Saturday, April 30, 2011

In My Mailbox #12

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren. It's a great way to showcase the books you've gotten over the week, whether they are bought, borrowed or free.

Here's what is in my mailbox this week...

From the Library:

Something Like Fate - Susane Colasanti


eBooks:
(Courtesy of S&S Galley Grab)

Blood Red Road - Moira Young
Forbidden - Tabitha Suzuma
The Day Before - Lisa Schroeder
Ordinary Beauty - Laura Wiess
He's So Not Worth It - Kieran Scott
All the Things You Are - Courtney Sheinmel

For Review:

She Smells the Dead | Spirit Storm
by E.J. Stevens

Still sticking to my book buying ban, and the book I got from the library was one that was on hold. So I'm still doing good! I couldn't resist the Galley Grab books though. BLOOD RED ROAD!!




As many of you know, some deadly storms and tornadoes hit the South on Wednesday of this week. Thankfully I was spared, but the destruction is all around me. (TN, AL, GA, MS, AK)  It's heartbreaking and these states need all the help they can get. If you would like to help, please check out the
American Red Cross Donation Page.

You can also donate to the Red Cross Disaster Relief by texting REDCROSS to 90999 to give $10 to help our disaster relief activities across U.S. Thank you!!


So what's in your mailbox this week?? Leave a comment with you link so I can check out your awesome posts!

post signature

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Follow Friday (12) & Book Blogger Hop (11)

Follow Friday!  TGIF!!! Follow Friday is a weekly meme hosted by Parajunkee. It's a great way to meet new blogger friends!

This weeks question is:
Keeping with the dystopian and apocalypse theme that seems to be running rampant on parajunkee.com, I have one very hard question for you: If you were stocking your bomb shelter, what books would you HAVE to include if you only had space for ten?


Hmmm- Mine would be-



The Hunger Games series - 3
The Mortal Instruments - 3  (The first three books)
Wake series by Lisa McMann - 3
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen - 1

There we go! 10 books that I could totally read, re-read, and then re-read again!  What 10 would you chose?



Book Blogger Hop!!Book Blogger Hop is a weekly meme hosted by Crazy-For-Books.com. It's a great way to meet new people and friends around the blogworld!

Today's question is:
"Summer is coming quickly - what 2011 summer release are you are most looking forward to?"

Can we only pick one book??? Cause I have quite a few!




Ummm... Ahem. I think I went a little overboard. :)

Thanks for stopping by everyone! Please leave a comment with your link so I can follow you back!

post signature

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Waiting on Wednesday - Love Story by Jennifer Echols


"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week, I am waiting on:
Love Story
by Jennifer Echols
Release Date: July 19th 2011
Publisher: Simon & Schuster / MTV Books

Erin Blackwell is headed to college in New York City to study creative writing and earn a living as a romance novelist. Her grandmother has other plans: she approves of the college, but she wants Erin to major in business and then come back home to Kentucky to run the family’s famous racehorse farm. There is no way Erin will agree. Studying in New York and writing her way into a career is her escape from the farm and the family tragedy that happened there. So Erin’s grandmother decides Erin really will live life as a starving artist. She takes Erin’s future job running the farm, her inheritance, even her college tuition, and gives them all to Hunter Allen.

Hunter has lived on the farm for years. He’s Erin’s age, he’s the stable boy, and he’s the romantic dream of every girl in her high school. But he was involved in the family tragedy. Erin has always given him a wide berth. And he’s a slick opportunist. She’s furious that he fooled her grandmother into giving him Erin’s birthright and sending him to Erin’s college.

At least she’s free of him in her creative writing class. So she pens a story that has haunted her lately, in which the horse farm heiress at the very first Kentucky Derby starts a forbidden affair with the lowly stable boy. Unfortunately for her, the day she’s sharing this story with her New York classmates, Hunter walks in. He’s switching to her class. And after reading about himself in Erin’s story, he writes his own sexy assignments that lure Erin into dangerous fantasies about what could have been between them, and what might be.  -Goodreads
Why am I waiting on this book??

