Waiting on Wednesday #56 - Defiance by C.J. Redwine

Defiance
(Defiance #1)
by C.J. Redwine

Publication Date: August 28th, 2012
Publisher: Balzer & Bray

Add to Goodreads

Within the walls of Baalboden, beneath the shadow of the city’s brutal leader, Rachel Adams has a secret. While other girls sew dresses, host dinner parties, and obey their male Protectors, Rachel knows how to survive in the wilderness and deftly wield a sword. When her father, Jared, fails to return from a courier mission and is declared dead, the Commander assigns Rachel a new Protector, her father’s apprentice, Logan—the same boy Rachel declared her love for two years ago, and the same boy who handed her heart right back to her. Left with nothing but fierce belief in her father’s survival, Rachel decides to escape and find him herself. But treason against the Commander carries a heavy price, and what awaits her in the Wasteland could destroy her.

At nineteen, Logan McEntire is many things. Orphan. Outcast. Inventor. As apprentice to the city’s top courier, Logan is focused on learning his trade so he can escape the tyranny of Baalboden. But his plan never included being responsible for his mentor’s impulsive daughter. Logan is determined to protect her, but when his escape plan goes wrong and Rachel pays the price, he realizes he has more at stake than disappointing Jared.

As Rachel and Logan battle their way through the Wasteland, stalked by a monster that can’t be killed and an army of assassins out for blood, they discover romance, heartbreak, and a truth that will incite a war decades in the making. (Goodreads)

Why am I Waiting on this book??

First, I'm going to start by saying that the cover is absolutely stunning. What is it me and the pretty dresses?? I am SO not a dressy person.

Ahem...

Second, this story sounds great! The main character, Rachel, sounds like she's going to be a kick-butt heroine, and those are my favorite kinds of characters. Logan sounds pretty awesome as well.

I can't wait to check this out!

What are you Waiting on this week??

Review: Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood

Born Wicked
(The Cahill Witch Chronicles #1)
by Jessica Spotswood

Publication Date: February 7th, 2012
Publisher: Putnam Juvenile
Pages: 330
ISBN: 9780399257452

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

Everybody knows Cate Cahill and her sisters are eccentric. Too pretty, too reclusive, and far too educated for their own good. But the truth is even worse: they're witches. And if their secret is discovered by the priests of the Brotherhood, it would mean an asylum, a prison ship--or an early grave.

Before her mother died, Cate promised to protect her sisters. But with six months to choose between marriage and the Sisterhood, she might not be able to keep her word... especially after she finds her mother's diary, uncovering a secret that could spell her family's destruction. Desperate to find alternatives to their fate, Cate stars scouring banned books and questioning rebellious new friends, all while juggling tea parties, shocking marriage proposals, and a forbidden romance with the completely unsuitable Finn Belastra.

If what her mother wrote is true, the Cahill girls aren't safe. Not from the Brotherhood, the Sisterhood -- not even from each other. (Goodreads)

I decided to read Born Wicked at the insistence of a fellow blogger. I am SO glad I let her talk me into reading the book. I love novels about witches, and this one was just fantastic.

The story centers around a young girl named Cate, and her two sisters, who are witches. Witches are absolutely forbidden by the Brotherhood. When caught, most are either put to death, sentenced to a prison ship, or put into an institution. Because of this, Cate must keep herself and her sister’s safe at all cost, and from everyone.

Poor Cate; she had so many responsibilities and at such a young age. I definitely sympathized with the choices that she was forced to make, and with such heavy burdens heaped on her shoulders. But I found her to be a very strong character, and I really enjoyed reading about her. I found the sisters, Maura and Tess to be quite likeable as well, although Maura not quite as much as Tess. Tess was awesome!

Cate has two love interests in the story; Paul and Finn. I adore the relationship between Finn and Cate. Finn was such a very interesting character; I thought that he and Cate made such a great pair. I loved that he was willing to do whatever he had to do to keep Cate safe. I love Finn! Paul on the other hand, seemed a bit sneaky to me. I know he had to be up to something, but I couldn’t put my finger on what.

The Brotherhood sounds like an absolutely horrible association. Just reading about them gave me the creeps, and I held my breath hoping that they wouldn’t catch on to the girl’s secrets. The Sisterhood, which is an affiliation with the Brotherhood, didn’t sound much better either.

The storyline for the book was highly addictive, and the pacing was absolutely perfect. My attention was held throughout the book, and I finished most of it in a few hours time. I absolutely loved the historical setting for the story. The world building was wonderful, I could clearly imagine myself having tea parties and hanging out in Cate’s special garden.

