The Bookie Bunch

New blog

2011-09-13T21:45:00.000-05:00

It's been a while but I've decided to start fresh, along with my new YT name. It'd mean a lot to me if you'd follow me! :)

http://thebookishbelle.blogspot.com

Thanks so much!

Blog book sale

2011-07-06T17:40:00.002-05:00

Hey ladies, I recently purchased a Kindle and no longer need these books anymore. I bought most of these new, though some are second hand but in excellent condition. All hardcovers are $5 and paperbacks are $3 unless noted. Shipping will be 2.50 per book. PP fees are not included. I take Paypal only. Thanks!

Hardcovers - $5
Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl (book 1)
Beautiful Darkness by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl (no dust jacket) - $4 (book 2)
The Hollow by Jessica Verday
Jekel Loves Hyde - Beth Fantaskey
Deadly Little Lies - Laurie Faria Storlarz (book #2)
Deadly Little Games - Laurie Faria Stolarz (book 3)
Shiver - Maggie Stiefvater
Linger - Maggie Stiefvater (will sell the set for $7)
What I Saw and How I Lied - Judy Blundell
Fallen - Lauren Kate
The Dark Devine - Bree Despain
The Maze Runner - James Dashner
Just Listen - Sarah Dessen
The Lying Game - Sara Shepard

Paperback $3
Haunted by Joy Preble
Willow - Julia Hoban
Posessions - Nancy Holder
This Lullaby - Sarah Dessen $2 - has slight water damage
Fall for Anything - Courney Summers (Advanced Reader's Copy)
Looking for Alaska - John Green
Night Runner - Max Turner
The Time Traveler's Wife - Audrey Niffenegger
A Northern Light - Jennifer Donnelly
The Last Song - Nicholas Sparks (movie cover)

Fixing Delilah by Sarah Ockler

2011-04-04T17:15:00.000-05:00

Click here to go to this novel's Goodreads page!

This book was absolutely stunning! I adored every minute of it and I thought it was perfect. Sarah Ockler is such a talented author that really knows how to take the reader to another place. I felt everything Delilah felt, and I fell in love with Patrick right along with her.

The plot was great and I didn't see what she had planned coming at all. This is a wonderful novel of self discovery and growth, how relationships change and the true meaning of love, family, and forgiveness. If you've ever had a problem or fight with someone you love, I encourage you to read this book.

Gorgeous, gorgeous. A favorite ever, for sure.

5/5

The Sky is Everywhere - Jandy Nelson

2011-03-24T21:08:00.000-05:00

Click here to go to this novel's Goodreads page!

How can something so heartbreaking be told so beautifully? I thought this novel was gorgeous in it's imagery and the way the writer projects this story onto paper was really stunning. I absolutely loved Lennie's character, I completely got her. Everything she did or said I understood the premise behind it, even if she didn't.

The writing was effortless and smooth, it didn't even feel like reading. I felt like I was being told a story and I devoured it. There were so many times when I didn't want to put this book down. I can't believe this is Jandy's first novel...it's just amazing. I can't wait for many more of her books to come!

5/5

Where the Truth Lies - Jessica Warman

2011-03-21T22:14:00.000-05:00

On the surface, Emily Meckler leads the perfect life. She has three best friends, two loving parents, and the ideal setup at the Connecticut prep school where her father is the headmaster. But Emily also suffers from devastating nightmares about fire and water, and nobody knows why. Then the enigmatic Del Sugar enters her life, and Emily is immediately swept away—but her passionate relationship with Del is just the first of many things that aren't quite what they seem in Emily's life. As the lies she's been told start to unravel, Emily must set out to discover the truth regarding her nightmare; on a journey that will lead her to question everything she thought she knew about love, family, and her own idyllic past.

All I can say is yikes. This book was all kinds of bad for me. I thought it was great at first, but then things just got worse. I'm really into character development and this didn't have that at all. Things escalated very quickly and I didn't feel connected to the characters like I wanted to.

The writing was good, I just felt like the plot left something to be desired. The summary was amazing but it didn't turn out the way I thought it should've. I really felt like there was something missing and there were many loose ends. Maybe there's a second novel in the works? I don't know. I do know though that this book left a lot to be desired from the middle on and I was pretty disappointed.

2/5

What's in my Mailbox? (3/20/11)

2011-03-20T22:19:00.001-05:00

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi of The Story Siren!

Just went to the library this week - broke as a joke from last book haul! ;)

Fixing Delilah - Sarah Ockler
Annexed - Sharon Dogar
Sky is Everywhere, The - Jandy Nelson
Slice of Cherry - Dia Reeves
Where the Truth Lies - Jessica Warman
Take Me There - Carolee Dean

Slice of Cherry - Dia Reeves

2011-03-20T22:06:00.000-05:00

Happiness is a bloody knife.

It’s no surprise when Kit and Fancy start to give in to their deepest desire—the desire to kill. What starts as a fascination with slicing open and stitching up quickly spirals into a gratifying murder spree. Of course, the sisters aren’t killing just anyone, only the people who truly deserve it. But the girls have learned from the mistakes of their father, and know that a shred of evidence could get them caught. So when Fancy stumbles upon a mysterious and invisible doorway to another world, she opens a door to endless possibilities….

I was pleasantly surprised with this novel and I'm glad I decided to pick it up! The writing was amazing (as always) and I thought Kit and Fancy were two of the most interesting characters I've ever read about. I was so addicted to getting more insight about them that I was finished with the book in a few sittings!

Bleeding Violet was the first book by Dia and I loved the idea behind it. I think I liked this one more though! I liked Kit and Fancy's relationship (however toxic and odd it may have been) and their interactions were delicious. ;) I love how non-nonchalant they were about their killings and who they killed.

Go get this book, it's addictive.

4/5

What's in my Mailbox? (3/6/11)

2011-03-06T00:35:00.000-06:00

It's been quite a while, I know!

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi of The Story Siren!

Elixir by Hilary Duff

Afterlife by Claudia Gray

Delirium by Lauren Oliver

The Replacement by Brenna Yovanoff

Haunted by Joy Preble*

Ruined bindup by Simone Elkeles

The Vampire Diaries: Stefan's Diaries by LJ Smith (&CW)

The Back Door of Midnight by Elizabeth Chandler

The Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa

Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr

*I was contacted by Joy Preble through Goodreads. She had seen my review of Dreaming Anastasia on Youtube and her publishers took my suggestion that the diary text was hard to read and changed it in the reprinting of the book. Joy was sweet enough to send me a signed copy of Haunted as a thank you. How awesome is that?!

Afterlife by Claudia Gray

2011-03-06T00:19:00.000-06:00

I've been a fan of the Evernight series from day one. Claudia Gray is a great author and really knows how to throw a reader around, in a good way! The writing was really good and kept me wanting to keep reading. One thing I did find annoying, was she continued to say 'this would've been funny if it wasn't so serious' and wording it in about a dozen different ways. I found that a little tiresome to read, but other than that it was very enjoyable.

I really loved the twists in the plot and I appreciated it very much. The ending wasn't very good for me, as an ending to a four book series it felt a little weak. It fixed things a little too much. I know that there are still going to be complications, but I still felt everything worked out too perfectly.

I will always be team Balthazar. <3 I can't wait to hear about his story coming in 2012 (way too long!)

4/5

Long time no see...

2011-03-02T19:04:00.000-06:00

Hey guys! So sorry it's been so long since I've made a post, been really busy and also haven't been much into reading. My love and obsession however, is back and bigger than ever. Hopefully I'll be caught up with video reviews this weekend!

[not posting summary to avoid spoiling others]

I have really enjoyed the Touch series and this novel is no exception. There were some things I didn't care for, but overall, this book is a must read if you like paranormal romances.

The writing was great, as it always has been. I feel like the characters got a little more depth with them as they mature in the series. I have to say though, Wes and Kimmie totally stole the show away from Camelia and Ben in my opinion. They are SO funny and so imperfectly perfect that I want to put them in my pocket.

The suspense was really good as well. Though I did have an inkling as to whodunit, I thought the audio transcriptions and crosswords were very clever and a good way to keep the reader going.

The ending was a little cheesy for me, and predictable, but I still am looking forward to Deadly Little Voices, due to come in November of 2011.

4/5

The Ghost and the Goth - Stacey Kade

2011-02-03T08:53:00.000-06:00

I really enjoyed this book! It was a very fast and fun read, a nice break after something as serious and action-packed as Nightshade. I was a little worried about how I'd like Alona, but she didn't bother me too much. As the novel progressed, I began to like her more. Will was another story - I loved him from the beginning and want him to be mine. ;]

The end was great and not what I was expecting at all, which was a very pleasant surprise. I thought the writing was great and the characters all added something. I didn't know how I felt about Joonie though, I'm still working my feelings out on her.

Great book overall, I also didn't know Stacey was an 'older' author. She knows the whole teen speak and what's going on in latest times very well. I'm impressed! I'm looking forward to reading Queen of the Dead, which is supposed to come out June 7th, 2011!

4/5

Nightshade by Andrea Cremer

2011-02-01T18:31:00.000-06:00

Calla Tor has always known her destiny: After graduating from the Mountain School, she'll be the mate of sexy alpha wolf Ren Laroche and fight with him, side by side, ruling their pack and guarding sacred sites for the Keepers. But when she violates her masters' laws by saving a beautiful human boy out for a hike, Calla begins to question her fate, her existence, and the very essence of the world she has known. By following her heart, she might lose everything— including her own life. Is forbidden love worth the ultimate sacrifice?

I thought this novel was great! I was a little disappointed in the ending, but that didn't deter me from giving it a solid 5 stars! I loved the characters in this story, and I loved the solid plot. As I read, I could truly tell that the author knew everything but was only telling me what she wanted me to know.

The writing style was great and I thought all the characters were strong and very independent personalities. Nothing is worse when the characters blend in with each other and make for just background. I didn't love Ren's character but I complete understood him and appreciated him at the end. I think my favorites were Nev, Mason, Bryn, and Ansel...they were so sweet and amazing. Calla was a great character too, but I wasn't a fan of how she really played up on the emotions of the two boys.

Overall, the plot was great, fast-paced, and I sped through the book because I couldn't put it down! Grab this one as fast as you can!

5/5

Jane by April Linder

2011-01-29T09:49:00.000-06:00

Forced to drop out of an esteemed East Coast college after the sudden death of her parents, Jane Moore takes a nanny job at Thornfield Park, the estate of Nico Rathburn, an iconic rock star on the brink of a huge comeback. Practical and independent, Jane reluctantly becomes entranced by her magnetic and brooding employer, and finds herself in the midst of a forbidden romance. But there's a mystery at Thornfield, and Jane's much-envied relationship with Nico is tested by a torturous secret from his past.

From the second I saw the cover of this book and that the author was inspired by Jane Eyre, I HAD to read this one. When I picked it up, I immediately was drawn to it. The idea of this novel was brilliant, and I liked how the author modernized it from the original. I liked Jane in the beginning, I felt like she was honest and had a firm hold on what her beliefs were.

With that being said, the book started to go a little downhill for me in the middle. The simplest way I can explain it is I wanted more. I wanted more interaction and discussions between Jane and Maddy, I wanted more of the 'forbidden romance' between Nico and Jane, it just seemed to be lacking.

I sort of liked Nico, but I felt like the author took away everything about Mr. Rochester and changed it except the jerkish qualities. I felt Nico was a whiny brat who always wanted his way, He used women to make Jane jealous, and was pretty possessive over her in a scary way. Mr. Rochester is one of the most romantic characters in literature and I don't think he was given justice.

Overall, I still really did like the book. I think someone who hasn't read Jane Eyre first would probably enjoy it more, I found myself constantly comparing to the classic and I wish I hadn't of done that.

4/5!

Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick

2011-01-25T11:59:00.000-06:00

Sorry I've been MIA guys! I was really sick with pneumonia and couldn't even think much less read ;)

I was so stoked to read this book - I'd been waiting since Hush Hush flew into my heart. This novel however, wasn't what I was expecting. It started off okay, and then things got bad when Nora and Patch decided to split. How in the world did Nora turn into this hypocritical, manic depressive, stalker?! I understand the pain she was feeling but she brought it onto herself.

I felt like Nora was deserting all her friends and goes into her own little cove of depression and jealousy. She was a lousy friend and I felt Vee and Patch didn't deserve her. I loved Nora in Hush Hush, but in this book she seemed more desperate and contradictory. She wanted Patch to go away and not be her guardian angel, but then she does dangerous things to test him? Eh?!

