Anxiously Awaiting...

Strings Attached
by Judy Blundell

Publication date: March 1, 2011

This book sounds so good and I love the trailer...

Sweet Venom Cover Reveal!!!

I am so excited to be participating in Tera Lynn Child's cover reveal for her newest book, Sweet Venom!!

Isn't this cover just ABSOLUTELY gorgeous?! Beyond the premise - Three teenage descendants of Medusa, the once-beautiful gorgon maligned by myth, must reunite and embrace their fates in a world where monsters lurk in plain sight - having seen the cover that goes with the awesome story...I am now officially drooling in anticipation.

I think it just might kill me to have to wait until October to get my hands on this one! Until then, though, you can check out more info...details about the characters and collages that represent each of the sisters on Tera's website, check out the Sweet Venom Facebook page, or you can add Sweet Venom to your Goodreads TBR list.

Shadowfever

Shadowfever
by Karen Marie Moning
Fever series, book five

“Evil is a completely different creature, Mac. Evil is bad that believes it’s good.”

MacKayla Lane was just a child when she and her sister, Alina, were given up for adoption and banished from Ireland forever.

Twenty years later, Alina is dead and Mac has returned to the country that expelled them to hunt her sister’s murderer. But after discovering that she descends from a bloodline both gifted and cursed, Mac is plunged into a secret history: an ancient conflict between humans and immortals who have lived concealed among us for thousands of years.

What follows is a shocking chain of events with devastating consequences, and now Mac struggles to cope with grief while continuing her mission to acquire and control the Sinsar Dubh—a book of dark, forbidden magic scribed by the mythical Unseelie King, containing the power to create and destroy worlds.

In an epic battle between humans and Fae, the hunter becomes the hunted when the Sinsar Dubh turns on Mac and begins mowing a deadly path through those she loves. Who can she turn to? Who can she trust? Who is the woman haunting her dreams? More important, who is Mac herself and what is the destiny she glimpses in the black and crimson designs of an ancient tarot card?

From the luxury of the Lord Master’s penthouse to the sordid depths of an Unseelie nightclub, from the erotic bed of her lover to the terrifying bed of the Unseelie King, Mac’s journey will force her to face the truth of her exile, and to make a choice that will either save the world . . . or destroy it. (description taken from Amazon.com)

Whew. Let me first say that this was a LOT of book. I think that Moning could possibly have split this book in two with just a little tweaking...though I probably would not have wanted to wait for the final chapters!

Second. Let me say that if you haven't read Moning's previous Highlander series, this book will make you want to go and check them out. The Keltar clan gets quite a bit involved in this final book and all that hot testosterone running around is definitely causing me to check my book schedule to see when I can fit some re-reads in!

Okay. On to the meaty stuff (no pun intended...ugh...unseelie flesh. *shudders*) Anyway, I'm going to try not to get all spoiler-y on you and be kind of generically pleased...
I was very happy when Mac finally faces her fears - all of them, mortal, self doubts, and yes! romantic - and a new world opens up for her. I was devastated when the partial truth came out that someone very close to Mac had been indirectly responsible for Alina's death. I was smiling at odd moments when touches of humanity were remembered...a birthday party, a special sign...My heart broke a little for everyone who had lost someone near and dear to them.

This was a book full of emotions. Good, bad, confusing, gutwrenching...
Every time I thought I had a grip on things, that I knew, finally knew what was going on, Moning threw me for another loop.

Overall I was pleased...and sad to see this series end. I'm hoping that the way this book ended, though, we'll be seeing another related series start up shortly...

2011 Shifter Challenge title

Winner! The Orchid Affair Valentine's Day Giveaway

I am pleased to announce that the winner of The Orchid Affair Valentine's Day Giveaway is (via random drawing at random.org) is...

Connie!!

Check your email...you have until Wednesday, February 16th to contact me with the address where you'd like Dutton to ship the book. Congratulations...and Happy Valentine's Day!

A Teaser...

I'm excited to share this one...

Maria V. Snyder, author of The Study Trilogy, The Glass Trilogy, Inside Out and Outside In, has just announced the title and blurb for her ninth novel... Touch of Power and it sounds good!

Laying hands upon the injured and dying, Avry of Kazan assumes their wounds and diseases into herself. But rather than being honored for her skills, she is hunted. Healers like Avry are accused of spreading the plague that has decimated the Territories, leaving the survivors in a state of chaos.

