Top Ten Tuesday-- books I want Santa to bring

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by the girls over at The Broke and the Bookish

This weeks top ten is ten books I want Santa to bring me! Seeing as how my want list is now *goes and coutns*  43 books long, Santa has lots of choices to pick from.

These are in no order.

1. Illuminated by Erica Orloff:
This sounds like a really cute love story. Can't go wrong with finding out about an old diary...unless it's Tom Riddles.

2. Shattered Souls by Mary Lindsly:
Ohhh reincarnation. Love those kinds of books. Plus this has a 4.30 rating on goodreads. Only amazing books get that kind of rating.

3.The Pledge by Kimberly Derting:
I love love love Kimberly's books and she is super awesome in person as well. I'm sure I'll just adore  this book. For some odd reason I just haven't got a copy of this yet.

4. Dearly, Departed by Lia Habel:
Isn't the cover for this book just lovely?

5. Isle of Night by Veronica Wolff:
Kinda reminds me of a messed up vampire version of Hunger Games.

6. You Against Me by Jenny Downham:
This just sounds really good.

7.The Marked Son by Shea Berkley:
A few months ago I requested that my library order this book and they never did :(
I really want to read it though.

8. The vampire Stalker by Allison van Diepen:
Oh goodness, what girl doesn't dream about the boy she loves from a book coming out of the book and being real and then getting to meet him? I know I sure want that to happen.

9. Cinderella: ninja Warrior by maureen McGowan:
I put this on my saturday wish list once. I love the cover for this book and the title. Cinderella is a ninja? Awesome!!!

10. Hunting Lila by Sarah Alderson:
Lol I love how if you read the synopsis of this book on Goodreads, it's sort of all over the place. She can move things with her mind, in love with her brother's bbf, mugging in London somehow has something to due with a girl in Cali, and so on. It seems so random, yet sounds good and has a great rating on goodreads, so I'm really curious.

Santa baby, will you please bring me these books? I've been good and not bought many books lately and my TBR bookcase isn't over flowing anymore, that needs to change.

Review: Enclave

Enclave by Ann Aguirre

                   Published by Feiwel & Friends                     

Genre: YA

$16.99 (US hardcover)

259 pages

What it's about:

In Deuce’s world, people earn the right to a name only if they survive their first fifteen years. By that point, each unnamed ‘brat’ has trained into one of three groups–Breeders, Builders, or Hunters, identifiable by the number of scars they bear on their arms. Deuce has wanted to be a Huntress for as long as she can remember.

As a Huntress, her purpose is clear—to brave the dangerous tunnels outside the enclave and bring back meat to feed the group while evading ferocious monsters known as Freaks. She’s worked toward this goal her whole life, and nothing’s going to stop her, not even a beautiful, brooding Hunter named Fade. When the mysterious boy becomes her partner, Deuce’s troubles are just beginning.

Down below, deviation from the rules is punished swiftly and harshly, and Fade doesn’t like following orders. At first Deuce thinks he’s crazy, but as death stalks their sanctuary, and it becomes clear the elders don’t always know best, Deuce wonders if Fade might be telling the truth. Her partner confuses her; she’s never known a boy like him before, as prone to touching her gently as using his knives with feral grace.

As Deuce’s perception shifts, so does the balance in the constant battle for survival. The mindless Freaks, once considered a threat only due to their sheer numbers, show signs of cunning and strategy… but the elders refuse to heed any warnings. Despite imminent disaster, the enclave puts their faith in strictures and sacrifice instead. No matter how she tries, Deuce cannot stem the dark tide that carries her far from the only world she’s ever known.

My thoughts:

I loved it! I knew I was in the mood for a dystopian book and when I went through my tbr list and saw this one, I knew I had to read it. Glad I did.

Let me start of by saying that this book reminded me a lot of Divergent by Veronica Roth. If you put together Divergent with Ashes, Ashes, and Forest of Hands and Teeth, you have Enclave. I found this a wonderful mix. You have the wonderful characters and clan life like in Divergent, with the weird mixed up world of New York like in Ashes, Ashes, and lastly you have the weird zombie human things eating people like in FoHaT. If you are thinking this is a zombie book, you are half right. I wouldn't say the "freaks" are zombies exactly, they remind me of plague victims who mated with zombies and came out with the freaks. Definitely intriguing and I'm very curious as to what and how the freaks are becoming smarter and adapting.

What I really loved about this book was Deuce and Fade. Both of them are wonderful characters that I couldn't help but be reminded of Tris and Four. Deuce is a very strong willed girl who all she wants is to be a huntress. To protect and serve while protecting the people she loves. Then there is Fade who is the mysterious hunter who doesn't quite fit in. I loved how he was actually incredibly sweet and loving and not at all cold hearted like the rumors have it.

The world Aguirre created absolutely horrified me but I can't lie, I was very drawn to it. I couldn't believe how cold hearted the people of College Enclave were. How children are known as "brats" and are a liability and not cherished like children should be.

Overall, I loved this book. It was exciting and horrifying all rolled into one. I adored the main characters and can't wait to find out what happens in the next book.

My rating: 9/10

Question about reading goal

This year I set my reading goal for 125 books. I just finished #112. Anyone else frantically reading in order to make their year goal?

What is everyone elses goals?

Review: Ghost Town

Ghost Town by Rachel Caine

Series: Morganville Vampires #9

Published by NAL Hardcover

Genre:  YA

$9.99 (US paperback)

338 pages

What it's about:

While developing a new system to maintain Morganville's defenses, student Claire Danvers discovers a way to amplify vampire mental powers. Through this, she's able to re-establish the field around this vampire-infested Texas college town that protects it from outsiders.

But the new upgrades have an unexpected consequence: people inside the town begin to slowly forget who they are-even the vampires. Soon, the town's little memory problem has turned into a full-on epidemic. Now Claire needs to figure out a way to pull the plug on her experiment- before she forgets how to save Morganville...

My thoughts:
I love love love love love this series!

At first, I was sort of upset that Rachel Caine kept going with this series after book 6, because you can tell that is where it originally should have ended. The on going plot was solved and everything was finished off nicely. Now each book after that is it's own little story plot and is finished by the end of the book. I didn't think I would like that, but I actually love it. It allows me to pick up the next book whenever and not have to remember a whole lot of details about what happened in the previous ones. I can enjoy the awesome foursome whenever I feel like it just like with a stand alone book.

And I do really love the awesome foursome. Claire is one of the coolest leading ladies ever. Seriously. She is so smart and strong willed, yet she is very young and very small. I love how she has such a great presence that even the founding vampires listen to her. It's great. Then there is Eve, who reminds me of Abby from the show NCIS. The cute goth girl who is always happy. Two things that don't normally go together when it comes to goths, and then there is Michael, the rock star vampire (always needed in a good vampire series ;) ) and who could forget Shane? *sigh* Shane. He puts a smile to my face. The ultimate cute boyfriend who will always be by your side and will kick anyones ass if they even think about hurting you. I just adore him (expect him to show up in a My Book Boyfriend post sometime soon).

