What to read (2)

Hi all! Welcome to my new "thing" What to Read!

What to Read is a little post I'll do every Friday. It was started when a commenter asked me what my favorite Civil War books are. Obviously, I can't feature Civil War books each week but I can to a new topic...and this week's topic is:

CONTEMPORARIES!

Ones I want to read, and ones I'd recommend!

Favorite Contemps:

Well, anything by Sarah Dessen but these three are my favorite! These three are my favorites, though and I can't wait till she has a new book coming out!

Moonglass by Jessi Kirby is also an amazing contemp. I LOVE this book. The writing was amazing, the plot was slow yet engrossing and the characters made me feel all warm and smiley. I can't wait to read more from Kirby.

I read Fixing Delilah over the summer and I could not stop thinking about it. Sarah Ockler has amazing, amazing writing and the characters paired with her writing just shined.

Amy and Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson! I just feel so awesome whenever I think about this book. I felt such a special connection to the characters and the places they went. READ THIS!

How could I not mention this book!? I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it! It doesn't come out till October 4, so watch for my review!

Other notable mentions: You Wish by Mandy Hubbard, so cute!

Flawless by Lara Chapman, adorable!

CONTEMPS I CANNOT WAIT TO READ:

Shut Out by Kody Keplinger (Already released)

In Honor by Jessi Kirby (May 2012)

Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson (May 2012)

Love and Leftovers (January 2012)

The Language of Impossible Dreams by Sarah Ockler (August 2012)

See a pattern of authors I like?!

That's all for me, what are some of your favorite contemps? Let me know, I'm always looking for more books to read!

The Education of Hailey Kendrick by Eileen Cook

Title: The Education of Hailey Kendrick
Author: Eileen Cook
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Publication Date: January 4, 2011
Source: Library

Summary: Hailey Kendrick always does exactly what's expected of her. She has the right friends, dates the perfect boy, gets good grades, and follows all the rules. But one night, Hailey risks everything by breaking a very big rule in a very public way...and with a very unexpected partner in crime. Hailey gets caught, but her accomplice does not, and Hailey takes the fall for both of them.

Suddenly, Hailey's perfect life--and her reputation--are blowing up in her face. Her friends are all avoiding her. Her teachers don't trust her. Her boyfriend won't even speak to her for long enough to tell her that she's been dumped.

They say honesty is the best policy--but some secrets are worth keeping, no matter the cost. Or are they?

Review: The Education of Hailey Kendrick was a quick, yet super fun, book that had some surprising depth to it.

I identified with Hailey right away. She is very determined, hard working, smart. I immediately admire that about characters in books, plus Hailey isn't too far from being me. Except I'm a little bit more laid back, I think. Hailey was a character that I liked from the start and as I saw her develop as a character she definitely had an impact on my reading experience.

The rule-breaking Hailey did was so clever! I'm so glad it wasn't mentioned in the summary, that would have ruined it all. Seriously, read this book just to see what trouble Hailey got herself into and what she does to get herself out of it.

It was hilarious. I LOVE funny books. Of course, not all of the book was funny. There was some serious problems broached in Hailey's life. Nothing too serious but enough to be mentioned.

Overall, The Education of Hailey Kendrick was a sweet book with such the right amount of everything: romance, family problems, and pranks. Especially that last one.

Rating: 4.5 stars

Waiting on Wednesday (35)

Hi and Happy WoW!
Hosted by Breaking the Spine!

This week's pick is:

Love and Leftovers by Sarah Tregay
January 1, 2012

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

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

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

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

Doesn't this sound so cute yet so heartfelt! And it's written in verse, if I've heard correctly! YAY for verse! Plus there's a romance, it couldn't get any better than that, right?!

A Beautiful Dark by Jocelyn Davies

Title: A Beautiful Dark
Author: Jocelyn Davies
Publisher: Harper Teen
Publication Date: September 27, 2011
Source: Thanks Netgalley and Harper Teen!