Stressed and tired from hiding, Avry is abducted by a band of rogues who, shockingly, value her gift above the golden bounty offered for her capture. Their leader, an enigmatic captor-protector with powers of his own, is unequivocal in his demands: Avry must heal a plague-stricken prince—leader of a campaign against her people. As they traverse the daunting Nine Mountains, beset by mercenaries and magical dangers, Avry must decide who is worth healing and what is worth dying for. Because the price of peace may well be her life....

The publication date is tentatively in January 2012 and I will definitely be keeping my eye out...

In My Mailbox - February 13, 2011

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme, hosted by Kristi at the Story Siren, inspired by Alea of Pop Culture Junkie. Every week bloggers can share what they received in the mail or at the bookstore or at the library. The goal is that everyone can be exposed to more books this way!

From the Library:


The Alpha Bet by Stephanie Hale
Castration Celebration by Jake Wizner


Writing the Breakout Novel by Donald Maass
Forget You by Jennifer Echols


On My Nook:


Raising the Dead by Mara Purnhagen
Beasts and BFF's by Shannon Delany

In Too Deep

In Too Deep
by Jayne Ann Krentz
The Looking Glass Trilogy, book one

Scargill Cove is the perfect place for Fallon Jones, confirmed recluse and investigator of the paranormal. It's a hot spot, a convergence point for unusually strong currents of energy, which might explain why the town attracts misfits and drifters like moths to a flame. Now someone else has been drawn to the Cove-Isabella Valdez, on the run from some very dangerous men.

When she starts work as Fallon's assistant, Isabella impresses him by organizing his pathologically chaotic office-and doesn't bat an eye at the psychic aspect of his job. She's a kindred spirit, a sanctuary from a world that considers his talents a form of madness. But after a routine case unearths an antique clock infused with dark energy, Fallon and Isabella are dragged into the secret history of Scargill Cove and forced to fight for their lives, as they unravel a cutthroat conspiracy with roots in the Jones family business . . . and Isabella's family tree.
(description taken from Amazon.com)

I was soooo excited to finally get to read Fallon Jones' story! He's been such an intriguing side character in several of the other books in the Arcane Society series that I always wondered how he would find his match.

Isabella was a great match for him, too. I loved that she was connected to a conspiracy theorist, who was in turn connected to Arizona Snow...another intriguing side character. Her unique perspective gave her insight into Fallon's character, allowing her to see past what others' had found off-putting and to connect to the real, loyal, super intelligent Fallon. *sigh*

I love the fact that this is starting another great para-weapon trilogy. I really enjoyed the Dreamlight Trilogy and this Looking Glass Trilogy has a lot of the same qualities. *Squee!*

The Orchid Affair Valentine's Day Giveaway

The lovely people at Dutton have given me not only my own copy of The Orchid Affair by Lauren Willig to review, but have also gifted me a lovely second copy to giveaway to one of you!!



In The Orchid Affair, Willig introduces her strongest heroine yet.

Laura Grey, a veteran governess, joins the Selwick Spy School expecting to find elaborate disguises and thrilling exploits in service to the spy known as the Pink Carnation. She hardly expects her first assignment to be serving as governess for the children of Andre Jaouen, right-hand man to Bonaparte's minister of police. Jaouen and his arch rival, Gaston Delaroche, are investigating a suspected Royalist plot to unseat Bonaparte, and Laura's mission is to report any suspicious findings.

At first the job is as lively as Latin textbooks and knitting, but Laura begins to notice strange behavior from Jaouen-secret meetings and odd comings and goings. As Laura edges herself closer to her employer, she makes a shocking discovery and is surprised to learn that she has far more in common with Jaouen than she originally thought...

As their plots begin to unravel, Laura and Jaouen are forced on the run with the children, and with the help of the Pink Carnation they escape to the countryside, traveling as husband and wife. But Delaroche will stop at nothing to take down his nemesis. With his men hot on their trail, can Laura and Jaouen seal the fate of Europe before it's too late?

I'll be posting my review next week...

To enter the giveaway (U.S. Residents only...sorry!), please leave me a comment with your name, email address, and what you're really hoping to get this year from your Valentine. I'll randomly pick a winner on Monday, February 14th...how appropriate for Valentine's Day, no?...and contact you for your mailing address. Good luck!

