Saturday, February 11, 2012

In My Mailbox #52

** 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:
Until I Die (Revenants #2) - Amy Plum
**I love you, HarperCollins!!**

Netgalley:
Of Poseidon - Anna Banks
Struck - Jennifer Bosworth
**Courtesy Macmillan Children's Publishing Group**


Three awesome books In My Mailbox this week! I am so excited for all of them, and especially for Until I Die. :) I literally squealed when I saw Of Poseidon and Struck on Netgalley. Macmillan has a lot of great books up for grab, but I was able to keep it at only two for now. :) Yay!!!

What's in your mailbox this week???

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Friday Hops 2/10

Follow Friday! #46

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

Q: What would your prefer: reading your favorite book over and over again until you got sick of it OR reading 100s of mediocre books? And why?

A. I'm not much of a re-reader... Actually I haven't re-read a book in a long time. It would have to be a really great book for me to re-read it over and over again. I'd say I'd rather read 100's of mediocre books, because you never know when you'll find another favorite, but still go back to my favorites to re-read whenever I wanted. :) (Confused you, yeah?)




TGIF at GReads #14

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

Love Stories: What are some of your favorite fictional love stories?

My number one love story will always be Pride and Prejudice. It is such an amazing story, and Jane Austen is brilliant.  If I had to choose a favorite YA love story... the list would be way too long. :)

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

Review: The Lost Saint by Bree Despain

The Lost Saint
(The Dark Divine #2)
by Bree Despain
Publication Date: December 28th, 2010
Publishers: Egmont USA
Pages: 404
ISBN: 9781606840580

Where to Buy:
B&N | Amazon | The Book Depository
A family destroyed. A love threatened. An enemy returns.

Grace Divine made the ultimate sacrifice to cure Daniel Kalbi. She was infected with the werewolf curse while trying to save him, and lost her beloved brother in the process.

Desperate to find Jude, Grace befriends Talbot, a newcomer to town. But as the two grow closer, Grace's relationship with Daniel is put in danger - in more ways than one.

Unaware of the dark path she is walking, Grace begins to give into the wolf inside of her - not realizing that an enemy has returned and a deadly trap is about to be sprung.

Bree Despain delivers sizzling romance and thrilling action in the heart-pounding sequel to the The Dark Divine. (Goodreads)
The Lost Saint is the thrilling sequel to The Dark Divine, which I read and enjoyed last year. I was really excited to finally read this, and the book did not disappoint.

Most of the characters we met in the previous book; Grace, Daniel, Jude, etc. I liked Grace just as much as I did in the previous book, although she did make some rash decisions in the book. It wasn’t really her fault though; it was the wolf inside her that was taking over. I found myself sympathizing with her as she struggled to cope with the burdens that were placed upon her by her family, friends and Daniel.

The relationship between Grace and Daniel was extremely strained throughout the book. I am not a fan of boys that suddenly have issues and decide their girlfriends are completely incapable of helping them. This is pretty much what happened between Daniel and Grace, which lead to the strained relationship. We do find out what his deal was towards the end of the book, which made me somewhat forgive him, but I still wanted to strangle him through most of the book.

We are also introduced to a few new characters in this book as well; one being Talbot, who is new in town and takes Grace under his wing to train her after Daniel decides not to train her anymore. I honestly didn’t know what to expect from Talbot, and he was definitely full of surprises up to the end of the book.

I really enjoyed the storyline of the book; the idea of the curse and werewolves definitely kept me interested. Although a bit slow in some parts, there was a lot of action in other parts. There was also a lot of religious talk in this book, which may bother some people, but it didn’t bother me. The ending was a huge shock, and I can’t wait to see how the next book plays out.

Overall, I thought this was a really great sequel to The Dark Divine. While I wanted to strangle the characters a few times, the storyline kept me hooked. I’m dying to get my hands on the next book in the series; The Savage Grace!


The Dark Divine | The Lost Saint | The Savage Grace
by Bree Despain

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Waiting on Wednesday #53 * The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa


by Julie Kagawa
Publication Date: April 24th, 2012
Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Add to Goodreads

You will kill. The only question is when.

In the dark days since the insidious Red Lung virus decimated the human population, vampires have risen to rule the crumbling cities and suburbs. Uncontested Princes hold sway over diminished ranks of humans: their "pets." In exchange for their labor, loyalty and of course, their blood, these pets are registered, given food and shelter, permitted to survive.

Unregistered humans cling to fringes, scavenging for survival. Allison Sekemoto and her fellow Unregistereds are hunted, not only by vampires, but by rabids, the unholy result of Red Lung-infected vampires feeding on unwary humans. One night, Allie is attacked by a pack of rabids, saved by an unlikely hero...and turned vampire.

Uncomfortable in her undead skin, Allie falls in with a ragtag crew of humans seeking a cure, or cures: for Rabidism and for Vampirism. She's passing for human...for now. But the hunger is growing and will not be denied. Not for friendship—not even for love. (Goodreads)

Why am I Waiting on this book???

