Friday Hops 7/1

Follow Friday! #20


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

This weeks question is:

Q. ACK! Your favorite book/movie character (example Hermione Granger played by the Emma chick) just walked into the room! Who is it and what would be your first reaction? You get extra points if you include visual stimulation.

A. Hmmm... I'd have to think about book characters. But my Movie character would totally be CAPTAIN JACK! My first reaction would probably be to pass out. I LOVE HIM!




Book Blogger Hop #18

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!

Q.  What keeps you reading beyond the first few pages of a book, and what makes you want to stop reading a book and put it back on the shelf?“

A. Thankfully, I haven't had to stop reading a book or put it back on the shelf lately. (YA books are awesome!)  But usually something good has to be going on in the book, or for there to be awesome characters,  in order for it to keep my attention. If I'm bored with it, it definitely goes back on the shelf.

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

Review - The Day Before by Lisa Schroeder

The Day Before
by Lisa Schroeder
Publication Date: June 28th 2011
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Pages: 320
ISBN: 9781442417434

Where to Buy:
B&N | Amazon | BAM | Borders | The Book Depository

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

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

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

The Day Before is the second book I’ve read and enjoyed by Lisa Schroeder. The first book was I Heart You, You Haunt Me, which I really liked. The Day Before is a touching, lyrical read that kept me guessing until the end.

There aren’t too many characters to follow in the book. I found the two main characters, Amber and Cade, to be very likeable. I enjoyed their relationship together, how they were there for each other, even though they had only known each other a short while. Both had a major issue going on in their life, which ends up bonding them together. I connected more with Amber than I did with Cade, but I’m assuming that is because it’s her story, and we don’t know as much about Cade as we do Amber.

The book is written in verse, and changes times from present to past. I didn’t have a hard time with it at all. The story was beautifully written, and easy to follow. The book was also a really quick read. I had it finished in about 2 hour’s time. I really like the cover for the book as well, it’s gorgeous.

Overall, I really, really enjoyed this book. It will definitely be a welcome addition to my collection.

The Day Before: Book Trailer

Waiting on Wednesday #21

The Calling
(Darkness Rising #2)
by Kelley Armstrong
Publication Date: April 2012
Publishers: HarperTeen

Maya Delaney’s paw-print birthmark is the sign of what she truly is—a skin-walker. She can run faster, climb higher, and see better than nearly anyone else. Experiencing intense connections with the animals that roam the woods outside her home, Maya knows it’s only a matter of time before she’s able to Shift and become one of them. And she believes there may be others in her small town with surprising talents.

Now, Maya and her friends have been forced to flee from their homes during a forest fire they suspect was deliberately set. Then they’re kidnapped, and after a chilling helicopter crash, they find themselves in the Vancouver Island wilderness with nothing but their extraordinary abilities to help them get back home. Plentiful action and romance in this second installment in the Darkness Rising series will keep readers enthralled to the very last page! -Goodreads

AHHHHHHHHH!! I LOVE THIS SERIES! :) Ahem... Thanks to the awesome Ruby @Ruby Reads, I discovered the cover for The Calling had been released. I love the cover, although her eyes look a bit freaky.  Ah, I can't wait to read this!!

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

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

Review: Dream Smashers by Angela Carlie

Dream Smashers
by Angela Carlie
Publication Date: April 4th 201
Publisher: Darkside Publishing
Pages: 244
ISBN: 9781461031925

Where to Buy:
B&N | Amazon | BAM

Sixteen-year-old Autumn has spent her entire life worrying about others. Her ailing grandma, meth-addicted mom, and a best friend who is always in trouble. She's spent the last few years attempting to worry less, to be carefree, without success.

Enter Evan, whose radiant attitude is an Autumn magnet. With Evan at her side, Autumn's able to let some of her worries go as they trudge through life's difficulties and fall for each other in the process.

A girl who no longer wants to care and a boy who cares enough for the both of them, Dream Smashers is a love story, but most of all, it's about letting go. - Goodreads

Dream Smashers was a hard book to read, emotionally. I haven’t read many books that have dealt with addiction and its consequences, so this was also an eye opener for me.  I’m really glad I read the book.

