Win big at Strange and Random Happenstance

Go HERE to enter:


The Prizes (ever expanding):There is one guaranteed prize, that of a $25 gift card to Amazon.com. But once I officially hit 200 (I know, I'm technically there with networked blogs, but seeing 195 is so close) I add in a book. I get another 25, I add in another book, and so on and so forth. So this could be one really big prize that could potentially have many winners. Possible books are Beautiful Creatures, The Reckoning, The Princess Bride, the hoard list goes on and on. Cause this is basically a Mega Horde giveaway. And if you'll look below, there is already an added prize! So let's keep those numbers shooting skyward!

Prize 1: $25 gift card to Amazon.com
Prize 2: The Reckoning, Darkest Powers Book 3 by Kelley Armstrong
Prize 3: Shiver ARC by Maggie Stiefvater

Win Matched!

Win Matched at An Avid Reader's Musings here

An ARC of Matched by Ally Condie, a Radiant Shadows bookmark signed by author Melissa Marr, a Before I Fall bookmark signed by author Lauren Oliver and a Solitary Fae bracelet inspired by Melissa Marr's Wicked Lovely series.

Ends July 6th

Review: Heart to Heart by Lurlene McDaniel

Heart to Heart by Lurlene McDaniel

Description and link courtesy of Goodreads.com

"ELOWYN EDEN AND Kassey Messechek are best friends. They share every aspect of their lives. And although Elowyn turns sixteen before Kassey, when she receives a brand-new car from her parents, the first thing she does is give an extra set of keys to Kassey—a symbolic confirmation of their true friendship.

But one thing Elowyn has not yet shared with Kassey is that she’s checked the organ donor box on her newly acquired license. Kassey learns of this in a shocking and devastating way—when Elowyn’s life-giving donor wish is about to be honored. Arabeth St. Clair has not had the luck to have a best friend. She’s led a sheltered life due to a diseased heart. When she and her mother receive the call that will change their lives, things go well at the hospital but they wonder about and re unaware of to whom it is they should be forever grateful.

When the worlds of these three girls and their families intersect, lives are changed in ways never before imagined."

**My rating: 5/5**

*My short but sweet review*

I love all things Lurlene McDaniel, so it was no surprise that I enjoyed this story. It was not quite as much of a tear jerker as some of her stories have been, but it still presents teens facing difficult and life changing events. The concept of cell memory is really bizarre to me, and it makes for an awesome story line-- in fact, I just finished a similar book- Cold hands, warm heart.

I would recommend this to fans of McDaniels other works, My sister's keeper, or  if you read about illness, death, or tear jerkers.

I would love to hear your thoughts, and read your reviews if you have posted one (please link)

Review; FarWorld: Land Keep

Far World: Land Keep by Savage
Book Two of Far World (Water Keep is 1st)

Link goes to and description from goodreads.com

"Four mythical Elementals Water, Land, Air, and Fire have the power to save two worlds, Earth and Farworld, from a common enemy: the Dark Circle. In book one, Water Keep, a portal has been opened between the two worlds, allowing Marcus, from Earth, and Kyja, from Farworld, to combine their unique gifts and begin their epic quest to find the Elementals. In book two, Land Keep, Marcus and Kyja travel with Cascade, a Water Elemental, toward Land Keep, the home of the powerful and wise Land Elementals. However, their journey may end before it even begins. Land Keep is empty, deserted for at least a thousand years, and the rumor is that the creatures who once controlled all land magic are extinct. Marcus and Kyja's only hope seems to lie in finding the Augur Well, a legendary Oracle protected by subtle traps and mind-bending trials. To succeed in their quest, Marcus and Kyja must also avoid the Keepers of the Balance, an order dedicated to redistributing magic to the rich and powerful. And they must travel far underground, where Cascade is unable to follow and where they will be unable to leap to the safety of Earth. As the Dark Circle closes around them, Marcus and Kyja are faced with the temptation of what they desire most. Sacrifices must be made, and not everyone will survive unscathed."

