Dreamland - Book Trailer and Giveaway

I am huge fan of Alyson Noel's Riley Bloom series! Here's the book trailer for the newest book, Dreamland:



Doesn't it look great? In Dreamland, Riley's finding that the afterlife can be a lonely place when all you do is focus on work. So she goes to the place where dreams happen, hoping to find a way to contact her sister, Ever. She meets the director, who tells her about the two ways to send dreams. As a Dream Jumper, a person can jump into a dreamer's dream, share a message, and participate. As a Dreamweaver, an entire dream can be created in a studio and sent to the dreamer. But Dreamweaving was outlawed decades ago, and the studio was boarded up. Thinking it's her only way to reach out to her sister, Riley goes in search of the old studio. There she finds a ghost boy, who's been creating and sending nightmares to people for years. In order to stop him and reach out to Ever, Riley is going to have to confront and overcome her own fears.

I can't wait to see what Riley will decide to do...

If you want a chance to find out what happens next in Riley's afterlife, you could win a copy of Dreamland right here!

Just leave me a comment with your name and email address before Saturday, September 17th and on Sunday, September 18th, I'll randomly choose and contact a winner! (US and Canada only per publisher) Good Luck!!!

Get to Know....Kelly Keaton!

Today, I am lucky enough to have Kelly Keaton on the blog answering a few quick questions! Kelly is the author of Darkness Becomes Her, the first book in the Gods and Monsters series. (You can read my raving gold star review, here!!) Book two, A Beautiful Evil will be out in February 2012 and I can't wait!!



1. I loved the way that you explored the decadence and rich history of New Orleans to create New 2. Have you ever lived in New Orleans? Did you do a lot of research into the city’s history?

No, never lived there, though I have dreamed of that for ages! I started my love affair with NOLA over twenty years ago and have just been gathering details in my mind with each trip, each fact, photo, or book I read. A lot of the info in DBH was pulled from what I already know about the city or from previous notes I’d made that I found interesting. Most of my research beyond that was map checking and fact checking or digging through my personal photos and such.
*I have to say that I've never wanted to visit New Orleans so much as I did after finishing this book!*

2. What was your inspiration in deciding to have New Orleans become its own independent nation, outside of US government control?

I had this vision of Ari in a dark, lush, creepy world ruled by supernatural beings, and I knew that in order to make that a reality I had to rethink and recreate the city a little bit. I’d always wanted to set a story in NOLA, but never felt I had the right one until Ari came along. It was a very natural fit and the world fell into place perfectly. I wanted the city to retain its unique characteristics and charm while creating a new era where the Novem is in control, where real life rules and laws don’t always apply. So the inspiration came from those ideas, to do something different, make new rules, and create a supernatural playground for my characters that would be incredibly gothic, seeped in history, and had such beauty and hope in the midst of decay.

3. What were your favorite myths to read while you were growing up?

Mostly Greek and Egyptian. Anything that I could get my hands on in regards to the ancients. I love the stories of Pandora, Persephone, Prometheus (what’s with all the P’s?, LOL). I had dreams of being an archaeologist and would lie on my bedroom floor with old National Geographic maps and Time Life books, tracing the journeys of Greek heroes and gods. I was in elementary school when I started doing that, so mythology has been a part of my life for a long time. I adore Arthurian legend as well.

4. I know that book 2, A Beautiful Evil, is slated to come out in February. Are there more books that you would like to write in the series after that?

Absolutely. I would love to write a 3rd book to, at least, wrap things up in a trilogy. But I can see going beyond that as well. I plan to write Violet’s story, too, as her past and what she is has been known to me from almost the beginning – and it’s pretty shocking!
*Oooh! I'm beyond excited to find out!!*

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

Infinity by Sherrilyn Kenyon.
*I just read this too! I love Sherrilyn Kenyon's books.*

6. Quick Picks: Favorite Vacation Destination? Beach. Favorite Childhood Book? The Black Stallion. Favorite Movie? The Fifth Element. Favorite Food? Potatoes, in any form (except raw) Favorite Clothing Item? Crazy socks and plain white V-neck T-shirt.
*I'll eat potatoes any way, too, even small pieces raw. I <3 Potatoes!*


Kelly, thank you SO much for letting me interview you!

If you haven't checked out Kelly's book, Darkness Becomes Her, I suggest you check it out ASAP! *Sooo good!!* For more information, you can also check out her website and like her on Facebook!!