Most of the characters were likeable, and also complex. The main character, Autumn, is a very strong young lady. The girl has been through a lot, but she can take care of herself, along with the help of her grandmother who raised her. Her mother, Jacinda, was a meth addicted mess.  It was painful to read some of the stuff Jacinda had put Autumn through. No mother should treat her child that way, and no child should ever have to go through what Autumn went through. I did not like the mom!   I enjoyed Evan, and was glad that he was introduced into Autumn’s life.  I think the religious perspective that he brought along really helped Autumn out during difficult times, and I liked that.

The plot was engrossing, and held my attention. The first half of the book went by a bit slowly for me, but by the second half of the book, I was hooked. The story is told from three different points of view; by Autumn, Evan and Jacinda. Normally I would find this confusing, but the author wrote it in such a way that I had no trouble telling what character I was reading about.

Overall, this was a very emotional read, but I am so glad that I had the opportunity to read it.

Review: Legacy by Cayla Kluver

Legacy
by Cayla Kluver
Publication Date: June 21st 2011
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Pages: 496
ISBN: 9780373210343

Where to Buy:
B&N | Amazon | BAM | Borders | The Book Depository

The first boy disappeared on the day of his birth, on a night when the pale yellow moon of the nighttime sky turned red and bathed the heavens in the ghastly color of blood, on the same night the Kingdom of Cokyri abruptly ceased its merciless attack.

Across the land of Hytanica, under the shadow of the crimson moon, infant boys continued to vanish. Not until the blood had faded from the sky did the disappearances stop and the bodies of the murdered infants were found outside the gates of the city, a final word from the greatest enemy Hytanica had ever known. For the next sixteen years, peace reigned, but one mystery remained unsolved. The Cokyrians had abducted forty-nine newborns, but returned only forty-eight bodies.

Now, as seventeen-year-old Princess Alera of Hytanica is besieged from all sides by suitors vying for the Throne, a teenage Cokyrian boy, Narian, is encountered within the walls of her Kingdom, a boy who will show Alera a world where women serve a purpose and not just a husband. As Narian helps Alera find her voice, she struggles against an arranged marriage that will shatter the life she has scarcely begun to live. And when Narian's shocking past is uncovered, and war with Cokyri looms once more, he must fight to defy a fate ordained at his birth. -Goodreads

Legacy was not exactly what I expected. Judging by the cover, I expected something a little more modern. That was not exactly the case. That was my fault, as I know better to judge a book by its cover!

The main character, Alera, was a strong character. The Women in her time were not to be dominant at all, the men were the rulers.  Alera hated this, and she wanted to have an opinion, and she wanted to be involved. I liked that about her.  Not that the men actually listened to her very often, which I found frustrating. I did not like her future husband to be at all. Steldor was a jerk, who thought himself to be perfect.  I did really like Narian. I found him to be a mystery, and never did figure him out.  I also Loved London, he really made the story more interesting for me.

The book started out a bit slow, and didn’t really pick up for me until after the second half of the book. The writing was beautiful, albeit very descriptive.  The plot was very creative, but very confusing in some parts.  The ending was somewhat a cliffhanger. I will definitely be picking up the next book, as I’m curious as to what will happen next.

Overall, this was a good read for me. I enjoyed reading it, and am looking forward to seeing where the author takes us in the next book.

In My Mailbox #20

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's in my mailbox this week...

Dark Souls - Paula Morris
from the awesome people at Scholastic! :)


| Awesome Netgalley Finds |
The Mephisto Covenant - Trinity Faegen
The Beginning of After - Jennifer Castle
Everything We Ever Wanted - Sara Shepard


Drink Slay Love - Sarah Beth Durst
Moonglass - Jessi Kirby

I'm reading Moonglass via S&S Pulse It. If you haven't signed up for this program, it's pretty awesome. You can read some of their newest books online, for free. I don't read via my computer very often because it hurts my eyes, but it's a great option to have!


That's all in my mailbox this week. What did you get in yours?? Leave a comment with your link so I can check it out!

Friday Hops 6/24

Follow Friday! #19


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

This weeks question is:

Q. In light of the Summer Solstice. Also known as Midsummer...let's talk about fairies. What is your favorite fairy tale or story that revolves around the fae?

I would definitely have to say The Iron Fey series by Julie Kagawa. I love the fairies and the fairie world she creates in her books!




Book Blogger Hop #17

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:

“When did you realize reading was your passion and a truly important part of your life?”
.

