Review: Catching Jordan by Miranda Kenneally

Catching Jordan
by Miranda Kenneally
Publication Date: December 1st, 2011
Publisher: SourceBooks
Pages: 281
ISBN: 9781402262272

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

What girl doesn't want to be surrounded by gorgeous jocks day in and day out? Jordan Woods isn't just surrounded by hot guys, though - she leads them as the captain and quarterback on her high school football team. They all see her as one of the guys, and that's just fine. As long as she gets her athletic scholarship to a powerhouse university. But now there's a new guy in town who threatens her starring position on the team... and has her suddenly wishing to be seen as more than just a teammate. (Goodreads)

Being a fairly big football fan, I was really excited to get started on Catching Jordan. Although I was intrigued by the storyline, I wasn’t expecting to care about the characters as well. I am glad to say that I definitely did!

The main character in the story is Jordan Woods. Following in the footsteps of her NFL quarterback father, and college football quarterback brother, Jordan is the quarterback of her high school football team. Jordan is like no other girl in her school. All Jordan really wants is to play football at the college of her choose, and to have the approval of her father, who would like for her to stop playing football all together. But she’s determined to aim for her dreams, and I find that very admirable.

The relationship between Jordan and her dad are a bit strained in the beginning of the book, and I was gearing up to not like dear old dad. He did grow on me throughout the book, and I could definitely see his reasoning for wanting her to stop playing. I LOVE Jordan’s relationship with her brother Mike; he’s the brother I always wanted!

I really didn’t care too much for Jordan’s love interest in the story, Ty. He seemed a bit over-possessive, and controlling, and that was a bit of a turnoff for me. The characters that really stood out in the book for me were Jordan’s teammates; Carter, JJ, and Henry. I loved their friendships, and I love how they treated her with respect as well. They were all such great friends. With Henry, there were some times where I wanted to knock some sense into him, but I still found him to be a pretty awesome guy.

This book was a really well paced book, it definitely kept me interested. I loved the plot! A girl quarterback definitely drew my attention, and I loved reading all of the football jargon.

Overall, I found Catching Jordan to be an enjoyable read. I really look forward to reading more by this author!

Happy Reading!

In My Mailbox #49

** 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. **

Bought:
Angel Fire - L.A. Weatherly

For Review:
Perception - Kim Harrington 
**Courtesy Scholastic!!**

Vesper & Havoc - Jeff Sampson 
**Courtesy HarperCollins!!**

So excited about all of this weeks books! I've been dying to get my hands on Perception, and Vesper and Havoc were a total surprise! Angel Fire is HUGE! I didn't realize it was such a big book. I can't wait to get started on all of these!

What's in your mailbox this week???

Friday Hops 1/19

Follow Friday! #43

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

Q: What's the craziest thing you've ever done to get your hands on any particular book?

A. Ahem... Being the extreme Introvert that I am, I would have to say, not much. I wish I could say that I was one of those people that stood outside stores at midnight to get a copy of a new release, but I'd rather avoid the crowds and buy it the next day. I'm pretty lame like that. ;)

TGIF at GReads #11

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

Recommend It: Which book from the last 10 you've read would you recommend to a friend?

My pick would be:

The one I would recommend would be Pandemonium, but you'd have to read Deliriumfirst, if you haven't already! And if you haven't read Delirium yet, YOU TOTALLY SHOULD!

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

Review: The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater

The Scorpio Races
by Maggie Stiefvater
Publication Date: October 18th, 2011
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Pages: 409
ISBN: 9780545224901

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

It happens at the start of every November: the Scorpio Races. Riders attempt to keep hold of their water horses long enough to make it to the finish line. Some riders live. Others die.

At age nineteen, Sean Kendrick is the returning champion. He is a young man of few words, and if he has any fears, he keeps them buried deep, where no one else can see them.

Puck Connolly is different. She never meant to ride in the Scorpio Races. But fate hasn’t given her much of a chance. So she enters the competition — the first girl ever to do so. She is in no way prepared for what is going to happen. (Goodreads)

I was super curious about The Scorpio Races the minute I heard about the book. I didn’t really know what to expect for a book that dealt with horses, but I love Maggie Stiefvater, and I couldn’t wait to get started on this book. It was definitely worth the read!

Every year, November marks the beginning of the Scorpio Races. These are no normal races, however. These races consist of water horses that long for their home in the sea, and eat not only other animals, but humans as well. Riding one these beasts to the very end of the race will win you big, but you could also die in the process. Kate Connolly who, is the first girl that has ever entered the race, needs to win to save her family home. Can she do it, is the question.

Kate (Puck) was just a really great main character. I love that she was just a girl, plain and simple. Not wanting to give up the only home she’s know, she did what she had to do for herself, her brother and their home. I love that her best friend is her horse, Dove. They have such a special bond together; it was always nice reading about their situations together. I also really enjoyed Puck’s younger brother, Finn. You could really see how much he cared for his sister, and I loved their brother/sister relationship.