Ghost Town definitely is on my list of favorites for the Morganville series. This one had me thinking how in the world is Claire going to solve this problem? I didn't really know what to expect besides some epicness from Claire.

My rating: 10/10

As a side note, I have a hard time thinking of Oliver as a bad ass vampire because he is described as 40ish, greying hair that's in a long pony tail, and tye dyed shirts. This automatically makes me think of Larry (played by Alan Rachins) from the show Dharma and Greg, and he was a complete stoner and insanely funny.

Oliver, is that you? haha.

Review: Rules of Attraction

Rules of Attraction by Simone Elkeles

Series: Perfect Chemistry #2

Published by Walker and Company

Genre: YA

$9.99 (US paperback)

324 pages

What it's about:

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

My rating: 10/10!
This is the second Simone Elkeles book I've read, and I can now say she is going on my favorite authors list.

Simone is following a pattern here with this series. I'm not complaining about that at all because I loved Perfect Chemistry, but it really is a pattern, just change the names and it's practically the same thing. I would have to say that ROA is my favorite of the PC series. I really enjoyed Kiara and her family. I liked how they really were the perfect American family. Kiara was a great character who cracked me up and I love how she wasn't perfect. How she has a stutter and isn't the typical beautiful girl. Then there is Carlos who is an utter ass, yet for some reason you can't help but like him. Maybe because he is a cocky ass hole who doesn't try to hide who he is. There is something about that honesty that makes you like him.

Over all, this book is so much like Perfect Chemistry that it isn't even funny. Everything that I said in my review for PC can be said for this book as well. The Spanish  was minimal, so mostly everyone should be able to figure out what is being said.

Overall, I absolutely adored this book (and the cover. cause wowzers). If you love forbidden love books, then you should definitely read this series.

A little something extra:
Here is a song that I think fits this book perfectly! I was listening to this right after I finished reading the book and thought "damn, that is so Carlos and Kiara." Enjoy :)

John Green is on tour

I got some exciting news today. My friend told me John Green is going on tour and is coming near me! I didn't think he ever did tours near me.

This tour is charging money and there is a limited amount of tickets, so if you want to go, make sure to get your tickets now. At first I was like "poo" I didn't like the fact that I had to pay, but then I found out that they will be giving a $10 (same as the ticket price) discount on the book while there. Also, you get a poster. Right there I'd pay to get the poster. Haha

Here is a video explaining it:

Here is the info from the dubledo: Ah John Green!

Review: Clockwork Prince

Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare

Series: Infernal Devices #2

Published by Margaret K McElderry Books

Genre: YA

$17.99 (US hardback)

502 pages

What it's about:

In the magical underworld of Victorian London, Tessa Gray has at last found safety with the Shadowhunters. But that safety proves fleeting when rogue forces in the Clave plot to see her protector, Charlotte, replaced as head of the Institute. If Charlotte loses her position, Tessa will be out on the street and easy prey for the mysterious Magister, who wants to use Tessa's powers for his own dark ends.

With the help of the handsome, self-destructive Will and the fiercely devoted Jem, Tessa discovers that the Magister's war on the Shadowhunters is deeply personal. He blames them for a long-ago tragedy that shattered his life. To unravel the secrets of the past, the trio journeys from mist-shrouded Yorkshire to a manor house that holds untold horrors, from the slums of London to an enchanted ballroom where Tessa discovers that the truth of her parentage is more sinister than she had imagined. When they encounter a clockwork demon bearing a warning for Will, they realize that the Magister himself knows their every move and that one of their own has betrayed them.
Tessa finds her heart drawn more and more to Jem, though her longing for Will, despite his dark moods, continues to unsettle her. But something is changing in Will; the wall he has built around himself is crumbling. Could finding the Magister free Will from his secrets and give Tessa the answers about who she is and what she was born to do?
As their dangerous search for the Magister and the truth leads the friends into peril, Tessa learns that when love and lies are mixed, they can corrupt even the purest heart.


My thoughts:
This is going to be a super short review.

If you haven't picked up your copy of this book yet, what in the world are you waiting for???? Go get it! And read it! It's full of suspense, danger, action, love, heartbreak, and everything else that is good in a book.

It's phenomenal, you won't be disappointed.

My rating: 11/10
Yup, it's that good.

Cassandra Clare = Genius?

Can I just say, I've known this for a while, but after finishing Clockwork Prince tonight, that Cassandra Clare is a genius.

This used to be the face of genius

But now it looks a little more like this,

Who else is now counting down till the release of Clockwork Princess?

Top Ten Tuesday-- Childhood favorites

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish

This weeks top ten is my favorite childhood books! Oh this is exciting. Sadly I can't remember some of the names or the author of one of my favorite childhood books. :(

These are in no order:

1) Anything written by Shel Silverstien:
I made myself a snowball
As perfect as could be.
I thought I'd keep it as a pet
And let it sleep with me.
I made it some pajamas
And a pillow for its head.
Then last night it ran away,
But first--it wet the bed. 

How can you not love poems like that?

2. The Bailey School Kids by Debbie Dadey:
These were just so much fun. I used to own almost all of them. Then I sold them so I could go to a Britney Spears and Nsync concert. Haha.

3. Chasing Redbird by Sharon Creech:
I read this one at least three times when I was younger.

4. Amy, Number Seven by Marilyn Kaye:
I remember thinking this series was the coolest thing ever. It's about clones! How weird would it be knowing that there are 11 other girls EXACTLY like you out there in the world? Crazy.

5. Just Ella by Margaret Petterson Haddix:
I think I only read this one once, but I loved it. I've always been a sucker for retold fairy tale stories.

6. Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls:
The reason this is on my list is because it is one of the most memorable reads for me. My mom read this to me and my sister and by the end we were all crying so hard that we had to stop reading so we could bawl. That is a moment I don't think I'll ever forget.

7. Mrs. Pigglewiggle by Betty MacDonald:
I think my favorite story in all of these is the girl who won't bathe, so her parents let her get so dirty she has an inch of dirt covering her skin. They then plant radishes in her skin. Crazy!

8. Harry Potter by JK Rowling:
Harry Potter isn't a good read, it's a lifestyle.

There are two other books that I really want on this list but I can't think of the name or the author. It's driving me crazy. One is called something like Melony's Song about a girl and her mom who move back to her mom's childhood home and the girl meets this little boy and they spend the summer together, then she finds out he's dying of cancer. If you know this book, please comment and tell me the name! I'd love to reread this book! The other one I think has something to do with the name Henry, and it is about 4 short stories. One is of the MC's sister's wedding, one about mothers day, one about april fools day, and I don't remember the last one. It was really funny.