I haven't read any books by Jennifer Echols, yet. I have Forget You waiting for me to start it, and I'm really looking forward to reading it. I've heard really great things about her books.  Plus it sounds really awesome. I love a good Love Story!

What are you WoWing for this week??? Can't wait to see what everyone chose!
post signature

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Review: The Last Little Blue Envelope by Maureen Johnson

The Last Little Blue Envelope
by Maureen Johnson
Publication Date:
Publisher: HarperCollins
Pages: 288
ISBN: 9780061976797
Source: ARC

Where to Buy:
B&N | Amazon | HarperTeen

Ginny Blackstone thought that the biggest adventure of her life was behind her. She spent last summer traveling around Europe, following the tasks her aunt Peg laid out in a series of letters before she died. When someone stole Ginny's backpack—and the last little blue envelope inside—she resigned herself to never knowing how it was supposed to end.

Months later, a mysterious boy contacts Ginny from London, saying he's found her bag. Finally, Ginny can finish what she started. But instead of ending her journey, the last letter starts a new adventure—one filled with old friends, new loves, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Ginny finds she must hold on to her wits . . . and her heart. This time, there are no instructions. - Goodreads.com

My Review:
Other than a few small issues, I really enjoyed reading 13 Little Blue Envelopes, the first book in this series. I enjoyed reading The Last Little Blue Envelope as well! Having just finished the first book, it was nice to hop right on to the second book, and still have it all in my memory.

I have to say, I still had the problems with this book that I had with the first book. A young girl traveling across the country, with people she barely knows. At least she wasn’t completely alone this time, so that was something.

I think I connected a little more with the main character, Ginny, this time around. She showed a lot more emotion, although not so much in the beginning of the book. (Come on Ginny, you’re in London, at Christmas!) In my review for the last book, I said I hope to see more of Keith in The Last Little Blue Envelope. Well, we definitely see more of him, but I have to say I didn’t care much for him. We are also introduced to two new characters in this book. (Ellis and Oliver). I really, really liked Oliver right from the start, and didn’t care for the way he was treated. I love Uncle Richard; I’ve liked him from the first book, and wish he had a larger role in this book.

The storyline in The Last Little Blue Envelope was interesting and quick paced. It kept me wondering what was going to happen next. There were also quite a few laugh out loud moments! I enjoyed following Ginny on her journey around Europe once again, especially when she visited Ireland. I hope to one day visit there myself.

I can’t say I am satisfied with the ending of the book. It kind of left me hanging. There’s definitely room for a third book, (hint, hint), and I would love to see what Ginny does with her future. And I would totally love to see more of Oliver and Uncle Richard!

If you enjoyed the first book, you will most likely enjoy this book as well. I know I did.

Happy Reading!

A BIG thank you to HarperTeen and Netgalley for allowing me to read and review this book!
post signature

Monday, April 25, 2011

Review: Bumped by Megan McCafferty

Bumped
by Megan McCafferty
Release Date: April 26th 2011
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Pages: 336
ISBN: 9780061962745
Source: ARC

Where to Buy:
B&N | Amazon | HarperTeen

When a virus makes everyone over the age of eighteen infertile, would-be parents are forced to pay teen girls to conceive and give birth to their children, making teens the most prized members of society.

Sixteen-year-old identical twins Melody and Harmony were separated at birth and had never met until the day Harmony shows up on Melody’s doorstep. Until now, the twins have followed completely opposite paths. Melody has scored an enviable conception contract with a couple called the Jaydens. While they are searching for the perfect partner for Melody to bump with, she is fighting her attraction to her best friend Zen, who is way too short for the job.