**My Rating: 4/5**

*My Short but Sweet Review*

The story moved at a good pace, and kept my attention a little more than the first. I like Skype and Cascade-- they are welcome secondary characters. I also like how both Marcus and Kyja matured as characters, in order to find the land elementals, they must pass tests, and these tests cause them to look into how the other thinks in order to succeed. Marcus must read people, plan and slow down, while Kyja has to learn that hastiness is sometimes a good thing.
I would recommend this series to anyone who liked Harry Potter, Maze Runner, or sci//fi with child heros.

I would love to hear what you think and if you have linked the review, I would love to see yours.

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In My Mailbox is a weekly meme started over at The Story Siren, that explores books you got throughout the week. I would also like to welcome you to become a follower, and to enter My 50 Followers Contest here where a lucky winner will get either a signed copy of Perfect Chemistry or a $5 Amazon e-giftcard.

This week I bought from Booksmart used bookstore: (all links go to goodreads)

Crash into me by Borris

Beautiful by Amy Reed















Bought from Amazon:

 Sing me to Sleep by Angela Morrison

Rising Shadow by Wheeler















And from the library:

Far World: Land Keep by Savage

 Heart to Heart by McDaniel














What's happened here this week:
Reviews of Amy and Roger's Epic Detour, Jekel loves Hyde, Cold Hands, Warm Heart, Dirty Little Secrets, Gimme a Call,  Undone by Brooke Taylor and Lies. 


So... What did you get and what do you think of the books I got? Leave me a comment and I will do the same for you!

Win a SIGNED copy of "The Light of Asteria

 Win a SIGNED copy of "The Light of Asteria by Elizabeth Isaacs. Ends 7/15. http://bit.ly/bmGLVq

(reposted from jwest-- must enter at link above!!!!!!)

"Giveaway: The Light of Asteria by Elizabeth Isaacs *Signed*

MY FIRST GIVEAWAY! 

I am hosting a giveaway from Elizabeth Isaacs, author of The Light of Asteria.  Her book was release in March of 2010 and has become beloved to many readers. You can check out her website or her GoodReads page for more information.NOTE: This book will be signed by the author!

Summary of the book:

     If Nora Johnson hadn't been on campus that day she would have never known her true destiny. Helping her friends move into the dorm that she wanted to call home, Nora accidentally collides with mysterious stranger, Gavin Frey. His very first touch sends flames through her heart. The world seems different-something within her has changed.

Nora tries to resume her mundane life, but she is now consumed with the one whose very presence ignited her soul, the one with eyes of emerald. Nora soon learns that an energy buried deep within has been unleashed. She now wields unimaginable power and has become Gavin's source, his strength.

Her newfound joy is shaken when she discovers that Gavin is not who he appears to be and she has been thrust in the middle of a war of mythical proportions. Negativity has allowed all things evil to flourish, the earth is under siege. The fate of creation hinges on the power within her heart. Will she be strong enough to survive?

A gripping tale of unbounded love and ancient power, The Light of Asteria will take you on an epic adventure filled with war, treachery, and demons, as well as unimaginable delights."

(reposted from jwest)

Review: Undone by Brooke Taylor

Undone by Brooke Taylor

Link goes to and description from Goodreads.com

"When Kori Kitlzer, the “dark angel” of the 8th grade, tells Serena Moore that they are more alike than she thinks, Serena is instantly intrigued.  As their friendship solidifies and their lives entwine, Serena tries to become more like the fearless, outspoken, and ambitious Kori. Soon Serena doesn’t know where she begins and Kori ends. But when a twist of fate yanks Kori away from Serena, she will need to find a way to complete her best friend’s life left undone. 
Undone is a striking debut novel about friendship, family, and the secrets we keep from the people to whom we are closest."