Winner - All These Things I've Done giveaway!

I am pleased to announce that the winner of the All These Things I've Done giveaway (via random drawing at random.org) is...

Kim!!

Kim, check your email...you have until Saturday, September 17th to contact me with your mailing address so we can send the book out to you. Congratulations again!

In My Mailbox - September 11, 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!

Gifted:

*A very special shout out to my friend, Miss Kim, for getting me a beautiful hardcover copy of Divergent, one of my new favorite books, for my birthday!!*

For Review:

The Highest Frontier by Joan Slonczewski
*Thanks to Tor Teen*
The Fox Inheritance by Mary E. Pearson
*Thanks to SLJ*


Blessed by Cynthia Leitich Smith
*Thanks to SLJ*


From the Library:

Invincible by Sherrilyn Kenyon
Tempest Rising by Tracy Deebs


Birthmarked by Caragh M. O'Brien


On My Nook:

Reality Check by Niki Burnham
Haunting the Night by Mara Purnhagen


Bright Young Things by Anna Godbersen
*Woot! Loving all the freebies on B&N this week!*

Going Too Far

Going Too Far
by Jennifer Echols

All Meg has ever wanted is to get away. Away from high school. Away from her backwater town. Away from her parents who seem determined to keep her imprisoned in their dead-end lives. But one crazy evening involving a dare and forbidden railroad tracks, she goes way too far...and almost doesn't make it back.

John made a choice to stay. To enforce the rules. To serve and protect. He has nothing but contempt for what he sees as childish rebellion, and he wants to teach Meg a lesson she won't soon forget. But Meg pushes him to the limit by questioning everything he learned at the police academy. And when he pushes back, demanding to know why she won't be tied down, they will drive each other to the edge -- and over.... (description from Amazon.com)

Okay, I've already praised Jennifer Echols excessively recently...I know, I know! You're probably sick of hearing it. BUT, I'm telling you I've gone full-on fangirl for her books!

This one. I picked it up at bedtime...big mistake! Three hours later, having stopped several times to wipe tears from my streaming face, I finally turned the last page...and wanted more. I cannot get enough of these stories.

Sure, some will argue that the love stories are predictable. I don't care! Each character draws me fully in. They are wounded. They lash out. They love with passion. These are the contemporary stories that will actually hold my interest!

In this specific book, my heart broke several times. Once when I found out the reason that Meg rebels. Once when I found out the reason John became a police officer and haunts a certain bridge. Once when it seemed that they'd pushed each other too far to come back...and finally when resolution was found. Through it all, I smiled and held my breath, trusting Jennifer Echols to push me through.

Trust me when I say this. I will read all of Jennifer Echols' future books. All of them.

Black Night

Black Night
by Christina Henry
Black Wings, book two

Madeline Black is an Agent of death, meaning she escorts the souls of people who have died to the afterlife. Of course, not everyone is happy to see her...

If obstinate dead people were all that Maddy had to worry about, life would be much easier. But the best-laid plans of Agents and fallen angels often go awry. Deaths are occurring contrary to the natural order, Maddy's being stalked by foes inside and outside of her family, and her two loves-her bodyguard, Gabriel, and her doughnut-loving gargoyle, Beezle-have disappeared. But because Maddy is Lucifer's granddaughter, things are expected of her, things like delicate diplomatic missions to other realms. (description from Amazon.com)

As I said in my review of Henry's first book, Black Wings (here), this is an urban fantasy that goes by in a flash. Maddy is a strong heroine. There are interesting paranormal beings (let's see, faeries, werewolves, fallen angels...yup, pretty much the works) and not only the cool urban setting of Chicago, but in this book we get to see one of the Faerie Kingdoms.

I loved how Henry layered in the interactions with the different species. It was awesome to see what J.B. is and how he relates to Maddy's mission from her grandfather. The way that their relationship influences certain things was interesting...

