Waiting on Wednesday (31)

Hi and Happy Wednesday!
Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Breaking the Spine!

This week's pick is:

Dead to You by Lisa McMann
February 7, 2012

Ethan was abducted from his front yard when he was just seven years old. Now, at sixteen, he has returned to his family. It's a miracle... at first. Then the tensions start to build. His reintroduction to his old life isn't going smoothly, and his family is tearing apart all over again. If only Ethan could remember something, anything, about his life before, he'd be able to put the pieces back together. But there's something that's keeping his memory blocked. Something unspeakable...

I LOVE McMann's books! And the concept of this one plus that beautiful cover makes it a win for sure! I can't wait to read this one!

Ruby Red by Kerstin Gier

Title: Ruby Red
Author: Kerstin Gier, Anthea Bell (Translater)
Publisher: Henry Hole
Publication Date: May 10, 2011
Source: Library

Summary: Gwyneth Shepherd's sophisticated, beautiful cousin Charlotte has been prepared her entire life for traveling through time. But unexpectedly, it is Gwyneth, who in the middle of class takes a sudden spin to a different era!

Gwyneth must now unearth the mystery of why her mother would lie about her birth date to ward off suspicion about her ability, brush up on her history, and work with Gideon--the time traveler from a similarly gifted family that passes the gene through its male line, and whose presence becomes, in time, less insufferable and more essential. Together, Gwyneth and Gideon journey through time to discover who, in the 18th century and in contemporary London, they can trust.

Review: All I can say about Ruby Red is that it was just jam-packed with FUN! Ruby Red isn't exactly a serious book, it does have its moments, but most of the time it was just hilarious.

Gwen was an awesome girl. I loved her character and her voice, both were unique and, well, just funny. Gwen is your typical teenager, she has that awesome best friend and lives a relatively normal life obsessing about boys and complaining about schools that have teachers that look like squirrels..ahem. That is, if you don't count that she can now time travel.

If you haven't picked up on it yet there is most certainly time travel!!! Katie loves time travel. A lot. This book had tons of fun time travel and lots of new ideas. At the beginning of each chapter there were some excerpts from time traveler texts that were a really nice addition to the story. There was a little science fixed in with quite a few fantasy elements that make the time travel in Ruby Red  like no other!

And then Gideon enters the picture. Oh golly, I have a little crush on this snob of a boy. I'm pretty sure Gwen and I agree on all things Gideon. Especially on the fact that he's quite nice looking.

Ruby Red has a ton of awesome things that I've already mentioned but I can't forget to mention the writing. Bell did an amazing job translating this from German. I've read another book translated from German and it was dull and had no life what so ever. I'm happy to report that this book isn't like that at all. How could it be when it is just so great?!

Ruby Red has me dying for the sequel. When it comes out in Spring next year I will be the first one to get my hands on Sapphire Blue! Well, maybe not the first one but...

Ruby Red is full on awesome and you'd definitely be missing out on something if you don't read it.

Rating:

Nocturne by Christine Johnson

Title: Nocturne
Author: Christine Johnson
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Publication Date: August 23, 2011
Source: Simon and Schuster Galley Grab

Summary: Some secrets are too dangerous...

After the tragic events of the summer, Claire is looking forward to a new school year. All she wants to worry about is finding the most gorgeous dress to wear to the Autumn Ball with her perfect boyfriend.

But as Claire knows all too well, the life of a werewolf is never that simple, or that sweet.

When Claire’s human and wolf lives start to collide, her worst nightmares come true. She is hurting her best friend. She has been caught lying. And then the unthinkable happens: Someone discovers Claire’s secret.

If Claire’s werewolf identity is exposed, everyone she knows will be put at risk. And the pack’s response comes at a cost higher than Claire can imagine. Claire will be forced to determine just how far she is willing to go.

Review: Nocturne was a enjoyable book. Yet, it wasn't awesome or extremely horrible. It was a nice read just not what I was expecting.

I was a huge fan of Claire de Lune and it was one of my favorite books at the time I read it. My reading tastes have taken a 180 since that time so that's possibly why I didn't enjoy this one as much as I could have if I read it a year ago.

One of my biggest complaints is that nothing happened. My heart didn't race, there was no mystery. In fact, some of the things and situations that Claire had to deal with just seemed a little silly. The book just seemed like one big filler, if you know what I mean. Some things just had no purpose and it seemed like an extension to the first book.

But that doesn't mean that it wasn't enjoyable. It was very enjoyable and I had fun reading it.

Clare is a very easy character to connect with. She has some insecurities and while I hope teenage girls don't have to deal with being a werewolf, Johnson knows how to make her characters somewhat relatable. The Autumn Ball was a really cool aspect to the story and I enjoyed reading about all the dress shopping!

In Claire de Lune I loved the writing style and in this Nocturne I did, too. Johnson's writing has a beautiful flow to it and sometimes I felt like I was "in the moment."

Nocturne is fun read for one of the last lazy afternoons of summer. With great writing and an interesting werewolf idea this series is definitely a good one! I wonder if there's going to be another book, though?!

Rating:

In My Mailbox (43)

Hi and Happy IMM! IMM is hosted by The Story Siren!

This week was a pretty good week!

This week I got:

Never Have I Ever by Sara Shepard. I'm pretty excited to read this one!

Possess by Gretchen McNeil!!!!! YAY! This one looks amazing!