Sean Kendrick, who should be Kate’s biggest rival, turns out to be a great character as well. I was a little unsure of him at first, he was a bit standoffish and distant, but he definitely won me over by the middle of the book. I love the way he was with the horses, and the way he was such a gentleman, especially when it came to Puck.

The storyline for this book was absolutely unique and fascinating. Just imagining the horses that live in the water, and how evil they were. It definitely kept the mystery in the book. I enjoyed the pacing of the book as well. Once I had time to actually sit down and read uninterrupted, I flew through the pages. The ending of the book is very satisfying, I thought it ended perfectly. The romance in the book is at a minimum, but I think that makes it stand out even more.

Overall, I enjoyed this book a lot more than I expected to! With such a great storyline, and awesome characters, who wouldn’t love it? It’s definitely a must read.

Happy Reading!

Waiting on Wednesday #50

Dreamless
(Starcrossed Trilogy #2)
by Jospehine Angelini
Publication Date: May 29th, 2012
Publisher: HarperCollins

As the only Scion that can enter Hades at will, Helen descends to the Underworld in search of a way to overcome the Furies and end the cycle of revenge that has cursed the Scions. But she’s running out of time. Each descent weakens her both in mind and spirit. A mysterious stranger might be her only salvation, but the price may be her love for Lucas Delos.

As an unforgettable love triangle emerges, Josephine Angelini’s compelling saga becomes ever more intricate and spellbinding. The eagerly awaited sequel to the internationally bestselling Starcrossed, Dreamless delivers with a huge emotional impact that will leave readers satisfied—and longing for more. (Goodreads)

Why am I Waiting on this Book???

Because I thought Starcrossed was pretty freaking awesome, that's why!
I was definitely left wondering after finishing Starcrossed last year, and I really need to know what's going to happen with all of these awesome characters. :)

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 & Giveaway * Slide by Jill Hathaway *

Slide
by Jill Hathaway
Publication Date: March 27th, 2012
Publisher: HarperCollins
Pages: 256
ISBN: 9780062077905
**ARC's Courtesy HarperCollins Publishers

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

Vee Bell is certain of one irrefutable truth—her sister’s friend Sophie didn’t kill herself. She was murdered.

Vee knows this because she was there. Everyone believes Vee is narcoleptic, but she doesn’t actually fall asleep during these episodes: When she passes out, she slides into somebody else’s mind and experiences the world through that person’s eyes. She’s slid into her sister as she cheated on a math test, into a teacher sneaking a drink before class. She learned the worst about a supposed “friend” when she slid into her during a school dance. But nothing could have prepared Vee for what happens one October night when she slides into the mind of someone holding a bloody knife, standing over Sophie’s slashed body.

Vee desperately wishes she could share her secret, but who would believe her? It sounds so crazy that she can’t bring herself to tell her best friend, Rollins, let alone the police. Even if she could confide in Rollins, he has been acting off lately, more distant, especially now that she’s been spending more time with Zane.

Enmeshed in a terrifying web of secrets, lies, and danger and with no one to turn to, Vee must find a way to unmask the killer before he or she strikes again. (Goodreads)

Slide is an intense, mysterious read by debut author Jill Hathaway!

The main character in the story is Sylvia, who is also known as Vee. Vee suffers from narcolepsy, or so it would seem. In realty, she slides into other people’s minds, and gets to see through their eyes what exactly happens in their lives. When she touches an object that has been imprinted on by a person, she can slip into that persons mind. This is how she discovers that her sister’s friend did not, in fact, commit suicide, but was murdered instead.

I found Vee to be a very likable character. I loved that she was able to step up and fill shoes that were hard to fill, even while she was not able to share her own issues at all. It did bother me a bit that she kept her secret from everyone for so long. I totally understand the reason she kept the secret, but I felt that she was shouldering the burden all alone, and I really just wanted her to have someone to share with.

The secondary characters were pretty well written as well. At first, I didn’t think that I was going to care for Vee’s sister, Mattie. But I ended up really caring about her. These two girls went through a LOT, and they were there for each other. I love that sisterly relationship. Vee’s best friend, Rollins, and the love interest in the story, Zane, were both interesting characters as well. I really just wanted to know them better, especially towards the end of the book.

The plot was very interesting, albeit somewhat predictable in parts of the book. One part definitely kept me guessing, and that was trying to figure out who exactly the killer was! The book was definitely well paced; there were not many slow parts at all.

Overall, I found this to be a quick, intriguing read. It actually reminded me of the Wake series by Lisa McMann, which I adored. I’m really looking forward to reading more from this debut author in the near future!

Happy Reading!

Here's your chance to win an ARC of Slide!

Giveaway Rules:

• Open to US and Canadian Residents
• Only one winner will be chosen for the ARC
• Must be 13 or older to enter
• Giveaway ends January 23rd, 2012
• Winner will be contacted via email. If you do not respond within 24 hours, a new winner will be chosen.
• By entering this Giveaway, you are agreeing to the terms listed above.

