 by Kristen Simmons

Article 5 looks like it is going to be an awesome dystopian. I have already read some great reviews for it. It seems like it will be unique enough that I won't have read something like it already.

#10 Scarlet by A.C. Gaughen

ROBIN HOOD! Need I say more?

#11 Shadows Cast By Stars by Catherine Knutsson

This is another debut novel and it sounds so totally original. I can't help but want to read it. The cover is also completely gorgeous!

#12 Touching The Surface by Kimberly Sabatini

This is another one that sounds very unique. I love the books that backtrack and show things that have happened in the past. =)

What about you guys? What books made your most anticipated lists?

Top 11 of 2011!

2011-12-27T13:02:00.000-05:00

2011 was an amazing book year. I can't tell you guys how many fabulous books I read. Sadly, I had to narrow my selections down to 11 books but I still got to include a bunch of my favorites. =)

(Books in no order) (Titles link to my reviews)

#1: Daughter Of Smoke & Bone by Laini Taylor

I loved everything about this book. It is probably one of my top 5 books of all time. It really is that great!

#2 A Need So Beautiful by Suzanne Young

This book is unlike any other book I have read. I loved how unique it was and I was hooked as soon as I started reading this book. I can't wait for the sequel!

#3 Blood Red Road by Moira Young

Dystopian books are quickly becoming some of my favorites and this one is no exception. I didn't think I would like this book at first but by the end I absolutely adored it.

#4 Dearly, Departed by Lia Habel

I thought this book was a joke at first but as soon as I found out it wasn't, I had to check it out. Futuristic steampunk zombie romance. What else do I need to say?

#5 Divergent by Veronica Roth

Ahh! I loved this book so much! Definitely one of my favorite dystopian books. It was so unique and addicting! I don't think I set this book down once. I have had the urge to re-read this one multiple times and I think I am going to have to cave soon and read it again.

Oh, I forgot to mention one thing: FOUR! =)

#6 Enclave by Ann Aguirre

This is one of the creepiest, darkest, dystopians I have read. Needless to say, I loved it! This one is not for the easily creeped out! =)

#7 Lola And The Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins

I loved Anna And The French Kiss and I really didn't think anything else could top it but I was so wrong. Lola And The Boy Next Door is even better! It is one of my top 10 contemporary books of all time! I love Cricket and Lola!

#8 Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

This seemed to be one of the love it or hate it books of 2011. I am in the love it category! Taherah Mafi's writing style was so unique and beautiful. The characters completely blew me away. Oh and there was an awesome shower scene. Enough said. =)

#9 The Probability Of Miracles by Wendy Wunder

This book took me from laughing to crying and back again so many times. I can't even put into words how much I loved it.

#10 The Unbecoming Of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

This one is another one of those love it or hate it books. I obviously loved it. It was very unique. The story was great, the characters were fabulous, and the ending was killer! Can't wait for the sequel!

#11 Wither by Lauren DeStefano

Now this was one unique dystopian. Girls only living til the age of 20,girls being sold into polygamous marriages, hot servant boys, what more could you want? Lauren DeStefano's debut novel was definitely a hit with me!

What do you guys think? Did any of these make your fave of 2011 list?

Kiss Of Frost (Mythos Academy #2) by Jennifer Estep

2011-12-26T12:44:00.000-05:00

Title: Kiss Of Frost
Author: Jennifer Estep
Release date: November 29, 2011
Publisher: Kensington Teen
Pages: 354
Source: Publisher

Logan Quinn was trying to kill me. My Spartan classmate relentlessly pursued me, swinging his sword at me over and over again, the shining silver blade inching closer to my throat every time. A smile tugged up his lips, and his ice-blue eyes practically glowed with the thrill of battle...

I’m Gwen Frost, a second-year warrior-in-training at Mythos Academy, and I have no idea how I’m going to survive the rest of the semester. One day, I’m getting schooled in swordplay by the guy who broke my heart—the drop-dead gorgeous Logan who slays me every time. Then, an invisible archer in the Library of Antiquities decides to use me for target practice. And now, I find out that someone at the academy is really a Reaper bad guy who wants me dead. I’m afraid if I don’t learn how to live by the sword—with Logan’s help—I just might die by the sword...

SPOILER ALERT: If you haven't read the first book, Touch Of Frost, this review will contain spoilers.

A couple months ago I read Touch Of Frost and enjoyed it. Kiss Of Frost was so much better! I adored this book! Everything about this book was awesome and I can tell that I am going to love this series.

Gwen has changed very little since the end of the first book. She is still in love with Logan, still totally uncoordinated, and still very bad with weapons. On the other hand, her magic is growing and she is learning new ways to use it. Logan hasn't changed much either. He is still with Savannah and still totally crushing on Gwen. He did change a little throughout the book though and I liked him better after that. Daphne and Carson were still their fun, quirky selves. Oliver is a new character and I liked him a lot (after I got past his BIG flaws.)

The plot was a lot more fast-paced than the first one. Things picked up very early on and I had a hard time putting this book down. In fact, the only time I did put it down was when I had to eat dinner. Nothing else was important enough to pull me away from this book. It was full of action, suspense, and some romance. =)

Overall, Kiss Of Frost exceeded my expectations. If you haven't picked this one up yet, do it now! You won't regret it.

Rating: A

Wrapping Up 2011 Readathon Update #1!

2011-12-25T20:00:00.000-05:00

So I started the readathon on Thursday and I have been doing a lot of reading.

-Read Gone by Michael Grant

-Finished Forbidden by Tabitha Suzuma

-Read Shade by Jeri Smith-Ready

-Read In The Forests Of The Night by Kersten Hamilton

-Read Drink, Slay, Love by Sarah Beth Durst

Now I am just debating on what I should read next. How have you guys been doing?

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T12:57:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas everyone! Hope your day is filled with family, fun, and food!

Bloggers' Most Anticipated of 2012 (3)!

2011-12-24T12:27:00.000-05:00

This December I am doing an end of the year feature with not only my picks as the most anticipated books of 2012 but also 20 other blogger's picks. Today I present to you 5 more awesome bloggers' choices!

2012 Want: Something Like Normal by Trish Doller. Not only is this one male POV, but it's got what is sure to be a broken and make Kari want to hug him and hit him and put him back together kind of character. This one sounds gritty and intense, and I absolutely cannot wait.

Most anticipated book of 2012 - Shadows Cast by Stars by Catherine Knutsson. I'm a sucker for a great adventure and the cover and synopsis of this title oozes it. I love the cover, I love dystopians and I love the concept of the novel. And did I mention that I love the cover? It's so gorgeous that it's hard to not be anxious to read this one!

2012 Release:

Fever by Lauren Destefano

Reason:

Because Wither was Amazing. Strong characters, a twisted plot and one heck of an ending. I cannot wait to start part 2 of this series. Very much anticipating this book!

Hemlock by Kathleen Peacock. Werewolves combined with strong suspense. This one looks amazing!

Most anticipated of 2012: The Miseducation of Cameron Post by Emily M. Danforth, because by the synopsis the story deals with a very controversial topic in today's world and it looks like a good contemporary read.

Bloggers' Best Of 2011 (3)!

2011-12-23T09:27:00.001-05:00

This December I am doing an end of the year feature with not only my picks as the best books of 2011 but also 20 other blogger's picks. Today I present to you 5 more awesome bloggers' choices!

Favorite of 2011: Imaginary Girls by Nova Ren Suma. This is one of those books where sure, you can predict some of what's coming, but that's because you're meant to, because it's not the focus. But this book has astounding characterization, a phenomenal story, and the writing blew me away.

Favorite book of 2011 - Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor. Laini Taylor struck literary gold when she wrote this book. Not only is this my favorite book of 2011, but it is, without a doubt, one of my top three favorite books of all time. With it's dark, gritty world, imaginative characters, inventive plot, enchanting romance and a dash of oddness that rivals some of the work of Tim Burton.

2011 #1 for me is:

A Need So Beautiful by Suzanne Young

Reason:

While reading this book I had so many emotions. With a very remarkable set of characters. Charlotte was so strong & determined. Embracing her destiny, doing what she needed to do. Harlin, was such a great male role. As Charlotte's boyfriend. He was loving. Understanding. And above anything gorgeous. His heart was made for Charlotte. Even though the ending was heartbreaking. I felt SO amazing after reading this book. It will always have a place in my heart.

The Near Witch by Victoria Schwab. This book has stayed with me over the many months since I read it. It has such haunting paranormal elements and it has a strong message about fear and ignorance.

Best book of 2011: Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi, because the author has given the characters such a strong voice in the story.

Wrapping Up 2011 Readathon!

2011-12-22T19:39:00.000-05:00

Today was day one of the Wrapping Up 2011 Readathon hosted by Remarkable Reads. I do have quite a few things going on these last few days of 2011 but I am hoping to get quite a bit of reading done in between.

Day one:

-read Gone by Michael Grant

-started Shade by Jeri Smith-Ready

So I'm off to a pretty good start since Gone is over 500 pages. Hopefully it won't take me long to read Shade! =)

The Future Of Us by Jay Asher and Carolyn Mackler

2011-12-22T13:10:00.000-05:00

Title: The Future Of Us
Author: Jay Asher and Carolyn Mackler
Release date: November 21, 2011
Publisher: Razorbill
Pages: 356
Source: BEA

It's 1996, and Josh and Emma have been neighbors their whole lives. They've been best friends almost as long - at least, up until last November, when Josh did something that changed everything. Things have been weird between them ever since, but when Josh's family gets a free AOL CD in the mail,his mom makes him bring it over so that Emma can install it on her new computer. When they sign on, they're automatically logged onto their Facebook pages. But Facebook hasn't been invented yet. And they're looking at themselves fifteen years in the future.

By refreshing their pages, they learn that making different decisions now will affect the outcome of their lives later. And as they grapple with the ups and downs of what their futures hold, they're forced to confront what they're doing right - and wrong - in the present.

