Immb 14

In my mailbox is brought to you by Kristi at The Story Siren. It is to put new books on the radar, and to encourage blogger interaction.

Make sure to enter my 60 dollar CSN giveaway here

Book images and links are from Goodreads.com

And without further ado, here is what I got:

Won from Jeremy at Novel Thoughts:

The Light of Asteria 
Just finished a little before midnight-- IT IS AMAZING. BUY IT NOW :D
Here is my review







From the library:


God is in the pancakes
My review is here








Glimpse







Books reviewed recently- I would love for you to read and comment on them if you have time :D
Hunger
13 to Life 
Iron King
Iron Daughter
Change of Heart
Heavenly 

I also redesigned my blog using The Cutest Blog on the Block

Let me know what you think and if you would like, link your Mailbox or blog and I will be sure to visit.

Review: God is in the Pancakes

God is in the Pancakes by Robin Epstein

Description from and link goes to Goodreads.com

" Fifteen-year-old Grace Manning is a candy striper in a nursing home, and Mr. Sands is the one patient who makes the job bearable. He keeps up with her...more Fifteen-year-old Grace Manning is a candy striper in a nursing home, and Mr. Sands is the one patient who makes the job bearable. He keeps up with her sarcasm, teaches her to play poker . . . and one day cheerfully asks her to help him die. At first Grace says no way, but as Mr. Sands’s disease progresses, she’s not so sure. Grace tries to avoid the wrenching decision by praying for a miracle, stuffing herself with pancakes, and running away from all feelings, including the new ones she has for her best friend Eric. But Mr. Sands is getting worse, and she can’t avoid him forever."

**My rating: 4 of 5 stars**

*My short but sweet review*
This book really caught my attention. Grace is a believable teenage girl, who is struggling to make sense of the big questions in her life. And they really are challenging- she is dealing with her dad who left, a rocky relationship with her mother, and a special patient she works with asks her to help him end his life.
I love the repertoire between Mr Sands and Grace- it is awesome, and reminds me why I just love old people sometimes.
It forced me to think about what I would do in Grace's position and what I would want if I were in Mr Sands' position with a degenerative illness.

The romance is this book is simple and cute. It buds from best friends to a sweet relationship. But it is not a prominent feature, and sometimes that is refreshing.

I would love to hear what you think, and if you have reviewed, feel free to leave me a link to check out.

My Wishlist V.1

My Wishlist:

Torment, Clockwork Angels, Girl next Door, Blindsided, Almost to Die for,  Sleepless, Book of Love, Crave, My invisible boyfriend, Stork, Second Hand Heart, Wicked Girls, Mockingbirds, The Mark Bunderson, A Blue so Dark, Delcroix Academy, Paranormalcy, Tell me a Secret, High before Homeroom, Outside of a horse, Numbers 2, Wereling, Dead Beautiful, Angel Star, Birthmarked, Betrayal, and Forget-her-nots

Feel free to hook me up (offer trades, let me borrow, etc)

Review: Hunger by Kessler

Hunger by Jackie Morse Kessler

Book 1 of Horsemen of the Apocalypse

Link goes to and description from Goodreads.com

"“Thou art the Black Rider. Go thee out unto the world.”

Lisabeth Lewis has a black steed, a set of scales, and a new job: she’s been appointed Famine. How will an anorexic seventeen-year-old girl from the suburbs fare as one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse?

Traveling the world on her steed gives Lisa freedom from her troubles at home: her constant battle with hunger, and her struggle to hide it from the people who care about her. But being Famine forces her to go places where hunger is a painful part of everyday life, and to face the horrifying effects of her phenomenal power. Can Lisa find a way to harness that power — and the courage to battle her own inner demons?"

*My short but sweet review*
This was a quick read, and it dealt with some great subject material. Though, I liked the secondary characters more than I liked Lisa. Her struggle was conveyed well, both with food, and with this job thrust upon her-- Famine- one of the Horsemen of the Apocalypse. I just didn't connect with her as well as some other main characters, nothing particular that I didn't like.
I am a fan of Moonlight, her horse, and Death-- his random "yo"s and dark sense of humor did it for me.
The plot is original, and something that I have never thought about or heard about before, an anoretic being Famine-- but it makes sense.


You may also like: Wintergirls, After

I would love to hear what you think and if you have reviewed, please link and I will read and comment.

I want a new blog design!

Does anyone do this for fun, or need a blog design for their profile? If you do, or you know someone who might be interested (unfortunately I am poor, so it would need to be gratis), please comment or email me!

I would like a header, buttons, and possibly a background. I can give some sites that I have liked to give ideas of my style, and books that I like that maybe could be used as a starting point.

Review: 13 to Life by Delaney

13 to Life by Shannon Delany

Book 1 In 13 to Life Series (next is Secrets and Shadows due Feb 2011)

Description from and link goes to Goodreads.com

" Something strange is stalking the small town of Junction…

When junior Jess Gillmansen gets called out of class by Guidance, she can only ...more Something strange is stalking the small town of Junction…

When junior Jess Gillmansen gets called out of class by Guidance, she can only presume it’s for one of two reasons. Either they’ve finally figured out who wrote the scathing anti-jock editorial in the school newspaper or they’re hosting yet another intervention for her about her mom. Although far from expecting it, she’s relieved to discover Guidance just wants her to show a new student around—but he comes with issues of his own including a police escort.