**My rating: 5/5**

*My short but sweet review**

I really enjoy dark and edgy books and this falls under the description. It is a great read about friendships, being different, secrets, and dealing with grief.
This book kept me guessing and unfolded at a great pace. The psych teacher Doc was an awesome addition and added a lot to the plot line. I liked how he had the students to think for themselves instead of feeding them what he believes. I also like how it is real life lessons.
I would recommend it!!

I would love to hear what you think and please link your review if you have posted one. I will read and comment!

Review: Amy & Roger's Epic Detour

Amy and Roger's Epic Detour by Matson

Link goes to and description from Goodreads.com

"Amy Curry thinks her life sucks. Her mom decides to move from California to Connecticut to start anew--just in time for Amy's senior year. Her dad recently died in a car accident. So Amy embarks on a road trip to escape from it all, driving cross-country from the home she's always known toward her new life. Joining Amy on the road trip is Roger, the son of Amy's mother's old friend. Amy hasn't seen him in years, and she is less than thrilled to be driving across the country with a guy she barely knows. So she's surprised to find that she is developing a crush on him. At the same time, she's coming to terms with her father's death and how to put her own life back together after the accident. Told in traditional narrative as well as scraps from the road--diner napkins, motel receipts, postcards--this is the story of one girl's journey to find herself."

**My Rating: 5/5**


*My short and sweet thoughts**
This was a PERFECT summer kickoff read. It was a great blend of light and angst, and I sped through it, and loved every minute. I like that the angst was centered on something other than boy drama-- though I love it, sometimes its good to have other things take center stage. I loved how we got to see Amy bloom, and that she realized she is not who she wants to be and that she is withdrawn. Roger one of those great literature guys-- the ones that we wish really exist, who is a great blend of fun and seriousness. He know when to push and when to let off.


SPOILER- highlight if you want to read-- sorry for doing this, but I don't want to mess anything up for anyone. Let me know if you want me to continue this way or just give above alert.

Though it seemed inevitable, at least to me, that Amy and Roger would get together, I like that she comes to terms at least somewhat with her emotions and that she isn't obsessed over him the whole time. It helps that he had a love interest that needed closure, which he got, and then the tides turned romantically.

Oh and I LOVED the part about the moose. I laughed SO hard.

Tell me your thoughts, I would love to hear them! If you want to link your review, I will read and comment.

Want to win Beautiful Darkness or Clockwork Angels?

Then hurry over and check out this awesome contest at The Here. The Now. And the books

Beautiful Clockwork ARC Contest! 

(reposted so make sure to enter at their site, not here!!!) 

It is time.Ultimate Summer ARC Contest is now underway!

First off, let me show you the PRIZES:

PRIZE ONE: CLOCKWORK ANGEL ARC with Vlad Tod Bag and swag.

PRIZE TWO: CLOCKWORK ANGEL ARC with Ghostgirl Bag and swag.

PRIZE THREE: BEAUTIFUL DARKNESS with swag.

For PRIZE ONE and TWO you must create a video showing/explaining to me what you would do for a Clockwork Angel ARC.

I, along with Senfaye from A Maze of Books ,Kim from And Anything Bookish, and Emma from Don't Lose My Place! , will be judging the videos for creativeness and effort.

To submit videos send them here: readergirl321@aol.com

You must have name you want to be recognized as and email in entry. If you do not want your video posted, tell me, because I'll post winners and honorable mentions. Anything goes! Sing, dance, etc. ANYTHING. (Nothing graphic.)

For PRIZE THREE, I will use the point system:

+5 For Becoming a Follower

+3 For Already Being a Follower

+5 for making a blog POST for this contest

+10 for telling me why you want Beautiful Darkness

+2 for adding email

Add up points in the comments! And please give me the total points.

Contest is for everyone, everywhere! ;)

Contest ends June 25th!

So. What would YOU do for Clockwork Angel? ;)

Review: Dirty Little Secrets by Omololu

Dirty Little Secrets By Omololu

Description from and link goes to Goodreads.com

"Everyone has secrets. Some are just bigger and dirtier than others.