The Future Of Us is a cute, fun read with a little bit of a deeper meaning. Jay Asher and Carolyn Mackler are an amazing duo and I greatly enjoyed their novel. It definitely met my expectations.

The Future Of Us is set in 1996. At that time I was 5 years old so I was a little worried that some of the 90's references would be over my head but that certainly wasn't the case. I grew up with a lot of the things mentioned in the book (like The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air) so I loved reading about them. It made the book more fun and their were times when I couldn't help but laugh.

Emma and Josh are your typical teenagers no matter that they don't have cell phones, ipods, and all that. They like to party, they worry about their futures, they have great friends, and they might be falling for each other. They were quite a pair and I really did like them both. Emma was a little more obsessed with her future and she annoyed me at times but I also liked that she was a very take-charge kind of girl. Josh was cute, funny, sweet, and a bit of a dork. Definitely not your perfect guy but perfect in his own way.

Overall, The Future Of Us is a great book. It was a quick read and very fun. Definitely a good book to have for a rainy day!

Rating: B+

Cover Reveal: Chosen Ones by Tiffany Truit

2011-12-22T00:01:00.000-05:00

Chosen Ones is the first book in a new dystopian series coming from Entangled Publishing in April 2012.

What if you were mankind’s last chance at survival?

Sixteen-year-old Tess lives in a compound in what was once the Western United States, now decimated after a devastating fourth World War. But long before that, life as we knew it had been irrevocably changed, as women mysteriously lost the ability to bring forth life. Faced with the extinction of the human race, the government began the Council of Creators, meant to search out alternative methods of creating life. The resulting artificial human beings, or Chosen Ones, were extraordinarily beautiful, unbelievably strong, and unabashedly deadly.

Life is bleak, but uncomplicated for Tess as she follows the rigid rules of her dystopian society, until the day she begins work at Templeton, the training facility for newly created Chosen Ones. There, she meets James, a Chosen One whose odd love of music and reading rivals only her own. The attraction between the two is immediate in its intensity—and overwhelming in its danger.

But there is more to the goings-on at Templeton than Tess ever knew, and as the veil is lifted from her eyes, she uncovers a dark underground movement bent not on taking down the Chosen Ones, but the Council itself. Will Tess be able to stand up to those who would oppress her, even if it means giving up the only happiness in her life?

What do you think? Personally, I love it. It is very eye catching. I really like the fonts used and the tag line beneath the title. I can't wait to read the book.

Waiting On Wednesday: Survive

2011-12-21T00:02:00.000-05:00

Title: Survive
Author: Alex Morel
Release date: August 2, 2012

Jane runs away from Life House, a facility for kids with mental health disorders and addictions. She boards a plane to Montclair, New Jersey, though her destination does not matter—she doesn’t plan to be alive when the plane lands. Jane has planned the perfect suicide: she’ll fall asleep on the plane and never wake up. As she’s reaching for her pills in the cabin’s bathroom, the plane hits turbulence. Another jolt, and the engine’s down. The plane crashes into the mountains of Montana, and Jane and a boy named Paul are the only two survivors.

What starts out as a death mission quickly becomes a fight for life.

2012 seems to be a great year for survival stories. They kind of freak me out but I still love them. This one looks awesome and I can't wait to check it out. The cover is completely awesome.

What are you waiting on this Wednesday?

Shattered Dreams (Midnight Dragonfly #1) by Ellie James

2011-12-20T00:22:00.000-05:00

Title: Shattered Dreams (Midnight Dragonfly #1)
Author: Ellie James
Release date: December 6, 2011
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Pages: 352
Source: Publisher

Sixteen-year-old Trinity Monsour wants nothing more than to live a normal life. But that isn’t as easy as it seems. Trinity is different. She is special. She sees visions, and for those she’s seen, it’s already too late.

Trinity arrives on her aunt’s doorstep in New Orleans with virtually no knowledge of her mysterious heritage. She begins settling into life at a new school and even starts making friends. But all too quickly her dreams accelerate; twisted, terrifying visions of a girl locked in a dark room. And when the head cheerleader, Jessica, goes missing, Trinity knows she has no choice but to step forward with what she’s seen.

But people believe that Trinity has information about Jessica’s disappearance not because of a dream, but because she is involved. She is kind-of dating Jessica’s ex-boyfriend, Chase, and Jessica did pull a nasty prank on Trinity. Revenge seems like the likeliest scenario.

Nothing prepares Trinity for the dark odyssey that ensues while searching for Jessica, including the surprising romance she finds with Chase, or the shocking truths she learns, not just about the girl who has gone missing, but the past that has been hidden from her.

Shattered Dreams was not at all what I expected. It was ten times better! From the very first page I was hooked and I could not put it down.

Trinity is an awesome main character. She is brave, funny, smart, kind, and (my favorite thing) kind of bad ass. She is not afraid to be disliked by the popular kids at school and she is one of the only people willing to stand up to them. Chase is another amazing character. He is sweet, kind, caring, brave, and willing to stand by Trinity through everything. Trinity's aunt, Sara, is one character I wanted to know more about but I think that will be addressed in the next book. Really, all the characters were fantastic!

The plot is what really gets you hooked though. The story starts off in a supposedly haunted mansion and that was all it took to get me into the story. This book was full of twists and surprises and I was up late into the night reading. The last 100 pages really had me going and I was clueless as to who was good or bad. Best kind of suspense!

The setting also made this book great! The story takes place in New Orleans and while I have never been there, I feel like I have. The imagery in this book is amazing and it only added to the awesomeness. =)

Overall, Shattered Dreams is a must read! I adored this book and I can't wait for the next book in the series. Get your hands on a copy now!

Rating: A++

Blog Survey!

2011-12-19T21:24:00.001-05:00

It seems like just yesterday that I posted the last blog survey here but since then I have changed quite a few things about the blog and I would love some feedback. It is also coming to the end of 2011 and I hope to only improve my blog in 2012. Any suggestions and feedback you have would be helpful and I am very grateful to anyone willing to fill out the survey!

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Shattered Souls by Mary Lindsey

2011-12-19T12:33:00.000-05:00

Title: Shattered Souls
Author: Mary Lindsey
Release date: December 8, 2011
Publisher: Philomel
Pages: 336
Source: Publisher

Lenzi hears voices and has visions - gravestones, floods, a boy with steel gray eyes. Her boyfriend, Zak, can't help, and everything keeps getting louder and more intense. Then Lenzi meets Alden, the boy from her dreams, who reveals that she's a reincarnated Speaker - someone who can talk to and help lost souls - and that he has been her Protector for centuries.

Now Lenzi must choose between her life with Zak and the life she is destined to lead with Alden. But time is running out: a malevolent spirit is out to destroy Lenzi, and he will kill her if she doesn't make a decision soon.

Shattered Souls is one fabulous debut from Mary Lindsey. Full of romance, action, betrayal, and loss, this book has a little something for everyone.

Lenzi is not your average main character. For one, she thinks she is going insane. Secondly, she doesn't immediately fall for the hot new guy that enters her life. Oh and the best part is that she doesn't rely on others to save her. She is strong, brave, and above all, smart. Lenzi made this book. She is one awesome heroine.

The guys in this book were also fabulous. Zak was sweet but he definitely had some issues. I could understand why Lenzi liked him. Alden was pretty much perfect. He understood Lenzi, he cared for her, and he was willing to do absolutely anything to help her. It was a touch decision to decide between them. The rest of the characters, Race, Maddi, Izzy, Lenzi's mom, were good but I would have liked a little more of them. I really would have liked more of Race and Maddi's histories.

The plot was fantastic! I definitely had a hard time putting this one down. The beginning was a little slow but things quickly picked up and didn't slow down until the very end.

Overall, Shattered Souls is one book that I highly recommend for all you paranormal fans out there. I can't wait to see what Mary Lindsey does next.

Rating: A

December Giveaway: Glimmer!

2011-12-18T14:06:00.000-05:00

Last giveaway of December! Read the summary and tell me that this book doesn't sound awesome. =)

What if you forgot your identity and had to rely on other people to tell you who you were?

And what if to discover your true self, you first had to unravel a mystery so big and terrifying you were not sure you’d survive solving it?

When Marshall and Elyse wake up in each other’s arms with zero memory of how they got there or who they are, it’s the start of a long journey through their separate pasts and shared future.

Terrified by their amnesia, the two make a pact to work together to find the answers that could jog their missing memories. As they piece together clues, they discover they’re in the idyllic mountain resort town of Summer Falls, where everyone seems mysteriously happy, but as Marshall and Elyse quickly learn, darkness lurks beneath the town’s perfect facade. Not only is the town haunted by sinister ghosts, but none of its living inhabitants retain bad memories of anything—not the death of Marshall’s mom, not the hidden shame in Elyse’s family, not even the day-to-day anguish of high school.

Lonely in this world of happy zombies, Marsh and Elyse fall into an intense relationship...but the secrets they uncover could be the death of this growing love—and the death of everyone, and everything, they love in Summer Falls.

Details:
-One winner will receive an ARC of Glimmer!

Requirements:
-You must have a US/CA mailing address.
-You must fill out the form to enter.
-Giveaway ends on December 31.

Fill out the form here!

In My Mailbox 137 (week of December 17)

2011-12-18T00:16:00.002-05:00

Lovely bloggers mentioned:

-Erika from Rescue Reads

-Hafsah from Icey Books

For review:

-Struck by Jennifer Bosworth

-52 Reasons To Hate My Father by Jessica Brody

-Monstrous Beauty by Elizabeth Fama

-Just Flirt by Laura Bowers

-The Raft by S.A. Bodeen

-Monument 14 by Emmy Laybourne

-Seize The Storm by Michael Cadnum

-Of Poseidon by Anna Banks

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

-Don't Breathe A Word by Holly Cupala

-The Calling (Darkness Rising #2) by Kelley Armstrong

-Glimmer by Phoebe Kitanidis

-Fear (Gone #5) by Michael Grant

-Grimalkin The Witch Assassin (The Last Apprentice #9) by Joseph Delaney

-The Last Echo (The Body Finder #3) by Kimberly Derting

-The Selection by Kiera Cass (signed!)