When I was kid I used to read a lot. Then I discovered BOYS and became a teen, and I stopped reading. Now that my kids are older, I've gotten back into reading a lot, and I have discovered that it's my escape from reality. Something that I Really need sometimes. :)


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

Review: Spellbound by Cara Lynn Shultz

Spellbound
by Cara Lynn Shultz
Release Date: June 28th 2011
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Pages: 384
ISBN: 9780373210305
Source: e-ARC

Available for Pre-Order:
B&N | Amazon | BAM | Borders | The Book Depository

What's a girl to do when meeting The One means she's cursed to die a horrible death?Life hasn't been easy on sixteen-year-old Emma Conner, so a new start in New York may be just the change she needs. But the posh Upper East Side prep school she has to attend? Not so much. Friendly faces are few and far between, except for one that she's irresistibly drawn to—Brendan Salinger, the guy with the rock-star good looks and the richest kid in school, who might just be her very own white knight.
But even when Brendan inexplicably turns cold, Emma can't stop staring. Ever since she laid eyes on him, strange things have been happening. Streetlamps go out wherever she walks, and Emma's been having the oddest dreams: visions of herself in past lives—visions that warn her to stay away from Brendan. Or else. - Goodreads

Spellbound is a YA Paranormal Romance book by debut author Cara Lynn Shultz. I really didn’t know what to expect going into this book, but it turned out to be a really quick, enjoyable read.

The characters in this book were very likeable. The main character, Emma, has been through so much in her short lifetime. But that only makes her stronger. She’s definitely not a whiny heroine. I like that she’s such a strong character, and I enjoyed watching her grow throughout the book. I really didn’t think I was going to like Brandon much in the beginning. He confused me, and it took a while for me to figure him out. But once I did, I really liked him. I really liked their relationship as well. Emma’s cousin, Ashley, and friend Angelique were well written secondary characters. The one character that really bothered me was Anthony. Can we say Aggressive, much?? He took bullying to a whole new, disturbing level.

The story was very creative and the writing was simple, but engrossing. There were some parts of the book that were a bit slow, but other parts that I got into so much, that the story just flew by.

Overall, this was a really enjoyable read, and I’m looking forward to adding it to my collection!

Waiting on Wednesday #20

Supernaturally
by Kiersten White
Release Date: July 26th 2011
Publisher: HarperTeen

Available for Pre-Order at:
B&N | Amazon | BAM | Borders | The Book Depository

Evie finally has the normal life she’s always longed for. But she’s shocked to discover that being ordinary can be . . . kind of boring. Just when Evie starts to long for her days at the International Paranormal Containment Agency, she’s given a chance to work for them again. Desperate for a break from all the normalcy, she agrees.
But as one disastrous mission leads to another, Evie starts to wonder if she made the right choice. And when Evie’s faerie ex-boyfriend Reth appears with devastating revelations about her past, she discovers that there’s a battle brewing between the faerie courts that could throw the whole supernatural world into chaos. The prize in question? Evie herself.
So much for normal. - Goodreads

Why am I waiting on this book???

Because Paranormalcy rocked! In just a little over a month, I will have Supernaturally in my collection. :)

What are you WoWing for this week??? Leave me a comment so I can check it out!

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

Review: Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

Anna and the French Kiss

by Stephanie Perkins

Publication Date: December 2, 2010
Publisher: Dutton
Pages: 372
ISBN: 9780525423270
Source: Purchase

Where to Buy:
B&N | Amazon | BAM | Borders | The Book Depository

Anna is looking forward to her senior year in Atlanta, where she has a great job, a loyal best friend, and a crush on the verge of becoming more. Which is why she is less than thrilled about being shipped off to boarding school in Paris—until she meets Étienne St. Claire: perfect, Parisian (and English and American, which makes for a swoon-worthy accent), and utterly irresistible. The only problem is that he's taken, and Anna might be, too, if anything comes of her almost-relationship back home.
As winter melts into spring, will a year of romantic near-misses end with the French kiss Anna—and readers—have long awaited? -Goodreads

I was a little worried about reading Anna and the French Kiss. I have read so many reviews from people that adore the book, and I was afraid that it would not meet my high expectations. I worried for nothing! This book was just what I needed, a quick paced, cute, fluffy read. I really enjoyed it!