From Netgalley/Galley Grab:

The Pledge by Kimberly Derting! Thanks SO much Jessica!! I'd be reading this right now but I have way to many books to read. So I have my fingers crossed that I'll read it by the middle of September!

The Butterfly Clues by Kate Ellison! This one looks really good and I love the cover.

Every Other Day by Jennifer Lynn Barnes. I've read two of her books and I can't wait to read another one!

That's all for me! What about you??

Blog Happenings (35)

Hi! And Happy Weekend and Saturday!

READING:

I'm really, really liking this one! I'm about half way through and I can't wait to finish it!!

READ SINCE LAST WEEK:

The Mephisto Covenant by Trinity Faegen, I'm not sure what to think of this one but it was enjoyable!

Nocturne by Christine Johnson, this was an all right read for me. Not the best but not awful!

Flawless by Lara Chapman, I adored this one. It was cute and just amazing!

TO READ:

The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson

Spellbound by Cara Lynn Shultz

One Hundred Candles by Mara Purnhagen

Never Have I Ever by Sara Shepard

BOOK NEWS: RANDOM STUFF

This has been a extremely busy week for me and a little stressful, too! Hopefully, I can get all my reviews and posts out for the next week!

I did happen to spot two covers that you might want to see!!

It’s the end of the world. Six students have taken cover in Cortege High but shelter is little comfort when the dead outside won’t stop pounding on the doors. One bite is all it takes to kill a person and bring them back as a monstrous version of their former self. To Sloane Price, that doesn’t sound so bad. Six months ago, her world collapsed and since then, she’s failed to find a reason to keep going. Now seems like the perfect time to give up.

As Sloane eagerly waits for the barricades to fall, she’s forced to witness the apocalypse through the eyes of five people who actually want to live. But as the days crawl by, everyone’s motivations to survive begin to change in startling ways and soon the group’s fate is determined less and less by what’s happening outside and more and more by the unpredictable and violent bids for life–and death–inside.

When everything is gone, what do you hold on to?

This releases June 2012

When Los Angeles is devastated by a catastrophic earthquake, seventeen-year-old human lightning rod, Mia Price, finds herself at the center of a power struggle between two fanatical doomsday cults, one that wants to save the world, and one that wants to destroy it... and she will be the deciding factor in which cult succeeds at their aim.

This releases May 8, 2012

Both have beautiful covers and intriguing blurbs!! I can't wait to read them both!

UPCOMING BOOK I'M EXCITED FOR!!

Riley Blackthorne is beginning to learn that there are worse things than death by demon. And love is just one of them…

Seventeen-year-old Riley has about had it up to here. After the devastating battle at the Tabernacle, trappers are dead and injured, her boyfriend Simon is gravely injured, and now her beloved late father’s been illegally poached from his grave by a very powerful necromancer. As if that’s not enough, there's Ori, one sizzling hot freelance demon hunter who’s made himself Riley’s unofficial body guard, and Beck, a super over-protective “friend” who acts more like a grouchy granddad. With all the hassles, Riley’s almost ready to leave Atlanta altogether.

But as Atlanta’s demon count increases, the Vatican finally sends its own Demon Hunters to take care of the city’s “little” problem, and pandemonium breaks loose. Only Riley knows that she might be the center of Hell’s attention: an extremely powerful Grade 5 demon is stalking her, and her luck can't last forever…

I LOVED the first book, The Demon Trapper's Daughter, and I can't wait for this one! Soul Thief by Jana Oliver releases on the 30th. Anna Dressed in Blood also releases!!

September has SO many awesome releases, so I can't wait to read those!

See you tomorrow for IMM!!



Follow Friday (31)

Hi! And Happy Follow Friday. This feature is hosted by Alison Can Read and Parajunkee's View!

This week's question is:

In some books like the Sookie Stackhouse series the paranormal creature in question "comes out of the closet" and makes itself known to the world. Which mythical creature do you wish this would happen with in real life?

Hmmmm, maybe people like Clare in Clarity by Kim Harrington. Or in other books where people have the abilities to solve crimes with their talents. Because that rocks.

That's it for me! What about you??

Wolfsbane by Andrea Cremer

Title: Wolfsbane
Author: Andrea Cremer
Publisher: Philomel
Publication Date: July 26, 2011
Source: Bought

Summary: When Calla Tor wakes up in the lair of the Searchers, her sworn enemies, she’s certain her days are numbered. But then the Searchers make her an offer—one that gives her the chance to destroy her former masters and save the pack—and the man—she left behind. Is Ren worth the price of her freedom? And will Shay stand by her side no matter what? Now in control of her own destiny, Calla must decide which battles are worth fighting and how many trials true love can endure and still survive.

Review: Wolfsbane has gotten a few mixed reviews, and that made me a little hesitant to read it. I wanted to love it because Nightshade was just so awesome. My feelings on this are not mixed at all and I'm firmly on one side of the love/hate barrier. That is the LOVE side!!

While I was astonished by Nightshade I was absolutely blown away by Wolfsbane. I enjoyed every second of action, of history, and of the steamier than steamy romance.

In fact, the history was one of my favorite parts of the book. It certainly wasn't boring and I soaked it all up. I'm not saying some of the terms and words weren't a little hard to get used to, but they were definitely interesting.

There was also a ton of action...and WOW did it set me on the edge of my seat. I had this need for everyone to be okay and live. I care so deeply about these character. So deeply that I feel like I'm right there beside them.