The Adjustment Bureau - Movie Review

I was very lucky to go and see a free sneak preview of "The Adjustment Burearu" starring Matt Damon and Emily Blunt tonight. It was great. It was funnier than I expected. It was realistically romantic...everything wasn't peaches, but gestures were made....The overall concept of the Adjustment Bureau was very cool.

I don't want to say much more because I'll end up ruining things, but the actors were all well chosen, the script was good, and I give it two big thumbs up! I definitely want to see it again.

Bonus - It's based on a short story by Philip Dick.

Angelfire

Angelfire
by Courtney Allison Moulton

First there are nightmares.

Every night Ellie is haunted by terrifying dreams of monstrous creatures that are hunting her, killing her.

Then come the memories.

When Ellie meets Will, she feels on the verge of remembering something just beyond her grasp. His attention is intense and romantic, and Ellie feels like her soul has known him for centuries. On her seventeenth birthday, on a dark street at midnight, Will awakens Ellie's power, and she knows that she can fight the creatures that stalk her in the grim darkness. Only Will holds the key to Ellie's memories, whole lifetimes of them, and when she looks at him, she can no longer pretend anything was just a dream.

Now she must hunt.

Ellie has power that no one can match, and her role is to hunt and kill the reapers that prey on human souls. But in order to survive the dangerous and ancient battle of the angels and the Fallen, she must also hunt for the secrets of her past lives and truths that may be too frightening to remember. (description taken from Amazon.com)

Once I started reading Ellie's story I had a hard time putting it down. Courtney Allison Moulton is a debut author to watch. She's done an excellent job with the world building...seemlessly blending reality and a world of angels and demons. A world of shadows...

Ellie has to learn to blend her life as a teenager - school, friends, boys...Parents!...and her life as the Preliator...the hunter of demonic reapers. Though you would think that this would sound unrealistic, Ellie's voice is so authentic that you can't question who she is, what her purpose is...she's very much Buffy-esque. A total bad*ss...and totally intriguing.

As Ellie delves deeper into her memories trying to figure out who she really is, I was right there with her, desperate to know and unable to guess for sure. As Will defends her, stands by her side, comforts her, I was right there with her, rooting him on in his quest to love her through devotion and protection.

The final scene left me wanting more. Just as with a good episode of Buffy or Veronica Mars, the final sassy quip has me on the edge of my seat, saying "What do you mean I have to wait for the next one? I want it now!"
There are many more questions to be answered, butts to kick, and kisses to explore!! More, please....and soon?!

Full disclosure: eARC from Netgalley
2011 Debut Author Challenge title
2011 Shape Shifter Challenge title

Bloodlines Cover Reveal

Just released! The cover for the new Vampire Academy series spin-off by Richelle Mead. I think it's gorgeous!

Here's a link to an article in EW with more info.

Publication date: August 23, 2011

Rot and Ruin

Rot and Ruin
by Jonathan Maberry

In the zombie-infested, post-apocalyptic America where Benny Imura lives, every teenager must find a job by the time they turn fifteen or get their rations cut in half. Benny doesn't want to apprentice as a zombie hunter with his boring older brother Tom, but he has no choice. He expects a tedious job whacking zoms for cash, but what he gets is a vocation that will teach him what it means to be human. (description taken from Amazon.com)

Ummm...we are perilously close to me declaring this my new favorite zombie book. I can't decide...I LOVED this book, but I also loved Carrie Ryan's The Dead-Tossed Waves just as much. It may be a cop-out, but I think they officially tie for first place.

Nevertheless... this book is officially receiving one of my coveted "Gold Star" reviews!

I was absolutely drawn in and then blown away by this book. The world is very reminiscent of Carrie Ryan's zombie apocalypse, which is great, because they are both fantastically imagined. What I thought set this book apart from hers, setting-wise, was the frontier feeling. There is a definite Western vibe to this book that I totally dug.

After the events of First Night, when zombies took over the modern world, society reverted back to more of a frontier lifestyle. Safe within the boundaries of small towns, with only bounty hunters or loners venturing out into the wild frontier...the Rot and Ruin.

The excellently drawn characters - the Imura brothers, Nix, Lilah, Charlie Pink-Eye - all force readers to really think through the morality of a lifestyle in the wild free from rules. As Benny begins to open his eyes to what the world is like, more and more questions must be asked and most of the answers are truly appalling. Even their town which seemed to be a safe haven slowly becomes a place led by fear and built on turning a blind eye.

