In My Mailbox #25

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.

Juliet Immortal - Stacey Jay
(courtesy Random House)

Only one book in my mailbox this week, (I've been good!), but it's an awesome one! The wonderful people at Random House sent me a hardback of Juliet Immortal! I can't wait to get started on it, it sounds amazing.

What's in your mailbox this week?? I'd love to know! Leave a comment with your link so I can check it out!

Happy Reading!

Review: Forever by Maggie Stiefvater

Forever
{Wolves of Mercy Falls #3}
by Maggie Stiefvater
Publication Date: July 12th, 2011
Publisher: Scholastic
Pages: 386
ISBN: 9780545259088

Where to Buy:
Barnes & Noble | Amazon | The Book Depository

The thrilling conclusion to #1 bestselling Shiver trilogy from Maggie Stievater.

In Maggie Stiefvater's SHIVER, Grace and Sam found each other. In LINGER, they fought to be together. Now, in FOREVER, the stakes are even higher than before. Wolves are being hunted. Lives are being threatened. And love is harder and harder to hold on to as death comes closing in. -Goodreads.com

I am so glad to have finally read Forever. I had been waiting a while to read it, and I’m both glad to have read the book, but also sad that the series is over. I’m definitely going to miss these characters, but I’m excited to see what journey Ms. Stiefvater will take us on next.

Sam. I love Sam. He’s such a wonderful character. Kind and caring, he’s probably the most unselfish character I’ve ever read. He is amazing, and his love for Grace is beautiful. I do love Sam. However, I felt that in this book, he just did, well, nothing. I spent a good chunk of the book waiting for him to come up with a plan, waiting for him to do something, anything. But he really didn’t deliver. I liked the alternating viewpoints between the characters, which gave us a chance to see Grace’s life as a wolf. I thought it was interesting to see what she went through, and she handled it a lot better than I expected her to. I love the times Sam and Grace were together. They are an amazing couple.

Cole surprises me more and more. I’ve grown quite fond of him, and also of Isabelle as well. We see a completely different side of Cole in this book, and I like this side much more than the one we were first introduced to in Linger. Isabelle is another character that grows on me the more I read about her. I really like the relationship between Cole and Isabelle. I loved watching it blossom and grow between them. If Ms. Stiefvater would write a series about them, I would totally buy it.

I thought the plot was well thought out, and the writing was lovely, as always. I do wish that there had been more activity going on in the book, at least in the first half. I needed something to be going on, and it wasn’t. That’s probably my biggest complaint.

I felt Forever is a good ending to the series, although I would have loved to have the book keep going, and going. But, all things must come to an end.

Friday Hops 7/29

Follow Friday! #24

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

This weeks question is:

Q. Let's step away from books for a second and get personal. What T-Shirt slogan best describes you?

A.
Enough said. :)


Book Blogger Hop #22

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.

A.

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

Review: Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

Thirteen Reasons Why
by Jay Asher
Publication Date: October 18th, 2007
Publisher: Razorbill
Pages: 288
ISBN: 9781595141880

Where to Buy:
Barnes & Noble | Amazon | The Book Depository

Clay Jensen returns home from school to find a mysterious box with his name on it lying on his porch. Inside he discovers thirteen cassette tapes recorded by Hannah Baker, his classmate and crush who committed suicide two weeks earlier.

On tape, Hannah explains that there are thirteen reasons why she decided to end her life. Clay is one of them. If he listens, he'll find out how he made the list.

Through Hannah and Clay's dual narratives, debut author Jay Asher weaves an intricate and heartrending story of confusion and desperation that will deeply affect teen readers. -Goodreads

I picked up 13 Reasons Why from the library at the recommendation of a fellow blog friend. To be honest, I didn’t know what to expect from a book that deals with teen suicide. However, after reading so many great reviews, I decided to go ahead and give it a read. I’m glad I did.

The book has two main characters, Clay and Hannah. We follow Clay as he listens to Hannah’s suicide tapes. I really liked Clay and, bless his heart; he didn’t deserve to be on those tapes. He didn’t deserve to believe he had any part in her death. However, I couldn’t imagine reading this book through anyone other than Clay. He was such a great guy, and he did really care about Hannah.