For sixteen years, Lucy has kept her mother's hoarding a secret. She's had to -- nobody would understand the stacks of newspapers and mounds of garbage so high they touch the ceiling and the rotting smell that she's always worried would follow her out the house. After years of keeping people at a distance, she finally has a best friend and maybe even a boyfriend if she can play it right. As long as she can make them think she's normal.

When Lucy arrives home from a sleepover to find her mother dead under a stack of National Geographics, she starts to dial 911 in a panic, but pauses before she can connect. She barely notices the filth and trash anymore, but she knows the paramedics will. First the fire trucks, and then news cameras that will surely follow. No longer will they be remembered as the nice oncology nurse with the lovely children -- they'll turn into that garbage-hoarding freak family on Collier Avenue.

With a normal life finally within reach, Lucy has only minutes to make a critical decision. How far will she go to keep the family secrets safe?"

**My rating 4/5**

*My Thoughts*

This was a book that caught my attention, as most books dealing with hard issues do. It sucked me in from the beginning, and I really sympathized with Lucy. Her best friend and her boy interest were very well written and made me want them ;)
Her mom, though a hoarder, is given some redeeming qualities, showing the person that she used to be and a glimpse at how she spiraled down so.


*SPOILERS-highlight to read*

Though the emotions were well written and I certainly can see how the book concluded and why Lucy set her house on fire at the end, something just seems almost anticlimatic. If that makes any sense. She finds her mom dead, struggles with what people would think, and then in the end does not even reach out to her siblings, one of which at least, was her ally and understood. I would like to see how things were for Lucy afterwards, and watch her deal with the guilt. But then again, maybe that is just me.

Though above paragraph only caused me to deduct one star, and I definitely recommend this to anyone who likes emotional, tough books.


Tell me your thoughts, I would love to hear them! If you want to link your review, I will read and comment.

50 Follwers Contest! (closed)

NOW CLOSED! watch for another one soon!

I want to award you all, my lovely followers, so I am having a contest.

Here is what one lucky winner can choose from a signed copy of Perfect Chemistry or a $5 amazon.com e-gift card.

Rules:

~Must be a follower

~Closes July 11th at midnight

~US only for Perfect Chemistry (or pay for shipping minus $3.50) or must be able to order from amazon.com for e-gift card

Extra entries:

+2 old follower (before June 21st)

+2 spread the word (up to two places, must leave link)

+10 Join swagbucks.com under my referal link (It is a free site, that really works. I get swagbucks for searching, watching videos, and doing surveys, and then exchange them for free prizes. My favorite are the amazon gift cards-- I have earned 50 dollars since March)

To sign up (and get credit for contest- click on banner below)

Review: Gimme a Call by Sarah Mlynowski

Gimme a Call by Sarah Mlynowski

Description from and link goes to Goodreads.com:

"A new life is just a phone call away!

Devi's life isn't turning out at all like she wanted. She wasted the past three years going out with Bryan—cute, adorable, break-your-heart Bryan. Devi let her friendships fade, blew off studying, didn't join any clubs . . . and now that Bryan has broken up with her, she has nothing left.

Not even her stupid cell phone—she dropped it in the mall fountain. Now it only calls one number . . . hers. At age fourteen, three years ago!

Once Devi gets over the shock—and convinces her younger self that she isn't some wacko—she realizes that she's been given an awesome gift. She can tell herself all the right things to do . . . because she's already done all the wrong ones! Who better to take advice from than your future self?

Except . . .what if getting what you think you want changes everything?"

**My rating: 4/5**

*My short but sweet thoughts*

This was a cute and quick read. I always am intrigued by the concept of how changing even the smallest things in the past can effect the future. I also like how the character realizes this and she starts to mature a bit. I also like how "frosh" finally stands up and defies "Ivy" at the right time to change everything in a big way.


Tell me your thoughts, I would love to hear them! If you want to link your review, I will read and comment.

