Review: My Soul to Take by Rachel Vincent

My Soul to Take (Soul Screamers #1) by Rachel Vincent
Young Adult
Paperback, 279 pgs.
Published: August 1st, 2009 by Harlequin
Source: Purchased

She doesn't see dead people. She senses when someone near her is about to die. And when that happens, a force beyond her control compels her to scream bloody murder. Literally.

Kaylee just wants to enjoy having caught the attention of the hottest guy in school. But a normal date is hard to come by when Nash seems to know more about her need to scream than she does. And when classmates start dropping dead for no apparent reason, only Kaylee knows who'll be next.

I've had the first two books in this series ever since the second one came out.  When Rachel from Fiktshun decided to do a Soul Screamers Challenge with one book a month through June I decided this was the perfect chance for me.  And one a month works great cause I don't really have to feel any pressure.  Want to sign up?  Click the button!


So I'm a little torn with YA paranormal these days.  Even though I'm often okay with the story and enjoy it I don't feel real moved or blown away very often.  And I can't say this one really blew me away but I did enjoy it and there were many aspects I enjoyed quite a lot.  


I really liked the concept of the soul screamers.  My immediate reaction was that I felt a little like it was just ridiculous but as I read on I realized that it worked, I did like it and I really wanted to learn more about it and how it works, why it's like that, etc.  We haven't got a lot of history on it yet, but it was probably the perfect amount for the first book.  It got us interested and relayed info as we needed it instead of an info dump.  

The characters were good.  I liked Kaylee and I liked Nash.  I don't think they really blew me away, but they were both interesting and likable and they were sweet together as a couple.  And they didn't really annoy me.  I did feel the insta-love that was in play in this one but I was okay with it.  I think maybe they took things a little fast, like they should have been 'in like' more then instantly 'in love', but it wasn't a huge negative for me.  They are teenagers and sometimes I just have to remind myself that that is how it is.  And I actually liked that their relationship was pretty drama free.  That was a big bonus.  It drives me crazy to see the characters overreacting about everything and they weren't like that at all.  It took a little bit, like Kaylee just didn't understand why Nash liked her just out of the blue but I think the mystery and discovery of everything made her distracted enough and she just needed him since no one else knew what was going on.  That helped move her past any drama she may have felt. 

I felt like the story had lots of good twists and turns.  It wasn't really possible to predict what was going on, what was going to happen and why these girls were dying all over town for no reason.  So as things were revealed it was surprise after surprise and then there was a major surprise and I loved that I didn't see it coming at all!  


Overall this was a good start to a series that has potential to great.  I definitely recommend you pick it up!


3.5/5 stars

Review: All You Desire (The Eternal Ones #2) by Kirsten Miller

All You Desire (The Eternal Ones #2) by Kirsten Miller
Young Adult (older YA)
Hardcover, 423 pgs.
Published August 9, 2011 by Razorbill
Source: Purchased

Haven Moore and Iain Morrow have been living a blissful life in Rome, an ocean way from the Ouroboros Society and its diabolical leader. But paradise is not to last. The mysterious disappearance of Haven's best friend, Beau, sends the pair running back to New York, where they encounter the Horae, an underground group of women who have spent centuries scheming to destroy Adam Rosier. Only they can help Haven uncover the secret to Beau's whereabouts in one of her past lives. But their help comes at a price: Haven must infiltrate the Ouroboros Society, charm Adam Rosier, and lure him into a trap. It's a plan the Horae believe will save the world-but Haven and Iain fear that it may destroy the happiness they've been chasing for two thousand years.

I really enjoyed the first book in the series, The Eternal Ones, but for some reason (it's becoming a habit these days) I had a hard time picking up the next one.  But once I finally did I found myself wrapped in the intrigue and mystery that presented itself in this one.  It had a bit of a slow start but it didn't take too long to discover there was more more to this story.  I think I was worried about it being boring, I wasn't sure there was more to tell.  But oh yes!  There's lots of secrets that come out and many twists and turns I didn't see coming.  I always love when you can't tell the good guys from the bad and this was definitely one of those books.  

Filled with reincarnation, secret societies, a kidnapping mystery, past lives to uncover truths from and a romance that transcends time, this book demanded me to use my brain, think past what we think we know and uncover mysteries we couldn't have even deigned to conceive of.  And while this is technically YA I think it feels adult to me.  It has older characters (Haven is 19 but remember she's had past lives) and it just has such crazy ideas and the way it comes out just feels more adult.  Not that I don't think it's appropriate for YA, it just feels more adult.  I do think it's more appropriate for more mature YA readers though. 

Now I really enjoyed this book a lot but there were some slight negatives.  Haven seems like she's still a bit naive and while she's determined to not let anyone trick her she really doesn't have much choice but to depend on those she doesn't really trust.  But then I felt like she would sometimes believe things she should have known better then to believe.  She was kind of all over the place in what she wanted and how she wanted to proceed with things.  


Overall this is a fabulous series and if you enjoy reading about this kind of thing I definitely recommend it!


4/5 stars

In My Mailbox (92)

In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren and is where we share the books we got through the week.  

I finally had a slower week and actually thought I might not have any.  But then I went to a book signing and picked up a couple clearance books.  And I got one book for review.  

Review: 

Vamplayers by Rusty Fischer {Thanks Rusty!}

This was a pretty fabulous read!  I'll have the review up soon with a giveaway!  

Bought: 

Fracture by Megan Miranda

This was the signing I went to so it's *signed*!

Marissa Meyer was there as well but my copy of Cinder is in SD so I just got a couple bookplates signed and grabbed a couple bookmarks.  I got bookmarks for Fracture too.

Magic on the Hunt (Allie Beckstrom #6) by Devon Monk

I've been reading and enjoying this series.  I found this one for $3 and didn't have it yet so had to pick it up!

Twenty Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler

Another clearance rack deal!  And I still haven't read this one!

So what was in your mailbox?

Saturday Situation- Link Up Your Reviews & Give@way's!

 Saturday Situation is hosted by both Lori at Pure Imagination and myself.  It's a linky for you to link your  Giveaways and Reviews (and whatever neglected posts you may have).  You'll find the same linky's at Pure Imagination, so don't enter them twice!

Keep in mind that you can add your links through the entire week.  