Then there’s Hannah. I felt bad for her, and I can definitely sympathize, but I also found her to be frustrating. I feel that she didn’t try hard enough to get help. We only see her trying one time to talk to an adult, (or anyone for that matter), who was definitely not qualified to help her. I had an issue with this, because it always seems to be that way with the schools. They let bullying roll off their backs, and say that it’s a rite of passage. I also have to wonder, where were the parents? We don’t hear of them often, and if she knew that they loved her, why didn’t she go to them for help? Why didn’t they notice something was wrong? I also felt that she was being childish in her tapes. I can see making the tapes to get her story out, but in parts she was very annoying. It almost seemed that she was just making the tapes out of revenge. This could have definitely been the point, however.

Overall, this book was a very touching read that shows readers the consequences of bullying. I hope that when young adults read it, they will take into consideration how their actions could affect someone else’s life.


Have you read this book?? What did you think of it? I would really love to hear your thoughts on this subject.

Waiting on Wednesday #25

Spell Bound
by Rachel Hawkins
Release Date: March 13th, 2012
Publisher: Hyperion

Available for Pre-Order:
Barnes & Noble | Amazon

Hailed as “impossible to put down,” the Hex Hall series has both critics and teens cheering. With a winning combination of romance, action, magic and humor, this third volume will leave readers enchanted.

Just as Sophie Mercer has come to accept her extraordinary magical powers as a demon, the Prodigium Council strips them away. Now Sophie is defenseless, alone, and at the mercy of her sworn enemies—the Brannicks, a family of warrior women who hunt down the Prodigium. Or at least that’s what Sophie thinks, until she makes a surprising discovery. The Brannicks know an epic war is coming, and they believe Sophie is the only one powerful enough to stop the world from ending. But without her magic, Sophie isn’t as confident.

Sophie’s bound for one hell of a ride—can she get her powers back before it’s too late? -Goodreads

This series is AMAZING! I love Sophie. I love ARCHER! I even love Cal. :) I can't wait to read Spell Bound. It's going to be full of awesomeness!

What are you WoWing for this week?? Leave me 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: Wildefire by Karsten Knight

Wildefire
by Karsten Knight
Publication Date: July 26th
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Pages: 400
ISBN: 9781442421172

Where to Buy:
Barnes & Noble | Amazon | The Book Depository

Every flame begins with a spark.
Ashline Wilde is having a rough sophomore year. She’s struggling to find her place as the only Polynesian girl in school, her boyfriend just cheated on her, and now her runaway sister, Eve, has decided to barge back into her life. When Eve’s violent behavior escalates and she does the unthinkable, Ash transfers to a remote private school nestled in California’s redwoods, hoping to put the tragedy behind her. But her fresh start at Blackwood Academy doesn’t go as planned. Just as Ash is beginning to enjoy the perks of her new school—being captain of the tennis team, a steamy romance with a hot, local park ranger—Ash discovers that a group of gods and goddesses have mysteriously enrolled at Blackwood…and she’s one of them. To make matters worse, Eve has resurfaced to haunt Ash, and she’s got some strange abilities of her own. With a war between the gods looming over campus, Ash must master the new fire smoldering within before she clashes with her sister one more time… And when warm and cold fronts collide, there’s guaranteed to be a storm. - Goodreads

I was really excited to start Wildefire. Everyone that had read the book had loved it, and I was really looking forward to seeing what the fuss was about.

The main character, Ashline, left me a bit confused. One minute, she was a kick ass chick that I was beating the pulp out of the most popular girl at school. But then her badass sister comes along, and does the exact same thing, and Ashline thinks it’s wrong. Hmmmm. It goes this way pretty much throughout the book, with Ashline being kickass one minute, and then the next minute, being… not so kick ass. I liked a lot of the secondary characters more than I liked the main character.

The book is packed full of action and mystery. The plot was interesting and pretty easy to follow. The ending of the book is not just one cliffhanger, but multiple cliffhangers. Just when I thought one was over, another one started. The Mythology in the book was also interesting; I just wish it had been a little more detailed. I have not heard of some of the gods and goddesses that were in the book, but I would love to know more about them.

Overall, this was a book that I liked, but didn’t love. I will definitely check out the sequel, however, to see where the author is going with the story.

In My Mailbox #24

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.

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer - Michelle Hodkin
Bloodlines - Richelle Mead
Frost - Marianna Baer
* Courtesy of Simon & Schuster, Penguin/Razorbill & ATW Arc Tours *

Liesl & Po - Lauren Oliver
* read my review *The Juliet Spell - Douglass ReesThe Iron Knight - Julie Kagawa
* Courtesy of OUaT Arc Tours, Harlequin Teen & Netgalley *

I was so shocked to see Bloodlines in my mailbox. I requested it back in April, so imagine my surprise when I actually received it! I'm so excited to get started on these books. I need to do some MAJOR reading in the next few weeks, or else I see a book buying/requesting ban in my future. HAHA!