Review: Jekel loves Hyde by Fantaskey

Jekel loves Hyde

Description from Goodreads.com

"Jill Jekel has always obeyed her parents’ rules – especially the one about never opening the mysterious, old box in her father’s office. But when her dad is murdered, and her college savings disappear, she's tempted to peek inside, as the contents might be key to a lucrative chemistry scholarship.

To better her odds, Jill enlists the help of gorgeous, brooding Tristen Hyde, who has his own dark secrets locked away. As the team of Jekel and Hyde, they recreate experiments based on the classic novel, hoping not only to win a prize, but to save Tristen’s sanity. Maybe his life. But Jill’s accidental taste of a formula unleashes her darkest nature and compels her to risk everything – even Tristen’s love – just for the thrill of being… bad."

**My rating 4/5**

*My review*

I have a crush on Tristen. LOL. In my opinion, Beth got him just right. The mix of hot guy battling with dark side, and he is a musician to boot. I also relate with Jill since she is shy, insecure and smart, and as the novel progresses she grows into herself, partly because of Tristan, helping and being there for him, and partly because of coming to terms with her father's murder.

Minor spoilers- highlight to read

However, I hate how she so easily gave into taking the formula, and her little outburst with the chemistry teacher.
It did tie up nicely in the epilogue and give me a HEA, which I love.

Tell me your thoughts, I would love to hear them! If you want to link your review, I will read and comment.

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Credit goes to Kristi at The Story Siren. I got quite a bit this week, I am so excited!

This is my lovely daughter, Katie, making my picture even more beautiful :D

Bought at Booksmart under 40 total-- SCORE: (links take you to Goodreads.com)

~Undone by Brooke Taylor
~Anxious Hearts by Tucker Shaw
~Amy and Roger's Epic Detour by Matson
~Dirty Little Secrets by Omololu
 ~The Secret Year by Hubbard
~Princess of the Midnight Ball by George

~Nightlight

From the library:

~Jekel loves Hyde by Fantaskey See my review here
~Cold hands, warm heart by Wolfson
~Endless Summer by Echols
~Gimme a Call by Milnowski See my review here


Please let me know what you got in the comments, and what you like/dislike about IMMB (in general and the way I do it- ex: I love for book titles to be linked, I enjoy pictures but they aren't necessary, if you like descriptions, etc)

Also- when I reach 50 followers, I will be having a contest for a signed copy of Perfect Chemistry or an amazon gift card, so if you aren't already, click follow :D
Thanks for reading!

Review: Cold Hands, Warm Heart by Wolfson

Cold Hands, Warm Heart by Jill Wolfson

Description taken from Goodreads.com

"Dani was born with her heart on the wrong side of her body. In her fifteen years of life, she’s had more doctor’s appointments, X-rays, and tests, and eaten more green hospital Jell-O than she cares to think about. Fourteen-year-old Amanda is a competitive gymnast, her body a small package of sleek muscles, in perfect health. The two girls don’t know each other, don’t go to the same school, don’t have any friends in common. But their lives are about to collide.  Acclaimed author Jill Wolfson tackles this fascinating story with her trademark honesty and wit."

*My rating 4/5*

**My short but sweet thoughts**
This was a book about organ donation. It gave a glimpse into the donor's life before she died, the recipient of the heart, as well as the donor's brother. I liked this book, as I am a fan of this type of books. I love Lurlene McDaniel, and books about sickness and dying, so this was up my alley. I took away some points because it gets medically technical, and descriptive at a few points in the book, but it is easy to skim over those parts. There is also a bit of romance going on, which always is welcomed in my world.


Tell me your thoughts, I would love to hear them! If you want to link your review, I will read and comment.