I felt like Calla was going through so much inner, and possibly outer, turmoil during Wolfsbane. She made me want to give her a hug. Though, I doubt she would except that. She'd probably tell me to go away. The other thing I love about Calla is that she is so strong and just admirable.

The romance....I no longer have a Team. I do like Ren but now I feel like she should be with Shay for reasons that might spoil the book. Only because of....the old lady in me is coming out. Still, Shay is growing on me!

Wolfsbane is a highly awesome and addictive installment the series. It also made me realize that the series is one of my favorites, werewolves and otherwise! I can't wait for Bloodrose!

Rating:

Waiting on Wednesday (30)

Hi and Happy Wednesday!

This week's pick is:

Angel Fire by L.A Weatherly

December 27, 2011

In Book Two of L. A. Weatherly’s wildly romantic, action-packed trilogy, the angels are back with a vengeance . . . and they don’t have heaven in mind.

In the wake of the Second Wave, the angel menace has exploded, and Alex and Willow are on the lam. Willow’s prophetic dream points them to Mexico City, where they connect with a fledgling group of angel killers led by the exotically beautiful Kara, an Angel Killer from Alex’s past. But the team remains suspicious of Willow, even after the more-experienced Alex takes over as leader, training them hard for a rush attack on the Seraphic Council, or “The Twelve.” This elite group of all-powerful angels is also under the scrutiny of Willow’s angel-father, Raziel, who has his own sinister plan to defeat them.

What Willow hasn’t told Alex is that there was also a mysterious boy in her dream, one she felt overpoweringly attracted to. When brooding, gorgeous Seb shows up in the flesh, he turns out to be another—possibly the world’s only other—half angel. He’s been searching for Willow all his life, and when Alex enlists this rival to help keep Willow safe, he can’t predict what chemistry will pass between them . . . or how far Willow might go to keep Alex safe. Will their love endure or spell doomsday for the human race?

Do I smell a love triangle??

I sure hope not!! I loved Angel Burn and I can't wait for this one. Alex is such a hottie...sigh!

Does anyone feel like this is going to be super duper awesome? I DO!

As for the cover I feel like whoever is trying to strip down, her dress is flapping down. Odd...!

Supernaturally by Kiersten White

Title: Supernaturally
Author: Kiersten White
Publisher: Harper Teen
Publication Date: July 26, 2011
Source: Bought 

Summary: Evie finally has the normal life she’s always longed for. But she’s shocked to discover that being ordinary can be . . . kind of boring. Just when Evie starts to long for her days at the International Paranormal Containment Agency, she’s given a chance to work for them again. Desperate for a break from all the normalcy, she agrees.

But as one disastrous mission leads to another, Evie starts to wonder if she made the right choice. And when Evie’s faerie ex-boyfriend Reth appears with devastating revelations about her past, she discovers that there’s a battle brewing between the faerie courts that could throw the whole supernatural world into chaos. The prize in question? Evie herself.

So much for normal.

Review: Bleep! I'd been waiting for so long to get Supernaturally! And was it awesome? Yes, it was!

Evie is such a great character. All she wanted to be was normal but I think she learned normal isn't always amazing, especially for such a special person like her. Evie is a special character and I felt like she was going through so much in this one. All her problems made me like her and connect to her even more than I already had.

The only part that I was a little disappointed in was the plot. Some parts were a little long and just a tad bit boring. But other than those occasional points it was pure awesome. I loved little twists and turns that happened along the way.

Supernaturally is SO funny! White has the best sense of humor and I loved everything that was even remotely funny. Of course, I also loved things that weren't funny. All the dialogue in these books is great.

I do wish there had been more Lend and more romance. Because, truly, I don't think I can get enough of Lend. There was also a new character, Jack, that was a great addition to the book!

Supernaturally is a great read that has me craving Endlessly!


Rating: 4.5 stars

Ripple by Mandy Hubbard

Title: Ripple
Author: Mandy Hubbard
Publisher: Razorbill
Publication Date: July 21, 2011
Source: Bought

Summary:  Lexi is cursed with a dark secret. Each day she goes to school like a normal teenager, and each night she must swim, or the pain will be unbearable. She is a siren - a deadly mermaid destined to lure men to their watery deaths. After a terrible tragedy, Lexi shut herself off from the world, vowing to protect the ones she loves. But she soon finds herself caught between a new boy at school who may have the power to melt her icy exterior, and a handsome water spirit who says he can break Lexi's curse if she gives up everything else. Lexi is faced with the hardest decision she's ever had to make: the life she's always longed for - or the love she can't live without?

Review: Oh, dear. This book was awesome. I loved it. I read it in a day. Have I mentioned this book was awesome? Well, it was.

From the first page I loved Lexi. She's the character that you feel for...plus, she was an amazing person cursed with being a siren. One thing, that is kind of random about that I loved is  that she gets good grades! I fell like too many heroines these days skip classes and do awful in school. I really admired her for it, possibly because she reminds me of myself in a lot of ways.  Lexi also has some serious guts. Amazing protagonist: check!

And then there was Cole and Erik...two love interests that I won't say much about. Because if I did, I could spoil something! But Cole was so sweet...and hot! Oh Cole.... Hot boys: check, check!

Like I said, I finished this one in a day. I was totally engrossed in the plot. There were plenty of twists and turns to keep me entertained, too. I don' think there was ever a dull moment for me. Amazing, engrossing plot: check!

Sirens. Oh, wow do I love them! In Ripple we get a newish brand of sirens and we get a great back story behind them! It was more than enjoyable. Great mythology: double check!