-For Darkness Shows The Stars by Diana Peterfreund

-Irises by Francisco X. Stork

-Ruthless (Pretty Little Liars #10) by Sara Shepard

Gifted:

-The Silver Kiss by Annette Curtis Klause

-First Grave On The Right by Darynda Jones

-Nicola And The Viscount by Meg Cabot

-Clockwork Prince (Infernal Devices #2) by Cassandra Clare

-Reading Queen necklace

-CHOCOLATE!

Bloggers' Most Anticipated of 2012 (2)!

2011-12-17T12:08:00.001-05:00

This is a most difficult task because there are a good handful of books that I am dying to read at this very moment, but since I must narrow it down to one I will have to give that honor to the one that I have waited for the longest. BITTERBLUE by Kristin Cashore is a novel I have been waiting for over two years to read and I know I am not the only one. Many readers that have enjoyed this series/companion novels have been eagerly awaiting this next installment. I was so happy when it was announced that BITTERBLUE was coming out in 2012 that I did a happy dance at work, much to the confused looks upon my co-workers faces but I did not care. I adored Kristin's previous two novels and want to see this new story come to life on the pages before me and I cannot wait to see Katsa and Po, Fire and Brigan...ahhh I cannot wait. I will probably sit at my indie book store chanting "open, open, open" then rush in buy the book and pet it lovingly for a bit before devouring it with a good cup of coffee.

My biggie for 2012 is Bethany Griffin's Masque of the Red Death. Come on! The original Poe story reimagined into a historical post-apocalyptic novel with plague, boys, and the word "debauchery" worked into the jacket copy.

Most anticipated 2012 release: another tough question, but... I'd have to say... the third installment in the Lorien Legacies: The Rise of Nine!

Most Anticipated Book of 2012:

The Selection by Kiera Cass

It’s been pitched as: The Hunger Games meets The Bachelor which sounds frigging AWESOME.

I'm really looking forward to Bitterblue by Kristin Cashore. Fire blew me away, and it seems as though Cashore's writing just gets better and better with each novel. I'm also a huge fan of the fantasy world she has created, and I was really intrigued to hear that Cashore hired a linguist to create a language in the book. It should be awesome!

Bloggers' Best of 2011 (2)!

2011-12-16T09:06:00.000-05:00

This December I am doing an end of the year feature with not only my picks as the best books of 2011 but also 20 other blogger's picks. Today I present to you 5 more awesome bloggers' choices!

When Katie had asked me to participate in this post I was very excited because I just finished reading THE book that I thought was positively brilliant and it instantly became my favorite read for this year. DAUGHTER OF SMOKE AND BONE by Laini Taylor is that book because it showcased everything that I could every ask for in a book: Romance, Intrigue, Magic and Location, Location, Location. Laini Taylor’s writing style is decadent and flawless and this story is told in a manner that isn’t casual but isn’t incredibly rigid, either. The world(s) that she has created in this story are wondrously detailed, weather you are in the past with it's history and rituals that are beautiful and primitive in equal measure or in the present with the charismatic and mysterious Karou as she navigates the beautiful cities of the world collecting teeth for a wish monger while trying to live as a normal teenager in Prague. Not to mention that it had some of the most romantic heart squeezing scenes that left me in breathless anticipation. I was left awestruck by this unique and evocative tale and will always tell everyone that has not read it that they need to, like NOW.

Pink by Lili Wilkinson has to be my favorite book of 2011. I was sure I would never read a contemporary novel again because I'd been left wanting by them in the past, but this book made me a convert.

Okay, so favorite book of 2011 *deep breath* Between Shades of Gray. It was a tough decision, but Ruta Sepetys struck hard with her debut. Between Shades of Gray was just beautiful. The characters, the heart-wrenching story - beautiful.

Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

Why?

Because I’ve read that book four times already and I’m nowhere near being sick of it. Her writing is gorgeous and her romance is steamy and I just can’t get enough!

The Girl of Fire and Thorns is an awesome fantasy novel with a realistic heroine, a great moral dilemma, excellent adventure, and a wonderfully imaginative setting. I absolutely devoured it, and I can't wait for the next book!

The Secret Sisterhood Of Heartbreakers by Lynn Weingarten

2011-12-15T09:23:00.000-05:00

Title: The Secret Sisterhood Of Heartbreakers
Author: Lynn Weingarten
Release date: December 27, 2011
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pages: 352
Source: Publisher

When her boyfriend breaks up with her on the first day of sophomore year, Lucy has no idea how she’s going to make it through homeroom, let alone the rest of her life. Enter three stunning girls with a magical offer Lucy can’t refuse. All she has to do is get a guy to fall in love with her in the next seven days, and then…break his heart and collect one of his brokenhearted tears. As the girls teach Lucy how to hook a guy (with the help of a little magic), she quickly discovers how far she is willing to go—and who she is willing to cross—to get what she wants.

I really wanted to like The Secret Sisterhood Of Heartbreakers. I enjoyed Lynn Weingarten's previous novel, Wherever Nina Lies, so I had high hopes for this one. Sadly it fell short.

Lucy was my biggest problem. She was whiny and immature. She needed magic to get over a guy. She couldn't do it on her own because she wouldn't stop fawning over him. The whole book was pretty much just about getting him back. Then there were Olivia, Liza, and Gil. I didn't get the point of the heartbreakers. They just made guys fall for them so they could break their hearts. I found it cruel and pointless. The only character I even remotely liked was Tristan and he didn't have a very big role. I wanted more of him.

I also didn't get the plot. Lucy had seven days to break a guys heart. She instead spent the whole time trying to get Alex back. The whole story was about Alex (who I didn't even like.)

Overall, it was a unique story with lots of potential but I just did not enjoy it. I will not give up on Lynn Weingarten's future books though.

Rating: C

Gift Recommendations For The Book Lover In Your Life!

2011-12-12T23:46:00.000-05:00

It's that time of year again; the holidays! Personally, I love the holidays but I know that sometimes it is hard to pick out gifts for the people in your life. Here are some personal recommendations of mine for the book lover in your life!

Keep Calm Hunger Games Tee

There are a ton of Hunger Games inspired things on Etsy that would make wonderful Christmas gifts but I had to pick just one. This shirt is my favorite and I know that I would love to get it!

Owl Bookend

Bookends add a personal feel to your bookshelf (not that the books don't already do that). I hate when my books fall over so this would both serve as a useful item and a very cute one!

Wicked Witch Bookmark

If you happen to be on a budget (like me) this would be a great gift! You can never have too many bookmarks, especially when they are this cute!

Hogwarts At Night Poster

This is a little more expensive but it is so amazing! I love this poster! It would be great for any fans of Harry Potter. It is a mix of fun and classy! It would look great in a reading room!

Big Books Button

I love this button! It is so cute! Linda Nee's shop has some other amazing buttons including one that says "Help! I'm in love with a fictional character." They are also very cheap so you can get a few of them for your book loving friends!

Book Geek Necklace

This necklace is perfect for the book lover in your life who also loves jewelry. It is a great way to show how proud you are of being a book lover!

Movies Tote Bag

Every book lover needs a tote bag to carry their books in. I think this one is perfect and cute and it looks very sturdy.

Daughter Of Smoke & Bone

Daughter Of Smoke & Bone is my favorite book of the year and I think ever book lover will find something to appreciate in this book!

I hope this list helps you pick out a gift for the book lover in your life! Let me know what you think!

Half-Blood (Covenant #1) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

2011-12-12T13:59:00.000-05:00

Title: Half-Blood (Covenant #1)
Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
Release date: October 18, 2011
Publisher: Spencer Hill Press
Pages: 281
Source: BEA

The Hematoi descend from the unions of gods and mortals, and the children of two Hematoi-pure-bloods-have godlike powers. Children of Hematoi and mortals-well, not so much. Half-bloods only have two options: become trained Sentinels who hunt and kill daimons or become servants in the homes of the pures.Seventeen-year-old Alexandria would rather risk her life fighting than waste it scrubbing toilets, but she may end up slumming it anyway. There are several rules that students at the Covenant must follow. Alex has problems with them all, but especially rule #1:Relationships between pures and halfs are forbidden.Unfortunately, she's crushing hard on the totally hot pure-blood Aiden. But falling for Aiden isn't her biggest problem--staying alive long enough to graduate the Covenant and become a Sentinel is. If she fails in her duty, she faces a future worse than death or slavery: being turned into a daimon, and being hunted by Aiden. And that would kind of suck.

Wow! Half-Blood is the book that would be produced if the Vampire Academy series and the Percy Jackson series had a baby! It was a mix of all my favorite elements: fighting, romance, and Greek gods! I might have to add this to my favorites list!

Half-Blood is one of those books that starts with a bang. From the very first line to the very last, this book was full of action. It never slowed down! There were also lots of surprises in Half-Blood. So many things that happened, I never saw coming. I love a book that keeps me guessing and Half-Blood definitely did that.

The characters really made this book though. The plot was great and fast-paced but the characters were what made me want to keep reading. I felt connected to each and every character and I was very interested in their stories. Alex was just like a regular teenage girl as far as emotions, boys, and fitting in. She was so easy to relate to. I felt for her and I wanted to see her get a happy ending. It was the same with Caleb, Deacon, Olivia, Aiden, Seth, and even Mia. Each character was so different and had such unique personalities that I couldn't get enough of them. Aiden and Seth were some of my favorites though. Aiden was sweet, sensitive, and kind of bad ass. Seth was rude at times, cocky, and a total bad ass. What can I say? I like the good and bad boys. =)

Overall, Half-Blood is a fantastic novel that I recommend checking out. I can't wait for more!

First line: My eyes snapped open as the freakish sixth sense my fight or flight response into overdrive.

Rating: A

December Giveaway: Hallowed!