Review: Perfect Chemistry

Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles

Published by Walker Books

Genre: YA

$9.99 (US paperback)

357 pages

What it's about:

When Brittany Ellis walks into chemistry class on the first day of senior year, she has no clue that her carefully created “perfect” life is about to unravel before her eyes. She’s forced to be lab partners with Alex Fuentes, a gang member from the other side of town, and he is about to threaten everything she's worked so hard for—her flawless reputation, her relationship with her boyfriend, and the secret that her home life is anything but perfect. Alex is a bad boy and he knows it. So when he makes a bet with his friends to lure Brittany into his life, he thinks nothing of it. But soon Alex realizes Brittany is a real person with real problems, and suddenly the bet he made in arrogance turns into something much more.  In a passionate story about looking beneath the surface, Simone Elkeles breaks through the stereotypes and barriers that threaten to keep Brittany and Alex apart.(

My thoughts:
I've had this book siting on my TBR shelf for over a year and just never felt like reading it even though I heard it was all kinds of fantastic. I finally picked it up and gobbled it down in one sitting. I'm kicking myself for waiting so long to read this book.

IT WAS FANTASTIC! It's like Romeo and Juliet, meets West Side Story, meets awesome. I loved every minute of it. I have to admit, at one point, I had to read the last page to make sure that I liked the ending. I was worried for a minute about the characters and had to know. I immediately bonded with both Brittany and Alex. I wanted to know everything about both of them. I had to know how Alex was going to deal with being in the LB and how Brittany was going to help her sister. I was sucked in.

Because every other chapter is from Alex's  POV and he is Mexican, there is some Spanish in this book. Now, I don't speak Spanish, never taken any classes in it, but I was able to pick up on what was being said. Most of it is easy to understand in the context. That was not really a problem in this.

All in all, this book (series, actually) is amazing. I fell madly in love with all the characters and became wrapped up in this world. I couldn't put the book down.

My rating: 10/10

Review: Something Deadly This Way Comes

Something Deadly This Way Comes by Kim Harrison

Series: Madison Avery #3

Published by Harper Teen

Genre: YA

$16.99 (US hardback)

245 pages

What it's about:

When madison died the night of her prom, she knew her life would never be the same. Now she has a powerful amlet, a team of rogue angels by her side, and the ability to flash forward into the future to see the shape of destiny. And of course, now she's finally with Josh-a perfect boyfriend who doesn't even mind that she's dead.

But being dead has its disadvantages, too. Madison feels caught between the light and the dark, and between her real life and her timekeeper status. When Madison has the opportunity to get her body back-to be alive again-she faces her most difficult decision yet. If she claims it, she could return to being a normal girl-and have a chance at a real relationship with Josh. But would having the one thing she wants most in the world also mean giving up everything she's worked so hard for?

My thoughts:
This series has the most beautiful views on life and souls. The whole idea behind this series is nothing like anything I have ever read before. It's beautiful, it's thought provoking, and really well done.

There is a reason Kim Harrison is perhaps my all time favorite author. She is right there next to JK Rowling for me because just like with Rowling's books, you can't go wrong with a Kim Harrison book. It's just not possible. There are a few things you can always expect from Harrison's books: 1) there are going to be at least three amazing characters that are so well done you will feel like you know them personally 2) the world the characters live in and their abilities will be vivid and exciting and 3) the end of each book will be wrapped up nicely and always end on a happy note.

Something Deadly is the 3rd and final book in the Madison series and is by far my favorite of the three books. Madison is such a great leading lady. I love how motivated and determined she is and what a wonderful person she is. Then of course there is Barnabus and Nakita as well who are fantastic. I love watching those two characters grow and learn.  I love how this series shows both sides of a situation and doesn't have clear "bad guys" and "good guys." Harrison shows and explains both sides equally. Light does not equal good and dark does not equal bad. Both are good and bad for their own reasons.

I don't think I could ever sing enough praises for this series. I could keep going on and on about why I love these books so much but that would take all the fun out of reading them.

My rating: 10/10

My Book Boyfriend--Peeta

My Book Boyfriend is a weekly meme done every Wednesday and hosted by Missie from The Unread Reader. What you do is pick a boy from a book that you love and write whatever you want about him. Write what he looks like, his personality, fun facts, whatever. To spice it up, post pictures of who you think should play him in a movie, and a few quotes of his from the book. Then go to Missie's blog and post your link and hop around to the other blogs. It's loads of fun and addicting.

This week I'm going with Peeta from The Hunger Games! After doing my MBB post on Harry two weeks ago, I decided I really like doing the more popular males and explaining my love for them. And when I say "explaining" I really mean "obsessing."

About Peeta:
*Lives in District 12
*Son of a baker
*Is really good at painting
*Super sweet and innocent
*Blonde hair and blue eyes
*16 years old
*A survivor
*Has a way with words
*Has a kitten named after him (yup, that's right, my kitten's name is Peeta)

Who plays him in the movie:
At first I was upset about Josh getting the part of Peeta. While I've always enjoyed Josh's movies, I didn't see him as Peeta, but once the pictures of him as Peeta came out, I can't believe I ever doubted his casting. He'll be perfect!

HAHAHHAAH sorry, had to post this picture. I couldn't stop laughing when I saw it.

Quotes:
“Remember, we're madly in love, so it's all right to kiss me anytime you feel like it.”


“You love me. Real or not real?"

I tell him, "Real.”
― Suzanne Collins, Mockingjay


“I'm coming back into focus when Caesar asks him if he has a girlfriend back home. Peeta hesitates, then gives an unconvincing shake of his head.

Handsome lad like you. There must be some special girl. Come on, what’s her name?" says Caesar.
Peeta sighs. "Well, there is this one girl. I’ve had a crush on her ever since I can remember. But I’m pretty sure she didn’t know I was alive until the reaping."
Sounds of sympathy from the crowd. Unrequited love they can relate to.
She have another fellow?" asks Caesar.
I don’t know, but a lot of boys like her," says Peeta.
So, here’s what you do. You win, you go home. She can’t turn you down then, eh?" says Caesar encouraging-ly.
I don’t think it’s going to work out. Winning...won’t help in my case," says Peeta.
Why ever not?" says Caesar, mystified.
Peeta blushes beet red and stammers out. "Because...because...she came here with me.”


“I can feel Peeta press his forehead into my temple and he asks, 'So now that you've got me, what are you going to do with me?' I turn into him. 'Put you somewhere you can't get hurt.”


And if you are anything like me, you've watched the HG trailer at LEAST 20 times by now and squealed so loud when you saw it on the big screen before Breaking Dawn that the people around you started laughing. Yet you know you are going to watch it yet again just because I posted it and it's just a click away. Enjoy!