Summary: On the night of Skye’s seventeenth birthday, she meets two enigmatic strangers. Complete opposites—like fire and ice—Asher is dark and wild, while Devin is fair and aloof. Their sudden appearance sends Skye’s life into a tailspin. She has no idea what they want, or why they seem to follow her every move—only that their presence coincides with a flurry of strange events. Soon she begins to doubt not just the identity of the two boys, but also the truth about her own past.

In the dead of a bitingly cold Colorado winter, Skye finds herself coming to terms with the impossible secret that threatens to shatter her world. Torn between Asher, who she can’t help falling for, and Devin, who she can’t stay away from, the consequences of Skye’s choice will reach further than the three of them could ever imagine.

A Beautiful Dark is the first book in a captivating trilogy by debut author Jocelyn Davies.

Review: Like so many books I've been reading lately, I have very mixed thoughts about A Beautiful Dark.

Truthfully, nothing really stood out to me. There was some unique angel lore and some cool creation stories but really I can't say that this was anything special. There are many angel books out there and this one just gets lost in the crowd, I'm sad to say.

Skye was almost your stereotypical paranormal romance heroine. She has two strange boys save her and she can do "magical" things! There are some moments when she defies that stereotype but I can count them easily. The boys were nice, both were a little creepy but nice to imagine. If you get my drift.

The storyline didn't have any big twists or OMG moments and I just couldn't get excited about anything.

Overall, I wasn't impressed but it was a semi-okay start to an angel series, one I'm not sure I'll be continuing.

Rating: 2.5 stars

The Mephisto Covenant by Trinity Faegen

Title: The Mephisto Covenant
Author: Trinity Faegen
Publisher: Egmont USA
Publication Date: September 27, 2011
Source: Thanks Netgalley and Egmont!

Summary: Sasha is desperate to find out who murdered her father. When getting the answer means pledging her soul to Eryx, she unlocks a secret that puts her in grave danger—she is an Anabo, a daughter of Eve, and Eryx’s biggest threat.

A son of Hell, immortal, and bound to Earth forever, Jax looks for redemption in the Mephisto Covenant—God’s promise he will find peace in the love of an Anabo. After a thousand years, he’s finally found the girl he’s been searching for: Sasha.

With the threat of Eryx always looming, Jax knows he has to keep Sasha safe and win her over. But can he? Will Sasha love him and give up her mortal life?

Review: The Mephisto Covenant was an iffy, but good, start to a series with some unique mythology.

I instantly loved the mythology in The Mephisto Covenant. It combines Hell, Heaven, good, evil, Adam and Eve. It was a truly successful combination of all of those elements.

I did like the characters, yet at sometimes they were extreme good or extreme evil. It didn't feel like there was a lot of middle ground with the characters. Sasha, while a nice girl, was just too nice. But I did love Jax....especially with all his sunglasses and trench coats.

His brothers stood out as well and I can't wait to see whose featured in the next book.

While The Mephisto Covenant was a little hard to get into I, admittedly, got addicted to his 400 some page tomb.

Like I said, some things were a little iffy but overall The Mephisto Covenant will stand out because of its awesome mythology and, well, there was some seriously hot boys.

Rating: 3.5 stars

In My Mailbox (47)

Hi all!!
IMM is hosted by The Story Siren!

The Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor

Fateful by Claudia Gray

After Obsession by Carrie Jones and Steven E. Wedel

Glow by Amy Kathleen Ryan

Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins

Borrowed:

Gimme a Call by Sarah Mlynowski

I'm so excited to read all of these books, especially Lola and Fateful!

That's all for me, what about you?!

Blog Happenings (38)

Hi all and happy weekend!

This week has been super busy for me...it's homecoming week and it's just go, go, GO! Thankfully that all ends tonight. Though, it has been fun!

But onto the books....

READING:

Past Perfect by Leila Sales and The Pledge by Kimberly Derting.

I'm LOVING Past Perfect, who wouldn't want to live in a town like that? A Colonial town and a Civil War reenactment place. I don't care if they hate each other, it's awesome! If you don't know what I'm talking about well...it comes out on the 4th!

Ah....The Pledge. I'm about a third done and I'm still not grabbed. Come on Derting, don't fail me!