Again, I loved Beezle best of all. I really just want to reach into the book and pull that little gargoyle out to ride around on MY shoulder. He is so funny and wonderfully protective. <3

As I read about Maddy's powers growing, her understanding of her powers growing, and the revelations about what her destiny could truly be, all I could think was "how long do I have to wait for the next one?!" They haven't announced a release date yet for book three in the series, but Christina Henry's website says there will be at least six books in the series... :)

Tortall and Other Lands: A Collection of Tales

Tortall and Other Lands: A Collection of Tales
by Tamora Pierce

Collected here for the first time are all of the tales from the land of Tortall, featuring both previously unknown characters as well as old friends. Filling some gaps of time and interest, these stories, some of which have been published before, will lead Tammy's fans, and new readers into one of the most intricately constructed worlds of modern fantasy. (description from Amazon.com)

Tamora Pierce is my favorite author. I love almost everything she's ever put out. She is an incredible world-builder and her characters have phenomenal depth. If you've never read anything by Ms. Pierce, this would be an excellent place to start...you could read one story, or them all!

I loved that while some of the stories relate to Tamora Pierce's larger series books, each could be read individually, and some were completely new. One of my favorites was called "Huntress," and took place in modern day New York City, seemingly realistic fiction until Artemis, the Moon Goddess makes an appearance.

Fans of Daine from the Wild Magic series will rejoice to read a story about Kitten, her little dragon friend. Aly's fans (Trickster series) will love to read the story about birthing her triplets. Several others are set in the Tortallan kingdom and surrounding lands, but feature new and interesting characters.

The best thing about these stories, though, is that they can tackle tough topics without losing the reader's interest in the fantastic. Morality, murder, discrimination, sexism, abuse...it's all there with tough, interesting characters in fascinating situations to take it on. I ended just about each story with a smile on my face (sometimes a tear in my eye...) and a warm feeling in my heart.

Well worth checking out!

100 Most Popular YA Books

So, this is a list of what is supposedly the 100 most popular books/series in YA today. I found it over at What's Your Story, a blog I follow, who in turn found it somewhere else, ect. I have no idea who originally built the list and on what criteria it was decided, but I thought I'd go through and see how many I'd read anyway!

Bold means I've read it.
Italics means I own it, but have not read it yet.