The newest member of Junction High, Pietr Rusakova has secrets to hide--secrets that will bring big trouble to the small town of Junction—secrets including dramatic changes he’s undergoing that will surely end his life early"


*My Short but sweet Review*


So- the cover is gorgeous! I love that it is dark and shadowed, and I love the eye. It really drew me in and I think that it is appropriate for the book. 


I also really connected with Jess. I feel like she is a genuine character who deals with things in a realistic manner. Pietr is a great love interest- he has the looks, the mystery and the personality that really does it for me. Jess and Pietr have a lot of chemistry and it is fun to watch them connect and their relationship change and grow. Jess is too much of a martyr though because she is pushing him towards her friend Sarah- who is Jess' friend only because Jess is selfless to begin with, but to say much more would be spoiling-- who admits to liking him and she hasn't liked anything except books since the big tragedy that has effected her and Jess both in major ways. 
I really did enjoy this book, and I am eager to see what else the story holds. There is love, action, and the book made me laugh at times which is always a bonus. 

You may also like: Dark Divine, Shiver, The Mark, Jekel loves Hyde, Firespell


I would love to hear what you think- if you have written a review feel free to leave me a link and I will read and comment :D

Review: The Iron Daughter

Iron Daughter by Julie Kagawa

2nd book in the Iron Fey Series (The Iron King is 1st)

Release Date: Aug 1 2010

 Link goes to and description from goodreads.com

"Half Summer faery princess, half human, Meghan has never fit in anywhere. Deserted by the Winter prince she thought loved her, she is prisoner to the Winter faery queen. As war looms between Summer and Winter, Meghan knows that the real danger comes from the Iron Fey, iron-bound faeries that only she and her absent prince have seen. But no one believes her. Worse, Meghan's own fey powers have been cut off. She's alone in Faery with only her wits for help. Trusting anyone would be foolish. Trusting a seeming traitor could be deadly. But even as she grows a backbone of iron, Meghan can't help but hear the whispers of longing in her all-too-human heart."

Kagawa has written another masterpiece. I really like Meghan and I can see myself making similar decisions and having similar mindset. So, I connect with her well. This is set up to where we doubt Ash at least in the beginning (can’t say if that changes, don’t want to spoil anything) and I know that I couldn’t decide if he really didn’t care or if he was actually acting that way to protect Meghan. Though we get those glimpses into the tender side of him and I love them! Though they are usually quickly followed by Ash making a remark that brings on the doubt again, and you just want to smack him.

And then there is the love triangle, because you know that Puck has to come back. :D Maybe I just have something for the immortal men who are icy, but mmm, I am def Team Ash. Speaking of them both- the interactions between them was wonderful- the bantering and the constant back and forth amused me.

We have the enemy who is doing the hide in the shadows and make the other two doubt one another and take themselves out before they even notice the enemy lurking, waiting, and watching you do their job for them.

My issue is that in the beginning, Meghan is unable to help in the battle scenes. I understand that it would not be a story for her to be all powerful once she realized that she was able to work with the glamour, but I just wish she could do something… Although I guess that in Iron King, she did use her mind a lot, and was able to come through in the important places. I love to watch her learn though, and as the cover description says “grow a backbone of iron.” I hate trying to review and talk about it and not be spoilerish, but I guess that I should say that given that description my issue with Meghan dissolves, even though she can only help in what can be viewed as a really small way, and I love that it really shows up when she needs to save the ones she loves.

And wowsers, what an ending!! I can’t wait to see how things will play out, and I totally did not expect the court’s decisions.

Great quotes non-spoiler: “You haven’t spoken since his royal iciness left.”

“This isn’t a game Meghan, the sh*t is about to hit the fan, and you’re right in the middle of it not knowing enough to duck.”

“What if I take you apart and turn you into a toaster oven, how would you like that tin can?”

I would love to hear what you think, and if you have written a review, feel free to post link!

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In my Mailbox is brought to you by Kristi at The Story Siren. It explores the contents of your mailbox, and encourages blogger interaction and puts new (and old) books on your radar.

Make sure to enter my contest for a $60 certificate for CSN!

This is what I have this week- book title links go to goodreads.com

From Grovecreek Publishing:
  Heavenly by Jennifer Laurens
See my review here







From 1 ARC Tours:
Change of Heart by Shari Maurer
See my review here







From Netgalley for review:
The Iron Daughter by Julie Kagawa
currently reading- review this week sometime







  Annexed by Sharon Dugar









Hunger by Jackie Morse Kessler








I also won a $70 CSN certificate from Steph at Fangs, Wings and Fairy Dust

I would love to hear what you think and see what you got! Please leave me a link!

Review: Change of Heart by Maurer

Change of Heart by Shari Maurer

Link goes to and description from Goodreads.com

"In a world where the most stressful thing seems to be winning a soccer game or what to wear in the morning, you take some really basic things for granted.

Like the love of your parents.

Or hanging with your friends.

Or the beating of your heart.

When you’re 16 years old, it never occurs to you that you might die. Emmi Miller’s got a fabulous life. She has tons of friends, does great in school and is an all-star soccer player who played in Europe last summer. It even looks like Sam Hunter, a totally cute baseball player, might be interested in her. And then she gets a virus. No biggy, right? Until the virus goes to her heart and weakens it so much that, without a transplant, Emmi will die.

Will Emmi get a heart in time? Is Sam too good to be true? What about her new friend Abe, who has also had a transplant and guides her through these scary times — is he just being supportive or is there more going on between them? And will Emmi realize it before it’s too late?"