Hello?! Julie Kagawa! Enough said.  :)
Seriously, she's an amazing writer, and I'm dying to get my hands on this book. 
I love Harlequin Teen books!

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.***

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Review: New Girl by Paige Harbison

New Girl
by Paige Harbison
Publication Date: January 31st, 2012
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Pages: 304
ISBN: 9780373210428

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

They call me 'New Girl'...

Ever since I arrived at exclusive, prestigious Manderly Academy, that’s who I am. New girl. Unknown. But not unnoticed—because of her.

Becca Normandy—that’s the name on everyone’s lips. The girl whose picture I see everywhere. The girl I can’t compare to. I mean, her going missing is the only reason a spot opened up for me at the academy. And everyone stares at me like it’s my fault.

Except for Max Holloway—the boy whose name shouldn’t be spoken. At least, not by me. Everyone thinks of him as Becca’s boyfriend but she’s gone, and here I am, replacing her. I wish it were that easy. Sometimes, when I think of Max, I can imagine how Becca’s life was so much better than mine could ever be.

And maybe she’s still out there, waiting to take it back. (Goodreads)
I have to say I was definitely intrigued by the storyline for this book. I had heard that it was a re-write of Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier, a book that I have wanted to read for a while now, so I was looking forward to checking this out.

The story starts off with the main character, the New Girl, starting off in a new private school; Manderly Academy. Miles away from her family and friends, but looking forward to a fresh start, the New Girl goes to the school not knowing that she’s falling in the previous New Girl, Becca Normandy’s shadow. Becca’s disappearance is the only reason the New Girl even has a spot at the school, but New Girl is not Becca, and everyone is quick to let her know this.

I found most of the characters of the book to be pretty unlikeable, and I wonder if this is how the author wanted us to feel for them. I really disliked the way they all treated the New Girl. I do like that the New Girl was pretty headstrong, for the most part, and in the end just didn’t care what people thought about her. I always find that admirable in a female character. I found Becca to be just a horrible person all around; I didn’t care for her at all. The love interest in the story, Max, was a bit wishy-washy for me, although I did grow towards him a little more towards the end of the book.

The thing that stood out the most about this book was the mystery that surrounded the storyline. This definitely kept me hooked while reading the book, because I just wanted to know what happened with the mysterious Becca. It was also a little disconcerting to go throughout the whole book not knowing what the main characters name was. We do finally find out at the end of the book what it is, and it’s such a pretty name, that I wish it had been used more in the book. However, I enjoyed the suspense of waiting to see if the name would ever be revealed.
This book also has a lot of sexual related content. Some of it was very disturbing, and some of it I was a bit surprised to see in a YA novel. There were also mentions of drug and alcohol use. I found this to be very realistic, and it’s definitely something I could see happening in a private boarding school. Due to these mentions, I wouldn’t recommend this for the younger YA crowd.

Overall, this was a really different read for me, full of teenage drama and turmoil. Although most of the characters were unlikeable, I liked the main character, and the mysterious storyline kept me intrigued. This book also really makes me want to pick up Rebecca by du Maurier right away!

Happy Reading!

Monday, February 6, 2012

Noteworthy New Releases * 2/6-2/12

Born Wicked - Jessica Spotswood
(B&N | Amazon | Goodreads)
Two Truths and a Lie - Sara Shepard
(B&N | Amazon | Goodreads)
The Miseducation of Cameron Post - Emily M. Danforth
(B&N | Amazon | Goodreads)

The Wood Queen -Karen Mahoney
(B&N | Amazon | Goodreads)
The One that I Want - Jennifer Echols
(B&N | Amazon | Goodreads)
The Hunger Games (Movie Tie-In) - Suzanne Collins
(B&N | Amazon | Goodreads)

Delirium - Lauren Oliver
(B&N | Amazon | Goodreads)
Overbite - Meg Cabot
(B&N | Amazon | Goodreads)
Choker - Elizabeth Woods
(B&N | Amazon | Goodreads)


What book are you most excited for this week?
I'm pretty darn excited about Born Wicked!



Saturday, February 4, 2012

In My Mailbox #51

** 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:
Dreamless - Josephine Angelini
!!!!!! Thank you HarperCollins !!!!

Bought:
Article 5 - Kristen Simmons
Falling in Love - Lauren Kate

Library:
Shattered Souls - Mary Lindsey

One word... DREAMLESS! OMGosh, I can't wait to get started on it. :)
With some of my birthday money, I bought Article 5 and Falling in Love...
They are so pretty on my shelf. :)
I finally, finally got Shattered Souls from the library!

Last Monday was my birthday...
My awesome hubby bought me bookshelves!
I officially have my own personal library.
But...


I NEED MORE BOOKS!

Please don't judge my ugly recliner... I can't even bare to part with it. ;)

I love it when the lights are out. I'm addicted to string lights. :)


That's all for me!

What's in your mailbox this week???

Thursday, February 2, 2012

Friday Hops - 2/2/12

Follow Friday! #45

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

Q: Define what characteristics your favorite books share. Do they all have a kickass heroine or is the hot love interest the Alpha Male?