You can find this post again by clicking the button on the right side of my blog.  I'll try to keep it up to date to go to the newest Saturday Situation post.

Review: Strings Attached by Judy Blundell

Young Adult
Hardcover, 313 pgs.
Published March 1st, 2011 by Scholastic
Source: Library

From National Book Award winner Judy Blundell, the tale of a sixteen-year-old girl caught in a mix of love, mystery, Broadway glamour, and Mob retribution in 1950 New York.
When Kit Corrigan arrives in New York City, she doesn't have much. She's fled from her family in Providence, Rhode Island, and she's broken off her tempestuous relationship with a boy named Billy, who's enlisted in the army.
The city doesn't exactly welcome her with open arms. She gets a bit part as a chorus girl in a Broadway show, but she knows that's not going to last very long. She needs help--and then it comes, from an unexpected source.
Nate Benedict is Billy's father. He's also a lawyer involved in the mob. He makes Kit a deal--he'll give her an apartment and introduce her to a new crowd. All she has to do is keep him informed about Billy . . . and maybe do him a favor every now and then.

This book was so many kinds of awesome I don't even know where to start!  The setting was fabulous, the characters were amazing and the plot was as twisty and unpredictable as they get.  I absolutely loved it!

The book starts where Kit is already in NYC in 1950 and has a job (though it's a crappy one) and so much has already happened that's important to the story but we get the past throughout the book in her memories.  So every few chapters or so we'll see things from the past that led to her being in NYC.  You know she's gone through a lot but you don't know exactly what has happened.  Then Nate shows up.  He's the father of Billy who was her boyfriend but doesn't seem to be anymore (we find out more through the book) and Nate offers her an apartment because she 'owes' him and all Billy wants is to marry her and live in NYC.  It's like he wants her to do this favor cause he's trying to make up for his past mistakes with Billy.  And while Nate says No Strings, we see this isn't really true.  See Nate is involved in the mob and you know they need eyes and ears everywhere.  The next thing she knows Kit is more involved then she ever wanted to be but is living her dream as a Lido dancer, has a nice apartment and fancy clothes but those 'strings attached' along with her past is really haunting her.

The relationship part with Billy was brilliantly done.  The way information is doled out slowly and carefully and we see the sweet and kind things he did but then we see his jealous rages and his hurt and anger at his family and how it's affected him so much.  I couldn't help but feel sorry for him but yet knew that their relationship would be really messed up because of his anger issues.

The relationship was only one small part of the whole book.  There are all sorts of crazy things that happened in Kits past that all tie in with the story.  I want you to go in not really knowing a lot so I'm not going to get into it, but I'll just tell you this, it is completely unpredictable and full of twists and turns you'll never see coming.  It kept my eyes glued to the page, especially in the second half when we're finally getting pieces put together.  And the author isn't afraid to let bad things happen to people so this is not exactly some happy-go- lucky ride with a nice and tidy HEA (happily-ever-after).   And while I do enjoy a good HEA I really thought this one worked well.  It got my emotions really boiling and I felt like it really felt real.  And it's not that's it's an unhappy ending exactly- it's just hard to explain. 

The whole time period and setting of this book was absolutely stunning.  I really felt like I was there.  Like I was reading a movie.  I felt the whole 1950's vibe so well.  I don't think it is possible to get that whole thing any better then this author did, it was perfect.  And it has me wanting to read anything and everything set in that time, it was just so amazing.

I very very highly recommend this book.  I felt like it was absolutely perfect and there's not one thing I'd change about it!

5/5 stars

Urban Fantasy Mini Reviews: Eye of the Tempest and A Match Made in Hell

This is what I'm going to start doing for my urban fantasy reviews of books that are later in a series (first in a series will be a more full length review).  Because I don't want it to be spoilery for the previous books in the series I won't include descriptions and I'll be vague about plot points.  Mostly talking about character development and if I'm happy with how the series is turning out.

Eye of the Tempest (Jane True #4)

I've really been enjoying this series for many reasons.  I love that the author has brought in so many different kinds of creatures.  There's pretty much everything in these books and they all are important.  And it's not just the usual vampires, werewolves and succubus (or succubi?).  No, there are many other totally unique creatures.  I also love that she balances the humor with a lot of serious life-or-death situations.  So there's action, but there's lots of laughing as well.  And not to mention, there are some pretty steamy scenes as too!

Jane is freaking hilarious.  Her libido and her virtue have these conversations that will make you snort your coke out your nose (or coffee, tea, beer, whatever).  And while it took me a bit to warm up to her humor I totally love it now.

This book wasn't a disappointment at all.  I'm loving the way things are shaping up and the direction they are taking.  She's gone through a lot of changes with things and she's taking it all very well.  I'm super anxious to see where things go now!
4/5 stars

A Match Made in Hell (Nicki Styx #2) by Terri Garey

This book was slower moving then most of the UF & PNR I've been reading lately, but I was still completely engrossed and didn't have a problem with reading it.  And the last quarter of the book was impossible to put down.

Nicki isn't a character I completely love.  Her stubbornness sometimes gets to me.  I also feel like she is sometimes just a bit naive.  She's been exposed to so much but yet sometimes she's blind to things that I think are obvious.  But yet there's something about her that I do like.  And I also like a character that grows and she's definitely growing.  She hasn't really had this ability to talk to ghosts that long so I should probably give her a bit of a break as well.  Because even though she saw a lot in the first book it was very sudden so it's probably a bit much for her to wrap her head around.  One thing I do have to say is that she's got a great sense of style and I admire her for sticking to her guns on being herself.  She sticks to her vintage/goth ways.  And I love that about her.  I also like seeing that she does know right from wrong and is determined to do right even when it's so easy to sellout. 
 
This is turning out to be a pretty good series.  I feel just a bit on the fence about it for some reason and I think it's just cause I don't love, LOVE it.  There are some things I just don't care for that much.  But somehow I cruise through the books like they're candy and I feel pretty satisfied.  So I do recommend it if it sounds like your thing.  I also have to mention that it's labeled as paranormal romance but it feels urban fantasy to me.  Romance is a pretty strong theme but it just doesn't have the normal romance and the story line of Nicki dealing with ghosts and whatnot is much more important to the story.  There's also sex but it's not described as much as most PNR books do.  So anyway, my point is, if you're not a big PNR fan but like UF give this one a try, it may be right up your alley!