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In My Mailbox #48

** 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. **

For Review:
The Calling - Kelley Arstrong
**Thank You HarperCollins!!!!!**

Bought:
Crave - Melissa Darnell

Netgalley:
Lies Beneath - Anne Greenwood Brown
The Nightmare Garden - Caitlin Kittredge

**Courtesy Random House Children's Books**


So.Freaking.Excited to read The Calling! I adore Kelley Armstrong, and this series is definitely in my top 5 favorite series! I will definitely be starting on it soon. :)

SO excited for all my new books this week! I can't wait to get started on them all. :)

What did you get in your mailbox this week??

Friday Hops 1/13

Follow Friday! #42

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

Q: Many readers/bloggers are also big music fans. Tell us about a few of your favorite bands/singers that we should listen to in 2012.

A. I am a huge music lover, and will listen to almost anything. I am mostly a rock chick. I also love music from the 80's and 90's, and of course GLEE music. Classical music, mostly piano music, is also a fave of mine as well! I like a little bit of pop, mostly because my kids force me to listen to it. Most of it's not bad. :) I adore PINK! She's the best role model ever. :)

Here are a few of my fave bands...

TGIF at GReads #10

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

2012 Must Reads: Which books are at the top of your list to be read this year (new or old releases)?

I have a LOT of books on the top of my to-read list this year! Here are my top few. :)

You can also check out my Most Anticipated Sequels of 2012 and Most Anticipated Debut's of 2012!

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

Review: Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi

Under the Never Sky
(Under the Never Sky #1)
by Veronica Rossi
Publication Date:January 3rd, 2012
Publisher: HarperCollins
Pages: 384
ISBN: 9780062072030

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

Aria is a teenager in the enclosed city of Reverie. Like all Dwellers, she spends her time with friends in virtual environments, called Realms, accessed through an eyepiece called a Smarteye. Aria enjoys the Realms and the easy life in Reverie. When she is forced out of the pod for a crime she did not commit, she believes her death is imminent. The outside world is known as The Death Shop, with danger in every direction.

As an Outsider, Perry has always known hunger, vicious predators, and violent energy storms from the swirling electrified atmosphere called the Aether. A bit of an outcast even among his hunting tribe, Perry withstands these daily tests with his exceptional abilities, as he is gifted with powerful senses that enable him to scent danger, food and even human emotions.

They come together reluctantly, for Aria must depend on Perry, whom she considers a barbarian, to help her get back to Reverie, while Perry needs Aria to help unravel the mystery of his beloved nephew’s abduction by the Dwellers. Together they embark on a journey challenged as much by their prejudices as by encounters with cannibals and wolves. But to their surprise, Aria and Perry forge an unlikely love - one that will forever change the fate of all who live UNDER THE NEVER SKY. (Goodreads)

Under the Never Sky is a dystopian novel by debut author Veronica Rossi. I really wasn’t sure what to expect when going into this book, but I definitely wasn’t prepared for the awesome adventure that Mrs. Rossi took me on!

In the beginning of the book we meet Aria. After a stunt gone wrong, Aria has been exiled from the only home she’s ever known, and was literally dumped in a barren land called The Death Shop. There she meets Perry, a savage Outsider, who is part of the reason she was exiled in the first place.

To be honest, I was a little worried when I first met the main characters. They didn’t exactly get off to a great start when their situations threw them together. Both characters were extremely surprising to read. Perry was definitely what you would think of when you think Savage. He was a beast, and I just knew I wasn’t going to like him. Thankfully he is not this way throughout the whole book. Aria’s character really surprised me. I expected her to be a weakling, but she definitely was not one. She proves to be a strong and very curious young woman. I really enjoyed watching her grow throughout the book. I also want to say that I love the relationship between the two characters. It’s definitely not something that happened instantly, but rather grew, and grew, and grew over time.

The book is told from alternate viewpoints; it switches between Perry and Aria. I actually loved that it was written this way, because we get to know more about both characters. I found the book to be pretty well paced. There were a few slow spots, but the action always picked up again quickly. The plot was extremely creative. Without giving too much away, let’s just say I can’t imagine living in the world that Aria lived in.

Overall, this book was definitely a surprise. I went into it not really knowing what to expect. I definitely didn’t expect to go on an amazing adventure with Perry and Aria. I can’t wait to get my hands on the next book!

Happy Reading!

Veronica Rossi discusses writing Under The Never Sky

Waiting on Wednesday #49 * City of Lost Souls *

City of Lost Souls
(The Mortal Instruments #5)
by Cassandra Clare
Publication Date: May 8th, 2012

The New York Times bestselling Mortal Instruments continues—and so do the thrills and danger for Jace, Clary, and Simon. Can the lost be reclaimed? What price is too high to pay for love? Who can be trusted when sin and salvation collide? Love. Blood. Betrayal. Revenge. Darkness threatens to claim the Shadowhunters in the harrowing fifth book of the Mortal Instruments series.

Why am I Waiting on this book???

Well, duh! Of course I was going to pick this book for this week. The cover is STUNNING!! I can't wait to get back into this world. I need more Jace! I do, however, hope that it's better than CoFA. :o)



Soooo... What are you Waiting on this week???