Vacation Celebration: Book of Choice Giveaway

So, I have been in NJ and Boston this week as many of you probably already know. I probably didn't get around to commenting on many blogs if at all, because it is our late anniversary trip while me and the hubs are in Boston.

I have some possibly lonely reviews that I'd love comments on and I will make sure to come around and visit once back at home. (Comments on these will also get you extra entries)

• Review: The Elite by Kiera Cass
• Review: Taken by Erin Bowman
• Review: Unravel Me by Tahereh Mafi

And The Rules by Kade goes live on 4/2


-book of choice giveaway open internationally
-Fill out Rafflecopter to enter
-Ends on 4/27/2013 11:59 pm EST

*If, for whatever reason, the Rafflecopter widget does not appear, you can click on the link and it will show up, sorry for the inconvenience.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Stacking the Shelves, IMMB, Showcase Sunday, The Sunday Post Mailbox Memes

Stacking the Shelves is hosted by Tynga's Reviews,  check it out and sign up  here

IMMB was started by Kristi at The Story Siren. Check it out and sign up here
Showcase Sunday is hosted by Books, Biscuits and Tea, check it out and sign up here
The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer ~ It's a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog, showcase books and things we have received and share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead.

Check out BOOK OF CHOICE Giveaway (Int)

What I got:

Wings of the Wicked(Angelfire, #2) Currently reading Source: library

Moulton, Courtney Allison *

The Eternity Cure (Blood of Eden, #2) source: Harlequin Teen

Kagawa, Julie *

Through the Ever Night(Under the Never Sky, #2)

Rossi, Veronica *

Crewel (Crewel World, #1) did not finish Source: library

Albin, Gennifer *

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer (Mara Dyer, #1) Source: library

Hodkin, Michelle *

The Ward source:  harper collina via Edelweiss

Frankel, Jordana

Under the Never Sky(Under the Never Sky, #1) Source: library

Rossi,

The Loop source: disney for review

Lawson, Shandy *

The Boyfriend App source: balzer bray/ harper collina via Edelweiss

Sise, Katie *

The Program (The Program, #1) source: simon pulse

Young, Suzanne *

Under the Never Sky(Under the Never Sky, #1) source: bought

Rossi, Veronica

Storm (Elemental, #1) Source: library

Kemmerer, Brigid *

Taken (Taken, #1) source: harper teen my review here

Bowman, Erin *

The Elite (The Selection, #2) source: harper teen my review here

Cass, Kiera *

Unravel Me (Shatter Me, #2) source: bought my review here

Mafi, Tahereh *

My week: It's been great. I have enjoyed Boston, and sad it is my last day. We went to the aquarium, the zoo, a Bruins game, the harbor, and the public library. We ate at Legal's, Dick's last resort, Haymarket pizza and went to Mike's Pastry more than once.

Last Week on the blog:

• Review: The Elite by Kiera Cass
• Waiting on Wednesday 3/27
• $50 Giftcard from Blue Hearts of Mars author Nicol...
• Review: Taken by Erin Bowman
• Review: Unravel Me by Tahereh Mafi
• Exclusive Giveaway: $20 Amazon GC and Books 1 and ...

What are you reading? Any of my books new to you or have you read any of my books? If so, what did you think?
Also, feel free to link up your blog and mailbox post.

Review: The Elite by Kiera Cass

The Elite by Kiera Cass

Thirty-five girls came to the palace to compete in the Selection. All but six have been sent home. And only one will get to marry Prince Maxon and be crowned princess of Illea.
America still isn’t sure where her heart lies. When she’s with Maxon, she’s swept up in their new and breathless romance, and can’t dream of being with anyone else. But whenever she sees Aspen standing guard around the palace, and is overcome with memories of the life they planned to share. With the group narrowed down to the Elite, the other girls are even more determined to win Maxon over—and time is running out for America to decide.
Just when America is sure she’s made her choice, a devastating loss makes her question everything again. And while she’s struggling to imagine her future, the violent rebels that are determined to overthrow the monarchy are growing stronger and their plans could destroy her chance at any kind of happy ending.

Publishes in US: April 23rd 2013 by Harper Teen

Genre: light dystopia, (more romance with a different government)
Source: ARC from HarperTeen
Series? the 2nd. The 1st The Selection is out (see my review here), the 3rd The Selection #3 still untitled releases in 2014


Buy it: Barnes & Noble   Amazon   IndieBound   BookDepository.com

Find Kiera online:  website. Twitter, Goodreads, Facebook

    I flew through this one and enjoyed getting to see another side of all of the characters. This one did a much better job at elaborating on the other girls, and I really enjoyed that. I know it was impossible in the first because getting to know America, Maxon and Aspen, and of course, there were just TOO many other girls. 