**My rating: 4.5/5** 


*My short but sweet review*
This type of book is right up my alley as it features teens dealing with life changing illness. Maurer really has a powerful and emotional plot, and she writes it well. Emmi tells her story in a believable way, and she is easy to relate to. I felt for her and was rooting for her. 
Her friend Becca is a good supporting character, and makes some mistakes that hurt Emmi but it is easy to understand where the mistake stems from. 
Sam is a likable love interest although I wasn't rooting for him. He is supportive and he seems to really want to be there for her when the easiest course of action would be to just leave.
Abe is a great addition. I was really pulling for him and I like him a lot. He is quirky and funny adding some humor into the story.
The pacing of the book is great, and it shows that life cannot be taken for granted.


Spoiler alert- highlight to read

I must say that I did not like the ending. I really wanted it to be perfect and for Emmi and Abe to end up together. It was so fun to see their relationship change and grow. I hate that he dies, although it shows a realistic part of organ transplantation. It was just really sad, and I wish that her and Emmi could have ended up together. I am really glad that once she realized her feelings, she didn't just settle for Sam. Though I am glad that she was able to forgive Becca and Sam, and restore the relationship.

You may also like: anything by Lurlene McDaniel, Cold Hands, Warm Heart, In a heartbeat, Positively


I would love to hear what you think! If you have a review, I would love to read and comment on it!

$60 CSN giveaway here!

NOW CLOSED-- WINNER is DG! LOOK OUT FOR NEXT CONTEST THOUGH!


I am sure that you have seen blog posts about CSN giveaways, and I was lucky enough to be selected. As my awesome blog followers, you get rewarded with a $60 CSN gift certificate.
CSN has everything from dining room furniture, bookcases, cookware, to health and fitness.

I personally like this one:

http://www.diningroomsdirect.com/TMS-69409WHT-TXR1095.html?cv=

So here are details of how to win:

-Must be US or Canada (though may be shipping charges)

-Must be a blog follower
-Ends Aug 5th at 12am EST

-Must leave comments, one for each entry

-Initial entry is your email address or a way to contact you

Extra entries: 

+1 old follower (before 12pm June 23rd)

+1 Check out the Dining room furniture link and tell me your favorite

+1 each spread the word (up to 3 places-- twitter, facebook, sidebar, etc)

+3 blog post about giveaway

+5 Join Swagbucks This is a free and legit site. You earn swagbucks for searching the web, and can use the bucks for gift cards and many other things. You must sign up through above link for credit.(+2 if you are previous referal)

Good luck!

Never argue with a woman who reads!

I found this at: http://www.geekybloggersbookblog.com/ 
and just had to share!

Never Argue with a Woman


One morning, the husband returns the boat to their lakeside cottage after several hours of fishing and decides to take a nap.


Although not familiar with the lake, the wife decides to take the boat out.


She motors out a short distance, anchors, puts her feet up,
and begins to read her book.


The peace and solitude are magnificent.


Along comes a Fish and Game Warden in his boat.


He pulls up alongside the woman and says, 'Good morning, Ma'am. What are you doing?'


'Reading a book,' she replies, (thinking, 'Isn't that obvious?')


'You're in a Restricted Fishing Area,' he informs her.


'I'm sorry, officer, but I'm not fishing. I'm reading.'


'Yes, but I see you have all the equipment.
For all I know you could start at any moment.
I'll have to take you in and write you up.'


'If you do that, I'll have to charge you with sexual assault,' says the woman.


'But I haven't even touched you,' says the Game Warden.


'That's true, but you have all the equipment.
For all I know you could start at any moment.'


'Have a nice day ma'am,' and he left.


MORAL:
Never argue with a woman who reads. It's likely she can also think.

Crescendo ARC winner

Thank you for all those who entered my Crescendo contest!
The winner is:
Krystal!
I am emailing you and you will have until Sunday 10am EST to get back to me or a new winner will be drawn.

If you didn't win, don't despair! A contest for A CSN gift certificate will be posted later today!

Another epic contest

Enter here: http://carol-in-print.blogspot.com/2010/07/how-would-you-like-to-win-some-arcs-ive.html

Please say I sent you! 

Below is reposted from Carol--

Note that MATCHED is signed. I know, right? I wanted to keep it for myself (OMG, it's SIGNED!), especially because Ally was one of the nicest authors I've ever met, and like the other books in this pile, I was blown away by it. But I believe in small acts of mercy, random acts of kindness...that bit. Seriously. Why hog something so beautiful to myself? That goes for all the ARCs here.

The only thing I ask with these ARCs? If you win, be sure to give them a review, okay? Authors really want to know what you think of their books--especially if you love a book, make sure you let others know. It's a tough business, folks. Authors have to do a lot of marketing themselves now. And when your time comes, you'll want others to do the same for you. Plus, that's the point of an ARC--to spread the word about an upcoming release. Goodreads is a great place to start. I'll be writing up a review for every one of these books shortly. But just so you know, every single one of them is amazing.


(Click on the book covers for synopses of the books.)