I was transfixed throughout this book. I cried when Benny finally had to bring peace to his own memories, and I CANNOT wait to get my hands on Dust and Decay.

2011 Zombie Reading Challenge title

In My Mailbox - February 6, 2011

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme, hosted by Kristi at the Story Siren, inspired by Alea of Pop Culture Junkie. Every week bloggers can share what they received in the mail or at the bookstore or at the library. The goal is that everyone can be exposed to more books this way!

From the Library:

Foiled by Jane Yolen

A Tale Dark and Grimm by Adam Gidwitz

Oh No She Didn't by Clinton Kelly

Wildwing by Emily Whitman

Self-Editing for Fiction Writers by Renni Browne and Dave King

On My Nook:

Dreaming Anastasia by Joy Preble

Borrowed:

*Squee!! Special thanks to Jen from Yabooknerd for lending this hot ARC to me! Can't wait to read it!!*

The Liar Society by Lisa and Laura Roecker

Shadow Grail:Legacies

Legacies
by MercedesLackey and Rosemary Edghill
Shadow Grail, book one

Who—or what—is stalking the students at Oakhurst Academy?

In the wake of the accident that killed her family, Spirit White is spirited away to Oakhurst Academy, a combination school and orphanage in the middle of Montana. There she learns she is a legacy—not only to the school, which her parents also attended, but to magic.

All the students at Oakhurst have magical powers, and although Spirit’s hasn’t manifested itself yet, the administrators insist she has one. Spirit isn’t sure she cares. Devastated by the loss of her family, she finds comfort with a group of friends: Burke Hallows, Lachlann Spears, Muirin Shae, and Adelaide Lake.

But something strange is going on at Oakhurst. Students start disappearing under mysterious circumstances, and the school seems to be trying to cover it up. Spirit and her friends must find out what’s happening—before one of them becomes the next victim… (description taken from Amazon.com)

I think this is a good start to an interesting new series. I really loved the first half of the book. The setup, describing Oakhurst Academy, introducing the magic and the teens, was really well done and intriguing. Spirit is a good character...spunky, yet unsure of herself in the new situation and without visible magic like the others. I loved her relationships with the other teens in her group.

My only complaint about this book was that when the revelation comes about what is happening to the disappearing students, the problem is addressed and "solved" almost too quickly. I felt like that part of the book could have been slightly more fleshed out.

I am definitely looking forward to reading the second book in the series, Conspiracies, though, and trying to figure out what type of magic Spirit has...

Cover Craving...

Drink Deep
by Chloe Neill
Chicagoland Vampires, book five

Publication Date: November 2011

Love this series...and Chloe's lucky to have GREAT covers. :)

Foiled

Foiled
by Jane Yolen and Mike Cavallaro

Aliera Carstairs just doesn’t fit in. She’s always front and center at the fencing studio, but at school she’s invisible. And she’s fine with that . . . until Avery Castle walks into her first period biology class. Avery may seem perfect now, but will he end up becoming her Prince Charming or just a toad? (description taken Amazon.com)

This was a well recommended graphic novel. I really liked it. It was easy to follow (no confusion about which panel to go to next or which speech bubble came next, thank goodness!) and well drawn. I really liked Aliera. Though she had some self-doubts when it came down to it, she knew to believe in herself. The use of grays and then pops of color was really visually pleasing. I will definitely read the next one in the series at some point.

Cover Craving...

Uncommon Criminals
by Ally Carter
Heist Society, book two

OMG! As if the cover for Heist Society wasn't gorgeous enough...WOW. This cover is fantastic. Love it.

Winner! Minor Milestone Giveaway

With a one day delay that I am totally blaming on our ice/snowpocalypse in the Northeast, I am pleased to announce that the winner of the Minor Milestone Giveaway is (via random drawing at random.org) is...

Emily!!

You have until Saturday, February 5th to contact me with your book choice. Congratulations!

Suite Scarlett

Suite Scarlett
by Maureen Johnson

Scarlett Martin has grown up in a most unusual way. Her family owns the Hopewell, a small hotel in the heart of New York City, and Scarlett lives there with her four siblings - Spencer, Lola, and Marlene.

When each of the Martins turns fifteen, they are expected to take over the care of a suite in the once elegant, now shabby Art Deco hotel. For Scarlett's fifteenth birthday, she gets both a room called the Empire Suite, and a permanent guest called Mrs. Amberson.