2011-12-10T19:46:00.000-05:00

I recently read Hallowed and loved it so I really wanted to give you guys the chance to win an ARC of it!

For months part-angel Clara Gardner trained to face the raging forest fire from her visions and rescue the alluring and mysterious Christian Prescott from the blaze. But nothing could prepare her for the fateful decisions she would be forced to make that day, or the startling revelation that her purpose—the task she was put on earth to accomplish—is not as straightforward as she thought. Now, torn between her increasingly complicated feelings for Christian and her love for her boyfriend, Tucker, Clara struggles to make sense of what she was supposed to do the day of the fire. And, as she is drawn further into the world of part angels and the growing conflict between White Wings and Black Wings, Clara learns of the terrifying new reality that she must face: Someone close to her will die in a matter of months. With her future uncertain, the only thing Clara knows for sure is that the fire was just the beginning.

Details:
-One person will receive an ARC of Hallowed!

Requirements:
-You must have a US/CA mailing address.
-You must fill out the form.
-This giveaway ends December 31.

Fill out the form here!

Bloggers' Most Anticipated of 2012 (1)!

2011-12-10T12:11:00.000-05:00

Yesterday you got the first peek at some blogger favorites for 2011. Today you get to find out what some of us bloggers are dying to read in 2012! I give you the choices of the first 5 bloggers!

Oh, 2012. After searching through my goodreads to-read list, I finally settled on my most anticipated release of 2012. And that is the 5th Gallagher Girl books... Out of Sight, Out of Time by Ally Carter. I absolutely am in love with this series. Despite the slightly cheesy titles, these books are so funny, cute, and action packed! An all girls spy school-heck yeah! Also, I pretty much owe my life to Ally Carter since it was her books that really made me love reading. When I first read them, I was absolutely in awe that I could love a book that much. And my love for these books hasn’t subsided at all since then! YAY! Can’t wait for this one in March!

Insurgent by Veronica Roth

Divergent was one of my favorite books of 2011 (Daughter of Smoke and Bone just barely topped it!), so I'm dying to get my hands on book two! I'm so excited to see what's in store for Tris and Four!

Wings of the Wicked by Courtney Allison Moulton

I loved the first book and I can't wait to see what is going to happen next!

Isla and the Happily Ever After by Stephanie Perkins

I love EVERYTHING Stephanie Perkins! Her books make me laugh and smile and flip the pages so fast I may tear them.

I thought long and hard about this one. There are so many amazing books coming out in 2012. There are a couple of obvious sequels that I'm pining for and some really great sounding debuts but when I really thought about it there's one book that always stands out in my mind – Above by Leah Bobet. It sounds like a really interesting and unique novel. It reminds me of Enclave or Divergent but with a supernatural twist. Although I may be a bit biased when it comes to this book - it actually takes place in Toronto, which is where I live and the author is a fellow Canadian!

Check back next Saturday for five more bloggers' most anticipated books of 2012!

Bloggers' Best Of 2011 (1)!

2011-12-09T10:59:00.000-05:00

This December I am doing an end of the year feature with not only my picks as the best books of 2011 but also 20 other blogger's picks. Today I present to you the first 5 bloggers' choices!

I honestly think my favorite book of 2011 has to be Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins. I finished it on the bus ride to school and started bawling because the ending was such a sweet ending and so was the rest of the book. It was funny because every one else on the bus thought I was insane for crying because a books was over. Stephanie Perkins is such a great author and she has a way of leaving readers with this warm, lovey dovey, I want to hug someone feeling. And I love it!

Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor

DoSaB is fantasy done right. The writing is gorgeous, the characters are easy to invest in, and the story just blows you away. The romance aspect is very well done, too! I instantly fell in love with this book, and it has a permanent place on my shelf.

Wither by Lauren DeStefanoThis was a heart pounding and captivating debut that quenched my need for action, romance, and adventure! The concept was shocking, but this was definitely my favorite read of 2011!

Forever by Maggie Stiefvater

I love this series so much. It's one of my favorite paranormal series, and Maggie writes beautifully and her characters and incredible. The entire concept and the way she writes makes these books enthralling!

There were so many books I loved this year. But if I want to talk about one book that made a real impression on me, I have to talk about Divergent by Veronica Roth. Before I started blogging I didn't really read Young Adult books. I don't even think I could have named five off the top of my head. But not long after I started, I kept hearing about this book – Divergent – and it just sounded so interesting I had to read it right away. It had me totally hooked and I couldn't put it down. I can definitely say it was the book that made me realize what I was missing by skipping over the YA aisle of the bookstore and I can't stop recommending it to everyone around me.

Check back next Friday for five more bloggers' favorite books of 2011!

Totally Booksessed Oscars: Final Voting Sheet!

2011-12-09T10:55:00.001-05:00

Welcome to the final round of voting for the Book Oscars! Thanks so much for all your nominations. Now it is time for you to vote for your number one choices for the categories listed on the form.

Please only vote once! The results will revealed the week of December 19 on Totally Booksessed. At the end of the week the results will be posted on all of our blogs!

Now get voting!

Waiting On Wednesday: My Life In Black and White!

2011-12-07T01:14:00.000-05:00

Title: My Life In Black And White
Author: Natasha Friend
Release date: June 28, 2012

Lexi has always been beautiful, but her beauty is taken from her when she goes face-first through a car windshield. Now Lexi has to dig deep to figure out how to define herself. Help on her journey of self-discovery comes from unexpected sources: Ruth, Lexi’s sister, “the smart one” to Lexi’s “the pretty one,” with whom Lexi has never been close; and Theo, a classmate who is still recovering from his sister’s recent death from anorexia.

I loved For Keeps by Natasha Friend and this one sounds just as awesome even though it is a totally different story. I think the cover is very cool and unique too.

What are you waiting on this Wednesday?

December Giveaway: Balthazar!

2011-12-05T20:59:00.000-05:00

I know many of you are eagerly awaiting this Evernight spin-off so I am going to give you the chance to win an ARC!

Haunted by memories from his first days as a vampire, Balthazar has spent hundreds of years alone—without allies, without love. When he emerges from his isolation to help Skye Tierney, a human girl who once attended Evernight Academy, Balthazar has no idea how dangerous it will be. Skye’s psychic powers have caught the attention of Redgrave, the cruel master vampire responsible for murdering Balthazar and his family four centuries ago. Having learned of Skye’s powers and the remarkable effect her blood has on vampires, he plans to use her for his own evil purposes. As they stand together to fight the evil vampire, Balthazar realizes his lonely world could finally be changed by Skye...just as Redgrave realizes that he can destroy Balthazar once and for all by taking her for his own.

Details:
-One person will win an ARC of Balthazar!

Requirements:
-You must have a US/CA mailing address.
-You must fill out the form.
-This giveaway ends December 31.

Fill out the form here!

Daughter Of Smoke & Bone by Laini Taylor

2011-12-05T12:40:00.000-05:00

Title: Daughter Of Smoke & Bone
Author: Laini Taylor
Release date: September 27, 2011
Publisher: Little, Brown & Company
Pages: 420
Source: Publisher

Around the world, black handprints are appearing on doorways, scorched there by winged strangers who have crept through a slit in the sky.

In a dark and dusty shop, a devil's supply of human teeth grown dangerously low.

And in the tangled lanes of Prague, a young art student is about to be caught up in a brutal otherwordly war.

Meet Karou. She fills her sketchbooks with monsters that may or may not be real; she's prone to disappearing on mysterious "errands"; she speaks many languages--not all of them human; and her bright blue hair actually grows out of her head that color. Who is she? That is the question that haunts her, and she's about to find out.

When one of the strangers--beautiful, haunted Akiva--fixes his fire-colored eyes on her in an alley in Marrakesh, the result is blood and starlight, secrets unveiled, and a star-crossed love whose roots drink deep of a violent past. But will Karou live to regret learning the truth about herself?

Daughter Of Smoke & Bone is a new favorite of mine. From the very beginning of this book I was captivated and I could not put it down. Now I am dying for more!

I don't really know where to start with this review. Every aspect of the book was perfect: characters, plot, uniqueness (is that a word?), writing, and setting. Oh my gosh, that setting! I have never been to Prague but after reading this book I feel like I have. There, as well as Morocco and the worlds of the angels and chimaeras. Every place was so detailed and wonderful; The Poison Kitchen, Karou's flat, the school, Brimstone's shop, and the market in Marakesh. Can I please just live inside this book?

The characters were my second favorite thing. Every one of them was so unique and fun. Kishmish, Brimstone's little messenger, was so cute. Issa was a bit scary but very loving with Karou. Brimstone was even scarier than Issa I would be terrified to come face-to-face with him but with Karou he was very caring and tender, even sweet at times. Karou herself was very likable. She was brave, smart, funny, talented, and all around kick-ass but underneath that she was lonely. Sure she had a great best friend, Zuzana, and her chimaera family but she didn't have love. It was easy to relate to her. Then Akiva came into her life. Dangerous, sexy, sometimes sweet Akiva. Everything changed when Karou met him and that was when the story really took off.

The plot was interesting from the start but like I said, it really took off when Akiva entered the story. After that there was so much going on. There were battles, romantic scenes, glimpses of the past, and so much more. I never knew what was coming next and there was nothing about this book that I expected. The story was so unique and unlike anything I have ever read.

Overall, Daughter Of Smoke & Bone is one book that I have to recommend to EVERYONE! If you have it, read it now. If you don't, go buy it! I can't wait for the sequel. In the mean time I will have to check out Laini Taylor's other books!

First line: Walking to school over the snow-muffled cobbles, Karou had no sinister premonitions about the day.

Rating: A++

Stats Survey Results!

2011-12-04T11:57:00.000-05:00

I know this is long overdue! Sorry about the wait!