3.5 stars

Review: The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

Young Adult
Hardcover, 313 pgs.
Published Jan. 10th, 2012 by Dutton
Source: Purchased

Diagnosed with Stage IV thyroid cancer at 12, Hazel was prepared to die until, at 14, a medical miracle shrunk the tumours in her lungs... for now.

Two years post-miracle, sixteen-year-old Hazel is post-everything else, too; post-high school, post-friends and post-normalcy. And even though she could live for a long time (whatever that means), Hazel lives tethered to an oxygen tank, the tumours tenuously kept at bay with a constant chemical assault.

Enter Augustus Waters. A match made at cancer kid support group, Augustus is gorgeous, in remission, and shockingly to her, interested in Hazel. Being with Augustus is both an unexpected destination and a long-needed journey, pushing Hazel to re-examine how sickness and health, life and death, will define her and the legacy that everyone leaves behind.

This is the first book of 2012 going on my favorites list.  I'm always afraid to say I really loved a book so much it's on my favorites list because sometimes that wonderful feeling kind of fades and you later realize that it maybe wasn't quite as amazing as you thought.  That favorites list has to be saved for the truly amazing books.  And I rarely add books to it.  But when I read this book I had no doubt in my mind that it belongs on that list.  It truly is a special book that I doubt will ever fade from my memory.  

This is a book that takes you on a roller coaster ride.  It's full of amazing witty and hilarious characters.  But these characters are dealing with so much.  You know from the description that this is not just some happy go lucky book.  Cancer is a tough and scary thing and there are many revelations to be had when facing life and death.  There are very few books that have made me feel as much as this one.  This book had me laughing hysterically and sobbing all in the same sentence.  It truly was an epic ride and one of the best I've ever been on.  


John Green is an expert in creating characters that really truly stand out.  That are super smart and witty and full of some seriously awesome humor.  And I've come to love quite a few of his characters.  But in this book, this book they are more.  These are my most favorite cast of characters yet.  They stand far above the others in any of his books.  They were truly perfect.  And to be perfect they were of course flawed and real.  But they were smart and witty and absolutely hilarious.  They had to overcome so much and they had to find strength to deal with stuff that we all hope we never have to face. 


I honestly could ramble on about the awesomeness in this book but there really are no words to really describe this book.  It's just perfection and please go get a box of tissue and sit down and read this book now.  I promise, you won't regret it!


10/5 stars!  Okay, so I can only give 5, but this is a beyond 5 star book!

Tempting Tuesdays- Some Girls Bite Read-Along Chapters 13-15

Tina at Tina's Book Reviews, Rummanah at Books in the Spotlight, Missie at The Unread Reader, and Jenny at Supernatural Snark are hosting the Tempting Tuesday's Some Girls Bite Read- Along.  This is for the book Some Girls Bite by Chloe Neill which is the first one in the Chicagoland Vampires series. This started January 3rd and is running every Tuesday through January 31st.

Here's the schedule:
January 3rd - Chapters 1-4 (Jenny at Supernatural Snark)
January 10th - Chapters 5-8 (Tina at Tina's Book Reviews)
January 17th - Chapters 9-12 (Rummanah at Books in the Spotlight)
January 24th - Chapters 13-15 + epilogue (Missie at The Unread Reader)
January 31st - Special guest post by Chloe Neill and our grand prize giveaway!

 

Questions for Chapters 13-15 + epilogue

1. Chapter 13 opens with Merit describing her new job routine as House Sentinel. Considering that every job Cadogan House is important in helping to make the house run efficiently, which job do you think you'd like to have (guard, cook, social director, gardener, etc.) and why?
At that house? The gardener!  I don't know if I would really, but I think being able to design and keep a garden like that would be loads of fun!

2. In the supernatural world of Chicagoland Vampires, politics seem to play an important role in the way the Houses are run. Now that you've been introduced to the Rogues, do you think it's better for vampires to be a part of a House or to live outside of one.
I don't know yet.  I don't think I have an opinion on that until I get to know them better.  I do have to say that the one head guy (was his name Noah?) really sounds like a hottie.  Maybe it was the eyeliner ;)

3. After Morgan openly asks to court Merit, she feels betrayed when Ethan commands her to accept for the show of alliance it could bring to Cadogan House. Do you think her reaction was warranted?
Well, not really.  I mean, I get how and why she feels that way but she turned him down so she shouldn't be so surprised. 

4. When Ethan meets with the perpetrator of the murders, were you surprised to discover who it was? If you suspected someone, were your suspensions correct? What did you think of the perpetrator's motive?
I think I was just starting to suspect her but I'm not so sure about the motive.  It just doesn't make a lot of sense to me. 

5. What was your favorite/least favorite parts of Some Girls Bite?
Hmmm... Favorite part- maybe all the hot guys making appearances.  I also enjoy the snark quite a lot.  My least favorite is that it took Merit awhile to accept things and it was frustrating seeing her fight everything tooth and nail.  I also hated the scene where she walked in on Amber and Ethan.  That scene is still playing through my brain and I'm not liking it!

6. What do you think is coming up next for Merit, Sentinel of Cadogan House? Will you continue reading this series, and if so, what do you hope to see happen in the next book?
I don't know that I have any thoughts on what will happen but I will definitely read the next book.  I'm kind of hoping that Merit and that guy Noah (that's his name, right?  The rogue dude?) hook up.  Or work together at least.  His short little scene has me wanting much more of him!  (Of course I may regret this answer if he turns out evil...)

Review: Dragonswood by Janet Lee Carey

Dragonswood by Janet Lee Carey
Young Adult
Hardcover, 407 pgs.
Published Jan. 5th, 2012 by Penguin
Source: Purchased

Wilde Island is in an uproar after the recent death of its king. The uneasy pact between dragons, fairies, and humans is fraying, and a bloodthirsty witch hunter with a hidden agenda whips villages into frenzies with wild accusations. Tess, a blacksmith’s daughter from a tiny hamlet near the mysterious Dragonswood, finds herself caught in the crosshairs of fate when she is accused of witchery and has to flee for her life along with her two best friends.