I thought the writing was good, I think my biggest problem was with Nora and the ending. I (above most, even) appreciate a good cliffhanger. I think this author went a little overboard. The cliffhanger was so abrupt that I thought too many loose ends weren't tied and she wanted to finish just to meet a dead line. I'm still looking forward to Tempest, and hope Nora is better.

3/5

Nevermore by Kelly Creagh

2011-01-01T20:28:00.001-06:00

I still can't believe it's 2011 already! Where has this year gone?! We're moving on and now we're in another year of books. Speaking of which, I'm proud to announce The Bookie Bunch's first review of 2011!

Cheerleader Isobel Lanley is horrified when she is paired with Varen Nethers for an English project, which is due—so unfair—on the day of the rival game. Cold and aloof, sardonic and sharp-tongued, Varen makes it clear he’d rather not have anything to do with her either. But when Isobel discovers strange writing in his journal, she can’t help but give this enigmatic boy with the piercing eyes another look. Soon, Isobel finds herself making excuses to be with Varen. Steadily pulled away from her friends and her possessive boyfriend, Isobel ventures deeper and deeper into the dream world Varen has created through the pages of his notebook, a realm where the terrifying stories of Edgar Allan Poe come to life.

I'm thrilled this was my first read of the 2011 Book Challenge! It was a great read with intelligent writing and clever wit. I enjoyed Varen and Isobel as characters, I felt like they weren't what they seemed and they had some substance to them. Varen especially was a character I really wanted to get to know and felt like I'd learn more as I peeled the layers.

I loved how the author mixed in poems of Edgar Allen Poe, along with some of Varen's original writings. That was one of the main reasons I wanted this novel, I was intrigued how she would pull it off. The plot was really good and I thought the ending was wonderful.

4.5/5!

Entice by Carrie Jones

2010-12-29T12:47:00.003-06:00

Hey everyone! I hope you had a wonderful Holiday season and can't wait to see you in the new year. Hopefully it'll be amazing for all of you!

*Summary not added to save from spoiling others!*

First off, the cover is absolutely stunning on this book and I love how the set look on the shelf! With that said, I have to admit that I wasn't too impressed with this book. I adored (truly) the first two books in this series, but Entice fell flat for me on many levels.

I felt like the author glazed over some important conversations I would've liked to know about and the writing felt a bit rushed to me. As I was reading, I felt as if she was rushing everything else to get to the ending which turned out being pretty bland and mediocre in my opinion.

I am still 1100% team Astley. I don't know why I'm such a sucker for the martyrs, but I am! It made me so sad when he risked so much to help Zara and she doesn't give him a bone or anything. As many other series I've read, the so-called 'love triangle' is pretty one sided and weak.

Overall I wasn't too impressed with this book in the series, but I'm still looking forward to the next book coming in 2011 and this book didn't pause my enjoyment of the series.

3/5 :(

Crank by Ellen Hopkins

2010-12-21T21:04:00.001-06:00

Kristina Georgia Snow is the perfect daughter: gifted high school junior, quiet, never any trouble. But on a trip to visit her absentee father, Kristina disappears and Bree takes her place. Bree is the exact opposite of Kristina -- she's fearless. Through a boy, Bree meets the monster: crank. And what begins as a wild, ecstatic ride turns into a struggle through hell for her mind, her soul -- her life.

This was a beautifully written book that was infuriating and heart-wrenching at the same time. I loved Kristina and her alter-ego Bree, and I understood why she did it. this book really touches on the human emotion and our psyche in general and makes it a fascinating read.

I found that reading in verse was a little difficult at times, but I adjusted quickly and ended up finding it fascinating. I've always said that it takes a very talented author to write in verse. Because of the lack of wordage, each second needs to be meaningful. Ellen Hopkins succeeded with flying colors for me.

Definitely read this book if you're one of the late bloomers (like I was) about Ellen, it's worth it times a dozen!

5/5

Book haul!

2010-12-16T22:42:00.004-06:00

Whee! I love books!

Lessons from a Dead Girl - Jo Knowles

2010-12-09T19:17:00.000-06:00

Leah Greene is dead. For Laine, knowing what really happened and the awful feeling that she is, in some way, responsible set her on a journey of painful self-discovery. Yes, she wished for this. She hated Leah that much. Hated her for all the times in the closet, when Leah made her do those things. They were just practicing, Leah said. But why did Leah choose her? Was she special, or just easy to control? And why didn’t Laine make it stop sooner? In the aftermath of the tragedy, Laine is left to explore the devastating lessons Leah taught her, find some meaning in them, and decide whether she can forgive Leah and, ultimately, herself.

Wow. One of my favorite reads of the year, for sure. I found myself sobbing at so many parts. Maybe because I relate so much to the girls that I felt it personally on my heart, or that Jo is just an amazing writer. I think it's a little bit of both =).

This novel had the perfect amount of eerieness and also suspense and drama. I thought Leah was perfectly evil and sad at the same time. She channeled her pain through something else and it made my heart hurt for her at the same time I wanted to pummel her.

Please read this novel if you haven't. I think it's a must read for all teen girls.

5/5

The View from the Top - Hillary Frank

2010-12-09T19:08:00.002-06:00

Eighteen-year-old Anabelle’s last few months in her coastal hometown are bittersweet. Instead of the quiet precollege summer she expects, Anabelle makes some surprising discoveries about herself as she navigates romantic entanglements and changing friendships. Through shifting points of view in seven interconnected stories, we glimpse the limits of how well her friends really know Anabelle . . . and how little she grasps about the way they see her.

This book was my reality check to never trust reviews! The word of mouth I was getting on this novel was pretty negative but once I picked up this book, I really enjoyed it!

I did think that Anabelle was a little pretentious and annoying, as well as very self pitying and depressing but there was still something I liked about her. Another thing that I wasn't too much a fan of, was how everything wanted to be with her or liked her - come on. Is she that amazing? I don't think so. I would've given this book a 5/5 if the stories were about the characters like someone different instead of Anabelle.

Still worth the read and I seriously adore the cover!

4/5

Beautiful - Amy Reed

2010-12-09T18:58:00.000-06:00

When Cassie moves from the tiny town where she has always lived to a suburb of Seattle, she is determined to leave her boring, good-girl existence behind. This is Cassie's chance to stop being invisible and become the kind of girl who's worth noticing.

I really wanted to like this novel, I thought I would take away something from it, but I was left feeling a bit empty and unmoved. I felt as though the writing was nothing but a bunch of run-on sentences along with excessive use of the word 'and'.

I understand where Cassie is coming from, truly. I've been in her position (though I was older than thirteen) and it's horrible. Though I felt she was too out of control and was so ignorant of what she had. I wish it didn't have to take what happened for her to finally see the light.

The writing wasn't the greatest, I didn't feel the urge to read more at all. I could put the book down easily and wanted to finish it more out of obligation than actual interest. I thought the scenes were a bit graphic for a YA novel, I think the author was attempting to get gritty and raw emotions from the reader, but instead it came out sleazy.

2/5

Fall for Anything - Courney Summers

2010-12-02T20:01:00.000-06:00

When Eddie Reeves’s father commits suicide her life is consumed by the nagging question of why? Why when he was a legendary photographer and a brilliant teacher? Why when he seemed to find inspiration in everything he saw? And, most important, why when he had a daughter who loved him more than anyone else in the world? When she meets Culler Evans, a former student of her father’s and a photographer himself, an instant and dangerous attraction begins. Culler seems to know more about her father than she does and could possibly hold the key to the mystery surrounding his death. But Eddie’s vulnerability has weakened her and Culler Evans is getting too close. Her need for the truth keeps her hanging on...but are some questions better left unanswered?

I really enjoyed Cracked Up to Be and Some Girls Are by Courtney but for some reason, I couldn't get into this one much. It was still good and emotionally there, but I found myself having a hard time relating and liking Eddie and the other characters.

Beth absolutely drove me up the wall and I wanted to strangle her to death. It made the story a little less likeable in that reason, but the story was still the same. I think it is a nice story about love and forgiveness, but I just wasn't a big fan on the execution. Please give this book a chance though, I know it will change your outlook on family and keeping what you have close!

3.5/5!

The Iron Daughter - Julie Kagawa

2010-12-02T19:43:00.002-06:00

I've come to find that Julie Kagawa cannot disappoint me! This was a great sequel to the Iron King and the Iron Fey series in general. I've always enjoyed Julie as a writer, and think her creativity goes above anything else. I found myself on the edge of my seat in anticipation about what was next.

I loved the constant action in this book - it can be so hard to write one without it lagging and I wasn't bored in any part. I loved all the battles and introduction to new characters and of course Grim. Love him.

The love portion of the story didn't interest me much, just because I'm not a fan of the coupling. I can bypass that though, because the action and plot line otherwise is just good.

4/5!

Recipe: Christmas Crack! ;)

2010-11-28T15:25:00.000-06:00

I made this last night and it is so good! More than half the pan was gone in a few hours. Since the Holidays are here, I thought to post it in case any of you need an inexpensive gift or treat to give! It's very easy to make so the kiddos can help too.

Ingredients
1 sleeve of saltines
3/4 cup of light brown sugar
1 cup butter (2 sticks, salted)
Bag of milk chocolate chips (I used 3/4 a bag)
Crushed pecans/nuts (optional)

Directions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Line a raised edge baking sheet in tin foil and spray lightly with cooking spray. Line saltines in a single layer side by side.
- Combine brown sugar and butter in a pan for three minutes, bringing it to a boil.
- Once the the boiled mixture is finished, pour it over the saltines. Make sure you coat them as evenly as possible.
- Put in the oven for five minutes and take out when the mixture is bubbly.
- Once out of the oven, the saltines might have shifted. Move them back together with a knife or fork. Wait for 3 minutes for mixture to cool and the crackers are visible.
- Pour chocolate chips over crackers and let them sit to melt. Spread them over the crackers evenly. If you have a hard time melting them, throw the pan back in the oven for a minute or two.
- If you want to add the nuts, sprinkle them over the chocolate and gently press.
- Put the baking sheet in the fridge to harden and set.
- Once hardened, break into little pieces and enjoy!

Store in fridge or in a cool, dry place in an airtight container to avoid getting soggy.

Yummo! Next time though, I think I'm going to double the brown sugar and butter mixture, and use a thinner layer of chocolate. It is still delightful though...they call it Christmas Crack because it's so addictive!

In My Mailbox (11/27/10)

2010-11-27T16:59:00.001-06:00

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi of The Story Siren!

How can November almost be over already? Didn't it just begin? Christmas is now a month away and I can't believe it. My 'mailbox' is completely stuffed full of awesome reads that I can't wait to share with you. My sister is here visiting from California so I haven't had much time to read, but I hope to get back on track soon! Hope everyone has a wonderful week! :]

Library:

13 Little Blue Envelopes - Maureen Johnson
Guardian of the Dead - Karen Healey
The View From The Top - Hillary Frank
Wish - Alexandra Bullen
Lessons From a Dead Girl - Jo Knowels
Beautiful - Any Reed
Wondrous Strange - Lesley Livingston
Black Mirror - Nancy Werlin

Bought:

Jane - April Lindner
Crescendo - Becca Fitzpatrick
Nightshade - Andrea Cremer
Beautiful Darkness - Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl
Glimmerglass - Jenna Black
Ink Exchange - Melissa Marr (realized this is the second one, crap!)
The Glass House DVD
Hunted & Gossip Girl on audiobook (clearance)

What did you get in your box this week?

Twenty Boy Summer - Sarah Ockler

2010-11-23T21:23:00.000-06:00

According to her best friend Frankie, twenty days in Zanzibar Bay is the perfect opportunity to have a summer fling, and if they meet one boy every day, there's a pretty good chance Anna will find her first summer romance. Anna lightheartedly agrees to the game, but there's something she hasn't told Frankie---she's already had that kind of romance, and it was with Frankie's older brother, Matt, just before his tragic death one year ago.

I wasn't sure what to expect when I first opened this novel, as I sometimes do. At first I thought it was going to be one of those chick lit books but as the novel went on, I found it was much deeper than that.

I really liked Anna as a main character, I thought she was strong and had her own mind. She didn't think how she could change herself into something the guy wanted, more about 'take it or leave it'. As a matter of fact, the only character I didn't like was Frankie. I didn't like how she was written at all, she was portrayed as an airhead who couldn't pronounce words and didn't care about anyone but herself. It was okay at the end, but for some reason it still irked me.

The writing was beautiful and there were many one-liners and I wish I could remember them all. I think she has a great talent for writing and this book was really good. I highly recommend it and would love more from her in the future!

4/5

Book reviews

2010-11-21T09:02:00.002-06:00

I'm so sorry I haven't been around lately - work has been really busy and I've been working overtime on top of some personal problems and illness, but I think things are going to calm down so I'll be able to get back with the reviews, Memes, and etc. Anyway, I have a few book reviews for you via YouTube to catch myself up!