   Oh, America. She still needs time. I don't know why I am surprised by this because it is only the second book in the series, and of course she hasn't made a decision. I just feel for her heart as well as Maxon and Aspen, because someone is going to get hurt. 

   I enjoyed getting to know Marlee more, and interested at her reasoning for why she doesn't think she and Maxon are a good match. I, of course, have some speculations, but wanted more events to unfold. Besides, I just like her and America's friendship. It is refreshing to read about with all of the politics and love triangle afoot. Not saying that I don't like the romance, and getting deeper into that, I just like that aspect as well. 

   But oh, at the event that the synopsis hints at with the devastating loss--oh my goodness. I couldn't believe it and wished that there was something I could do to change it. It made me want to cry and scream. 

    And while I can understand America questioning herself and what she thought was her choice, I just wanted to strangle her because she wasn't looking at the whole picture. 

     I was so mad at her at times, because while I understood needing to get her feelings straightened out, and I am usually all for the forbidden love, I just didn't want for anyone to get hurt. And she was playing with huge fire still having feelings with Aspen, and the risks that they took in Selection alone were enough to be charged with treason according to the rules. 

    I couldn't look away from the book though, and my heart was torn just like hers with each twist and thing that happens, but I know that I am rooting for Maxon overall, and I think that America could do great things with him for the nation. 

    I am so ready for the next book in the series, and it is almost sad that I got the arc because now I have to wait longer... But I was immersed in this story and counting down until I can read more. 

Bottom Line: Emotional second book where America's choices only get harder.
Video review: 

My question to you, my lovely readers:

Do you think you could make it to the top 6 in a contest like this?
Or for those who have read selection: Maxon or Aspen?

Waiting on Wednesday 3/27

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted over at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating. I also feature books that may have already released, but I am anxiously waiting to read.

This week, I'm featuring:

Rush (The Game, #1)

Silver, Eve *

So what’s the game now? This, or the life I used to know?

When Miki Jones is pulled from her life, pulled through time and space into some kind of game—her carefully controlled life spirals into chaos. In the game, she and a team of other teens are sent on missions to eliminate the Drau, terrifying and beautiful alien creatures. There are no practice runs, no training, and no way out. Miki has only the guidance of secretive but maddeningly attractive team leader Jackson Tate, who says the game isn’t really a game, that what Miki and her new teammates do now determines their survival, and the survival of every other person on this planet. She laughs. He doesn’t. And then the game takes a deadly and terrifying turn.

Releases: June 11th 2013 by Katherine Tegen Books

What are you waiting on?

$50 Giftcard from Blue Hearts of Mars author Nicole Grotepas

Blue Hearts of Mars by Nicole Grotepas




Retta Heikkinen knows the unspoken rule of society: love between androids and humans is forbidden. A simple enough edict until Hemingway Koskinen spends an evening charming her with his intense gaze, bewitching smile, and sparkling conversation that hints at so much more than the usual obsessions of high school boys. Rules were meant to be cast aside, especially when love beckons.



If only it were as simple as being in love.



Trouble is brewing, not just for Hemingway--for all androids. Secrets have been kept, lies propagated, and Retta soon discovers that a frightening future awaits thousands of androids if she doesn’t do something to stop it. Worse yet, she will lose the one love she’s ever endangered herself for: Hemingway.

Grab a FREE copy on Amazon - March 27th & 28th 

Praise



"Nothing like I've read before. A true original story! Everything is so well described. Now if they could make a follow up book and movie, that would be great!" ~Mrs. Z (Amazon)



"I was addicted to this book from the beginning. Life on Mars was very real and not at all a sci fi world I didn't understand . . . I found myself rooting for Retta and Hemingway from the very beginning. Easy reading, couldn't put it down and had it read in a weekend. Waiting for a sequel!" ~TNielsen (Amazon)



"The ending of this book is exceptional. While it was different from what I imagined, the way the author brought in a shocking revelation was amazing. I probably reread the last chapter 3 times letting it sink in and the meaning behind it. It was truly beautiful . . . I would love to see more of Retta and Hemingway!" ~Kat Meyer, (Goodreads)



"I love how the author populated Mars . . . so descriptive and comprehensive . . . I could clearly picture everything as if I was seeing the movie &/or was along for the ride. . . . Retta, the main character, is strong, opinionated, and a great champion for her cause." ~Megan (Amazon)



"I had been in the worst reading slump ever and came across this on Goodreads and thought I'd give it a try. Well, I was pleasantly surprised on how funny and exciting and mysterious it was . . . Mei, Retta's bff, had me laughing out loud quite a bit as well as Retta herself. I'd definitely hang out with those two." ~Deanneluvbooks (Goodreads)

Blue Hearts of Mars has made it to the quarterfinals of the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award.