I loved the characters. They were all wonderfully developed, and I really cared for all of them. Anna and St. Clair are the perfect couple. I was rooting for them the whole time. Both had their flaws, and that made me love them even more. I loved the secondary characters as well, Meredith, Rashmi, and especially Josh. I even loved the characters that I hated. (Amanda) I enjoyed watching all of these characters develop more and more throughout the book.

The storyline was well written and well paced. I love the setting and the descriptions. I want to go to France SO bad now! The picture Ms. Perkins created in my mind was incredible. The descriptions were delicious. I felt as though I was really there.

Overall, this was a really fun read for me. Ms. Perkins is a very talented writer, and I loved the journey she took me on with this book. I caught myself smiling as I flew through the pages. I’m anxiously awaiting the release of Lola and the Boy Next Door now!

500 Follower/Blogoversary GIVEAWAY!!!

I have officially reached 500 followers on my blog. I AM AMAZED at this! :) Thank you all SO much!
It's also almost my 6 month Blogoversary!

I'm having this giveaway as a way to say
THANK YOU

to all my amazing new friends!

• You must be 13 or older to enter.
• Giveaway runs from June 20th to July 10th
• I will choose 3 winners, each winner will have the choice of ONE book from the list below.
• Giveaway is open to US and International
  (As long as TheBookDepositry ships to your area. Please check on this before you enter the contest!)
• Winners will be chosen via Random.org, and will be contacted via email.
• If the winner does not respond within 24 hours, a new winner will be chosen.
• You don't have to be a follower! (Though I would love it if you were!)

This giveaway has now ended! Winners will be chosen soon. Thank you for participating!

In My Mailbox #19

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's in my mailbox this week...



Cloaked - Alex Flinn
Entwined - Heather Dixon
Clarity - Kim Harrington
Claire de Lune - Christine Johnson
Possessions - Nancy Holder



Passion - Lauren Kate
(squeeeee!)



The Unwanteds - Lisa McMann
Damned - Nancy Holder
Witchlanders - Lena Coakley
Nocturne - Christine Johnson
Fury - Elizabeth Miles



This was a pretty awesome book week for me. I FINALLY found a copy of Passion, it only took me going to three different stores to find it. I can't wait to read it.  Our library is still getting in new books, and I'm glad to be able to snag the ones I got!
The review books are from Galley Grab. I am SOOOOO excited to see Lisa McMann's newest book on there. I LOVE Lisa McMann! (Fangirl!) I think my son and I will read it together. :)

Soooo.... What did you get in your mailbox this week?? I'm dying to find out! Leave a comment with your link so I can check out your post!

Friday Hops 6/17

Follow Friday! #18


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

This weeks question is:

Q. Genre Wars! What's your favorite genre and which book in that genre made it your favorite?

Hmmm... I would probably have to say Dystopian. And the books that got me there... The Hunger Games, of course!




Book Blogger Hop #16

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:

“How many books are currently in your To-Be-Read (TBR) Pile?"

Ummm, too many. :)  If I am just counting what's on my bookshelf at the moment that I've purchased, borrowed, gotten from Netgalley, etc, it would probably be over 50.  My TBR list on Goodreads is currently around 750!

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

Review: Ultraviolet by R.J. Anderson

Ultraviolet
by R.J. Anderson
Publication Date:  September 1, 2011 (US)
Publisher: Orchard Books
(Lerner Publishing Group)
Pages: 306
ISBN: 9781408312759
Source: e-ARC

Available for Pre-Order at:
B&N | Amazon | BAM | Borders | The Book Depository

Once upon a time there was a girl who was special.

This is not her story.

Unless you count the part where I killed her.

Sixteen-year-old Alison has been sectioned in a mental institute for teens, having murdered the most perfect and popular girl at school. But the case is a mystery: no body has been found, and Alison's condition is proving difficult to diagnose. Alison herself can't explain what happened: one minute she was fighting with Tori -- the next she disintegrated. Into nothing. But that's impossible. Right? -Goodreads

Ultraviolet is my very first read by R.J. Anderson, and it definitely won’t be the last! I enjoyed reading this book; it’s really different than anything I’ve read, given the subject matter.

