Vania of Reverie Book Reviews made an amazing book trailer for Beautiful Creatures that I wanted to share!
I like this one better than the one I posted a couple weeks ago... Great job, Vania! :)
Monday, September 14, 2009
Trailer Tuesday (4): Beautiful Creatures
Trailer Tuesday is hosted by Bri @ What Bri Reads!
Vania of Reverie Book Reviews made an amazing book trailer for Beautiful Creatures that I wanted to share!
I like this one better than the one I posted a couple weeks ago... Great job, Vania! :)
Vania of Reverie Book Reviews made an amazing book trailer for Beautiful Creatures that I wanted to share!
I like this one better than the one I posted a couple weeks ago... Great job, Vania! :)
Review: Swoon by Nina Malkin
Title: Swoon
Author: Nina Malkin
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Pub. Date: 2009
Genre: YA
Main themes: Possession, Death, Spirits/Ghosts, Golem, Love, Lust, Sins
Pages: 421
Plot (from book jacket):
"SIN IS COMING... PREPARE TO SWOON.
Torn from her native New York City and dumped in a land of cookie-cutter preps, Candice is resigned to accept her posh, dull fate. Nothing ever happens in Swoon, Connecticut... until Dice's perfect, privileged cousin Penelope nearly dies in a fall from an old tree and her spirit intertwines with that of a ghost. His name? Sinclair Youngblood Powers. His mission? Revenge. And while Pen is oblivious to the possession, Dice is all too aware of Sin. She's intensly drawn to him - but not at all crazy about the havoc he's wreaking.
Determined to exorcise the demon, Dice accidentally sets Sin loose, gives him flesh, makes him formidable. Now she must destroy an even more potent - and irresistible - adversary before the whole town succumbs to Sin's will. Only trouble is, she's in love with him.
What do you do when the boy of your dreams is too bad to be true?"
I'll start out by saying that Swoon was not at all what I expected. However, I still ended up loving it in the end - once I gave up the idea of what I thought it was going to be.
If you like "bad boys" - real bad boys - then you'll love Sin. His name really says it all. I alternated between hating and loving him, but in the end I pretty much settled on love, despite some of the absolutely horrible things he did throughout the book. I think I loved him for Dice more than anything.
I really liked the symbolism and meaning found by reading between the lines of Swoon. It was a good novel at face value, but it was even better if look a little deeper.
There is a lot of sex in this book - and plenty of drug use as well. I didn't think that this content took away from the plot, rather they added the edge and "sin" that was integral to the plot.
Ratings (out of 10):
Characters: 10
Plot: 10
Writing style: 10
Romance: 10
Originality: 10
Total: 50/50 (A!)
Basically, I hope my review made you wonder - I didn't want to say too much or give anything away. Swoon is really one of those books that you just have to read for yourself - and I highly recommend that you do. It seems to me that it is one of those love it or hate it books, but I personally loved it!
Sunday, September 13, 2009
In My Mailbox (8)
In my mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi, The Story Siren!
This week was an amazing week for books, which helped cheer me up, as it was my first week back to school as well. The first four were sent for review (the first two from Bloomsbury/Walker books and the last two from Sourcebooks: Thank you so much for the review copies!).
Girl in the Arena by Lise Haines (10/13/09 from Bloomsbury)
It’s a fight to the death—on live TV—when a gladiator’s daughter steps into the arena
Lyn is a neo-gladiator’s daughter, through and through. Her mother has made a career out of marrying into the high-profile world of televised blood sport, and the rules of the Gladiator Sports Association are second nature to their family. Always lend ineffable confidence to the gladiator. Remind him constantly of his victories. And most importantly: Never leave the stadium when your father is dying. The rules help the family survive, but rules—and the GSA—can also turn against you. When a gifted young fighter kills Lyn’s seventh father, he also captures Lyn’s dowry bracelet, which means she must marry him... For fans of The Hunger Games and Fight Club, Lise Haines’ debut novel is a mesmerizing look at a world addicted to violence—a modern world that’s disturbingly easy to imagine.
Lady Macbeth's Daughter by Lisa M. Klein (10/13/09, Bloomsbury)
In alternating chapters, ambitious Lady Macbeth strives to bear a son and win the throne of Scotland for her husband, and their daughter Albia, banished due to a deformity, tries to deny her supernatural abilities as she is raised in the woods by three weird sisters, in this tale based on Shakespeare’s Macbeth.
Mr. Darcy, Vampyre by Amanda Grange (Sourcebooks, Out Now)
Mr. Darcy, Vampyre starts where Pride and Prejudice ends and introduces a dark family curse so perfectly that the result is a delightfully thrilling, spine-chilling, breathtaking read. A dark, poignant and visionary continuation of Austen's beloved story, this tale is full of danger, darkness and immortal love.
Zombies for Zombies: Advice and Etiquette for the Living Dead by David P. Murphy (Sourcebooks)
So, you've been bitten by a zombie?
Bummer.
But there's no need to panic! Yes, your life will be undergoing a major transformation, but this doesn't have to be the end-all it once was when the Disaster first hit. There have been significant breakthroughs in the last decade in helping you keep significant parts of your wit and dignity. Together we can limit the damage.
Zombies for Zombies is a motivational guide designed specifically to make a profound difference in your accidental, strange new life. You say you don't want to become another one of those ghastly creatures you see on the news out in the Tempe Containment Zone? You don't have to—if you follow the great advice inside, including:
How to dress for your new lifestyle Handy recipes for brains. Fitness ideas for keeping you somewhat energetic. New skin-care techniques to help ward off "rotting flesh syndrome" How to overcome that darned zombie social stigma. Dance steps for the motor-impaired.
Completely Revised and Updated Since the Containment Zone Disaster!
"Face it, being bitten by a zombie is inevitable. Thanks to this indispensable book, we can finally stop making survival plans and start making the most of our new lives as zombies. Even for the uninfected, Zombies For Zombies is a scream."
—Daniel H. Wilson, author of How to Survive a Robot Uprising
Slept Away by Julie Kraut (Random House, out now)
Laney Parker is a city girl through and through. For her, summertime means stepping out of her itchy gray school uniform and into a season of tanning at rooftop swimming pools, brunching at sidewalk cafes, and—as soon as the parents leave for the Hamptons—partying at her classmates’ apartments.
But this summer Laney’s mother has other plans for Laney. It’s called Camp Timber Trails and rustic doesn’t even begin to describe the un-air-conditioned log cabin nightmare. Laney is way out of her element—the in-crowd is anything but cool, popularity seems to be determined by swimming skills, and the activities seem more like boot camp than summer camp.
Splattered with tie dye fall out, stripped of her cell, and going through Diet Coke withdrawal, Laney is barely hanging on. Being declared the biggest loser of the bunk is one thing, but when she realizes her summer crush is untouchably uncrushable in the real world, she starts to wonder, can camp cool possibly translate to cool cool?
Summer camp might just turn this city girl’s world upside down!
The Blonde of the Joke by Bennett Madison (HarperTeen, out now)
It’s like the set-up for the perfect blonde joke: the blonde is Francie—big earrings, bigger heels, large ambition. The brunette is Val—mousy, quiet, always the obedient one. But when Francie befriends Val one day at the mall, the two girls become inexorably linked in a tangled web of friendship and love, lies and betrayal that begins and ends in the thrilling victory of stealing as much as they possibly can from the larger-than-life mall.
Immortal by Gillian Shields (HarperTeen, out now)
Wyldcliffe Abbey School for Young Ladies, housed in a Gothic mansion on the bleak northern moors, is elite, expensive, and unwelcoming. When Evie Johnson is torn away from her home by the sea to become the newest scholarship student, she is more isolated than she could have dreamed. Strict teachers, snobbish students, and the oppressive atmosphere of Wyldcliffe leave Evie drowning in loneliness.
Evie's only lifeline is Sebastian, a rebellious, mocking, dangerously attractive young man she meets by chance. As Evie's feelings for Sebastian grow with each secret meeting, she starts to fear that he is hiding something about his past. And she is haunted by glimpses of a strange, ghostly girl—a girl who is so eerily like Evie, she could be a sister. Evie is slowly drawn into a tangled web of past and present that she cannot control. And as the extraordinary, elemental forces of Wyldcliffe rise up like the mighty sea, Evie is faced with an astounding truth about Sebastian, and her own incredible fate.
Gillian Shields's electrifying tale will dazzle readers with suspense, mysticism, and romance.