Scarlett doesn't quite know what to make of this C-list starlet, world traveler, and aspiring autobiographer who wants to take over her life. And when she meets Eric, an astonishingly gorgeous actor who has just moved to the city, her summer takes a second unexpected turn.

Before the summer is over, Scarlett will have to survive a whirlwind of thievery, Broadway glamour, romantic missteps, and theatrical deceptions. But in the city where anything can happen, she just might be able to pull it off. (description taken from Amazon.com)

A quirky, charming read. I really loved the Hepewell hotel and it's resident family. Though Scarlett is the winsome main character, this story truly has a whole tribe of wonderful people to follow.

Scarlett's siblings, the effervescant and protective Spencer, the gorgeous and concerned Lola, and the bratty, yet lovable Marlene. Each breathes a great piece of life into the story in their own way. Not to mention, Scarlett's parents. Both of them concerned, involved, and lovable, too. This truly is a full family story!

Add in to the mix an eclectic, eccentric ex-starlet that "adopts" Scarlett and her family...well you have a winner. Though, I'm not a realistic fiction reader usually...I love Maureen Johnson's writing and this particular book is very, very, very well done. I can't wait to read the next book, Scarlett Fever.

Get to Know...Kim Harrington!

Today, I am super excited to welcome debut author, Kim Harrington to the blog! I reviewed her book, Clarity, as part of a blog tour just the other day (check it out here) and couldn't stop raving about it. It's one of my new favorite books!


I am honored that Kim was able to take the time to answer a few quick questions for me!

1. I loved the fact that each member of the Fern family had different psychic abilities. What type of research did you do to decide what would be needed in the story?

I visited a few psychics. They all have their own style. (Though none of the ones I visited were too mind-blowing with their accuracy.) I didn’t do too much research on the particular gifts. I made my own rules for them.

2. I loved the sibling relationship between Clare and Perry. Was their relationship always going to be that strong, or did that develop as the book did?

They’re one of my favorite relationships to write! Yes, I’d always planned it to be strong. I knew they were opposite in many ways and sometimes wanted to strangle each other, but would always back the other up when needed.

3. Clare reminds me a lot of TV heroine/detective Veronica Mars (who I loved, btw!). Were there any strong influences when you were creating Clare?

Veronica Mars was definitely an influence! I loved that show and was so sad when it ended. I still hope they’ll be able to make their planned movie someday. *OMG - Me too! I would love a VM TV movie!!

4. If Clare could go anywhere on vacation, where do you think she would go…considering she’s from the Cape (a typical vacation spot)?

She gets enough of the sand at home, so a beach vacation is out. Maybe she’d travel to Europe —lots of historic sites and interesting things to “touch.”

5. Can you tell us anything about the next “Clarity” book right now? Or any other projects?

I can tell you that it's finished already, and it will be out in March 2012. Clare will have another mystery to solve. And the events of book one have repercussions for many characters. I also have a standalone coming out in Fall 2012, a ghost story, that I’m excited about!

6. What was the last book that you read that you would recommend to other readers?

Demonglass by Rachel Hawkins. I think Clare and Sophie would be BFF if their worlds crossed. ;)
*I think you are totally right...maybe you and Rachel need to discuss a crossover book... (wink, wink!)

7. Quick Picks: Favorite Vacation Destination? Favorite Childhood Book? Favorite Movie? Favorite Food? Favorite Clothing Item?

Vacation: Disney World. I’m kind of a Disney freak. I’ve been sixteen times and counting.

Childhood Book: I had a picture book that I absolutely adored, but I have no idea what the title is. I blogged about it here: http://kimharrington.blogspot.com/2010/10/do-you-know-this-book.html

Movie: This is going to sound weird, but I think my favorite movie of all time is Poltergeist. It’s a perfectly crafted horror film. Absolutely classic.

Food: Pizza from the Lynwood Café in Randolph , MA .

Clothing: Jeans. Not one particular pair. Just jeans. I wear them every day in fall, winter, and spring.

Thanks so much for having me, Jessica! :)

No, really Kim, thank you SOOO much for stopping by! I loved Clarity. If any of you haven't already put it on your TBR list...go. Go now! Do it! Don't forget to check out Kim Harrington's website, too.