What's in your mailbox?? Leave me a link so I can check it out!

Review: Where She Went by Gayle Forman

Where She Went
by Gayle Forman
Publication Date: April 5th 2011
Publisher: Dutton
Pages: 264
ISBN: 9780525422945

Where to Buy:
Barnes & Noble | Amazon | The Book Depository

It's been three years since the devastating accident . . . three years since Mia walked out of Adam's life forever.

Now living on opposite coasts, Mia is Juilliard's rising star and Adam is LA tabloid fodder, thanks to his new rock star status and celebrity girlfriend. When Adam gets stuck in New York by himself, chance brings the couple together again, for one last night. As they explore the city that has become Mia's home, Adam and Mia revisit the past and open their hearts to the future - and each other.

Told from Adam's point of view in the spare, lyrical prose that defined If I Stay, Where She Went explores the devastation of grief, the promise of new hope, and the flame of rekindled romance. -Goodreads

I have really been looking forward to reading Where She Went. I had read, and loved, If I Stay earlier this year. I was a little worried when I started reading the book, because so many people have raved over it, and I was afraid I would be disappointed. I wasn’t disappointed at all, it was awesome.

The story is told from Adam’s point of view this time. I’ve loved Adam since I read If I Stay, but in this book he’s turned into this huge mess of a broken man. Sometimes he was a bit much to take, even though I know he was this way because he was so heartbroken over Mia. He really, really loved her. Mia was great in the book as well. It was really different seeing her from Adam’s point of view. I expected her to be broken as well, considering what all she had been through in the previous book. I actually expected a little more emotion from her, but she seemed to be at terms with all that had happened.

I liked the alternating viewpoints of the past and present. It definitely made the book more intense because I wanted to know what was going to happen next, but then I’d have to read about something related that had happened in the past. The writing was beautiful, just as the previous book was. The plot was engrossing and quick paced. I had the book finished in one sitting. The ending of the book was absolutely perfect. I also liked the lyrics at the beginnings of some of the chapters as well, and I found myself wishing that it was from a real music CD. I would totally buy it!

Overall, I loved this book. It is definitely the perfect sequel to If I Stay. If you read it, I hope you enjoy it as well!

Happy Reading!

Have you read this book already?? What did you think of it?

Friday Hops 7/22

Follow Friday! #23

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

This weeks question is:

Q. Name 3 authors that you would love to sit down and spend an hour or a meal with just talking about either their books or get advice on writing from?

A. Three authors I would love to sit and chat with would probably be:
Kelley Armstrong, Lisa McMann and Cassandra Clare. I could go on and on, but these are the authors that really got me interested in reading YA books. :)


Book Blogger Hop #21

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’s the ONE GENRE that you wish you could get into, but just can’t?

A. Hmmm... I would say... Non-fiction. Like Biographies and such. There are subjects that I would love to read about, but I have to admit, trying to read these books put me to sleep. :P

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

Review: Liesl & Po by Lauren Oliver

Liesl & Po
by Lauren Oliver
Release Date: October 4th, 2011
Publisher: HarperCollins
Pages: 307
ISBN: 9780062014511
Source: OUaT Book Tours

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

We meet Liesl the night after the day her young father has died. That same day she is visited by a ghost, Po, an eight year old boy who lives on the other side, the territory between life and death that runs parallel to the living world. Po has come to tell her that her father is stuck on the other side, and that she is the only one who can help him cross over. A couple of wooden boxes. Some ashes. Some magic dust. A ghost, its pet, and a boy who forgot to wear a hat in the cold. From these seemingly odd, random characters Oliver weaves the enchanting story of how, with the aid of Liesl, these elements come together over the course of one week to restore love and luster to a world gone grey and heartless. -Goodreads

Liesl & Po is a middle grade book by author Lauren Oliver. I have to say, I was really excited to start the book. I’ve really wanted to read something by Lauren Oliver for a while now, and Liesl & Po was the perfect book to start with!

The story starts when young Liesl, forced to live in the attic by her stepmother after the death of her father. Her favorite word is ‘ineffable’, and she repeats this word over and over to herself when she feels upset. I really love her character. She’s such a caring child. While locked in the attic, Liesl meets Po, the ghost, and his pet, Bundle. Po is another character that I really loved. Po is not a he, or a she, so it’s referred to as ‘It’. Po plays a big role in Liesl’s journey. We also meet Will in the story. Will has watched Liesl, in her attic window, from the street below. By pure chance, they meet along the way, and become friends as well. These three characters meshed so well together. I just really loved them all.