Alex Finn – Beastly
Alice Sebold – The Lovely Bones
Ally Carter – Gallagher Girls (1, 2, 3, 4)
Ally Condie – Matched, Crossed
Alyson Noel – The Immortals (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
Anastasia Hopcus – Shadow Hills
Angie Sage – Septimus Heap (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
Ann Brashares – The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (1, 2, 3, 4)
Anna Godbersen – Luxe (1, 2, 3, 4)
Anthony Horowitz – Alex Rider (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
Aprilynne Pike – Wings (1, 2, 3)
Becca Fitzpatrick – Hush, Hush (1, 2)
Brandon Mull – Fablehaven (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
Brian Selznick – The Invention of Hugo Cabret
Cassandra Clare – The Mortal Instruments (1, 2, 3, 4)
Carrie Jones – Need (1, 2, 3)
Carrie Ryan – The Forest of Hands and Teeth (1, 2, 3)
Christopher Paolini - Inheritance (1, 2, 3, 4)
Cinda Williams Chima – The Heir Chronicles (1, 2, 3)
Colleen Houck – Tigers Saga (1, 2)
Cornelia Funke – Inkheart (1, 2, 3)
Ellen Hopkins – Impulse
Eoin Colfer – Artemis Fowl (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
Faraaz Kazi – Truly, Madly, Deeply
Frank Beddor – The Looking Glass Wars (1, 2, 3)
Gabrielle Zevin – Elsewhere
Gail Carson Levine – Fairest
Holly Black – Tithe (1, 2, 3)
J.K. Rowling – Harry Potter (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
James Dashner – The Maze Runner (1, 2)
James Patterson – Maximum Ride (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
Jay Asher – Thirteen Reasons Why
Jeanne DuPrau – Books of Ember (1, 2, 3, 4)
Jeff Kinney – Diary of a Wimpy Kid (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
John Boyne – The Boy in the Striped Pajamas
John Green – An Abundance of Katherines
John Green – Looking for Alaska
John Green – Paper Towns
Jonathan Stroud – Bartimaeus (1, 2, 3, 4)
Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl – Caster Chronicles (1, 2)
Kelley Armstrong – Darkest Powers (1, 2, 3)
Kristin Cashore – The Seven Kingdoms (1, 2)
Lauren Kate – Fallen (1, 2, 3)
Lemony Snicket - Series of Unfortunate Events (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
Libba Bray – Gemma Doyle (1, 2, 3)
Lisa McMann – Dream Catcher (1, 2, 3)
Louise Rennison – Confessions of Georgia Nicolson (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
M.T. Anderson – Feed
Maggie Stiefvater – The Wolves of Mercy Falls (1, 2, 3)
Margaret Peterson Haddix – Shadow Children (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
Maria V. Snyder – Study (1, 2, 3)
Markus Zusak - The Book Thief
Markus Zusak – I am the Messenger
Mark Haddon – The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time
Mary Ting – Crossroads
Maureen Johnson – Little Blue Envelope (1, 2)
Meg Cabot – All-American Girl (1, 2)
Meg Cabot – The Mediator (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
Meg Cabot – The Princess Diaries (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
Meg Rosoff – How I live now
Megan McCafferty – Jessica Darling (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
Megan Whalen Turner – The Queen’s Thief (1, 2, 3, 4)
Melina Marchetta – On the Jellicoe Road
Melissa de la Cruz – Blue Bloods (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
Melissa Marr – Wicked Lovely (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
Michael Grant – Gone (1, 2, 3, 4)
Nancy Farmer – The House of the Scorpion
Neal Shusterman – Unwind
Neil Gaiman – Coraline
Neil Gaiman – Stardust
Neil Gaiman – The Graveyard Book
P.C. Cast & Kristin Cast – House of Night (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 )
Philip Pullman – His Dark Materials (1, 2, 3)
Rachel Caine – The Morganville Vampires (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
Rachel Cohn & David Levithan – Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist
Richelle Mead – Vampire Academy (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
Rick Riordan – Percy Jackson and the Olympians (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
Rom LcO’Feer – Somewhere carnal over 40 winks
S.L. Naeole – Grace (1, 2, 3, 4)
Sabrina Bryan & Julia DeVillers – Princess of Gossip
Sarah Dessen – Along for the Ride
Sarah Dessen – Lock and Key
Sarah Dessen – The Truth about Forever
Sara Shepard – Pretty Little Liars (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
Scott Westerfeld - Leviathan (1, 2)
Scott Westerfeld - Uglies (1, 2, 3, 4)
Shannon Hale – Books of a Thousand Days
Shannon Hale – Princess Academy
Shannon Hale – The Books of Bayern (1, 2, 3, 4)
Sherman Alexie & Ellen Forney – The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
Simone Elkeles – Perfect Chemistry (1, 2, 3)
Stephanie Meyer – The Host
Stephanie Meyer – Twilight Saga (1, 2, 3, 4)
Sue Monk Kidd – The Secret Life of Bees
Susan Beth Pfeffer – Last Survivors (1, 2, 3)
Suzanne Collins – Hunger Games (1, 2, 3)
Suzanne Collins – Underland Chronicles (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
Terry Pratchett – Tiffany Aching (1, 2, 3, 4)
Tonya Hurley – Ghost Girl (1, 2, 3)
Wendelin Van Draanen – Flipped

Not bad! I'm proud to say I've read the majority of these titles. There are a few series on here that I've never heard of though, so I'll have to go look those up! How about you? Have you read all of these?

If You Like: Will Grayson, Will Grayson

"If You Like…” is a feature highlighting blogger recommendations for books, authors, TV shows, movies, and music based on the things you already know and love.

This week's recommendations are for fans of Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green and David Levithan. I loved this book!! (You can see my review here) Check out other books, movies, etc that might appeal to you here.

Quicksilver

Quicksilver
by Amanda Quick
The Looking Glass Trilogy, book two

Virginia Dean wakes at midnight beside a dead body, with a bloody knife in her hand and no memory of the evening's events. Dark energy, emanating from the mirrors lining the room, overpowers her senses. With no apparent way in or out, she is rescued by a man she has met only once before, but won't soon forget.

Owen Sweetwater inherited his family's talent for hunting the psychical monsters who prey on London's women and children, and his investigation into the deaths of two glass-readers has led him here. The high-society types of the exclusive Arcane Society would consider Virginia an illusionist, a charlatan, even a criminal, but Owen knows better. Virginia's powers are real-and they just might be the key to solving this challenging case. (description from Amazon.com)

I thought this was another exciting book from Amanda Quick. Virginia was a likeable, strong heroine - capable of looking out for herself, which I love! - who happens to find the right strong man to match her. Owen was a smoldering, smart man who I really enjoyed reading about...