Ripple is a must-read. As you can see from all my "checks" it has everything I could ever want...there's hot boys people! You can't resist that. Can you? But that isn't all that Ripple has going. (Read checks above!)

Rating:

In My Mailbox (42)

Hi!
IMM is hosted by The Story Siren!

I got tons of books for my birthday which now feels like forever ago and I've been in school for about 10 years straight.

Fairy Bad Day by Amanda Ashby
Delirium: Special Edition by Lauren Oliver
Juilet Immortal by Stacey Jay
Small Town Sinners by Melissa Walker
Forever by Maggie Stiefvator
The Other Countess by Eve Edwards
Amy and Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson
Between by Jessica Warman
Wither by Lauren DeStefano
Dark Souls by Paula Morris
Imaginary Girls by Nova Ren Suma

Already read some but I decided I needed my keeper copies of Amy and Roger, Delirium and Wither!!!

What about you??

Blog Happenings (34)

Hi and Happy Weekend of all!

Remember Blog Happenings has a new format!

READING:

I'm not very far into this but I'm really liking it!

READ SINCE LAST WEEK:

Ruby Red by Kiersten Gier, LOVED this one!

Tris and Izzie by Mette Ivie Harrison, disliked a ton.

A Beautiful Dark by Jocelyn Davies, pretty good!

GOING TO READ:

It will be a miracle if I even get a couple of books done in the upcoming weeks.

Bitter End by Jennifer Brown

The Education of Hailey Kendrick by Eileen Cook

Possibly: The Mephisto Covenant. I can't read this on my Nook because its formated oddly but I do need to read it soon, its expiring soon!

BOOK NEWS: /RANDOM STUFF

School started on Thursday, and it was okay I guess. But school means I can hardly comment. If I do it will be really early in the morning or really late at night. I already have homework and don't have tons of time for commenting. But I will try my best!!

And on the note of commenting, if you stopped by for Follow Friday...guess whose coming to visit you very soon? ME!  I was at a football game and had no time to comment!

But book news...and I have something to share!!

The cover for In Honor by Jessi Kirby

I really like this cover and I can't wait for May to read this one!!

And another book I can't wait for has a goodreads summary but no cover...aww!

Summary from Goodreads for The Springsweet by Saundra Mitchell. This is a companion novel to The Vespertine.

Release April 17, 2012

It’s a long way from Baltimore to Oklahoma Territory. But Zora Stewart will go any distance to put the tragic events of her sixteenth summer behind her. So this city girl heads to the tiny frontier town of West Glory to help her young widowed aunt keep her homestead going.

When another Baltimorean shows up in West Glory, Zora couldn’t be more surprised. Theo de la Croix made the long trip out west hoping to court Zora, whom he has long admired from afar.
But Zora has developed an attraction to a rather less respectable fellow: Emerson Birch, a rough-mannered young “sooner” whose fertile land is coveted.

As Zora begins to suspect that there may be more than luck behind Emerson’s good land, she discovers an extraordinary, astonishing power of her own: the ability to sense water under the parched earth. When her aunt hires her out as a “springsweet” to advise other settlers where to dig their wells, Zora feels the burden of holding the key to something so essential to survival in this unforgiving land.

Even more, she finds herself longing for love the way the prairie thirsts for water. Maybe, in the wildness of the territories, Zora can finally move beyond simply surviving and start living.

UPCOMING BOOK I'M EXCITED FOR!!

Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake releases on the 30th!!

Just your average boy-meets-girl, girl-kills-people story. . .

Cas Lowood has inherited an unusual vocation: He kills the dead.

So did his father before him, until his gruesome murder by a ghost he sought to kill. Now, armed with his father's mysterious and deadly athame, Cas travels the country with his kitchen-witch mother and their spirit-sniffing...moreJust your average boy-meets-girl, girl-kills-people story. . .

Cas Lowood has inherited an unusual vocation: He kills the dead.

So did his father before him, until his gruesome murder by a ghost he sought to kill. Now, armed with his father's mysterious and deadly athame, Cas travels the country with his kitchen-witch mother and their spirit-sniffing cat. Together they follow legends and local lore, trying to keep up with the murderous dead—keeping pesky things like the future and friends at bay.

When they arrive in a new town in search of a ghost the locals call Anna Dressed in Blood, Cas doesn't expect anything outside of the ordinary: move, hunt, kill. What he finds instead is a girl entangled in curses and rage, a ghost like he's never faced before. She still wears the dress she wore on the day of her brutal murder in 1958: once white, but now stained red and dripping blood. Since her death, Anna has killed any and every person who has dared to step into the deserted Victorian she used to call home.

And she, for whatever reason, spares his life.

 

Thanks for reading and see you tomorrow for IMM!

Follow Friday (30)

Hi! And Happy Follow Friday!
Follow Friday is hosted by Alison Can Read and Parajunkee's View!

This week's question is:

If you could write yourself a part in a book, what book would it be and what role would you play in that book?

This is sort of weird but I'd love to be in a road trip book. Think Amy and Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson. I'd just be that girl with that hot guy driving across the country!! It would be tons of fun.

On the Blog: Reviews (Other posts are not listed)

Fixing Delilah by Sarah Ockler

Wishful Thinking by Alexandra Bullen

The Revenant by Sonia Gensler

The Revenant by Sonia Gensler

Title: The Revenant
Author: Sonia Gensler
Publisher: Knopf
Publication Date: June 14, 2011
Source: Bought

Summary:  When Willie arrives in Indian Territory, she knows only one thing: no one can find out who she really is. To escape a home she doesn't belong in anymore, she assumes the name of a former classmate and accepts a teaching job at the Cherokee Female Seminary.