Not even Tess’s power to see the future can help the girls as they set off on their desperate journey, but she keeps having visions of a man wielding a sword. And when she finally meets him, Tess has no idea how to handle the magnetic attraction she feels for him, or the elusive call she hears from the heart of the Dragonswood.

In this epic romance, an ancient prophecy comes true in a way neither dragon, fairy, nor human would have predicted.

When I heard the description of this book I was immediately drawn to it.  But then I saw reviews saying it was mediocre.  This worried me a bit.  But I still bought the book.  And I'm so glad I did!  The book pulled me in immediately and it kept me entranced the entire way through.  And while parts of the middle were slower, they still held my attention and I was still eager to continue reading.   


I really liked Tess.  She felt real to me.  She was brave and and strong and extremely loyal, but she still made mistakes, still gave in under pressure (aka torture) and that just made her all the more real.  She never seemed predictable to me as I saw her struggling with her feelings for different things and I loved being surprised by some of her decisions.  


The romance-  I loved it for the most part.  I felt the connection between the two but yet there wasn't any instant love.  They grew to care for each other as they got to know the other.  As she learned what a kind, gentle and loyal person he was.  As he watched her go through trial after trial but still work to repair her mistakes.  And I loved any and all interaction between them but I wanted more.  I wanted to see them together more and really feel that connection.  I felt like we only got a touch of what it could have been.  However it was still great!  


I loved the world created.  The medieval villages, the sanctuary filled with faeries, dragons and other mythical beings.  I loved the magic and the way everything worked.  The connections between the humans, the fae, the dragons, the royalty.  It was all fantastic!  The storyline was also amazing and while I was able to predict some things other things I never saw coming. 


Overall I really enjoyed everything but at the same time I kind of see what people mean about how it had potential to be totally epically amazingly awesome and how it didn't quite reach that.  But I went into it expecting it to fall a bit flat and it didn't really.  It's mostly looking back I see where it could have been just a bit more, but really, I'm not disappointed.  This was a highly enjoyable read and I recommend it to all fantasy readers, especially those who enjoy fantasy but have a hard time with the lengthy descriptions and longer volumes.  This was most definitely a lighter epic fantasy. I also look forward to reading the authors previous work, Dragons Keep.


4/5 stars

In My Mailbox (91)

In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren and is where we share the books we got through the week.  

Okay, I got loads of books and I totally have to not get anymore books for awhile cause things are getting out of hand!

Review: 

Unbroken (Outcast Season #4) by Rachel Caine

I haven't read this series yet.

Undone Deeds (Connor Grey #6) by Mark del Franco

Haven't read this series yet either.

Library:

Forbidden by Tabitha Suzuma 

So many people say this is a must read so I've had it on hold for me.

Everybody Sees the Ants by A.S. King

I love this author!  And while I really knew I didn't need anymore books I couldn't resist cause I've been dying to read this one!

Bright Young Things by Anna Godberson

This book has been on my wishlist since it came out.  When I saw it was in I figured it was about time I picked it up!

Finnikin of the Rock by Melina Marchetta 

I love fantasy and I've heard this one is great!

Gifts/Borrowed:

Radiant Desire by Inara Scott *signed* & with swag

I technically won this one from the author.  It's an adult paranormal romance and I'm in love with the cover!  

Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood

This one is loaned to me by Lori at Pure Imagination but she said if she goes to a signing I can keep it.  So I'll say it's on loan for now.  And I can't WAIT to read it!  

Bought: 

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green *signed*

I couldn't resist!  And I read it and fell in love.  First book on my favorites list for 2012!

Bittersweet by Sarah Ockler

Total impulse buy.  I'm dying to read it!

The Sweet Scent of Blood (Spellcrackers.com #1) by Suzanne McLeod

I ordered this one last year and it just took forever to get here!  

Second Helpings (Jessica Darling #2) by Megan McCafferty

I loved the first one so much I immediately bought the second.

Paperbackswap:

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

This has been on my wishlist on paperbackswap for years and it finally came in! 

Big Thank You to Penguin (ace,roc), Inara Scott, and Lori at Pure Imagination!

So what was in your mailbox?

Saturday Situation- Link Up Your Reviews & Giveaways!

 Saturday Situation is hosted by both Lori at Pure Imagination and myself.  It's a linky for you to link your  Giveaways and Reviews (and whatever neglected posts you may have).  You'll find the same linky's at Pure Imagination, so don't enter them twice!

Keep in mind that you can add your links through the entire week.  

You can find this post again by clicking the button on the right side of my blog.  I'll try to keep it up to date to go to the newest Saturday Situation post.

Mini Review: One Night That Changes Everything by Lauren Barnholdt

Two years ago, when Eliza Sellman was in ninth grade, her dad found out he was being transfered and the family was going to move. Having always been shy and not so confident about her body, Eliza took that opportunity to start a list in her private notebook of all the things she planned on doing when she moved but had always been afraid to—like wearing a miniskirt and asking guys to dance; singing karaoke in front of strangers; posting a photo of herself on her Facebook wall in a bikini...you get the idea. New town, new Eliza, right? Well, she'll never know because the transfer fell through and they didn't move. But Eliza kept adding her goals and secret fears to the list in the notebook. Now it's two years later, and in that time Eliza has had and lost her first boyfriend. But this was more than your average breakup...turns out the sweet and cute Cooper was only dating her as a hazing stunt by a secret society. Eliza got her revenge by posting some pretty nasty (and only sort-of true) stuff about Cooper online. That posting has had major consequences and now Cooper and his buddies have stolen her private notebook and won't give it back until she performs all the things on her list in one night. It's torture...until Eliza steals something from the boys she knows they'll want to trade her notebook for. What starts out as a night of humiliation turns into a night of revelations as Eliza learns what Cooper was really thinking when they dated, the real reason he's stolen her notebook, and how freeing—and life-changing—it can be to do the things you fear the most.

I've heard that Lauren Barnholdt is a fabulous writer so I was super excited to read something by her.  Unfortunately I picked the wrong one because I didn't care for this book all that much.  It was written well (other then my issues with the characters) and this book had lots of potential for me, it just didn't live up to it.