Funnily enough, my favorite character out of the whole book was the housekeeper! She was a spunky woman that I wouldn't mind seeing get her own story at some point. I also loved Virginia's best friend who ran a very specialized bookstore. There were lots of great characters in this novel.

I am again very curious to see how this works into the final book of the trilogy, set in the future. I love how Jayne Ann Krentz has begun crossing storylines over amongst her pennames to create a huge connected story world. Absolutely fabulous. Her books under the Jayne Castle name are actually my favorite, so I'm really looking forward to Canyons of Night.

Once In a Full Moon

Once in a Full Moon
by Ellen Schreiber

Beware of a kiss under the full moon. It will change your life forever.

Celeste Parker is used to hearing scary stories about werewolves—Legend's Run is famous for them. She's used to everything in the small town until Brandon Maddox moves to Legend's Run and Celeste finds herself immediately drawn to the handsome new student. But when, after an unnerving visit with a psychic, she encounters a pack of wolves and gorgeous, enigmatic Brandon, she must discover whether his transformation is more than legend or just a trick of the shadows in the moonlight.

Her best friends may never forgive her if she gives up her perfect boyfriend, Nash, for Brandon, who's from the wrong side of town. But she can't deny her attraction or the strong pull he has on her. Brandon may be Celeste's hero, or he may be the most dangerous creature she could encounter in the woods of Legend's Run. (description from Amazon.com)

Having read the first few books in Ellen Schreiber's Vampire Kisses series, I knew that her audience skews a little younger. That being said, I thought that this werewolf book would be perfect to hand to a tween reader that wants to venture into the paranormal, but can't quite handle something like Andrea Cremer's Nightshade.

The characters were likeable, if somewhat tepid. The plot was interesting, though imminently predictable. It was an okay book, but nothing spectacular. For an eleven year old, though, it could be just the right thing.

Full disclosure: ARC received as a gift, e-ARC from Netgalley

All These Things I've Done - Book Trailer and Giveaway!

In 2083, chocolate and coffee are illegal, paper is hard to find, water is carefully rationed, and New York City is rife with crime and poverty.think she's to blame. Suddenly, Anya finds herself thrust unwillingly into the spotlight--at school, in the news, and most importantly, within her mafia family.



I think that All These Things I've Done by Gabrielle Zevin sounds amazing! I can't wait to read this one. Thankfully, I'll get to...and maybe, so will you! Thanks to Zieghost Media, I have one copy up for grabs.

Want to enter to win a copy? Leave a comment with your name and email address by Sunday, September 11th. On Monday, September 12th, I'll randomly draw one winner and they will have until Saturday, September 17th to get me the address (US/Canada only per publisher) where they would like the book shipped. Good luck!!

Cover Craving...

Touch of Power
by Maria V. Snyder
Publication date: Dec. 20, 2011

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 Fifteen Realms, 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....

Winner - Vanish Swag

Okay, so I totally dropped the ball on this one and got caught up in family stuff and forgot to announce the VANISH SWAG giveaway winner!

So, very belatedly...

I am pleased to announce that the winner of the Team Draki Vanish Swag giveaway (via random drawing at random.org) is...

Read2Read!!

Read2Read, check your email...you have until Saturday, September 10th to contact me with your mailing address so I can send the swag out to you ASAP. Congratulations again!

Winner - Hades giveaway!

I am pleased to announce that the winner of the Hades giveaway (via random drawing at random.org) is...

Violet!!

Violet, check your email...you have until Saturday, September 10th to contact me with your mailing address so we can send the book out to you. Congratulations again!

Infinity

Infinity
by Sherrilyn Kenyon
The Chronicles of Nick, book one

At fourteen, Nick Gautier thinks he knows everything about the world around him. Streetwise, tough and savvy, his quick sarcasm is the stuff of legends. . .until the night when his best friends try to kill him. Saved by a mysterious warrior who has more fighting skills than Chuck Norris, Nick is sucked into the realm of the Dark-Hunters: immortal vampire slayers who risk everything to save humanity.

Nick quickly learns that the human world is only a veil for a much larger and more dangerous one: a world where the captain of the football team is a werewolf and the girl he has a crush on goes out at night to stake the undead.

But before he can even learn the rules of this new world, his fellow students are turning into flesh eating zombies. And he’s next on the menu.