READ SINCE LAST POST:

 Eve by Anna Carey, I'm a little mixed but it was still a good book!

The Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa...WOW! That's all I have to say.

Still not reading much but I'm trying.

TO READ:

Wanderlove by Kirsten Hubbard

The Juliet Spell by Douglas Rees

Illusions by Aprilynne Pike

BOOK NEWS: RANDOM STUFF

Hmm...I don't know. Actually I do but I want to share something with you first.

Yesterday in the mail I got....Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins. Let's just say lots of jumping up and down ensued. EEEEK! I can't wait to start it!

Did you know that Tempest by Julie Cross is on Netgalley?! I was so excited when I saw it!

I wanted to share this with you all in case you hadn't seen it yet.

After their long summer apart, Ally and Jake were hoping for a drama free senior year. Unfortunately, it doesn't look like things will work out that way...again. — It turns out that Chloe is pregnant and says that Jake is the father. Hammond is pissed at his best friend, but mostly can't believe that Ally would stay with Jake. But Ally is tired of being apart from Jake and is willing to make it work. But that is easier said than done when Jake starts blowing Ally off to go to doctor's appointments with Chloe and Ally joins the school play and meets a new cute guy.

But as graduation approaches, things get more complicated as new secrets come out and Ally realizes maybe Jake isn't the guy she thought he was. After everything they've been through can Ally and Jake get out of Orchard Hill with their relationship in tact?

I LOVE this series but I think this seems a little over dramatic. I will read it anyway because I absolutely love the characters. And look at the cover, baby bottles and toys? SO not cool.

Then I saw that Cat Patrick, author of Forgotten, is coming out with a new book.

Revived is about...

A riveting thriller about "the God Project," a hush‐hush government program that is testing a controversial drug that can bring people back from the dead.

That's all for me today, see you tomorrow for IMM!



What to read (1)

I'm trying to start a new thing of sorts on Friday instead of doing Follow Friday's all the time. It's beginning to bore me a little. That's not to say that I won't ever do it again, because I probably will.

But this post or meme was started because about a month ago an anonymous commenter wondered what my favorite historical fiction or more specifically what my favorite civil war books were. So today's topic is historical fictions. Ones I've read and recommend!

MY FAVORITE CIVIL WAR FICTION:

Annie, Between the States by L.M. Elliott, I read this book a really long time ago. And I LOVED it. My copy is so worn and torn and just so loved. If you love the civil war this book is definitely the book for you.

Two Girls of Gettysburg by Lisa Klein, I read this about a year ago and I fell in love. I'd recently done a report on Gettysburg for an informational speech (nerd alert!!) and so I knew every place, everything that happened at Gettysburg. Then my family and I went to Gettysburg where I got to see the places I researched and the places I'd read about in this book. Totally cool experience! I highly recommend this book.

That's all the Civil War books I've ever read....ahem. Unless you count the picture book I wrote in 6th grade about this fictional creature talking to Abraham Lincoln....what can I say?! I love the Civil War, well the history of it. I'm pretty much a Civil War nerd, I've been to The battlefield of Manassas, too.

And tons of Abraham Lincoln related stuff. (Super Nerd Alert!!)

I love American History so you can imagine that writing a paper on Communist China is not exactly my forte...but what did I do before I wrote this...!

I promise I'll continue to improve these but this is all you get for now.

Do you like Historical fictions? Do you know any more YA Civil War books, if so please share!!

Never Have I Ever by Sara Shepard

Title: Never Have I Ever
Author: Sara Shepard
Publisher: Harper Collins
Publication Date: August 2, 2011
Source: Library

Summary: My perfect life was a lie.

Now I’d do anything to uncover the truth.

Not long ago, I had everything a girl could wish for: amazing friends, an adorable boyfriend, a loving family. But none of them know that I’m gone—that I’m dead. To solve my murder, my long-lost twin sister, Emma, has taken my place. She sleeps in my room, wears my clothes, and calls my parents Mom and Dad.
And my killer is watching her every move.