Top Ten Tuesday-- Books on my TBR this winter

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by The Broke and the Bookish 

This weeks top ten is my ten tbr books for this winter. This is a mix between books I already own and books that come out this winter that I can't wait to get my hands on and read till the sun comes up.
These are in no order:

1. Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare:
AHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
2. Fever by Lauren Destefano:
Super super super excited for this book!!!!!!!!!!!!!
3. Son of Neptune by Rick Riordan:
I was so freaking excited for this book and yet I haven't read it yet. This needs to be read so I know what my sister and babysitting kids are talking about.

4. Shadow Heir by Richelle Mead:
I'm dying to know how this series ends. Then I'm going to cry cause all my favorite series by Richelle Mead are going to be over! I can't believe they are all over.


5. Something Deadly This Way Comes by Kim Harrison:
OMG WHY HAVE I NOT READ THIS YET?????

6. The Fault In Our Stars by John Green:
Who else is madly in love with John and can't wait to read his first book staring a female?????
7. This Side of the Grave by Jeanienne Frost:
*sigh* I can't believe I'm behind in Jeaniene's books.

8. The Other Countess by Eve Edwards:
This book takes place in one of my favorite eras. Way excited for it.

9. A Perfect Blood by Kim Harrison:
I can't wait to see how this book is going to go now that Rachel is having some... magical problems? Also, Trent *sigh*
10. Forever by Maggie Stiefvater:
I've heard the ending kinda sucks so I haven't read it yet. Hope it's not true.

Review: Never Bite A Boy On the First Date

Never Bite a Boy on the First Date by Tamara Summers

Published by HarperTeen

Genre: YA paranormal/humor

$5.99 (US paperback)

280 pages

What it's about:

I've got a few issues:

1. I'm a vampire now.

2. One of my classmates was found dead, with telltale fang marks.

3. I didn't do it! (Really!)

4. Nobody believes me, so...

5. I'm going to have to find the real killer. I've already got three suspects (Three very cute suspects.)

One more problem: I am seriously falling for one of them... but what if he's the killer?

My thoughts:
This book was so dang funny!

I don't think I've ever read such a sarcastic book before. I've read satires before and normally they are so cheesey I have trouble getting into them. That wasn't the case with this one. Yes it was sort of cheesey, but it was done in sort of a .... dry humor?

NBABOTFD has all the typical things that are normally seen in vampire books. They drink blood, have super human abilities, can't go out in the sun, and so on. It also has the vampire romance, mystery, and of course cute boys. Can't forget the cute boys. That is what this whole book is practically about.

Basically, this is a book that if you have $6 to spare, some free time, and want to read a short, stand alone, funny book that deals with vampires, this would be a good one to get. It was a fast read that allowed me to enjoy it without being bogged down by lots of background information or have to wait for a second one to get all the answers. When I got to the end, all my questions were answered and I was happy.

My rating: 8/10

Top Ten Tuesday-- Authors I want at my Thanksgiving dinner

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by The Broke and the Bookish
This weeks top ten is Ten authors I want at my Thanksgiving dinner!

1. JK Rowling:

2. John Green:

3. Kiersten White:

4. Stephanie Perkins:

5. Cassandra Clare:

6. Rick Riordan:

7. Kelly Creagh:

8. Julie Kagawa:

9. Kim Harrison:

10. Jeanienne Frost:

All of these authors just seem like so much fun. Though they probably wouldn't have fun being stuck in a room with me for a whole day. I'd be bugging them so much about their books.  haha

Random Thought About "Perfect Chemistry"

I've had the book Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles on my shelf for over a year now. I've thought about reading it a few times and then decided nah, didn't feel like reading it. I finally picked it up last night, and let me just say, I'm kicking myself for not reading it sooner. I just finished reading it and let me just say,

I LOVE THIS FREAKING BOOK!!!!

Just thought I'd share this with everyone because I need to get that out of my system.

Anyone else madly in love with this book?

Review: Bumped

Bumped by Megan McCafferty

Published by Balzer and Bray

Genre: YA

$16.99 (US hardback)

320 pages

What it's about:

When a virus makes everyone over the age of eighteen infertile, would-be parents pay teen girls to conceive and give birth to their children, making teens the most prized members of society. Girls sport fake baby bumps and the school cafeteria stocks folic acid infused food.

Sixteen-year-old identical twins Melody and Harmony were separated at birth and have never emt until the day Harmony shows up on Melody's doorstep. Up to now, the twins have followed completely opposite paths. Melody has scored an enviable conception contract with a couple called the Jaydens. While they are searching for the perfect partner for Melody to bump with, she is fighting her attraction to her best friend, Zen, who is way too short for the job.

Harmony has spent her whole life in goodside, a religious community, preparing to be a wife and mother. She believes her calling is to convince Melody that pregging for profit is a sin. But Harmony has secrets of her own that she is running from.

When Melody is finally matched with the world-famous, genetically flawless Jondoe, both girls' lives are changed forever. A case of mistaken identity takes them on a journey neither could have ever imagined, one that makes Melody and Harmony realize they have so much more than just DNA in common.

My thoughts:
Let me start by saying this book just threw you into it. No background explaining at all for what all the lingo meant, what year it was, what in the world was going on, why can no one seem to have children after 18? Nothing. Just started at what should have been about page 50 or so. It wasn't until I hit around page 70 that the book finally started to explain things. Though it sadly never fully explained everything. I still have some confusion as to what exactly the virus is, why some people don't get it till later in life, and so on. I really wish that was explained more. Same with all the weird technology that McCafferty has made up. Like the MiNet. What exactly is it???? I don't get it! It played a huge part of the whole story as well.

Describing seemed to be a big problem in the whole book. I never thought I'd have to say that in a review. Most authors love to give tons and tons of descriptions, especially when it comes to their main characters and the steamy hott guy. I still do not fully understand what look McCafferty was going for with Jondoe. Harmoney describes him as the way she pictures Jesus. I know he has blonde hair and a beard and that's it. I would have liked more descriptions of him instead of just being told a million times how he is mega uber sexy. Same with Zen and the twins. All of which are also supposed to be incredibly beautiful as well.

Then there is the whole having babies at such young ages. I was having a hard time jumping on board with everything in this book. What kind of parents would make their kids "bump" with random strangers starting at the age 14 so that they can have lots of money? I don't really see any parent willingly doing that and yet all the parents in this book has their kids doing this.

My whole review so far has been negatives, and while I spent most of the time reading the book completely confused, I still enjoyed what I read. I found myself intrigued by the characters and this seriously messed up world. Will I run out and buy the next book? Probably not. If the second book in the series was out right now I would continue reading but I don't see myself to continue reading in the future.

My rating: 7/10

Review: Reckoning

Reckoning by Lili St.Crow

Series: Strange Angels #5

Published by Razorbill

Genre: YA paranormal

$9.99 (US paperback)

304 pages

What it's about:

Sixteen-year-old orphan Dru Anderson has faced down suckers, zombies, and wulfen without flinching. And now that she's bloomed into a full-fledged svetocha, she doesn't even need a gun. But the Real World is still a frightening place... and things are about to get ugly. Really ugly.