The main character, Alison, was a really strong, likeable girl. Even in the situation she was in, confused and scared in the beginning, she grew more confident in herself every day. She knew she was different than others, but she was afraid of letting people know just how different she really was. But she didn’t give up, and she believed in herself.  I really liked Faraday as well. I thought I had him figured out, but I was definitely wrong! Most of the secondary characters have a story as to why they are in the institution, and even those characters grew on me as well.

The book drew me in from page one. The writing held my attention and was fast paced. The plot was believable and really interesting, and the twists and turns kept me in suspense for what would happen next.   The ending does have a bit of a twist, and while I knew ‘something’ different was coming at the end, that ending definitely wasn’t it. Also, the ending was pretty much left wide open, so I’m hoping that means this could possibly be a series?

Overall, this was a really different and interesting read for me. The summary doesn’t quite let you know what you’re in for when you do read the book. I really did like this book.

Thank you to Netgalley and Lerner Publishing Group for allowing me to read and review this book!

Waiting on Wednesday #19

"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'm waiting on:

The Iron Knight
by Julie Kagawa
Release Date: October 25th 2011
Publisher : Harlequin

Available for Pre-Order at:
B&N | Amazon | BAM | Borders | The Book Depository

No Sypnosis Yet

Why am I waiting on this book??

One word: ASH!  :)  I really love the Iron Fey series, it's definitely in my top 5 favorite series. I am totally having Ash withdrawals, so I'm really, really, really, really, really can't wait to read this.  Harlequin has some of the best books ever!


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

Review: Forget You by Jennifer Echols

Forget You
by Jennifer Echols
Publication Date: July 20th 2010
Publisher: Mtv Books
Pages: 292
ISBN: 9781439178232
Source: Borrowed

Where to Buy:
B&N | Amazon | BAM | Borders | The Book Depository

WHY CAN’T YOU CHOOSE WHAT YOU FORGET . . . AND WHAT YOU REMEMBER? There’s a lot Zoey would like to forget. Like how her father has knocked up his twenty-four- year old girlfriend. Like Zoey’s fear that the whole town will find out about her mom’s nervous breakdown. Like darkly handsome bad boy Doug taunting her at school. Feeling like her life is about to become a complete mess, Zoey fights back the only way she knows how, using her famous attention to detail to make sure she’s the perfect daughter, the perfect student, and the perfect girlfriend to ultra-popular football player Brandon. But then Zoey is in a car crash, and the next day there’s one thing she can’t remember at all—the entire night before. Did she go parking with Brandon, like she planned? And if so, why does it seem like Brandon is avoiding her? And why is Doug—of all people— suddenly acting as if something significant happened between the two of them? Zoey dimly remembers Doug pulling her from the wreck, but he keeps referring to what happened that night as if it was more, and it terrifies Zoey to admit how much is a blank to her. Controlled, meticulous Zoey is quickly losing her grip on the all-important details of her life—a life that seems strangely empty of Brandon, and strangely full of Doug. - Goodreads

Forget You is the very first book I’ve read by Jennifer Echols.  I can’t believe I’ve waited so long before reading anything by this author! I really enjoyed reading this book, and am looking forward to reading more books by Ms. Scott!

First let’s talk about the characters. I had a love/hate relationship with the main character, Zoey. I found her somewhat likeable, but I didn’t really connect well with her. She was very indecisive, and makes very bad decisions. She totally has some major issues, and she really needed help early on in the book, after what all she went through.  Doug, our male lead character, on the other hand, was so wonderful. I adore him, and I’m definitely going fan-girl over him. I really loved their relationship when he and Zoey were together, and when she wasn’t thinking of someone else. He was really the best part of the book for me.

The secondary characters I really didn’t care for. The dad, his girlfriend, Zoey’s friends… I really didn’t care about them. I did feel bad for the mom; I just wish that her character had been a little more developed. I wanted to know her more.

The plot was fast paced, and definitely held my attention. I devoured this book in very little time, and was actually sad that I had to stop reading to go to bed. The writing is absolutely wonderful. We don’t know what happened to Zoey the night of the wreck, and I was really kept in suspense trying to figure out what happened.

The book tackles a topic that you don’t see very often in YA books. Sex, and its many different forms. I really wasn’t expecting it to be so … direct. But it is there, and quite a bit. I think teens could definitely relate to this book.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book, and am looking forward to reading more books by the author. Next on my list by Ms. Echols is Love Story and Going too Far! I’m really looking forward to reading them both.

Happy Reading!