Shrinking Violet by Danielle Joseph (Simon and Schuster, out now)
High school senior Teresa Adams is so painfully shy that she dreads speaking to anyone in the hallways or getting called on in class. But in the privacy of her bedroom with her iPod in hand, she rocks out -- doing mock broadcasts for Miami's hottest FM radio station, which happens to be owned by her stepfather. When a slot opens up at The SLAM, Tere surprises herself by blossoming behind the mike into confident, sexy Sweet T -- and to everyone's shock, she's a hit! Even Gavin, the only guy in school who she dares to talk to, raves about the mysterious DJ's awesome taste in music. But when The SLAM announces a songwriting contest -- and a prom date with Sweet T is the grand prize -- Sweet T's dream could turn into Tere's worst nightmare..
Seven Tears into the Sea by Terri Farley (Simon Pulse, out now)
Beckon the sea,
I'll come to thee....
Shed seven tears,
perchance seven years....
At the age of ten, Gwen Cooke had a strange encounter with a boy with dark, slightly tilted eyes. He came to her on the beach, whispered strange words in her ear, and then disappeared. Shortly thereafter, her family moved away from their seaside home and Gwen never saw the boy again.
Now seventeen, Gwen is returning to her childhood home. Her nana asked her to come. But Gwen knows it's time to go back for another reason: She yearns for the sea. Perhaps the sea itself is calling to her. Perhaps the memory of the boy and his haunting words are drawing her back to the place they met. Perhaps it's time for her to face her destiny.
Silver Phoenix by Cindy Pon (HarperTeen, out now)
No one wanted Ai Ling. And deep down she is relieved—despite the dishonor she has brought upon her family—to be unbetrothed and free, not some stranger's subservient bride banished to the inner quarters.
But now, something is after her. Something terrifying—a force she cannot comprehend. And as pieces of the puzzle start to fit together, Ai Ling begins to understand that her journey to the Palace of Fragrant Dreams isn't only a quest to find her beloved father but a venture with stakes larger than she could have imagined.
Bravery, intelligence, the will to fight and fight hard . . . she will need all of these things. Just as she will need the new and mysterious power growing within her. She will also need help.
It is Chen Yong who finds her partly submerged and barely breathing at the edge of a deep lake. There is something of unspeakable evil trying to drag her under. On a quest of his own, Chen Yong offers that help . . . and perhaps more.
This week was an amazing week for books, which helped cheer me up, as it was my first week back to school as well. The first four were sent for review (the first two from Bloomsbury/Walker books and the last two from Sourcebooks: Thank you so much for the review copies!).
Girl in the Arena by Lise Haines (10/13/09 from Bloomsbury)
It’s a fight to the death—on live TV—when a gladiator’s daughter steps into the arena
Lyn is a neo-gladiator’s daughter, through and through. Her mother has made a career out of marrying into the high-profile world of televised blood sport, and the rules of the Gladiator Sports Association are second nature to their family. Always lend ineffable confidence to the gladiator. Remind him constantly of his victories. And most importantly: Never leave the stadium when your father is dying. The rules help the family survive, but rules—and the GSA—can also turn against you. When a gifted young fighter kills Lyn’s seventh father, he also captures Lyn’s dowry bracelet, which means she must marry him... For fans of The Hunger Games and Fight Club, Lise Haines’ debut novel is a mesmerizing look at a world addicted to violence—a modern world that’s disturbingly easy to imagine.
Lady Macbeth's Daughter by Lisa M. Klein (10/13/09, Bloomsbury)
In alternating chapters, ambitious Lady Macbeth strives to bear a son and win the throne of Scotland for her husband, and their daughter Albia, banished due to a deformity, tries to deny her supernatural abilities as she is raised in the woods by three weird sisters, in this tale based on Shakespeare’s Macbeth.
Mr. Darcy, Vampyre by Amanda Grange (Sourcebooks, Out Now)
Mr. Darcy, Vampyre starts where Pride and Prejudice ends and introduces a dark family curse so perfectly that the result is a delightfully thrilling, spine-chilling, breathtaking read. A dark, poignant and visionary continuation of Austen's beloved story, this tale is full of danger, darkness and immortal love.
Zombies for Zombies: Advice and Etiquette for the Living Dead by David P. Murphy (Sourcebooks)
So, you've been bitten by a zombie?
Bummer.
But there's no need to panic! Yes, your life will be undergoing a major transformation, but this doesn't have to be the end-all it once was when the Disaster first hit. There have been significant breakthroughs in the last decade in helping you keep significant parts of your wit and dignity. Together we can limit the damage.
Zombies for Zombies is a motivational guide designed specifically to make a profound difference in your accidental, strange new life. You say you don't want to become another one of those ghastly creatures you see on the news out in the Tempe Containment Zone? You don't have to—if you follow the great advice inside, including:
How to dress for your new lifestyle Handy recipes for brains. Fitness ideas for keeping you somewhat energetic. New skin-care techniques to help ward off "rotting flesh syndrome" How to overcome that darned zombie social stigma. Dance steps for the motor-impaired.
Completely Revised and Updated Since the Containment Zone Disaster!
"Face it, being bitten by a zombie is inevitable. Thanks to this indispensable book, we can finally stop making survival plans and start making the most of our new lives as zombies. Even for the uninfected, Zombies For Zombies is a scream."
—Daniel H. Wilson, author of How to Survive a Robot Uprising
Slept Away by Julie Kraut (Random House, out now)
Laney Parker is a city girl through and through. For her, summertime means stepping out of her itchy gray school uniform and into a season of tanning at rooftop swimming pools, brunching at sidewalk cafes, and—as soon as the parents leave for the Hamptons—partying at her classmates’ apartments.
But this summer Laney’s mother has other plans for Laney. It’s called Camp Timber Trails and rustic doesn’t even begin to describe the un-air-conditioned log cabin nightmare. Laney is way out of her element—the in-crowd is anything but cool, popularity seems to be determined by swimming skills, and the activities seem more like boot camp than summer camp.
Splattered with tie dye fall out, stripped of her cell, and going through Diet Coke withdrawal, Laney is barely hanging on. Being declared the biggest loser of the bunk is one thing, but when she realizes her summer crush is untouchably uncrushable in the real world, she starts to wonder, can camp cool possibly translate to cool cool?
Summer camp might just turn this city girl’s world upside down!
The Blonde of the Joke by Bennett Madison (HarperTeen, out now)
It’s like the set-up for the perfect blonde joke: the blonde is Francie—big earrings, bigger heels, large ambition. The brunette is Val—mousy, quiet, always the obedient one. But when Francie befriends Val one day at the mall, the two girls become inexorably linked in a tangled web of friendship and love, lies and betrayal that begins and ends in the thrilling victory of stealing as much as they possibly can from the larger-than-life mall.
Immortal by Gillian Shields (HarperTeen, out now)
Wyldcliffe Abbey School for Young Ladies, housed in a Gothic mansion on the bleak northern moors, is elite, expensive, and unwelcoming. When Evie Johnson is torn away from her home by the sea to become the newest scholarship student, she is more isolated than she could have dreamed. Strict teachers, snobbish students, and the oppressive atmosphere of Wyldcliffe leave Evie drowning in loneliness.
Evie's only lifeline is Sebastian, a rebellious, mocking, dangerously attractive young man she meets by chance. As Evie's feelings for Sebastian grow with each secret meeting, she starts to fear that he is hiding something about his past. And she is haunted by glimpses of a strange, ghostly girl—a girl who is so eerily like Evie, she could be a sister. Evie is slowly drawn into a tangled web of past and present that she cannot control. And as the extraordinary, elemental forces of Wyldcliffe rise up like the mighty sea, Evie is faced with an astounding truth about Sebastian, and her own incredible fate.
Gillian Shields's electrifying tale will dazzle readers with suspense, mysticism, and romance.
Shrinking Violet by Danielle Joseph (Simon and Schuster, out now)
High school senior Teresa Adams is so painfully shy that she dreads speaking to anyone in the hallways or getting called on in class. But in the privacy of her bedroom with her iPod in hand, she rocks out -- doing mock broadcasts for Miami's hottest FM radio station, which happens to be owned by her stepfather. When a slot opens up at The SLAM, Tere surprises herself by blossoming behind the mike into confident, sexy Sweet T -- and to everyone's shock, she's a hit! Even Gavin, the only guy in school who she dares to talk to, raves about the mysterious DJ's awesome taste in music. But when The SLAM announces a songwriting contest -- and a prom date with Sweet T is the grand prize -- Sweet T's dream could turn into Tere's worst nightmare..
Seven Tears into the Sea by Terri Farley (Simon Pulse, out now)
Beckon the sea,
I'll come to thee....
Shed seven tears,
perchance seven years....