I remember little from my life, just flashes and flickers, so all I can do is follow along as Emma tries to solve the mystery of my disappearance. But the deeper she digs, the more suspects she uncovers. It turns out my friends and I played a lot of games—games that ruined people’s lives. Anyone could want revenge . . . anyone could want me—and now Emma—dead.

Review: The second installment in Sara Shepard's Lying Game series was absolutely amazing!

These are my fluffy books that I don't quite take seriously but I still enjoy the drama, intrigue, and most of all, the mystery.

Shepard expertly weaves the plot so you are always in suspense. This could also be the books greatest downfall, that the mystery could get dragged out way too long. But right now I'm just having fun reading these!

Emma is a fun main character. By fun I don't mean 'har, har so funny,' but rather a relateable one that's fun to follow, I guess.

I talked a little about all the suspense earlier but the mystery was WOW! I have no idea who the killer could even be. Sutton's little drop-ins and flash backs were an added touch to the story instead of being annoying, like in the first one.

Never Have I Ever is a great sequel and I can't wait to read the next installment!

Do any of you watch the TV show!? I'm addicted!

Rating:

Waiting on Wednesday (34)

Hi and Happy Wednesday!

This week's pick is:

Insurgent by Veronica Roth
May 28, 2012

One choice can transform you—or it can destroy you. But every choice has consequences, and as unrest surges in the factions all around her, Tris Prior must continue trying to save those she loves—and herself—while grappling with haunting questions of grief and forgiveness, identity and loyalty, politics and love.

Tris's initiation day should have been marked by celebration and victory with her chosen faction; instead, the day ended with unspeakable horrors. War now looms as conflict between the factions and their ideologies grows. And in times of war, sides must be chosen, secrets will emerge, and choices will become even more irrevocable—and even more powerful. Transformed by her own decisions but also by haunting grief and guilt, radical new discoveries, and shifting relationships, Tris must fully embrace her Divergence, even if she does not know what she may lose by doing so.

I LOVE this cover! We have the beautiful tree going on and the train underneath! I can't wait for more Tris and Four! May can't come soon enough! 

Cold Kiss by Amy Garvey

Title: Cold Kiss
Author: Amy Garvey
Publisher: Harper Teen
Publication Date: September 20, 2011
Source: Thanks Netgalley and Harper!

Summary: When her boyfriend, Danny, is killed in a car accident, Wren can’t imagine living without him. Wild with grief, she uses the untamed powers she’s inherited to bring him back. But the Danny who returns is just a shell of the boy she once loved.

Wren has spent four months keeping Danny hidden, while her life slowly unravels around her. Then Gabriel DeMarnes transfers to her school and somehow, inexplicably, he can sense her secret. Wren finds herself drawn to Gabriel, who is so much more alive than the ghost of the boy she loved. But Wren can’t turn her back on Danny or the choice she made for him—and she realizes she must find a way to make things right, even if it means breaking her own heart.

Amy Garvey’s transcendent teen debut is perfect for fans of Shiver and Beautiful Creatures. Wren’s unforgettable voice and story will stay with readers long after the last page is turned.

Review: Cold Kiss was a cute, but sad, book that dealt with loss, love and zombies.

I'm a little mixed on my feelings about Cold Kiss. It was a very emotional, heartfelt story a times but it didn't have that spark I wanted with the characters.

Wren was a nice protagonist but I, ultimately, didn't feel anything for her. Sure, I  wanted her to have a happy ending but I had a hard time understanding her motives in parts. The "two" love interests were certainly swoon worthy but didn't really leave an impression.

The plot of Cold Kiss was somewhat meandering yet not boring slow. I did enjoy that aspect and I couldn't wait to see what Wren would do to solve her problems.
The only other thing I wish had been elaborated more on was the magic that Wren and her family had. I also felt like there was a lot going on there with her family that I didn't quite understand.

Overall, Cold Kiss is a heart-warming zombie tale. While it didn't quite work for me, it was still an enjoyable read.
Rating: 3.5 stars

The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson

Title: The Girl of Fire and Thorns
Author: Rae Carson
Publisher: Harper Teen
Publication Date: September 20, 2011
Source: Thanks Netgalley and Harper Teen!

Summary: Once a century, one person is chosen for greatness.

Elisa is the chosen one.

But she is also the younger of two princesses, the one who has never done anything remarkable. She can’t see how she ever will.

Now, on her sixteenth birthday, she has become the secret wife of a handsome and worldly king—a king whose country is in turmoil. A king who needs the chosen one, not a failure of a princess.

And he’s not the only one who needs her. Savage enemies seething with dark magic are hunting her. A daring, determined revolutionary thinks she could be his people’s savior. And he looks at her in a way that no man has ever looked at her before. Soon it is not just her life, but her very heart that is at stake.

Elisa could be everything to those who need her most. If the prophecy is fulfilled. If she finds the power deep within herself. If she doesn’t die young.

Most of the chosen do.

Review: I was totally surprised by The Girl of Fire and Thorns.

The beginning of the book was a little slow for me and I had a terribly hard time connecting to Elisa and her situation. But after the first couple of chapters I was absolutely addicted!

The Girl of Fire and Thorns enchanted me. The plot and the fantasy elements are what kept me reading but then I came to understand Elisa and was enamored by her character and all the others. Elisa had amazingly strong character development. She turned into a strong warrior type character from a, well, sort of stupid girl. At the end of the book I was amazed by how much I like Elisa.

Speaking of the fantasy elements, they were fantastic! I loved the idea of the God stone and how you were supposed to complete some quest. There is tons of magic that just had me in awe.

And then we have our action and adventure! It was so good, I'm at loss for words. And so was the romance...tons of things happened in that department and I'm curious to see where it goes.

The Girl of Fire and Thorns was an amazing first book by an author you'll want to look out for!

Rating: 4.5 stars

In My Mailbox (46)

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

This week was amazing...and all the books I ordered haven't even got here yet!

• You against Me by Jenny Downham, I've been wanting to read this one for forever!
• All These Things I've Done by Gabrielle Zevin...I can't wait to start this one! It sounds superb.
• Sweet Venom by Tera Lynn Childs, this one caught my eye quite awhile ago and I can't wait to get started.
• Illusions by Aprilynne Pike. This one is from the library and while I'm not sure I'll get to it...I'll try!
• The Predicteds by Christine Seifert, this one looks like it has a totally unique idea!
• Epic Fail by Claire LaZebnik....this looks SO cute.
• Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles. I finally broke down and bought it. Now I can't wait to start it!

I've come to the conclusion that there are too many books to read.....Oh well! I'll try.

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

Blog Happenings (37)

Hi everyone and I hope you are having an amazing weekend!

READING:

The Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa. I LOVE this series, I'm about halfway through this one and I'm just in love with Ash and Puck!

READ SINCE LAST POST:

The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson, I was pleasantly surprised and enchanted by this!

The Education of Hailey Kendrick by Eileen Cook...so good!

Haunting the Night by Mara Purnhagen..awesome short story that was so creepy!

Never Have I Ever by Sara Shepard, I loved this installment.

Not much...ekk!

TO READ:

The Pledge by Kimberly Derting! AH!!!!!

Half-Blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout...AH!!!!!

Past Perfect by Lelia Sales...AH!!!!

As you can see I'm SO excited to read those books next.

BOOK NEW: RANDOM STUFF

I really don't know much but...I do have an interesting tidbit to share.

My English teacher is looking over a paper that I wrote, a personal narrative, and remarks about how great a writer I am. Do you have any idea how much I wanted to say...I blog and I read a lot? Or that I'm just a mainly awesome person? That's why. Of course I only whispered a reverent thank you.

It just made me happy. I've become a much better writer since I started blogging. I've done NaNoWriMo and I blog everyday. Practice makes perfect.

And speaking of blogging...sorry there was no post yesterday. I just didn't have time..it won't happen again, I promise.

I am, though, looking for something to do other than Follow Friday...but my brain is still thinking.

In other news, Kimberly Derting announced that The Pledge will be the first in a triology. YAY! I can't wait to read it.