Review: Lies by Michael Grant

Lies by Michael Grant (book 3 of the Gone series)

Description taken from Goodreads.com:

"It happens in one night: a girl who died now walks among the living, Zil and the Human Crew set fire to Perdido Beach, and amid the flames and smoke, Sam sees the figure of the boy he fears the most - Drake. But Sam and Caine defeated him along with the Darkness - or so they thought. As Perdido Beach burns, battles rage: Astrid against the Town Council; the Human Crew versus the mutants; and Sam against Drake. And the prophetess Orsay and her companion, Nerezza, are preaching that death will set them all free. As life in the FAYZ becomes more desperate, no one knows who they can trust. "

 **My rating 3/5**
***My short but sweet Review***

While I really enjoyed the first two books in the series, this seemed to be filler. It mostly focuses on two new characters that I didn't really feel all that attached to, and the "Human Crew" which I just found annoying because we already have two protagonists. They also added in characters, that while they may play a role in the next books, really did nothing for me (the Island kids). Though, I do have to say that Astrid had a lot of self-realization in this book, and hopefully that will carry over. I will read the next book when it comes out, and hope for the series that the first two books set up.


Tell me your thoughts, I would love to hear them! If you want to link your review, I will read and comment.

Chance to win lots of books at CryHavoc! Reviews

http://www.cryhavocreviews.com/2010/06/giveaway-time.html

Books up for grab:

Cat #1:

1. The Light of Asteria by Elizabeth Isaacs
2. Sisters Red by Jackson Pearce
3. Seers of Light by Jennifer Delucy
4. Forgive my Fins by Tera Lynn Childs
5. 13 to Life by Shannon Delany
6. Shade by Jeri Smith-Ready
7. Raised by Wolves by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
8. Passing Strange by Daniel Waters

Cat #2:

1. Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl
2. The Maze Runner by James Dashner
3. The Hunger Games Suzanne Collins
4. The Host by Stephenie Meyer
5. Incarceron by Catherine Fisher
6. Rampant (Killer Unicorns #1) by Diana Peterfreund
7. My Soul to Keep (Soul Screamers #4) by Rachel Vincent
8. Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld
9. Infinity(Chronicles of Nick #1) by Sherrilyn Kenyon

My first blog award!

YAY!!!! I have received my first blog award, thanks to Becky at Escapism Through Books

Here's how the Versatile Blogger Award works:

• Thank and link back to the award giver.
  
• List 7 things about yourself.
  
• Pass the award on to 15 other bloggers you've recently discovered, and who you think are fantastic for whatever reason.
  
• Notify the bloggers and let them know they've been awarded!

So, here are 7 things about me
1. I am a stay at home mom to Katie, my 2 year old beauty.
2. I am team Edward, Dimitrian (can't decide between 2 perfect things), and Peeta
3. I love tv drama-- Private Practice, Secret Life, Make it or Break it, Vampire Diaries, etc.
4. When I worked, I was a nurse's assistant at  pediatrician's office.
5. I can't resist chocolate or ice cream.
6. I have had three knee surgeries.
7. I hate talking on the telephone.

I am passing along the award to:
1. Just Books
2. Library Lurker
3. A Life Bound by Books
4. Derap's Reads
5. Books Complete Me
6. Crystal' s Book Blog
7. Reader Girls
8. 25 Hour Books
9. Manda's Movements
10. Book Sake
11. A Simple Love of Reading
12. Book Sanctuary
13. Kimberly's Bookshelf
14. Moydrook Reads
15. Another Book Junkie

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IMMB is brought to you by Kristi at The Story Siren.

Own: (links will take you to Goodreads, and descriptions are taken from there too)

~Vampire Academy: (I am re-reading this series, and can't say enough good things.) St. Vladimir’ s Academy isn’t just any boarding school—it’s a hidden place where vampires are educated in the ways of magic and half-human teens train to protect them. Rose Hathaway is a Dhampir, a bodyguard for her best friend Lissa, a Moroi Vampire Princess. They’ve been on the run, but now they’re being dragged back to St. Vladimir’s—the very place where they’re most in danger. . . .
Rose and Lissa become enmeshed in forbidden romance, the Academy’s ruthless social scene, and unspeakable nighttime rituals. But they must be careful lest the Strigoi—the world’s fiercest and most dangerous vampires—make Lissa one of them forever.