Harmony has spent her whole life in religious Goodside, preparing to be a wife and mother. She believes her calling is to bring Melody back to Goodside and convince her that “pregging” for profit is a sin. But Harmony has secrets of her own that she is running from.

When Melody is finally matched with the world-famous, genetically flawless Jondoe, both girls’ lives are changed forever. A case of mistaken identity takes them on a journey neither could have ever imagined, one that makes Melody and Harmony realize they have so much more than just DNA in common.

My Review:
With Teen Pregnancy being all the rage on TV at the moment, I’m not surprised at all to see the subject turning up in books as well. And honestly, I don’t see how sensationalizing it is helping the matter, but that’s another story all together.

Bumped was a really… different read for me. The language was really hard to get into at first, but most of it is pretty repetitive, so I got used to it after a while. Still, I had to stop reading and think about what a word was supposed to mean before I went on.

The plot was really interesting, and totally something that could happen in the future. Although, I’m hoping that if it did happen, kids would be given more of a choice, than being “born to bump”. I had a really hard time connecting with any of the characters in the book. Melody and Harmony were somewhat likeable, but I barely felt any connection towards either one, unfortunately. I also didn’t care that Christian’s were portrayed as being freaks.
I can see Bumped having many interesting discussions given the subject matter. It’s a book that definitely makes you wonder, ‘what if’. I know a lot of people have and will liked this book. It was just an ok read for me.

Happy Reading!

Have you read this book?? Leave a comment and let me know what you thought of it! I'd love to discuss.


post signature

Saturday, April 23, 2011

In My Mailbox #11

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren. It's a great way to showcase the books you've gotten over the week, whether they are bought, borrowed or free.

e-books/galleys:
Spellbound - Cara Lynn Shultz
Courtesy of Netgalley and the awesome HarlequinTeen

13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson
Free for your Nook or Kindle- B&N | Amazon
Check out my review Here!


Borrowed from the library:


Never Cry Werewolf - Heather Davis
My Fair Godmother - Jannette Rallison


It was another pretty slow week for me. I'm still doing really well on my buying/requesting/borrowing ban. The two books I got from the library are ones I've had on hold for a while, so I'm not counting them. lol!  And I couldn't resist requesting Spellbound. Otherwise, I did really well. :)


So what's in your mailbox this week?? Leave me a link with your comment so I can check it out!

post signature

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Follow Friday (11) & Book Blogger Hop (10)

Follow Friday!  TGIF!!! Follow Friday is a weekly meme hosted by Parajunkee. It's a great way to meet new blogger friends!

This weeks question is:
Q. What's on your current playlist?

I usually have a rock mix going on my playlist. I love Three Days Grace, best band of all time! I'm definitely a rocker chick. :)  I'm also digging Plain White T's and The Script right now. :)


Book Blogger Hop!!Book Blogger Hop is a weekly meme hosted by Crazy-For-Books.com. It's a great way to meet new people and friends around the blogworld!

Today's question is:

"If you find a book you love, do you hunt down other books by the same author?"
Most often, yes I do. Especially if I really, really loved the book. :)


Thanks for stopping by everyone! Please leave a comment with your link so I can follow you back!

post signature

Review: 13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson

13 Little Blue Envelopes
Author: Maureen Johnson
Publication Date: October 1st 2006
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pages: 336
ISBN: 9780061973802
Source: ARC

Available for Purchase Now:
B&N | Amazon | HarperTeen
When Ginny receives thirteen little blue envelopes and instructions to buy a plane ticket to London, she knows something exciting is going to happen. What Ginny doesn't know is that she will have the adventure of her life and it will change her in more ways than one. Life and love are waiting for her across the Atlantic, and the thirteen little blue envelopes are the key to finding them in this funny, romantic, heartbreaking novel. -Goodreads.com

My Review:

13 Little Blue Envelopes is a quick, interesting read. I finished it in about 2 settings.

I really enjoyed reading most of the book, but some parts I just couldn’t enjoy, being a parent. For instance, who in their right mind would let their 17 year old daughter travel across Europe, alone, not knowing what she would be getting into? And where were the parents?? Hardly any mention of them at all. (I have to say this, because I’m a mom, and that’s what we do!)