I didn't like the characters in the book.  Eliza is whiny and overly angsty and overreacts to pretty much everything.  Yet she's so determined to not let her secrets get out that she lets these guys walk all over her and actually does the things they ask.  Now some of the things aren't such a big deal but some of them are a bit crazy.  I think she should have just walked away and forgot about it.  Eliza's two BFF's are horrible friends.  Well, that's not always true, they stand by her.  Except when they have better things to do and they just disappear to do those other things and totally 'forget' to tell her.  Cooper was probably the best character of all and he seemed sweet but I was just waiting for him to make things stop and go away because he really had a lot of power he could have wielded.  But instead he just let everything happen.  


The story line idea is great.  I like the idea of a girl working through her fears when they are things like singing karoake, asking a guy to dance, etc. But they started to get a little out of hand.  I did like the running around part.  How they end up all over Boston in the middle of the night.  


I don't know, I'm just not really feeling this book.  But I also didn't hate it and think the author had a great idea.  So I'm going with 2.5 stars for this one.

Review: Shades of Milk and Honey by Mary Robinette Kowal

Adult {with crossover appeal to YA}
Paperback, 304 pgs.
Published August 3rd, 2010 by Tor
Source: Purchased

The fantasy novel you've always wished Jane Austen had writtenShades of Milk and Honey is exactly what we could expect from Jane Austen if she had been a fantasy writer: Pride and Prejudice meets Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell. It is an intimate portrait of a woman, Jane, and her quest for love in a world where the manipulation of glamour is considered an essential skill for a lady of quality.

Jane and her sister Melody vie for the attentions of eligible men, and while Jane's skill with glamour is remarkable, it is her sister who is fair of face. When Jane realizes that one of Melody's suitors is set on taking advantage of her sister for the sake of her dowry, she pushes her skills to the limit of what her body can withstand in order to set things right--and, in the process, accidentally wanders into a love story of her own.

Such an absolutely beautiful story!  I was afraid it may be a bit long and dry because I'll admit that as an adult I've had a hard time reading Jane Austen.  It may be the books I've chosen, but it's also because I'm far too impatient.  But this book sucked me in immediately.  

Now I've not read a Jane Austen book since high school though I have tried to, so I'm no expert, but I have an idea of her style of writing.  And this book does seem like a book she could have written.  The style is definitely very similar.  But this book moves along at a quicker pace {though I wouldn't say it's fast paced, as it's more relaxed then most books I've been reading these days} and it has a fantasy element thrown in.  As there is magic.  Now this magic is unlike anything I've read about before.  It's a glamour that is wove to create scenes or things that aren't there.  To cloak things to make them prettier, or appear newer.  A dining room can be transformed into a beautiful forest complete with a babbling brook.  I thought it was genius because it fit into the story so well. 


Jane is a plain girl, not beautiful like her sister Melody.  But she's talented in her glamour abilities and in art of all types.  She's quite sensible and never goes on flights of fancy like her sister Melody.  She's very likable and a character I completely connected with.  Her sister Melody was beautiful and always for want of attention.  She would get jealous when Jane would get attention and would do ridiculous things to get the spotlight on herself.  But even while she was naive and sometimes cruel by accident you could tell that she did love her sister and was somewhat blind to her own poor behavior.  Their mother, Mrs. Ellsworth was quite the drama queen, as was most of the women of that time.  The slightest upset and they faint dead away.  It was quite hilarious as Jane saw right through their ridiculous overreactions.  Their father, Mr. Ellsworth was a kindly and gentle soul.  He truly cares for his girls but really seems to be the only one who truly understands Jane.  


There are several men in this book that each play an important role.  But it's so fun to unravel what their part is that I'm not going to spoil you with any details.  I'll tell you that the romance plays out in a very Jane Austen'esque way, which is somewhat predictable once it's figured out, but it takes awhile to piece everything together.  You have to figure out who Melody really fancy's and as she's so flighty it's not immediately obvious.  As for Jane, well, she'll get her bit as well- but your not getting any spoilers from me!


While this book isn't exactly fast paced, it isn't slow either.  I found myself cruising through it with no issues whatsoever.  It felt like it was a steady pace with enough twists that kept me on my toes.  And the last quarter of the book- now that was fast paced as it was constant epiphany and action as everything suddenly starts to come together.  


I really can't recommend this book highly enough.  I was totally entranced and fell in love with the magic, the characters and the time period itself.  I'm very excited for the second book, Glamour in Glass which comes out April 2012.  Now this is an adult book, but I would definitely say it has crossover appeal for YA. 


5/5 stars!


Here's the cover of the second book just cause I think it's so gorgeous!

Review: Sloppy Firsts by Megan McCafferty

Sloppy Firsts (Jessica Darling #1) by Megan McCafferty
Young Adult/Adult
Paperback, 298 pgs.
Published March 5th, 2002
Source: Purchased

“My parents suck ass. Banning me from the phone and restricting my computer privileges are the most tyrannical parental gestures I can think of. Don’t they realize that Hope’s the only one who keeps me sane? . . . I don’t see how things could get any worse.”

When her best friend, Hope Weaver, moves away from Pineville, New Jersey, hyperobservant sixteen-year-old Jessica Darling is devastated. A fish out of water at school and a stranger at home, Jessica feels more lost than ever now that the only person with whom she could really communicate has gone. How is she supposed to deal with the boy- and shopping-crazy girls at school, her dad’s obsession with her track meets, her mother salivating over big sister Bethany’s lavish wedding, and her nonexistent love life?

A fresh, funny, utterly compelling fiction debut by first-time novelist Megan McCafferty, Sloppy Firsts is an insightful, true-to-life look at Jessica’s predicament as she embarks on another year of teenage torment--from the dark days of Hope’s departure through her months as a type-A personality turned insomniac to her completely mixed-up feelings about Marcus Flutie, the intelligent and mysterious “Dreg” who works his way into her heart. Like a John Hughes for the twenty-first century, Megan McCafferty taps into the inherent humor and drama of the teen experience. This poignant, hilarious novel is sure to appeal to readers who are still going through it, as well as those who are grateful that they don’t have to go back and grow up all over again.