First off, I want to mention a few things. Every stat counter will have a different number. That is why it is always good to have a few of them set up for your blog. Also, don't feel bad if someone has higher stats than you do. It is always going to happen. You just really have to work to get people to come visit your blog. =)

Now, the results:

The majority of blogs get somewhere between 1,000 and 5,000 visits a month. Those bloggers are anywhere from brand new bloggers to bloggers that have been around for 5 years. These blogs also have anywhere from 50 followers to over 1,000.

The minority of blogs get over 5,000 visits a month with a few getting over 20,000. The blogs with the highest amount of visits have been around for at least a year and usually more than that. These blogs usually have over 1,000 followers too.

Now, I mention followers but that is really not what matters here. What matters is how you get your blog out there. Right now I am going to challenge everyone who filled out the survey to do a couple things this month: use Twitter, Facebook, comments, anything you can think of, to get your blog out there. See what it does to your stats! As someone who uses every form of social media to get my blog out there, I know it helps!

I know this survey may have just confused you even more but I hope you got some answers from it!

In My Mailbox 136 (week of December 3)

2011-12-03T19:17:00.000-05:00

For review:
-Illuminate by Aimee Agresti
-Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers
-Dead To You by Lisa McMann
-A Million Suns (Across The Universe #2) by Beth Revis
-Harbinger by Sara Wilson Etienne
-The Implosion Of Aggie Winchester by Lara Zielin
-The Waiting Sky by Lara Zielin
-The Right & The Real by Joelle Anthony

-The Disenchantments by Nina LaCour

-Cold Fury by T.M. Goeglein

-Shattered Souls by Mary Lindsey

Clockwork Prince (Infernal Devices #2) by Cassandra Clare

2011-12-02T09:17:00.000-05:00

Title: Clockwork Prince (Infernal Devices #2)
Author: Cassandra Clare
Release date: December 6, 2011
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
Pages:497
Source: Publisher

In the magical underworld of Victorian London, Tessa Gray has at last found safety with the Shadowhunters. But that safety proves fleeting when rogue forces in the Clave plot to see her protector, Charlotte, replaced as head of the Institute. If Charlotte loses her position, Tessa will be out on the street and easy prey for the mysterious Magister, who wants to use Tessa's powers for his own dark ends.

With the help of the handsome, self-destructive Will and the fiercely devoted Jem, Tessa discovers that the Magister's war on the Shadowhunters is deeply personal. He blames them for a long-ago tragedy that shattered his life. To unravel the secrets of the past, the trio journeys from mist-shrouded Yorkshire to a manor house that holds untold horrors, from the slums of London to an enchanted ballroom where Tessa discovers that the truth of her parentage is more sinister than she had imagined. When they encounter a clockwork demon bearing a warning for Will, they realize that the Magister himself knows their every move and that one of their own has betrayed them.

Tessa finds her heart drawn more and more to Jem, though her longing for Will, despite his dark moods, continues to unsettle her. But something is changing in Will; the wall he has built around himself is crumbling. Could finding the Magister free Will from his secrets and give Tessa the answers about who she is and what she was born to do?

As their dangerous search for the Magister and the truth leads the friends into peril, Tessa learns that when love and lies are mixed, they can corrupt even the purest heart.

Clockwork Prince is fabulous! (But was there any doubt about that? I mean, it is Cassandra Clare.) I was blown away by the romance, betrayal, and surprises. The wait for Clockwork Princess is going to be unbearable!

Things have changed a lot since Clockwork Angel. The institute is much more somber after the betrayal by Tessa's brother, Nate. It seemed like everyone blamed themselves for his betrayal but it was clearly only Nate's fault. It was hard seeing them so torn apart. Tessa was stronger in this book but the betrayal of her brother as well as the things Mortmain told her were hard on her. She made sure to learn how to defend herself and to rely on herself, not the Shadowhunters. Will became very likable in this book which has me torn. His cruelty was explained and I actually began to like him. I still love Jem more but who knows, that could change with the next book. Speaking of Jem; I love him! He is so sweet and charming (and there are some steamy scenes between him and Tessa in this book!) Sophie was another favorite for this book. She cracked me up with her crazy antics.

The plot was a bit slow in this book which disappointed me. I am used to action in Cassandra Clare's book and this one had a lot more build-up than action. It was definitely not boring but I really would have liked more automatons and killing. =)

Overall, this review definitely does not do justice to the book so you should just go read it.

First line: The fog was thick, muffling sound and sight; where it parted, Will Herondale could see the street rising ahead of him, slick and wet and black with rain, and hear the voices of the dead.

Rating: A++

Winners!

2011-12-01T19:46:00.000-05:00

The winner of the Open Minds ebook is:

Cindy at Oodles of Books

The winners of the three Tempest ARCs are:

Alicia from Ali's Bookshelf

Amanda Marie from Book Love 101

Loni Flowers from A Casual Reader

I promise to have a bunch more giveaways this month so if you didn't win these giveaways, don't give up!

December Giveaway: Partials!

2011-12-01T11:28:00.000-05:00

I was lucky enough to get two ARCs of Partials and I want to share my extra copy with one of you guys!

The human race is all but extinct after a war with Partials—engineered organic beings identical to humans—has decimated the population. Reduced to tens of thousands by RM, a weaponized virus to which only a fraction of humanity is immune, the survivors in North America have huddled together on Long Island while the Partials have mysteriously retreated. The threat of the Partials is still imminent, but worse, no baby has been born immune to RM in more than a decade. Our time is running out.

Kira, a sixteen-year-old medic in training, is on the front lines of this battle, seeing RM ravage the community while mandatory pregnancy laws threaten to launch what’s left of humanity into civil war, and she’s not content to stand by and watch. But as she makes a desperate decision to save the last of her race, she will discover that the survival of humans and Partials alike rests in her attempts to uncover the connections between them—connections that humanity has forgotten, or perhaps never even knew were there.

Details:
-One winner will receive an ARC of Partials!

Requirements:
-You must have a US/CA mailing address.
-You must fill out the form to be entered.
-This giveaway ends December 31.

Fill out the form here!

The Forbidden Book Club!

2011-11-30T17:09:00.000-05:00

Ever since Forbidden came out this past June, I have been wanting to read it. I admit though that I have been a little scared. The subject matter (brother/sister in love) is very taboo and I don't know how I will feel about it. When I heard about this book club, I figured it would be the perfect opportunity for me to get it read!

The book club is starting the book next Wednesday (12/7/11) so you should have plenty of time to get your hands on a copy!

If you would like to join in on this little book club make a post on your blog and add it to the linky over on the main blog post at Reading Teen! You can also find out more info about the book club in that post!

This Is Teen Giveaway!

2011-11-30T13:30:00.000-05:00

Thanks to Big Honcho Media and Scholastic, I have three very awesome books to giveaway! These three books happen to be perfect for guys and just in time for the holidays. =)

Underdogs
By Markus Zusak

Before The Book Thief, Markus Zusak wrote a trilogy of novels about the Wolfe brothers: The Underdogs, Fighting Ruben Wolfe, and Getting the Girl. Cameron and Ruben Wolfe are champions at getting into fights, coming up with half-baked schemes, and generally disappointing girls, their parents, and their much more motivated older siblings. They’re intensely loyal to each other, brothers at their best and at their very worst. But when Cameron falls head over heels for Ruben’s girlfriend, the strength of their bond is tested to its breaking point.

The Eleventh Plague
By Jeff Hirsch

“The Eleventh Plague hits disturbingly close to home…An excellent, taut debut novel.” – Suzanne Collins, author of The Hunger Games
In the aftermath of a war, America’s landscape has been ravaged and two thirds of the population left dead from a vicious strain of influenza. Fifteen-year-old Stephen Quinn and his family were among the few that survived and became salvagers, roaming the country in search of material to trade for food and other items essential for survival. But when Stephen’s grandfather dies and his father falls into a coma after an accident, Stephen finds his way to Settler’s Landing, a community that seems too good to be true, where there are real houses, barbecues, a school, and even baseball games. Then Stephen meets strong, defiant, mischievous Jenny, who refuses to accept things as they are. And when they play a prank on the town bully’s family that goes horribly wrong, chaos erupts, and they find themselves in the midst of a battle that will change Settler’s Landing forever.

iBoy
By Kevin Brooks

Before the attack, Tom Harvey was just an average teen. But a head-on collision with high technology has turned him into an actualized App. Fragments of a shattered iPhone are embedded in his brain. And they’re having an extraordinary effect on his every thought. Because now Tom knows, sees, and can do more than any normal boy ever could. But with his new powers comes a choice: Seek revenge on the vicious gangs who rule the South London housing project where he lives, and who violated his friend Lucy? Or keep quiet and move on? Not even the search engine in his head can predict the shocking outcome of iBoy’s actions. A wifi, thriller by YA master Kevin Brooks.

Check out the This Is Teen Facebook page!

Details:
-One winner will receive all three books!

Requirements:
-You must have a US mailing address.
-You must fill out the form to be entered.
-The giveaway ends Dec. 14!

Fill out the form here!

Waiting On Wednesday: Lucky Fools

2011-11-30T00:19:00.001-05:00

Title: Lucky Fools
Author: Coert Voorhees
Release date: July 10, 2012

When high school senior David Ellison’s parents told him he could do anything he set his mind to, acting isn’t exactly what they had in mind. Even though he’s the leading man at his prep school, David is expected to go to an Ivy League college after graduating. But David has his eye on auditioning for the Ivy of acting schools—Juilliard.

As if throwing away the last four years of private school isn't enough, David is also on track to throw away his relationship with his girlfriend, Ellen. This year, David's co-star is a new student, the beautiful and vivacious Vanessa. She's exactly the kind of girl everyone dreams of going out with, and a girl David gets to kiss—under a spotlight—on a regular basis.

As the college application process heats up, David’s real life is suddenly as full of drama as his life on the stage. Someone named The Artist is sabotaging the best and brightest students of Oak Fields High by ruining their chances of getting into college, and it looks like David might be next. As senior year races to the final act, David is under a ton of pressure not to get crushed by his competition, that is, if The Artist doesn’t get to him first.