Overall, this book is definitely worth the read. I am SO glad that my awesome blogger friend, Kathy, insisted that I read the book as soon as possible. I am officially hooked on this series, and cannot wait to get my hands on the next book.

Happy Reading!

Don't forget to watch the book trailer! I Love it!

Noteworthy New Releases 2/27-3/4

Pandemonium - Lauren Oliver  (B&N | Amazon)
Perception - Kim Harrington  (B&N | Amazon)
The Traitor in the Tunnel - Y.S. Lee  (B&N | Amazon)

Partials - Dan Wells  (B&N | Amazon)
A Touch Morbid - Leah Clifford  (B&N | Amazon)
BZRK - Michael Grant  (B&N | Amazon)

Divergent - Veronica Roth  (B&N | Amazon)
Allegiance - Cayla Kluver  (B&N | Amazon)
A Touch Mortal - Leah Clifford  (B&N | Amazon)

My Unfair Godmother -    (B&N | Amazon)
Cate of the Lost Colony - Lisa Klein  (B&N | Amazon)
The Gift (Witch & Wizard) - James Patterson   (B&N | Amazon)

In My Mailbox #54

** 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. **

Library Finds:

The Secret Sisterhood of Heartbreakers - Lynn Weingarten
A Million Suns - Beth Revis
Still Waters - Emma Carlson Berne
Glow - Amy Kathleen Ryan

Hi Guys! After my bout with the flu last week, I finally felt well enough to venture out to the library today, and found some pretty awesome books! Now let's just hope I actually have time to read them all. :)

What's in your mailbox this week??

Friday Hops 2/24

Follow Friday! #48

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

Q: Activity!!! Take a picture or describe where you love to read the most...

A.  Ohhh, I love this question! I'm always so curious about everyone's reading spaces. :)

Well.... I used to read in the den, or wherever I could find a quite spot. Then my hubby decided to get me bookshelves for my birthday, and helped me turn our never used living room into a library! Now I sit in my red recliner, (see photo), and enjoy my library while I'm reading. Oh, and I'm freak for string lights, so I have them all over the room as well. :)

TGIF at GReads #16

TGIF at GReads is a Friday Feature hosted by Ginger at GReadsBooks.com!

Required Reading: Which book from your school days do you remember reading & enjoying? Is there a book published now that you'd like to see in today's curriculum for kids?

The only two books that I read in school that I really enjoyed and that have stuck with me all this time are The Great Gatsby and To Kill a Mockingbird. Both books totally held me captivated, and I remember reading on ahead of the class because I was so curious as to how they would end.

Having three kids in school, I am sometimes amazed by the books that are on the reading lists. Some of them are downright boring! If they really want to get kids hooked on reading, they should totally include some more attention grabbing books. That's what got me hooked. :)

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

Review: Passion by Lauren Kate

Passion
(Fallen #3)
by Lauren Kate

Publication Date: June 14th, 2011
Publisher: Random House Children's Books
Pages: 420
ISBN: 9780385739160

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

Luce would die for Daniel.

And she has. Over and over again. Throughout time, Luce and Daniel have found each other, only to be painfully torn apart: Luce dead, Daniel left broken and alone. But perhaps it doesn’t need to be that way. . .

Luce is certain that something—or someone—in a past life can help her in her present one. So she begins the most important journey of this lifetime . . . going back eternities to witness firsthand her romances with Daniel . . . and finally unlock the key to making their love last.

Cam and the legions of angels and Outcasts are desperate to catch Luce, but none are as frantic as Daniel. He chases Luce through their shared pasts, terrified of what might happen if she rewrites history.

Because their romance for the ages could go up in flames . . . forever.

Sweeping across centuries, PASSION is the third novel in the unforgettably epic FALLEN series. (Goodreads)

I always enjoy reading the books in the Fallen series. Passion is no different. It was a really engrossing read with characters that I’ve loved since the beginning.

In this book, Luce goes searching in her past lives to find a way to help her present life, to find a way that she and Daniel can be together forever. In each past life that she visits, she observes the romances between herself and Daniel, and she sees just how deeply his love for her goes. As Daniel and the other fallen angel’s chase her through time, it’s up to Luce to find a way for their love to last.

I have to say, Luce drove me a little crazy in this book. How much proof did she need that Daniel loved her? The further back in history Luce went, the more she could see how strong Daniel’s love for her was. She never should have doubted him that. (However, we wouldn’t have had this book if that was the case.) Daniel, in all his lives, was so wonderfully charming and romantic. I could definitely feel his frustration as he chased Luce through time.