I love the storyline in the book. It was very fast paced, and I love following the children on their journey. There are some really dark parts in the book; death and pure evilness with some of the adults. I was worried that the whole book would be dark, but there were plenty enough bright spots to even the book out. I loved the ending of the book, and am so glad it ended the way it did.

Overall, I really loved this book. It’s definitely a book that will be added to my shelf, and shared with my children. I’m also really looking forward to reading more books by Ms. Oliver.

Happy Reading!

Waiting On Wednesday #24

Arcadia Awakens
by Kai Meyer
Release Date: February 14th, 2011
Publisher: HarperTeen

Romeo and Juliet meets shape-shifters amid an exotic—and very dangerous—Sicilian setting in this first book in a new paranormal trilogy by bestselling German author Kai Meyer. -HarperCollins

To Rosa Alcantara, the exotic world of Sicily, with its network of Mafia families and its reputation for murder and intrigue, is just that—exotic and wholly unknown. But when her life in Brooklyn begins to fall apart, she must travel there, to her family’s ancestral home, where centuries of family secrets await her.

Once there, Rosa falls head over heels for Alessandro Carnevare, the son of a Sicilian Mafia family, whose handsome looks and savage grace both fascinate and unsettle her. But their families are sworn enemies, and her aunt and sister believe Alessandro is only using Rosa to infiltrate the Alcantara clan. And when Rosa encounters a tiger one night—a tiger with very familiar eyes—she can no longer deny that neither the Carnevares nor the Alcantaras are what they seem.

Hidden caves, dangerous beasts roaming the hills, and a history of familial bloodlust mean that Rosa can’t trust anyone. Torn between loyalty to her family and love for their mortal enemy, Rosa must make the hardest decision of her life: stay in Sicily with her new love…or run as far and as fast as she can. - Goodreads

This book won me over when I read:
Romeo and Juliet meets shape-shifters amid an exotic—and very dangerous Sicilian setting...
Seriously?? This book sounds totally awesome! I can't wait to read it!

What are you WoWing for this week?? Leave a 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: Clarity by Kim Harrington

Clarity
by Kim Harrington
Publication Date:  March 1st 2011
Publisher: Scholastic
Pages: 242
ISBN: 9780545230506
Source: Library

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

When you can see things others can't, where do you look for the truth?
This paranormal murder mystery will have teens reading on the edge of their seats.
Clarity "Clare" Fern sees things. Things no one else can see. Things like stolen kisses and long-buried secrets. All she has to do is touch a certain object, and the visions come to her. It's a gift.
And a curse.
When a teenage girl is found murdered, Clare's ex-boyfriend wants her to help solve the case - but Clare is still furious at the cheating jerk. Then Clare's brother - who has supernatural gifts of his own - becomes the prime suspect, and Clare can no longer look away. Teaming up with Gabriel, the smoldering son of the new detective, Clare must venture into the depths of fear, revenge, and lust in order to track the killer. But will her sight fail her just when she needs it most? -Goodreads

I really didn’t know what to expect when I picked this book up. I had read so many great views of the book; I was just excited to finally have a chance to read it. I really enjoyed the book, and am looking forward to reading more from this author!

I really like the main character, Clarity. She’s different, but she doesn’t let that bother her much. I love strong heroines, and she’s definitely a kick-butt character. I loved her! The two love interests in the book are Clarity’s ex-boyfriend Justine, and the new town sheriff’s son, Gabriel. I am usually really good at picking a ‘team’, but I love both of these boys. It would be really hard to choose between them.

I can honestly say I didn’t see the end coming. The author had me second guessing myself so many times throughout the book. In the end, I didn’t have it figured out. I love a book that keeps me guessing! I was absolutely absorbed in the story. The writing was simple and suspenseful. This was a very quick read, I pretty much read it in one sitting.

Overall, I loved this book. It was great, and I’m kicking myself for waiting so long to have read it. I was beyond thrilled to find out it is going to be a series. I can’t wait to read Perception!

Happy Reading!