This book has been recommended by so many people and all I've heard is rave reviews.  So the moment it arrived I started reading it.  And the only problem I really had with the book was the very beginning was a bit confusing, or just kind of choppy and hard to follow because we're getting a bit of back story to figure out where Jessica is now.  It's just the first 20 pages or so though so stick with it!  It wasn't bad for me, it was just different and harder to follow.  But then the story took off and WOW!  I am a fan of characters that really pop.  That have some amazing inner dialogue and Jessica is one of the best I've ever read.  Her personality pops off the page and you can't help but laugh your head off like every other page.  And while her internal dialogue is great, her conversations with others will knock you right off your freaking chair!  And I'll warn you now, do not, under any circumstances, drink anything while reading this book!  Cause guaranteed you'll snort it right out your nose! 
One favorite scene is where Jessica is called to the counselor's office because she writes "Life Sucks, and then you die" on her notebook.  This is how the visit went:

So I told her this was all a misunderstanding.  "Life Sucks, Then You Die (L.S.T.Y.D.) is the name of an indie funk band that I just love, love love.  She not only totally bought it, but started acting like she's heard of them because she couldn't stand the idea of not being clued in anymore.
"They had one song that got some airplay," I said.
"Right! They did, didn't they?  What was the name again?"  Her peepers were popping right out of her head at this point.
"Tongue-Kissing Cousins.'"
"Right!" Brandi starts nearly every sentence with that exclamation.  It's a method of positively affirming her mixed-up counselees, something she learned in one of her Professional Counselor Classes no doubt. "Tongue-Kissing Cousins.' That song rocks."
"It's a slow jam."
"That's right! A slow jam."

Jessica's ability to BS her way out of anything has been discovered...

The book is basically Jessica's journal.  So it has some lists and there are some letters to her best friend here and there as well.  However, it doesn't read exactly like journal books usually do because she documents conversations she has and stuff.  So in my opinion, it's better then most books that are journal entries.  And I love seeing the real honesty.  How Jessica has fears even while she seems all witty and honest.  She's not immune to insecurity and she is pretty depressed and dealing with a lot of teenage issues that are kind of just normal issues for teens.  One thing I liked was her relationship with her parents.  I remember really not liking my parents when I was in high school and Jessica is no different.  Her mother is very different from her and she feels like her dad just cares about her running career and he's constantly pressuring her.  Some of the thoughts that go through her head when dealing with her parents are some of the funniest parts of the book.  There's one part where she's running and her dad is riding his bike by her and shouting out things she should and shouldn't do and she's visualizing him running her over and then he'd feel all bad about riding so close to her.  It was one of the scenes I really got because that's the way I thought as a teen even though my situation was so very different from hers. 


This book was wrote when there wasn't a lot of young adult and I don't think it was really categorized as young adult.  For that reason it has some things in it that may be more adult.  Some subject matter that a lot of young adult books wouldn't have.  There's lots of talking about sex, there's a bit of bad language and there are subjects that you just don't see talked about in YA.  I can't think of any examples but I remember when I read it thinking that it would be kind of taboo in YA today.  People may just take it wrong I guess.  But personally, I think it is one of the most honest portrayal of young adult behavior that I've read.  It may be because this book takes place when I was just graduating from high school (2000), but I could really connect with how everything was portrayed in the book.  


The romance in this book had me all sorts of frustrated.  But frustrated in a good way.  It's not a heavy theme until later in the book and I wanted something to happen so very badly between them.  The sexual frustration between them was so strong and I just couldn't wait for something to happen.  Jessica was sometimes a bit frustrating in her stubbornness about things and at times I just wanted to smack her.  And then the end- oh man, it was killer.  It was a crazy weird cliffhanger and I'm needing the second book like yesterday!  Such a fantastic book, I very highly recommend it!


5/5 stars!

Tempting Tuesdays- Some Girls Bite Read Along Week 3

Tina at Tina's Book Reviews, Rummanah at Books in the Spotlight, Missie at The Unread Reader, and Jenny at Supernatural Snark are hosting the Tempting Tuesday's Some Girls Bite Read- Along.  This is for the book Some Girls Bite by Chloe Neill which is the first one in the Chicagoland Vampires series. This started January 3rd and is running every Tuesday through January 31st.

Here's the schedule:
January 3rd - Chapters 1-4 (Jenny at Supernatural Snark)
January 10th - Chapters 5-8 (Tina at Tina's Book Reviews)
January 17th - Chapters 9-12 (Rummanah at Books in the Spotlight)
January 24th - Chapters 13-15 + epilogue (Missie at The Unread Reader)
January 31st - Special guest post by Chloe Neill and our grand prize giveaway!

Discussion Questions Chapter 9-12

1. Catcher and Ethan share some personality traits. What makes Mallory, Merit, and even us readers attracted to these guys? Would you date/mate with someone like these guys in real life?
I don't know... I guess I'm attracted to the confidence they exude as well as their physique and the way they carry themselves.  But when they show some weakness (like Ethan liking Merit even when he doesn't want to) and they show us they are human (well- you know what I mean ;) that makes them even more attractive.  Would I date them in real life?  I don't think I'd have a shot in hell (you know, even if I wasn't married with kids, etc) but if I did then I guess I would. 

2. In Chapter 9 we learn of another murder. Do you see any patterns with the previous murder and Merit's attack? Do you have any guesses as to who is responsible and the motive behind the murders?
I have no clue who could be the killer.  I don't even think I could begin to guess.  I think it has something to do with Merit in some way, but other then that I don't know.

3. The commendation is my favorite moment in the book and a significant event in Merit's life. She has finally come to terms that she is a Cadogan vampire. Were you surprised at all that Merit resisted Ethan's call and that he made her a Sentinel? Do you think she'll do well in this position? Why or why not?
I wasn't surprised.  I was waiting for something to happen but I wasn't sure what it would be.  It's nice that she's something special and different.  I think she'll do well in a higher position because she needs to have some sort of control and not just be at the bottom of the totem pole.  I think she'll do good.

4. Loyalty is a reoccurring theme throughout the book and much of this series. Why is it so important to Ethan that he needs Merit's allegiance? Is it solely a Master and Sentinel thing or does it imply something else?
Ethan is old and he's had this position of power for so long that it would be weird if he didn't need Merit's allegiance.  Especially now that she's in a position like Sentinel.  He needs to know that she will put the house first and not something or someone else. 