Signed ARC of MATCHED by Ally Condie

 

My Review of MATCHED

********************************************

ARC of FIRELIGHT by Sophie Jordan

My Review of FIRELIGHT 

********************************************

ARC of  Torment by Lauren Kate (Sequel to FALLEN)

********************************************

ARC of EXTRAORDINARY by Nancy Werlin

********************************************

ARC of PERSONAL DEMONS by Lisa Desrochers

********************************************

ARC of HALO by Alexandra Adornetto

 

********************************************

ARC of THE DUFF by Kody Keplinger

Review: Heavenly by Jennifer Laurens

Heavenly by Jennifer Laurens

Link goes to and description from Goodreads.com

"I met someone who changed everything. Matthias. My autistic sister's guardian angel. Honest. Inspiring. Funny. Hot. And immortal. ...more I met someone who changed everything. Matthias. My autistic sister's guardian angel. Honest. Inspiring. Funny. Hot. And immortal. That was the problem. What could I do? I did what any other girl would do-I fell in love with him. Zoë's sister darts in front of cars. Her brother's a pothead. Her parents are so overwhelmed; they don't see Zoë lost in her broken life. Zoë escapes the only way she knows how: partying. Matthias, a guardian sent from Heaven, watches over Zoë's autistic sister. After Zoë is convinced he's legit, angel and lost girl come together in a love that changes destiny. But Heaven on Earth can't last forever"

**My rating: 3.5/5**

*My short but sweet review*
This book is a good one!
Despite that, it is built on a beautiful concept- a guardian angel for an autistic child, and the older sister falling in love with the angel. I connected well with Zoe- she is a genuine character and is easy to relate to. We get to see how she deals with difficulties in not so constructive ways, and then overcoming them. 
Matthias is an easy guy to love- he is humble, honest, hot, old fashioned, and pure. This is a breath of fresh air!
Aside from that, all I can say is brace yourself for a conclusion that is unexpected, though it is beautiful and a good way to end. 
I would recommend picking it up, and I definitely can't wait to get my hands on Penitence!


You may also like: Fallen, Body Finder, Dark Divine, Immortal by Shields, Everafter, Ruined


I would love to hear what you think. If you have written a review, feel free to link it here!

Win at Babbling Flow (ARC contest including Torment)

MUST enter here: http://babblingflow.blogspot.com/2010/07/summer-saradise-7-arc-giveaway.html

Below is a repost:

Summer Saradise 7 ARC giveaway!!

So I kicked off the start of summer with my Very Vampire Contest, and now to celebrate the middle of a kick ass summer so far, I'm opening another contest!

And this one's all ARCs! Yeah, seven of them to be exact. And these books are freaking hot. I can personally vouch for how awesome they are*, so trust me--you want to enter!!

The books up for grabs:

Clockwork Angel, by Cassandra Clare

Firelight, by Sophie Jordan

Halo, by Alexandra Adornetto

Paranormalcy, by Kiersten White

Personal Demons, by Lisa Desrochers

The Replacement, by Brenna Yovanoff

Torment, by Lauren Kate

ENTER ON HER SITE!

Win Torment at Writing from the tub

Below is a repost-- you must enter here: http://carlybennett.blogspot.com/2010/07/giveaway-torment-lauren-kate-arc.html

So who wants to win an ARC of Torment by Lauren Kate, the brilliant sequel to Fallen? It is an excellent book - I've read it twice so far and I absolutely adore it. I was lucky enough to pick up an ARC this weekend at the Random House meeting and I want to share it with you all :).

Summary (from Goodreads): How many lives do you need to live before you find someone worth dying for? In the aftermath of what happened at Sword & Cross, Luce has been hidden away by her cursed angelic boyfriend, Daniel, in a new school filled with Nephilim, the offspring of fallen angels and humans.

Daniel promises she will be safe here, protected from those who would kill her. At the school Luce discovers what the Shadows that have followed her all her life mean - and how to manipulate them to see into her other lives. Yet the more Luce learns about herself, the more she realizes that the past is her only key to unlocking her future...and that Daniel hasn't told her everything.

What if his version of the past isn't actually the way things happened...what if Luce was really meant to be with someone else?

This contest is international so get entering!

Win Beautiful Darkness at Roots in Myth

Note-- below is a repost from Roots in myth you must enter by going to: http://pjhoover.blogspot.com/2010/07/beautiful-darkness-arc-giveaway.html

For all of you who *loved* BEAUTIFUL CREATURES as much as I did, this ARC giveaway is for you! Yes, I'm giving away and ARC of


BEAUTIFUL DARKNESS by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl (Little, Brown, October 2010)

From Amazon:

Ethan Wate used to think of Gatlin, the small Southern town he had always called home, as a place where nothing ever changed. Then he met mysterious newcomer Lena Duchannes, who revealed a secret world that had been hidden in plain sight all along. A Gatlin that harbored ancient secrets beneath its moss-covered oaks and cracked sidewalks. A Gatlin where a curse has marked Lena's family of powerful Supernaturals for generations. A Gatlin where impossible, magical, life-altering events happen.

Sometimes life-ending.

Together they can face anything Gatlin throws at them, but after suffering a tragic loss, Lena starts to pull away, keeping secrets that test their relationship. And now that Ethan's eyes have been opened to the darker side of Gatlin, there's no going back. Haunted by strange visions only he can see, Ethan is pulled deeper into his town's tangled history and finds himself caught up in the dangerous network of underground passageways endlessly crisscrossing the South, where nothing is as it seems.