At the age of ten, Gwen Cooke had a strange encounter with a boy with dark, slightly tilted eyes. He came to her on the beach, whispered strange words in her ear, and then disappeared. Shortly thereafter, her family moved away from their seaside home and Gwen never saw the boy again.
Now seventeen, Gwen is returning to her childhood home. Her nana asked her to come. But Gwen knows it's time to go back for another reason: She yearns for the sea. Perhaps the sea itself is calling to her. Perhaps the memory of the boy and his haunting words are drawing her back to the place they met. Perhaps it's time for her to face her destiny.
Silver Phoenix by Cindy Pon (HarperTeen, out now)
No one wanted Ai Ling. And deep down she is relieved—despite the dishonor she has brought upon her family—to be unbetrothed and free, not some stranger's subservient bride banished to the inner quarters.
But now, something is after her. Something terrifying—a force she cannot comprehend. And as pieces of the puzzle start to fit together, Ai Ling begins to understand that her journey to the Palace of Fragrant Dreams isn't only a quest to find her beloved father but a venture with stakes larger than she could have imagined.
Bravery, intelligence, the will to fight and fight hard . . . she will need all of these things. Just as she will need the new and mysterious power growing within her. She will also need help.
It is Chen Yong who finds her partly submerged and barely breathing at the edge of a deep lake. There is something of unspeakable evil trying to drag her under. On a quest of his own, Chen Yong offers that help . . . and perhaps more.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
At the Movies: All About Steve (4)
Movie: All About Steve
Starring: Sandra Bullock and Bradley Cooper
Crossword puzzle constructor Mary Horowitz (Bullock) is smart, pretty – and a natural disaster that shakes news cameraman Steve (Cooper) to the core. Set up on a blind date with Steve, Mary thinks the chemistry is undeniable and just knows she's found her soulmate. She decides to do anything and go anywhere to be with him.
Mary's escalating infatuation is encouraged by the self-serving actions of news reporter Hartman Hughes (Church) who enjoys torturing his insolent cameraman at every opportunity. As the news team crisscrosses the country covering breaking news stories, Steve becomes increasingly unhinged as Mary trails them.
But when the overzealous Mary becomes embroiled in the news story of the year, Steve and Hartman begin to see her differently. Hartman is plagued by guilt knowing his game of one-upmanship with Steve has placed her squarely in harms way while Steve is feeling his own pangs of remorse at his callous behavior. Despite the media storm surrounding her, Mary with her upbeat unaffected manner not only brings everyone together but finds her own oddball friends and discovers her true place in the world.
Here is the trailer:
When I saw previews for this movie I didn't really know what to think. I loved Sandra Bullock's last movie, The Proposal, but this one didn't look like it was going to be quite as good. Nonetheless, I laughed at t couple parts in the preview and I didn't think that Bullock would sign on to a bad movie. I'm really glad I went and saw it! It isn't really a romantic comedy like I thought it would be... it was definitely comedy, but it was mostly just a feel good movie. Which I think fit the plot line much better - it wouldn't have worked if the romantic/love aspect of the movie was heavier.
I recommend it - it was fun. It isn't one of those movies I'll buy and watch again and again, but it was worth the ticket cost!
Friday, September 11, 2009
Friday Finds (5)
Friday Finds hosted MizB of Should Be Reading! These are some great books I found this week!
For Keeps by Natasha Friend
"For sixteen years, Josie Gardner and her mom, Kate, have been a team. It’s been the Gardner Girls against the world, and that’s how Josie likes it. Until one day, in the pet food aisle of Shop-Co, they run into the parents of Paul Tucci, Kate’s high school boyfriend—the father Josie has never met. If Mr. and Mrs. Tucci are back in town, it’s only a matter of time until Paul shows up. Suddenly Josie’s mature, capable mother regresses to the heartbroken teenager she was when Paul moved away. Meanwhile, Josie’s on the verge of having her first real boyfriend, while her free-loving best friend, Liv, begins yet another no-strings-attached fling. When Josie learns some surprising truths about Paul Tucci, she finds herself questioning what she’s always believed about her parents—and about herself. In FOR KEEPS, Natasha Friend tells a fresh, funny, smart story about what happens when a girl gets the guy she always wanted and the dad she never knew she needed."
Sing Me to Sleep by Angela Morrison (Razorbill, 3/4/10)
BETH HAS ALWAYS BEEN “THE BEAST”--That’s what everyone at school calls her because of her awkward height, facial scars, and thick glases. Who could love a beast? Beth’s only friend is geeky, golden-haired Scott. That is until she’s selected to be her choir’s soprano soloist and receives the makeover of a lifetime. Suddenly, everyone wants a piece of Beth.
Things only get better when her choir travels to Switzerland and Beth meets the mysterious Derek. They have an incredible whirlwind romance that makes Beth realize, for the first time, she too can find love. She’s no longer The Beast. In Derek’s eyes, she’s a beauty. But then Scott makes a heartbreaking confession to Beth that leaves her completely torn. Should she stand by sdweet, steady Scott or follow the dangerous passionate feelings she has for Derek?
And there’s an even bigger problem: Derek’s got a secret . . . one that could shatter everything.
The Lonely Hearts Club by Elizabeth Eulberg (Point, 1/1/10)
Penny is sick of boys and sick of dating. So she vows: no more. It's a personal choice. . .and, of course, soon everyone wants to know about it. And a few other girls are inspired. A movement is born: The Lonely Hearts Club (named after the band from Sgt. Pepper). Penny is suddenly known for her nondating ways . . . which is too bad, because there's this certain boy she can't help but like. . . .
For Keeps by Natasha Friend
"For sixteen years, Josie Gardner and her mom, Kate, have been a team. It’s been the Gardner Girls against the world, and that’s how Josie likes it. Until one day, in the pet food aisle of Shop-Co, they run into the parents of Paul Tucci, Kate’s high school boyfriend—the father Josie has never met. If Mr. and Mrs. Tucci are back in town, it’s only a matter of time until Paul shows up. Suddenly Josie’s mature, capable mother regresses to the heartbroken teenager she was when Paul moved away. Meanwhile, Josie’s on the verge of having her first real boyfriend, while her free-loving best friend, Liv, begins yet another no-strings-attached fling. When Josie learns some surprising truths about Paul Tucci, she finds herself questioning what she’s always believed about her parents—and about herself. In FOR KEEPS, Natasha Friend tells a fresh, funny, smart story about what happens when a girl gets the guy she always wanted and the dad she never knew she needed."
Sing Me to Sleep by Angela Morrison (Razorbill, 3/4/10)
BETH HAS ALWAYS BEEN “THE BEAST”--That’s what everyone at school calls her because of her awkward height, facial scars, and thick glases. Who could love a beast? Beth’s only friend is geeky, golden-haired Scott. That is until she’s selected to be her choir’s soprano soloist and receives the makeover of a lifetime. Suddenly, everyone wants a piece of Beth.
Things only get better when her choir travels to Switzerland and Beth meets the mysterious Derek. They have an incredible whirlwind romance that makes Beth realize, for the first time, she too can find love. She’s no longer The Beast. In Derek’s eyes, she’s a beauty. But then Scott makes a heartbreaking confession to Beth that leaves her completely torn. Should she stand by sdweet, steady Scott or follow the dangerous passionate feelings she has for Derek?
And there’s an even bigger problem: Derek’s got a secret . . . one that could shatter everything.
The Lonely Hearts Club by Elizabeth Eulberg (Point, 1/1/10)
Penny is sick of boys and sick of dating. So she vows: no more. It's a personal choice. . .and, of course, soon everyone wants to know about it. And a few other girls are inspired. A movement is born: The Lonely Hearts Club (named after the band from Sgt. Pepper). Penny is suddenly known for her nondating ways . . . which is too bad, because there's this certain boy she can't help but like. . . .
Thursday, September 10, 2009
TBR Thursday (2)
This is a new meme hosted by Drea of Book Blather! Play along!
TBR Thursday highlights all those books that you physically own but haven’t had the chance to read yet. Or maybe they’ve already been released and you're dying to grab a copy from the library to read but already have too many books on your table. There can be some old books, some new books, and some that are in between, but they have to be books that you want to read and review!
Check out the main post back at Drea's blog to share your TBR Thursday pick too!
Here is this week's pick:
Ruby Unscripted by Cindy Martinusen-Coloma
Sometimes the best moments in a girl's life are the unscripted ones.
Ruby Madden moves to an affluent town in Marin County, California, believing her dreams are coming true, but her hometown life is drawing her back. Her not-so-secret crush finally likes her. Her older brother decides to stay behind with their newly remarried father. And her best friend gets a boyfriend who's all wrong for her.