As if starting high school isn't hard enough. . .now Nick has to hide his new friends from his mom, his chainsaw from the principal, and keep the zombies and the demon Simi from eating his brains, all without getting grounded or suspended. How in the world is he supposed to do that? (description from Amazon.com)

I love Sherrilyn Kenyon's books. Her writing is fluid, engaging, and highly entertaining. Most characters drop sarcastic quips like they are going out of style and I can rip through one in a couple quick hours. Love it.

All those things that I love about the adult Dark Hunters series are still found in the new(ish - I know, I know. I got this book soooo long ago, and just never got around to reading it!) Chronicles of Nick series. I love getting to see Nick as a teenager.

My only problem was that as such a devotee of the adult series, I had a hard time adjusting to the new world view in this book. I was confused for a short time before I realized that the whole point of this series is to change the events of the adult series! (trying not to be spoilery...sorry if it's vague...) Having finally figured that out, I was able to look at things from another angle and just enjoy the story without trying to place it into the timeline of the adult series.

All in all, though I still love the adult Dark Hunters books a hair more, this is definitely a series I will also be keeping up with....

2011 Zombie Reading Challenge

Justin Case: School, Drool and Other Daily Disasters

Justin Case: School, Drool, and Other Daily Disasters
by Rachel Vail

It’s the start of the school year, and nothing feels right to Justin. He didn’t get the teacher he wanted, he’s not in the same class as his best friend, and his little sister, Elizabeth, is starting kindergarten at his school. Elizabeth doesn’t seem nervous at all. Justin is very nervous about third grade. And to top it off, he’s lost his favorite stuffed animal, but he can’t tell anyone, because technically he’s too old to still have stuffed animals. Right? (description from Amazon.com)

Such a good book. I was a little surprised when I picked it up...for some reason I thought Justin was older than third grade when I checked it out from the Library, but it was still excellent even though it was really for a much younger audience.

Justin is a really lovable little boy. He is a full on worrywort. I had forgotten all of the things that had made me terrified as a kid! I loved that he had personalities for all of his stuffed animals and that he spent the year learning how to survive without his favorite, even though he missed it terribly.

In fact, Justin spends the whole year trying to become braver and watching him take this journey was very heartwarming. I rooted wholeheartedly for Justin as he made new friends, climbed the superhigh rope in gym class, and gets through the first few months of having a new and super drooly, excitable dog!

With cute illustrations and a great story, this book was really good. I hope that Rachel Vail plans to write another book about Justin's fourth grade adventures!

Love Story

Love Story
by Jennifer Echols

SHE’S WRITING ABOUT HIM. HE’S WRITING ABOUT HER. AND EVERYBODY IS READING BETWEEN THE LINES.

For Erin Blackwell, majoring in creative writing at the New York City college of her dreams is more than a chance to fulfill her ambitions—it’s her ticket away from the tragic memories that shadow her family’s racehorse farm in Kentucky. But when she refuses to major in business and take over the farm herself someday, her grandmother gives Erin’s college tuition and promised inheritance to their maddeningly handsome stable boy, Hunter Allen. Now Erin has to win an internship and work late nights at a local coffee shop to make her own dreams a reality. She should despise Hunter . . . so why does he sneak into her thoughts as the hero of her latest writing assignment?

Then, on the day she’s sharing that assignment with her class, Hunter walks in. He’s joining her class. And after he reads about himself in her story, her private fantasies about him must be painfully clear. She only hopes to persuade him not to reveal her secret to everyone else. But Hunter devises his own creative revenge, writing sexy stories that drive the whole class wild with curiosity and fill Erin’s heart with longing. Now she’s not just imagining what might have been. She’s writing a whole new ending for her romance with Hunter . . . except this story could come true. (description from Amazon.com)

Okay, I am officially a Jennifer Echols fan!

Her books are sexy. Not dirty, not gratuitous, but passionate and well, sexy. You can't help but root for the characters to just get together and admit their feelings go beyond the lust already!

There are also great, interesting storylines. I loved this concept of the writing within the book. Each story reflected what the character felt and wanted to say, but felt unable to say, so perfectly. The characters taunted each other, begged for forgiveness and asked each other for understanding.

These books may be short. They may look like they could be "fluff," but they are the furthest from... These are passionate stories with complex characters that are, well, just fun to read. I know when I open one of Jennifer Echols' books I better plan to not put it down again until the last page!