A. I don't really like I have a particular characteristic that I prefer... I like strong heroines that aren't whiny and can stick up for themselves. I love bad boys that are mysterious.  (NOAH SHAW). But I also love characters that are fun and easy to read.



TGIF at GReads #13

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

Book Appeal: When you're browsing goodreads, the library, or another blogger's reviews, what grabs your attention to make you want to read it?

To be honest... the first thing I always go for is the cover. I Know, I know I shouldn't do this, but I love covers! Especially covers that are gorgeous. :)


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

Review: Goddess Interrupted by Aimée Carter

Goddess Interrupted
(Goddess Test #2)
by Aimée Carter

Publication Date: March 27th, 2012
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Pages: 304
ISBN: 9780373210459

Where to Buy:
B&N | Amazon | The Book Depository
Kate Winters has won immortality.

But if she wants a life in the Underworld with Henry, she’ll have to fight for it.

Becoming immortal wasn’t supposed to be the easy part. Though Kate is about to be crowned Queen of the Underworld, she’s as isolated as ever. And despite her growing love for Henry, ruler of the Underworld, he’s becoming ever more distant and secretive. Then, in the midst of Kate’s coronation, Henry is abducted by the only being powerful enough to kill him: the King of the Titans.

As the other gods prepare for a war that could end them all, it is up to Kate to save Henry from the depths of Tartarus. But in order to navigate the endless caverns of the Underworld, Kate must enlist the help of the one person who is the greatest threat to her future.

Henry’s first wife, Persephone. (Goodreads)
Last year, I read and adored The Goddess Test. I was super giddy to get my hands on an early copy of Goddess Interrupted!

If you have not read The Goddess Test yet, I suggest you do so before reading this review. However, I will try to keep it as spoiler-free as possible.

Goddess Interrupted picks up six months after The Goddess Test left off. Kate is heading home from her six month say in Greece with her best friend, James. She’s expecting a warm welcome from her new husband Henry upon her return, and unfortunately, it doesn’t happen. Instead she finds herself in the middle of a war between the gods and goddesses, and the King of the Titans.

Kate, who was such a strong character in the first book, was a bit insecure about herself after her trip back from Greece. Even the reassurance from her mom and fellow gods and goddesses doesn’t seem to help her with this insecurity. She was just very unsure about the whole underworld situation, and that’s totally to be expected for what’s she was going through. I do feel that in the beginning she was ready to give up too quickly, but I am glad that in the end she is strong for her family and friends.

I love Henry. I have loved him since I met him in the first book. There is something about him that is super mysterious and intense, and I love that in a male lead character. I would definitely go as far as to say he’s one of my most favorite male characters in YA. Although I spent a huge chunk of the book wanting to smack some sense into his handsome little head, I still love him. His relationship with Kate, when they are both working at it, is super sweet and romantic, and I absolutely adore their moments together.

The secondary characters in the book are still as interesting as always. I love Kate’s mom, Diana. Ava and James were great friends for Kate. The introduction of Persephone, who is Kate’s sister, and Henry’s ex, is a little intense. I can honestly say she wasn’t at all what I was expecting.

The ending of the book is definitely a cliffhanger, and I was literally yelling at the book because of what happened. Just thinking of it again is getting me worked up! I need the next book, NOW!

When I read a book, I want to be able to let go and get totally lost in the story. That’s exactly what happened with this book. The storyline and pacing kept me hook, and I was lost in the world that Carter created. The only thing that kind disappointed me about this book was that I finished it so quickly!

Overall, if you enjoyed The Goddess Test, you’re definitely going to love Goddess Interrupted! I adore this series, and cannot wait to get my hands on Goddess Inherited!

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Waiting on Wednesday #52


Kill Me Softly
by Sarah Cross
Publication Date: April 10th, 2012
Publisher: EgmontUSA

Add to Goodreads

True love’s kiss just may prove deadly....

Mirabelle’s past is shrouded in secrecy, from her parents’ tragic deaths to her guardians’ half-truths about why she can’t return to her birthplace, Beau Rivage. Desperate to see the town, Mira runs away a week before her sixteenth birthday—and discovers a world she never could have imagined.

In Beau Rivage, nothing is what it seems—the strangely pale girl with a morbid interest in apples, the obnoxious playboy who’s a beast to everyone he meets, and the chivalrous guy who has a thing for damsels in distress. Here, fairy tales come to life, curses are awakened, and ancient stories are played out again and again.

But fairy tales aren’t pretty things, and they don’t always end in happily ever after. Mira has a role to play, a fairy-tale destiny to embrace or resist. As she struggles to take control of her fate, Mira is drawn into the lives of two brothers with fairy-tale curses of their own ... brothers who share a dark secret. And she’ll find that love, just like fairy tales, can have sharp edges and hidden thorns. (Goodreads)

Why am I Waiting on this book??

My lovely friend Kathy at A Glass of Wine brought this book to my attention. I love fairy tale re-tellings, and I'm dying to check this one out!

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.***