Review: Sometimes It Happens by Lauren Barnholdt

Sometimes It Happens
by Lauren Barholdt
Publication Date: July 12th 2011
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Pages: 320
ISBN: 9781442413146
Source: e-ARC

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

On the last day of her junior year, Hannah's boyfriend Sebastian dumped her. Facing a summer of loneliness, Hannah turns to her best friend Ava for comfort. Ava does what BFFs do: she stays by Hannah's side...until it's time for Ava to head up to Maine for the summer. Also left behind is Ava's boyfriend, Noah, who's such a great guy he gets Hannah a job at the diner he waits tables at. Slowly, Hannah comes out of her funk thanks to Noah's good conversation and their fun times at the diner. But things get complicated when their friendship turns into attraction--and one night, into a passionate kiss.

The novel opens on the first day of senior year; the day Hannah is going to see Ava, Sebastian, and Noah all in one place. Over the course of the day secrets and betrayals are revealed, and alliances are broken and reformed. In the end, everyone is paired up once again, but not the way you might think...  -Goodreads

Sometimes it Happens is a quick, interesting read by author Lauren Barnholdt. This is my first novel by this author, but I will definitely be back for more.

Most of the characters in this book were pretty likable. I liked the main character, Hannah. She was just your all around average girl, not popular, but not unpopular either. It was really nice just having her be average. She definitely acted like a teen, and at some points made weird decisions, but I found the character to be pretty believable. I did not care for her best friend, Ava. She’s definitely the type of person that I would have avoided in school. Noah, Ava’s boyfriend, was definitely swoon-worthy. Lacey, their co-worker, is great. She’s definitely the kind of friend any girl would want to have.

The book is quick paced; I had it finished in no time. The writing style was simple, and easy to follow. The plot is believable. I thought Ms. Barnholdt did a great job of showing that yes, although it’s cheating, sometimes it can happen.

Overall, this was a pretty enjoyable read for me. I’m really looking forward to reading more of Ms. Barnholdts books now.

Happy Reading!

In My Mailbox #23

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.

Lola and the Boy Next Door - Stephanie Perkins
*LOOOOOOOOLLLLLLAAA!*
The Sweetheart of Prosper County - Jill S. Alexander
*Thanks to Jen at I Read Banned Books!*



Fateful - Claudia Gray
*Finished this already, and it was great!*Eve - Anna Carey
Forever - Maggie Stiefvater
*via ebookfling.com*

I got a lot of great books this week! I'm so excited to read Lola, I'll be starting it next!

What's in your mailbox?? Leave me a link so I can check it out!

Happy Reading!

Friday Hops 7/15 & The Goddess Test Winner

Follow Friday! #22

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 do I do when I am not reading?

A.Well, I have three kids, and I'm a stay at home mom, so they pretty much take up most of my time. :) But when they are not requiring my full attention, and I'm not reading, I do quite a few things. I blog, I crochet (badly), I recycle (alot), sometimes I watch TV. But most of the time, I read. I lead a very boring life, and I'm ok with that! :)




Book Blogger Hop #20

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. How/Where do you get your books? Do you buy them or go to the library? Is there a certain website you use like paperbackswap?

A. I get my books from a lot of different places. A lot come from the library, a lot from Netgalley, and some in the mail. I love PaperBackSwap.com, I have gotten SO many great books from there. We also have some awesome used book stores in our area, and I get a lot from them as well.


I also wanted to congratulate the winner of The Goddess Test giveaway! The winner, chosen via Random.org is...

Jessica @ A Great Read! Congratulations Jessica!

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

Review: Haunting Violet by Alyxandra Harvey

Haunting Violet
by Alyxandra Harvey
Publication Date: June 21st, 2011
Publisher: Walker & Company
Pages: 352
ISBN: 9780802798398
Source: Banned Book Tours

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

Violet Willoughby doesn't believe in ghosts. But they believe in her. After spending years participating in her mother's elaborate ruse as a fraudulent medium, Violet is about as skeptical as they come in all matters supernatural. Now that she is being visited by a very persistent ghost, one who suffered a violent death, Violet can no longer ignore her unique ability. She must figure out what this ghost is trying to communicate, and quickly because the killer is still on the loose.

Afraid of ruining her chance to escape her mother's scheming through an advantageous marriage, Violet must keep her ability secret. The only person who can help her is Colin, a friend she's known since childhood, and whom she has grown to love. He understands the true Violet, but helping her on this path means they might never be together. Can Violet find a way to help this ghost without ruining her own chance at a future free of lies? -Goodreads

When I started reading Haunting Violet, I really didn’t know what to expect. I knew it was a ghost story, and I have yet to read a ghost story that I really loved, until now. This book was awesome! It was also my very first read by Alyxandra Harvey, but it won’t be my last.