Nothing prepares her for what she finds there. Her pupils are the daughters of the Cherokee elite—educated and more wealthy than she, and the school is cloaked in mystery. A student drowned in the river last year, and the girls whisper that she was killed by a jealous lover. Willie's room is the very room the dead girl slept in. The students say her spirit haunts it.

Willie doesn't believe in ghosts, but when strange things start happening at the school, she isn't sure anymore. She's also not sure what to make of a boy from the nearby boys' school who has taken an interest in her—his past is cloaked in secrets. Soon, even she has to admit that the revenant may be trying to tell her something. . . .

Review: The Revenant, while slow in spots, was a chilling, enjoyable ghost story.

Gensler quickly sucks you into Willie, the main character's, world. Historical books have always been a favorite of mine and this one was no different! There was an added touch of ghosts and chilling scenes that were more than welcome.

Willie was an awesome protagonist. She wasn't particularly strong and was a little scared, but, I thought, it made her easier to relate, too. And more importantly she wasn't afraid to find out the truth about some pretty awesome stuff!
 
Like I said, there were some slow plots in the plot. It wasn't all that bad but sometimes it was a chore to keep my interest held. Other than that there wasn't anything about the book that I didn't like.

I loved how this one ended. Everything that happened in The Revenant was nicely wrapped up and gave you a great satisfaction when you were done reading it!

Yes, there is a little romance...which was nice. It was just the perfect little forbidden romance in a dark ghost story!

The Revenant has it all: sweet, relatable characters, a chilling ghost story and murder mystery and some added bits about Cherokee history that will have you wanted more!
Rating:

Waiting On Wednesday (29)

Hi, Waiting on Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Breaking the Spine!

This week's pick is:

Darker Still by Leanna Renee Hieber
November 1, 2011

The Picture of Dorian Gray meets Pride and Prejudice, with a dash of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.

New York City, 1882. Seventeen-year-old Natalie Stewart's latest obsession is a painting of the handsome British Lord Denbury. Something in his striking blue eyes calls to her. As his incredibly life-like gaze seems to follow her, Natalie gets the uneasy feeling that details of the painting keep changing...

Jonathan Denbury's soul is trapped in the gilded painting by dark magic while his possessed body commits unspeakable crimes in the city slums. He must lure Natalie into the painting, for only together can they reverse the curse and free his damaged soul.

Um...awesome sounding, right?!! It's historical and sounds like is has some magic in it! I couldn't ask for more. Plus, this guy in the painting sounds pretty darn hot!

P.S. Today's my birthday! I'm older now!! I'm not sure if that's a good thing....

Wishful Thinking by Alexandra Bullen

Title: Wishful Thinking
Author: Alexandra Bullen
Publisher: Point
Publication Date: Januaray 1, 2011
Source: Bought

Summary:  If you could wish for a different life, would you? What if that life changed everything you thought was real?
Adopted as a baby, Hazel Snow has always been alone. She's never belonged anywhere--and has always yearned to know the truth about where she comes from. So when she receives three stunning, enchanted dresses--each with the power to grant one wish--Hazel wishes to know her mother. Transported to a time and place she couldn't have imagined, Hazel finds herself living an alternate life--a life with the mother she never knew.

Over the course of one amazing, miraculous summer, Hazel finds her home, falls in love, and forms an unexpected friendship. But will her search to uncover her past forever alter her future?
In the heart-pounding, luminous sequel to WISH, Alexandra Bullen asks the question: If you could wish for a new life....would you?

Review: I read Wish sometime last summer, and while I wasn't that impressed, it was alright. But Wishful Thinking was awesome! It was totally different from Wish and I was sucked into the world.

I found myself loving all the characters in this one. They all felt so realistic to me. I was especially empathetic with Hazel, she was going through a super rough time and I felt like making those 3 wishes gave her a little sunshine in her life.

Hazel's adventures with all the people she meets at Martha's Vineyard was magical! I loved all the supporting characters. They all had life and dimension and were just WOW characters. I especially liked the love interest. I think you can guess why, plus he was a totally sweet guy.

Wishful Thinking was a very emotional read for me, and I teared up a couple of times. Something about Hazel's story really touched me. Bullen's writing is simple yet so powerful.

Wishful Thinking has an open ending but it isn't that kind of open where you absolutely need a sequel. It gives you the freedom to know and guess what happens next, which was an plus for this book!

Wishful Thinking has characters you can root for, an powerful story line and great writing. I loved it.

Rating: 4.5 stars

Fixing Delilah by Sarah Ockler

Title: Fixing Delilah
Author: Sarah Ockler
Publisher: Little, Brown
Publication Date: December 1, 2010
Source: Bought

Summary: Things in Delilah Hannaford's life have a tendency to fall apart.

She used to be a good student, but she can't seem to keep it together anymore. Her "boyfriend" isn't much of a boyfriend. And her mother refuses to discuss the fight that divided their family eight years ago. Falling apart, it seems, is a Hannaford tradition.
Over a summer of new friendships, unexpected romance, and moments that test the complex bonds between mothers and daughters, Delilah must face her family's painful past. Can even her most shattered relationships be pieced together again?

Rich with emotion, Sarah Ockler delivers a powerful story of family, love, and self-discovery.