Review: The Iron King

The Iron King by Julie Kagawa

Book one of The Iron Fey

Description from and link goes to Goodreads.com

" Meghan Chase has never fit in at her small-town high school, and now, on the eve of her 16th birthday, she discovers why. When her half brother is kid...more Meghan Chase has never fit in at her small-town high school, and now, on the eve of her 16th birthday, she discovers why. When her half brother is kidnapped, Meghan is drawn into a fantastical world she never imagined--the world of Faery, where anything you see may try to eat you, and Meghan is the daughter of the summer faery king. Now she will journey into the depths of Faery to face an unknown enemy . . . and beg the help of a winter prince who might as soon kill her as let her touch his icy heart. The Iron King is the first book in the Iron Fey series."

**Rating: 4/5**


*My short but sweet review*
Okay, so ask me a few months ago if I read faery stories then I would have answered with a resounding no, but thanks to Tyger Tyger by Hamilton and The Iron King, I am accepting now. 
Kagawa creates a beautiful world, and her descriptions are detailed without bogging down the story. She has transformed characters that come from Shakespeare and made me relate to them and care about what they are going through. Grim is an amazing addition- he is the awesome sidekick in my opinion. 
And before I picked up this book, I heard so much about Team Ash and Team Puck, and I don't see how there can be any question-- Puck is too much like a brother to me. I really like Ash, but I am a sucker for the dark, handsome and mysterious I guess. 
The only reason I took away a star though, is I feel like there isn't much transitioning from Meghan disliking Ash to falling in love with him, which I guess can be said for other YA novels, but I would have liked to see a little more. Given, I did like the cuddling and the peek at the vulnerability in Ash.
Oh, and the cover!!!! I have been drawn to it since I started seeing it on blogs, but put it down due to the fey contents, but am I glad that I decided to give it a chance. 


I would love to hear what you think, and if you want to share your review, I would be glad to read and comment.
Oh and make sure to tell me which Team you are on!


The Iron King book trailer:

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In my Mailbox is brought to you by The Story Siren. It encourages blogger interaction and puts books on the radar. My book links take you to Goodreads.com
Make sure to enter my Crescendo contest!

Here I am wearing my team cullen t-shirt that I won from from I'd So Rather Be Reading
Bought from Book Depository
Flyaway
Forbidden

Won from Roots in Myth featured by my helpful little girl :D
Radiance

Won from contest at Novel thoughts- a signed copy of The Light of Asteria
From Simon and Schuster ARC of Crescendo (now up for giveaway to share the love)
From the library:
Heavenly
The Shifter- Healing Wars #1
The Iron King
13 to Life
Something like Fate


I would love to hear what you think!

Contest Round Up

I don't know if you love contests as much as I do, but if you do-- then here is my contest round up. I have found 3 sites that have awesome lists of contests around the blogosphere! 

Make sure to check out my Crescendo contest here

Lists of contests:
Dark Faerie Tales
Book Faery
Not Really Southern Vamp Chick Win on Wed

The Book Extravaganza is also going on through tomorrow (18th) details here

You can also check out my contest page to see what I have entered here

Good luck!
Also, let me know if you want me to make this a regular feature.

Review: Looking for Alaska

Looking for Alaska by John Green

Link goes to and description from Goodreads.com

" Before. Miles "Pudge" Halter is done with his safe life at home. His whole life has been one big non-event, and his obsession with famous last words has only made him crave "the Great Perhaps" even more (Francois Rabelais, poet). He heads off to the sometimes crazy and anything-but-boring world of Culver Creek Boarding School, and his life becomes the opposite of safe. Because down the hall is Alaska Young. The gorgeous, clever, funny, sexy, self-destructive, screwed up, and utterly fascinating Alaska Young. She is an event unto herself. She pulls Pudge into her world, launches him into the Great Perhaps, and steals his heart. Then . . . After. Nothing is ever the same." Before. Miles "Pudge" Halter is done with his safe life at home. His whole life has been one big non-event, and his obsession with famous la...more

**My rating: 4/5**

*My short but sweet review*

It has been awhile since I have read a book from a guy’s perspective, but I liked it. Pudge is a character that I was able to connect to—not having many friends and then all of the sudden being included into a circle of friends, however misfit they are. Being a book from a misfit’s perspective, of course there are characters that you love to hate. Alaska was a very charismatic character and I loved her quirks and was frustrated by her mood swings, though you begin to understand.

I love the descriptions of things—the fried food, the wrinkled pink shirt being an old lady sunbathing. Needless to say, this book made me chuckle a lot.

It picked back up in the second part, especially with their wonderful prank.

The conclusion was wonderful, I really liked Pudge’s paper.

 You may also like: 13 Reasons Why, Burn Journals, If I Stay, and Hold Still.
I would love to hear what you think, and if you have written a review, feel free to link it. 

Review: Scars by Cheryl Rainfield

Scars by Cheryl Rainfield

Link goes to and description from Goodreads.com

"Kendra, fifteen, hasn't felt safe since she began to recall devastating memories of childhood sexual abuse, especially because she still can't remember the most important detail-- her abuser's identity. Frightened, Kendra believes someone is always watching and following her, leaving menacing messages only she understands. If she lets her guard down even for a minute, it could cost Kendra her life. To relieve the pressure, Kendra cuts; aside from her brilliantly expressive artwork, it's her only way of coping. Since her own mother is too self-absorbed to hear her cries for help, Kendra finds support in others instead: from her therapist and her art teacher, from Sandy, the close family friend who encourages her artwork, and from Meghan, the classmate who's becoming a friend and maybe more. But the truth about Kendra's abuse is just waiting to explode, with startling unforeseen consequences. Scars is the unforgettable story of one girl's frightening path to the truth."