As I was looking up books for the 2012 YA Contemporary Challenge I stumbled across this one. The cover and the summary alone have me hooked. It sounds very unique and fun. I can't wait until July to check this one out!

What are you waiting on this Wednesday?

The Probability Of Miracles by Wendy Wunder

2011-11-28T12:33:00.000-05:00

Title: The Probability Of Miralces
Author: Wendy Wunder
Release date: December 8, 2011
Publisher: Razorbill
Pages: 336
Source: Trade

Dry, sarcastic, sixteen-year-old Cam Cooper has spent the last seven years in and out hospitals. The last thing she wants to do in the short life she has left is move 1,500 miles away to Promise, Maine - a place known for the miraculous events that occur there. But it's undeniable that strange things happen in Promise: everlasting sunsets; purple dandelions; flamingoes in the frigid Atlantic; an elusive boy named Asher; and finally, a mysterious envelope containing a list of things for Cam to do before she dies. As Cam checks each item off the list, she finally learns to believe - in love, in herself, and even in miracles.

This may be one of the hardest reviews I have ever had to write. I know I loved this book but it is hard to put into words how awesome it is. I am going to try to describe to you how much I loved it but fair warning that this review will be non-stop gushing.

Campbell (Cam) Cooper has lived with cancer for 7 years. She always knew it would kill her but she didn't know she wouldn't live to see her eighteenth birthday. She was a little closed-off because she didn't want to make friends only to be taken away from them. Things change when she moves to Promise though. She doesn't mean to make friends but somehow she does. And then there is Asher who might be more than a friend. Asher was sweet, funny, helpful, and wise. He was the perfect balance to dry, sarcastic, hopeless Cam. And then there was Cam's family. I thought my family was embarrassing but they have nothing on the Coopers. Alicia and Perry were a little overenthusiastic but really sweet and loving. Nana was hilarous! I can't even put into words how funny she was.

The story was heartbreaking. Cam knows it is her last summer so she lives it to the fullest. She makes friends, possibly finds lover, and witnesses so many miracles. It can only make her hope for a miracle of her own, one she may or may not get.

Overall, The Probability Of Miracles is one of the most beautiful, heartbreaking books I have ever read. I definitely went through a whole box of tissues. There were times I laughed so hard I cried and then there were times when I was so sad I bawled like a baby. Wendy Wunder is an author to watch for and I can't wait to see what writes next.

First line: When Campbell's father died, he left her $1,262.56 - as much as he'd been able to sock away during his twenty-year gig as the fire dancer for the "Spirit of Aloha" show at Disney's Polynesian Hotel.

Rating: A++

2012 YA Contemporary Challenge Buttons!

2011-11-27T08:01:00.002-05:00

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2012 YA Contemporary Challenge!

2011-11-27T08:00:00.002-05:00

Contemporary YA has always been my favorite genre. Sarah Dessen is really the author that got me into reading. My blog would not exist without her books so I figure this is the perfect way to honor those books! So with the help of Angela from Reading Angel, I introduce to you the 2012 YA Contemporary Challenge!

Levels:
Level 1: 5+ books
Level 2: 10+ books
Level 3: 15+ books

Rules:
You can read any contemporary YA novel that is published between January 1, 2012 and December 30, 2012 but you must read them in 2012! (All formats accepted: paperback, ARC, e-book)

Books included:
We have created a spreadsheet (organized by release date) for contemporary YA books published in 2012. If there is a book that is not on the spreadsheet that you know fits the guidelines, let us know and we will add it. There is also a Goodreads list. You can use either one. Currently the spreadsheet has more books on it.

Spreadsheet

Goodreads list

Authors:
If you have a contemporary YA book coming out in 2012 we would love it if you would participate. We would love it if you would be interested in donating swag/books or being featured here on Katie’s Book Blog or Reading Angel. If you are interested, fill out the form here! (You can also email me!)

Participants:
Anyone who has a blog or a Goodreads where they can post reviews is eligible to participate.

Why you should participate:
Contemporary YA is an awesome genre. Isn’t that enough of a reason?
If not, there will also be giveaways throughout the year as well as one grand prize giveaway at the end of the year. Does that motivate you? =)

How to sign up:
Create a list on your blog or Goodreads with your list of books. You can create a list of books that you want to read or start a blank list and add the books as you read them. Once you have created your list come back here and add it to the linky below! Make sure that you post it on the same blog/Goodreads that you are going to post your reviews on throughout the year.

Sign-ups end May 1, 2012

In My Mailbox 135 (week of November 26)

2011-11-26T22:47:00.000-05:00

Awesome bloggers mentioned:

-Angela from Reading Angel

Gifted:

-The Near Witch by Victoria Schwab (signed!)

For review:

-Hunted by Cheryl Rainfield

-This One Time With Julia by David Lampson

-Dark Eyes by William Richter

-A Million Suns (Across The Universe #2) by Beth Revis

-Immortal City by Scott Speer

-The Probability Of Miracles by Wendy Wunder

Bought:

-Let's Get Lost by Sarra Manning

-Future Imperfect by K. Ryer Breese

-Oathbreaker: A Prince Among Killers by SR Vaught and JB Redmond

-Troy High by Shana Norris

-Ink Exchange (Wicked Lovely #2) by Melissa Marr

Christmas Wishlist (Part 2)!

2011-11-25T20:43:00.000-05:00

So I posted my book wishlist the other day but I had someone ask about what else I want for Christmas.

The big thing:

Nikon Coolpix L105

I currently have a camera but it has not been cooperating lately and it is rather old. This one looks simple enough that I can figure it out but it should take nice pictures. =)

Betsey Johnson Phone Booth Necklace

I love Betsey Johnson jewelry. Her stuff is so cute and quirky. =)

Betsey Johnson Robot Necklace

Once again, Betsey Johnson is amazing. This is such a cute necklace! I really need to stop looking at her website.

Hunger Games Calendar

Do I even need to say anything about this one? It is an awesome Hunger Games calendar!

Friday Night Lights Season One

I have been told by so many people that I have to watch this series. I figure it is past time that I listen.

Heroes Season One

My brother loves this show. He usually has pretty good taste in TV shows so I figured I would give it a shot.

Infinity Scarf

I actually don't like this color at all but I can't find a picture of the color that I want. I actually want a couple of these in different colors and patterns.

So this is the bulk of my Christmas wishlist. My parents know me very well and they usually get me a bunch of other little things. I don't usually pick out clothes and things because my mom never remembers them when she goes shopping without me. I trust that she knows what I like and she has free rein as far as that goes. She also usually comes up with a ton of other awesome ideas that I never would have thought of on my own.

So what are you guys hoping to get for Christmas this year?

2011 Book Oscars!

2011-11-24T15:26:00.000-05:00

As most of you know, I am part of a collaborative Youtube channel, Totally Booksessed, with Harmony, Bailey, Lauren, and Audrey. This year we are hosting the 2011 Book Oscars!

What does this mean for you guys?

You get to nominate the books!

There are fourteen categories and you can nominate up to 3 books for each category (one book per category is preferred.) The only stipulation is that the book must be a 2011 release.

Nominations will be open until November 30.

Final round voting will begin December 5.

We will announce the winners in our Totally Booksessed videos the week of December 19.

You do not have to be subscribed to Totally Booksessed to nominate. The winners will be announced on our blogs as well.
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Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T12:37:00.000-05:00

Happy Turkey Day!

Hope your day is full of family and great food!

Christmas Wishlist!

2011-11-23T22:43:00.000-05:00

Christmas time is almost here and I have had a couple people ask about a wishlist. I went ahead and created one on Amazon and if you have any interest, you can view it here!

(Please don't take this the wrong way. I am not asking any of you to send me books.)

Waiting On Wednesday: Dead To You

2011-11-23T13:24:00.000-05:00

Title: Dead To You
Author: Lisa McMann
Release date: February 7, 2012

Ethan was abducted from his front yard when he was just seven years old. Now, at sixteen, he has returned to his family. It's a miracle... at first. Then the tensions start to build. His reintroduction to his old life isn't going smoothly, and his family is tearing apart all over again. If only Ethan could remember something, anything, about his life before, he'd be able to put the pieces back together. But there's something that's keeping his memory blocked. Something unspeakable...

Lisa McMann is seriously one of my favorite authors. I have loved everything she has written so far. This one sounds like it will be no different. I do think it might scare me a little bit but so did Cryer's Cross and I still loved that one. I really love the cover too!

What are you waiting on this Wednesday?

Unearthly (Unearthly #1) by Cynthia Hand

2011-11-22T16:02:00.000-05:00

Title: Unearthly (Unearthly #1)
Author: Cynthia Hand
Release date: January 4, 2011
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pages: 435
Source: Publisher

In the beginning, there's a boy standing in the trees . . . .

Clara Gardner has recently learned that she's part angel. Having angel blood run through her veins not only makes her smarter, stronger, and faster than humans (a word, she realizes, that no longer applies to her), but it means she has a purpose, something she was put on this earth to do. Figuring out what that is, though, isn't easy.

Her visions of a raging forest fire and an alluring stranger lead her to a new school in a new town. When she meets Christian, who turns out to be the boy of her dreams (literally), everything seems to fall into place—and out of place at the same time. Because there's another guy, Tucker, who appeals to Clara's less angelic side.

As Clara tries to find her way in a world she no longer understands, she encounters unseen dangers and choices she never thought she'd have to make—between honesty and deceit, love and duty, good and evil. When the fire from her vision finally ignites, will Clara be ready to face her destiny?

Boy am I glad I finally read this book. I loved it! Cynthia Hand's debut novel is a fresh new take on angels and if you haven't read it yet, you really should.

I did not care much for Clara in the beginning but that quickly changed. She cracked me up and I felt that I could relate to her (even though she was 1/4 angel.) She was clumsy, nervous, the new kid, and crushing on a guy out of her league. What teenage girl can't relate to that? Luckily she had a great mom and brother and two fabulous friends. Then, of course, there were the boys; Christian and Tucker. I myself am Team Tucker all the way. He was sweet, funny, and above all else, a gentleman. He is the kind of guy that teenage girls should be crushing on. =)

The plot was good. It wasn't action-packed but there was enough going on to keep me interested and entertained. The ending also tied things up but left some questions unanswered for the next book. I like that it wasn't a total cliffhanger.