Dru Anderson has escaped with her life, but she's not out of the woods yet. She's on the Iam in a stolen car with her best friend Graves riding shotgun and a Broken wulf named Ash curled up in the backseat. Desperate, Dru heads deep into the Appalachian Mountains to the one place she thinks they'll be safe. But her grandmother's wards and enchantments can't keep Dru's scent from the suckers for long- especially when Dru is betrayed by the one person she trusts most.

It's all come down to this.

ONE battle. ONE choice. ONE final sacrifice.

My thoughts:
I love love love this series, but sadly I was really really really disappointed in the last book of this series.

I think with every review I do for this series, I always talk about how much I love the characters. This is still true for this book. Dru and Graves are fantastic. I love how they are constantly growing and learning. How when you first meet Dru and Graves they are mostly innocent little kids who do everything they are told. Then by the end of the series, they are these bad ass paranormals who know how to take care of themselves and been through more than any one person should go through.  This is what I really love about this series.

What I don't like about the series is all the fight scenes. I find them incredibly confusing and constantly have to go back and reread most of them just so I understand what in the world is going on. They are hard to read. And unfortunately, that is all this book is. Lots and lots and lots of fighting, which is expected, I just wish there was a little less of it.

I also was really disappointed in the ending. I'm the type of reader that LOVES and NEEDS to know exactly what happens to my favorite characters in the future. I do not like it when everything is still left up in the air. I want to know that my characters end up happy and all the questions that are constantly asked throughout the series have been answered. As Lili has said on her facebook if  you follow her, if you are this type of reader, then you will always hate the endings to her series. She was not lying.

I feel like this series shouldn't have ended already. I don't have the happy feeling, sad, and satisfied feeling I get when I finish a series that I love. This is really coloring my view of this book and making me give it a low rating.

My rating: 6/10
This makes me really sad :(

My Book Boyfriend-- Harry!!!

My book boyfriend is a weekly meme hosted by Missie at The Unread Reader. Each Wednesday you pick a boy from a book that you love and gush all about him. What does he look like? What does he like? Who he looks like, all that.

This post is all about Harry Potter. I'm going with a real easy one for a few reasons 1) Because the last movie just came out on dvd and I've been watching it a lot 2) I'm listening to the Deathly Hallows audiobook 3) I stare at my poster of him all.the.time. 4) I couldn't think of any other book boy at the moment and I'm too lazy to research right now.

So about Harry:
*Tall and skinny
* BRIGHT GREEN EYES (sorry, bothers me that they gave up on this fact after the first two movies),
*Messy black hair
*Is the Chosen One
*Is completely awesome in every single way.

Who plays him:
Daniel Radcliffe. Duh. I've been madly in love with Daniel for...holy shit 12 years now. Ever since they first cast him as Harry. Don't worry, I was also that young seeing as how me and Daniel are the same age.

He went from this

To this

To this

*sigh* I'm just so madly in love with him :)
I'm gonna stop posting pictures now before there are about a hundred pictures of him on here. Stopping while I can.

Quotes:
Here are just some fun ones I've always liked.

“Do you remember me telling you we are practicing non-verbal spells, Potter?"
"Yes," said Harry stiffly.
"Yes, sir."
"There's no need to call me 'sir' Professor."
The words had escaped him before he knew what he was saying.”


 “There was a clatter as the basilisk fangs cascaded out of Hermione's arms. Running at Ron, she flung them around his neck and kissed him full on the mouth. Ron threw away the fangs and broomstick he was holding and responded with such enthusiasm that he lifted Hermione off her feet.
"Is this the moment?" Harry asked weakly, and when nothing happened except that Ron and Hermione gripped each other still more firmly and swayed on the spot, he raised his voice. "OI! There's a war going on here!"
Ron and Hermione broke apart, their arms still around each other.
"I know, mate," said Ron, who looked as though he had recently been hit on the back of the head with a Bludger, "so it's now or never, isn't it?"
"Never mind that, what about the Horcrux?" Harry shouted. "D'you think you could just --- just hold it in, until we've got the diadem?"
"Yeah --- right --- sorry ---" said Ron, and he and Hermione set about gathering up fangs, both pink in the face.”
 

“He was my mum and dad's best friend. He's a convicted murderer, but he's broken out of wizard prison and he's on the run. He likes to keep in touch with me, though...keep up with news...check if I'm happy...”


 
“You'd think people had better things to gossip about," said Ginny as she sat on the common room floor, leaning against Harry’s legs and reading the Daily Prophet. "Three Dementor attacks in a week, and all Romilda Vane does is ask me if it’s true you’ve got a Hippogriff tattooed across your chest."
Ron and Hermione both roared with laughter. Harry ignored them.
What did you tell her?"
I told her it's a Hungarian Horntail," said Ginny, turning a page of the newspaper idly. "Much more macho."
Thanks," said Harry, grinning. "And what did you tell her Ron’s got?"
A Pygmy Puff, but I didn’t say where.”


“It's going to be all right, sir," Harry said over and over again, more worried by Dumbledore's silence than he had been by his weakened voice. "We're nearly there ... I can Apparate us both back ... don't worry ..."
"I am not worried, Harry," said Dumbledore, his voice a little stronger despite the freezing water. "I am with you.”


“Harry looked around; there was Ginny running toward him; she had a hard blazing look in her face as she threw her arms around him. And without thinking, without planning it, without worrying about the fact that fifty people were watching, Harry kissed her. After several long moments, or it might have been half an hour-or possibly several sunlit days- they broke apart.”

Review: Forgive My Fins

Fins Are Forever by Tera Lynn Childs

Series: Forgive My Fins #2

Published by Harper Collins

Genre: YA

$16.99 (US hardback)

272 pages

What it's about:

On Lily Sanderson’s eighteenth birthday she’ll become just a girl—still a mergirl, true, but signing the renunciation will ink Princess Waterlily of Thalassinia out of existence. That leaves plain old Lily living on land, dating the boy she loves, and trying to master this being-human thing once and for all.

Now that Lily and Quince are together, mer bond or not, she’s almost content to give up her place in the royal succession of Thalassinia. But just when she thinks she has everything figured out, the waves start to get rough. Lily’s father sends a certain whirlpool-stirring cousin to stay with her on land. What did Doe do to get herself exiled from Thalassinia and stuck in terraped form when everyone knows how much she hates humans? And why why why is she batting her eyelashes at Lily’s former crush, Brody?
The seafoam on the raging surf comes when a merboy from Lily’s past shows up—Tellin asks Lily for something that clouds her view of the horizon. There’s a future with Quince on land, her loyalty to the kingdom in the sea, and Lily tossing on the waves in the middle. Will she find a way to reconcile her love, her duty, and her own dreams?