5. If you had the opportunity to sit down with Ethan, Merit, Mallory, and Catcher for a bite to eat like in the beginning of Chapter 12, what questions would you ask them at this point of the story? 
Hmmm... I don't know I guess.  I'm not thinking of anything.
Although in private I would ask Merit why the HELL did she walk into Ethans apartment?!  She should have known exactly what was up.  I saw that coming from a mile away and I really did not want to see that.  I don't want to picture Ethan with Amber. 

Review: The Pledge by Kimberly Derting

The Pledge (#1) by Kimberly Derting
Young Adult
Hardcover, 323 pgs.
Published Nov. 15th, 2011 by Margaret K. McElderberry
Source: Review

In the violent country of Ludania, the classes are strictly divided by the language they speak. The smallest transgression, like looking a member of a higher class in the eye while they are speaking their native tongue, results in immediate execution. Seventeen-year-old Charlaina has always been able to understand the languages of all classes, and she's spent her life trying to hide her secret. The only place she can really be free is the drug-fueled underground clubs where people go to shake off the oppressive rules of the world they live in. It's there that she meets a beautiful and mysterious boy named Max who speaks a language she's never heard before . . . and her secret is almost exposed.

Charlie is intensely attracted to Max, even though she can't be sure where his real loyalties lie. As the emergency drills give way to real crisis and the violence escalates, it becomes clear that Charlie is the key to something much bigger: her country's only chance for freedom from the terrible power of a deadly regime.

I'm a huge fan of Kimberly Derting's writing.  She has a simple but beautiful style and she comes up with such creative story lines.  The Pledge was no exception.  I loved how she made something that sounded a bit outrageous and 'out there' work.  When I'd first head the description I wasn't sure what to think, but I trusted her, and she did brilliant!  

Now it's been awhile since I read the book so bear with me if I lack descriptions.  It's hard to pinpoint every little thing when it's been a bit.  

I really enjoyed the characters and watching them interact.  They somehow seemed more real to me and I felt like I knew them, they were my friends.  Charlie's family was amazing, especially her little sister.  And I loved how they were present, how they were important.  I never really knew what to expect from the characters, and I really liked that feeling.  Feeling like there was much more to them and as the series continues we'll get to know them so much better.


The story line was totally different from anything else.  It's a mix of dystopia and fantasy and I sometimes I have issues with knowing where and when I am.  In this book it feels like it's a future earth (though still has normal houses, etc) but with fantasy elements added in.  I sometimes wanted to know more about the history but I feel as things go on we learn more and more and this is just the beginning.  Things should really take off in the next one and I really can't WAIT!  


5/5 stars!

Review: Something From the Nightside by Simon R. Green

 Something From the Nightside (Nightside #1)
Adult
paperback, 230 pgs.
Published May 27th, 2003 by Ace
Source: Library

John Taylor is not a private detective per se, but he has a knack for finding lost things. That's why he's been hired to descend into the Nightside, an otherworldly realm in the center of London where fantasy and reality share renting space and the sun never shines.

For John Taylor, there's no place like home...

Wow.  Ummmm... yeah.  This is one very strange, very weird, very off the wall.  Well, at least this first one is.  When I finished the book I wrote down the words that came to mind.  Ridiculous, strange, creepy, creative, unique, mind boggling, different, freaky, weird.  Yeah, some of those mean the same thing, but seriously, I think all of them apply.  After I read the book I immediately told my husband I had to tell him about the book because it's like it was so freaking weird that I just had to share.  And well, if my husband were to read {he doesn't read AT ALL} this would be the kind of book he would pick up.  He agreed it was weird sounding but unfortunately didn't seem very interested in reading it *super sad face*.


Okay, so this book is something I would think I wouldn't really like but I decided I did.  I'm not sure why, but I was totally engrossed in the book the entire time.  It's not something that I recommend reading before bed, but it is a very fast read.  It reminded me a bit of the R.L. Stine books, but an adult version.  And with some big twists instead of the more simpler stuff like he did.  But odd.  Very odd kind of story.


I didn't love John Taylor, but yet I didn't dislike him either.  He's kind of hard to get.  He didn't seem to come across real clear to me.  He'd contradict himself, I guess.  Like not being able to be scared, but then he'd be terrified of something.  But a lot of the time I liked his snark.  His bluntness.  I think he might grow on me and this is the first in a series so it's not really surprising I don't love him yet.  And it's a really really short book.  

So some weird things:  in Nightside there are sometimes 'timeslips'.  Like you can be walking along and suddenly your in a different time but if you keep walking you'll walk out of it.  There are horses that talk and run their own carriage.  The 'driver' is there more as protection.  There's a diner in Nightside that's from the 60's.  Like literally from the 60's.  It's like a ghost diner or something.  But you can get a real coke, like the ones from the 60's {which apparently are much better then the ones now...}.  There's a place where people who have been abducted by aliens can hide out.  Just a huge warehouse where people literally have bombs strapped to them so they can blow themselves up if the aliens come again.    Just a few of the crazy places...


The story itself was pretty off the wall and crazy but if your into that kind of thing {or not, cause I didn't think I was...} then it might be for you.  It has creepy moments, some gore, and is definitely for an adult reader.  It's not one I would easily recommend just because it's so different.  But if it sounds like your thing give it a try!


3.5/5

In My Mailbox (90)

In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren and is where we share the books we got through the week.  

I'm not accepting many review books this year and didn't get any this week {it sure is nice getting some books read that I've owned for a long time!} but I did get quite a few that came in at paperbackswap and I ordered a couple as well.  

My camera isn't showing up when I plug it in to the computer so I'm not able to share pictures, but from Holly Cupala I got awesome Don't Breathe a Word swag.  A magnet for myself, lots of bookmarks and stickers to share along with some poster flier things that I plan to take down to the library and the Indie bookstores.  Big thank you to Holly!  It was an awesome package!