In My Mailbox - January 30, 2011

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme, hosted by Kristi at the Story Siren, inspired by Alea of Pop Culture Junkie. Every week bloggers can share what they received in the mail or at the bookstore or at the library. The goal is that everyone can be exposed to more books this way!

For Review:

The End of Time by P.W. Catanese

Tighter by Adele Griffin

The Orchid Affair by Lauren Willig

Clarity by Kim Harrington

*Thanks to Book It Forward ARC Tours*

On My Nook:

The Apothecary's Daughter by Julie Klassen

From the Library:

The Iron Daughter by Julie Kagawa
The First Five Pages by Noah Lukeman

Clarity - Blog Tour

Clarity

by Kim Harrington

When you can see things others can't, where do you look for the truth?

Clarity "Clare" Fern sees things. Things no one else can see. Things like stolen kisses and long-buried secrets. All she has to do is touch a certain object, and the visions come to her. It's a gift.

And a curse.

When a teenage girl is found murdered, Clare's ex-boyfriend wants her to help solve the case--but Clare is still furious at the cheating jerk. Then Clare's brother--who has supernatural gifts of his own--becomes the prime suspect, and Clare can no longer look away. Teaming up with Gabriel, the smoldering son of the new detective, Clare must venture into the depths of fear, revenge, and lust in order to track the killer. But will her sight fail her just when she needs it most? (description taken from Amazon.com)

Publication Date: March 1, 2011

What a great debut! I devoured this book. It was so compellingly written that I literally had to force myself to put it down when my eyelids kept fluttering shut at insane hours of the night. I kept thinking, "Just one more chapter..."

Clarity, or Clare, Fern is a great character. She is sixteen and has a great blend of snarkiness and sincerity. Her relationships with her mother and brother are really great. I felt proud on her behalf for the way she handled her ex-boyfriend, the snotty mean girl from school, and the people around her in general. She's not hard, though, and that's what makes her really "real." I can't wait to read more featuring Clare...(I HOPE!!)

The mystery is fast paced, exciting, and well done. Harrington sprinkles in tidbits here and there, taking readers on a twisting journey to the truth. I really loved, too, getting to see the case from Clare's psychic perspective. Fascinating.

As I said, I couldn't put this one down. I am definitely hoping for a sequel...

Since I was so riveted...I also award this book one of my coveted GOLD STARs!!

Check out the trailer.

2011 Debut Author Challenge title

Full disclosure: ARC received for review from Book It Forward ARC Tours

Confessions of the Sullivan Sisters

Confessions of the Sullivan Sisters
by Natalie Standiford

The Sullivan sisters have a big problem. On Christmas Day their rich and imperious grandmother gathers the family and announces that she will soon die . . .and has cut the entire family out of her will. Since she is the source of almost all their income, this means they will soon be penniless.

Someone in the family has offended her deeply. If that person comes forward with a confession of her (or his) crime, submitted in writing to her lawyer by New Year's Day, she will reinstate the family in her will. Or at least consider it.

And so the confessions begin....
(description taken from Amazon.com)

I really loved the premise for this book. The idea of three sisters' stories building into a larger book was very intriguing, and though I enjoyed parts of this book, overall it just didn't do it for me.

Part of that, I think is that I'm really just not a contemporary realistic fiction reader in general. My overall preferences are fantasy/sci-fi/historical, etc. *Sigh* This book got such great reviews, I really wanted to love it.

I did enjoy parts of it very much. I loved Jane's story about blogging her family secrets to the world, and Sassy's story about thinking she'd become indestructible, but I just couldn't really connect at all to Norrie and I felt like I was really reading three individual books rather than one larger one.

Standiford did a good job layering complexities into the stories, building on each girl's experiences during the same time, but there was still a feeling of utter disconnect for me. One of my biggest problems, too, was that a secondary character named Shea was mentioned over and over and over, yet her story was never explained. I really wanted to know why she did the things she did!! *(An update - I emailed the author and she said that though she did not really envision exactly what happened to Shea, that I could imagine a happy ending for her...so I'm choosing to think that she turns her life around!)

This book was well written and I am sure that a lot of people will really enjoy it. Unfortunately, it just didn't quite capture my attention the way I'd hoped it would.

Lips Touch: Three Times

Lips Touch: Three Times
by Laini Taylor

Three tales of supernatural love, each pivoting on a kiss that is no mere kiss, but an action with profound consequences for the kissers' souls:

Goblin Fruit: In Victorian times, goblin men had only to offer young girls sumptuous fruits to tempt them to sell their souls. But what does it take to tempt today's savvy girls?