~Frostbite:  Rose loves Dimitri, Dimitri might love Tasha, and Mason would die to be with Rose...
It's winter break at St. Vladimir's, but Rose is feeling anything but festive. A massive Strigoi attack has put the school on high alert, and now the Academy's crawling with Guardians--including Rose's hard-hitting mother, Janine Hathaway. And if handto- hand combat with her mom wasn't bad enough, Rose's tutor Dimitri has his eye on someone else, her friend Mason's got a huge crush on her, and Rose keeps getting stuck in Lissa's head while she's making out with her boyfriend, Christian! The Strigoi are closing in, and the Academy's not taking any risks....This year, St. Vlad's annual holiday ski trip is mandatory.
But the glittering winter landscape and the posh Idaho resort only create the illusion of safety. When three friends run away in an offensive move against the deadly Strigoi, Rose must join forces with Christian to rescue them. But heroism rarely comes without a price...

~Shadow Kiss: Is Rose's fate to kill the person she loves most? It's springtime at St. Vladimir's Academy, and Rose Hathaway is this close to graduation. Since Mason's death, Rose hasn't been feeling quite right. She has dark flashbacks in the middle of practice, can't concentrate in class, and has terrifying dreams about Lissa. But Rose has an even bigger secret .... She's in love with Dimitri. And this time, it-s way more than a crush. Then Strigoi target the academy in the deadliest attack in Moroi history, and Dimitri is taken. Rose must protect Lissa at all costs, but keeping her best friend safe could mean losing Dimitri forever...

From the library:
~Still sucks to be me: With vampire boyfriend George and best friend Serena by her side, Mina thought she had her whole life—or rather afterlife—ahead of her. But then Mina’s parents drop a bomb. They’re moving. To Louisiana. And not somewhere cool like New Orleans, but some teeny, tiny town where cheerleaders and jocks rule the school. Mina has to fake her death, change her name, and leave everything behind, including George and Serena. Not even the Vampire Council’s shape-shifting classes can cheer her up. Then Serena shows up on Mina’s doorstep with some news that sends Mina reeling. Mina may look a lot better with fangs, but her afterlife isn’t any less complicated!


Additionally-- When I reach 50 followers (only 21 away) I will be holding another contest! It will be choice of signed copy of Perfect Chemistry or a $5 amazon gift card! So click follow, or tell your friends :D 

Chance to win Beautiful Darkness

http://www.yahighway.com/2010/06/bea-giveaway.html

Win Beautiful Darkness, Matched or Duff! It is awesome!

Chance to win Beautiful Darkness

http://michellehodkin.blogspot.com/2010/06/my-very-first-very-celebratory-contest.html

Enter for your chance to win Beautiful Darkness, Matched, or Duff.

Winner of The Named

 Winner of my contest, chosen by a randomizer is:
Wicked Walker!

Congrats! I have already emailed and will mail out soon!

For those who didn't win, keep your eyes posted, because at 25 followers, I will have another contest! I think it will be for a signed copy of "Perfect Chemistry."

So share my blog with your friends and the contest will come all that quicker :D

Photo borrowed from: http://americancopywriter.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/2007/06/28/winner.jpg

Review: Spirit Bound by Richelle Mead

Description from goodreads.com: Dimitri gave Rose the ultimate choice. But she chose wrong…

After a long and heartbreaking journey to Dimitri’s birthplace in Siberia, Rose Hathaway has finally returned to St. Vladimir’s—and to her best friend, Lissa. It is nearly graduation, and the girls can’t wait for their real lives beyond the Academy’s iron gates to begin. But Rose’s heart still aches for Dimitri, and he's out there, somewhere.

She failed to kill him when she had the chance. And now her worst fears are about to come true. Dimitri has tasted her blood, and she knows in her heart that he is hunting her. And if Rose won't join him, he won't rest until he's silenced her...forever.