Full disclosure: Won from giveaway on Chick Lit Teens

In My Mailbox - September 4, 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:

Slice of Cherry by Dia Reeves
Feeling Sorry for Celia by Jaclyn Moriarty

On My Nook:

Dust and Decay by Jonathan Maberry
Demon Girl by Penelope Fletcher

Not a huge week, but I am super stoked to read these!

I'm Taking a Stand!! Team Puck Forever.:)

Sweet Venom

Sweet Venom
by Tera Lynn Childs
Publication date: Sept. 6, 2011

Grace just moved to San Francisco and is excited to start over at a new school. The change is full of fresh possibilities, but it’s also a tiny bit scary. It gets scarier when a minotaur walks in the door. And even more shocking when a girl who looks just like her shows up to fight the monster.

Gretchen is tired of monsters pulling her out into the wee hours, especially on a school night, but what can she do? Sending the minotaur back to his bleak home is just another notch on her combat belt. She never expected to run into this girl who could be her double, though.

Greer has her life pretty well put together, thank you very much. But that all tilts sideways when two girls who look eerily like her appear on her doorstep and claim they’re triplets, supernatural descendants of some hideous creature from Greek myth, destined to spend their lives hunting monsters.

These three teenage descendants of Medusa, the once-beautiful Gorgon maligned in myth, must reunite and embrace their fates in this unique paranormal world where monsters lurk in plain sight. (description from Amazon.com)

Ok, so I already read this book a few weeks ago and published my pictorial teaser (check it out here) because I couldn't wait to say something about how much I loved this book!

First off, Tera has such an easy to read and engaging writing style. I love everything that she writes just from that standpoint. Then, you add in awesome characters, mythology, fun details and BAM! You have a winner.

I loved that this book was set in San Fransisco. It's one of those cities that has it's own character and mystique, adding another layer to the storyline. (And now, I really can't wait to see it myself someday!) The trolleys, the restaurants, the wharfs, the, well everything just seems soooo cool.

I loved that this book had three main characters. It was such fun learning about each. Their likes, dislikes, quirks, etc. and they are three very different girls! I had a blast imagining meeting each one and seeing how they reacted to different situations (and each other...). So far, my favorite is Grace. She's the easiest for me to relate to, but all of the girls are interesting in different ways.

I thought this book was action packed, funny, and had a really interesting mythology built into it. I CANNOT wait to read "Sweet Venom 2" (the title's going to be revealed SOON!!) and I think that this really is my favorite of Tera's books so far.

Full disclosure: review copy received from publisher

Hades - Book Trailer and Giveaway!

Guess what came out today? The second book in Alexandra Adornetto's sweeping angel trilogy, Hades. The first book, Halo, began Bethany's journey on Earth...and now to fight the forces of evil, she'll have to travel into Hell...



Zieghost Media has graciously allowed me to host a giveaway! One lucky winner will receive a finished copy of Hades. To enter, all you need to do is leave me a comment before Monday, Sept. 5th with your name, email address, and the name of your favorite angel from books, TV, movies - whatever! On Tues., Sept. 6th, I will randomly draw the winner and they will have until Sat., Sept. 10th to get me their mailing address (US/Canada only per publisher - sorry!). GOOD LUCK!!

Sweet Venom 2 - Title Hunt!!

To help celebrate Sweet Venom's release next week, Tera Lynn Childs is hosting a little contest to see if you can figure out the title for the second book in the series, due out next fall. *squee!*

Many different bloggers are revealing letters that are contained in the title. If you can unscramble them and fill in the title boxes (see below), then you can enter the contest on Tera's website. What are the prizes? Tera's giving away FIVE signed copies of Sweet Venom and a grand prize $50 book store gift card! *Awesome, right?*


If you'd like to participate, don't forget to jump over to Tera's blog, and check out the list of bloggers so that you can start collecting letters!

My letter:


AND, check back here tomorrow for my full review of the first book in the series, Sweet Venom.