A few weeks ago I saw that Jessi Kirby, in 2013, will be publishing a book called Golden. I think, but I'm not positive its about a girl who finds a diary of a murdered girl. Right you by ally! 

BOOK I'M EXCITED FOR:

For the bright young things of 1929, the beautiful days seem endless, filled with romance and heartbreak, adventure and intrigue, friendship and rivalry.

After a month in New York, Cordelia Grey and Letty Larkspur are small-town girls no longer. They spend their afternoons with Astrid Donal at the Greys’ lush Long Island estate and their nights in Manhattan’s bustling metropolis. But Letty’s not content to be a mere socialite. She is ready at last to chase her Broadway dreams—no matter the cost.

Cordelia is still reeling from the death of her father at the hands of Thom Hale, the man she thought she loved. Now she is set to honor Darius Grey’s legacy . . . and take her revenge.

Promised to Cordelia’s half brother, Astrid is caught up in a world of dazzling jewels and glittering nights—and the sparkle is blinding. Charlie Grey is a gangster playing a dangerous game; and for Astrid, Cordelia, and Letty, the stakes could be deadly.

 

From the New York Times bestselling author of The Luxe comes the second book in an epic series set in the dizzying last summer of the Jazz Age.

OH MY! I can't wait for this to come out on the 20th. I LOVE Anna Godbersen's books! Bright Young Things was amazing and I'm sure this one will be as well.

Do you like historical fiction? Got any exciting book news? Have you read The Pledge?

Firelight by Sophie Jordan

Title: Firelight
Author: Sophie Jordan
Publisher: Harper Teen
Publication Date: September 7, 2010
Source: Bought

Summary:  A hidden truth.

Mortal enemies.

Doomed love.

Marked as special at an early age, Jacinda knows her every move is watched. But she longs for freedom to make her own choices. When she breaks the most sacred tenet among her kind, she nearly pays with her life. Until a beautiful stranger saves her. A stranger who was sent to hunt those like her. For Jacinda is a draki—a descendant of dragons whose greatest defense is her secret ability to shift into human form.

Forced to flee into the mortal world with her family, Jacinda struggles to adapt to her new surroundings. The only bright light is Will. Gorgeous, elusive Will who stirs her inner draki to life. Although she is irresistibly drawn to him, Jacinda knows Will's dark secret: He and his family are hunters. She should avoid him at all costs. But her inner draki is slowly slipping away—if it dies she will be left as a human forever. She'll do anything to prevent that. Even if it means getting closer to her most dangerous enemy.

Mythical powers and breathtaking romance ignite in this story of a girl who defies all expectations and whose love crosses an ancient divide.

Review: Firelight is an enjoyable tale filled with forbidden romance, and an awesome mythology we don't see to much in YA...draki or dragons.

Firelight starts with a bang and the action never stops. The plot is one of the best things about Firelight. There was always a twist, always a turn. I was kept hopping and I love that about books.

But then we have our insta-romance, which I actually didn't mind. Will, who is sooo swoon worthy, and Jacinda make a really cute forbidden love story. But there is, unfortunately, a love triangle of sorts that I know is explored more in the second book. I didn't have a problem with the romance, which was awesome. 

But I did have a teensy problem with Jacinda. She seemed so selfish sometimes which I can understand but I had a difficult time connecting with her and understanding her feelings.

Firelight was a really good book and while I didn't like some things there was tons of action and some great romance! I can't wait for the next one!

Rating:

Waiting on Wednesday (33)

Hi and Happy WoW!
Hosted by Breaking the Spine!

This week's pick is:

Article 5 by Kristen Simmons
February 14, 2012

New York, Los Angeles, and Washington, DC have been abandoned.

The Bill of Rights has been revoked, and replaced with the Moral Statutes.

There are no more police — instead, there are soldiers. There are no more fines for bad behavior — instead, there are arrests, trials, and maybe worse. People who get arrested don’t usually come back.

17-year-old Ember Miller is old enough to remember that things weren’t always this way. Living with her rebellious single mother, it’s hard to forget that people weren’t always arrested for reading the wrong books or staying out after dark. That life in the United States used to be different.