I love the main character, Violet. She’s just a very likeable young lady. Although her life is far from perfect, she’s still a very strong, conscious character. Her mom is a fraud, and although Violet hates this, she has to go along with it. Colin has lived with them since he was a young boy. He is a wonderful character as well. While he teased Violet some in the book; he really cared for, and was quite protective of her as well. I thought he was super sweet, and is a perfect match for Violet. Elizabeth, Violet’s best friend, was very likeable as well. She had me laughing quite a few times. I loved their friendship, and thought they were also a great pair. There were a lot of really great secondary characters in this book, but also quite a few that you will love to hate.

I loved the plot for this book; I thought it was really creative take for a ghost story. The writing was simple, and the book was very fast paced. I really loved reading about the historical time period in the book. The descriptions were well written, I almost felt as if I were there.

Overall, I really loved this book, and I can’t wait to get my own copy. It will definitely be a welcome addition to my collection!

Waiting on Wednesday #23

Perception
(Clarity #2)
by Kim Harrington
Release Date: March 2012
Publisher: Scholastic

This hotly anticipated sequel to CLARITY delivers another dark, paranormal mystery.

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. - Goodreads

I recently read, and LOVED, Clarity! I ran across the cover for Perception last night, and just HAD to use it as my wow post today. I'm so excited to read this book. Is it just me, or does she look different here than she did in the first book??

What are you WoWing for this week?? Leave me a 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: Love Story by Jennifer Echols

Love Story
by Jennifer Echols
Release Date: July 19th, 2011
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Pages: 256
ISBN: 9781439178324

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

For Erin Blackwell, majoring in creative writing at the New York City college of her dreams is more than a chance to fulfill her ambitions--it's her ticket away from the tragic memories that shadow her family's racehorse farm in Kentucky. But when she refuses to major in business and take over the farm herself someday, her grandmother gives Erin's college tuition and promised inheritance to their maddeningly handsome stable boy, Hunter Allen. Now Erin has to win an internship and work late nights at a coffee shop to make her own dreams a reality. She should despise Hunter . . . so why does he sneak into her thoughts as the hero of her latest writing assignment?

Then, on the day she's sharing that assignment with her class, Hunter walks in. He's joining her class. And after he reads about himself in her story, her private fantasies about him must be painfully clear. She only hopes to persuade him not to reveal her secret to everyone else. But Hunter devises his own creative revenge, writing sexy stories that drive the whole class wild with curiosity and fill Erin's heart with longing. Now she's not just imagining what might have been. She's writing a whole new ending for her romance with Hunter . . . except this story could come true. - Goodreads

I was really excited for the chance to read Love Story. This is my second read by Ms. Echols, my first being Forget You, which I enjoyed. I pushed Love Story to the top of my reading stack; I was so excited to read it. I really love a good love story, so I couldn’t wait to get started on this.

I really liked the story. I thought the plot was very believable and well paced. I read the book in a very short period of time. It was a quick read, but it was also, somewhat, an emotional read. The writing was really wonderful; I love Ms. Echols way of telling stories.

Unfortunately, I didn’t really connect with the characters, at all. Actually, I liked Erin in the beginning of the book, she was very determined to go after the future she wanted for herself. But towards the end of the book it seems like she just gave up. I didn’t really care for Hunter at all; I thought he was a jerk. I didn’t really care for their relationship either. They were all over the place. One second they liked each other, the next they didn’t. It was confusing trying to keep up with them. I did like some of the secondary characters, mostly Erin’s roommates. I do wish that they had a bigger part in the story.

I would recommend this book to the older YA crowd, as it has a lot of sexual talk involved.

Overall, I enjoyed the book, but not so much the characters. That is just my opinion, and I’m sure everyone else will like them. Unfortunately, they just didn’t work for me. The story, however, was great.

500 Follower/Blogoversary Giveaway WINNERS!

Thank you everyone for helping me reach 500 followers, and for helping me celebrate my 6 Month Blogoversary! I really enjoyed having this giveaway, and am hoping to do them more often. So if you didn't win today, keep checking back for more awesome giveaways. :)

I also LOVED everyone's book recommendations! Thank you for sharing those with me. I loved reading them.

And now, on to the winners...

After counting up ALL the entries, (there were a LOT!), and using the magic button at Random.org, our winners are...

Kaye
PaperReader

Emma
Book Angel Booktopia

and

Jazmyn R.

I've emailed you guys, but if you didn't get it, just let me know!

Thanks again everyone!