Readers are invited to download the excerpts (here) and rate and comment on the entries. So please, if you want to contribute, download and rate Blue Hearts! Your support is incredibly appreciated!





Or purchase the full version of the book here: Amazon

Author Nicole Grotepas



Nicole wrote her first fantasy novel in 7th grade on her mother's old Brother typewriter. It was never finished but it strongly resembled a Dragonlance plot and she's forever wondered what happened to the manuscript and Tonathan--the handsome elven protagonist. After living in Nashville where she worked as an editor, she returned to the Utah desert where she was raised. Nicole now lives near the Wasatch mountains with her husband. She writes and raises her son and three cats full time.

Website * Blog * Facebook * Twitter * Pinterest

Tour Schedule

Book Blast Giveaway

$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 4/14/13



Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareader.com and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.





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Review: Taken by Erin Bowman

Taken by Erin Bowman

There are no men in Claysoot. There are boys—but every one of them vanishes at midnight on his eighteenth birthday. The ground shakes, the wind howls, a blinding light descends…and he’s gone.
They call it the Heist.
Gray Weathersby’s eighteenth birthday is mere months away, and he’s prepared to meet his fate–until he finds a strange note from his mother and starts to question everything he’s been raised to accept: the Council leaders and their obvious secrets. The Heist itself. And what lies beyond the Wall that surrounds Claysoot–a structure that no one can cross and survive.
Climbing the Wall is suicide, but comes after the Heist could be worse. Should he sit back and wait to be taken–or risk everything on the hope of the other side?

Publishes in US: April 16th 2013 by HarperTeen
Genre: YA Dystopia
Source: Harper Teen via Edelweiss
Series? Yes. The 1st in Taken Series. The 2nd still untitled releases in 2014, and the 3rd still untitled releases in 2015

Buy it: Barnes & Noble Amazon IndieBound BookDepository.com

Find Erin online: site   twitter

    I liked Gray, he is impulsive, but caring. Though I didn't agree with every decision or action, I still enjoyed him as a narrator. It was different being in a boy's head that thought like him. There was also a lot of emotion right at the beginning because his older brother was to be heisted, meaning he would disappear in less than 24 hours when the book started. 

    This def was a strange world and it took me a while to get accustomed in it. Not only the 18 year old boys vanish, which I can buy because I figure he is going to figure out more of the why and how for that, but even if not, okay it is a paranormal book and allowances are made. Why are there vampires? How does a human transform into a werewolf? Right, so... but anyways, in this world set-up there are "slatings" where each month the boy is with another girl, and although these can be extended, it is general practice for the boys to sleep with a different girl every month. Okay, I get that they want for the populations to continue, but why not just have one boy with one girl? Anyways, it was just different, not bad per se, but I am used to a love triangle at most, not what our society would basically consider promiscuity. 

    There was a lot that caught my attention, his emotions, his voice, the mystery of what is different about him, knowing that he would probably go over the wall because of the lead up in the synopsis, and Emma. She works with her mom as a healer, and I really liked her spirit. I liked getting to know her better, and the moments she shared with Gray. 

    As the book goes on, new characters, and situations are encountered, each more surprising than the last. I didn't know who to really trust, or who might get hurt next. I liked the twists that the book took though, and I am eager to read more in this series, and find out what happens next, and what decisions Gray will make. 

Bottom Line: Nice beginning to a trilogy that was packed with action and surprises.

My question to you, my lovely readers:
Risk everything or play it safe?

Review: Unravel Me by Tahereh Mafi

Unravel Me By Tahereh Mafi

tick
tick
tick
tick
tick
it's almost
time for war.
Juliette has escaped to Omega Point. It is a place for people like her—people with gifts—and it is also the headquarters of the rebel resistance.
She's finally free from The Reestablishment, free from their plan to use her as a weapon, and free to love Adam. But Juliette will never be free from her lethal touch.
Or from Warner, who wants Juliette more than she ever thought possible.
In this exhilarating sequel to Shatter Me, Juliette has to make life-changing decisions between what she wants and what she thinks is right. Decisions that might involve choosing between her heart—and Adam's life.