I really enjoyed the back-history in this story. Not only getting to see Luce and Daniel’s previous lives, but we also get a little history on some of the other fallen angel’s as well; Roland, Cam, Gabbe, etc. It was really great to see parts of their history as well.

Overall, I really enjoyed all of the characters and the history that was included in this novel. I love this series, and can’t wait to get my hands on the next book; Rapture!

Waiting on Wednesday #55

Hidden
(Firelight #3)
by Sophie Jordan

Publication Date: September 11th, 2012
Publisher: HarperCollins

Jacinda was supposed to bond with Cassian, the "prince" of their pride. But she resisted long before she fell in love with Will—a human and, worse, a hunter. When she ran away with Will, it ended in disaster, with Cassian's sister, Miram, captured. Weighed down by guilt, Jacinda knows she must rescue her to set things right. Yet to do so she will have to venture deep into the heart of enemy territory.

The only way Jacinda can reach Miram is by posing as a prisoner herself, though once she assumes that disguise, things quickly spiral out of her control. As she learns more about her captors, she realizes that even if Will and Cassian can carry out their part of the plan, there's no guarantee they'll all make it out alive. But what Jacinda never could have foreseen is that escaping would be only the beginning....

Loyalties are tested and sacrifices made in the explosive conclusion to Sophie Jordan's Firelight trilogy. (Goodreads)

Why am I Waiting on this Book??

Ah! I finally saw the cover for this on Goodreads, and was so excited to see it! It really is gorgeous, and I love this series. I neeeeeed to know what's going to happen with Jacinda, Will and Cassian! I can't wait to check it out!

What are you Waiting for this week???
***"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.***

Review: Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver

Pandemonium
(Delirium #2)
by Lauren Oliver

Publication Date:
Publisher: HarperCollins
Pages: 375
ISBN: 9780061978067

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

I’m pushing aside the memory of my nightmare,
pushing aside thoughts of Alex,
pushing aside thoughts of Hana and my old school,
push,
push,
push,
like Raven taught me to do.
The old life is dead.
But the old Lena is dead too.
I buried her.
I left her beyond a fence,
behind a wall of smoke and flame.

Lauren Oliver delivers an electrifying follow-up to her acclaimed New York Times bestseller, Delirium. This riveting, brilliant novel crackles with the fire of fierce defiance, forbidden romance, and the sparks of a revolution about to ignite.

Words cannot begin to describe the feelings I had when I finished Pandemonium. I am a late bloomer to the Delirium series, but I can’t believe I waited quite so long to get started on it.

Pandemonium picks up right where Delirium ends. Lena is on her own and is running for her life. I really loved Lena in this book. She is a completely different girl than the one we met in Delirium; she has become such a strong, independent young lady. More than once she did things that surprised me. I love watching her character grow more independent.

While Lena is still the main character in the book, we are also introduced to a whole set of new characters. Most of the characters I found to be very interesting, and each for very different reasons. We don’t really get to see many of the characters from Delirium, and I have to say that I really missed a few of them.

One thing that disappointed me is that something is missing from the book. I’m not going to say what, but I will say that when you’ve read the book, you will totally understand what I’m talking about. I do, however, realize that without this one missing piece, we wouldn’t have had this really awesome book.

Pandemonium will definitely keep you on the edge of your seat up until the very last page. The ending nearly killed me, and now I’m dying to get my hands on Requiem! Lauren Oliver does a wonderful job of grabbing your attention and never letting go. I love that while the storyline is still the same as Delirium, the book is just has a completely different aspect to it. SO GOOD!

Overall, this book was great. If you loved Delirium, just wait until you get your hands on Pandemonium!

In My Mailbox #53

** 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. **

From Netgalley:

The Treachery of Beautiful Things - Ruth Frances Long

From the Awesome Kathy at A Glass of Wine:

Born Wicked - Jessica Spotswood
The Iron Witch - Karen Mahoney

Thank You Kathy!!!


Hey guys...

Just a simple IMM from me this week, as I have what feels like the Flu. :/
So may day has consisted of coughing, aching, freezing and sleeping. lol

What did you guys get in your mailbox this week??

Friday Hops 2/17

Follow Friday! #47

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

Q: BeefcakeandBabes Asks: I like unique names for characters and am looking forward to coming up with some when I start writing. What’s the most unique character name you’ve come across?

A.Honestly, I can't really think of any names right off the top of my head, but I'm sure there have been some. :)

Another great answer this week. #fail!

TGIF at GReads #15

TGIF at GReads is a Friday Feature hosted by Ginger at GReadsBooks.com!

Book Blogger Pride: What do you take pride in when it comes to blogging?