**My rating: 5/5**

*My short but sweet review*
This is a gripping tale of a sexual abuse survivor that deals with cutting. It is dark and unforgettable as you go on a journey with Kendra to remember who her abuser is, and learn to love and trust again. Kendra is a strong character and a survivor, she is easy to root for and you want her to come out on top. I like that this book does not gloss over the fact that cutting cannot be stopped on a dime, and that even if things get brighter, it is still a process that will likely take the rest of your life. However, it does give hope, and she is learning to be happy. 
I recommend for anyone who liked Speak, Cut, Hate List, By the time you read this, I'll be dead, or Willow.
I would love to hear your thoughts, and feel free to link your review if you have written one.

Review: Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick

Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick

Sequel to Hush, Hush

Link goes to and description from Goodreads.com

"The sequel to the New York Times Best selling phenomenon, Hush, Hush!
Nora should have know her life was far from perfect. Despite starting a relationship with her guardian angel, Patch (who, title aside, can be described anything but angelic), and surviving an attempt on her life, things are not looking up. Patch is starting to pull away and Nora can't figure out if it's for her best interest or if his interest has shifted to her arch-enemy Marcie Millar. Not to mention that Nora is haunted by images of her father and she becomes obsessed with finding out what really happened to him that night he left for Portland and never came home.
The farther Nora delves into the mystery of her father's death, the more she comes to question if her Nephilim blood line has something to do with it as well as why she seems to be in danger more than the average girl. Since Patch isn't answering her questions and seems to be standing in her way, she has to start finding the answers on her own. Relying too heavily on the fact that she has a guardian angel puts Nora at risk again and again. But can she really count on Patch or is he hiding secrets darker than she can even imagine?"

**My Rating: 5/5**

*My Review*

So, I am going about my business on Monday, and I get a ring at the door, of course during naptime, so at first I am annoyed. Then I see this book sized envelope propped up at my door with the return address of Simon and Suschter-- I eagerly tear it open and find Crescendo!! SQUEEEE!! I automatically flop on the couch and start reading- and here we are.
So, now I am going to attempt to review and convey the awesomeness that is Crescendo without spoilers!

Becca does it again with a beautifully written masterpiece that demands that you keep turning pages until you reach the end, and then you have PABD (post awesome book depression). Because if you didn't know, there is a cliffie. I am wanting the next book in my hand NOW and this one isn't even released.

But back to the beginning. It opens with one of the hottest scenes-- my mouth was watering for some Patch. MMM. I mean, seriously, how dare a book make me want to replace Edward. I guess that fallen angels (well, reformed ones anyways) can make you do blasphemous things like that ;)

Anyways, this book kept me on the edge of my seat-- I was always guessing what was going to happen next, and I never saw it coming when it did happen. There is so much going on, but in a good way, I was never confused, like can happen to me with some complex plots. It uses some plot devices from Hush, Hush and expands on them and begins to answer our questions and leaving us with new ones.

Nora is still amazing in this book, and I can understand where she is coming from. The events in this book makes her question herself, and everyone around her, and she does some awesome spy work with Vee. Who, may I mention, is even more awesome and funny in this book. We get some hilarious curvy jokes, comebacks at Marcie, stabs at Patch, and more!

There is a new hottie introduced in this one too, and prompts a pretty hilarious quote from Vee "I see the incontinence problem didn't go away over time?"
We of course, get more Patch, and who can complain about that. Though for a while I was pretty annoyed with him, things clear themselves up.
We get the character that everyone loves to hate, Marcie, and I have to tell you-- she gets punched! It is amazing.

Okay, so I need to stop now before I give something away, but let me just say this is an amazing read, it lives up to the hype, and Becca is awesome. (And so is Patch-- can I keep him?)

Can't wait until the release date? Enter to win Crescendo here on my blog!

I would love to hear from you, and if you have a review, link it if you want, I would love to hear your thoughts!

Crescendo giveaway

Yes-- you read that right, this contest is to win Crescendo! I got a copy in the mail today, and after I read it, I want to pass it on to one of my lucky followers. I do have one request- when you are done, hold your own contest, or donate it to a book tour site (like http://weloveyatours.blogspot.com,  http://travelingarc.bookblather.net or http://onearctours.blogspot.com/). I want to spread the Crescendo love as much as possible.
So this is for a gently read ARC.

Rules:
-Contest will end Thurs July 22nd at midnight
-US only or pay for own shipping
-Must be a blog follower
-Fill out form to enter my contest- comments are always welcome and encouraged so you remember that you entered, but will not count as entries

Extra Entries: (not required)
-Old follower +1
-Spread the word: +1 per entry (up to 3 on twitter, sidebar, etc.)
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 +10 new referral, +3 previous referral of mine
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CLOSED!
Good luck!

Review: Moonlight

Moonlight by Rachel Hawthorne

Part of the Dark Guardian series

Description from and linked to Goodreads.com

"I see him and knows what this turmoil inside of me means: He's the one. My forever.

KAYLA is the nature lover, the all-American beauty who can't understand why she's so drawn to distant, brooding Lucas. Adopted as a young child, she has no way of knowing that she's inherited a terrifying-and thrilling-gene that will change her life forever.