Review: OH MY GOODNESS! I put off reading Fixing Delilah for a long, long time. I'm so glad that I'm not missing out on the awesome story that is between the two covers now. It was amazing.

Having not read Twenty Boy Summer I wasn't familiar with Ockler's writing style....and I was just blown away. It was breath taking, raw and so beautiful. Now I do want to read Twenty Boy Summer because I want to see if just the writing is as good as this book was.

Delilah was a real character. She was scared, she was broken and you could tell. You rooted her on and she stood up for herself and began to fall in love. I loved her and loved the journey we went on together, no matter how cheesy that sounds.

Fixing Delilah has some romantic elements but it is also is about the bond between mothers and daughters and sisters. The dialogue between these characters, Delilah, her mom, and aunt was realistic. I enjoyed all of it.

And the romance.....WOW! Talk about an amazing love interest. I could not get enough moments between Delilah and Patrick! It was so sweet yet steamy!

I read Fixing Delilah in a day. It was just that good. I was hooked the entire time and I couldn't get enough of Delilah or anything else.

If you're looking for an amazing contemp layered with secrets, relationships, and amazing writing...look no further! Fixing Delilah is the book for you! I know I loved it!

Rating:

In My Mailbox (41)

Hi and Happy IMM! IMM is hosted by The Story Siren!

This week was AWESOME!!!

The Education of Hailey Kendrick by Eileen Cook. This one looks totally cute!

Flawless by Lara Chapman. I love the cover and the idea is fascinating!

Bitter End by Jennifer Brown. I've heard nothing but good things about Jennifer Brown's books!

AND AN ARC OF HALF-BLOOD!!!!!! AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!! And some awesome swag!

Thanks so much Kate!

From Netgalley:

Wanderlove by Kirsten Hubbard! I'm more than excited to read this one, even though I didn't even finish Like Mandarin. I'm hoping this one will be better!

The Juilet Spell by Douglas Rees. I'm not quite sure what this one is about, but it looks good!

The Queen's Lady by Eve Edwards. I believe this is the companion novel to The Other Countess. I don't have The Other Countess yet...but I believe it will be turning up soon!!

Blog Happenings (33)

Hi everyone! I hope your having a magnificent start to your weekend!

I celebrated by blogoversary this past week. I'm still in awe that I've been blogging a year! It's amazing.

I've decided to mix things up a little on my blog happenings post. I'll post what I'm reading, what I've read in the past week and what I plan on reading. And if I have any news or blog announcements to share, I'll share them! It'll also have a new release in the upcoming 1-2 weeks that I can't wait to read!

So without further ado....the new format for BLOG HAPPENINGS!

I'm trying to make a picture, but the computer went crazy!

READING:

I'm currently reading:

Ehh...I'm not really liking this one but I'm not that far into it.

Read since last Saturday:

Cold Kiss by Amy Garvey

The Beginning of After by Jennifer Castle

Wolfsbane by Andrea Cremer

Past Midnight by Mara Purnhagen

Rasing the Dead by Mara Purnhagen

To Read:

The Mephisto Covenant by Trinity Faegen

The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson

A Beautiful Dark by Jocelyn Davies

BOOK NEWS: (Slash random stuff)

I'm so mad at myself, I forgot you have to download Harper Teen books almost a month before they come out. I went to go download Vanish by Sophie Jordan on Sunday and it was gone! I guess I'll have to wait till it comes out in September!

I really don't have much to share, not much is happening!

If you stopped by for follow friday and I haven't got back to you yet, I'm going to on Sunday. I'm busy today! (This post was scheduled ahead of time)

BOOK COMING OUT SOON THAT I'M EXCITED FOR:

Possess by Gretchen McNeil! I've heard such great things about this and I can't wait till this comes out on the 23!

Fifteen-year-old Bridget Liu just wants to be left alone: by her mom, by the cute son of a local police sergeant, and by the eerie voices she can suddenly and inexplicably hear. Unfortunately for Bridget, it turns out the voices are demons – and Bridget has the rare ability to banish them back to whatever hell they came from.

Terrified to tell people about her new power, Bridget confides in a local priest who enlists her help in increasingly dangerous cases of demonic possession. But just as she is starting to come to terms with her new power, Bridget receives a startling message from one of the demons. Now Bridget must unlock the secret to the demons' plan before someone close to her winds up dead – or worse, the human vessel of a demon king.

Trailer:

Uncommon Criminals by Ally Carter

Title: Uncommon Criminals
Author: Ally Carter
Publisher: Hyperion
Publication Date: June 21, 2011
Source: Bought

Summary:  Katarina Bishop has worn a lot of labels in her short life: Friend. Niece. Daughter. Thief. But for the last two months she’s simply been known as the girl who ran the crew that robbed the greatest museum in the world. That’s why Kat isn’t surprised when she’s asked to steal the infamous Cleopatra Emerald so it can be returned to its rightful owners.

There are only three problems. First, the gem hasn’t been seen in public in thirty years. Second, since the fall of the Egyptian empire and the suicide of Cleopatra, no one who holds the emerald keeps it for long — and in Kat’s world, history almost always repeats itself. But it’s the third problem that makes Kat’s crew the most nervous, and that is . . . the emerald is cursed.

Kat might be in way over her head, but she’s not going down without a fight. After all, she has her best friend — the gorgeous Hale — and the rest of her crew with her as they chase the Cleopatra around the globe, dodging curses and realizing that the same tricks and cons her family has used for centuries are useless this time.