I take pride in EVERYTHING on my blog! From my followers, to my posts and reviews... I take pride in it all. A lot of it is because I've stuck with it for so long, and worked really hard at it. I love, love, love all the people I've got to meet, and talk with on a daily basis. It's awesome. It may not be much to some people, but it's a lot to me. :)

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

Review: Perception by Kim Harrington

Perception
(Clarity #2)
by Kim Harrington

Publication Date: March 1st, 2012
Publisher: Scholastic
Pages: 288
ISBN: 9780545230537

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

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)

Last year, I had the pleasure of reading Clarity by Kim Harrington. I was beyond thrilled to be able to obtain an early copy of Perception to review for the blog. I love this series!

Perception starts off a few weeks after where Clarity ends. Clare and the crew just started a new year in high school. With all that had happened over the summer, Clare now finds herself in the throes of popularity, much to her dismay. But things are far from normal. A new girl at East Port High has gone missing. Clare is caught in the middle of a love triangle. Then she also discovers she has a secret admirer that might be more harm than good. There’s never a dull moment for Clare in East Port, Massachusetts!

Clare is such a great character. I love that she looks at her ‘ability’ as a gift, and wants to use it to help others. She’s also a very kind character, thinking of others before herself. The love for her family is really touching as well, especially for her big brother. I really love this in main character.

The love triangle in the story is between Justin, Clarity’s ex, and Gabriel, the new boy in town. This wasn’t a hard pick for me, I really loved Gabriel. I love the relationship between Gabriel and Clare in this book. It’s growing at just the right pacing, and leaves me wanting more. However, we also get to see a different side to Justin, and it’s hard not to root for him as well.

The writing and pacing for this book is definitely the type that will leave you turning the pages. I was completely hooked on the story, and read almost all of this in a day. I was left with a few questions, but I am hoping that they will be answered in the next book.

Overall, I love this series! Perception was just as good as Clarity, if not better! From the characters to the storyline, it all blends wonderfully into an addictive read that I really enjoyed.

Happy Reading!

Waiting On Wednesday #54

Endlessly
by Kiersten White
Publication Date: July 24th, 2012
Publisher: HarperTeen

The third book in the Paranormalcy trilogy.

The final chapter of Evie's adventures. Old friends, new ones, all wrapped up in impossible decisions. And some ball gowns. Because what's a life of normal and paranormal drama without a ball gown or two? (Goodreads)

Why am I Waiting on this book??

After reading and enjoying Paranormalcy and Supernaturally last year, I am hooked on this series. As much as I hate seeing the series end, I can't wait until July to get my hands on this final installment. I love Evie, and can't wait to meet her again!

Soooo, what are you waiting on this week???

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

Valentine's Read: Fallen in Love by Lauren Kate

Fallen in Love
(Fallen #3.5)
by Lauren Kate
Publication Date: January 24th, 2012
Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers
Pages: 201
ISBN: 9780385742610

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

Unexpected. Unrequited. Forbidden. Eternal. Everyone has their own love story.

And in a twist of fate, four extraordinary love stories combine over the course of a romantic Valentine's Day in Medieval England. Miles and Shelby find love where they least expect it. Roland learns a painful lesson about finding-and losing love. Arianne pays the price for a love so fierce it burns. And for the first -and last- time, Daniel and Luce will spend a night together like none other.

Lauren Kate's FALLEN IN LOVE is filled with love stories . . . the ones everyone has been waiting for.

True love never says goodbye . . . (Goodreads)

Fallen in Love is the perfect addition to the Fallen series, and it’s just in time for Valentine’s Day! The novel consists of four short stories; all love stories featuring a few of our favorite characters from the series.

Love Where You Least Expect It: The Valentine of Shelby and Miles is the first short story in the novel. Shelby and Miles story was sweet and simple. I never really thought of them together when reading the previous books, but after reading this, I can definitely see them together. I really enjoyed getting to know both Shelby and Miles more in this short story, and I’m really hoping that we will get to see more of them in the next novel. They are such great characters.

Love Lessons: The Valentine of Roland is the second story in the novel. Roland’s story was just heartbreaking. This is totally not the story I was expecting for Roland; he’s always been a character that I enjoyed, and I was hoping for a happy story for him as well. But we all know that love does not always equal happiness.

Burning Love: The Valentine of Arriane is the third story in the novel. Arriane is another character that I have always really liked. In her story, we get to see a completely different type of relationship than what I expected. Very emotional and intense, this story is definitely one of forbidden love.

Endless Love: The Valentine of Daniel and Lucinda is the fourth and final story in the novel. I found this to be really sweet as well, although I do wish that Daniel and Lucinda had been together a little more through the story. However, the anticipation building up to where they finally meet was well worth it. Daniel and Lucinda’s relationships are always sweet to read about.

With the four short stories, and the quick pacing, this makes for a very fast read. I love getting the history for the characters that we still didn’t have a history for. It was really interesting getting to see the past for Arriane and Roland.

Overall, I thought this book was a good addition to the Fallen series. The stories were interesting, and I love the gorgeous cover for the book as well. It looks lovely displayed on my bookshelf!


Happy Valentines Day!!!

Pre-Valentines Day Post: Favorite Love Stories

Hello, friends! 

Valentines day is tomorrow, and while I'm not really big into the day, (except the candy), I Love a good Love Story. With the help of a few of my favorite bloggers, I bring to you a list of our favorite love stories!

Kathy from A Glass of Wine:

I have two favourite love stories. Since most people will talk about Pride and Prejudice I decide to select my other favourite that is a little more mordern - Anna and the French Kiss.

I love how Anna and Etienne start out as friends, and how it grows into more. It is very realistic. They seem to better each other, and are just there for each other when it counts. Anna's "butterflies" when first getting to know Etienne and the initial sweetest of a new crush is written perfectly by the amazing Stephanie Perkins!

Lori from Pure Imagination:

Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins. I feel like this is probably a common choice (as it should be) but I have to pick it. Lola just speaks to me. There's something about a intelligent boy pining after a girl that I loooove. Cricket really is my kind of guy. Their whole situation reminded me of my husband and I. That's why it's a favorite.

Petra from Safari Poet:

One of my favourite love stories is Pride & Prejudice. The reason why I love it is because it's not perfect. They're first meeting isn't how I'd envision the beginning of a love story and there were so many obstacles in their way. When I read it for the first time knowing that Elizabeth and Darcy end up together, there were still times when I seriously doubted that. Then (of course) they do and any other ending would of felt wrong. It's one of those books I never really think about how the story might continue because I know the most important part whatever happens – they're together, which is why it's one of my favourites.

Marla from Starting the Next Chapter:

I would have to say that Persuasion by Jane Austen sticks out most in my mind. It isn't a conventional love-at-first-sight kind of story, but it's all the more powerful in that Anne Elliot and Frederick Wentworth are able to set aside their differences and have a second chance to attain their happily ever after, in spite of past mistakes and hurt feelings.

Carina from Fictional Distraction:

There are so many beautiful love stories that I’ve read. But I love contemporary love stories most, because they make me believe that these kinds of things can actually happen to all of us. And it’s no secret that my favorite love story is Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins. Anna and Étienne share a beautiful friendship, but have to overcome many obstacles to finally be together. They’re wonderful characters, who make you wish that they were real and you could be friends with them. They are realistic – they have flaws. And since this makes it so easy to identify with them, it’s become the perfect love story for me. Whenever I feel bad, I pick up my copy of Anna and the French Kiss and read my favorite scenes, which never fails to make me smile again.

Amy from Denim-Jacket Librarian Dishes:

My favorite Love Story (book) right now...would have to be Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater. The story of Sam and Grace is so very romantic especially in how they both are fighting to be together. I guess I relate because it seems that it's been an uphill climb for my own beau and I to be with each other. Plus, he really loved Shiver as well and thought of us while reading it, which makes the book extra-special for me.

Brodie from Eleusinian Mysteries:

Rose and Dimitri from Vampire Academy. While not strictly a love story, there's no denying their epic romance plays a huge role throughout the entire series. What I love so much about them is the respect, strength and devotion that burns at the heart of their relationship. If there is ever such a thing as soulmates, then I'd suggest you look no further than these two. They can read each other like a well written novel - they understand what drives the other to be who they are. Their personalities both compliment the other and inspire them to be better. Their chemistry is explosive. Their love is true. And their sparring? Uh, HOT! More sweaty, sexy fight scenes, please! :)


Jenny from Mimosa Stimulus:

I guess my favorite would have to be ANYTHING by Stephanie Perkins or Sarah Dessen. I don't read a whole lot of "love story" type stuff, but those two always manage to tempt me happily into it!

Me:

My most favorite love story of all time would definitely have to be Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. I love the relationship between Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennett. It grew slowly over time, and in such a sweet way, and they were able to work through their prejudices. It's definitely my favorite love story of all time.

So there you have it! Lots of great love stories from a few of my favorite blogger friends!Thank you so much, ladies, for helping me with this post! I've really enjoyed seeing what everyone's most romantic love story is!

Now a question for you... What's YOUR favorite love story???