Two Way Street by Lauren Barnholdt 2/5
End of Days - Max Turner 3/5
Return to Paradise - Simone Elkeles 4/5
Jekel Loves Hyde - Beth Fantaskey 4/5

Sisters Red by Jackson Pearce

2010-10-10T22:17:00.000-05:00

Scarlett March lives to hunt the Fenris-- the werewolves that took her eye when she was defending her sister Rosie from a brutal attack. Armed with a razor-sharp hatchet and blood-red cloak, Scarlett is an expert at luring and slaying the wolves. She's determined to protect other young girls from a grisly death, and her raging heart will not rest until every single wolf is dead.

Rosie March once felt her bond with her sister was unbreakable. Owing Scarlett her life, Rosie hunts fiercely alongside her. Now Rosie dreams of a life beyond the wolves and finds herself drawn to Silas, a young woodsman who is deadly with an ax-- but loving him means betraying her sister and has the potential to destroy all they've worked for.

Wow. What is there to say about this one but the obvious - I finished it in a half day. For some reason I was hesitant to start this novel, probably because As You Wish ranks so high on my favorite reads list that I didn't want Sisters Red to tarnish my love. I'll be the first to say that I was totally wrong!

I'm rediculously in love with this author, and now I'm proud to say that she is easily one of my top five favorites. She just knows how to weave a beautiful story and the creativity just blows my mind. Who can take the idea of Little Red Riding Hood and turn it into Sisters Red?! Only Jackson, I'm sure.

The writing was superb, and also in present tense which I find really difficult to do. The plot was fantastic and I totally kept reading because I had to know what happened next between Rosie, Silas, and Scarlett. Complete page turner and I adored every minute. Thank you Jackson!

*****

In My Mailbox (10/10/10)

2010-10-10T17:05:00.001-05:00

Hey guys! It's been a while since I've done one of these, but I went to Barnes and Noble this weekend so I thought to share what I got. Hope you guys had a safe weekend and a good week ahead! We're going to the Texas State Fair on Friday and I'll try to bring my camera along. I can't wait to get a big corn dog! ;)

(Links go to GoodReads)
End of Days - Max Turner
The Devouring - Simon Holt
The Host Audiobook - Stephenie Meyer
Return to Paradise - Simone Elkeles
As You Wish - Jackson Pearce
The Iron Daughter - Julie Kagawa
I've read As You Wish and The Devouring, I just wanted them for my shelf because they're so good!

Lock and Key - Sarah Dessen

2010-10-09T21:20:00.000-05:00

"Ruby, where is your mother?" Ruby knows that the game is up. For the past few months, she's been on her own in the yellow house, managing somehow, knowing that her mother will probably never return. That's how she comes to live with Cora, the sister she hasn't seen in ten years, and Cora's husband Jamie, whose down-to-earth demeanor makes it hard for Ruby to believe he founded the most popular networking Web site around. A luxurious house, fancy private school, a new wardrobe, the promise of college and a future—it's a dream come true. So why is Ruby such a reluctant Cinderella, wary and defensive? And why is Nate, the genial boy next door with some secrets of his own, unable to accept the help that Ruby is just learning to give?

I have always been a huge Sarah Dessen fan, since middle school and beyond. She knows how to touch on very teen prevalent issues and make them easier to approach. There are so many of her novels that I love and adore, but this wasn't one of them.

I felt like there were too many loose ends that weren't tied up with this novel, and I felt like the ending was a bit rushed. I thought Ruby was an okay character, though her personality seemed to be a bit overdone in this genre. Jaded, cynical, self sufficient, and completely turned off of love. It is a little redundant, but I was willing to give it a go regardless.

The novel never did really catch my interest, and I feel like it wasn't a huge problem for me to put it down. I'm sorry to say that because I love Sarah's work, but this book didn't do anything for me. I much prefer some of her older titles, Just Listen, This Lullaby, The Truth about Forever, and Dreamland come to mind!

3/5!

The Iron King - Julie Kagawa

2010-10-06T22:13:00.000-05:00

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.

I finally picked this one up! I'd started it once but put it down (can't remember why) and never got it again. I did now and I'm glad I did so. It was a nice combination of romance/love triangle, action, and suspense. I was holding my breath in a few places.

Meaghan did annoy me at times. It seemed like she had the innate ability to get herself into trouble and needed someone to rescue her (ahem, Bella...ahem) but she stepped up in the end (sort of) even though she did have some help once again. I also found the ending to be a little bit anti-clamatic. I know there was some action, but they spent all this time trying to get to place A and when they get there, nothing REALLY good happens. Maybe my hopes were too high.

The plot was good and still can't decide what team I'm on in regards to the love interest, but I do have to say I'm a proud team Grimalkin and team Pack Rats! ;)

****.5!

Possessions - Nancy Holder

2010-10-06T22:06:00.000-05:00

Lindsay is hoping for a fresh start, to get out of San Diego, where everyone remembers when she had her breakdown, and get away to boarding school, even if it is a boarding school as creepy as Marlwood Academy. But Lindsay is happier, and even manages to make a great new friend, Julie. Then, the school's most popular girl, Mandy starts acting super creepy. Rumors abound, but it's becoming more and more clear to Lindsay that something else is at work...something darker and more dangerous than just a houseful of mean girls.

I wasn't sure what to expect when I picked this book out, since I didn't like the Wicked series that Nancy Holder co-authored. I'm really happy that I decided to go ahead with it because it was a great book! Lindsay was very real and I actually liked her character, as a reformed bitchy teen. She has spunk and tenacity. There were actually some parts that had me looking over my shoulder and regretting reading it so late at night! Nancy Holder left us on such a cliffhanger and I can't wait to get my hands on the second book!

****

PS - I love the new cover so much better than this one! Grr, now I need to repurchase!

The Maze Runner - James Dashner

2010-10-06T21:57:00.000-05:00

When Thomas wakes up in the lift, the only thing he can remember is his first name. He has no recollection of his parents, his home, or how he got where he is. His memory is black. But he’s not alone. When the lift’s doors open, Thomas finds himself surrounded by kids who welcome him to the Glade, a large expanse enclosed by stone walls.

Anyone who likes and enjoys The Hunger Games will really enjoy this novel! I love how it's written in Thomas' point of view, it's a nice change from the constant girl opinions. I thought the idea was very interesting and well-executed by the author which I was really happy with. There's just enough action and adventure that it doesn't seem overdone. Thomas is a really interesting character, as are the other boys and I found myself wanting to know more about it.

****

My Soul to Save - Rachel Vincent

2010-10-06T21:41:00.000-05:00

The last thing Kaylee needs right now is to be skipping school, breaking her dad’s ironclad curfew and putting her boyfriend’s loyalty to the test. But starry-eyed teens are trading their souls for a flickering lifetime of fame and fortune in exchange for eternity in the Netherworld — a consequence they can’t possibly understand. Kaylee can’t let that happen, even if trying to save their souls means putting her own at risk...

I really loved the first book, I was really excited to read this one. I have to say that the second book in this series left some to be desired. I thought the characters were just okay, they didn't make me love or hate them any more or any less. I still feel Nash is a bit blah, and I'm still a hundred percent team Tod.

Overall, the story and plot was good, but for some reason I just couldn't get into it. Kaylee was kind of obnoxious and I feel like she's a bit too sacrificial to others. It was okay, but I'm not dying to get the third book in the series, My Soul to Keep.

***

Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side

2010-09-22T21:35:00.000-05:00

Marrying a vampire definitely doesn’t fit into Jessica Packwood’s senior year “get-a-life” plan. But then a bizarre (and incredibly hot) new exchange student named Lucius Vladescu shows up, claiming that Jessica is a Romanian vampire princess by birth—and he’s her long-lost fiancé. Armed with newfound confidence and a copy of Growing Up Undead: A Teen Vampire’s Guide to Dating, Health, and Emotions, Jessica makes a dramatic transition from average American teenager to glam European vampire princess. But when a devious cheerleader sets her sights on Lucius, Jess finds herself fighting to win back her wayward prince, stop a global vampire war—and save Lucius’s soul from eternal destruction.

Wow...I absolutely loved this book! I couldn't put it down and found myself thinking about it when my nose wasn't in it. I loved the slow build Jessica and Lucius had, and it wasn't what I was expecting at all. I liked that it didn't happen right away and they had more turmoil than I thought.

The writing was amazing, and Lucius is such an INTERESTING character. I never could figure him out and found myself laughing out loud and agreeing with him as he talked about our 'stupid American traditions'. I really liked Jessica's character as well, though she was annoying and stubborn in the beginning, but I got over it and really loved her.

Now I'm even more excited to read Jekel Loves Hyde! Oh, and don't look this book up on Goodreads if you plan on reading it, there are uncovered spoilers all around the author's main GR page. Just thought to warn y'all!

5/5!

Her and Me and You - Lauren Strasnick

2010-09-18T07:36:00.000-05:00

First love, broken friendships, and heartache all play a part in this evocative, voice-driven novel about Alex, a girl whose world is ripped apart when her father’s affair splits her family in two.

Alex moves with her mess of a mother to a new town, where she is befriended by hot, enigmatic Fred—and alternately flirted with and cold-shouldered by Fred’s twin sister, Adina. Others warn Alex to steer clear of the twins, whose sibling relationship is considered abnormal at best, but there’s just something about Fred—and something about Adina—that draws Alex to them and makes her want to be part of their crazy world…no matter the consequences.

This book is absolutely beautiful and I can't wait to get my hands on a finished copy! I always have been a Lauren fan with her Nothing Like You novel, and this one didn't disappoint at all. I laughed and cried right along with Alex and could really relate to her. It's so easy for characters (especially heroines) to become whiny and obnoxious but I find with Lauren, she makes her characters strong and likable.

I highly recommend this book to anyone, it's a great novel with a beautiful message and it's rather easy to read. It's short and most of it is just dialog and not description which I liked. I read it in just a few hours because it was so short and it's that good!

4/5

Prophecy of the Sisters - Michelle Zink

2010-09-18T07:24:00.000-05:00

Sixteen-year-old Lia Milthorpe and her twin sister Alice have just become orphans, and, as Lia discovers, they have also become enemies. The twins are part of an ancient prophecy that has turned generations of sisters against each other. To escape from a dark fate and to remain in the arms of her beloved boyfriend James, Lia must end the prophecy before her sister does. Only then will she understand the mysterious circumstances of her parents' deaths, the true meaning of the strange mark branded on her wrist, and the lengths to which her sister will go to defeat her.

I can officially say that I am a Michelle Zink fan! After all the bummer reads I've been having, this book was a great breath of fresh air. The writing in this novel is amazing and the feel of this book is dark and Gothic, set in the late 1800's. It reminds me of the Gemma Doyle trilogy for some reason and I love that!

Michelle did a great job crafting the characters, as I felt for both Lia and Alice in different ways. It was a great ride and I found myself dying to know what would happen next. The ending was a little disappointing in the lack of action and something that happens, but I didn't let that get in the way of the rating. Can't wait to read the next one, Guardian of the Gate!

5/5

Linger by Maggie Stiefvater

2010-09-17T22:45:00.000-05:00

In Maggie Stiefvater’s Shiver, Grace and Sam found each other. Now, in Linger, they must fight to be together. For Grace, this means defying her parents and keeping a very dangerous secret about her own well-being. For Sam, this means grappling with his werewolf past…and figuring out a way to survive into the future. Add into the mix a new wolf named Cole, whose own past has the potential to destroy the whole pack. And Isabel, who already lost her brother to the wolves…and is nonetheless drawn to Cole.

What is up with me and the no werewolf love? I don't know what it is about this series, but I just don't love it like I thought. I wanted to give Linger the ole one two try, but I couldn't get into it. Sam is still creepily obsessed with Grace and it's bothersome to me. The fact that Sam roams the house when Grace is gone is scary, not sweet in my opinion.

The two biggest problems I had with this one was the ending and the parents. Why did they suddenly not want Sam and Grace together? In Shiver, their relationship in the parent's eyes was all sunshine and rainbows! I think that wasn't a contribution to Grace's character and merely an angsty plot device. It didn't make any sense at all. I don't want to spoil the ending for anyone so I'll sum it up - 'lame' and 'WTF?!'

3/5

Willow by Julia Hoban

2010-09-17T22:20:00.000-05:00

Seven months ago, on a rainy March night, sixteen year- old Willow’s parents died in a horrible car accident. Willow was driving. Now her older brother barely speaks to her, her new classmates know her as the killer orphan girl, and Willow is blocking the pain by secretly cutting herself. But when one boy—one sensitive, soulful boy—discovers Willow’s secret, it sparks an intense relationship that turns the “safe” world Willow has created for herself upside down.