Paperbackswap:

Kiss Me Kill Me (Scarlett Wakefield #1) by Lauren Henderson {I've heard this series is great!  It's a YA mystery set in England.}

How I Live Now by Meg Rosoff {I saw a review for this one and it sounds so different!}

Corsets & Clockwork Anthology {I bought this one when it came out but ended up giving it away.  I'm very happy to have another copy!}

Darkness Calls (Hunter Kiss #2) by Marjorie Liu {I loved the first one! Can't wait to continue the series!}

Bought:

Dragonswood by Janet Lee Carey {I plan to attend her signing on Monday}

Skinwalker (Jane Yellowrock #1) by Faith Hunter {I've been told this series is great and I got the most recent for review.  I picked up this first one used for cheap.}

So that's what was in my mailbox.  What was in yours?

Saturday Situation- Link Up Your Reviews & Give@ways!

 Saturday Situation is hosted by both Lori at Pure Imagination and myself.  It's a linky for you to link your  Giveaways and Reviews (and whatever neglected posts you may have).  You'll find the same linky's at Pure Imagination, so don't enter them twice!

Keep in mind that you can add your links through the entire week.  

You can find this post again by clicking the button on the right side of my blog.  I'll try to keep it up to date to go to the newest Saturday Situation post.

Mini Review: Love & Leftovers by Sarah Tregay

Young Adult
Hardcover, 448 pgs.
Published December 27th, 2011 by HarperCollins
Source: Purchased

My wish
is to fall
cranium over Converse
in dizzy, daydream-worthy
love.

When her parents split, Marcie is dragged from Idaho to a family summerhouse in New Hampshire. She leaves behind her friends, a group of freaks and geeks called the Leftovers, including her emo-rocker boyfriend, and her father.

By the time Labor Day rolls around, Marcie suspects this "vacation" has become permanent. She starts at a new school where a cute boy brings her breakfast and a new romance heats up. But understanding love, especially when you've watched your parents' affections end, is elusive. What does it feel like, really? can you even know it until you've lost it?

Love and Leftovers is a beautifully written story of one girl’s journey navigating family, friends, and love, and a compelling and sexy read that teens will gobble up whole.

I'm gonna keep this one short and sweet since there are so many reviews out there right now.  Just want you to get the general idea of my feelings for this one.


I love verse novels and this one totally lived up to my expectations!  The style flowed well, the characters stood out and the plot was well done.  

Marcie is a person I 'got'.  I loved her personality and her thought process.  I loved how she worked so hard to be so perfect for everyone.  Supporting her mother while dealing with her father being gay and trying to support him as well, to her long distance relationship and friendships, and then feeling lonely and taking any sort of love and attention she can get.


I loved that I didn't know who Marcie would be with.  Or if she would maybe end up alone.  I had no idea how it would play out.  I loved both guys even while I felt suspicious when she did.  I loved how it all went and thought it was brilliant.  


Definitely a winner guys!  I highly suggest you pick it up!
4/5 stars

Day 3: Even MORE free ebooks + epickindlegiveaway + $200 in Amazon GC's!

It's Day 3 and the final day of the Epic Kindle Giveaway!
This event has ended.

Want to win a Kindle Fire? Authors Aiden James, Scott Nicholson, J. R. Rain, and H.T. Night are teaming up Jan. 11-13 to give away $1,000 in prizes, including four Kindle Fires, $200 in Amazon gift cards, and 45 free Kindle books.



There are four ways to enter during Jan. 12-13: This event has ended.
Share this blog link according to the blogger’s directions
Share our free books and event from http://epickindlegiveaway.blogspot.com
Spread the news about our contest on your favorite Internet hangouts and the Kindle Fairy is searching and putting names in her Magic Hat



TODAY’S FREE KINDLE BOOKS- This event is over.



Scott Nicholson

Drummer Boy (supernatural thriller) Amazon US Amazon UK; The Red Church (supernatural thriller) Amazon US Amazon UK; As I Die Lying (psychological thriller) Amazon US Amazon UK; Creative Spirit (haunted house thriller) Amazon US Amazon UK; Disintegration (suspense thriller) Amazon US Amazon UK; Zombie Bits (zombie stories) Amazon US Amazon UK; Amazon USAmazon UK; Speed Dating with the Dead Amazon US Amazon UK; The Skull Ring Amazon US Amazon UK; Scott Nicholson Library, Vol. 4 Amazon US Amazon UK; October Girls (YA paranormal) Amazon US Amazon UK



H.T. Night

A Boy's Life (Young Adult) Amazon US Amazon UK; Boy Meets Girl (Young Adult) Amazon US Amazon UK; Everlasting Love (Poetry) Amazon US Amazon UK; Getting Yours (Romantic Comedy) Amazon US Amazon UK; Paranormal Love Stories (Vampire/Werewolf Love Story) Amazon US Amazon UK; The Werewolf Whisperer (Vampire Romance) Amazon US Amazon UK;Vampire Love Story (Vampire Romance) Amazon US Amazon UK; Winning Sarah’s Heart: Back to School (YA Romance) Amazon USAmazon UK; Winning Sarah’s Heart: Boys Being boys (YA Romance) Amazon US Amazon UK



J.R. Rain

BAD BLOOD - A Vampire Thriller Amazon US Amazon UK; BLACK RAIN: 15 Short Stories Amazon US Amazon UK; ELVIS HAS NOT LEFT THE BUILDING - A murder mystery Amazon US Amazon UK; JUDAS SILVER - An adventure screenplay Amazon USAmazon UK; LOST EDEN - An adventure screenplay Amazon US Amazon UK; THE BODY DEPARTED - A ghost story Amazon USAmazon UK; THE VAMPIRE CLUB - supernatural fantasy comedy Amazon US Amazon UK; THE VAMPIRE WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO -mystery novella Amazon US Amazon UK



Aiden James

Aiden James Vampires (Vampire adventure) Amazon US Amazon UK; Cursed Immortals (Supernatural Thriller/Vampires) Amazon US Amazon UK; The Raven Mocker (Horror/Mystery) Amazon US Amazon UK; Deadly Night (Murder mystery/Supernatural) Amazon US Amazon UK; The Forgotten Eden (Supernatural Thriller) Amazon US Amazon UK; Twice Bitten (Vampire adventure) Amazon USAmazon UK



If one of the four authors hits #1 on the Kindle Free list, they will give away another Kindle Fire. If at any time during the event, the four authors hold all the Top 10 slots on the Kindle Free list, they will give away a sixth kindle. Kindle Fire winners will be selected by the Watauga County (NC) Public Library staff using random.org.