Which means, this time, Katarina Bishop is making up her own rules.

Review: I've been a fan of Ally Carter for a long, long time. She never has disappointed me, and this is no exception!

Uncommon Criminals, the sequel to Heist Society, is, simply, a mind-bending roller coaster of trying to pull of the ultimate heist.

Carter immediately pulled me back into the world of Kat and her awesome thieving friends. How a book about teens breaking the law can amaze me, I'll never know but I'm convinced the Carter is some genius. All I know is that I could never me a thief, if I went by Kat standards.

One of the things I enjoyed most about this was seeing more of the Bishop family history. Or maybe I should say heist history.

The only thing that bothered me about this was that I felt disconnected to Kat. She goes through quite a bit of change in Uncommon Criminals and I just felt a little detached from her. My favorite character is, of course, W.W. Hale. Hale is just the sweetest, hottest boy in Kat's world. And he is awfully smart! Along with Hale my other favorite characters are back and ready to do some amazing things.

Carter strings you along the entire time, keeping you in suspense and on the edge of your seat. I was dying to know how they would accomplish things in the end. It was devious and oh so clever!

Uncommon Criminals is a great sequel to Heist Society. I can't wait to see more of Kat and her crew in the future.

Rating: 4.5 stars

Follow Friday (29)

Hi and Happy Follow Friday!
Follow Friday is hosted by Parajunkee's View and Alison Can Read!

This week's question is:

 How has your reading habits changed since you were a teen? or If you are still a teen what new genres are you in love with currently?

Since I'm still a teen I'll answer the second one. I'm in love with Dystopian, I cannot get enough! I like all the sci-fi books coming out!

On the blog this week:

Reviews:

Waterfall by Lisa T. Bergren

Haunting Violet by Alyxandra Harvey

Undercurrent by Tricia Rayburn

Uncommon Criminals by Ally Carter (Friday)

Post:

ONE YEAR BLOGOVERSARY!!

One Year Blogoversary!

Guess What?

It's my one year Blogoversary!

Have I really been blogging a year??

BEFORE: A year ago today, it was flooding. Leaving my town with no water for a couple of days. I'd just got my braces off. And I was super excited for my upcoming birthday party, even though we'd have to move it back because of the water situation.

There wasn't anything to do. I got on the computer and started a blog. About books. I'm sure you already now this though! I have been blogging for a year, and it is so hard to believe.

My first post was awful. Actually my first day of blogging was awful. I had no clue what I was doing and well it sucked. I reviewed 3 books and posted 2 other random things. To read my first and awful post of my favorite book of all time...go here! But maybe you shouldn't read it!

I have to say, I think my reviews have got much better. At least I hope they have!

Blogging is hard. I try not to make blogging a chore for myself. Thankfully, it isn't. But someday I might have to stop blogging. But that is NOT in the future right now. I love blogging. I might not have the coolest blog, the most awesome review and posts, or the most followers. But I love it. It gives me a little sense of pride to see my reviews go up each day, see fellow bloggers comment on my reviews. It gives me the greatest sense of satisfaction.

And that is the reason I'll keep blogging, even if my life becomes hectic. (Which it always does in the school year!) I'll write my reviews on the weekend as I did last school year and everything will be fine. I have so many books I need to review anyway!

I can't wait to see my 2 year blogoversary!

NOW: It is not flooding, its way too hot to do that. My teeth are still straight, thankfully. I'm older, soon to be even older. I'm still excited and stressed about my birthday and school. And I'm a blogger and proud.

P.S. I'm also a Red Sox lover and proud. (The inner humor, that isn't humor is coming out. Sorry!) I went to a Red Sox game yesterday. No not in Boston, in Minnesota. I hate the Twinkies, even though most people, where I live, love them. At least I got some reading done during the long drive! See, this DOES relate to books!

Undercurrent by Tricia Rayburn

Title: Undercurrent
Author: Tricia Rayburn
Publisher: Egmont USA
Publication Date: June 12, 2011
Source: Bought

Summary: The sirens are back, but Vanessa may be the biggest threat of all. . . .

Nothing has been normal since Vanessa Sands learned that her sister was murdered by sirens—femme fatales of the watery depths—and that everything she believed about her family was a lie.

Her boyfriend Simon’s been the only person Vanessa feels she can really trust. But now there are some secrets she can’t tell even him. And when Vanessa finds herself in the sights of Parker, Hawthorne Prep’s resident charmer, she needs someone to confide in more than ever. Doubting her relationship with Simon, unsure of Parker’s intentions—and of her own—and terrified by what she’s learned about herself, Vanessa has never felt so alone.

But personal problems must be put aside, because the Winter Harbor sirens are back for revenge. Now, Vanessa must face her past and accept that she is just like her enemies—every bit as alluring, every bit as dangerous.

The eagerly anticipated second novel of the Siren trilogy, Undercurrent is a seductive paranormal romance that will leave you breathless.

Review: Undercurrent is the sequel to Siren. A book that I loved. Undercurrent, unfortunately, left much to be desired.

My expectations for this were high and were not met at all.

There were only a couple of high points in this book for me. I still loved Vanessa, thank goodness. She made some decisions I couldn't commend but it was still enjoyable to see her go through changes.

There was some awesome twists and turns that I did not see coming at all. There was also a cliffhanger(ish) ending and I'm dying to see where the author goes with it.