In the three years since the war ended, Ember has perfected the art of keeping a low profile. She knows how to get the things she needs, like food stamps and hand-me-down clothes, and how to pass the random home inspections by the Federal Bureau of Reformation. Her life is as close to peaceful as circumstances allow. That is, until her mother is arrested for noncompliance with Article 5 of the Moral Statutes. And what’s worse, one of the arresting officers is none other than Chase Jennings…the only boy Ember has ever loved.

Does this one look like an intense Dystopian or what?! I love the cover and it sounds just like the book I need right now...except is come out next year!! Ah! I can't wait!

One Hundred Candles by Mara Purnhagen

Title: One Hundred Candles
Author: Mara Purnhagen
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Publication Date: February 15, 2011
Source: Thanks Netgalley and Harlequin Teen!

Summary: It's taken a long time for me to feel like a normal teenager. But now that I'm settled in a new school, where people know me as more than Charlotte Silver of the infamous Silver family paranormal investigators, it feels like everything is falling into place. And what better way to be normal than to go on a date with a popular football star like Harris Abbott? After all, it's not as if Noah is anything more than a friend….
But my new life takes a disturbing turn when Harris brings me to a party and we play a game called One Hundred Candles. It seems like harmless, ghostly fun. Until spirits unleashed by the game start showing up at school. Now my friends and family are in very real danger, and the door that I've opened into another realm may yield deadly consequences.

Review: Charlotte and her ghost-hunting parents are back in this amazing tale of ghosts, romance and some scary moments!

Have I sold you yet? If not just trust me, you don't want to miss the second installment in the Past Midnight series. Because One Hundred Candles was even better than the first book.

My admiration grows for Charlotte each time I read about her. She's a very strong character and like I said I really admire her. I believe she has some amazing qualities about herself and she's always growing, changing, developing some more.

I'm in love with the slight creep factor in these books! There are some intense moments where I was just a little scared...but not too scared. Purnhagen gets you scared but doesn't over do it. There was some awesome supernatural stuff going on in this one. I say "stuff" because I really don't want to spoil how awesome it really is.

And then we have a little developing romance. It was super cute. I love high school mixed with supernatural, especially in this series. High School is SO well done and believable. I love the characters and the school so much that I'd even consider going there just to me friends with Charlotte, Avery and Noah.

This series gives me so much pleasure from reading it and with some twists and turns all during the book I'm dying to read the next one!

Rating: 4.5 stars

Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake

Title: Anna Dressed in Blood
Author: Kendare Blake
Publisher: Tor Teen
Publication Date: August 30, 2011
Source: Bought

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

So did his father before him, until he was gruesomely murdered 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: track, 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, now stained red and dripping with 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.

But she, for whatever reason, spares Cas's life.

Review: Oh, WOW! Anna Dressed in Blood left me speechless, it left me creeped out, but it definitely left a lasting impression on me. One of the main things I can say about it is that I NEED more Anna and Cas!

Cas was such a refreshing narrator. Blake gave him a realistic voice that I always enjoyed reading and couldn't wait to come back to. He and the side characters were fully fleshed out and I always wanted more of them. I have this certain respect for Anna...she was so tormented and just awesome!!

The storyline was a bonus to an already amazing book. I was kept on my toes and I had my fair share of "OMG, there is a ghost in my house and its going to kill me!!" But I don't think it will give you nightmares...I'm particularly skittish. Cas is an amazing ghost hunter and I feel that he really shines when he hunts.

I LOVED the story behind Anna and her "curse." Trust me, you want to know...it was intense to have to wait for it and to just witness it.

Anna Dressed in Blood is a book you cannot miss. I loved everything about it and I'm looking forward to the sequel and many more books from Blake.

P.S. I need more Anna and Cas!!

Rating:

In My Mailbox (45)

Hi everyone and happy IMM!!
IMM is hosted by The Story Siren!

This week I only got a couple books but they're books I'm excited for!

Shut Out by Kody Keplinger. I can't wait to start this one and I've heard great things about it.

I also bought Vanish by Sophie Jordan for my Nook, Shut Out is a Hardcover, by the way.