That being said, as long as I reminded myself that this is a fiction novel, and kept an open mind, it was an enjoyable read. The main character, Ginny, was a little off for me. I liked her, but she didn’t make it easy for me. I did love Keith, he gave me a lot of LOL moments. I’m hoping to see more of them together in the sequel.

I really enjoyed following Ginny on her journey. I would love to visit some of the places she went. I wouldn’t want to go alone though, and I would prefer to have LOTS of money on hand.

Overall, this was a good read for me. I enjoyed it, as long as I kept reading it with an open mind. I’m really looking forward to reading the sequel, The Last Little Blue Envelope, to see what journey Ginny will go on next.
Have you read this book?? Leave a comment and let me know what you thought of it!
post signature

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Waiting on Wednesday #11 - Hereafter


"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week, I am waiting on:
Author: Tara Hudson
Release Date: June 7th 2011
Publisher: HarperCollins (HarperTeen)
Can there truly be love after death?

Drifting in the dark waters of a mysterious river, the only thing Amelia knows for sure is that she's dead. With no recollection of her past life—or her actual death—she's trapped alone in a nightmarish existence. All of this changes when she tries to rescue a boy, Joshua, from drowning in her river. As a ghost, she can do nothing but will him to live. Yet in an unforgettable moment of connection, she helps him survive.

Amelia and Joshua grow ever closer as they begin to uncover the strange circumstances of her death and the secrets of the dark river that held her captive for so long. But even while they struggle to keep their bond hidden from the living world, a frightening spirit named Eli is doing everything in his power to destroy their newfound happiness and drag Amelia back into the ghost world . . . forever.

Thrilling and evocative, with moments of pure pleasure, Hereafter is a sensation you won't want to miss.

Why am I waiting on this book??
I actually finished the book earlier this week, and I LOVED IT!! I absolutely must add this to my collection. And I want to know what's going to happen in the next book. :)~ Can't wait to buy this!

Click HERE for a chance to win 1 of 6 copies of Hereafter from Goodreads.com!

What are you WoWing for this week?? Leave a comment with your link so I can check it out!
post signature

Monday, April 18, 2011

Review: Invincible Summer by Hannah Moskowitz

Invincible Summer
Author: Hannah Moskowitz
Release Date: April 19th, 2011
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Pages: 269
ISBN: 9781442407510

Available for Purchase at:
B&N | Amazon | Simon & Schuster

Noah’s happier than I’ve seen him in months. So I’d be an awful brother to get in the way of that. It’s not like I have some relationship with Melinda. It was just a kiss. Am I going to ruin Noah’s happiness because of a kiss?

Across four sun-kissed, drama-drenched summers at his family’s beach house, Chase is falling in love, falling in lust, and trying to keep his life from falling apart. But some girls are addictive....

Not your typical beach read. - Goodreads.com

My Review:

I read this book in just a few hours time. Mrs. Moskowitz has a very unique writing style that made the book very hard to put down. However, I didn’t really care about any of the characters. The one exception would be the main characters brother, Gideon, who is deaf. Having an autistic niece, there’s something about a child with a disability that always pulls at my heartstrings. I really loved his character.

There is a lot of foul language in the book, which is a bit of a turnoff. I am not a prude at all, I know people curse, especially tweens and teens. However, with this being a YA book, I felt there was a bit too much. There are also some sexual references that are really more for an adult book than a YA book. (Again, I’m not trying to be a prude!)

Overall, this was a good, albeit emotional read. I’m sure everyone else will love the book. It was just ok for me.
post signature

Saturday, April 16, 2011

In My Mailbox #10

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren. It's a great way to showcase the books you've gotten over the week, whether they are bought, borrowed or free.