LUCAS is dangerous, gorgeous ... and a werewolf. As leader of the Dark Guardians, shape-shifters who gather deep within the state park, he has sworn to protect his pack. But when Lucas finds his true soul mate, his love could put them all in harm's way.

As Lucas and Kayla struggle with their feelings for each other, a greater danger lurks: Humans have discovered the Dark Guardians and are planning their destruction. Kayla must choose between the life she knows and the love she feels certain is her destiny."

**My Rating: 4/5**

*My short but sweet review*
Moonlight has a fast moving and interesting plot. Oh, and werewolves. Yummy ones at that. Lucas is a well done love interest, and Kayla is a well written protagonist. She is insecure and dealing with a lot but it balances out because she is loyal, and she is finding herself. Hawthorne wrote easy to dislike but understand villans-- I mean who wouldnt want super healing powers and find out more about this particular gene?
My qualm is the soulmate, love at first sight. I mean it is great for plotline, but it is really disappointing to those of us in real life ;)
I also wish that it would have just started into the book and not had the prologue!

But all in all this was what I expected- a quick enjoyable paranormal romance!

Similar reads: Immortal by Shields, Shiver, Jessica's guide, Dark Divine, Darkest Powers series, Immortals series by Noel

I would love to hear what you think and feel free to link review if you have written one!

Review: North of Beautiful

North of Beautiful by Justina Headley

Description from and linked to Goodreads.com

"Born with a port-wine stain birthmark covering her entire right cheek, Terra Rose Cooper is ready to leave her stifling, small Washington town where everyone knows her for her face. With her critical, reproachful father and an obese mother who turns to food to deflect her father's verbal attacks, home life for Terra isn't so great either. Fueled by her artistic desires, she plans to escape to an East Coast college, thinking this is her true path. When her father intercepts her acceptance letter, Terra is pushed off-course, and she is forced to confront her deepest insecurities. After an ironically fortuitous car accident, Terra meets Jacob, a handsome but odd goth Chinese boy who was adopted from China as a toddler. Jacob immediately understands Terra's battle with feeling different. When Terra's older brother invites her and her mother to visit him in Shanghai, Jacob and his mother also join them on their journey, where they all not only confront the truth about themselves, but also realize their own true beauty."

**My Rating: 5/5**


*My short but sweet review*


Love the cover! I love the downcast look, and the compass points, which are both relevant to the story!
I was drawn to this book because it is about internal and real beauty. Terra is very easy to relate to, because we all have our own insecurities and we get to learn through her. This book is compelling, and really makes you think. I got lost with Terra's voice, and it was a complex and winding journey! Jacob is a great love interest-- the goth chinese guy- I mean, what more can you ask for?
I love that the mothers play such a role in this book too, and that Terra's mom is finally able to stand up for herself and her daughter! It is self-discovery on more than one level.


Similar reads: If I stay, Cracked up to be, Story of a girl, Willow, After, Going too far, Breathing


I would love to hear what you think and feel free to link your review if you have one

Review: Girl in the Arena

Girl in the Arena by Lisa Haines

Link goes to and description from Goodreads.com

"
It’s a fight to the death—on live TV—when a gladiator’s daughter steps into the arena
Lyn is a neo-gladiator’s daughter, through and through.  Her mother has made a career out of marrying into the high-profile world of televised blood sport, and the rules of the Gladiator Sports Association are second nature to their family.  Always lend ineffable confidence to the gladiator.  Remind him constantly of his victories. And most importantly: Never leave the stadium when your father is dying. The rules help the family survive, but rules—and the GSA—can also turn against you. When a gifted young fighter kills Lyn’s seventh father, he also captures Lyn’s dowry bracelet, which means she must marry him... For fans of The Hunger Games and Fight Club, Lise Haines’ debut novel is a mesmerizing look at a world addicted to violence—a modern world that’s disturbingly easy to imagine.
"

**My Rating: 4/5**

*My short but sweet review*
Okay so first, I must admit, I am a sucker for being drawn to a book by its cover, and this was enough to interest me! I love the long hair, and I love the crouching position, almost mysterious.
On to the story. I like that Lyn is a strong heroine, and that she questions the standing rules and expectations. Her and the supporting characters are all well written and believable. She is questioning but she also has pride for Tommy- she is torn! I just feel for her in dealing with all of these men into and out of her life in such a tragic way, dealing with a difficult mother and a special needs brother. Luckily she does have her friend Mark and his family.
For the title and subject matter, I did expect more action, but the story was well paced regardless. I wish there was about 75 more pages to better explore the ending. I also wish that Uber would have been explored a little more, and the chemistry between them even though Lyn, understandably, does not want to be forced into marriage. I love the unexpected and it sure is with him-- a hulking gladiator hero that is near blind and has a soft spot.. aww.

Similar reads: Hunger Games, Maze Runner, Graceling, Numbers, Ice, Old Magic

I would love to hear what you think! Feel free to link your review.