My thoughts:
This series is just so darn cute! I can't help but love it.

I think I can honestly say that this is the only series about mermaids that I actually enjoy. I'm not a fan of mermaid books but there is just something about this one. Maybe it's the way that Lily uses adorable fish lingo, or how the book does not take place in water, but in Florida, but I think the real reason is Quince. Quince is just so...loveable. He has a bad boy look but is nothing like a bad boy. He is sweet as can be and I love seeing his and Lily's relationship grow.

I was also glad that we got to see more of Brody, the boy Lily thought she was in love with for years. And then there of course is Doe. I wanted to punch her during the whole entire book. She is selfish, obnoxious, spoiled, and just an overall brat. While I hated her character, I couldn't help but enjoy seeing how Lily handled being around her.

Overall, this book was really cute. After finishing the first book, Forgive My Fins, I thought it was weird that this was going to be turned into a series. I didn't see were Childs was going to take this story, but she surprised me. I am actually very interested in what is going to happen to Lily and her kingdom.

My rating: 9/10

Review: Darker Still

Darker Still by Leanna Renee Hieber

Published by Sourcebooks

Genre: YA

$8.99 (US paperback)

320 pages

What it's about:
I was obsessed.
It was as if he called to me, demanding I reach out and touch the brushstrokes of color swirled onto the canvas. It was the most exquisite portrait I'd ever seen--everything about Lord Denbury was unbelievable... utterly breathtaking and eerily lifelike.

There was a reason for that. Because despite what everyone said, Denbury never had committed suicide. He was alive. Trapped within his golden frame.

I've crossed over into his world within the painting, and I've seen what dreams haunt him. They haunt me too. He and I are inextricably linked--bouned together to watch the darkness seeping through the gas-lit cobblestone streets of  Manhattan. And unless I can free him soon, things will only get Darker Still.


My thoughts:
I feel like this book was specifically written for me. That is how much I love it. It has three things that I love in it, sign language, painting, and hott British guys. Can't get much better for me.

I was immediately sucked into this book. The book is written as Natalie's diary so it was a little different than most books I read. I liked this style of writing because it really makes you connect to Natalie and all the other characters faster because she doesn't hold back in her writing. What girl doesn't love to gush about her crush in her diary?

What I really loved about this book? The plot and story line. It was like a newer, better version of Dorian Grey. Natalie has to figure out who, why, and how did Lord Denbury get in the picture? And why did he pick Natalie to save him and can she? I also loved how the world in the painting was. How awkward and two dimensional it is.

I pretty much adored everything about this book. How it was set in the past but didn't completely feel like the past, how it was written in Diary form, and of course the beautiful Lord Denbury.

My rating: 10/10

My Book Boyfriend-- Lord Denbury

My book boyfriend is a weekly meme hosted by Missie at The Unread Reader.

This week I read Darker Still by Leanna Renee Hieber, and just like all the females in the book, I fell madly in love with Lord Denbury aka Jonathan. So much so that I made sure to mark down some of my favorite passages of his specifically for this book while I was reading.

About Lord Denbury:
*Is 18
*Lives in England during 1880
*Wants to be a doctor
*Every woman who sees him falls madly in love with him. He's just that charming and hott.
*His soul is stuck in a painting.
*tall, with dark hair

Who I picture him looking like:
While I've always said that Adam Gregory (actor, not singer) is my perfect Finnick, it's still true but now I also love him as Lord Denbury. He is just so....swoony.

 I'm convinced he has one of the  most gorgeous smiles. Love it :)

He pulled off the imaginable. He's so hott he can make a school photo look good. Why did guys not look like this at my High School????

Quotes:
"Seeing him again was every bit as breathtaking as the first time. Would it always be so? The hairs on my neck stood, I blushed, and my breath was short. He was so exquisitely rendered that his presence was truly felt.  His luminous eyes set a claim on those who looked at him. The painting had a seductive quality that made the rest of the world drain away. When one looked at Lord Denbury, nothing else existed."

"You are absolutely, unequivocally, incredibly brilliant, my beautiful, exquisite, Miss Stewart! he cried, and lowered me again. In that moment, time slowed. The way his head was tilted, and mine...and then his lips met mine. How can I begin to describe...explain...rhapsodize about this single most glorious moment of all my life? I am not being overdramatic. For once. He tasted of a hint of bergamot, residue of his favorite Earl Grey tea upon his lips. This scent would compel me, surely, for the rest of my days. His lips, soft and full, gently shifted to cover mine, to leave no part of my mouth untouched. He was reverent and gentle, and the press of his lips was followed by the press of his lips was followed by the press of his hands, slowly closing over my shoulders and anchoring me to him. He tasted my tongue with his, and his fingertips danced across my collarbone, shifting the lace ruffles of my dress as his hands quested, perhaps still hoping for confirmation that I was real."

Long quotes but I adored them while reading them and had to pass them on. :)

Top Ten Tuesday-- Uncomfortable Reads

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by The Broke and the Bookish
This weeks topic is books that I read that were out of my comfort zone.
This was really really hard to even come up with a few books. There aren't very many books I have read that are out of my comfort zone.

1. Forbidden by Tabitha Suzuma:
I think this is out of everyones comfort zone. Incest. But you must get over this and READ THIS BOOK! It is too amazing to not read it.

2. Night by Elie Wiesel:
Had to read this book in 8th grade. I'm not a huge fan of reading books about the Holocaust.

These are seriously the only books I can think of that I have actually read.

3. Diary of Anne Frank:
I've always wanted to read this because everyone talks about it, but just like Night it's a true story about the Holocaust. Don't think I can get myself to read that. Poor Anne.

Genres out of my comfort zone:
4. Westerns:
I'm not a western fan at all. I don't care for cowboys, I don't care about owning cowboy boots, and I don't like western books. I do like horses though. lol and Clint Eastwood movies. Hmm.... odd.

5. Books about aliens:
Just can't get into them. Only exception to this is The Host but come on, that hardly counts as an alien book.

I can't think of anything else. I can pretty much read most things and get into them. Being an English major forces you to read a lot of horrible stuff and forces you deal with it.

On My Wishlist (2)

On My Wishlist is a fun weekly event hosted by Book Chick City and runs every Saturday. It's where we list all the books we desperately want but haven't actually bought yet. They can be old, new or forthcoming. It's also an event that you can join in with too - Mr Linky is always at the ready for you to link your own 'On My Wishlist' post.

This week I'm picking two books that are on my "want" list because that list is getting ridiculously long without adding all the books that haven't come out yet that I want as well.

 You Against Me by Jenny Downham.