 ***Spoiler Alert***

I absolutely loved this story, as I loved the rest of the series. Mead has the ability to draw me into her world, and make me feel personally invested in her characters. It was amazing to see how Rose grew and changed not only in Blood Promise but in this story, yet still kept her strength, sarcasm, and basically the essence of why we love and admire Rose. Mead also brought Lissa to the forefront a bit more in this novel, which did not diminish the story. I love how she really got on board with helping Rose and seemed to finally reciprocate the loyalty and dedication that Rose shows for her in a huge way.

And, oh, the love triangle.I can't make up my mind if I want her to be with Dimitri or Adrian. I think that she has told the story so well, to have me so torn, and not being able to get this off of my mind. Though, more and more I think I am leaning to Adrian, just because he seems to love her and give so much for her, plus I have this feeling that Dimitri will BE the Last Sacrifice, and he will die. I just think-- why introduce Adrian, make him such a major character, and make us love him if he isn't going to end up with Rose. We could have had Mason not die, and be that role. So I know that saying this is making me into the minority but I want her to be with Adrian. I think that she made the right choice by saying that she is REALLY going to give him a change after Dimitri was rejecting her. I mean really-- "Love fades, mine has?" Talk about break my heart. It seems that part of the attraction with their relationship was that it was so forbidden, and looking back it seems that Dimitri was always holding back, and never giving his whole self to Rose, and a relationship can't be like that. It is bad timing for Adrian, but I think that Rose can forget, and give herself to him.

So-- what are your thoughts, and if you think I am totally wrong, sell Dimitri to me again :)
I am so torn that it probably won't be too hard.

IMMB 6

IMMB is brought to you by The Story Siren.

It has been a slow reading week here, mainly because I have been obsessing over Spirit Bound still. It was such an amazing read, and I can't say enough. In fact, it is my first review, if you want to check it out: My Spirit bound review
I even read a few fanfic for Last Sacrifice. (yes, I am one of those, LOL).

I also read Forever Changes by Halpin. It was a good book about a girl with CF who is a math whiz and finds comfort in numbers.

Team Adrian blog button

I couldn't seem to find one. I could find for Twilight, Hunger Games, Vampire Diaries, but not Vampire Academy. So here we have it.



Please feel free to use the code if you want:

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandileigh2003/4666745772/" title="Team Adrian blog button by brandileigh2003, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4058/4666745772_25a05b043b_t.jpg" width="100" height="77" alt="Team Adrian blog button" /></a>

If you want me to make a Team Dimitri one, please let me know. OR if anyone is more creative than me, you can make it (or another Team Adrian).

Contest!

Over at Bookgirl-meg: http://bookgirl-mel.blogspot.com/2010/05/50-follower-contest.html

One winner, choice of 3 books.

June Debut contest

Over at Personal Demons: http://lisadesrochers.blogspot.com/2010/06/june-debut-contest.html

The winner will be chosen by the randomizer and posted on the blog after noon on June 25th. They will then have their choice of one of the following:
A signed ARC of Personal Demons by moi (that’s me!)
Everlasting by Angie Frazier
A Love Story Starring My Dead Best Friend by Emily Horner
Sea by Heidi R. Kling
The Deathday Letter by Shaun Hutchinson

Contest!

Check it out!
http://kapri-bookfanatics.blogspot.com/2010/05/contest-big-box-o-books-n-stuff.html


Up for grabs:

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The Truth About Delilah Blue by Tish Cohen (ARC, donated by Tish)
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The Dust of 100 Dogs by A.S. King (paperback)
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The Secret Society by Tom Dolby (Hardcover)
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I Now Prnounce You Someone Else by Erin McCahan (ARC, donated by Erin)
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Penitence by Jennifer Laurens+signed book mark (Paperback, donated by Jennifer)
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The Julian Game by Adele Griffin (signed ARC, donated by Adele)
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Hate List by Jennifer Brown (Hardcover, Donated by Corrine @ Lost for Words)
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Picture the Dead by Adele Griffin & Lisa Brown (signed Hardcover, donated by Adele)