And Ruby's new life isn't as easy as she envisioned. Marin High School is a place for the rich and famous with their BMWs, chic clothes, and liberal beliefs-a place where she clearly doesn't belong. Even with her new job at the Underground Coffeehouse & Cinema, she is unsure of how to act and feels insecure about who she is.
When she tries out for an amateur film group, the puzzle pieces finally begin to fit. And who is this mysterious guy who's messing with her heart?
This one looks really good, but I keep putting it off. I think the cover is really cute as well!
TBR Thursday highlights all those books that you physically own but haven’t had the chance to read yet. Or maybe they’ve already been released and you're dying to grab a copy from the library to read but already have too many books on your table. There can be some old books, some new books, and some that are in between, but they have to be books that you want to read and review!
Check out the main post back at Drea's blog to share your TBR Thursday pick too!
Here is this week's pick:
Ruby Unscripted by Cindy Martinusen-Coloma
Sometimes the best moments in a girl's life are the unscripted ones.
Ruby Madden moves to an affluent town in Marin County, California, believing her dreams are coming true, but her hometown life is drawing her back. Her not-so-secret crush finally likes her. Her older brother decides to stay behind with their newly remarried father. And her best friend gets a boyfriend who's all wrong for her.
And Ruby's new life isn't as easy as she envisioned. Marin High School is a place for the rich and famous with their BMWs, chic clothes, and liberal beliefs-a place where she clearly doesn't belong. Even with her new job at the Underground Coffeehouse & Cinema, she is unsure of how to act and feels insecure about who she is.
When she tries out for an amateur film group, the puzzle pieces finally begin to fit. And who is this mysterious guy who's messing with her heart?
This one looks really good, but I keep putting it off. I think the cover is really cute as well!
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Updates and Randomness
Hey everyone!
I have done a random newsy post in quite awhile and now is a good time before I dive into The Tear Collector. Also, I apologize for the long-windedness of this post, sometimes I get carried away, plus I have a lot to share! :)
I just finished Soulless by Gail Carriger and let me tell you, it was AMAZING! My review and an interview with Gail will be up on the site at the end of September to celebrate the October 1st release! There might be a contest for Soulless, but no promises at this point.
For anyone that missed it, I reviewed The Sweetheart of Prosper County by Jill S. Alexander at the end of August/very beginning of September and I've just recently posted an fun interview with Jill. So be sure to check that out as well, here.
There is currently one contest at The Hiding Spot for a finished copy of Snap by Carol Snow. Followers of The Hiding Spot have until October 1st to enter this giveaway! Enter here.
I'd like to also mention a contest going on at the blog, Harlequin Twilight. There are two books up for grabs, so two winners! The prizes are a signed, paperback copy of The Heretic Queen by Michelle Moran and a signed, hardcover of Cleopatra's Daughter by Michelle Moran. So head here to enter by Friday, September 11th.
Also, I've passed 150 followers and am rapidly approaching 200! YAY! Thank you so much followers! I am so grateful for those of you who follow me - especially those of you who follow out of love of books and my view and the info you get from The Hiding Spot, not only for free stuff. It really means a lot to me, as a bookworm who was pretty much alone in her book loving nerdiness before beginning to blog. It still astounds me that there are people as book crazy as me out there! When I reach 200 I plan on holding some type of contest to celebrate all of you awesome people, but I'm not sure of the details yet. I'm currently jobless, so funds are limited. :( But I really want to celebrate! :)
I also moved into my dorm Friday and started classes Tuesday at university. So far, I've had time to work on the blog and schedule posts, and I've also managed to check up on comments a couple times of day too. That said, I haven't had any homework yet or found a job. So this may change, but I will still try to have a least one new post daily and keep up on my reading and reviews, if not for the sake of the blog, then for my own sanity. After all, books are my hiding spot, and if I don't read I can't de-stress.
What kind of school schedules do all of you students have? I transferred this year from a community college with an Associates, so this is my first time living in a big city on a big campus. It is a totally new experience. I'm also living in dorms, which is not really by choice but more because of convenience and necessity, but I'm dealing with it. There are a lot of rules that chafe somewhat - as I'm very much into doing my own thing and, though if you ever met me in person you probably wouldn't believe me, do not like bowing down to authority, especially to people who are only a couple years older than me and running the dorms. Some of them are cool, some I just want to ignore. But I can't - and that bothers me. Maybe it is my age, I don't know, but I really don't like being told what to do. Okay, enough of that, I'm just a little bit peeved about it right now. Anyway my schedule is pretty good so far. I had my Media and Telecommunications class today which seems like it will be fun. There are 300 people in it and pretty much no extra seats. The professor is adjunct and runs his own company - directing, editing, making commericals - and we watch YouTube videos in class, which is pretty cool. We get extra credit for submitting YouTube videos that are pertinent to the lecture topic, so I'm all about that. Otherwise it is pretty basic: Public Speaking, Business Enterprise, Macroeconomics, and Business Stats. Can you tell my major is Business and Marketing? But enough about me, how is everyone else's back-to-school going?
Cover Alert: Some Girls Are and The Mark
I've got two new covers to share today! :)
The cover for Some Girls Are by Courtney Summers has finally been released! YAY!
I really like this cover... I think it really fits the plot summary...
Climbing to the top of the social ladder is hard--falling from it is even harder. Regina Afton used to be a member of the Fearsome Fivesome, an all-girl clique both feared and revered by the students at Hallowell High... until vicious rumors about her and her best friend's boyfriend start going around.
Now Regina's been "frozen out" and her ex-best friends are out for revenge. If Regina was guilty, it would be one thing, but the rumors are far from the terrifying truth and the bullying is getting more intense by the day. She takes solace in the company of Michael Hayden, a misfit with a tragic past who she herself used to bully. Friendship doesn't come easily for these onetime enemies, and as Regina works hard to make amends for her past, she realizes Michael could be more than just a friend... if threats from the Fearsome Foursome don't break them both first.
Tensions grow and the abuse worsens as the final days of senior year march toward an explosive conclusion in this dark new tale from the author of Cracked Up To Be.
Also, I just read that the cover for Jen Nadol's The Mark has been changed as well.
I really like this new cover - better than the original even. So, good change, I say.
Sixteen-year old Cassie Renfield has seen the mark since forever: a glow around certain people as if a candle were held behind their back.
The one time she pointed it out taught her she shouldn't do it again, so Cassie has kept quiet, considering its rare appearances odd, but insignificant. Until she watches a man die. Mining her memories, Cassie realizes she can see a person's imminent death. Now how or where, only when: today.
Cassie searches her past, her philosophy lessons, even her new boyfriend for answers, always careful to keep her secret. How does the mark work? Why her? Most importantly, if you know today is someone's last, should you tell?
The cover for Some Girls Are by Courtney Summers has finally been released! YAY!
I really like this cover... I think it really fits the plot summary...
Climbing to the top of the social ladder is hard--falling from it is even harder. Regina Afton used to be a member of the Fearsome Fivesome, an all-girl clique both feared and revered by the students at Hallowell High... until vicious rumors about her and her best friend's boyfriend start going around.
Now Regina's been "frozen out" and her ex-best friends are out for revenge. If Regina was guilty, it would be one thing, but the rumors are far from the terrifying truth and the bullying is getting more intense by the day. She takes solace in the company of Michael Hayden, a misfit with a tragic past who she herself used to bully. Friendship doesn't come easily for these onetime enemies, and as Regina works hard to make amends for her past, she realizes Michael could be more than just a friend... if threats from the Fearsome Foursome don't break them both first.
Tensions grow and the abuse worsens as the final days of senior year march toward an explosive conclusion in this dark new tale from the author of Cracked Up To Be.
Also, I just read that the cover for Jen Nadol's The Mark has been changed as well.
I really like this new cover - better than the original even. So, good change, I say.
Sixteen-year old Cassie Renfield has seen the mark since forever: a glow around certain people as if a candle were held behind their back.
The one time she pointed it out taught her she shouldn't do it again, so Cassie has kept quiet, considering its rare appearances odd, but insignificant. Until she watches a man die. Mining her memories, Cassie realizes she can see a person's imminent death. Now how or where, only when: today.
Cassie searches her past, her philosophy lessons, even her new boyfriend for answers, always careful to keep her secret. How does the mark work? Why her? Most importantly, if you know today is someone's last, should you tell?
Waiting on Wednesday (11)
Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill @ Breaking the Spine!
Heist Society by Ally Carter (2/9/10 from Disney Hyperion)
"When Katarina Bishop was three, her parents took her on a trip to the Louvre...to case it. For her seventh birthday, Katarina and her Uncle Eddie traveled to Austria...to steal the crown jewels. When Kat turned fifteen, she planned a con of her own--scamming her way into the best boarding school in the country, determined to leave the family business behind. Unfortunately, leaving "the life" for a normal life proves harder than she'd expected.