I'm not sure why I even had this book on my shelf, seeing as I'm not a fan of self-mutilation and don't like depressing books. Some of you on my YouTube channel suggested it though, so I read it. Regretfully, I wasn't all that impressed just as I thought I would. Basically another story in which the girl is sad and in comes the too perfect 'Guy' (literally in this one) who should make all readers swoon and rescues her for the pits of her own self-loathing hell.

I'd like to begin by saying I was very sorry about her parents dying and couldn't imagine going through something like that. With that said, I thought she was a complete wench to everyone that was trying to help her. She didn't think of anyone hurting but herself. I didn't find her relate-able and wanted to skip parts.

The ending kind of annoyed me, because I wanted something to happen that didn't, and it only irritated me about Willow more. The writing was excellent but I just didn't care for the plot or the characters.

3/5

Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater

2010-09-17T20:52:00.000-05:00

the cold.
Grace has spent years watching the wolves in the woods behind her house. One yellow-eyed wolf—her wolf—watches back. He feels deeply familiar to her, but she doesn't know why.

the heat.
Sam has lived two lives. As a wolf, he keeps the silent company of the girl he loves. And then, for a short time each year, he is human, never daring to talk to Grace...until now.

This was the novel I was stoked about reading when it first came out. I am a huge werewolf/wolf fan and was dying to get my hands on this one. I'm sad to say I wasn't as thrilled about it as I thought I'd be.

The plot is an excellent idea, and the writing was too bad, I think though that Sam was a little too perfect for me and he wasn't as flawed as I wish he was. I know he has his issues, but they don't really get into them as much as I'd hoped. Sam was sweet, but I was a little creeped out with how obsessed he was with Grace and the constantly thinking of lyrics for a song for her and he just so happens to play the guitar and he likes to read and is very well-spoken and intellectual...he's only a kid.

I thought a lot of the characters fell flat, especially Grace's parents. They were never there and only used when it suited the scene. The ending was a little flat for me as well, but that doesn't mean I'm not going to read Linger. I still love Maggie and her writing!

4/5!

In My Mailbox (9/4/2010)

2010-09-04T19:10:00.000-05:00

Laura has an IMM this week?! Holy moly, it's a miracle!

Movies
Just Like Heaven
Birth
Beauty Shop
Matrix
Grey's Anatomy: Season One
The Grudge 2
Dreamer

Books
My Soul to Save - Rachel Vincent
Linger - Maggie Steifvater

Hope you guys have an amazing Labor Day weekend! Three days off, woo!

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

2010-08-27T12:21:00.000-05:00

Katniss Everdeen, girl on fire, has survived, even though her home has been destroyed. Gale has escaped. Katniss's family is safe. Peeta has been captured by the Capitol. District 13 really does exist. There are rebels. There are new leaders. A revolution is unfolding.

I thought it was a good read, but definitely didn't live up to the expectations I had from the first and second books (the first especially). The plot was good and the writing was awesome as it always is, but I felt there wasn't such a traumatic triangle between Gale, Peeta, and Katniss as there was in the first two. I wanted to see more of that and not just all of the bomb sequences, missiles, and things like that. I did feel like sometimes the author wanted to hurry on to the next part so some missions ans training were glossed over. One page she's nervous about it and the next she's finished with it and we didn't hear what happened.

I still enjoyed it though I was disappointed in the ending. As I said, it was pretty apparent who she was going to pick from the beginning. I wish I could've been more surprised with that aspect and the ending was really gruesome and made my stomach churn. I know it was necessary, but it just made me wince.

4/5

Teaser Tuesday (8/24/10)

2010-08-24T12:34:00.001-05:00

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by Should be Reading.

* Grab your current read.
* Let the book fall open to a random page.
* Share with us 2 teaser sentences from somewhere on that page.
* BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
* Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

I stare down at my shoes, watching as a fine layer of ash settles on the worn leather. This is where the bed I shared with my sister, Prim, stood. - page 3

(I haven't started reading it yet so I didn't want to spoil it for myself and others, since today is the first day of release so I just put the first two lines of the novel. :D)

Before I Fall - Lauren Oliver

2010-08-24T12:27:00.001-05:00

What if you had only one day to live? What would you do? Who would you kiss? And how far would you go to save your own life?

Samantha Kingston has it all—looks, popularity, the perfect boyfriend. Friday, February 12th should be just another day in her charmed life. Instead, it’s her last. The catch: Samantha still wakes up the next morning. In fact, she re-lives the last day of her life seven times, until she realizes that by making even the slightest changes, she may hold more power than she had ever imagined.

What a beautiful novel Lauren Oliver has crafted! I've always been a sucker for the feel good about yourself and self evaluation type of books, and this one is no different. I felt like I was going through the story right next to Sam, figuring it out alongside her.

The writing was beautiful and almost whimsical. I have to admit that Sam did irritate me at first, because she was so naive and didn't realize what she was doing. As the book progressed, I started to like her more and more until she turned into a really good character. I adored Kent and Izzy, they were so real and loveable. My favorite line in the book is said by Izzy who's Sam's eight year old sister who has a lisp.

"So why don't you do something about it?" I say. "You could learn to talk differently, you know."

"But this is my voice." She says it quietly but with insistence. "How would you be able to tell when I was talking?"

A beautiful novel with an unexpected twist at the end and worth the read, one hundred percent. Please go read it, it'll change your thoughts about the people you hang out with and the way you live your life.

*****

Graceling - Kristin Cashore

2010-08-22T22:53:00.000-05:00

Katsa has been able to kill a man with her bare hands since she was eight — she’s a Graceling, one of the rare people in her land born with an extreme, and in her case horrifying, skill. As niece of the king, she should be able to live a life of privilege, but Graced as she is with killing, she is forced to work as the king’s thug. When she first meets Prince Po, Graced with combat skills, Katsa has no hint of how her life is about to change.

She never expects to become Po’s friend. She never expects to learn a new truth about her own Grace — or about a terrible secret that lies hidden far away... a secret that could destroy all seven kingdoms with words alone.

At first, I found this book pretty hard to get into because there was a lot of information to take in and the bloodlines to get straight. However, once that was finished, I found this book to be highly enjoyable! There was a bunch of action and suspense, and of course the perfect amount of romance to make you say 'awww', but not get a toothache. ;]

I did find Katsa's character to be a bit obnoxious, more in the Mary Sue type of way but I think that's because her Grace makes it so (her true Grace, for those who have read it). Po was my favorite character, Bitterblue coming in at a close second. They were so sweet and had very strong personalities that I really liked.

The writing was wonderful, I really enjoyed it and the way she writes make a page go by in seconds. She knows how to write a page turner, for sure. I can't wait for the third book, tentatively named Bitterblue, to be released on April 1st, 2011. Obviously the main character is that of the title, so I'm super stoked about it.

****

Waiting on Wednesday (8/18/10)

2010-08-18T10:28:00.002-05:00

Waiting on Wednesday is a meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

Chain Reaction (Perfect Chemistry #3)

by Simone Elkeles

The third novel in the Perfect Chemistry series will be about Luis Fuentes, the youngest Fuentes brother. He’s such a good guy who doesn’t live with the angst that his big brothers have always lived with. Luis is smart, funny, and has big dreams. When he falls for the wrong girl, Luis enters a dark world he’s never known to try and save her from herself. Just when he thinks he’s got life all figured out, Luis learns some disturbing news about his family that destroys his positive outlook on life. Will that Fuentes bad boy streak come out with a vengeance and lure Luis to live on the edge like his new girlfriend and his own father?

Since I just finished Rules of Attraction, I've had the Fuentes brothers on my mind! I've always been intrigued by Luis, as he's the most easygoing character and the plot sounds really good. I can't wait! Chain Reaction is due to come out sometime in 2011.

Teaser Tuesday (8-17-10)

2010-08-17T11:42:00.000-05:00

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by Should be Reading.

"To have beautiful eyes. Does it lighten the burden of your Grace, to know you have beautiful eyes?"

She laughed. "No Lord Prince. I'd happily do without both." - page 22

Rules of Attraction - Simone Elkeles

2010-08-16T11:03:00.001-05:00

When Carlos Fuentes returns to America after living in Mexico for a year, he doesn’t want any part of the life his older brother, Alex, has laid out for him at a high school in Colorado . Carlos likes living his life on the edge and wants to carve his own path—just like Alex did. Then he meets Kiara Westford. She doesn’t talk much and is completely intimidated by Carlos’ wild ways. As they get to know one another, Carlos assumes Kiara thinks she’s too good for him, and refuses to admit that she might be getting to him. But he soon realizes that being himself is exactly what Kiara needs right now.

As always, I'm not disappointed with this Simone Elkeles novel!

She has a way of really getting in there and making you fall in love with the characters and plot/world she creates. It's Simone's world and I'm just living in it! She has a gift for writing and the way she integrates these two very different sides of society is brilliant.

I think I liked Perfect Chemistry better, because the odds were really against them, but this book was still excellent and such a treat to read. I devoured it in about a day, but I do that with all of her books. Carlos didn't wow me as much as Alex did but I found him just as wonderfully egotistical and cocky as his brother! Kiara was a good character for me, she was very quirky and her stuttering made me just want to give her a great big hug. The writing and development of the plot and characters was great as well. I loved the significance of the book cover too. Sighh! <3

I can't wait to find out what happens to Luis when he meets the wrong girl in Chain Reaction (3rd book in the series) coming out in 2011.

*****

If I Stay - Gayle Forman

2010-08-14T21:32:00.001-05:00

What? Laura actually has a book review for you? It's a regular four-months-away-from-Christmas miracle!

In a single moment, everything changes. Seventeen-year-old Mia has no memory of the accident; she can only recall riding along the snow-wet Oregon road with her family. Then, in a blink, she finds herself watching as her own damaged body is taken from the wreck...

A sophisticated, layered, and heartachingly beautiful story about the power of family and friends, the choices we all make—and the ultimate choice Mia commands.

This book was intense, powerful, and beautiful. I enjoyed it so much and after my lack of reading for the past couple weeks, I'm so happy to be back in the swing of things. The way this author puts words is so elequent and real...I found myself feeling everything Mia felt. My heart broke for her family and for her friends, I could understand how torn she is in this decision, I would be too. I love novels that make me step back and think what I would do in that situation. I adored every single one of the characters. Seriously. Loved. Them. All.

One thing I am pissed about is people are comparing this to Twilight. What?! This book isn't even in the same league as Twilight. It's so, so, so much better. Not to mention the plot isn't even remotely like Twilight. It just made me giggle on the inside a bit.

Overall this book is beautiful, it made me cry, and it will make you think about your life and what you have done to affect others in your life. It shows how important family and friends are, and how the power of love can conquer pretty much anything. Absolutely gorgeous.

*****

Immortal: Love Stories with Bite - Edited by PC Cast

2010-08-02T23:55:00.000-05:00

Sorry I've been a bit MIA for the last couple days guys! I got pink eye and it was like daggers to look at any light so I had to sit in complete darkness for about three days. Without being said, that means no computer time and no reading! I have a book review for you though! Yay!

Anthology of stories about teenagers aka vampires striving to maintain a sense of self and find lasting love.

I thought this one was good, some of the stories were better than others. The main problem I had with this book is the stories were around 28-30 pages. I know what you're thinking. Well, duh Laura - it's a compilation of short stories. Yes, I know that, but I felt some of the characters and plotlines felt rushed. I also thought that some of the endings were a little abrupt. I decided to rate the stories instead of the book as a whole since I had such strong feelings towards each.

Haunted Love by Cynthia Leitich Smith - 4/5. This was one of the better ones in my opinion. It's a love triangle (sort of) with a vampire, a ghost, and a human girl. She didn't really touch on the love story, as they didn't mention feelings, but the idea was still good. I wish she'd write a full novel on this so she could really get into the story.

Amber Smoke by Kristin Cast - 2/5. I'm not really a fan of Kristin Cast's writing. I thought the girl accepted everything a bit too willingly and it wasn't realistic. The ending was abrupt like the author suddenly lost steam and just wanted to end it.

Dead Man Stalking by Rachel Caine - 3/5. I liked the humor in this story and it made me more excited to read The Morganville Vampires. The main character was funny and likeable, but once again I thought the ending was pretty bad.

Table Manners by Tanith Lee - 3/5. I think I would like Tanith as an author, it just didn't work for me in this story. The characters were kind of flat and the plot was a little lame. I do want to get her book about the girl pirate though, because I think there's a good author there!