Publishes in US: February 5th 2013 by HarperCollins
Genre: YA dystopia
Source: bought
Series? Yes, the 1st of Shatter Me series, 1.5 novella is Destroy Me, 2nd is Unravel Me, 2.5 novella is untitled Dec 13th 2013, and 3rd untitled releases Feb 2014

Buy it: Barnes & Noble   Amazon   IndieBound   BookDepository.com
Find Tahereh online: site   twitter   facebook  blog   book trailer

    When the synopsis says that she has to make some hard choices, it is not exaggerating  I thought it was just being fancy, but she is faced with a twist that I didn't see coming. And it makes her have to make choices about love that can kill, or breaking her own heart... and his? 

    I love the first book, and the second doesn't disappoint. We get to see more about Omega Point, and we get more of Kenji, who quickly became one of my favorite secondary characters. In Unravel Me, we see more of the day to day operations and Castle's research. The action is well written and the character development is superb. Juliette learns so much about herself and about stepping up, but she of course is still not perfect. She makes some mistakes that hurt to read about, and she literally couldn't make some of her decisions without hurting someone. 

    Besides the above mentioned twist, there are others that left me reeling. I finally began to see the appeal of Warner to an extent (this part of the review was written before I read Destroy Me) but I still go a little crazy for Adam  He makes me happy just how much he adores her and how loyal he is to his family and what he believes in. Speaking of his family--James has grown up a little in this one and he is one of my fave characters besides the obvious choices. 

    Although I still think that Adam is the best for Juliette, I know that between what I have learned in this and Destroy Me, that I don't want Warner to get hurt. I don't know how that is going to happen, but I know I don't want it. Where Shatter Me was Adam's book, and it made me love him, and it seems like the main character always picks the first love, Unravel Me is Warner's book. We get to see more of that deep, emotional and scarred side of him. And we see more connection with Warner, because Juliette is afraid of hurting Adam. My mind doesn't even know what to think, and that is good writing when I can't make up my mind. 

    As usual, the pacing is great. There is always some sort of action going on, whether battles or character development. Or some scenes that will break your heart, or make you sigh because of the romance. The sequel is hot and I absolutely can't wait for the third. 

Bottom Line: Awesome sequel, enjoyed Juliette even more in this one!

Question: Have you ever made a decision that leaves someone hurt no matter what you decide?

Exclusive Giveaway: $20 Amazon GC and Books 1 and 2 of Oracle series by C.W. Trisef

Oracle: Sunken Earth

Fall, current day, Atlantic Ocean. Another hurricane tears through the Bahamas, headed for Florida. Among the wreckage: a U.S. Coast Guard rescue boat, one survivor (Ret Cooper), and a spherical object of curious design (the Oracle).
Ret Cooper is a simple young man with mysterious origins, unique physical features, and no memory of his past. His new family and friends discover he is truly extraordinary, with supernatural powers and strange scars on the palms of his hands. But what is his destiny?
The Oracle is the key to Earth's unity and full potential, too perfect to be man-made. Legend claims it can unleash limitless power when filled with Mother Nature's six, pure, original elements. But where are these elements? And which of our planet's ancient secrets will be explained in the process of locating them?
The first book from new author C.W. Trisef will have you cheering for Ret as he travels a submerged road, discovers a lost city, climbs an electrifying mountain, and begins to unravel the mystery of the Oracle ... all during his first year of high school.

 

Oracle: Fire Island by C.W. Trisef

The adventure continues! With the first element (earth) painfully collected within the Oracle, Ret Cooper and his friends return home to find that things are only heating up. Thanks to some mischief caused by the peculiar Benjamin Coy, Ret’s second scar makes its explosive debut. But what does it mean, and where will it take them? These questions gnaw at Ret as he begins his sophomore year at Tybee High.
With challenging twists, inspired turns, and a few unexpected surprises, our hero once again confronts danger and disaster, while discovering newfound feelings for a certain female companion. Old friends and foes, along with a few new ones, follow Ret as more of our world’s mysteries lead him to Fire Island and the second element (fire). Ancient artifacts, a hot-air balloon, lines in the desert, a city in the mountains, tribal societies, and even the navel of the world all play their parts in Ret’s continued quest to fill the Oracle.
This second installment in the Oracle series is a must read, full of fun, adventure, and wholesome purpose. Hang on tight as author C.W. Trisef takes you to places and predicaments you have never seen before or even imagined, and makes you feel like you are a part of Ret’s destiny, to cure the world.