Soon, Kat's friend and former co-conspirator, Hale, appears out of nowhere to bring her back into the world she tried so hard to escape. But he has good reason: a powerful mobster has been robbed of his priceless art collection and wants to retrieve it. Only a master thief could have pulled this job, and Kat's father isn't just on the suspect list, he is the list. Caught between Interpol and a far more deadly enemy, Kat's dad needs her help.
For Kat there is only one solution: track down the paintings and steal them back. So what if it's a spectacularly impossible job? She's got two weeks, a teenage crew, and hopefully just enough talent to pull off the biggest heist in history-or at least her family's (very crooked) history."
I can't even describe how much I NEED this book! I love Ally Carter's Gallagher Academy books and this one looks just as amazing. I'm a hugh fan of Alias and her books are basically Alias for teens! Eeek!
Heist Society by Ally Carter (2/9/10 from Disney Hyperion)
"When Katarina Bishop was three, her parents took her on a trip to the Louvre...to case it. For her seventh birthday, Katarina and her Uncle Eddie traveled to Austria...to steal the crown jewels. When Kat turned fifteen, she planned a con of her own--scamming her way into the best boarding school in the country, determined to leave the family business behind. Unfortunately, leaving "the life" for a normal life proves harder than she'd expected.
Soon, Kat's friend and former co-conspirator, Hale, appears out of nowhere to bring her back into the world she tried so hard to escape. But he has good reason: a powerful mobster has been robbed of his priceless art collection and wants to retrieve it. Only a master thief could have pulled this job, and Kat's father isn't just on the suspect list, he is the list. Caught between Interpol and a far more deadly enemy, Kat's dad needs her help.
For Kat there is only one solution: track down the paintings and steal them back. So what if it's a spectacularly impossible job? She's got two weeks, a teenage crew, and hopefully just enough talent to pull off the biggest heist in history-or at least her family's (very crooked) history."
I can't even describe how much I NEED this book! I love Ally Carter's Gallagher Academy books and this one looks just as amazing. I'm a hugh fan of Alias and her books are basically Alias for teens! Eeek!
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Interview: Jill S. Alexander (Author of The Sweetheart of Prosper County)!
The talented Jill S. Alexander, author of the new September release, The Sweetheart of Prosper County, dishes about her new novel, chicken research, writing, and Matthew McConaughey!
Before we jump into the interview, here is a little blurb about Jill from her adorable website!
An interest in novels came late for me in my rural East Texas hometown. With no public library and few books, save one full set of encyclopedias, I learned poetry from church hymnals and storytelling from eccentric relatives. Captivated by country music's story-songs coming across my grandfather's AM radio after the morning farm report, I began writing out the lyrics and creating my own as early as second grade. At age 12, I went to work bussing tables at the local truck stop on weekends and the all-you-can-eat catfish joint at night. With the restaurants located by the interstate, I met colorful folks from all walks of life traveling to places I had only read about in encyclopedias.
Having developed a love for reading fiction in high school, I combined that with my passion for storytelling and focused my college studies on literature and creative writing.
THE SWEETHEART OF PROSPER COUNTY is my debut novel.
I adored The Sweetheart of Prosper County! Read my review here!
On to the interview!
First off, tell us a little bit about your new novel, The Sweetheart of Prosper County.
THE SWEETHEART OF PROSPER COUNTY is a rowdy coming-of-age story about a girl turning fifteen, her rooster, and her unflappable quest to be the sweetheart of the Future Farmers of America.
Are you anything like your main character, personality-wise?
Austin has a feisty personality that is all her own, and she’s not afraid to take
chances. We probably share that fearlessness.
Did your high school have FFA when you were in school? Were you a member? If not, what activities were you involved in?
We did have an FFA program. Both my brother and my father were FFA members. I participated in FHA briefly, but the dance/drill team took up most of my time. We were called the Tiger Dolls – lots of high-kicking in top hats. I’m sure there are pics somewhere.
In the Sweetheart of Prosper County, Austin raises a chicken in her quest to become a Sweetheart – did you have to do chicken research or do you raise chickens?
Most of the chicken specific info in the novel comes from memory. My great uncle raised roosters, and I grew up hearing those stories. My parents’ neighbors raised chickens, so I got some hands on experience there. Regarding research, I prefer talking to people. Whenever I had a chicken question, I’d call my dad or the local FFA/Ag teacher.
Austin tries “noodling” in the novel, have you ever done this?
Goodness! My mother could read this, so the answer is no.
In the beginning of the book, Austin tells a story about how she and her mother came to have signed picture of Matthew McConaughey in their house. My mother is also a big McConaughey fan, so I have to ask: did this aspect of the novel come from a personal daydream or experience? (I had to ask… :)
I LOVE this question! Matthew McConaughey grew up in Longview, Texas not far from where I live. My best friend babysat him. She was around fifteen; he was about ten. She has an autographed picture of the “shirtless wonder” in a silver frame. No one is allowed to touch it.
What was the most difficult aspect of writing The Sweetheart of Prosper County?
The end. It was like saying goodbye to a great group of friends.
Did you always want to be a writer?
I was a little country girl with no public library and very few books at home. Being a writer never occurred to me. However, I had music and a wonderful, eccentric family full of entertaining storytellers. I always wanted the stories -- hear them, sing them, tell them, write them.
What jobs did you have on your way to being a writer? Did they help you in any way as a writer?
My work experience has made me the writer I am today. While other kids were connecting with characters in books, I was connecting with real life characters. When I was twelve, I bussed tables at a truck stop. I met colorful folks from all walks of life. In high school, I worked in a hardware store similar to Gray’s True Value in the novel. After college, I taught English until the pull to pen my own stories became irresistible.
When and where do you usually write?
I write at home, starting in the early morning and writing until I pick my son up from school. I’m impressed with writers who can work in coffee shops. I like the quiet.
Is there something that is a must have for you to be able to write?
Coke Zero and quiet.
What author or book most influenced you as a writer or in general?
When I read Flannery O’Connor’s short story Good Country People, I just about lost my mind – in a good way. I loved the rural, southern voice and it was so smart, perfectly put together. I became a student of the Southern Gothics – Eudora Welty, Truman Capote, Harper Lee, Tennessee Williams.
What are currently reading?
I recently finished Julie Halpern’s INTO THE WILD NERD YONDER. Loved it! An original voice and it’s laugh-out-loud funny.
What book are you anxiously awaiting?
Watch for Kristin Tubb’s next historical fiction novel SELLING HOPE. I’ve read a small portion. Let me tell you, it’s going to be out of this world!
Can you tell us anything about your next novel?
Feiwel & Friends acquired my second novel PARADISE AND HIS SMOKIN’ SQUEEZEBOX. I’m hoping to have it ready for the Fall 2010 list. Get a fan. This one’s hot.
The Hiding Spot is dedicated to my personal hiding spot, books. Is there a place, activity, or person that is your hiding spot?
Muscle car, fifth gear, Highway 67
Anything else you would like to share with us?
God Bless Robert Earl Keen.
Who I is Robert Earl Keen you ask? Well, don't worry I have a handy dandy YouTube video of the one and only performing a song on Austin City Limits, one of my favorite shows! :)
I'd like to thank Jill for taking the time to answer these questions! And I totally called my mom and told her all about close encounters with Matthew McConaughey! :) Go out and get this book - it is a wonderfully fun story!
Review: Meridian by Amber Kizer
Title: Meridian
Author: Amber Kizer
Publisher: Delacorte
Pub. Date: 2009
Genre: YA
Main Themes: Angels, Death, Love, Family, Supernatural
Pages: 305
Plot (from book jacket):"Half human, half angel, Meridian Sozu has a dark responsibility.
Meridian has always been an outcast. It seems that wherever she goes, death and grief follow. On her sixteenth birthday, a car crashes in front of her home - and though she's untouched, Meridian's body explodes in pain.
Before she can fully recover, Meridian is told that she's in danger to her family and is hustled off to her great-aunt's house in Revelation, Colorado. There she learns the secret her parents have been hiding for her entire life: Meridian is a Fenestra, the half-angel, half-human link between the living and the dead.
It's crucial that Meridian learn how to transition human souls to the afterlife - how to help people die. Only then can she help preserve the balance between good and evil on earth. But before she can do that, Meridian must come to terms with her ability, outsmart the charismatic preacher who's taken over Revelation, and maybe - if she can accept her sworn protector, Tens for who he is - fall in love. Meridian and Tens face grave danger from the Aternocti, a band of dark forces who capture vulnerable souls on the brink of death and cause chaos. But together, they have the power to outsmart evil."