Spicy Little Curses: A demon and the ambassador to Hell tussle over the soul of a beautiful English girl in India. Matters become complicated when she falls in love and decides to test her curse.

Hatchling: Six days before Esme's fourteenth birthday, her left eye turns from brown to blue. She little suspects what the change heralds, but her small safe life begins to unravel at once. What does the beautiful, fanged man want with her, and how is her fate connected to a mysterious race of demons?
(description taken from Amazon.com)

I am sooooo glad that I finally got to this book. I first heard about it at BEA two years ago, immediately put it on my list of Books To Read, and it just lingered there ever since. Honestly, I even checked it out from the Library twice...and never read it. I just kept finding other books that I was dying to read more.

Let me tell you, though, Laini Taylor's writing is mysterious, beautiful, dark, destructive, and yet hopeful and breathtaking. I was listening to this as an audio book in my car and I couldn't wait to get back into the car at the end of the day to drive home from work because I had to know what happened to each girl next. I was totally hooked!

The first story, Goblin Fruit, is lyrical and compelling. It's insidious and tempting. It's short but punches a big impact. I had thought that Taylor wouldn't be able to top that when she blew me away with the concept for Spicy Little Curses. That was heartbreaking and courageous. Then...then I listened to Hatchling. What an amazing world that Taylor has created. I was enraptured as I listened, drawing deeper and deeper into the cold, nightmare world of the Druje. I loved the layering of different generations, love stories, and how each character was fleshed out as the story's complexities unfolded.

All be told, when I was done, I wanted to start over again. *Sigh* These were great short stories. I should have read this years ago...

Full disclosure: Audio book received to review for AudioFile magazine

Anxiously Awaiting...

Hourglass
by Myra McEntire

Publication Date: May 24, 2011

"Since the age of fourteen, Emerson Cole has seen strange things – dead things – swooning Southern Belles, soldiers, and other eerie apparitions of the past. She’s tried everything to get rid of the visions: medication, counseling, asylums. Nothing’s worked.

So when Emerson's well-meaning brother calls in yet another consultant from a mysterious organization called the Hourglass, Emerson’s willing to give it one last try.

Michael Weaver is no ordinary consultant. He's barely older than she is; he listens like no one she's ever met before; and he doesn't make her feel the least bit crazy. As Emerson ventures deeper into the world of the Hourglass, she begins to learn the truth about her past, her future--and her very life.

A seductive time-slip novel that merges the very best of the paranormal and science fiction genres, Myra McEntire’s Hourglass is a stunning debut from an author to watch."

It sounds so good and the cover is awesome!!
Check out the cover reveal trailer...

Minor Milestone Giveaway!

Today I hit a minor milestone in my blog. I reached 100 followers!
To say thank you, I want to do a little giveaway. :)

One lucky person will get to order (or pre-order) one book of their choosing, up to a $20 value, from the Book Depository. My personal suggestions might be Delirium, Demonglass, or Wither...but what's great is I don't get to pick...YOU DO!!

To enter:
1. You must be a follower.
(This is your thank you!!)
2. Leave me your name and a valid email address in the comments.
I will have to email you to get your book choice and the address where you want the book shipped.

I will choose a random winner on Wednesday, February 2nd. If that winner does not get back to me by Friday, February 4th, I will choose another winner on Saturday, February 5th.

Priscilla the Great - Blog Tour

Priscilla the Great
by Sybil Nelson

Did you ever want a blowtorch for a finger? Meet Priscilla Sumner, an ordinary seventh grader with extraordinary gifts. As if middle school isn't hard enough, not only does Priscilla have to fight pimples and bullies, but genetically enhanced assassins trying to kill her and her family. Armed with wit, strength, and a genius best friend, Priscilla must defeat the Selliwood Institute, a mysterious organization with a mission of turning children into killing machines. (description taken from Amazon.com)

What a hilarious and fun middle grade read! I am so excited to find out that this is just book one in a series!

Priscilla is one of those rare characters whose voice just leaps off the page at you. She is funny, loveable, tough, and just the kind of girl you want to root for...it also helps that she's kind of awesome, what with the fire fingers and all! Her brother Josh, who sings Christina Aguilera songs, her mischievous little twin brothers, and her overprotective Dad also feel as if they could walk right off the pages of the book.