And coming April 2013

River of Ore

Two elements collected (earth and fire). Will the pain from Sunken Earth ever subside? Will the smoke rising from Fire Island ever disperse? Will Ret, Ana, and Paige ever complete their sophomore year? No, not yet! A third scar has appeared, pointing them to a place where Mr. Coy refuses to go. Fortunately for him, a fourth scar surfaces, one that takes them to the Amazon Rainforest, the Sahara Desert, and ultimately the City of Gold.
We follow our heroes across sea and sand—along rivers wet and dry—on a journey that spans multiple continents as they seek out the hiding place of the third element (ore). Organized or vigilante, trouble finds them at every turn in lands where deadly curses abound. Somewhere, between golden arches and ancient ruins, an age-old secret is waiting to be uncovered.
But Ret’s enemies are multiplying, a grim reality that will try the hearts of his friends. And even while some romances bloom and others fade, Ret and the gang must stay on guard. The Oracle is wasting no time now, clearly hastening the gathering of its elements. Things are in full motion; Ret feels this. So does Lye; he is ready—and waiting.

website - http://www.trisefbook.com/
facebook - https://www.facebook.com/cw.trisef
twitter - https://twitter.com/CWTrisef
linkedin - http://www.linkedin.com/pub/cw-trisef/40/916/8
goodreads - http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4969194.C_W_Trisef
email - trisefbook@gmail.com

* What inspired you to write this series?

I have always been fascinated by our planet’s ancient secrets, so that was certainly the genesis for the series. The world mysteries in book 1 are the Bermuda Triangle, the Lost City of Atlantis, and the Bimini Road. The world mysteries in book 2 are the Nazca Lines, Machu Picchu, and Easter Island. My website (www.trisefbook.com) explains each world mystery in greater detail. I like to think that the Oracle series is an impressive blend of fact and fiction, based on real places and substantiated theories. I believe that a great story not only entertains but also educates, thus the unique writing style.

* Do you have a favorite scene in each book so far?

Actually, I have so many favorite scenes, I'm not sure I could pick just one (sorry). For example, in book 1, Ret (the main character) discovers a submerged road at the bottom of the ocean, then discovers a lost city, then climbs an electrifying mountain beneath the bottom of the ocean within that lost city. And then, book 2 gets even better. Ret and his friends discover ancient artifacts, ride a super-powered hot-air balloon to the navel of the world, see truly amazing lines in the desert, find a city in the mountains, help tribal societies, and much more! And if you think those scenes are breathtaking, just wait for book 3, which will be available in the next month or so ...  

* Share something personal!! What sort of traveling do you like to do? How did you get into snorkeling?

I have actually only been snorkeling once in my entire life, and I did so as research for book 1. You see, I am committed to maintaining a well-informed imagination. In April 2011, I traveled to the island of Bimini in the Bahamas, braved the Bermuda Triangle, and scuba dove the site of the actual Bimini Road for myself (see pictures on my website). After the trip, I even adjusted portions of the manuscript to be more consistent with what I observed. So, in the end, I try to make my product a compelling blend of reality and fantasy that is almost believable.



- copy, open internationally
-Fill out Rafflecopter to enter
-Ends on 4/15/2013 11:59 pm EST
-If you win a review on your blog and/or amazon is appreciated but not required.

*If, for whatever reason, the Rafflecopter widget does not appear, you can click on the link and it will show up, sorry for the inconvenience.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Stacking the Shelves, IMMB, Showcase Sunday, The Sunday Post Mailbox Memes

Stacking the Shelves is hosted by Tynga's Reviews,  check it out and sign up  here

IMMB was started by Kristi at The Story Siren. Check it out and sign up here

Showcase Sunday is hosted by Books, Biscuits and Tea, check it out and sign up here

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer ~ It's a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog, showcase books and things we have received and share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead.

What I got:

Destroy Me (Shatter Me #1.5) source: bought my review HERE

Mafi, Tahereh

Second Chance Summer Source: Simon and Schuster my review HERE

Matson, Morgan *

My week: Good. Had a great girl's night with my bible study girls last night and we are leaving for New Jersey and Boston tomorrow. The Boston part of the trip will be to celebrate me and Allan's anniversary late.

Last Week on the blog:

• Review: Destroy Me By Tahereh Mafi
• Giveaway and Guest Post: Deadly Kisses by Kerri Cu...
• Waiting on Wednesday 3/20
• What should I read next?
• Amazon Gift card Giveaway and Blog Tour: Interview...
• Review: Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson
• $50 Giveaway by Starseed author LIz Gruder
• Books for Trade
• Giveaway and Guest Post: Crossroads by J.J. Bonds

Coming up on the blog:
Review: Unravel Me by Tahereh Mafi
Review: Taken by Erin Bowman
Review: The Elite by Kiera Cass
Exclusive Giveaway: $20 Amazon GC and Books 1 and 2 of The Oracle
Waiting on Wednesday 3/27
Book of Choice Giveaway

What are you reading? Any of my books new to you or have you read any of my books? If so, what did you think?
Also, feel free to link up your blog and mailbox post.