From Netgalley:

Without Tess by Marcella Pixley. This one looks really good!

Ditched by Robin Mellom. I've waited fir at least 2 months to get accepted for this one but I'm still excited!

That's all for me..what about you!

Remembering 9/11

This isn't Blog Happenings

Hi all, I hope you are having a very happy weekend.

About a week ago a girl who I knew brothers died. He was only 7 and died of a brain tumor that he'd been fighting for awhile. I haven't been too present around the blogosphere mainly because it feels so bad to be happy.

Blog Happenings will be back next week and IMM will be here tomorrow. Just want to check in with you guys and say hi.

Be thankful with what you have, too.

Follow Friday (33)

Hi! Happy Friday to all!

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

This week's question is:

Have you ever wanted a villain to win at the end of a story? If so, which one?

Nope....I always, always want the good guy to win. Or girl! I can't ever think of any book I've read where I felt the "villain" should win!

 

What about you? Are you a villain lover??

Bitter End by Jennifer Brown

Title: Bitter End
Author: Jennifer Brown
Publisher: Little, Brown
Publication Date: May 10, 2011
Source: Library

Summary: When Alex falls for the charming new boy at school, Cole, a handsome, funny, sports star who adores her, she can't believe she's finally found her soul mate-someone who truly understands her and loves her for who she really is.

At first, Alex is blissfully happy. Sure, Cole seems a little jealous of her relationship with her best friends, Zack and Bethany, but what guy would want his girlfriend spending all of her time with another boy? But as the months pass, Alex can no longer ignore Cole's small put-downs, pinches, or increasingly violent threats. As Alex struggles to come to terms with the sweet boyfriend she fell in love with and the boyfriend whose "love" she no longer recognizes, she is forced to choose - between her "true love" and herself.

Review: Bitter End is exactly what it sounds like, a bitter end in a relationship. But it is so much more. It's powerful, moving, and just plain emotional.

If you can't already tell Bitter End focuses on the relationship of Alex and Cole going from sunshine to abuse. Abuse novels make me sad and this succeeded in doing so many times but there were times when I couldn't help but feel hopeful for Alex.

When I was reading Bitter End I really put myself in Alex's shoes. The crap she had to deal with from Cole was enough to put my hair on end. When I look into their relationship from the outside I wanted to scream at Alex to get out of it. But if you really do put yourself in Alex's shoes you might not do it. Which makes everything even more sad. Bitter End really made me question how much does it take to get out of an abusive relationship? Even if you know that you are being abused.

Alex was an admirable character. All she really wanted was to be loved and cared for. Her friends, Bethany and Zach were nice but I feel like they should of done something more, but maybe that's just me.

Now Cole was such an awful character. He's the thing that you want to scrape off the bottom of your shoe. He was an awful person.

Brown's writing is SO good. It can inflict sadness, happiness and even occasional bouts of humor. I can't wait to read many more books from her.

Bitter End was an amazing, powerful book, with some strong characters that will make you want to reach in and give them a hug. I loved it.

Rating:

Waiting on Wednesday (32)

Hi and Happy Wednesday!
WoW is hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine!

This week's pick is:

Stolen Away by Alyxandra Harvey
January 17, 2012

For seventeen years, Eloise Hart had no idea the world of Faery even existed. Now she has been abducted and trapped in the Rath of Lord Strahan, King of Faery. Strahan was only meant to rule for seven years, as Faery tradition dictates, and then give up his crown to another. But he won't comply, and now chaos threatens both worlds.

The only one who can break his stranglehold on the Faery court is his wife. . . Eloise's aunt Antonia. Using Eloise to lure Antonia, Strahan captures his wife, desperate to end the only threat to his reign. Now Eloise must become the rescuer. Together with her best friends Jo and Devin, she must forge alliances with other Fae, including a gorgeous protector named Lucas, and Strahan's mysterious son, Eldric-who may or may not betray them.

I have a certain love for Faerie books and I can't wait to see what Harvey does with them. I LOVE Haunting Violet, another book I've read by her, and I hope this one is just as great!