Synopsis from Goodreads:
If someone hurts your sister and you're any kind of man, you seek revenge, right? If your brother's been accused of a terrible crime and you're the main witness, then you banish all doubt and defend him. Isn't that what families do? When Mikey's sister claims a boy assaulted her at a party, his world of work and girls begins to fall apart. When Ellie's brother is charged with the crime, but says he didn't do it, her world of revision, exams and fitting in at a new school begins to unravel. When Mikey and Ellie meet, two worlds collide. Brave and unflinching, this is a novel of extraordinary skillfulness and almost unbearable tension. It's a book about loyalty and the choices that come with it. But above all it's a book about love - for one's family and for another.

This book just sounds really deep and intriguing. Got to love cases of he said she said. My library finally ordered this book so hopefully I can read it sometime soon.

Damage by Anya Parrish
Synopsis from Goodreads:
There was a time when I prayed for Rachel to be real. Until the night I learned she'd always planned to kill me.



When Dani was eight, she fell from a building. No one believed her claim that she was pushed by Rachel . . . her imaginary friend. It took years of therapy to convince Dani that Rachel wasn't real.


Now fifteen, Dani wants to make it as a dancer. But a deadly freak accident sends Dani a terrifying message: Rachel is back, she's real, and she'll stop at nothing to kill Dani.


Complicating matters is Jesse, the school bad boy who's being stalked by his own invisible childhood nemesis. Dani and Jesse join forces to learn why their astral tormenters are back. Their investigation leads to a horrifying discovery—and the terrible experiment that binds them to each other.

OMG childhood invisible friend trying to kill you??? That's awesome! Okay not awesome, but definitely an interesting story plot. I'm dying to know how this one turns out.

Review: Vampire Crush

Vampire Crush by A.M. Robinson

published by Harper Teen

Genre: YA

$8.99 (US paperback)

404 pages

What it's about:

Normal house, normal family, normal school. My looks are average, I don't have any superpowers, no one's showing up to tell me I'm a princess-- you get the picture. But when my junior year started, something not normal happened. There were new kids at the school... new kids with a wardrobe straight out of a 19th-century romance novel, and an inexplicable desire to stay at school until sundown.

And on top of that, James Hallowell showed up. James, who stole my sandwiches in fourth grade and teased me mercilessly through middle school. James, who now seems to have the power to make my heart race any time he comes near.

But something weird is going on. Because james rarely goes out during the day. And he seems stronger than your typical guy. And he knows the new kids, all of whom seem to be harboring some kind of deep secret...

My thoughts:
I've now read this book twice because I forgot to write a review for it after I read it for the first time. That's okay though because it gave me an excuse to read it for a second time. I loved every page of it!

The title and the cover do not do this book any justice. It makes it sound like it's going to be really cheesey but it wasn't. Well, it sort of was, but in a fantastic way. Right from the bat you know the book is going to be about vampires, so there really isn't much of a mystery there, but there is the mystery of who is the girl Vlad is looking for? What is wrong with these vampires that have randomly shown up in town? And when will Sophie and James finally become a couple????

The voice of the story was fantastic. It reminded me a lot of Paranormalcy meets Vampire Kisses. I instantly fell in love with Sophie. Her narration is hysterical to the point of I'd have to put down the book because I was laughing so hard. I was giggling throughout the whole book. Then there is her relationship with James, the boy next door. Love it! How they have this weird relationship of constantly beating each other up even though it's obvious that they love each other. And as for James? Swoon! I fell in love with his character as well. There is just something about the boy next door that is just irresistible. Expect him to show up in a My Book Boyfriend post sometime soon.

Overall, I adore this book. It's hilarious while at the same time a little mysterious but full of romantic tension. This is definitely a book a recommend to all YA readers.

My rating: 10/10

Cover Reveal! ENDLESSLY!!!!

If you've ever read Kiersten's fb page, you know that everyone has been nagging, when do we get to see the new cover for the 3rd book in her series, Endlessly. Well, we get to see it today.

Look how pretty it is!!!!!!!! I love all the purples. Fantastic. Evie's hair is so pretty! Anyone else think she kinda looks like Scarlet Johanson in this cover?? I love the clouds in the background as well. Whole thing, gorgeous!

I found the cover over at Kiersten's blog

Have 38 minutes to spare and need a good laugh?

This isn't book related at all, and a little random, but I've noticed lately that everyone is stressed out. If you're in school, it's that horrible time of the term, yup, midterms. If not in school, it's now the holiday season and that's stressful as well. Best way to cure stress? Laughter. So here is a video compilation of Scenes From A Hat from Whose Line Is It Anyways. It's 38 minutes long of pure laughter.

Enjoy!

The video I originally wanted to post (but youtube wouldn't allow me) is this one: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mR2I4ZoqpMI&feature=related&fb_source=message

Edit
I thought of another really funny whose line clip to post.

Not enough laughter? Here is a blog that has every episode of Whose Line ever filmed on it (both the English and American shows). Watch This!

My Book Boyfriend-- Varen!

My Book Boyfriend is a weekly meme hosted by Missie at The Unread Reader. Each week, you write a post about a boy in a book that makes you swoon. Post everything you can about him, what he looks like, who you'd pick to play him in a movie, and favorite quotes from his book. Then post your link over at missie's blog and go comment on other posts!

I just finished reading Nevermore by Kelly Creagh for the second time and I still love Varen! This is why I'm picking him this week.

About Varen:
“He turned his head and caught her with his eyes.

She froze, locked by the intensity of his stare. His eyes were stark and cold, the concentrated green of pale jade. Outlined in smudged black kohl, those eyes focused on her, unblinking through the feathery strands of his jet black hair, and it was like being watched through a cage by a complacent and calculating cat.
Discomfort welled in her, thick and black as an oil spring. Who was this guy and what was his royal problem? Her gaze flicked briefly to the small metal loop that hugged one corner of his bottom lip.
He blinked once, then slowly lifted one hand and crooked a beckoning finger at her.
Isobel hesitated but then as though spellbound to obey, she found herself leaning in.
“What are you staring at?” he whispered.”

*Besides having Jade green eyes, black hair that is always covering one of his eyes, and wearing guyliner, he also always wears all black with a green coat with and sewn band logos all over it.

*Is obsessed with Edgar Allan Poe
*Drives a super cool car
*Has an intense stare
*Writes with dark purple ink and has very elegant handwriting
*He is dark and mysterious, and that makes him uber hott.

Who I picture him looking like:
I kind of picture him looking like a dark haired Luke Worrall. There aren't many...lets just say "clean" photos of Luke with dark hair. Works though cause Varen is originally a blonde.

Quotes:
“In love. In love with the stoic, the sullen, the eternally morose Varen Nethers?
He would never allow it.”