Though you may think that a book about a girl who finds out she has superpowers and suddenly has to save other kids like herself would sound kind of farfetched and unbelievable, Nelson's writing just pulls you right past any doubt. The tone of this book is great. I ripped right through it with a smile on my face. I definitely would recommend this to tween girls looking for a role model character...or boys that want something funny...or adults who love funny YA books...or well, anyone.

Full disclosure: Received from Author for Blog Tour

Anxiously Awaiting...

Beauty Queens
by Libba Bray

Publication Date: May 24, 2011

Synopsis: From bestselling, Printz Award-winning author Libba Bray, the story of a plane of beauty pageant contestants that crashes on a desert island.

Teen beauty queens. A "Lost"-like island. Mysteries and dangers. No access to emall. And the spirit of fierce, feral competition that lives underground in girls, a savage brutality that can only be revealed by a journey into the heart of non-exfoliated darkness. Oh, the horror, the horror! Only funnier. With evening gowns. And a body count.

Ummm...Yes, please!!

Get to Know... Priscilla Sumner...and her Creator, Sybil Nelson!

As part of the Priscilla the Great blog tour, author Sybil Nelson has graciously stopped by to answer some questions for us!! This book is absolutely hilarious, the start of what I think will be a fantastic new middle grade series, and Sybil is just as spunky as her super creation, Priscilla. :)



1. I have to say I love that Priscilla has multiple powers…but if you could only pick one superpower to have, which would you choose?

I would want to pause time. I tend to do a million things at once and if I could take a break and give myself an extra hour here and there, that would be awesome.
*Oooh! That's a good one. I always say I'd like to be able to split myself in two so that I could be in two places at once, but your idea is EVEN better!*

2. Priscilla has a very overprotective Dad. I love that he’s so actively involved, but I remember being a teen and feeling like parents were such a pain sometimes…Did you draw him at all from your real life experiences?

Oh definitely. If my mother was a superhero she would be Psycho Paranoid Lady. My teenage years were an experiment in covert operations. Thankfully, I had my own car and an active imagination. She never knew what was going on. ;)

3. An older brother that likes to sing Christina Aguilera songs – why Christina Aguilera and not Britney or Lady Gaga or Katy Perry?

I really have no idea. I happen to be a big Christina Aguilera fan myself and one day I got an image in my head of a cute boy singing his heart out to “Ain’t No Other Man.” I thought it was hilarious so I went with it.

4. Speaking of music, what would be on Priscilla’s iPod?

What an awesome question. She’s actually not that big on pop music and likes more eclectic stuff believe it or not. She hosts a weekly theme on her blog called “Music the Radio Doesn’t Play.” Some of her favorite bands are Travis, Kent, Julie Slonecki, Rodrigo Y Gabriela, The Influence, David Ford, Robyn, The Smiths, Tuatara, Grandaddy and The Flaming Lips. But on the other hand, Priscilla is an amazing hip hop dancer so when she needs peppy music to get her going, she usually looks toward Usher or one of the Justins.
*I'd love to borrow her iPod for a day!! Don't forget to check out Priscilla's blog here.*

5. Are you working on any new books that you can tell us about right now?

I’m the type of author that always has about a million books going at once. I’m working on book 5 of the Priscilla series. I’m also working on a Young Adult Historical Fiction novel called Shadows of St. Louis. It’s an interracial love story about the race riots that occurred in that city. I also got another idea for a book today which I will start writing as soon as I’m done with this interview.
*Whew! This is one busy author-bee!! I can't wait to read books 2-5 in the Priscilla series myself!*

6. What was the last book that you read that you would recommend to other readers?

Another tough question. I don’t usually recommend books because everyone’s tastes are so different. I think the last book I read that would be a hit with the most people would be Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief. I just read that book last week. I don’t know why it took me so long to jump on that bandwagon, but I’m on now and I can’t wait for the next stop.

7. Quick Picks: Favorite Vacation Destination? Favorite Childhood Book? Favorite Movie? Favorite Food? Favorite Clothing Item?

Disney World, (Can’t decide) ,The Wedding Singer, Bacon, Sunglasses

Well, I'd like to thank Sybil again SOO much for stopping by to answer my questions... Please go check out her website, Priscilla's blog (which is hilarious and fun), and the actual book, of course, Priscilla the Great. Check out my review of the book here.