Overall, Unearthly really was a fabulous book and the hype is 100% deserved. I have high hopes for the sequel!

First line: In the beginning, there's a boy standing in the trees.

Rating: A

Books By Their Covers (1)

2011-11-21T10:30:00.000-05:00

Book By Their Covers is a new feature here on Katie's Book Blog. It is created by me and it is a chance for me to share my love of book covers. In this feature, I will pick one book cover and give you guys my opinion of it. =)

My opinion: This is a perfect example of a book I would buy based on the cover alone. Everything about this cover is fabulous. The colors blend together so well and seem to fit perfectly with the title of the book. The tagline for this one also goes great with the cover. The girls naked shoulder is super pale and it seems to fit with a theme of contagion. I also like that the dress and parasol give the book a historical feeling that seem to tie it to the original Masque Of The Red Death by Edgar Allan Poe. The fonts used throughout this cover are also great selections. The title font is very eye-catching.

Rating: A+

Blogger Interview: Meredith from Mint Tea & A Good Book (My Little Sib)

2011-11-20T12:24:00.038-05:00

Today I have a very special guest; my blogging little sis, Meredith from Mint Tea & A Good Book!
What do you like outside of blogging?

Studying. And Reading. Just Kidding... well sort of. I’m a full time student (that makes me sound so professional doesn’t it!) I am constantly working on homework. I also read whenever I get the chance and you will hardly ever catch me not armed with a book. Sometimes I’m silly too. And I love to eat and bake and play outside in beautiful weather. Although I have trouble finding time to bake lately. ;)

What book changed your life?

Books are changing the way I look at things ALL THE TIME. But one book that impacted my life in a HUGE way, was I’d Tell You I Love You, But then I’d Have to Kill You by Ally Carter. I had always LIKED to read, but it wasn’t until I read this book that reading became an obsession. I’d never connected with a character before like I had with the main character, Cammie. And the book turned me onto reading more YA and before I knew it, reading was a serious obsession of mine. So yeah, I owe a lot to Ally Carter.

What made you decide to start your blog?

Well, I was on Ally Carter’s blog because I used to kind of follow it religiously, and I kept seeing these links to people’s names who were leaving comments. I kept clicking on the links and was linked to quite a few book blogs. I was completely fascinated and awe-struck and I was kind of like, “Hey, I could do this too!”

What blogs/bloggers inspire you?

Every blogger that posts 3 times a week inspires me. The fact that so many people with jam packed lives are putting in some times to share their thoughts on books is pretty amazing to me.

Some bloggers in specific:
- Kristi from The Story Siren (I don’t know how she does it!)
- Katie!! from Katie’s Book Blog (Awesome person and amazing blog)
- Farrah and Britney from I Eat Words (They do awesome vlogs)
- Lindsi from Books, Sweets, and Other Treats (Books and Sweets! That’s a win-win situation!)
- Ginger from GReads! (Makes me laugh and I love her reviews)
- Willa from Willa’s Ramblings (She makes me smile)
- Jamie from The Perpetual Page-Turner (She makes me laugh hysterically!)

What are your goals for your blog in the future?

I really would like to go to BEA eventually. I don’t think this year will work, but maybe the following year? But what I mainly want from book blogging is to meet new people and enjoy the book blogging community. So far, the people I've met through book blogging have just blown me away and the book blogging community has accepted me with a warm embrace. I love that!

Do you love or hate your mailman?

Love. He’s really old with white tufts of hair on his head and we’ve had him as our mailman for as long as I can remember. My dog doesn’t even mind him (although she still won’t eat his dog treats.)

Favorites:

-Book of all time: Err, it changes a lot. I know, that’s such a non-answer.

-New release: Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins

-Genre: Contemporary YA... probably. But really, just YA in general.

-Place to Read: My bedroom or screened in porch if there’s nice weather.

-TV show: Hmm... maybe Project Runway, although I don’t think this season is very good.

-Candy: York/ Junior Mints. I love minty things! (hence, Mint Tea and a Good Book)

-Drink: Either Lemonade, Tea, or Warm Apple-y Cider. It really depends on my mood. :P

So, now you guys can see why I love Meredith so much! She is awesome! Check her out over at Mint Tea And A Good Book and on Twitter!

In My Mailbox 134 (week of November 19)

2011-11-19T20:39:00.000-05:00

For review:
-Rush by Jeremy Iversen
-Inheritance (Inheritance #4) by Christopher Paolini
-Partials by Dan Wells
-Pretty Crooked by Elisa Ludwig
-Balthazar by Claudia Gray
-Slide by Jill Hathaway
-Virtuosity by Jessica Martinez
-Kiss Of Frost (Mythos Academy #2) by Jennifer Estep
-The Catastrophic History Of You & Me by Jess Rothenberg
-A Temptation Of Angels by Michelle Zink
-Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood

For giveaway:
-Tempest by Julie Cross

Bought:
-A Wrinkle In Time by Madeleine L'Engle
-Drink Deep (Chicagoland Vampires #5) by Chloe Neill

Blogging With Katie: Dealing With Publishers!

2011-11-19T18:29:00.000-05:00

Gina asked:

I see a lot of bloggers receiving paperback ARC's in the mail from publishers. I'm wondering how I find the correct person to contact if I want to put in a request.

Usually publishers include an email on their website specifically for ARC requests. These emails can usually be found under the Contact Us tab on the home page of the website. It will either be at the very top of the page or at the very bottom of the page. There are also a few publishers who do not have these email addresses available to bloggers. Those publishers usually prefer to contact the bloggers they want to work with.

A few helpful pages:

Harper Collins Blogger Contact List

Simon & Schuster Blogger Contact List

Penguin Blogger Contact List

Hachette Book Group Blogger Contact List

(All documents from Book Blogger Convention 2011)

(Emailing one of the provided email addresses does not guarantee a response or an ARC.)

Juhina & Farah/Farhana asked:

We are international bloggers and we are hoping later on (in a month or two when we get more followers) that we can email or contact publishers for review books (or ebooks) but we don't know how to do that or if its early or if some publishers don't do international bloggers.

Now, I am not an international blogger so I don't know exactly how this works but I have asked around and I am going to give it my best answer.

Depending on what country you are in, there will be publishers within your country that you can contact about review books. Those are going to be your best chances for review books unless you are a very popular blog with a big following. Those seem to be the main type of international blogs that get books from US publishers for review.

If you are interested in ebooks there is always Netgalley and Galley Grab. For each book you request on Netgalley you have to be approved by the publisher but on Galley Grab you fill out the application and if you are approved you can get any of the ebooks included in the monthly newsletter. I know the publishers do look on your profile to see if you are international but I do not know how that affects their decision to grant you access to the ebook.

Jessica asked:

How can you become a part of a Blog Tour through a publisher?

This is a very tricky question because it is different for every publisher. For some publishers they have a set of bloggers that they generally ask to participate. A lot of the time all of the bloggers are interested so the publisher does not need to look for more bloggers. Some of the time a publisher will see that you are interested in the book and ask if you would be willing to review it as part of a blog tour. Having a set time helps the publisher know that it will get reviewed and it also tends to get more publicity for the book. A good way to let publishers know that you are interested in blog tours is by including that in your review request. Not all bloggers are open for blog tours so it is good to let the publisher know that you are.

Jessica asked:

How do you get blurbed on a book jacket?

I honestly have no idea how you get blurbed on a book jacket. I have been blurbed in two books and I did not even know I was blurbed until a reader pointed it out. I assume that publishers look for good quotes from big name blogs that people will recognize. Don't quote me on that though because I have no idea if it is true or not. =)

So I tried to combine some of the questions because a lot of you guys wanted to know the same things. For my next blogging with Katie post I am going to focus on blog design so if you want to know anything about design fill out the form!

<p>&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Loading...&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;</p>

Also, Angela asked:

How much do you LURRRRVVVVE me??????

I lurrrrvvvve Angela a lot. You guys should check out her blog.

First Line Friday (8)

2011-11-18T00:51:00.000-05:00

First Line Friday is a feature created by me, where I post five first lines from some books that I have on my TBR pile. You guys then get to vote, based on the first lines, for the book that I will read next! =)

Title: Fire
Author: Kristin Cashore
Release date: October 6, 2009

Larch often thought that if it had not been for his newborn son, he never would have survived his wife Mikra's death.

Title: Beautiful Darkness (Caster Chronicles #2)

Author: Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl

Release date: October 12, 2010

I used to think our town, buried in the South Carolina backwoods, stuck in the muddy bottom of the Santee River valley, was the middle of nowhere. A place where nothing ever happened and nothing would ever change.

Title: The Future Of Us
Author: Jay Asher & Carolyn Mackler
Release date: November 21, 2011

In 1996 less than half of all American high school students had ever used the internet.

Facebook would not be invented until several years in the future.

Emma & Josh are about to log on to their futures.

Title: Tempest (Tempest #1)

Author: Julie Cross

Release date: January 17, 2012

Okay, so it's true. I can time-travel. But it's not as exciting as it sounds.

Title: Under The Never Sky
Author: Veronica Rossi
Release date: January 3, 2012

They called the world beyond the walls of the Pod "the Death Shop." A million ways to die out there. Aria never thought she'd get so close.

So based on these first lines which book would you like me to read and review next?

Blog Tour: Open Minds by Susan Kaye Quinn

2011-11-17T22:15:00.000-05:00

Title: Open Minds (Mindjack Trilogy #1)
Author: Susan Kaye Quinn
Release date: November 1, 2011
Pages: 326
Source: Author

When everyone reads minds, a secret is a dangerous thing to keep.

