IMM (20): Vlog

February 26, 2011 By 9 Comments

Thanks to Kristi from The Story Siren for this great theme. I know people have been complaining about IMM lately and saying people are showing off, I honestly wouldn’t call it showing off I would just say we are happy about the books we are getting. We are “showing” the books off but that is to let people know about books that came out in the past, recently, or have yet to hit the shelves. It has been a long time since I have done an IMM post but that was because I was too busy to sit down for a video so lets get to the video now which is just part of what I have gotten in the past month.

Let me know what you got in your mailbox this week.
Happy Reading!

Filed Under: In My Mailbox (IMM)

Captivate

February 26, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Title: Captivate (Need #2)
Author: Carrie Jones
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA
Publication Date: Dec 2010 (paperback release)
Classification: YA Novel
Challenge: Outdo Yourself, A-Z Challenge, YA Series Challenge

Summary from Barnes and Noble:
Zara and her friends knew they hadn’t solved the pixie problem for good. Far from it. The king’s needs grow deeper every day he’s stuck in captivity, while his control over his people gets weaker. It’s made him vulnerable. And now there’s a new king in town.
A turf war is imminent, since the new pixie king, Astley, is moving in quickly. Nick nearly killed him in the woods on day one, but Zara came to his rescue. Astley swears that he and Zara are destined to be together, that he’s one of the good guys. Nick isn’t buying it, though Zara isn’t as sure — despite herself, she wants to trust the new king. But it’s a lot more than her relationship with Nick that is at stake. It’s her life — and his.

My Thoughts:
The first book in this series, Need, didn’t leave on a cliffhanger so going into this book I didn’t know what to expect. I was glad to see some action right off the bat since new Kings are coming to town to try to take Zara’s dad’s spot as King of the Bedford Maine area. This brings whole new pixies onto the playing field and Zara’s first encounter with a pixie since locking away her father is with one of these new Kings named Astley. Zara saves him from having to go to Valhalla with a winged woman. Little does she know just how important Valhalla is going to become.

As the battle for the old Kings position rages on Zara tries to have as normal of a life as humanly possible. Her whole world is turned upside down when she must battle with an evil King and faces the possiblity that one of the gang might get seriously hurt. Zara also starts to learn with the help of Astley that not all pixies are bad. Can Zara figure out who are the evil pixies and who are the good pixies in time for a huge battle that has been prophesized since 800 BC?

I did like that in this book we are introduced to some new characters and of course we get to see a love triangle forming in this book between Nick, Zara and Astley. This was a relief because the whole Zara and Nick thing was getting on my nerves just a little because they are almost too perfect together. I also liked the new character of Cassidy catching Devyn’s interest and that we didn’t know who she was for most of the book until the end. The end of the book will leave you on a cliffhanger dying for more.

Overall I thought the writing in this book was much improved over the first book Need. The writing was much easier to read and I liked that things got spiced up a little with the new Kings battling it out not only for the land but for Zara. The love triangle is interesting and I can’t wait to read Entice to see how things are going to pan out for the gang. One thing that I did not like about the story was that by the end we just have way too many mythical beings present in the story. With weres, pixies and now the other mythical beings it is becoming a bit overload. Hopefully Entice will tone down all of the mythical creatures a bit so that it becomes more manageable. I would give this book 4 stars.

Filed Under: Young Adult (YA) Review

When Harry Met Molly

February 22, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Title: When Harry Met Molly
Author: Kieran Kramer
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Publication Date: Nov 2010
Classification: Adult Romance Novel
Challenge: Outdo Yourself, Historical Romance Challenge

Summary from Barnes and Noble:
HE’S ALWAYS BEEN A PLAYER.
Dashing Lord Harry Traemore is perfectly content to live out his days in the pursuit of pleasure. But when he’s named by the Prince Regent as one of society’s “Impossible Bachelors,” Harry is drafted into a ribald romantic wager. The rules of engagement are scandalously simple: The bachelor whose mistress wins the title of “Most Delectable Companion” gets to remain unmarried. Harry is utterly unconcerned about his status…until his latest lightskirt abandons him.
WHO WILL WIN THIS GAME OF LOVE?
Enter Lady Molly Fairbanks. Harry’s childhood friend— actually, “foe” is more like it—is the most unlikely companion of all. She’s attractive but hot-headed, and in no mood for games. Besides, what could the self-indulgent Harry possibly know about what makes a woman delectable? It’s time for Molly to teach him a lesson once and for all…but will it lead to “happily ever after”?

My Thoughts:
The day that Molly read a love poem aloud to a group of people at a social gathering at age 13 is the day she ruined two lives. Due to her actions she gets herself sent off to a very strict school and she gets Harry sent off to the Army. Neither one has ever decided to forgive each other for that day but they need each other in order to win the Impossible Bachelors contest. Harry needs a mistress and seeing as how his has run off with a differnt man it is up to Molly to become Harry’s false mistress for the week long event. At stake is Harry’s bachelor status.

I was drawn into this book from the very start, a rival pair in a family, with the witty Molly and the rake Harry. Molly has this quick wit about her and she is quick to stand up for herself and you have to love that in leading ladies in historical romances. Harry of course is loud, handsome, an impossible bachelor who doesn’t plan on getting his life together anytime soon. The fact that they would have to play nice in order to try to win the Impossible Bachelors contest was a great idea to me. I enjoyed all of the secondary characters as they were introduced at Harry’s hunting lodge where the contest will take place.

As the contest goes on Harry and Molly slowly start to gather feelings for each other. They are a stubborn bunch though and of course they deny their feelings and just keep playing the game. Molly is sweet hearted and tries to make the best out of every situation and trust me some of them are rather hilarious. Of course there is an evil bachelor to balance everything out and it works nicely.

Overall I would give this book 4.5 stars. I did enjoy all of the characters and the storyline was something fresh to read about. The only reason that this story does not get a 5 star review is because although the romance was sweet and perfect the steam was just a tiny bit lacking. The romance was great though and it is heartwarming to think that people might still have that type of romance in the world. I just would have liked to see our rake take charge a little more and have a bit more “fun” with Molly.

Filed Under: Adult Review

Hereafter

February 18, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Title:Hereafter
Author: Tara Hudson
Publisher: Harper Collins
Publication Date: June 7, 2011
Classification: YA Novel
Challenges: Outdo Yourself, A-Z Challenge

Summary from Goodreads:
Can there truly be love after death?
Drifting in the dark waters of a mysterious river, the only thing Amelia knows for sure is that she’s dead. With no recollection of her past life—or her actual death—she’s trapped alone in a nightmarish existence. All of this changes when she tries to rescue a boy, Joshua, from drowning in her river. As a ghost, she can do nothing but will him to live. Yet in an unforgettable moment of connection, she helps him survive.

My Thoughts:

Amelia’s life is forever changed the night that she died in the river. She doesn’t remember anything about who she is or the night of her death, all she remembers is her first name. She is a ghost that is stuck here on Earth and it is not until she meets Joshua that she will start to slowly remember her life. When she saves Joshua from the same fate she had when she died she is forever drawn to him. He is the only human being who can actually see her so together they will piece together Amelia’s past while slowly falling in love with each other.

I really did enjoy the beginning of this story, it is haunting yet a great story in the beginning. I really did enjoy Joshua’s character because he is sort of like the boy next door. He easily accepts the fact that he can in-fact talk with a dead girl when no one else can see her. However, he shortly finds out how much work it is being the only one who can see Amelia until his grandmother starts to cast spells to keep Amelia’s ghost out of the house. Turns out Joshua is from a family of Seers who can see ghost and possess magic that can get rid of them. 

Overall I don’t want to giveaway too much of the story but it does get a little repetitive each time Amelia has issues with the river she died in. The story is good in the beginning but towards the end the story is wrapped up a little too quickly. All of the problems just get tied up in a nice little bow to finish of the story quickly. The story is mostly finished but the author leaves it so that there can be more books to Hereafter if she wants. I really did like the romance between Amelia and Joshua but I hope the second story (if there is one) picks up a little bit more with the action. I give this story 4 stars.

Filed Under: Young Adult (YA) Review

Winner!

February 16, 2011 By 1 Comment
My random giveaway for the first two books in Lora Leigh’s
Nauti Boy Series has come to a close.
The Winner is……
Chrissy
Chrissy runs a couple of great blogs such as..
and
An email is on it’s way to Chrissy and she has 72 hours to reply otherwise
a new winner will be chosen.
Filed Under: Uncategorized

6 Month Anniversary Bash Giveaway!

February 15, 2011 By 97 Comments

So the big day has arrived. I have officially been blogging for a full 6 months! I can’t believe that it has already been half a year since I started this blog. It has been great to read so many great blogs, and meeting so many great people/other bloggers. I love the community of people and I’m always amazed that people actually want to read the stuff that I post. As a thank you to everyone I would like to have a huge giveaway. Lets look at the prizes which are going to be books that my guests as well as myself have stated as our favorites.

Prize Pack #1: This one includes any two paperback books by Ellen Hopkins pictured below.

Prize Pack #2: This one includes any 2 books from any of her series by Richelle Mead

Prize Pack #3: Any 2 paperback book from the Codex of Alera Series by Jim Butcher.

Prize Pack #4: Both books in the Caster Series

Prize Pack #5: Choose any 3 paperback copies of the books shown below.

Prize Pack #6: Any 3 paperback books from the Black Dagger Brotherhood Series

There will be three winners who get to pick whichever prize pack they want. This giveaway is international as long as the book depository does free shipping to your country. Please note that if you are a winner and you live in the US I reserve the right to order the books from a store of my choosing.

How to Enter:
~ Leave a comment on this post with your email

Extra Entries: (please leave all entra entries in your original comment)
~ +1 if you are/become a follower of Kisha’s Blog Books & Shtuff
~ +1 if you are/become a follower of Ashley’s Blog Books from Bleh to Basically Amazing
~ +1 if you are/become a follower of Katie’s Blog Confessions of a Bookaholic
~ +1 if you are/become a follower of Pages of Forbidden Love
~ +1 if you leave a comment on Nick’s Guest Post

This giveaway will end on March 15th at 11:59pm
Good Luck!

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Guest @ Books from Bleh to Basically Amazing + Giveaway

February 14, 2011 By 3 Comments

So Ashley was nice enough to have me as a guest for her Memory Monday theme.
To check out my post and the Giveaway please visit her blog.
Here is the link: Memory Monday

Filed Under: Uncategorized

6 Month Anniversary Bash Post: My Favs

February 14, 2011 By 3 Comments

Huge thanks to all of my guest posters, now I thought I would share some of my favorite books.

Teen Books:
Perfect Chemistry grabbed my attention right for the start and I believe I finished it in 2 days. The story of two people who are not suppose to fall in love but do anyways was perfect. I loved Alex and I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good romance story.

Kissed by an Angel is a book that I read about 5 years ago and I still love this story. It has a little bit of everything, romance, mystery, angels, and love. The characters are great and at some points you will be crying and at others you will be scared and at some point you will be happy. I love books that make you feel so many emotions all within one story. There is going to finally be another story called Evercrossed out in March, I have been waiting for 5 years for it so I can’t wait.

A Time for Dancing is another book I read a while back that I just love. It is a tear-jerker so be prepared but the story is beautiful. You will appreciate all of the friends that you have in your life that you could never imagine losing.

Adult Books:
Honestly, if you have not read the Black Dagger Brotherhood Series you are missing out on something great. I love this whole series and I re-read the books constantly. My favorite book is book number five, Lover Unbound. This one is about the brother V and the woman Jane that he falls for. V is tough and has a bond fetish but he is great. The whole series if full of love and action.

                                                   

Wild Card is a book that finishes off one of Lora Leigh’s series and
moves us into the next one. I just love Noah’s character as well as his wife. This book is one of those great heartbreaking romances, it will leave you crying out at one point and leave your heart full the next.
Filed Under: Uncategorized

6 Month Anniversary Bash Guest Post: Katie

February 12, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Hey guys I am Katie from over at Confessions of a Bookaholic. I am an avid reader and love to review and blog about the book/music/movies world. I think I can honestly admit I have a book addiction but I guess thats why I have a blog dedicated to my addiction. I guess you could say that ever since I stepped into the literary world I have been devouring every book in my path, always looking for more. I love all genres although books through the male perspective don’t always excite me. I mostly read though, Paranormal YA and Romances.

Ok so your probably wondering what some of my favorite books are and here they are:

Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead:
So ever since my best friend trapped me in this series(she got me the sixth book for my birthday) I have completely fallen in love. Not only is Rose my all time favorite character but the story line is awesome! I love how Richelle portrayed Rose(the main character) she is strong, independent, sexy, and basically in my opinion a bad-ass. Nothing holds her back when she wants something she gets it. And even with all of the paranormal surrounding her she still stays grounded. I love also how Rose is sensitive too and how protective she is of Lissa(her best friend). Rose is definitely a character I admire greatly. The story line as I wrote is completely amazing! I love how there are two different types of Vampire, the Moroi which are alive and Strigori which are dead. The romance in the story is pretty good too. So basically I love this series and recommend it to everyone because it made me cry, laugh, and smile with a ton of joy.
Another series I love is the Caster series by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl. This book was like a breath of fresh air in the paranormal world. I love love how it was set in the South! I am from the South and just love the homey feel of it. Yes, this book was in a boys point of view but he was such a likeable character that the book was great.

Ok now my favorite things!!

My favorite color is purple(Even my room is purple)
Favorite Movie: Pirates of the Caribbean (due to the fact it has Johnny Depp and Orlando Bloom in it)
Favorite Music Artists: Jason DeRulo, Katy Perry, The Band Perry, Lady Antebellum, and A Rocket to the Moon
Favorite Ice cream: Ben & Jerry’s Cinnamon Buns

Favorite Shows: Bones, House, Glee, American Idol, and Gilmore Girls
A big thank you to Katie for taking time out of her life to do a guest post for me. If you haven’t yet you should check out her great blog that she runs with one of her friends.
Filed Under: Uncategorized

On Vacation

February 11, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Hey
I just wanted to let everyone know that I am going to be on vacation for Friday-Sunday so I will not be around to answer comments and emails. I do have several posts scheduled though so there are still plenty of things going on for you all to read.
Please check out all of my 6 Month Anniversary Guest Posts and don’t forget to check out the massive giveaway that will take place in a few days.

Filed Under: Uncategorized
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