Changed by Nancy Holder - 1/5. Couldn't finish.

Blue Moon by Richelle Mead - 3/5. I liked this story a lot more than the first book in the Vampire Academy series. Lucy and Nathan were cute together and she was a good heroine for the story.

Free by Claudia Gray -4/5. My other favorite from the book. It was kind of based in the Evernight series, about Patrice and her life before she became a vampire. Amos was very intriguing and I liked them together. It was very dark and I enjoyed it. I wish Claudia would make a novella about each Evernight student. *ahem* Balthazaar *ahem*

Teaser Tuesday (7/27/10)

2010-07-27T14:05:00.000-05:00

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by Should be Reading.

I watch her walk up the aisle, fuming, and disappear out the door. Then a disembodied voice - soft, musical, and furious - whispers in my ear, "Murderer, murderer, murderer." - page 17

Hex Hall - Rachel Hawkins

2010-07-22T10:12:00.000-05:00

Three years ago, Sophie Mercer discovered that she was a witch. It's gotten her into a few scrapes. Her non-gifted mother has been as supportive as possible, consulting Sophie's estranged father--an elusive European warlock--only when necessary. But when Sophie attracts too much human attention for a prom-night spell gone horribly wrong, it's her dad who decides her punishment: exile to Hex Hall, an isolated reform school for wayward Prodigium, a.k.a. witches, faeries, and shapeshifters.

By the end of her first day among fellow freak-teens, Sophie has quite a scorecard: three powerful enemies who look like supermodels, a futile crush on a gorgeous warlock, a creepy tagalong ghost, and a new roommate who happens to be the most hated person and only vampire on campus. Worse, Sophie soon learns that a mysterious predator has been attacking students, and her only friend is the number-one suspect.

As a series of blood-curdling mysteries starts to converge, Sophie prepares for the biggest threat of all: an ancient secret society determined to destroy all Prodigium, especially her.

I found this novel to be very charming, witty, and dark. I really enjoyed the characters and it was fun getting to know them. I especially loved the relationship between Sophie and Jenna. I have a funny feeling that there's more to Archer than what he's let on and I can't wait to read more about him.

The writing was excellent, and there was something so endearing about Sophie's sarcastic comebacks against her enemies and others that made me love her so. All of the characters had the same pull for me, and I found myself even liking the resident mean girl Elodie.

Above all, the plot was good and kept me wanting to finish the book, and the twist at the end satisfied me enough and had the right amount of closure. I still want to know what happens, but I felt it wasn't a huge and dramatic cliffhanger. A really great novel and I highly recommend it.

The second book, Demonglass, is set to release March 1st, 2011.

*****

Waiting on Wednesday (7-21-10)

2010-07-21T19:54:00.001-05:00

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

His love captivated her... his secrets might kill her.

Since her sister’s mysterious death, Persephone “Phe” Archer has been plagued by a series of disturbing dreams. Determined to find out what happened to her sister, Phe enrolls at Devenish Prep in Shadow Hills, Massachusetts—the subject of her sister’s final diary entry.

After stepping on campus, Phe immediately realizes that there’s something different about this place—an unexplained epidemic that decimated the town in the 1700s, an ancient and creepy cemetery, and gorgeous boy Zach—and somehow she’s connected to it all.

But the more questions she asks and the deeper she digs, the more entangled Phe becomes in the haunting past of Shadow Hills. Finding what links her to this town…might cost her her life.

This looks so intriguing and a good read. Granted, I'm not a fan of the cover at all, it still is on my to read list. Shadow Hills is available in bookstores now!

Teaser Tuesday (7-19-10)

2010-07-20T19:48:00.002-05:00

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by Should be Reading.

"Good luck explaining to God that you used to spank one of his Heavenly beings."

Mom gave a startled laugh. "Sophie!" - page 25

I found this line hilarious! Then again, there's something to lugh about on each page of this novel. I should preface this teaser with the story so it makes more sense (and is a lot funnier) - "After the Great War between God and Lucifer, those angels who refused to take sides were cast out of heaven. One group chose to hide itself away under hills and deep in forests. They became faeries. Another group chose to live among animals and became shapeshifers. And the last chose to intermingle with humans and became witches."

Love it!

Wicked - Sara Shepard

2010-07-19T00:36:00.001-05:00

In idyllic Rosewood, Pennsylvania, four very pretty girls just can't help but be bad. . . .
Hanna will do anything to be Rosewood's queen bee. Spencer's digging up her family's secrets. Emily can't stop thinking about her new boyfriend. And Aria approves a little too strongly of her mom's taste in men.
Now that Ali's killer is finally behind bars, the girls think they're safe. But those who forget the past are condemned to repeat it. And they should know by now that I'm always watching.

Wicked is the fifth book in the Pretty Little Liars series and it didn't disappoint. The girls think they're safe and it's all over, now that a has been revealed and is dead. However they receive text messages from A all over again and are thrown right back into the game.

The writing was excellent, I think my reviews are the same when it comes to this series. Again, I found Hanna to be pretentious and annoying it didn't spoil the novel much for me.

****

Unbelievable - Sara Shepard

2010-07-17T01:58:00.000-05:00

Four pretty little liars' charmed lives have turned into living nightmares.
Emily's been shipped off to Iowa to live with her überconservative cousins. Aria's boyfriend is behind bars—because of her. Spencer's afraid she was involved in Ali's murder. But Hanna's fate is far worse: She's clinging to life in the hospital because she knew too much.
If these girls don't start listening to me, Hanna's going to look like the lucky one.

The last book in my box set! I seemed to have flown through this last one, before I knew it I was finishing up the last pages. I liked this one, and the ending was really good but I didn't get the same reaction out of it as I did with the first three books.

There were two things that annoyed me about this one. The first was Hanna and what a wench she was some of the time. Lucas is about the sweetest guy ever (I mean what guy would read you Vogue?!) but she is so caught up in appearances that she's totally cold.

The other thing I was a little annoyed with was Sara Shepard's intense need to describe the smell of every person and every room at every moment. I know it sets a scene, but after a while I just found it to be obnoxious. Other than that, great book and I really enjoyed it!

****.5

Perfect - Sara Shepard

2010-07-16T03:28:00.001-05:00

In a town where gossip thrives like the ivy that clings to its mansions, where mysteries lie behind manicured hedges and skeletons hide in every walk-in closet, four perfect-looking girls aren't nearly as perfect as they seem. Three years ago, Spencer, Aria, Emily, Hanna, and their best friend Alison were the girls at Rosewood Day School. They clicked through the halls in their Miu Miu flats, tanned in their matching Pucci bikinis, and laughed behind their freshly manicured fingernails. They were the girls everyone loved but secretly hated—especially Alison.
So when Alison mysteriously vanished one night, Spencer, Aria, Emily, and Hanna's grief was tinged with . . . relief. And when Alison's body was later discovered in her own backyard, the girls were forced to unearth some ugly memories of their old friend, too. Could there be more to Alison's death than anyone realizes?
Now someone named A, someone who seems to know everything, is pointing the finger at one of them for Ali's murder. As their secrets get darker and their scandals turn deadly, A is poised to ruin their perfect little lives forever.

Once again, I am absolutely stunned by this series! I should be learning my lesson by now, eh? ;) These books are just awesome, and addicting. I just adore them and could read these over and over.

The girls' problems in Perfect are coming to the surface and they are getting exposed...things aren't what they seem. The writing, as always, is on spot and addicting. I couldn't put this book down - I finished it in about seven hours.

Above all - WHAT an ENDING! Oh my gosh I never saw that one coming. If the rest of the book is like that I'm going to be in for one shock after another. I haven't read a book series in a long time that the story gets better with each book.

I'm on my last one from the series, Unbelievable, and I'm SO upset I don't have the others. I'll have to nab them soon before I just explode.

*****

Flawless - Sara Shepard

2010-07-15T13:13:00.000-05:00

Spencer stole her sister's boyfriend. Aria is brokenhearted over her English teacher. Emily likes her new friend Maya . . . as much more than a friend. Hanna's obsession with looking flawless is making her sick. And their most horrible secret yet is so scandalous that the truth would ruin them forever.
And why shouldn't I tell? They deserve to lose it all. With every crumpled note, wicked IM, and vindictive text message I send, I'll be taking these pretty little liars down. Trust me, I've got enough dirt to bury them alive.

Flawless definitely lived up to its name - flawless!

Sara Shepard has such a way of speaking to the reader and making it seem like they are right in the action. I found myself not wanting to read at night because I got so paranoid! That's the kind of book I crave.

In Flawless, the girls are still struggling with their problems and they are becoming more advanced and more people are beginning to suspect something is wrong with them. A is becoming more vengeful and more into blackmailing them, their worlds are crumbling beneath them.

I think if I could only read one series for the rest of my life, this would be one of the top contenders. It takes you on a ride that has so many twists and turns that you start to think crazy thoughts about who A might be. I am both annoyed and happy I haven't figured it out yet!

This series is absolutely wonderful!

*****

Pretty Little Liars - Sara Shepard

2010-07-12T21:06:00.000-05:00

Everyone has something to hide—especially high school juniors Spencer, Aria, Emily, and Hanna.
Spencer covets her sister's boyfriend. Aria's fantasizing about her English teacher. Emily's crushing on the new girl at school. Hanna uses some ugly tricks to stay beautiful.
But they've all kept an even bigger secret since their friend Alison vanished.
How do I know? Because I know everything about the bad girls they were, the naughty girls they are, and all the dirty secrets they've kept. And guess what? I'm telling.

There's only one appropriate thing to say - holy @#$^ wow!

I can't tell you how much I adored this book and pretty much devoured it in one day. The stories were amazing and were so typical teen but not at the same time. I found myself scowling and laughing right along with these fab four (or five ;)) girls.

Sara has such a gift for entertaining the reader from the beginning and I have to say that I'm SO glad and relieved I got the box set of the first four books or I would be in agony wanting to know what happened next - what a cliffhanger she left us on! The writing and plot is intense and wonderful...and so far I think my favorite girls are Aria and Spencer but we'll see if that continues!

Off to read Flawless! ;D

*****

Kissed by an Angel - Elizabeth Chandler

2010-07-11T21:58:00.001-05:00

Ivy always believed in angels. When she meets Tristan, it's the love of a lifetime. When he dies, her heart is broken and her belief in angels vanishes. And without that belief, she is unable to feel Tristan's presence when he returns--as an angel. Now Ivy is in terrible danger, and Tristan is struggling to save her. How can he protect her if she's lost her faith in angels?

I thought this novel was good, but it wasn't, to me, what others have been saying about it. I thought Ivy fell a little flat to me at times, and it was very reminiscent of the year it was published (1995) and wasn't current enough for me. For me there was never a question of 'whodunit' because I suspected the culprit from the beginning. They were just too sly and too sleazy for something not to happen with them.

The writing was fair and I really enjoyed Tristan and Ivy's relationship in the beginning of the book. It was very sweet and I love their names together. To me, they scream tragic romance, just as Romeo and Juliet does. There was a part that I'm not going to get into, but it involved an animal and I thought it was a little over the top for a YA book in my opinion.

Overall, I thought this was a good book though I didn't like it as much as I thought. I'm bummed about it because I love Elizabeth Chandler as an author, especially Dark Secrets. I couldn't put that one down!

***.5

In My Mailbox (7/11/2010)

2010-07-11T00:58:00.000-05:00

IMM is a weekly Meme hosted by Kristi from The Story Siren.

I hope everyone is doing well and had an awesome week! I'm sure everyone is in the nice AC curled up with a good read, yes? ;] I had a great week in both books and general goings on around. Enjoy!

Movies

The Bone Collector

High School Musical 2 (yeah...)

Books

Frostbite - Richelle Mead

Blue is for Nightmares - Laurie Faria Stolarz

Plainsong - Kent Haruf

The Great Gatsby - F. Scott Fitzgerald

A Match Made in High School - Kristin Walker (already read, wanted it for collection)

Immortal: Love Stories with a Bite - Edited by P.C. Cast

Have a great week everyone! :)

The Year I Turned Sixteen - Diane Schwemm

2010-07-09T22:02:00.001-05:00

Rose dreams of becoming a singer, but when her obligations as the oldest sister start to hold her back, she faces an impossible decision.
Sick of being the "good" sister, Daisy is drawn to a boy with a more dangerous edge and pulls away from the people who care about her most.
Laurel must deal with the loss of someone close, but a new love in the wake of tragedy might be just what she needs.
With her sisters all figuring out their futures, Lily feels lost, and for the first time she must figure out who she is all on her own.
With more than cupcakes and candles on their minds, each of the Walker sisters is in for a sweet sixteen that will change everything.

Wow...a 700 page book in two days!

At first I was only reading this book because it's my largest novel, and I wanted to get it 'over with'. After beginning to read however, I was really glad I chose it just because it was a charming book! These four sisters were very real to me and having to deal with real situations. The book is long, but the voices of the girls are so easy that you get right through it.

I thought the writing was great and sometimes was a bit melodramatic, but it was still good. At times you could tell that it was written in the 90's because of some language, but then they'd add something contemporary to make it more updated.

This book was excellent and I think all readers will find something they relate to with each sister, if not all of them, A great read for anyone who is looking for their place in life and embarking on a journey to find your inner self.

*****

Dreaming Anastasia - Joy Preble

2010-07-07T23:13:00.000-05:00

Anastasia Romanov thought she would never feel more alone than when the gunfire started and her family began to fall around her. Surely the bullets would come for her next. But they didn't. Instead, two gnarled old hands reached for her. When she wakes up she discovers that she is in the ancient hut of the witch Baba Yaga, and that some things are worse than being dead.

In modern-day Chicago, Anne doesn't know much about Russian history. She is more concerned about getting into a good college—until the dreams start. She is somewhere else. She is someone else. And she is sharing a small room with a very old woman. The vivid dreams startle her, but not until a handsome stranger offers to explain them does she realize her life is going to change forever. She is the only one who can save Anastasia. But, Anastasia is having her own dreams...

This novel was quite an unexpected surprise! I wasn't sure what I was hoping to get from this book but by the time I was finished with it, I was actually sad to see it end. The characters were deep and I loved Anne as a heroine. She was really strong but was still vulnerable at the same time.

I loved the spin about Anastasia Romanov and the whole Russian family and royalties fascinate me. The author certainly did her homework with the bloodlines (I'm actually quite obsessed with Russian royalties and Anastasia which is why I got this book to begin with) and she also added an intriguing element of magic with the witch Baba Yaga. The ending was a tiny bit weak, but it didn't affect my overall rating.

The sequel to Dreaming Anastasia is coming in January of 2011 and it is called Haunted. I took a peek at her website and the synopsis of that one s a girl being haunted by a mysterious and malevolent mermaid. I can't wait!

*****

Waiting on Wednesday (7/7/10)

2010-07-07T22:24:00.000-05:00

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

The Deviners by Libba Bray!

A supernatural fantasy series set in Manhattan during the 1920s that follows a teen heroine reminiscent of two of the era's most famous literary women—Zelda Fitzgerald and Dorothy Parker. The story will be a wild new ride full of dames and dapper dons, jazz babies and Prohibition-defying parties, conspiracy and prophecy—and all manner of things that go bump in the neon-drenched night.

I adore her and her writing so much - she seems like the sweetest person and I can't wait to get my hands on this one. I'm sure it's going to be fabulous because let's face it, she knows how to write! :) It is set to release in 2012.

In My Mailbox (7/6/10)

2010-07-06T10:52:00.001-05:00

IMM is a weekly Meme hosted by Kristi from The Story Siren.

Wow, it's been way too long, hasn't it?! I had tons of fun in Florida with my sister and was so sad to come home! All good things must come to an end though, and it feels good to be back in the swing of things. I finally have an IMM for you! Yay! I bought three books in Florida.

Jekel Loves Hyde - Beth Fantaskey
Sisters Red - Jackson Pearce
Willow - Julia Hoban

I know it's a little late, but better late than never! :)

Vampire Academy - Richelle Mead

2010-07-06T09:56:00.000-05:00

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.

Once again, I thought this book was good, but I was anticipating it would be better than it was because of all the hype. The characters were okay, except I found it a bit irritating that Lissa tended to play the martyr sometimes, and Rose was a bit too cocky and presumptuous for my liking. I didn't find many of the characters to be relate-able,and I was thinking that Rose and Lissa need to kiss and just get over the sexual tension already ;).

The plot was genius and made me forget that I didn't like the characters too much and that was what kept me reading through the book. Richelle Mead has a gift for writing and I will consider reading Shadow Kiss for sure.

****

Deadly Little Lies - Laurie Faria Stolarz

2010-06-30T00:13:00.000-05:00

Last fall, sixteen-year-old Camelia fell for Ben, the mysterious new boy at school who turned out to have a very mysterious gift--pyschometry, the ability to sense the future through touch. But just as Camelia and Ben's romance began to heat up, he abruptly left town. Brokenhearted, Camelia has spent the last few months studying everything she can about psychometry, and experiencing her own strange brushes with premonition. Camelia wonders if Ben's abilities have somehow rubbed off on her. Can the power of psychometry be transferred?

This one was much better than the first one, though I still found Camelia a tad annoying and a bit self absorbed at times. Ignoring Ben consistently when he was trying to speak with her and be civil grated on my nerves occasionally.

I thought this book was better written and the plot was more developed. We didn't need to go through all of the introductions and the author did to some back-story, but it wasn't annoying. Camelia's friends were probably the best part for me - I loved their banter and I think Wes is a closeted gay man ;)

The ending took me by surprise, so that's always a good thing. The mystery of Ben, Adam, and the other occurrences kept me reading and wanting to know more. I kept saying 'one more page' repeatedly. I recommend this series, it's really good and fast paced. I'm also really interested in Camelia's aunt Alexia, and what she has to do with the story.

*****

The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner - Stephenie Meyer

2010-06-29T23:52:00.000-05:00

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.

When I first heard about this book being published, I wasn't sure how I felt about it. In some ways I felt like SM was milking the Eclipse release and in others it made perfect sense.

I'm not a huge fan of how SM writes, but I thought the plot of this was good and there wasn't a dull moment. I enjoyed learning about the newborn vampires behind the scenes and everything they had to do to get there. I did feel some sympathy for them, because they were so brainwashed.

If you're looking for more on the Cullens in this novella, they don't appear until the end and there isn't much between them. It's more the story and friendship between Bree and Diego, and Bree's adjustment to being a newborn vampire. I still really enjoyed this and was happy to have even the littlest bit about my favorite leech family! ;)

Now she just needs to write one about the Wolfpack. Sam/Leah maybe? I'd love to hear Leah's story.

****

The Dark Divine - Bree Despain

2010-06-28T01:04:00.000-05:00

Grace Divine—daughter of the local pastor—always knew something terrible happened the night Daniel Kalbi disappeared and her brother Jude came home covered in his own blood.

Now that Daniel's returned, Grace must choose between her growing attraction to him and her loyalty to her brother.

As Grace gets closer to Daniel, she learns the truth about that mysterious night and how to save the ones she loves, but it might cost her the one thing she cherishes most: her soul.

It took me a while to get into this book because Grace annoyed me a bit. She had a few Mary Sue like qualities, but being a preacher's daughter, I guess that she couldn't help that. I put the novel down and came back to it a couple weeks later. I was a bit intrigued by Daniel, but I wasn't compulsively turning pages to find out more. Some of the other characters fell a bit flat for me, like her best friend...who basically ditched her when she got what she wanted.

The way the author had history/mythological feel in the books was neat, and the way she weaved them in didn't feel boring to me. The ending threw me for a spin and I appreciated that, since I can usually predict the ending of books.

Overall I enjoyed it and will get the second book, but it fell a little flat for me.

****

The Hollow - Jessica Verday

2010-06-28T00:46:00.000-05:00

When Abbey's best friend, Kristen, vanishes at the bridge near Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, everyone else is all too quick to accept that Kristen is dead and rumors fly that her death was no accident. Abbey goes through the motions of mourning her best friend, but privately, she refuses to believe that Kristen is really gone. Then she meets Caspian, the gorgeous and mysterious boy who shows up out of nowhere at Kristen's funeral, and keeps reappearing in Abbey's life. Caspian clearly has secrets of his own, but he's the only person who makes Abbey feel normal again...but also special.

Just when Abbey starts to feel that she might survive all this, she learns a secret that makes her question everything she thought she knew about her best friend. How could Kristen have kept silent about so much? And could this secret have led to her death? As Abbey struggles to understand Kristen's betrayal, she uncovers a frightening truth that nearly unravels her—one that will challenge her emerging love for Caspian, as well as her own sanity.

When I first laid eyes on this book, I had huge hopes for it. I just knew it was going to be good. Unfortunately, I didn't enjoy it as much as I thought I did. At first, I was thinking 'okay, it'll get better' and then the book ended and...it didn't get better. Abbey annoyed me most of the time, and I thought the author focused way too much on what she did, ate, wore, and other mundane acts of her life.

The ending really threw me for a loop, but not in a good way. I felt as a reader, that everything I based my knowledge on, wasn't real or solid. I kind of felt like it was a waste of my time at the end. Caspian didn't have any depth at all for me (and not to mention, hello skunk hair?) and I felt he was a huge jerk to Abbey. They said they loved one another a couple days after meeting, it's just another example of that unhealthy teen relationship *cough*bellaedward*cough*.

I did like the idea of Abbey making perfumes, and I love that you can order the character's scents on the website and get the snickerdoodle recipe...I really like the details authors put in books. Apart from that, I think this novel leaves much to be desired and I don't think I'll be continuing the series.

**

Just One Wish - Janette Rallison

2010-06-27T22:26:00.000-05:00

Seventeen-year-old Annika Truman knows about the power of positive thinking. With a little brother who has cancer, it’s all she ever hears about. And in order to help Jeremy, she will go to the ends of the earth (or at least as far as Hollywood) to help him believe he can survive his upcoming surgery.

But Annika’s plan to convince Jeremy that a magic genie will grant him any wish throws her a curveball when he unexpectedly wishes that his television idol would visit him. Annika suddenly finds herself in the desperate predicament of getting access to a hunky star actor and convincing him to come home with her. Piece of cake, right?

I can't even describe how much I loved this book, and it is on my list of best books of 2010. I read it in one night and couldn't put it down for anything. Annika was very real to me and I loved her as the heroine in this book which is pretty rare for me.

The plot was really unique and interesting, and I thought it was executed wonderfully. Jeremy really captured my heart and I too felt like an overprotective big sister to him by the end. Speaking of the end...oh my goodness, I was a wreck. I was crying like a baby! Definitely not what I was expecting but I still loved it. I picked this book from the library on a whim and I'm so glad I did.

I'll be definitely checking out more works by Janette!

*****

Dead Until Dark - Charlaine Harris

2010-06-24T22:39:00.000-05:00

Sookie Stackhouse is a cocktail waitress in small-town Louisiana, but she keeps to herself and doesn't date much because of her "disability" to read minds. When she meets Bill, Sookie can't hear a word he's thinking. He's the type of guy she's waited for all of her life, but he has a disability, too--he's a vampire with a bad reputation. When one of Sookie's coworkers is killed, she fears she's next.

I think I'm one of the late bloomers on the Sookie Stackhouse/TrueBlood bandwagon, because I just recently began reading the books and watching the first season of the show. I have to admit that I think watching the show first was a downfall for me. The writing was great and I liked all of the characters, but the show was so bad (in my opinion) that I couldn't get into this book. Sookie, however, is adorable and so innocent, I think she's one of those female heroines that doesn't know how strong she really is.

I think it's hilarious how people are comparing this to Twilight and saying how this author 'copied' SM. Um, have you looked at the publishing dates? SM didn't even begin writing Twilight until 2005. It just makes me chuckle.

I rated this book on the low side, but I'm definitely going to read the second book (Living Dead in Dallas) because I'm sure I'll like the series and I'm not going to watch the show. It's a little too cheesy and I'd rather not watch a porn, kthnx. I do think Charlaine Harris is an excellent author and I am totally going to give her another chance!

***.5

The Forest of Hands and Teeth - Carrie Ryan

2010-06-24T16:48:00.000-05:00

The Sisterhood always knows best.
The Guardians will protect and serve.
The Unconsecrated will never relent.
And you must always mind the fence that surrounds the village; the fence that protects the village from the Forest of Hands and Teeth.

But, slowly, Mary's truths are failing her. She's learning things she never wanted to know about the Sisterhood and its secrets, and the Guardians and their power, and about the Unconsecrated and their relentlessness. When the fence is breached and her world is thrown into chaos, she must choose between her village and her future-between the one she loves and the one who loves her.

And she must face the truth about the Forest of Hands and Teeth. Could there be life outside a world surrounded in so much death?

I had read this book back in December and didn't like it at all. When I saw it at the library this week I thought to give it a shot because so many people liked it and I thought maybe I misunderstood it. I have to say that I still don't really love this book. I found the ending to be horrible and the idea of zombies don't really scare me.