Review: Skin Hunger

Skin Hunger by Kathleen Duey

Book 1 in A Resurrection of Magic

Link goes to and description from Goodreads.com

"Sadima lives in a world where magic has been banned, leaving poor villagers prey to fakes and charlatans. A "magician" stole her family's few valuables and left Sadima's mother to die on the day Sadima was born. But vestiges of magic are hidden in old rhymes and hearth tales and in people like Sadima, who conceals her silent communication with animals for fear of rejection and ridicule. When rumors of her gift reach Somiss, a young nobleman obsessed with restoring magic, he sends Franklin, his lifelong servant, to find her. Sadima's joy at sharing her secret becomes love for the man she shares it with. But Franklin's irrevocable bond to the brilliant and dangerous Somiss traps her, too, and she faces a heartbreaking decision.
Centuries later magic has been restored, but it is available only to the wealthy and is strictly controlled by wizards within a sequestered academy of magic. Hahp, the expendable second son of a rich merchant, is forced into the academy and finds himself paired with Gerrard, a peasant boy inexplicably admitted with nine sons of privilege and wealth. Only one of the ten students will graduate -- and the first academic requirement is survival.
Sadima's and Hahp's worlds are separated by generations, but their lives are connected in surprising and powerful ways in this brilliant first book of Kathleen Duey's dark, complex, and completely compelling trilogy."

**My rating: 5/5**

*My Short but sweet review*
This is such a beautifully written story! I also love that it is told from two points of view, and how complexly these stories are connected, but you don't realize just how much! It is one that you must have a tad bit of patience for in the beginning but then it really gets going and draws you in.
Although it is quite dark, our main characters are optimistic, and it works well for me. It is pretty gritty, and the author puts the students through a lot-- there is magic, there is a school, but this is not Hogwartz-- unless Umbridge and Filch are REALLY in charge, lol. I just couldn't wait to find out what they would do and learn next!

You may also like: Hunger Games, Mortal Instruments series, Beautiful Creatures, Maze Runner, Gone by Grant, Forest of Hands and Teeth, Adoration of Jenna Fox

I would love to hear what you think!

Review: Poison Study

Poison Study by Maria Snyder
First in study trilogy- Magic Study and Fire Study follows

Link goes to and description from Goodreads.com

"Choose: A quick death and hell or slow poison and hell.
About to be executed for murder, Yelena is offered an extraordinary reprieve. She'll eat the best meals, have rooms in the palace and risk assassination by anyone trying to kill the Commander of Ixia.
And so Yelena chooses to become a food taster. But the chief of security, leaving nothing to chance, deliberately feeds her Butterfly's Dust and only by appearing for her daily antidote will she delay an agonizing death from the poison.
As Yelena tries to escape her new dilemma, disasters keep mounting. Rebels plot to seize Ixia and Yelena develops magical powers she can't control. Her life is threatened again and choices must be made. But this time the outcomes aren't so clear."

**My Rating: 5/5**

*My short but sweet review*

I admit, it took me a bit to get into this book, but once I did, it blew me away. This is one of the books that helped to cure my PABD (post-amazing book depression) followed by the phenomenon that is Twilight. If you aren't a fan of Twilight, don't stop reading here, because I am not going to compare it and they are really not similar. This book is just amazing. The world is beautifully set up, the characters are well written, and Synder has a refreshing take on magic.

It is a fast paced book, and we little by little learn more about Yelena and why she is in prison to begin with. She makes some awesome friends, and there is romance-- it takes a bit to get there, but that is okay!


I definitely recommend this book and will reread when my TBR pile isn't so daunting.


If you liked the following books you may like this one (or the opposite, if you liked Poison Study you may like these): Glass series by Snyder, Graceling, The Forest of Hands and Teeth, Mortal Instruments series

I would love to hear what you think, and if you have written a review, if you link I will be happy to read and comment!

Review: The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner

The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner By Stephenie Meyer
Eclipse Novella (part of Twilight saga)

Link goes to and description from Goodreads.com

"Fans of The Twilight Saga will be enthralled by this riveting story of Bree Tanner, a character first introduced in Eclipse, and the darker side of the newborn vampire world she inhabits.

In another irresistible combination of danger, mystery, and romance, Stephenie Meyer tells the devastating story of Bree and the newborn army as they prepare to close in on Bella Swan and the Cullens, following their encounter to its unforgettable conclusion.


Bree Tanner can barely remember life before she had uncannily powerful senses, superhuman reflexes and unstoppable physical strength. Life before she had a relentless thirst for blood... life before she became a vampire.

All Bree knows is that living with her fellow newborns has few certainties and even fewer rules: watch your back, don't draw attention to yourself and, above all, make it home by sunrise or die. What she doesn't know: her time as an immortal is quickly running out.

Then Bree finds an unexpected friend in Diego, a newborn just as curious as Bree about their mysterious creator, whom they know only as "her". As they come to realize that the newborns are pawns in a game larger than anything they could have imagined, Bree and Diego must choose sides and decide whom to trust. But when everything you know about vampires is based on a lie, how do you find the truth?"

**My rating: 4/5**

*My short but sweet review*
Meyer does it again! She is an awesome story teller, and she builds characters that I am attached to, and place emotional investment in. I went into this book a little skeptical and angry, because I would rather have a copy of Midnight Sun in my hands, but what can you do, right? But I was able to connect with Bree- and I loved her romance with Diego. Yes, its another love at first sparkle, but that is okay with me. Even knowing how the story ends, I still found myself rooting for her, wishing that somehow her and Diego could get away and have their own little HEA.
And Fred-- such a lovely little addition. I am glad that he survived and I find myself wishing I could know more of his story!

I would love to hear what you think! Feel free to link your review and I will read and comment!

50 follower contest winners!

1- Bailey H.
2- Emma M.

I am emailing the winners and they have 48 hours to email me back or new winners will be drawn. Thank you to everyone for following and entering! I am sure I will have more to giveaway soon!