Kiss of Death

Kiss of Death
by Lauren Henderson
Scarlett Wakefield, book four

Scarlett thought Dan McAndrew's murder was long behind her, but when she and her classmates arrive in Edinburgh for a weeklong field trip, she's startled to be joined by her old St. Tabby's cohorts--and enemies--who are visiting the area on a field trip as well. Even more startling, Callum, Dan's surviving twin, is in the area--and his cold treatment leaves Scarlett wondering what's changed, especially when a series of attacks makes her believe that someone's out to get her for her past mistakes. Would Callum ever hurt her, though? And what's Scarlett to make of her conflicting feelings for Callum, now that Jase isn't around? Even more upsetting, why is her most trusted confidante, Taylor, acting distant and dismissive? (description from Amazon.com)

Though I love the premise of this series and this book wrapped things up nicely, there were moments that it dragged for me. It was a little longer than it could have been in the middle sections, when really the ending could have been fleshed out just a little more. All that aside, though it wasn't my favorite book in the series, it was still very good.

I love the way that Scarlett comes to really appreciate her friendship with Taylor as she compares it to all the other friendships in her life and surrounding her. I loved that her romantic life really and truly works out and that she finds out that her Grandmother really cares for her. I love the excitement in this series - really, you just can't beat a great attempted murder scene! I love the settings in this series and Edinborough was particularly "beautiful" in this book.

Though I am in a way glad to see Scarlett's story come to an end, I will definitely be checking out Lauren Henderson's future books to see if I can capture that feeling of excitement that she so effortlessly achieves again!

Withering Tights

Withering Tights
by Louise Rennison
The Misadventures of Tallulah Casey, book one

Wow. This is it. This is me growing up. On my own, going to Performing Arts College. This is good-bye, Tallulah, you long, gangly thing, and hellooooo, Lullah, star of stage.

Tallulah Casey is ready to find her inner artist. And some new mates. And maybe a boy or two or three.

The ticket to achieving these lofty goals? Enrolling in a summer performing arts program, of course. She's bound for the wilds of Yorkshire Dales—eerily similar to the windswept moors of Wuthering Heights. Tallulah expects new friends, less parental interference, and lots of drama. Acting? Tights? Moors? Check, check, check.

What she doesn't expect is feeling like a tiny bat's barging around in her mouth when she has her first snog. (description from Amazon.com)

While this didn't quite pack the ultimate punch for me that The Confessions of Georgia Nicolson series did, it did cure my case of Georgia withdrawal! I hadn't realized how much I'd missed the funny made-up Brit slang, the not-so-made-up, but still funny Brit slang, and the wonderful teen voice that Rennison infuses her books with!

Poor Tallulah's obsession with growing corkers and getting her first snog. Her confusion when she meets some delicious looking boys, but realizes that they may make her feel, well somewhat uncomfortable...I mean, what do boys mean when they do these weird things, anyway??

Though I think that Georgia is a once in a life character, the kind that you would have trouble following, I think Tallulah stands on her own. I loved that in this series, Tallulah is just getting to know all of her friends. They each have their own quirkiness and they embrace Tallulah's, well odd behavior, wholeheartedly. I think this is the start of a great new (funny) series.

Full disclosure: Borrowed from Jen at Yabooknerd

Hunger Games sneak peek!

Okay, so for those of you that don't know, I live in eastern CT. We got hit yesterday by "Hurricane Irene" and I thought it was going fairly well - we weren't too badly battered, luckily - until our power went out yesterday afternoon. :(

So, what's my first thought? Not, oh no, will our food go bad, will we have alarm clocks to get up in the morning, can we flush the toilets? No. My first thought was "Oh my god, I hope they get it on in time so that I can DVR the VMA's and see the first trailer from THE HUNGER GAMES movie!!"

...which they did not. We still have no power. SO. I wasn't able to see this until I finally came into work this morning, even though I could see all kinds of tweets, Facebook posts, etc. on my phone...but not the actual trailer!

I am pleased to be able to say I finally saw it! I loved it! I can't wait for this movie to come out.
In case you haven't seen it yet, here you go:

Get More: 2011 VMA, Music

*A quick update - we got power back! Lucky us!! A lot of the state is still out. :(

In My Mailbox - August 28, 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:

Jack Blank and the Secret War by Matt Myklusch
All These Things I've Done by Gabrielle Zevin
*Thanks to AudioFile*



Every Other Day by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Nightshade by MaryRose Wood
*Thanks NetGalley!*


Prized by Caragh O'Brien
Liesl and Po by Lauren Oliver
*Thanks NetGalley!*


Paradise Prophecy by Robert Browne
*Thanks to Dutton*
Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake
*Thanks to Tor Teen!*

From the Library:

The Seventh Level by Jody Feldman
Edda by Conor Kostick