I think the author tried to combine too many elements and it didn't work. For example - Mary is in love with Travis and she needs him - why? The author never really explains Mary's deep attraction to Travis and I thought the relationship between her and Harry was a little more strong because it had a bit of a back-story. Besides a few brief kissing encounters with Travis, she doesn't really talk to him.

The one part I did enjoy was the Sisterhood. I found them to be very intriguing and I loved when Mary was in the Cathedral and sneaking around to find answers. I think when they escaped was when it fell flat for me. I'm definitely going to read The Dead Tossed Waves, but I'm not going to put this one on my favorite series list!

***

Nothing Like You - Lauren Strasnick

2010-06-24T16:35:00.001-05:00

When Holly loses her virginity to Paul, a guy she barely knows, she assumes their encounter is a one-night stand. After all, Paul is too popular to even be speaking to Holly, and he happens to have a long-term girlfriend, Saskia. But ever since Holly’s mom died six months ago, Holly has been numb to the world, and she’s getting desperate to feel something, anything—so when Paul keeps pursuing her, Holly relents. Paul’s kisses are a welcome diversion, and it’s nice to feel like the kind of girl that a guy like Paul would choose.

But things aren’t so simple with Saskia around. Paul’s real girlfriend is willowy and perfect… and nothing like Holly. To make matters worse, she and Holly are becoming friends. Suddenly the consequences of Holly’s choices are all too real, and Holly stands to lose more than she ever realized she had.

I picked this book up at the library because many bookies had it in their IMMs so I thought to give it a try. What a lovely read this was! I deeply and highly enjoyed it and finished it in one night. There was something about Holly's voice that I craved to know more about and my heart went out to her.

I did find it a little frustrating when she kept coming back to Paul even when as the reader, I could clearly see he was using her and didn't feel the same. You could tell Holly was in desperate need of love and affection and it was really sad to read. I still loved the characters, especially Nils. The ending wasn't what I expected, but I liked the way she ended it since it can't be happy every time.

*****

Waiting on Wednesday (6/16/10)

2010-06-16T22:24:00.000-05:00

This is the story of Amelia and Riley, bad kids from bad Brookfield High who have transferred to Ashbury High for their final year. They've been in love since they were fourteen, they go out dancing every night, and sleep through school all day. And Ashbury can't get enough of them.

Everyone's trying to get their attention; even teachers are dressing differently, trying to make their classes more interesting. Everyone wants to be cooler, tougher, funnier, hoping to be invited into their cool, self-contained world.

But they don't know that all Amelia can think about is her past -- an idyllic time before she ran away from home. Riley thinks he's losing her to the past, maybe even to a place further back in time. He turns to the students of Ashbury for help, and things get much, much worse.

In the tradition of the gothic novel, this is a story about ghosts, secrets, madness, passion, locked doors, femmes fatales, and that terrifying moment in the final year of high school when you realise that the future's come to get you.

The Ghosts of Ashbury High by Jaclyn Moriarty
I don't think I need to say more about this book! A gothic romance like novel? I'm SO in! I know it's already out (came out on June 1st) but I'm SO excited to read it! Woot!

Teaser Tuesday (6-15-10)

2010-06-15T08:48:00.000-05:00

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by Should be Reading.

Of course, these were also the same kids who wore pre-stained jeans and unraveling sweaters from precious SoHo boutiques that charged in the five figures. It was all right to look poor, but actually being poor was completely inexcusable.

This cracked me up when I read it because it's so true. I see these girls buying new jeans that look like they've been in the garbage disposal for the price of a small home in my area. It's really funny to me and I laughed out loud at this line.

Tantalize - Cynthia Leitich Smith

2010-06-13T16:42:00.002-05:00

Quincie Morris has never felt more alone. Her parents are dead, and her hybrid-werewolf first love is threatening to embark on a rite of passage that will separate them forever. Then, as she and her uncle are about to unveil their hot vampire-themed restaurant, a brutal murder leaves them scrambling for a chef. Can Quincie transform their new hire into a culinary Dark Lord before opening night? Can he wow the crowd in his fake fangs, cheap cape, and red contact lenses — or is there more to this earnest face than meets the eye?

From the beginning, this novel had me. The writing was really good and smooth, and I loved Quincie's tomboyish attitude. She was very likeable and relateable. The relationship between herself and Keiran was frusterating and angsty, but I'm sure that's what the author was going for.

The characters were well developed and nicely written, and the plot was decent. The only 'beef' I have with this book is the ending. I didn't understand some of the things that Quincie did or didn't say, and the end definitely threw me for a loop and I'm still not sure if it was in a good or bad way!

****

The Summer I Turned Pretty - Jenny Han

2010-06-12T21:25:00.000-05:00

Some summers are just destined to be pretty
Belly measures her life in summers. Everything good, everything magical happens between the months of June and August. Winters are simply a time to count the weeks until the next summer, a place away from the beach house, away from Susannah, and most importantly, away from Jeremiah and Conrad. They are the boys that Belly has known since her very first summer -- they have been her brother figures, her crushes, and everything in between. But one summer, one wonderful and terrible summer, the more everything changes, the more it all ends up just the way it should have been all along.

This novel changed me in so many ways. I started to read and was gripped so tight that I finished the book in three hours. I couldn't put it down and by the end I was thrilled and had a heart ache at the same time.

The characters were wonderful, I loved Belly and looking into her mind and feelings. She did sometimes annoy me as most female characters do, but I enjoyed seeing the growth in her and how independent and strong-willed she was. I thought she did a good job of holding her own with all those boys!

I was a little disappointed with the ending, only because I was hoping she didn't choose the one she did, but there is the next book which came out in April of this year, It's Not Summer Without You. I think it could have a double meaning, those of you who read it will understand what I mean.

Overall, it was a gorgeous novel and I ADORE the cover. Oh my gosh, lovely.

*****

Waiting on Wednesday (6/2/10)

2010-06-02T18:12:00.002-05:00

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

The Vours: evil, demonic beings that inhabit human bodies on Sorry Night, the darkest hours of the Winter Solstice. It's been a year since Reggie first discovered the Vours, and the Winter Solstice is approaching once again. It will be another night of unspeakable horror for those unlucky enough to be taken by the Vours, because this time, she won't be able to stop them. The Vours have imprisoned Reggie in a psychiatric hospital, where she is subjected to a daily routine of unfathomably sadistic experiments. Her life is a living Hell, but she won't give up. They attacked her brother. They killed her friend. And Reggie will never stop fighting back.

I absolutely adore the Devouring series by Simon Holt. I've been anticipating this one since I finished Solstice. This one for a fact is one of my favorite series ever. It's so spooky and twisted and it keeps me wanting more. I can't wait to see what happens with Reggie and everyone else. Holt left me on SUCH a cliffhanger! It's going to be released on October 5th, 2010! Perfect Halloween read.

Teaser Tuesday (6-1-10)

2010-06-01T12:21:00.000-05:00

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by Should be Reading.

The dark prince sat astride his black steed, his sable cape flowing behind him. A golden circlet bound his blond locks, his handsome face was cold with the rage of battle and...

The Sky Always Hears Me - Kirstin Cronn-Mills

2010-05-31T18:07:00.001-05:00

I borrow the car again from Grandma and drive out to my hill. I scream I AM A BIG FAT ZERO, plus I AM SWEARING OFF KISSING FOREVER, and I HATE BEING A SECRET SEX FIEND, about sixteen times each. Then I sit very still and watch a hawk swirl over the fields. I have to get a new life before I go crazy.

Sixteen-year-old Morgan lives in a hick town. Her mom was killed in a car accident when she was two, her dad drinks, and her stepmom is a non-entity. Her boyfriend Derek is boring and she can't stop staring at her coworker Rob's cute butt. Then there's the kiss she shared with her neighbor Tessa . . . But when Morgan discovers a devastating secret about the one person she completely trusted, her entire world crashes and she must redefine her life and herself.

I loved this book - the writing was amazing and Morgan is such a wonderful character! I truly fell in love with her and was upset when the novel ended. The chapters are short and it makes it much easier to be able to stop, even when I didn't want to. I thought it was so neat how there was a fortune from a real place at the beginning of each chapter. I loved reading Morgan's little fortunes she wrote to herself because she's obsessed with them.

This is a beautifully written novel and it was a complete joy to read. I loved it and highly recommend it for someone who is looking for a self discovery novel. Morgan is brutally honest with herself and even though she sounds like a hardass sometimes, she's still so innocent and open to the world.

*****

Project 17 - Laurie Faria Stolarz

2010-05-24T22:40:00.001-05:00

High atop Hathorne Hill, near Boston, sits Danvers State Hospital. Built in 1878 and closed in 1992, this abandoned mental institution is rumored to be the birthplace of the lobotomy. On the eve of the hospital's demolition, six teens break in to spend the night and film a movie about their experiences. For Derik, it's an opportunity to win a film making contest and save himself from a future of flipping burgers at his parents' diner. For the others, it's a chance to be on TV, or a night with no parents. But what starts as a dare quickly escalates into a nightmare. Behind the crumbling walls, down every dark passageway, and in each deserted room, they will unravel the mysteries of those who once lived there and the spirits who still might.

I'm not sure what I was expecting when I began this novel, but I have to say, it didn't impress me that much. Maybe it's because I'm a huge horror/psychological thriller person to begin with, but I just didn't find this book to be scary. Every time it was starting to get interesting, it turned out that it was one of the teens just pulling a prank or being stupid.

I think the idea of the novel was really good, and I think the novel would've been better through the patient's eyes, like what they had to go through. Almost like flashbacks? Another thing I didn't like much was the change of POV in almost every chapter. I found it to be confusing and a bit annoying. I think the novel would've been better just in Derrick's POV, since he's the one that had the idea in the first place. It was hard remembering all of their back stories.

Overall, it was an okay novel but definitely not what I thought it'd be considering all the good reviews. I didn't find any of the characters very memorable...they were pretty typical and a bit bland. I almost felt like the author had the idea of the Breakfast Club and tossed them into a haunted hospital. The writing was good, but I much prefer the Touch series over this.

***

A Match Made in High School - Kristin Walker

2010-05-23T14:07:00.001-05:00

When the principal announces that every senior must participate in a mandatory year-long Marriage Education program, Fiona Sheehan believes that her life can’t get any worse. Then she marries her “husband”: Jerky jock Todd, whose cheerleader girlfriend, Amanda, has had it in for Fiona since day one of second grade. Even worse? Amanda is paired with Fiona’s long-term crush, Gabe. At least Fiona is doing better than her best friend, Marcie, who is paired up with the very quiet, very mysterious Johnny Mercer. Pranks, fights, misunderstandings, and reconciliations ensue in an almost Shakespearean comedy of errors about mistaken first impressions, convoluted coupling, and hidden crushes.

After hearing the rave reviews of this book from Kristi, I thought I needed to read this book. I picked it up and began reading, and really fell in love with the story and characters. I thought the idea of the book was genius on Kristin Walker's part, and I love the way she writes. I think we need to keep an eye on this author if this was just her first novel.

Even though I could guess who Fiona ended up with from the beginning, I was really happy that she didnt end up with the typical person most chick lit books write about. The writing was really good, and I found the chapters transitioned easily to the next. I really liked all of the characters too, all of them had distinct personalities and added a lot to the book. Sam was my favorite character - she was just too cute!

Definitely a good read and I laughed out loud so many times!

****

In My Mailbox (5/22/10)

2010-05-22T19:07:00.000-05:00

I finally made it down to Half Price Books this week! Hope you guys are having a good one.

Degrassi: Season One (guilty pleasure)
To Kill a Mockingbird - Harper Lee on cassette
The Den of Shadows Quartet - Amelia Atwater-Rhodes
The Summer I Turned Pretty - Jenny Han
Going Too Far - Jennifer Echols

The Mark by Jen Nadol

2010-05-19T22:20:00.001-05:00

Cassandra Renfield has always seen the mark—a glow around certain people reminiscent of candlelight. But the one time she mentioned it, it was dismissed as a trick of the light. Until the day she watches a man awash in the mark die. After searching her memories, Cassie realizes she can see a person’s imminent death. Not how or where, only when: today.

I had heard such mixed reviews about this novel that I was hesitant to like it in the beginning. As I continued on, I discovered that it was a good novel and had a very promising plot. I enjoyed Cassie as a character and I felt for her when she had to go through some of her turmoil, but the ending left me wanting more. Not because it was an addicting series, but because I felt some of the plot holes weren't closed enough.

I'm sure there's going to be another book in the works (at least I hope so), and I'm very excited to see where the author takes Cassie. I want to know more about Jack, and are we going to see more of Lucas? That should be an interesting love triangle if the author writes it as such! It was a fast read and I enjoyed the writing. Like I said before, the ending left some to be desired, but it was still a really good book and I'm glad I got it!

****

Waiting on Wednesday! (5/19/10)

2010-05-19T22:06:00.001-05:00

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

It's so new, it doesn't even have a cover yet! LOL! The book I'm talkin' about is Afterlife by Claudia Gray! It is the fourth (and maybe last?) book in the Evernight Academy series and I know I'm not the only one thirsty for more! My heart is still holding onto Balthazar but I'm not sure! Hourglass left us with SUCH a cliffhanger
Afterlife is due in March of 2011!

2010-05-17T10:00:00.000-05:00

This is a weekly Meme hosted by Sheila at Book Journey.

Book I read this week:

Nothing! :(

Book I'm currently reading:

The Mark by Jen Nadol

Book I plan on reading:

A Match Made in High School by Kristin Walker

Waiting on Wednesday (5/12/10)

2010-05-12T21:03:00.000-05:00

Hey guys! Sorry about the lack of entries this past weekend/week. I've been battling a cold and found out today that my Mom has a UTI, blood infection, and she's in renal failure. They have her on three sets of antibiotics instead of two and giving her fluids but it's still a scary time for us. If we could have your prayers/thoughts/anything, we'd appreciate it! This week's WoW is...

Return to Paradise by Simone Elkeles

Maggie and Caleb just went through the worst year of their lives. Hit by a car and starting life over with a limp, Maggie never thought she would forgive Caleb. But she did-and fell in love. What they shared was real. But Caleb wanted to be free from the past-and a terrible secret: he wasn't the one who hit Maggie. So he left Paradise-and Maggie-forever.

When Maggie and Caleb run into each other in a different town, they can't deny their true feelings. Will Maggie let Caleb get away again? Or will Caleb face the truth and return to Paradise?

Of course I had to put this one on my WoW! I loved the first one as well as PC, I just love the gritty way she writes and can't wait to hear about what happens next! I thought the ending od Leaving Paradise was SUCH a cliffhanger so I'm interested to see where she takes this one!
Released: September 1st, 2010

In My Mailbox (5/9/10)

2010-05-09T22:53:00.001-05:00

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren!

Sorry this is so late everyone! I was tempted not to post it but I didn't think I'd be doing another IMM for a while - I've got to stop buying books! LOL. I know it's horrible to say but it's true! I have so many I still need to read and I want to go to Florida this summer so I need to start saving! :D

Book:
Just Listen - Sarah Dessen (I've read it but want to collect all of Dessen's works!)

Movies:
Urban Legend
Knocked Up
Pursuit of Happyness
Save the Last Dance

Kind of a lame IMM this week...sorry guys! Oh, I also got the newest edition of Cosmo today. ;)

The Reckoning - Kelley Armstrong

2010-05-07T12:30:00.001-05:00

Only two weeks ago, life was all too predictable. But that was before I saw my first ghost. Now, along with my supernatural friends Tori, Derek, and Simon, I’m on the run from the Edison Group, which genetically altered us as part of their sinister experiment. We’re hiding in a safe house that might not be as safe as it seems. We’ll be gone soon anyway, back to rescue those we’d left behind and to take out the Edison Group . . . or so we hope.

*sigh* I just adore this series. It has everything someone could want and more. I was excited about this book, but as I began reading I realized it was going to be better than my expectations. Kelley Armstrong completely surpassed the bar she set for herself and I love that about her writing.

I did feel that sometimes the whole threat of the Edison Group was empty, you didn't hear much about them until the end. I wasn't too much of a fan of the ending, minus the romantic couple I wanted to happen did. I didn't feel much closure in the series, but I think the author did that to give herself a break from writing? I'm not sure.

One thing I'm miffed about is the story between the main characters is over. The fourth book is called The Gathering and it's different characters in a new trilogy. I'm not a fan of that idea, since I really crave a bond with my characters and I feel like they're being taken away from me...especially Derek and Tori. I'm sure I'm going to enjoy the next book but I'm going to miss the original gang. Here's a snippet from Kelley about the fourth book:

"I've been calling the next book "Darkest Powers 4" because it's the same overall series. It's new characters, though, in a new trilogy. I do something similar with my adult books--one series with changing narrators. My publisher may decide to give it a new title, but until then, I'm calling it all the Darkest Powers series, with the 1st 3 being the Project Genesis trilogy and the next 3 being the Project Phoenix trilogy."

Overall, I still really enjoyed it and will just reread the other two books for my Derek fix. <3

*****

Hourglass - Claudia Gray

2010-05-06T15:34:00.002-05:00

After escaping from Evernight Academy, the vampire boarding school, Bianca and Lucas seek refuge with Black Cross, the elite group of vampire hunters led by Lucas’s stepfather. When Bianca’s close friend—the vampire Balthazar—is captured by Black Cross, Bianca knows she has to do whatever it takes to save him. But at what cost?

I thought this book was good, however it didn't match up to Stargazer in my opinion. I'm a huge Balthazaar fan, so seeing Bianca with Lucas sort of ripped my insides out. ;) Some alliances were broken in this one and the ending was yet again, a cliffhanger! Holy moly. I felt like it should've been the end of the chapter and not the end of the book. I wish I could've read more about Evenight because I missed a lot of the characters.

I'm so happy the author didn't make 'something' happen between two of the characters because it would've ruined the spirit of the book in my opinion. It was still so good, and exciting, and of course I can't wait for Afterlife (the fourth) to come out.

Hourglass - Claudia Gray

2010-05-06T15:14:00.002-05:00

After escaping from Evernight Academy, the vampire boarding school where they met, Bianca and Lucas take refuge with Black Cross, a fanatical group of vampire hunters. Bianca must hide her supernatural heritage or risk certain death at its hands. But when Black Cross captures her friend—the vampire Balthazar—hiding is no longer an option. Soon Bianca and Lucas are on the run again, pursued not only by Black Cross, but by the powerful leaders of Evernight. Yet no matter how far they travel, Bianca can't escape her destiny. Bianca has always believed their love could survive anything...but can it survive what's to come?

Hourglass ia the third installment in the Evernight Academy series by Claudia Gray. After finishing this book, I know that this series is one of my favorites of 2010. I wasn't a huge fan of the setting since I am team Balthazaar, but I still didn't mind Lucas. I know he was a good guy that did love Bianca, I just love what she can't have. ;) There was enough romance, suspence, and action to make it a great read. I found myself not being able to guess what would happen and I wanted to keep reading to find out. The ending annoyed me a bit, only because it was such a cliffhanger. I felt it was more of a chapter ending and not the ending of a novel.

The other thing that prevented it from getting a 5 star rating is I wish I would have gotten more of the side characters, especially Vic and Ranulf. They are such the odd couple but I adore them. I would like to make a slashfic of them someday ;). The other thing is I think towards the end, Bianca got the best of both worlds. *highlight to see spoiler* She turned into a wraith, but could be seen by Lucas too when touching the bracelet. She could still be with Lucas and not have the vampires hurt her. There was no loss in my opinion.

I finished the book in about two days, which is always a good sign for me! When I closed it, I wanted to hug it and throw it against the wall at the same time. I love authors that bring out such emotions in me! If you haven't read this one yet, I really suggest it, because it was a good read and I enjoyed every minute of it.

****

Waiting on Wednesday (5/5/10)

2010-05-05T18:35:00.001-05:00

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

Scheduled Release: September 28, 2010

I'll admit, I squeed when I found out this was coming out! It is a retelling of the story Sleeping Beauty, one of my favorite Disney movies (and Grimms Fairytale) and isn't the cover stunning? I ~~stole~~ borrowed this quote from the author...

present day New York, Rose wakes from a coma with no memory, and only her two aunts to care for her. But how long has she REALLY been asleep, and what secret...

EE!

Teaser Tuesday! (5/4/10)

2010-05-04T22:03:00.001-05:00

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by Should be Reading.

His green eyes blazed, and he looked utterly wild. When he got like this, gave full rein to his hot temper, sometimes he scared even me. Hourglass page 122.

It's Monday! What are you reading? (05/03/10)

2010-05-03T11:47:00.001-05:00

This is a weekly Meme hosted by Sheila at Book Journey.

Book I read this week:

Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl

Book I'm currently reading:

Hourglass by Claudia Gray

Book I plan on reading:

The Reckoning by Kelley Armstrong

In My Mailbox (5/1/10)

2010-05-01T16:54:00.000-05:00

Wow, happy new month everyone! I can't believe it's already May...time has been flying hasn't it? I hope all of you have had a wonderful week and have been enjoying the warmer weather out there! Right now, reading on the porch is one of my favorite things to do! Anyway, on to the fun stuff! ;D

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren!

The Awakening - Kelley Armstrong (already read it, but I have the 1st and 3rd, so I needed the 2nd)
Catching Fire - Suzanne Collins (another I already read but wanted for my shelf)
If I Stay - Gayle Forman (I love this cover much more than the hardback!)
Beautiful Dead - Eden Maguire
Dark Secrets 2 - Elizabeth Chandler *yay to BN putting it out early!*
Graceling - Kirstin Cashore

What did you get this week? :)

Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl

2010-05-01T15:23:00.001-05:00

Lena Duchannes is unlike anyone the small Southern town of Gatlin has ever seen, and she’s struggling to conceal her power and a curse that has haunted her family for generations. But even within the overgrown gardens, murky swamps, and crumbling graveyards of the forgotten South, a secret cannot stay hidden forever.

Ethan Wate, who has been counting the months until he can escape from Gatlin, is haunted by dreams of a beautiful girl he has never met. When Lena moves into the town’s oldest and most infamous plantation, Ethan is inexplicably drawn to her and determined to uncover the connection between them.

In a town with no surprises, one secret could change everything.

I enjoyed this book, but I didn't love it. I think I was amping it up and I'm a bit disappointed that it fell short of my expectations. The story plot was good and the characters were relate-able, though I did find Lena a bit obnoxious at times. I thought the writing was excellent, but I don't think the ending fit the rest of the story. I saw a lot of open holes in the story that the authors didn't fully close in my opinion. As I said I liked the writing and the idea of a small Southern town and its secrets is always grounds for a great novel.

I really liked Ethan's character, I think he's the type of guy every girl reader would want to fall in love with. He's kind and sensitive, but will fiercely protect Lena whenever he thought he could. Ethan is flawed, but not so much that its detrimental to the story. I liked the other characters in the story as well and even though they aren't in the story all the time, they make their impression on the reader.

Overall, I thought the book was really good and I don't regret reading it, I just think I was hyping it up to be something it wasn't. If you get over the fact that 'OMG I'm holding Beautiful Creatures and reading it!!!' it is a good book and has great potential :) I am looking forward to the next book, Beautiful Darkness, which is due to release on October 26th, 2010!

****

Friday Fill-ins (4/30/10)

2010-04-30T10:37:00.000-05:00

Click here to get to FF's blog!

1. I was just thinking about finishing this chapter.
2. I just had some cereal and I left my book right in front of me so I can read.
3. Why do I have to go into work today? Don't they know I can't put this book down?
4. 'Gus, stop licking me!' was in my thoughts today.
5. One of my father's favorite sayings was 'Kiss my butt and call it a love story'.
6. Exhaustion --I know that feeling!
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to being able to stay up late and work on my FanFiction, tomorrow my plans include sleeping in and being outside, enjoying the weather and Sunday, I want to clean my room to prepare for Monday!

Book Beginnings on Friday (4/30/10)

2010-04-30T10:28:00.000-05:00

Book Beginnings is a weekly Meme hosted by Page Turners!

Anyone can participate; just share the opening sentence of your current read, making sure that you include the title and author so others know what you're reading. If you like, share with everyone why you do, or do not, like the sentence.

Beautiful Creatures, chapter one and sentence one:

There were only two kinds of people in our town.

Mmm, not really the best line they could've written but along with the second sentence in the novel, "the stupid and the stuck", it fits well.

Booking Through Thursday (4-29-10)

2010-04-29T16:26:00.000-05:00

Booking Through Thursday is a weekly Meme hosted by BTT.

God* comes to you and tells you that, from this day forward, you may only read ONE type of book–one genre–period, but you get to choose what it is. Classics, Science-Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Cookbooks, History, Business … you can choose, but you only get ONE.
What genre do you pick, and why?
*Whether you believe in God or not, pretend for the purposes of this discussion that He is real.

This was probably one of the easiest questions I've ever answered. Without blinking I would choose YA. I think authors of YA fiction need to be even more talented in order to keep the attention of the audience. The plots are so creative and the covers are always worth their weight in gold. It's such a wonderful genre to blog about and be involved in a community of fans. <33