Meridian was a an interesting take on death and the after life, with a well written love story interwoven.
When I first saw the cover art for Meridian a few months before it was released, I was immediately drawn to the book. I loved the dark color scheme and the fact that it was quite clearly had some type of supernatural element.
When I was younger I was deathly (no pun intended) afraid of dying. I would lay awake at freaking out about what it would be like to lose a family member or pet. I think that having read Meridian back then might have helped assauge some of those fears. The ideas about death and the after life presented in this book make death seem not quite as scary or final.
I really enjoyed the romance and relationship that developed between Meridian and Tens. I'm a sucker for the protective guys, like Tens, but he was refreshing in that he still let Meridian learn for herself and believed she was a strong individual. He loved and cared for her, but gave her room to grow and learn as well. I really appreciated the fact that Tens and Meridian didn't immediately fall for one another, they actually disliked each other quite strongly at the beginning of the novel. I liked the chase and tension before they admitted their feelings to one another.
Ratings (Out of 10):
Plot: 10
Characters: 10
Writing Style: 10
Romance: 10
Originality: 10
Total: 50/50 (A!)
I definitely recommend Meridian - it was a great supernatural debut for Amber Kizer, author of One Butt Cheek at a Time. I look forward to (hopefully) reading more about the world of Meridian!
Monday, September 7, 2009
Winner of Hush, Hush Contest!
I've determined that Hush, Hush is LOVED! I had a ridiculous amount of entries for the Hush, Hush contest, unfortunately I only have one copy to give away! :(
The winner was entry 224 of 368:
Ashley of BooksObsession!
Congrats Ashley! You have until Sunday, September 13th to claim your ARC of Hush, Hush!
DON'T FORGET TO ENTRY MY CURRENT CONTEST TO WIN A COPY OF SNAP BY CAROL SNOW! Click HERE to enter!
The winner was entry 224 of 368:
Ashley of BooksObsession!
Congrats Ashley! You have until Sunday, September 13th to claim your ARC of Hush, Hush!
DON'T FORGET TO ENTRY MY CURRENT CONTEST TO WIN A COPY OF SNAP BY CAROL SNOW! Click HERE to enter!
Review: Don't Judge a Girl by Her Cover by Ally Carter
Title: Don't Judge a Girl by Her Cover
Author: Ally Carter
Publisher: Disney Hyperion
Pub. Date: 2009
Genre: YA
Main themes: Spies, Spy School, Elections, Love, Family, Friendship
Pages: 263
Plot (from book jacket):
"When Cammie "The Chameleon" Morgan visits her roomate Macey in Boston, she thinks she's in for an exciting end to her summer break. After all, she's there to watch Macey's father accept the nomination for vice president of The United States. But when you go to the world's best school (for spies), "exciting" and "deadly" are never far apart. Cammie and Macey soon find themselves in a kidnappers' plot, with only their espionage skills to save them.
As her junior year begins, Cammie can't shake the memory of what happened in Boston, and even the Gallagher Academy for Exceptional Young Women doesn't feel like the safe haven it once did. Shocking secrets and old flames seem to lurk around every one of the mansion's corners as Cammie and her friends struggle to answer the questions Who is after Macey? And how an the Gallagher Girls keep her safe?
Soon Cammie is joining Bex and Liz as Macey's private security team on the campaign trail. The girls must use their spy training at every turn as the stakes are raised, and Cammie gets closer and closer to the shocking truth..."
I've been procrastinating doing this review for few days now... It isn't because it was a bad book, quite the contrary actually! I loved it! It is the perfect blend of boarding school drama, spies, romance, and mystery! It is just difficult to write a review for this book without saying: "Go read the first two!" I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You and Cross My Heart and Hope to Spy are both amazing books, but I think that this may have been my favorite one so far!
Cammie's aunt is a present throughout this installment of the series. Not only was she a pretty awesome character, I welcomed the knowledge and glimpses she gave the reader into Cammie's family and past. I feel like we will find out even more about that in the next book.
Speaking of the next book - I need to know what happens with Cammie and the guy in her life! I can't even give a name because if you haven't read book one and two, I don't want to ruin it for you! I'm totally in love with their love story. It is important to point out at this point that I am pretty much obsessed with the show Alias - so obsessed that I own all 5 seasons and have watched them multiple times. I may have cried when I watched the last episode... :S Ally Carter's Gallagher Girls books are basically Alias for a little bit younger crowd. Vaughn and Sydney from Alias? I'm as obsessed with Cammie and her love interest as I was with Vaughn and Sydney. There is just so much TENSION!
Ratings (Out of 10):
Plot: 10
Characters: 10
Writing style: 10
Romance: 10
Originality: 10
Total: 50/50 (A!)
Go out and read the Gallagher Girls books - they are some of my absolute favorite books! There is another book coming, but I haven't the slightest clue when (which drives me crazy because Ally Carter leaves you with questions and wanting more)!
I do know that Ally is writing a new series though. The first book is called Heist Society and comes out February 2010 from Hyperion. Here is a little blurb from GoodReads:
When Katarina Bishop was three, her parents took her on a trip to the Louvre...to case it. For her seventh birthday, Katarina and her Uncle Eddie traveled to Austria...to steal the crown jewels. When Kat turned fifteen, she planned a con of her own--scamming her way into the best boarding school in the country, determined to leave the family business behind. Unfortunately, leaving "the life" for a normal life proves harder than she'd expected.
Soon, Kat's friend and former co-conspirator, Hale, appears out of nowhere to bring her back into the world she tried so hard to escape. But he has good reason: a powerful mobster has been robbed of his priceless art collection and wants to retrieve it. Only a master thief could have pulled this job, and Kat's father isn't just on the suspect list, he is the list. Caught between Interpol and a far more deadly enemy, Kat's dad needs her help.
For Kat there is only one solution: track down the paintings and steal them back. So what if it's a spectacularly impossible job? She's got two weeks, a teenage crew, and hopefully just enough talent to pull off the biggest heist in history-or at least her family's (very crooked) history.
I want this book so badly! Perhaps if I were a thief/con man (or possibly a spy) I could just slip into Hyperion headquarters and steal the manuscript... alas, I am not... darn.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Hush, Hush Entry Answers
My contest for an ARC copy of Hush, Hush just wrapped up and I've gone through the answers to the entry question... I was really curious to see what entrants put as their "character crush" and why. I had heard of - and agree with - many of the characters mentioned, but their were a couple I didn't know... Here is the list of names and how many times they were named as the number 1 character crush after in (). Sarah Dessen's books were mentioned many times, with Wes from The Truth About Forever having the most votes out of all names mentioned! Edward from Twilight and Peeta from the Hunger Games followed Wes closely with 5 mentions each. Owen from Just Listen and Jace from The Mortal Instruments each had 4 mentions. So those are the top guys - which I have to say, I totally agree with! :)
Ralph de Bricassart from The Thornbirds (1)
Wes from The Truth About Forever (6)
Cabel from Wake (3)
Jace from The Mortal Instruments bks (4)
Owen from Just Listen (4)
Dimitri from Vampire Academy bks (3)
Edward from Twilight (5)
Seth from Wicked Lovely (3)
Lestat from Interview with a Vampire played by Tom Cruise (1)
Dexter from This Lullaby (2)
Draco Malfoy from Harry Potter bks (1)
Ethan from Burned (1)
Sam from Shiver (2)
Kvothe from The Name of the Wind (1)
Rabbit from Wicked Lovely (1)
Peeta from The Hunger Games (5)
Eric Northman from True Blood/Southern Vamp bks (2)
Dean Winchester from Supernatural (1)
Ian from The Host (1)
Kartik from the Gemma Doyle bks (1)
Luke from Lament (1)
Luthe from The Hero and the Crown (1)
Otani from The Lovely Complex (1)
Marc from The Shifters series (1)
Eli from Along for the Ride (1)
John from Going Too Far (2)
Poe from Secret Society Girls (1)
Thomas from Private (1)
Nate from Gossip Girl bks played by Chace Crawford (1)
Ash from Daughters of Darkeness (short story) (1)
Chuck from Gossip Girl played by Ed Westwick (2)
Jasper from Twilight (1)
Casey from Evolution, Me, and Other Freaks of Nature (1)
Marcus from the Jessica Darling bks (2)
Po from Graceling (1)
Dan Devlin from Sleepless (by Terri Clark) (1)
Damen from Vampire Diaries (1)
The Weasley Twins from HP (1)
Ziro Kiryu from Vampire Knight (1)
Zsadist from the Black Dagger Brotherhood (1)
Michael from Morganville Vampire bks (1)
Dave the Laugh from Georgia Nicholson bks (1)
Ranulf from Evernight (1)
Quentin from Paper Towns (1)
Pudge from Looking for Alaska (1)
John Thornton from North and South (1)
Damen from Evermore (1)
Kalona from House of Knight (1)
Adrien from Blood Promise (1)
In My Mailbox (7)
IMM is hosted by Krisi, aka The Story Siren!
This week was a pretty good week in books: one book for review and a few from my awesome new library! :)
Judge a Girl by Her Cover by Ally Carter
"When Cammie Morgan arrives at her friend Macey's five star hotel for the Democratic National Convention-where Macey's father is about to receive the vice presidential nomination-she thinks she's in for an exciting end to her summer break. But if you're a Gallagher Girl, "exciting" and "deadly" are never far apart.
Things quickly go south when Macey is summoned to the hotel roof to shoot a PR piece with the presidential candidate's son. But instead of cameras, attackers descend from a helicopter and swarm the girls, commanding, "Grab her." After a narrow escape, Cammie and Macey find themselves at a top secret hideout owned by the Gallagher Academy. and thus begins Cammie's junior year at spy school.
Cammie doesn't need her genius IQ to see that the kidnapping attempt has changed everything, especially now that Macey is a major celebrity, and the school has been besieged by news crews. More disturbing, Cammie can't shake the suspicion that her mom and Mr. Solomon know more about the attack than they're letting on. After all, why weren't the attackers surprised to find themselves in combat with two teenage girls who handled themselves like seasoned pros?
But these suspicions won't stop Cammie from jumping at the chance to join Bex and Liz as Macey's private security team on the campaign trail. Before long, the girls are using their espionage skills at every turn, as Cammie gets closer and closer to the shocking truth... "
I love the Gallagher Girls books - they are awesome! Look for my review for this one next week! I read it the day I got it... :)
Fairy Tale by Cyn Balog (out now from Delacorte)
"Morgan Sparks and Cam Browne are a match made in heaven. They've been best friends since birth, they tell each other everything, and oh yeah- they're totally hot for each other.
But a week before their joint Sweet Sixteen bash, everything changes. Cam's awkward cousin Pip comes to stay, and Morgan is stunned when her formerly perfect boyfriend seems to be drifting away.
When Morgan demands answers, she's shocked to discover the source of Cam's distance isn't another girl- it's another world. Pip claims that Cam is a fairy. No, seriously. A fairy. And now his people want Cam to return to their world and take his rightful place as Fairy King.
Determined to keep Cam with her, Morgan plots to fool the fairies. But as Cam continues to change, she has to decide once and for all if he really is her destiny, and if their “perfect” love can weather an uncertain future."
I'm so excited about Cyn Balog's upcoming novel, Sleepless, so I wanted to check out her first novel!
Swoon by Nina Malkin
Sin is Coming...Prepare to Swoon!
Torn from her native New York City and dumped in the land of cookie-cutter preps, Candice is resigned to accept her posh, dull fate. Nothing ever happens in Swoon, Connecticut...until Dice's perfect, privileged cousin Penelope nearly dies in a fall from an old tree, and her spirit intertwines with that of a ghost. His name? Sinclair Youngblood Powers. His mission? Revenge. And while Pen is oblivious to the possession, Dice is all too aware of Sin. She's intensely drawn to him—but not at all crazy about the havoc he's wreaking. Determined to exorcise the demon, Dice accidentally sets Sin loose, gives him flesh, makes him formidable. Now she must destroy an even more potent—and irresistible—adversary, before the whole town succumbs to Sin's will. Only trouble is, she's in love with him.
I've been wanting to read this one FOREVER! I fell in love with this cover of Swoon long before it came out and am so excited that I FINALLY get to read it!
Nothing But Ghosts by Beth Kephart
Ever since her mother passed away, Katie's been alone in her too-big house with her genius dad, who restores old paintings for a living. Katie takes a summer job at a garden estate where, with the help of two brothers and a glamorous librarian, she soon becomes embroiled in decoding a mystery. There are secrets and shadows at the heart of Nothing But Ghosts, symbols hidden in a time-darkened painting, and surprises behind a locked bedroom door. But most of all, this is a love story-- the story of a girl who learns about love while also learning to live with her own ghosts.
I haven't heard very much about this book, but I read a really good review for it once and was intrigued.
My Soul to Take by Rachel Vincent
She doesn't see dead people, but…
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 been waiting for a Harlequin Teen book to come out and I found this one at the library and snatched it!
Prophecy of the Sisters by Michelle Zink
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. Debut novelist Michelle Zink takes readers on an unforgettable journey where one sister's fateful decision could have an impact of Biblical proportions. Prophecy of the Sisters is the first of three books.
I've been waiting to get this book for so long - and the Kzoo library totally had it!I am so happy! Can't wait to read it!!
Undead Much by Stacey Jay
Even Zombie Settlers with Super Hot Boyfriends get the Blues...
A few months ago I was a normal girl with a normal life. But that was before my power to Settle the Undead returned and someone tried to kill me with zombies.
Now I work magic and practice kicking butt while trying to find time for pom squad and my boyfriend, Ethan, and trying NOT to think about how freaky my life has become. It can be tough. Still…things could be worse…
Oh yeah, right:
1. Feral new super-strong zombies. Check.
2. Undead psychic hottie predicting a zombie apocolypse. Check.
3. Earth-shattering secrets that could land me in Settler prison for life. Check.
4. Cheerleader vs. pom squad turf war threatening the end of the half time as we know it. Check.
I’m going to need therapy (and a cookie) if I live through the week. Unfortunately I’m learning that’s not something Zombie Queens can take for granted.
Words cannot express how excited I am about this book! I'm am so excited to review it - I've was so sad when I read You Are So Undead to Me and found out how long I was going to have to wait to read the next one! Thanks Razorbill for the copy!
This week was a pretty good week in books: one book for review and a few from my awesome new library! :)
Judge a Girl by Her Cover by Ally Carter
"When Cammie Morgan arrives at her friend Macey's five star hotel for the Democratic National Convention-where Macey's father is about to receive the vice presidential nomination-she thinks she's in for an exciting end to her summer break. But if you're a Gallagher Girl, "exciting" and "deadly" are never far apart.
Things quickly go south when Macey is summoned to the hotel roof to shoot a PR piece with the presidential candidate's son. But instead of cameras, attackers descend from a helicopter and swarm the girls, commanding, "Grab her." After a narrow escape, Cammie and Macey find themselves at a top secret hideout owned by the Gallagher Academy. and thus begins Cammie's junior year at spy school.
Cammie doesn't need her genius IQ to see that the kidnapping attempt has changed everything, especially now that Macey is a major celebrity, and the school has been besieged by news crews. More disturbing, Cammie can't shake the suspicion that her mom and Mr. Solomon know more about the attack than they're letting on. After all, why weren't the attackers surprised to find themselves in combat with two teenage girls who handled themselves like seasoned pros?
But these suspicions won't stop Cammie from jumping at the chance to join Bex and Liz as Macey's private security team on the campaign trail. Before long, the girls are using their espionage skills at every turn, as Cammie gets closer and closer to the shocking truth... "
I love the Gallagher Girls books - they are awesome! Look for my review for this one next week! I read it the day I got it... :)
Fairy Tale by Cyn Balog (out now from Delacorte)
"Morgan Sparks and Cam Browne are a match made in heaven. They've been best friends since birth, they tell each other everything, and oh yeah- they're totally hot for each other.
But a week before their joint Sweet Sixteen bash, everything changes. Cam's awkward cousin Pip comes to stay, and Morgan is stunned when her formerly perfect boyfriend seems to be drifting away.
When Morgan demands answers, she's shocked to discover the source of Cam's distance isn't another girl- it's another world. Pip claims that Cam is a fairy. No, seriously. A fairy. And now his people want Cam to return to their world and take his rightful place as Fairy King.
Determined to keep Cam with her, Morgan plots to fool the fairies. But as Cam continues to change, she has to decide once and for all if he really is her destiny, and if their “perfect” love can weather an uncertain future."
I'm so excited about Cyn Balog's upcoming novel, Sleepless, so I wanted to check out her first novel!
Swoon by Nina Malkin
Sin is Coming...Prepare to Swoon!
Torn from her native New York City and dumped in the land of cookie-cutter preps, Candice is resigned to accept her posh, dull fate. Nothing ever happens in Swoon, Connecticut...until Dice's perfect, privileged cousin Penelope nearly dies in a fall from an old tree, and her spirit intertwines with that of a ghost. His name? Sinclair Youngblood Powers. His mission? Revenge. And while Pen is oblivious to the possession, Dice is all too aware of Sin. She's intensely drawn to him—but not at all crazy about the havoc he's wreaking. Determined to exorcise the demon, Dice accidentally sets Sin loose, gives him flesh, makes him formidable. Now she must destroy an even more potent—and irresistible—adversary, before the whole town succumbs to Sin's will. Only trouble is, she's in love with him.
I've been wanting to read this one FOREVER! I fell in love with this cover of Swoon long before it came out and am so excited that I FINALLY get to read it!
Nothing But Ghosts by Beth Kephart
Ever since her mother passed away, Katie's been alone in her too-big house with her genius dad, who restores old paintings for a living. Katie takes a summer job at a garden estate where, with the help of two brothers and a glamorous librarian, she soon becomes embroiled in decoding a mystery. There are secrets and shadows at the heart of Nothing But Ghosts, symbols hidden in a time-darkened painting, and surprises behind a locked bedroom door. But most of all, this is a love story-- the story of a girl who learns about love while also learning to live with her own ghosts.
I haven't heard very much about this book, but I read a really good review for it once and was intrigued.
My Soul to Take by Rachel Vincent
She doesn't see dead people, but…
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 been waiting for a Harlequin Teen book to come out and I found this one at the library and snatched it!
Prophecy of the Sisters by Michelle Zink
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. Debut novelist Michelle Zink takes readers on an unforgettable journey where one sister's fateful decision could have an impact of Biblical proportions. Prophecy of the Sisters is the first of three books.
I've been waiting to get this book for so long - and the Kzoo library totally had it!I am so happy! Can't wait to read it!!
Undead Much by Stacey Jay
Even Zombie Settlers with Super Hot Boyfriends get the Blues...
A few months ago I was a normal girl with a normal life. But that was before my power to Settle the Undead returned and someone tried to kill me with zombies.
Now I work magic and practice kicking butt while trying to find time for pom squad and my boyfriend, Ethan, and trying NOT to think about how freaky my life has become. It can be tough. Still…things could be worse…
Oh yeah, right:
1. Feral new super-strong zombies. Check.
2. Undead psychic hottie predicting a zombie apocolypse. Check.
3. Earth-shattering secrets that could land me in Settler prison for life. Check.
4. Cheerleader vs. pom squad turf war threatening the end of the half time as we know it. Check.
I’m going to need therapy (and a cookie) if I live through the week. Unfortunately I’m learning that’s not something Zombie Queens can take for granted.
Words cannot express how excited I am about this book! I'm am so excited to review it - I've was so sad when I read You Are So Undead to Me and found out how long I was going to have to wait to read the next one! Thanks Razorbill for the copy!
Friday, September 4, 2009
Friday Finds (4)
Friday Finds is hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading!
I found quite a few new books that I'm excited about this week!
Shadow of the Moon by Rachel Hawthorne (HarperTeen, 3/23/10)
"Dark Guardian is a sexy werewolf series sure to appeal to the many teen readers of paranormal romances. In this fourth book, the werewolves debate whether to emerge from hiding on their own terms. But one of their own, Daniel, is struggling with something much more immediate—his search for the girl who will be his lifelong mate. He hasn’t connected with her yet and he’s starting to lose hope. If he can’t find her before her first transformation, she will die."
I still need to read the second book and third books in this series and the fourth is already out soon! I really liked the first one though, so I'm looking forward to the continuation!
Very LeFreak by Rachel Cohn (Knopf, 12/12/10)
"Very LeFreak has a problem: she’s a crazed technology addict. Very can’t get enough of her iPhone, laptop, IMs, text messages, whatever. If there’s any chance the incoming message, call, text, or photo might be from her supersecret online crush, she’s going to answer, no matter what. Nothing is too important: sleep, friends in mid-conversation, class, a meeting with the dean about academic probation. Soon enough, though, this obsession costs Very everything and everyone. Can she learn to block out the noise so she can finally hear her heart?"
The title and cover art are so interesting for this one! I've never read anything by Rachel Cohn before, so I think I'm going to check out some of her older novels before this one comes out!
Harmonic Feedback by Tara Kelly (Henry Holt BYR, 2010)
"Doctors have pinned 16-year-old Drea Horvath with everything from ADHD to Asperger’s Syndrome. She has an obsession with sound design, a tendency to blurt out whatever she’s thinking, and a problem making friends, but likes to think of this as following her own rhythm in a confusing world.
Drea is hesitant to befriend purple-haired Naomi Quinn, her teenage neighbor with a kamikaze personality. But Naomi is the first person to treat her like she isn’t a world class dork. Then there’s Justin Rocca, the sexy and persistent boy in her film class. If she’s learned anything from her mom, it’s that boys are trouble."
Justin Rocca, the sexy and persistent boy in her film class - I like the sound of that! Is it bad that sometimes my interest is sparked by the romantic lead?? :) I'm also interested though by the fact that the main character as Asperger's. I've never read a book where the main character has Asperger's, but my cousin has Autism so I have a personal interest.
Under My Skin by Judith Graves
"All her parents wanted was for Eryn to live a normal life...
Redgrave had its share of monsters before Eryn moved to town. Mauled pets, missing children.
The Delacroix family is taking the blame, but Eryn knows the truth. Something stalks the night. Wade, the police chief's son and Redgrave High's resident hottie, warns her the Delacroix are dangerous. But then so is Eryn - in fact, she's lethal.
But she can't help falling for one of the Delacroix boys, dark, brooding - human Alec. And then it all goes bad.
A normal life? Now that's the real fairytale."
I'm really looking forward to this one... I heard about it this week from a WoW post and I'm definitely going to be on the lookout for it! Here is the link to the
The Book Butterfly's WoW post!
I found quite a few new books that I'm excited about this week!
Shadow of the Moon by Rachel Hawthorne (HarperTeen, 3/23/10)
"Dark Guardian is a sexy werewolf series sure to appeal to the many teen readers of paranormal romances. In this fourth book, the werewolves debate whether to emerge from hiding on their own terms. But one of their own, Daniel, is struggling with something much more immediate—his search for the girl who will be his lifelong mate. He hasn’t connected with her yet and he’s starting to lose hope. If he can’t find her before her first transformation, she will die."
I still need to read the second book and third books in this series and the fourth is already out soon! I really liked the first one though, so I'm looking forward to the continuation!
Very LeFreak by Rachel Cohn (Knopf, 12/12/10)
"Very LeFreak has a problem: she’s a crazed technology addict. Very can’t get enough of her iPhone, laptop, IMs, text messages, whatever. If there’s any chance the incoming message, call, text, or photo might be from her supersecret online crush, she’s going to answer, no matter what. Nothing is too important: sleep, friends in mid-conversation, class, a meeting with the dean about academic probation. Soon enough, though, this obsession costs Very everything and everyone. Can she learn to block out the noise so she can finally hear her heart?"
The title and cover art are so interesting for this one! I've never read anything by Rachel Cohn before, so I think I'm going to check out some of her older novels before this one comes out!
Harmonic Feedback by Tara Kelly (Henry Holt BYR, 2010)
"Doctors have pinned 16-year-old Drea Horvath with everything from ADHD to Asperger’s Syndrome. She has an obsession with sound design, a tendency to blurt out whatever she’s thinking, and a problem making friends, but likes to think of this as following her own rhythm in a confusing world.
Drea is hesitant to befriend purple-haired Naomi Quinn, her teenage neighbor with a kamikaze personality. But Naomi is the first person to treat her like she isn’t a world class dork. Then there’s Justin Rocca, the sexy and persistent boy in her film class. If she’s learned anything from her mom, it’s that boys are trouble."
Justin Rocca, the sexy and persistent boy in her film class - I like the sound of that! Is it bad that sometimes my interest is sparked by the romantic lead?? :) I'm also interested though by the fact that the main character as Asperger's. I've never read a book where the main character has Asperger's, but my cousin has Autism so I have a personal interest.
Under My Skin by Judith Graves
"All her parents wanted was for Eryn to live a normal life...
Redgrave had its share of monsters before Eryn moved to town. Mauled pets, missing children.
The Delacroix family is taking the blame, but Eryn knows the truth. Something stalks the night. Wade, the police chief's son and Redgrave High's resident hottie, warns her the Delacroix are dangerous. But then so is Eryn - in fact, she's lethal.
But she can't help falling for one of the Delacroix boys, dark, brooding - human Alec. And then it all goes bad.
A normal life? Now that's the real fairytale."
I'm really looking forward to this one... I heard about it this week from a WoW post and I'm definitely going to be on the lookout for it! Here is the link to the
The Book Butterfly's WoW post!
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