Between the twists, I was bored. I didn't get what was going most of the time. The chapters end with something major happening and then it's over and we have to read way into the next chapter to see what happened. Things were just really confusing. I'm not sure if this was me or just the way it was written. (I didn't have this problem with Siren, though.)

I didn't feel like anything big, bad and dangerous happened with the sirens in this book. Undercurrent takes a long time to climax, in my opinion. And when it did, I was unimpressed and left disoriented.

There's also a lot going on in the romance department that I wasn't happy with. Vanessa is terribly insecure, and while I like her she just kept annoying me with her awful relationships and bad decisions concerning the relationships. Take in mind that watching her live with the consequences was still enjoyable, like I said.

Undercurrent, overall, was a thoroughly disappointing sequel. I will be reading the next book, since I want to see how Rayburn finishes the trilogy. Plus I didn't necessarily hate this book, it was just a okay read.

Rating:

Waiting on Wednesday (28)

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Breaking the Spine!

This week's pick is:

A Million Suns by Beth Revis
January 10, 2012

When Elder learns harrowing news about the space ship Godspeed, he and Amy must work together to unlock a puzzle that was set in motion hundreds of years earlier, all the while dealing with the romance that’s growing between them and the chaos that threatens to tear them apart. It all boils down to one mind-bending conclusion: They have to get off this ship.

That isn't much of a summary but that was all they had on Goodreads! I loved Across the Universe, the first book, I devoured it in a day. I can't wait to see what's going on with Amy and Elder in this one! I'm sure this one will be just as good as the first one, maybe even better! Either way, I'm super duper excited!

Haunting Violet by Alyxandra Harvey

Title: Haunting Violet
Author: Alyxandra Harvey
Publisher: Walker Books
Publication Date: June 21, 2011
Source: Bought

Summary:  Violet Willoughby doesn't believe in ghosts. But they believe in her. After spending years participating in her mother's elaborate ruse as a fraudulent medium, Violet is about as skeptical as they come in all matters supernatural. Now that she is being visited by a very persistent ghost, one who suffered a violent death, Violet can no longer ignore her unique ability. She must figure out what this ghost is trying to communicate, and quickly because the killer is still on the loose.

Afraid of ruining her chance to escape her mother's scheming through an advantageous marriage, Violet must keep her ability secret. The only person who can help her is Colin, a friend she's known since childhood, and whom she has grown to love. He understands the true Violet, but helping her on this path means they might never be together. Can Violet find a way to help this ghost without ruining her own chance at a future free of lies?

Review: Haunting Violet was part ghost story, part romance, and part mystery. It was everything I could ever ask for. It was amazing, and it was one of the best ghost stories. It was one my my favorite books of the year.

From the moment I started reading Haunting Violet I was hooked in Violet's historical world. I'm not exactly certain how accurate the historical aspects were but they were a nice touch to the story. But the rich setting that was created was priceless. I enjoyed every second that I spent in Violet's world.

Violet was full of spunk and she longed for a life where she didn't have to deceive people. I immediately loved her character. The fact that she could see ghosts was hilarious. I mean her Mother conducts fake seances! Violet had quite a sense of humor, she had me laughing in a few parts. It was nice to have some humor in an otherwise dark story.

Colin, Violet's love interest, was just the sweetest, funniest, hottest boy that ever walked the literary earth! I fell for him at the same time Violet did.

The mystery had me guessing till the last pages. It was original and finely woven with little clues dropped here and there. Let's just say that I was surprised and I figure out mysteries pretty easily!

And I loved that ending. It was tied up nicely and I had no questions. And while it would be nice to see Violet and Colin in the future, I'm glad this is a standalone. (It would be more than nice to see Colin in the future!)

Haunting Violet is a must-read. It captivated me and hasn't let go.

Rating: 5+++++!

Waterfall by Lisa T. Bergren

Title: Waterfall
Author: Lisa T. Bergren
Publisher: David C. Cook
Publication Date: February 1, 2011
Source: Bought

Summary: Lisa Tawn Bergren's new YA series, River of Time, is romantic, historical fiction in which the plucky heroine doesn't have to fear a vampire's bite but must still fight for her life.

In Waterfall, American teenager Gabi Betarrini accidentally finds herself in Fourteenth-Century Italy . . . Knights. Swords. Horses. Armor. And Italian hotties. Most American teens want an Italian vacation, but the Betarrini sisters have spent every summer of their lives there with their archaeologist parents. Stuck on yet another hot, dusty dig, they are bored out of their minds... until they place their hands atop handprints in an ancient tomb and find themselves catapulted into the Fourteenth Century and in the middle of a fierce battle between knights bent on killing one another.

Review: Waterfall was WOW. With romance, tons of action and a beautiful historical setting, it was an amazing read!

There wasn't a thing that I didn't like about Waterfall. Though, my favorite thing was the characters.
Gabi was a character that I instantly admired. She was fun, strong and had some mean sword fighting skills. Most importantly, she didn't whine and groan when she got sent back in time. Instead she tried to figure out a way back home and find her sister, Lia. Who was another awesome character!

And then there was Marcello and some other swoon-worthy characters! Marcello was absolute gold. He was the sweetest thing alive. He was hot, too!

There was never a dull moment in Waterfall. There was tons of fight scenes that had you on the edge if your seat, wondering who was going to win. Waterfall is a time travel book, as we know, and the historical aspect was magical. I was there with Gabi, it was just that good!

Waterfall is an excellent addition to the historical fiction and time travel genre. With that awesome romance, I can't wait to read the next book!

Rating: