Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Review: The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa

Synopsis:
In a future world, Vampires reign. Humans are blood cattle. And one girl will search for the key to save humanity.

Allison Sekemoto survives in the Fringe, the outermost circle of a vampire city. By day, she and her crew scavenge for food. By night, any one of them could be eaten.

Some days, all that drives Allie is her hatred of them. The vampires who keep humans as blood cattle. Until the night Allie herself is attacked—and given the ultimate choice. Die… or become one of the monsters.

Faced with her own mortality, Allie becomes what she despises most. To survive, she must learn the rules of being immortal, including the most important: go long enough without human blood, and you will go mad.

Then Allie is forced to flee into the unknown, outside her city walls. There she joins a ragged band of humans who are seeking a legend—a possible cure to the disease that killed off most of humankind and created the rabids, the mindless creatures who threaten humans and vampires alike.

But it isn't easy to pass for human. Especially not around Zeke, who might see past the monster inside her. And Allie soon must decide what—and who—is worth dying for.


Publication Date: April 24, 2012
Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal, Vampire
Source: Thanks very much to Harlequin Teen for making this title available on Netgalley.


Review:
I had very mixed feelings about this book. It was very love/meh for me. I thought the beginning was amazing! The world is awesome, the vampires are scary and there is plenty of action. The middle really dragged for me...and it being a long book, there was a lot of middle. Then the end gears back up and is also awesome and amazing.

As far as the characters go, I really liked Allie. She's a decisive fighter type girl when she is first introduced. As her character evolves she is less sure of her path, but still holds to her core values. And she's still very . . . fighter-y :) Her mentor, Kanin, was one of the more interesting characters to me. He's not in the book a whole lot, but he makes an impact. Then there's Zeke. I liked Zeke. Zeke's a good guy. BUT, especially compared to Allie, he came off kind of wimpy to me.

I think this is a book a lot of people will love. It's a very cool vampire book with a unique story. For me there were just a lot of slow parts. Of course like I mentioned before, the last 50 pages of the book made sure I'll be reading the next one.

Saturday, April 21, 2012

Graphic Novel Review: House of Night by P. C. Cast/Dark Horse Comics

Synopsis:
* The magical world of New York Times best-selling authors P. C. Cast and Kristin Cast comes to comics!

Until recently, Zoey Redbird was an average high-school student worrying about grades, boys, and breakouts. But priorities have a way of changing when you’re Marked as a vampyre, enroll in the vampyre academy House of Night, and have to figure out a whole new social hierarchy, affinities for elemental magic, and physiological changes that make you crave blood! Collects issues #1-#5 of the series.

Follow Zoey, and her group of devoted friends, as they turn toThe Fledgling Handbook, a historical vampyre tome, in hopes of better understanding this big, new world of vampyrism.



Publication Date: July 4, 2012
Genre: Graphic Novel, Paranormal, Young Adult
Source: Thanks to Dark Horse Comics for making this title available on Netgalley.


Review:
I've recently become very enamored by graphic novels. This one caught my eye because I've read most of the books in this series. The books are easy to read and entertaining, maybe slightly addicting. But it's been awhile since I've read them, especially the first ones. This comic does the novels so much justice and it's basically awesome in its own right.

I was GAGA over the artwork. It is seriously eye-poppingly gorgeous. The attention to detail on every single character is superb. And the colors! I read this as an e-galley, but plan on heading to our local comic book haunt to buy this one once it releases. It's just beautiful. And me wants it on my shelf.

Like I mentioned, it's been awhile since I've read the books and I don't remember how much detail was told about the history of the Dark Daughters, but the comic goes in-depth and shows each of the five stories. Those parts might have been my favorite. I know I keep saying it, but the artwork just blew my mind. The history of the five elements is broken up by Zoey trying to navigate her way as the new leader of the Dark Daughters at the House of Night. The banter that goes on amongst Zoey and her group of friends stays true to the novels and was very well done.

Fans of the House of Night series will love this, as well as those that have never read them. I hope there are many more in this comic series because I would love to collect them :)

Thursday, April 19, 2012

SBB Tour Review: Masque of the Red Death by Bethany Griffin

Synopsis:
Everything is in ruins.

A devastating plague has decimated the population. And those who are left live in fear of catching it as the city crumbles to pieces around them.

So what does Araby Worth have to live for?

Nights in the Debauchery Club, beautiful dresses, glittery make-up . . . and tantalizing ways to forget it all.

But in the depths of the club—in the depths of her own despair—Araby will find more than oblivion. She will find Will, the terribly handsome proprietor of the club. And Elliott, the wickedly smart aristocrat. Neither boy is what he seems. Both have secrets. Everyone does.

And Araby may find something not just to live for, but to fight for—no matter what it costs her.


Publication Date: April 24, 2012
Genre: Young Adult, Steampunk, Dystopian
Source: Thanks so much to Southern Book Bloggers for letting me be a part of this tour :-D


Review:
I had been dying to read this book and was hoping it would be amazing. And IT IS! This is one of those books that grabbed me from the very first paragraph. I got it in the mail and was just going to peruse the first page (as I love to do with books) before going about my business until I had more time to read it (i.e. until my kids were in bed). Well, that turned out to be a torturous decision because I kept laser eyeing that thing from across the room all day :)

I'll try to be a bit more specific as to why I loved it. Right from those first few paragraphs when you are introduced to Araby you instantly feel intrigued by her thoughts and actions. She hides her thoughts and emotions behind a mask of make-up, clothes and drugs. The author chose the perfect point in Araby's life to drop us into because we know about her illicit ways, but we see her changing, looking for more. I loved seeing the mystery of her family and past unfold by increments as I was reading.

The two men in her life, Elliott and Will, didn't quite share the same spotlight for me. I was all about Will. Elliott has these moments where his true essence shines through, but we don't see alot of that, nor does Araby, because he doesn't want to get too close to anybody. Will is one of those heart-on-his-sleeve kind of guys . . .with tattoos. Yum. The look of a bad boy and the heart of a puppy. Seeing him care for his siblings pulled on my heartstrings.

As for the Steampunk element in this book, I was so pleased with how it was done. The crucial necessity of  having to wear masks to keep the ongoing plague at bay was felt throughout the novel. All the world-building was seamlessly done and perfect.

I couldn't have loved this book more. I read it in a matter of hours once I finally got to sit down with it :)      

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Giveaway and Author Interview: Hailey Edwards

I'm excited to have Hailey Edwards here today! Her newest novel A Hint of Frost just released yesterday (You can see my review HERE). Hailey has been kind enough to do a lovely interview and a giveaway! Yay!


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My Tower of Books: After reading A Hint of Frost it is very apparent to me that you 'get' how to write Romance. What do you think makes a Romance novel hard to put down?


Hailey Edwards: Sexual tension! I love tight, complicated plots, but I can find those in other genres. What sets romance apart (for me) are the novels with intricate plots and the will they/won’t they tug of war as the hero and heroine find their way to each other.


My Tower of Books: How do you keep the physical and emotional tension going throughout the story?


Hailey: It’s difficult to balance plot/action and romance. I like throw my hero and heroine into situations where they have to rely on one another, which leads to touching and trusting and a heightened sense of anticipation for what might happen once the danger has passed.


MToB: What is your favorite male type of character to write? Sensitive? Alpha? Do tell :)
Hailey: I love reluctant heroes. Grumpy, gruff and sporting an alpha streak? Sign me up, please!


MToB: I loved the world-building you did in A Hint of Frost. How did that idea get started and how long had this story been bouncing around in your head?


Hailey: Thank you! Frost got started when I was kicking around ideas for a different kind of predator. I love vampires, but I wanted something more unique. I was looking for a hero with fangs, and I found one in Rhys. Each Araneae clan is based on a real spider family, so their traits are true to that family. It makes for interesting variety, and it also made for weeks of research before I began writing. I had the idea for Frost in mind for about six months before I had the time in my schedule to write it. I’m so glad I made that time. I really love that world and hope to spend a lot of time there in the future.


MToB: I'm assuming that you enjoy reading Romance novels. What are some of your favorites?


Hailey: I love romance novels. I primarily read fantasy and paranormal romance. I love urban fantasy with romantic elements too. Some of my favorite series are Robin D. Owens’s HeartMate series, Gena Showalter’s Lords of the Underworld, Kresley Cole’s Immortals After Dark (which is my favorite series running now), and I just started reading Dying Bites by DD Barant.


MToB: I always find it fascinating to see how different authors get their writing done. Where is the most common place you can be found writing? Recliner? Desk? Crouched over your laptop on the subway? Outdoors?


Hailey: My husband calls me a cave dweller, because I call my office my writer’s cave. I’m a stay at home mom, so my whole writing life is in my office. I can’t seem to write outside of it. While I’ll jot down notes or bits of dialogue when I’m on the road or outside, I only write at my desk.
MToB: If you could be any type of paranormal being (Vampire, Dragon, Werewolf, Ghost, Etc) which, if any, would you choose?


Hailey: I would be a dragon in a heartbeat. I would have purple scales, silver claws, turquoise wings…


MToB: Let me change up that last question a little bit :) Which paranormal being would you choose as your mate?


Hailey: Hmm. That one’s tougher. I think I’d have to go with a werewolf. I’m all about the fated mates.


MToB: These next few questions have nothing to do with the written word :)
What's your:
Favorite item of clothing? I love my ratty gray knit jacket.

Favorite food? Pulled Pork. BBQ is an addiction.

Coffee or Tea? Coffee.

Beach or mountains? Beach.

Favorite way to travel? By train or car, I like to watch the miles go by.

Celebrity crush? Johnny Depp.

Favorite movie? Any version of Pride and Prejudice will do, but I love the Colin Firth version best.
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To connect with Hailey check out her Website, Twitter, Facebook and Goodreads.
To find out more about her new novel, A Hint of Frost, check out Amazon, B&N or Goodreads.
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Now time for the GIVEAWAY!
 April 18-24


To enter: All you have to do is leave a comment :) Just be sure to put your name and e-mail so we can contact you.
The prize: The winner will have their choice of one of the following books in any digital format. (Click the image to read more about the title.) The winner will be chosen using Random.org. 
Everlong (Daughters of Askara #1)

Evermine (Daughters of Askara #2)

eARC of Eversworn (Daughters of Askara #3)


Good luck, everyone!

Monday, April 16, 2012

Author Interview: Lorin Barber, Author of The Secret Life of Copernicus H. Stringfellow

I'm glad to have Author Lorin K. Barber here today for a little chat. He's the author of the unique book The Secret Life of Copernicus H. Stringfellow. I've asked him to answer a few questions, and he has willingly obliged :-)


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My Tower of Books: Before I ask any other questions, I need to know one thing. How did this story initially start in your head? What sparked the idea?

Lorin K. Barber: Prior to "The Secret Life" I had written three novels (all un-published and in their present state not deserving of it). I made a conscious effort to develop a character interesting and entertaining. I knew a person some years back that was somewhat Nickish. The name is something I think was crucial to me for the progression of the story in my mind. “Copernicus” of course connotes great intelligence. “Stringfellow”, I got while riding a bus. The company’s maintenance person of the year had his picture displayed along the wall/ceiling and was named Stringfellow. It was serendipitous. It exactly portrayed the tall skinny fellow I envisioned. The initial “H.” just sounded good.

My Tower of Books:  Do you personally like to eat twinkies? Do you find they aid in your writing process? :)

Lorin: I like Twinkies, but probably no more than the next guy. I heard it said in my youth that you could leave a Twinkie on the shelf for 400 years and it would still taste the same. I wanted something to enhance Nick’s powers so I figured why not make it the least likely edible, thus increasing the hilarity. My wife was the first to suggest that one couldn’t read the book without craving a Twinkie. Admittedly we’ve eaten many more during the process than ever before.

MToB: What do you think would happen if Nick were to come up against someone with equal mental powers, but without the good intentions that Nick himself has? What would the outcome be?

Lorin: If Nick came up against someone with equal intelligence but bad intentions, the outcome would be exactly what it will be when I get to that book in the series. I have 4 more books in mind. One is underway, but not that one.
MToB: I liked the message in the book about doing good things for others regardless of your station in life. How important was it to you for that to come through in your novel?

Lorin: Nick is a superhero. No superhero can be called such without an unflinching desire to do good.

MToB: The Secret Life of Copernicus H. Stringfellow ends on somewhat of a cliffhanger, if I do say so myself. When can we expect the follow-up novel?

Lorin: “The Secret Life” intentionally leaves the door open for more adventures. As to when the next one will be out, that depends on this one being successful enough to allow me to quit my day job.

MToB: This is a favorite question of mine. What is your favorite place to write? What setting really lets the creativity flow?

Lorin: I have a library room on the North side of my house. It gets no direct sunlight but the window opens on a shady area of 50 ft. cedar trees and smaller bushes. I like to sit using only the indirect light from outside. It is peaceful, beautiful and un-interrupted unless a deer happens by.

MToB: Besides writing, what do you love to spend your time doing?

Lorin: Aside from family time and reading, I play basketball, and pan for gold in the summer. Panning for gold is like fishing, even if you come home with nothing you’ve spent the day in a wild and beautiful location. (I never come home with much.)


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Lorin, thanks again for stopping by :-)


To find out more about Lorin's book "The Secret Life", check it out on Amazon, B&N or Goodreads.

To find out more about the author, connect with him on his Webpage or Twitter.

Sunday, April 15, 2012

Review: Latter-Day of the Dead by Kevin Krohn

Synopsis:
Harrowing cries escaped the contorted faces of our flock. End of Days was a known truth but never a faced reality. Once the madness broke...we feared it would never subside.

Publication Date: March 10, 2012
Genre: Adult, Zombie, Horror
Source: Thanks so much to the Author, Kevin Krohn, for my review copy!


Review:
I've been reading a lot of Zombie genre stuff lately. Some have been amazing and others have fallen short of what I had hoped they would be. Latter-Day of the Dead has a very unique premise and delivered on my (high) expectations for this genre.

If I could describe this book in two words I'd use: realistic and...er...um, realistic :) I know some people just can't get into the whole zombie thing, but I can easily dive into the story and believe that part of it (if done well). So to me even that part is realistic, but just assuming you are on board with zombie-ness I'm talking about the realism in the setting and how the characters react to the situation.

A zombie outbreak occurs in a secluded, polygamist community. All of the minute details are there without over-powering the story. It really makes the story what it is. I can't even imagine the amount of research that went into this novel, but it makes a huge impact on the reader.

There is plenty of gore and craziness (loved it), but I really liked the story going on with the community and their leader. I'm excited to see this continue into the next book. The only negative thing I have to say is that it was shorter than I expected. But that just means I loved it and wanted to keep going even after it ended :)


Find out more about this book on Amazon or Goodreads.

Friday, April 13, 2012

Winner - Hoppy Easter Eggstravaganza Giveaway Hop



Congratulations to the TWO winners of my Hoppy Easter Giveaway :)


Entry 424: Karen S.

&

Entry 198: Yago R.

*The winners have been notified by e-mail of their winning-ness.*


Thanks to all who entered! Check back soon for another great giveaway :)

Review: The Selection by Kiera Cass

Synopsis:

For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in the palace and compete for the heart of the gorgeous Prince Maxon.

But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.

Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself- and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.


Publication Date: April 24, 2012
Genre: Young Adult, Dystopian, Romance
Source: Thanks to Harper Teen for making this title available at ALA Midwinter! 

Review:
If I'm being honest I was kind of terrified to read this book :) What if I liked it? What if I didn't like it? Turns out it's just a book. And one that I really liked at that.

At first I did see some similarities to The Hunger Games in that the people are labeled by numbers that represent their class in this dystopian world. That's really where the similarities end though. There is a survival element to the novel, but it's fleshed out in a totally different way. Plus, add in the Bachelor-esque (Oh, shut it! You know you watch it too!) element and I had a hard time putting the darn thing down.

America is the main character and I didn't connect with her at the beginning of the story, but by the time she's chosen to participate in The Selection I think her personality and character rise to the surface. She becomes a lot more likeable at that point. The awesome part of the story is that unlike all the other girls in The Selection, she is a reluctant participant. It puts her in a unique position when it comes to vying for the Prince's affection.

That brings me to my next point. I loved how Prince Maxon and America meet for the first time and the way he has such an intense focus on her from that point on. Their relationship centers on friendship and makes for a believable turn towards romance later on. The problem at that point is that America still has feelings for her cheating (supposedly) Ex, Aspen. The end of the book sets up a great scenario for these three to be in a bonafide love triangle. It's my favorite kind too. Nobody is really at fault for it happening . . . circumstances beyond their control and all that :)

Anyway, I'll be looking forward to the next book in this series for sure. I'm glad I finally cracked the pages of this one. And don't forget the killer cover!

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Guest Post by Amy Lignor: Can A Soulmate Be Replaced?

I'm so glad to have Amy Lignor, author of Until Next Time, here today! This post really emphasizes the themes found within her story. Thanks SO much for taking the time to write this amazing, thought-provoking post :-D  The main tagline in the book's synopsis is: "How does a girl choose between the one who steals her heart and the one who owns her soul?"

-Thanks also to Tribute Books for allowing me a spot on the tour!

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Can A Soulmate Be Replaced?

I think we all know what the answer is to that question. At any age, even if we have a background that includes those painful break-ups, we still hold dear to the fact that there’s a ‘one-and-only’ wandering the proverbial moors just waiting to cross our path. Soulmates is the very basic concept that we learn from the moment we’re old enough to listen to our mother speak the words: “Once Upon a Time.” From then on, there’s a knight, a prince, a king, even a pauper, perhaps, who will prove to us that there’s only one perfect person to fall head-over-heels in love with.
Is this still too naive a thought to have in this messy, mean world? Well, I have to say, if you have nothing romantic left to believe in then this would be a very dismal world. Right now, even the nay-sayers out there who wish to express the fact that there’s no such thing as ‘true love,’ still - somewhere very deep down - believe in it.
The plotline that appears in almost every genre is still romance, which says a great deal about readers out there. And with the huge resurgence of the ‘love triangle,’ that came about with the ‘fanged ones,’ romance seems is almost a necessity for bestsellers.
Perhaps your soul mate - the one specially made for you - IS a bad influence on your life. Whether it be because of their job, their ‘human frailties,’ or even the fact that they have fangs - any of these can cause a romance to become harsh, leading the main character to fight in order to see their love shine. But what about ‘Contestant Number 2?’ On the other point of that love triangle lies yet another perfect guy or girl. The love they have for you is just as intense, and in many cases you have far more in common with that person than the one who’s supposedly made for you. This ‘non-soulmate’ will treat you well - like a queen, in fact. They will protect, defend, make you laugh, and make you feel better when that soulmate makes you seriously angry or upset, and they seem to have no negatives whatsoever. But, alas, there’s one…
There is only one soulmate; that’s just the way that writers, not to mention Fate, works. That other ‘perfect specimen’ is amazing and can make you happy, but what they end up to be is a really good friend. You see, they will never possess that ‘key’ that will supply you with “Happily Ever After.” There will always be a part of you looking off into the distance wondering why you and your soulmate didn’t ‘meet up’ this time around.
When I began to write Matt & Emily I needed to be unique. I didn’t want the ‘love triangle’ that’s quite easily seen and easily understood. I wanted Emily and her audience to not have a clue when it comes to love and who her soulmate truly is. Hence, she’s extremely happy with Jason. As a human, he’s the one who can give her that much-sought-after fairytale. He loves her with the fiercest of passion and will do anything to get her to say, “I do.”
However, in this specific triangle, Matt holds much more power than a ‘friend.’ Matt is Emily’s warrior, her confidante, and a young man who’s slowly learning and adapting to the new world around him. He finds himself looking at Emily in a different way, as they begin to feel human emotions.
When Emily’s the angel, Matt is the one and only being in existence who understands her. He knows when she’s sad and when she wishes to fight; he can antagonize like a annoying little brother, yet the next minute stand before her and defend her from absolutely any danger that crosses her path.
Jason and Matt are two completely different characters from different worlds, and Emily truly loves them both. Therefore, how will she decide? How will she actually know, in the end, who that soulmate truly is? And once she does, will it end up being the one she left behind?
This is where the power of a soulmate comes into play. IS it possible there were two soulmates created? Until Next Time opens the door for anyone who still believes in the power of soulmates to attach themselves to a romance that hasn’t been seen before. Perhaps it will even take the second time around for the soulmate to be revealed! After all, that is one person who can NEVER be replaced…so choose wisely.

Until Next Time, Everybody,
Amy

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To find out more about Amy Lignor's book, Until Next Time, check it out on Goodreads, Amazon, B&N, or The Angel Chronicles's Website or Facebook page

You can also find out more about Amy by checking out her Blog, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, and Website.

Friday, April 6, 2012

SBB Tour Review: The Girl in the Park by Mariah Fredericks

Synopsis:
When Wendy Geller's body is found in Central Park after the night of a rager, newspaper headlines scream,"Death in the Park: Party Girl Found Strangled." But shy Rain, once Wendy's best friend, knows there was more to Wendy than just "party girl." As she struggles to separate the friend she knew from the tangle of gossip and headlines, Rain becomes determined to discover the truth about the murder.

Publication Date: April 24, 2012
Genre: Young Adult, Mystery, Contemporary
Source: Thanks so much to Southern Book Bloggers for letting me be a part of this Tour :)

Review:
When I started this book I had an idea in mind as to what I was expecting.  The synopsis actually makes the plot of the story extremely clear, but I guess I thought it would involve more of the struggle to figure out what kind of person her now-deceased friend was.  I thought that would be the sole focus and completely forgot about Rain trying to find out who killed her friend.  It turned out to be a good murder mystery that took me by surprise :)

I really liked Rain in the book.  She is very self-conscious due to a speech problem caused by a cleft palate.  Through therapy over the years she talks normally when we meet her in the story, but she shows glimpses of the painful years growing up and being made fun of.  I think we can all relate to that! (And if you can't relate to being made fun of...then I hate you. Joking, of course ;)  I had a harder time liking her friend Wendy (the one that was found dead in the park after a party).  As the story started showing some more of the things Wendy did, I had a harder time liking her.  She seemed selfish and petty and downright stupid sometimes.

I've said before that I'm no whiz at figuring out 'who dunnit' in mystery novels, but I did pick up on the killer's identity rather early on in this one.  That doesn't make me like it any less, but it did make me want to tell my book 'You lose!!! Ah ha ha ha haaa'.  . . . . Ok, I'm way off track here.  My point is that it doesn't take a genius or a detective to figure this one out, but the book is still enjoyable and keeps you reading to find out how everything will play out.

The Girl in the Park has some shining, poignant moments that pop up during Rain's quest to find out who her friend really was and, more importantly, who killed her.  This was a fast, hard-to-put-down book for me, but still not exactly what I had expected.

Thursday, April 5, 2012

Review: Breaking Beautiful by Jennifer Shaw Wolf

Synopsis:
Allie lost everything the night her boyfriend, Trip, died in a horrible car accident—including her memory of the event. As their small town mourns his death, Allie is afraid to remember because doing so means delving into what she’s kept hidden for so long: the horrible reality of their abusive relationship.

When the police reopen the investigation, it casts suspicion on Allie and her best friend, Blake, especially as their budding romance raises eyebrows around town. Allie knows she must tell the truth. Can she reach deep enough to remember that night so she can finally break free? Debut writer Jennifer Shaw Wolf takes readers on an emotional ride through the murky waters of love, shame, and, ultimately, forgiveness.


Publication Date: April 24, 2012
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Realistic Fiction, Mystery
Source: Thanks so much to the publisher, Walker Children, for making this title available on Netgalley.


Review:
Reading the synopsis of Breaking Beautiful I would have never guessed I would be on the edge of my seat almost the entire time. It's everything I thought it would be, times a million. I can't even say how amazing it is!

Allie's character is coping with the death of her boyfriend, Trip, but not really in the way that everyone around her thinks. She's hiding something about how he died, but she's also hiding something about their entire relationship. I loved how she goes from being almost in denial and just shying away from everything to facing her life head on. The transition was done so great and reading her progress as a character was amazing.

And her Blake...I want Blake to be my childhood friend and protector. He's so sweet and amazing which translates as super hot in the book :) And believe it or not, her dead boyfriend plays such a large part in the book which is amazing because he's dead the entire time. I think that echoes how he still has such a hold on Allie even after he isn't physically around, and I felt that as the reader.

I expected alot of things from Breaking Beautiful but reading furiously to find the answer to 'what happened the night Trip died?' wasn't what I expected at all. The story and characters are all so profound, but there is also this thrilling 'whodunit' element too. Seriously, this one goes on my list of all-time favorite books. So good!

Hoppy Easter Eggstravaganza Giveaway Hop


This huge Giveaway Hop is being hosted by Kathy from I Am a Reader, Not a Writer & Yara from Once Upon a Twilight.


This Giveaway will run from April 6th-12th and is open internationally.

The prize: TWO lucky winners will get their book of choice, up to $15, from The Book Depository! To find out if TBD ships to your location click HERE

Happy Easter, everyone!
And be sure to check out the Linky following my Rafflecopter form so you can check out the 250+ giveaways going on :-D (If the Linky isn't working just click the image at the top of the post)



Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Review: Spell Bound (Hex Hall #3) by Rachel Hawkins

Synopsis:Just as Sophie Mercer has come to accept her extraordinary magical powers as a demon, the Prodigium Council strips them away. Now Sophie is defenseless, alone, and at the mercy of her sworn enemies—the Brannicks, a family of warrior women who hunt down the Prodigium. Or at least that’s what Sophie thinks, until she makes a surprising discovery. The Brannicks know an epic war is coming, and they believe Sophie is the only one powerful enough to stop the world from ending. But without her magic, Sophie isn’t as confident.

Sophie’s bound for one hell of a ride—can she get her powers back before it’s too late?


Publication Date: March 13, 2012
Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal, Romance
Source: My own Tower of Books


Review:
I remember when I picked up the first book in this series and I was like, "I don't think I'm going to even like---" *reads entire book in one day* And just like that I was a Hex Hall fan. There's nothing overly complicated. It's just a great story with characters that you like and care about. That sounds simple, but there are a ton of books that lack those 'simple' things.

Sophie, or Mercer as Archer likes to call her (Archer...mmm), hides behind her sarcasm and is hesitant to show how much she cares about the people in her life. Her bumbling non-stop chatter when she's nervous is very endearing. She's one of those book characters you want to be friends with. And this third book is no exception as far as those things go.

Then there's Archer freaking Cross. He's a bad boy with heart and you get to see a lot more of the heart-y part in this book. He's one of my favorite fictional guys :) And I forgot how much I loved Sophie's dad! He pulls off the serious, British deadpan thing so perfectly.

Anyway, I'm sure I'm forgetting to mention some other things I liked about Spell Bound. The main thing is that I loved the book, and it doesn't disappoint one bit! As I neared the end I started getting that I-want-to-finish-this-book-to-find-out-what-happens-but-what-if-it's-the-last-one feeling (that's an ode to Sophie there...poorly done, but still). I don't know if/when there will be another book, but it looks like that possibility was left open :)Yays!

Review: The Secret Life of Copernicus H. Stringfellow by Lorin K. Barber

Synopsis:
Copernicus H. Stringfellow, a.k.a. Nick, is not your run-of-the-mill genius. His mind is so powerful it can stop a speeding automobile or stem internal bleeding. As Nick goes about quietly doing good, he discovers that his powers are greatly enhanced by the nutrients present in Twinkies. Follow Nick on his amazing adventures in this humorous and exciting action-packed book for all ages.

Publication Date: March 13, 2012
Genre: Young Adult
Source: Thanks so much to the Author, Lorin K. Barber, for my review copy!

Review:
The fact that Twinkies are mentioned as an integral part of the plot drew me towards this one like a magnet. From reading the synopsis I was pretty sure it would be a unique story.

I'll start by giving a few examples of the things I really liked about the book. The character of Copernicus is a good place to start :) Copernicus, or Nick, is a fact-spewer. His brain is packed full of useful and inane information that he just can't keep inside. Although he is slightly awkward it doesn't keep him from socializing and interacting with people. He is a very quirky mix of many things. I also thought the way the idea of Twinkies being brain food was done came across just right. It didn't inundate the story by being overused. It was subtly done and not annoying. I also liked the quick chapter breaks. I don't always like that, but it fit with the flow of the book.

I was definitely entertained by The Secret Life, but I think it took me awhile to really GET Nick's character. Midway through it seemed to me that Nick hit his stride.

I really liked the positive message that putting others first and doing good things doesn't make you lesser, it makes you greater. A fun and quirky read :)



To find out more about The Secret Life of Copernicus H. Stringfellow check it out on Amazon, B&N or Goodreads.

To connect with the Author find him on his Website, Twitter or Goodreads.