Here is what is in my mailbox this week...
Bought:
The Gathering : Kelley Armstrong
OMG- I can't wait to start this book!!

The Witches of Santa Anna (Books 1-7) : Lauren Barnholdt
I got this for my Nook for only $0.99!

For Review:
Dream Smashers : Angela Carlie
The author or Dream Smashers was SO nice, and asked me to review her book. I'm really looking forward to starting it!


I'm really looking forward to reading all these awesome books. I'm still sticking with my book buying/reguesting/borrowing ban. :) Still doing good!


What's in your mailbox this week?? Leave a comment with your link so I can come see your goodies!
post signature

Review: Wynter Chelsea:The Legacy

Wynter Chelsea: The Legacy
Author: Becca Ritchie
Publication Date: October 19th 2008
Publisher: Outskirts Press
Pages: 384
ISBN: 9781432729585

Available for Purchase:
B&N | Amazon | Amazon/Kindle

Four hundred years ago a creature descended upon the Earth. The supernatural hunted innocent lives wanting blood and vengeance. Two families, the Wynters and the Chelseas, knew of the darkness that reigned over the world. For thousands of years they hunted and killed to protect those who knew nothing of the dangers.

Amanda Chelsea vies to be a part of the Wynter Chelsea legacy, constantly craving the thrill of a lifetime that her older brother, Jack, and the two Wynter boys experience. At seventeen, Amanda’s passion to fight is overwhelming, and she cannot come to grips with why the boys are protecting her. Abilities are cast upon the new generation of Wynters and Chelseas, only in hopes of guiding them to vanquish the impenetrable creature. Even as Amanda Chelsea receives the power of empathy, feeling other people’s emotions, it brings more harm than a vital potency. Through the turmoil in New Jersey, Dustin Wynter is the only one able to relate to Amanda with a similar gift. As Jack’s rage boils over the edge, Dustin must put the pieces back together and hold the legacy up with a shaking arm and a quirky brother by his side.

When the world couldn’t seem to become anymore dangerous, both parents of each family go missing. Now with no choice but to bring Amanda along, she finally is able to fight without hassle, but is it worth it? Is the disappearance of the ones she loved a price that she has to pay for her dream to join the legacy? Traveling across the United States, the four young adults must confront their hidden emotions and ultimate reason for living.

Wynter Chelsea is a novel about finding truth in oneself and truth in the world amid the darkness that follows. Readers of the young adult genre will connect with Amanda’s coming of age story, where life seems to be at the tip of her fingers but she can’t hold on to it. Wynter Chelsea has a spark of comedy with Trevor Wynter and love with the bubbling young romance of Amanda and Dustin. With a strong sense of love, loss, and sacrifice, Wynter Chelsea connects the sentiment of the reader to the page. When the reader closes the novel, their heart will surely be left within the lines. -Goodreads

My Review:

The world Becca Ritchie created in Wynter Chelsea: The Legacy is filled with action, suspense, paranormal creatures, and a little bit of romance. She wrote this book when she was just fourteen, and I have to say, she did a pretty amazing job with it!

The characters are well thought out and written. The heroine, Amanda, is very interesting. She wants to be a demon hunter like the rest of the people in her family, but they won’t let her fight. All her family wants to do is keep her locked away, safe and tight. I really felt her frustration at this, and at being left in the dark about so many family secrets. Sometimes I was frustrated with her because she made so many rash choices and bad decisions. My favorite character would have to be Dustin. You could tell her really cared about Amanda, but she was so naive to his feelings. He was such a sweetheart. I love him! Trevor was very funny, and Jack was the typical big brother. (Whenever I would picture Jack and Dustin in my head, I would think of the two brothers from the show Supernatural, Sam and Dean Winchester. It made for a yummy visual!)

The storyline was interesting and well written. I loved getting to know all the characters, and reading about their ‘gifts’ and their demon hunting situations. (There was never a dull moment for the Wynter and Chelsea families!) I really, really enjoyed reading this book, and I’m looking forward to checking out the second book in the series to see what happens next!

Thank you to Becca Ritchie, for contacting me to review your awesome book. I really enjoyed it!

post signature

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Follow Friday #10 & Book Blogger Hop #9!

Follow Friday!  TGIF!!! Follow Friday is a weekly meme hosted by Parajunkee. It's a great way to meet new blogger friends!

This weeks question is:
Q. Do you have anyone that you can discuss books with IRL? Tell us about him/her.
My mom and sister are both readers... they prefer mystery (mom) and PNR (sis). We are always chatting up about books, and going book shopping together. I do have a few friends that read as well, and we chat about books sometimes, but I think I'm the only one that is really, REALLY obsessed. lol!!  My oldest daughter is starting to read YA books, and that's been really awesome too!


Book Blogger Hop!!Book Blogger Hop is a weekly meme hosted by Crazy-For-Books.com. It's a great way to meet new people and friends around the blogworld!

Today's question is:

"Pick a character from a book you are currently reading or have just finished and tell us about him/her."

I'm reading Hereafter by Tara Hudson, and it's about a girl named Amelia. (She doesn't know her last name.)  She's a ghost as well. It's pretty interesting!


Thanks for stopping by everyone! Please leave a comment with your link so I can follow you back!


post signature

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Waiting on Wednesday #10 - Blood Red Road



"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week, I am waiting on:
Blood Red Road
Author: Moira Young
Release Date: June 7th 2011
Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Saba has spent her whole life in Silverlake, a dried-up wasteland ravaged by constant sandstorms. The Wrecker civilization has long been destroyed, leaving only landfills for Saba and her family to scavenge from. That's fine by her, as long as her beloved twin brother Lugh is around. But when a monster sandstorm arrives, along with four cloaked horsemen, Saba's world is shattered. Lugh is captured, and Saba embarks on an epic quest to get him back.

Suddenly thrown into the lawless, ugly reality of the world outside of desolate Silverlake, Saba is lost without Lugh to guide her. So perhaps the most surprising thing of all is what Saba learns about herself: she's a fierce fighter, an unbeatable survivor, and a cunning opponent. And she has the power to take down a corrupt society from the inside. Teamed up with a handsome daredevil named Jack and a gang of girl revolutionaries called the Free Hawks, Saba stages a showdown that will change the course of her own civilization.

Blood Red Road has a searing pace, a poetically minimal writing style, violent action, and an epic love story. Moira Young is one of the most promising and startling new voices in teen fiction. -Goodreads

Why I'm waiting on this book:
Did you read the summary?? That's why I want to read the book! It sounds so awesome! I'm really looking forward to checking this book out. :)

Visit the Simon & Schuster website for more information on this book!


What are you WoWing for this week?? Leave a comment with your link so I can check it out!
post signature

Saturday, April 9, 2011

In My Mailbox #9

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren. It's a great way to showcase the books you've gotten over the week, whether they are bought, borrowed or free.

Here is what is in my mailbox this week...

Bought:


City of Fallen Angels - Cassandra Clare
I finished this in no time. You can see my review HERE!


Ebooks:


Ultraviolet - RJ Anderson | Wings - Aprilynne Pike

Ultraviolet came from Netgalley, and I got Wings for free on B&N's website, through Page Turner's Blog. Wings is still available for download, so if you haven't got it, you should go get it. Like, now. :)


I didn't get many books this week. I was REALLY tempted to buy more, because so many great books came out this week. However, after seeing my TBR list, and all the galley's on my e-readers, I'm putting myself on a book buying/requesting ban. No more new books, (except The Gathering, of course), until I get some of these read. :)

So what's in your mailbox this week?? Leave a comment with your link so I can check it out!

Happy Reading!
post signature