Sixteen-year-old Kira Moore is a zero, someone who can’t read thoughts or be read by others. Zeros are outcasts who can’t be trusted, leaving her no chance with Raf, a regular mindreader and the best friend she secretly loves. When she accidentally controls Raf’s mind and nearly kills him, Kira tries to hide her frightening new ability from her family and an increasingly suspicious Raf. But lies tangle around her, and she’s dragged deep into a hidden world of mindjackers, where having to mind control everyone she loves is just the beginning of the deadly choices before her.

Open Minds is one of those books that hasn't been getting a lot of buzz around the blogosphere but it definitely deserves some. The first book in the Mindjack trilogy is gripping, suspenseful, shocking, and at times, sweet. I have high hopes for the sequel!

Kira Moore believes she is a zero, someone who can't read minds. That makes her an outcast in her world until she finds out she is a mindjacker. She can not only read minds, she can control them as well. This makes life very difficult for her because mindjackers are very rare and considered to be very dangerous by the government. Kira tries her hardest to keep her secret but that soon becomes impossible. Will Kira be able to prove to everyone that mindjackers aren't really bad people or will she die trying?

Kira was an absolutely fabulous heroine. She was brave, smart, resourceful, and kind. She always put the needs of others before her own and she always tried to help. Sure there were times where I was annoyed with one of her decisions but in the end I loved her. Simon, Raf, Laney, Molloy, Xander, all the characters were great in their own ways. They were very well-developed and easy to understand.

The plot was a little slow in the beginning but it quickly picked up and I was hooked. Things take off when Kira gets her mindjack abilities and they don't really slow down until the end of the book. There were times when my heart was racing and I couldn't turn the pages fast enough!

Overall, Open Minds is a book that I definitely recommend. Dystopian fans will love it and I am sure that once you read it you will be dying for more.

Rating: A-

Blog Tour: Interview with Susan Kaye Quinn + Giveaway

2011-11-17T11:34:00.000-05:00

Today I am lucky enough to have Susan Kaye Quinn, the author of Open Minds, here on the blog for an interview. Check back later this afternoon for my review of the book if you are curious about it before entering the giveaway.

KBB: Why did you decide to write a novel for young adults?

SKQ: I have three boys, ages 8, 10, and 13, and two nieces who are teens, so I could say that I write for them. And it is true that I fell in love with middle grade and young adult books because I was reading them with my kids and sharing them with my nieces. But I hadn’t written any fiction since I was a teenager myself, scribbling notes to my friends in class. When I was drawn back to writing fiction as an adult, only a few years ago, I think my teenaged writer self just picked up where she left off. :)

KBB: What do you think makes your book stand out in today’s market?

SKQ: People seem to be drawn to the cover (many thanks to my awesome cover designer) and to the concept (a world where everyone reads minds, except one girl). Paranormal and science fiction novels for YA are very hot right now, but Open Minds blends the two genres, and turns some of the tropes upside down. Many paranormal novels have mindreaders, but not a world where everyone reads minds. A lot of dystopias (which I love) have taken dire looks at the future, but don’t often blend in paranormal elements. Overall, the feedback so far seems to be that people find it unique. And it makes them think, which I like best of all. :)

KBB: Do you have any must-haves while you are writing?

SKQ: Tea. Black. No sugar or cream or any of that sissy stuff. In fact I have a lovely pot of tea in front of me right now! #happiness

KBB: What kind of books do you read in your spare time? Do you read the same genre that you write?

SKQ: I do read a lot of middle grade and young adult (since I write both, and because I love the stories). I don’t read a lot of adult fiction anymore - the pacing of young adult novels has ruined me for slower paced adult novels! And I read books on writing, but that’s all business.

KBB: Can you tell us anything about what you are currently working on?

SKQ: Right now, I’m drafting Closed Hearts, the sequel to Open Minds. I have a couple middle grade projects in the works (one science fiction, one fantasy), but those are on the back burner while I get Closed Hearts under way. It’s exciting to be writing the second book while people are reading and reviewing the first!

KBB: What is one young adult book that you would recommend?

SKQ: Only one? Ack. Ok ... I’m going with White Cat (and Red Glove, the sequel, wait, that’s two!) by Holly Black. I adore her writing style, and I couldn’t love Cassel (the main character) anymore if I was a seventeen year old again myself.

KBB: Thanks so much for taking time to answer a few of my questions! I can't wait to read Closed Hearts!

Giveaway!

To be entered to win an ebook of Open Minds all you have to do is comment on this post (with your email)!

+1 if you sign up for Susan Kaye Quinn's email newsletter

+1 if you like Susan Kaye Quinn's Facebook page

This giveaway will end on November 30!

Past Perfect by Leila Sales

2011-11-17T09:53:00.000-05:00

Title: Past Perfect
Author: Leila Sales
Release date: October 4, 2011
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Pages: 322
Source: Bookstore

All Chelsea wants to do this summer is hang out with her best friend, hone her talents as an ice cream connoisseur, and finally get over Ezra, the boy who broke her heart. But when Chelsea shows up for her summer job at Essex Historical Colonial Village (yes, really), it turns out Ezra’s working there too. Which makes moving on and forgetting Ezra a lot more complicated…even when Chelsea starts falling for someone new.

Maybe Chelsea should have known better than to think that a historical reenactment village could help her escape her past. But with Ezra all too present, and her new crush seeming all too off limits, all Chelsea knows is that she’s got a lot to figure out about love. Because those who don’t learn from the past are doomed to repeat it….

Past Perfect is the perfect book to read when you are in the mood for something light and fun. So many books these days are very dark and Past Perfect is the perfect book to counteract those. (Not that I don't love my dark books.) =)

Past Perfect is not your typical chick-lit romance novel. It actually has a very entertaining plot that doesn't just focus on the romance. There is a war going on between the two historical reenactment villages and it was quite hilarious to read about. There are some devious teenagers. I loved reading about the crazy schemes they came up with. They were laugh out loud funny!

There was a great cast of characters in this book. Chelsea was a bit annoying at first because of her obsession with her ex-boyfriend but she quickly outgrew that. Her best friend, Fiona, was a surprisingly great friend. No backstabbing from her! Dan was a bit awkward but in the best possible way. His interactions with Chelsea cracked me up. The miliner girls were my least favorite characters but they weren't too bad. Bryan cracked me up and Chelsea's dad reminded me a lot of my own.

Overall, Past Perfect is a great chick lit novel with a bit more to it. It's funny, sweet, and a super easy read Perfect for a rainy day!

First line: There are only three types of kids who get summer jobs at the Colonial Essex Village instead of just working at the mall, like normal people do.

Rating: A

Waiting On Wednesday: In Honor

2011-11-16T12:26:00.000-05:00

Title: In Honor
Author: Jessi Kirby
Release date: May 8, 2012

Honor receives her brother’s last letter from Iraq three days after learning that he died, and opens it the day his fellow Marines lay the flag over his casket. Its contents are a complete shock: concert tickets to see Kyra Kelly, her favorite pop star and Finn's celebrity crush. In his letter, he jokingly charged Honor with the task of telling Kyra Kelly that he was in love with her.

Grief-stricken and determined to grant Finn's last request, she rushes to leave immediately. But she only gets as far as the driveway before running into Rusty, Finn's best friend since third grade and his polar opposite. She hasn't seen him in ages, thanks to a falling out between the two guys, but Rusty is much the same as Honor remembers him: arrogant, stubborn. . . and ruggedly good looking. Neither one is what the other would ever look for in a road trip partner, but the two of them set off together, on a voyage that makes sense only because it doesn’t. Along the way, they find small and sometimes surprising ways to ease their shared loss and honor Finn—but when shocking truths are revealed at the end of the road, will either of them be able to cope with the consequences?

I cannot even put into words how much I want to read this book! I need it now! Jessi Kirby's debut novel, Moonglass, was fantastic and this one sounds even better. I love road-trip books and this one sounds sadder than most but still awesome. Also, the brother's best friend, Rusty? Arrogant, stubborn, and ruggedly good looking? I like the sound of that. =)

What are you waiting on this Wednesday?

Unison Spark by Andy Marino

2011-11-14T14:56:00.000-05:00

Title: Unison Spark
Author: Andy Marino
Release date: November 8, 2011
Publisher: Henry Holt & Co.
Pages: 240
Source: Publisher

Everyone is obsessed with Unison, the social network that knows you better than you know yourself. Everyone who can afford it, that is. Living beneath the vast ceiling that separates Eastern Seaboard City into rich topside and poor sub-canopy zones, fifteen-year-old Mistletoe can only dream of logging in and has to make do with technological hand-me-downs.

Worlds collide when Ambrose Truax, the privileged heir to the Unison empire, wanders into the dangerous sub-canopy streets and Mistletoe saves him from suspicious, uniformed men. They soon discover that they share eerily similar dreams, hinting at a significant past.

Together, Ambrose and Mistletoe begin to unravel the mystery of their identities and learn that they’re pawns in a bigger game: the Unison 3.0 upgrade, a whole new kind of Friendship.

Unison Spark is a very unique story and a great debut novel from Andy Marino. I really enjoyed this book and I look forward to reading his future books.

The world of ESC and Unison is unlike any I have read about. Unison is basically the king of social networks and it is scary to think that someday we might come to that point. I really think the world that Andy Marino created is his strongest point. I loved reading about it and how it got to where it was.

The characters, on the other hand, were the weak point in the book. I really liked Ambrose but I did not like Mistletoe. It seemed like she was trying to be something she wasn't and I couldn't connect with her. Sliv was also weak. He seemed like a very interesting character but he was barely there. I would have liked more of his story.

The plot of the book was another of it's redeeming qualities. It was very fast-paced and interesting. It was pretty much non-stop action. I also liked that it was multiple POVs so you could see things through both character's eyes.

Overall, Unison Spark is a great dystopian sci-fi that I think will appeal to a lot of people. Also, it seems like this one will be a standalone. I felt that everything tied up very nicely in the end.

First line: Her new name was Mistletoe.

Rating: B