“Hands quivering, she reached toward him.
"Don't." He turned his back to her, facing the door.
That word had stopped her once before. But not now. Not now that she had glimpsed through the funeral front of Varen's own eternal Grim Facade. Despite all the dark armor, the kohl eye liner, the black boots and chains, she saw him clearly now. She peered through the curtain of that cruel calmness, through the death stare and the vampire sentiments and angst and, behind it all, had found true beauty.”


“You're really a blond," she said, her tone just short of accusatory.
"And if you tell anyone, I will come to you in the night and smote your everlasting soul.”

Top Ten Tuesday

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by the girls over at The Broke and the Bookish

This weeks top ten is top ten books I had strong emotions over.

1. Forbidden by Tabatha Suzuma:
Very first book that popped into my head. I can not get over this book. It will always stick with me. After reading it, I couldn't stop crying for at least a full 15 minutes. Then I just wandered around my house aimlessly for another 30 minutes. I didn't know what to do with myself. It was intense.

2. Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte:
WORST. BOOK. EVER. Well pretty close to worst book ever. The only reason I finished this stupid book was because I was hoping Heathcliff died in some horrible, gruesome manner. BUT NO, the stupid book  couldn't even give me that. I judge Bella Swan for this book being her favorite.

3. Stolen by Lucy Christopher:
This book was tense. I couldn't believe my reactions to it. Especially the end. I ended up loving Ty's character and it was my reaction to him that made my feelings so strong for this book. You are not supposed to fall in love with the crazy boy who kidnaps you.

4. Paradise Lost by John Milton:
I can honestly say that every single time I read this poem, I'd fall asleep. It'd take about 5 pages and I'd be out like a light. I've never had that happen to me while reading. Ever. And like clockwork this book would make me pass out. I never did finish it.

5. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by JK Rowling:
All the HP books made me have strong feelings, but especially this one seeing as how it was the last. *sigh* I still haven't gotten over the fact that this is the last book.

6. The Bronze Horseman by Paullina Simmons:
I bawled like a baby while reading the end of this book. Then I found out that there were two more books and I felt better. I became super attached to Tatiana and Alexander while reading this book. They are one of my favorite literary couples.

7. Twilight by Stephenie Meyer:
I don't think there is a series that can turn women into girly messes better than Twilight. I mean, really. How many crazy fan girl stories has everyone heard? I know I've had some crazy Twilight fan girl moments. A book filled with super gorgeous guys will do that to a girl.

8. The Art Of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein:
This book gave me a new hope; that when my pets die, they will come back as humans and I can meet them. I truly want this to happen and the idea of it fills me with joy. This book definitely gave me strong feelings.

9. Far From You by Lisa Schroeder:
This book was so breath takingly beautiful. I loved every moment of it. I cried, I laughed, I "awwed."

10. Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan:
This series cracks me up. The whole time I'm reading those books I'm laughing. I love the way Riordan explains certain things (like how the entrance to hell is obviously in LA. hahaha). I now look at greek gods and laugh as well. Changed my views on that whole subject.

Have You Ever...

Have you ever just looked at your tbr pile and feel overwhelmed? I have so many books I need to read staring at me all the time. I never know which book to read because there are so many to pick from. It makes me not want to really read any of them but instead read some of my old favorites. Ones I've read many times before. Ones I love and could read hundreds of times and never get sick of them.

This is why I have a real lack of reviews lately. I've been trying to fight the urge to reread other books but all that is happening is that I'm just not reading at all. So instead I'm going to cave and reread. I'm starting with Nevermore by Kelly Creagh. It's a very Halloween appropriate book that I just adore.

I'm trying to go and write some of my older reviews and post those. Ones that should be coming up soon are...
The Beyonders by Brandon Mull
Fins Are Forever by Tera Lynn Childs
Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa (I thought I'd posted this review over a month ago, oops)

And loads of other reviews.

And because I'm rereading Nevermore, I'll post this picture I found on Kelly's fb page. It's the dress she gave Isobel for the big party at the end of the book. Isn't it lovely and perfect? I want it!

Review: Awake at Dawn

Awake at Dawn by C.C. Hunter

Series: Shadow Falls #2

Published by St. Martins Griffin

Genre: YA

$9.99 (US paperback)

400 pages

What it's about:
Now that she’s settled in at Shadow Falls Camp, Kylie Galen’s determined to discover the extent of her supernatural abilities. But with a ghost insisting someone Kylie loves is about die, a rogue vampire on a murdering rampage, and her sixth sense telling her someone is watching her, Kylie’s quest for answers is quickly put on hold.


To make matters worse, just when she’s about to give her heart to Derek, a half-fairy, he starts pulling away. When Lucas, a werewolf with whom Kylie shares a secret past, returns, Kylie’s feels more conflicted than ever. Her weekend with her mom should have been the just the break Kylie needs, but it turns out to be her breaking point. Someone from the dark side of the supernatural world has plans for Kylie--and it'll take all her resources to get back to Shadow Falls alive...


My thoughts:
I love this series! With both Born at Midnight and Awake at Dawn, I started it and stayed up all night long because I had to know what happens next. I love the summer camp, Shadow Falls, and all the different supernaturals that live in it.

The big question in this book is WHAT IS KAYLIE???????????? Is she a fae, werewolf, vampire, shapeshifter, or something else???? This is driving me crazy. Hunter does a fantastic job of playing this up and keeping the reader and all the characters wondering, what is Kaylie? Why can she see ghosts? What other powers will she develop and what in the world is following her? There are so many questions asked in this series and no matter how hard you try to guess the answers, Hunter always has a way to surprise you.

The relationships in this series is what really makes it great. Kaylie is constantly developing all kinds of relationships with everyone. She strives to try and fix the relationships she has with all three of her parents (yup, I said all 3), her growing sister/friend relationship with camp leader Holiday, with her cabin mates and then of course with the gorgeous Lucas and Derik. I haven't had such a hard time deciding on which Team Boy I like better since Shay and Ren. How can you pick between Lucas and Derik? One is mysterious, extremely sexy, and a childhood friend, while the other is sweet, hott, and always there. It's a hard choice but I think I'm Team Lucas :)

If I keep talking about this book I'm going to give away spoilers and I do not want to do that. If you like boarding school type books, along with supernaturals, humor, and mystery, you will adore this series. The Shadow Falls series is now a must read for all YA lovers.

My rating: 10/10

Help! What to do about review requests!

I've seemed to find myself in an awkward situation.

I get a bunch of review requests from authors that are more unknown and have very small publishers. I only accept the ones that I genuinely think sound good. Lately I've been trying to get through more of these review books but found that some of them are bad. Really, really bad and I don't think I can get myself to finish it.

So what to do about it? The authors asked so politely for my honest review, though who really wants to get bad reviews? Especially if the reviewer had a hard time getting through the first few chapters. Do you stop reading and pretend the request never came in the hopes the author forgot, or do  you write the bad review and feel guilty?

Anyone else been in this situation? If so, what did you do?

Right now, I feel about as guilty as Denver: