Wednesday, February 5, 2014

I Moved to Wordpress!


Hey Everyone!

Sorry it's been slow here on the blog lately but I've been busy with some really big changes. I MOVED TO WORDPRESS! This is something I've been considering for over a year now and I'm excited that I finally took the plunge and switched. While I've loved my time here on Blogger I really wanted more creative freedom with my blog layout & design that I didn't have on this platform. I'm really happy with my new blog design and I hope all of you who have followed me here for the last three years will continue to follow me on Wordpress. 

Without further ado, the new blog link:  


Hope to see you all there =)

Sunday, February 2, 2014

February Releases!


IGNITE ME (Shatter Me #3) by Tahereh Mafi   


ADD ON GOODREADS
The heart-stopping conclusion to the New York Times bestselling Shatter Me series, which Ransom Riggs, bestselling author of Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, called "a thrilling, high-stakes saga of self-discovery and forbidden love"

Juliette now knows she may be the only one who can stop the Reestablishment. But to take them down, she'll need the help of the one person she never thought she could trust: Warner. And as they work together, Juliette will discover that everything she thought she knew-about Warner, her abilities, and even Adam-was wrong.

In Shatter Me, Tahereh Mafi created a captivating and original story that combined the best of dystopian and paranormal and was praised by Publishers Weekly as "a gripping read from an author who's not afraid to take risks." The sequel, Unravel Me, blew readers away with heart-racing twists and turns, and New York Times bestselling author Kami Garcia said it was "dangerous, sexy, romantic, and intense." Now this final book brings the series to a shocking and climactic end.



VENGEANCE (Fracture #2) by Megan Miranda

ADD ON GOODREADS
Falcon Lake wants vengeance. And so, it seems, does someone else... An intense, heart-rending psychological thriller to accompany the chilling and seductive Fracture

When Decker drags his best friend Delaney’s lifeless body out of the frozen lake, he makes a deal: Anyone but her. Everyone but her. The lake releases her. It takes another...

All their friends blame Delaney for Carson’s death. But Decker knows the truth: Delaney is drawn to those who are dying, and she would have tried to help Carson.

Or so Decker believes until a body lies in front of him in a pool of water on his kitchen floor. Until he sees in Delaney’s eyes that she knew this would happen too – and she said nothing. Until he realises it isn’t the lake that is looking for revenge – Delaney is part of someone else’s plan.

This powerful and emotionally charged psychological thriller follows Megan Miranda’s stunning debut Fracture.




LANDRY PARK by Bethany Hagen 

ADD ON GOODREADS

Downton Abbey meets The Selection in this dystopian tale of love and betrayal

In a fragmented future United States ruled by the lavish gentry, seventeen-year-old Madeline Landry dreams of going to the university. Unfortunately, gentry decorum and her domineering father won't allow that. Madeline must marry, like a good Landry woman, and run the family estate. But her world is turned upside down when she discovers the devastating consequences her lifestyle is having on those less fortunate. As Madeline begins to question everything she has ever learned, she finds herself increasingly drawn to handsome, beguiling David Dana. Soon, rumors of war and rebellion start to spread, and Madeline finds herself and David at the center of it all. Ultimately, she must make a choice between duty - her family and the estate she loves dearly - and desire.





SOMETHING REAL by Heather Demetrios

ADD ON GOODREADS


There’s nothing real about reality TV.

Seventeen-year-old Bonnie™ Baker has grown up on TV—she and her twelve siblings are the stars of one-time hit reality show Baker’s Dozen. Since the show’s cancellation and the scandal surrounding it, Bonnie™ has tried to live a normal life, under the radar and out of the spotlight. But it’s about to fall apart…because Baker’s Dozen is going back on the air. Bonnie™’s mom and the show’s producers won’t let her quit and soon the life she has so carefully built for herself, with real friends (and maybe even a real boyfriend), is in danger of being destroyed by the show. Bonnie™ needs to do something drastic if her life is ever going to be her own—even if it means being more exposed than ever before.




THE SOUND OF LETTING GO by Stasia Ward Kehoe  


ADD ON GOODREADS


For sixteen years, Daisy has been good. A good daughter, helping out with her autistic younger brother uncomplainingly. A good friend, even when her best friend makes her feel like a third wheel. When her parents announce they’re sending her brother to an institution—without consulting her—Daisy’s furious, and decides the best way to be a good sister is to start being bad. She quits jazz band and orchestra, slacks in school, and falls for bad-boy Dave. 

But one person won’t let Daisy forget who she used to be: Irish exchange student and brilliant musician Cal. Does she want the bad boy or the prodigy? Should she side with her parents or protect her brother? How can she know when to hold on and when—and how—to let go?






What February release are you looking forward to?

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Book to Screen: The Fault In Our Stars Teaser Trailer!

Apparently the full length FIOS movie trailer aired this morning on the Today Show!!! While I haven't been able to get my hands on the full version I did want to share this little 12 second teaser trailer I found because it got me SO EXCITED for the movie!


We've been seeing movie stills and pictures from the set for so long it didn't feel real until I finally saw this trailer =D

Also a few new movie stills. . .

(Picture from hypable.com)

(Picture from hypable.com)

Sunday, January 26, 2014

Quote of the Week: Unravel Me (1)

Quote of the Week is a new segment where I will be sharing some of my favorite quotes, whether they be from books or just something I find inspiring.

"… stop walking around like the world crapped on your only roll of toilet paper."

-Unravel Me by Tahereh Mafi


Ohh how I love Kenji =) He had so many great lines in this book, but this one was by far my favorite! 
I literally busted out laughing. I'm sure you'll be seeing more Kenji quotes in the weeks to come.

Friday, January 24, 2014

MG Review: The Dark Lady (Sherlock, Lupin & Me #1)



Title: The Dark Lady (Sherlock, Lupin & Me #1)
Author: Irene Adler
# of Pages: 240
Publisher: Capstone Young Readers
Publication Date: February 1st 2014
Source: NetGalley
Level: Middle Grade
Rating: 2 Hearts





Synopsis

While on summer vacation, little Irene Adler meets a young William Sherlock Holmes. The two share stories of pirates and have battles of wit while running wild on the sunny streets and rooftops. When Sherlock’s friend, Lupin, joins in on the fun, they all become fast friends. But the good times end abruptly when a dead body floats ashore on the nearby beach. The young detective trio will have to put all three of their heads together to solve this mystery.

My Verdict


I stumbled across this book when searching through NetGalley's available titles looking for something quite different. I've recently become obsessed with the BBC drama Sherlock and was very interested in this middle-grade mystery about a young Sherlock Holmes.

While this book is just being released in the US this February, it was originally an Italian title and part of a series that already has four books. The book is told from Irene Adler's point of view as she looks back at her childhood and the time her and Sherlock first met, one summer in the beach-side town of Saint-Malo. Unfortunately, the book lost my interest very early on. The "big" mystery was very slow paced which took away any potential suspense.

I wasn't impressed by the writing, it felt narrated rather than seen through the eyes of our protagonist, Irene. There was also an extreme over use of exclamation marks. It was as if everything that came out of Irene's mouth was super important! I began imaging that she didn't just speak, but rather yelled everything.

For a book about Sherlock Holmes I felt we hardly got to know him at all. He was quiet and mysterious, which I know are some of his famous character traits. I just wish he wasn't such a stranger to the reader.

Hopefully the target audience enjoys this book better than I did. As for me, I won't be carrying on with the series. 

Sunday, January 19, 2014

Quote of the Week : Formerly Shark Girl

Quote of the Week is a new segment where I will be sharing some of my favorite quotes, whether they be from books or just something I find inspiring.


"Life should come with such a statement.
No Promises.
Just lots of hope."

- Shark Girl by Kelly Bingham

Friday, January 17, 2014

Kindle Book Deals

Just wanted to share a few kindle book deals I found tonight. Not sure how long these sale prices are running so don't delay!

$1.99
Incarnate by Jodi Meadows 

$1.99
The Assassin's Curse by Cassandra Rose Clarke

$2.99

Starters by Lissa Price 

$2.99
Tempest by Julie Cross 

Tuesday, January 14, 2014

2014 Challenges

Last year I joined about 8 or  9 different reading challenges, and while I technically reached most of them (read/reviewed the books) it was just too many to keep up with. I didn't link up those reviews at the hosting blog or take part in any reading/commenting on other participant reviews. This year I've decided to join only two challenges so that I can keep up with them and actually participate. 

The Prequel & Sequel Challenge hosted by Novel Heartbeat and Writer Grrl Reads

I have SOOO many series started with their beautiful sequels sitting on my shelf collecting dust. My main reading goal this year is to dust 'em off and finish those series! Below is the list of series I hope to finish as part of the challenge. In no particular order:

- Delirium Trilogy (Books 2 & 3)
- Unearthly Trilogy (Book 3)
- I Am Number Four (Books 3 & 4)
- Shatter Me (Book 3)
- Hush, Hush Saga (Book 4)
- Under the Never Sky Trilogy (Book 3)
- Gallagher Girl Series (Books 5 & 6)
- The Selection Trilogy (Book 3)
- Eve Trilogy (Book 3)
- Defiance Series (Book 2)
- Shadowlands Series (Book 2 & 3)
- Divergent Trilogy (Books 2 & 3)
- Hourglass Series (Book 2 & 3)
- Legend Trilogy (Books 2 & 3)
- The Pledge Trilogy (Books 2 & 3)
- The Inheritance Cycle (Books 3 & 4)

Phew! I knew I was behind on my series but I didn't realize I was THAT behind. 

Next is the Audiobook Challenge hosted by The Book Nympho and Hot Listens

I've listened to very few audiobooks in my day but it's something I would like to do more of. I'm going to aim for the Newbie level of 1-5 audiobooks. I've already started my first one.  Someday, Someday Maybe written and narrated by Lauren Graham (Lorelai from Gilmore Girls)

Monday, January 13, 2014

Breathtaking Book Cover: The Island


Todays Breathtaking Book Cover is . . . 

The Island
by
Teri Hall


In The Island, the compelling conclusion of The Line trilogy, Rachel and Pathik continue their adventure. Will Indigo’s firetales about the mysterious island called Salishan prove to be true? Are there inhabitants, and if so, are they friends or enemies? With no way back to where they came from, what price will Rachel and her loved ones have to pay in order to survive where they’ve landed? Are the risks they've taken, and the people they've lost forever, worth what they find on the island?

Sunday, January 12, 2014

Quote of the Week : The Book Thief (1)

Quote of the Week is a new segment where I will be sharing some of my favorite quotes, whether they be from books or just something I find inspiring.


"A snowball in the face is surely the perfect beginning to a lasting friendship."

-The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

Saturday, January 11, 2014

Shuffle Saturday 25: Stubborn Love

Shuffle Saturdays is hosted by the girls at Pretty In Fiction, where you post a random song from your ipod each week

This weeks song is . . . 
Stubborn Love by The Lumineers


I can't even explain my LOVE for this song! All I know is it makes me happy & I can't stop listening to it. I really like how the music video doesn't concentrate on the band themselves, instead it shows a little girl as she looks out the back window of a car and at one point you see the band singing on a street corner which I thought was a cool way to incorporate themselves into it.

Find out more about The Lumineers:



Sunday, January 5, 2014

Book News: January Releases!


COMING JANUARY 7th . . . 

See Jane Run by Hannah Jayne

I know who you are.

When Riley first gets the postcard tucked into her bag, she thinks it's a joke. Then she finds a birth certificate for a girl named Jane Elizabeth O'Leary hidden inside her baby book.

Riley's parents have always been pretty overprotective. What if it wasn't for her safety...but fear of her finding out their secret? What have they been hiding? The more Riley digs for answers, the more questions she has.

The only way to know the truth? Find out what happened to Jane O'Leary.

Enders by Lissa Price

(You can read by 5 Heart review HERE

With the Prime Destinations body bank destroyed, Callie no longer has to rent herself out to creepy Enders. But Enders can still get inside her mind and make her do things she doesn't want to do. Like hurt someone she loves. Having the chip removed could save Callie's life - but it could also silence the voice in her head that might belong to her father. Callie has flashes of her ex-renter Helena's memories, too ...and the Old Man is back, filling her with fear. Who is real and who is masquerading in a teen body? This is the thrilling sequel to "Starters".

Being Sloane Jacobs by Lauren Morrill

Meet Sloane Emily Jacobs: a seriously stressed-out figure-skater from Washington, D.C., who choked during junior nationals and isn’t sure she’s ready for a comeback. What she does know is that she’d give anything to escape the mass of misery that is her life.

Now meet Sloane Devon Jacobs, a spunky ice hockey player from Philly who’s been suspended from her team for too many aggressive hip checks. Her punishment? Hockey camp, now, when she’s playing the worst she’s ever played. If she messes up? Her life will be over.

When the two Sloanes meet by chance in Montreal and decide to trade places for the summer, each girl thinks she’s the lucky one: no strangers to judge or laugh at Sloane Emily, no scouts expecting Sloane Devon to be a hero. But it didn’t occur to Sloane E. that while avoiding sequins and axels she might meet a hockey hottie—and Sloane D. never expected to run into a familiar (and very good-looking) face from home. It’s not long before the Sloanes discover that convincing people you’re someone else might be more difficult than being yourself.


COMING JANUARY 14th . . .

The Moment Before by Suzy Vitello 

"Don't get me wrong. I loved my sister. I never, not once, wished her dead."

Brady and Sabine Wilson are sisters born eleven months apart, but they couldn't be more different. Popular Sabine, the head cheerleader dating the high school hunk, seems to have all the luck, while her younger, artsy sister "Brady Brooder" is a loner who prefers the sidelines to the limelight.

After Sabine dies in a horrific cheerleading accident, grief unravels Brady and her family. Once recognized for her artistic talent, 17-year-old Brady finds herself questioning the value of everything she once held dear. Her best friend betrays her. Her parents' marriage is crumbling. And the boy everyone blames for the accident seems to be her only ally in the search for answers in the wake of her sister's death. As an unlikely friendship emerges, Brady learns more about Sabine - and love - than she bargained for.


COMING JANUARY 28th . . .

Into the Still Blue by Veronica Rossi

Their love and their leadership have been tested. Now it's time for Perry and Aria to unite the Dwellers and the Outsiders in one last desperate attempt to bring balance to their world.

The race to the Still Blue has reached a stalemate. Aria and Perry are determined to find this last safe-haven from the Aether storms before Sable and Hess do-and they are just as determined to stay together.

Meanwhile, time is running out to rescue Cinder, who was abducted by Hess and Sable for his unique abilities. And when Roar returns to camp, he is so furious with Perry that he won't even look at him, and Perry begins to feel like they have already lost.

Out of options, Perry and Aria assemble a team to mount an impossible rescue mission-because Cinder isn't just the key to unlocking the Still Blue and their only hope for survival, he's also their friend. And in a dying world, the bonds between people are what matter most.

And We Stay by Jenny Hubbard

When high school senior Paul Wagoner walks into his school library with a stolen gun, he threatens his girlfriend Emily Beam, then takes his own life. In the wake of the tragedy, an angry and guilt-ridden Emily is shipped off to boarding school in Amherst, Massachusetts, where she encounters a ghostly presence who shares her name. The spirit of Emily Dickinson and two quirky girls offer helping hands, but it is up to Emily to heal her own damaged self.

This inventive story, told in verse and in prose, paints the aftermath of tragedy as a landscape where there is good behind the bad, hope inside the despair, and springtime under the snow.


The Uninvited by Sophie Jordan

When Davy Hamilton's tests come back positive for Homicidal Tendency Syndrome (HTS)-aka the kill gene-she loses everything. Her boyfriend ditches her, her parents are scared of her, and she can forget about her bright future at Juilliard. Davy doesn't feel any different, but genes don't lie. One day she will kill someone.

Only Sean, a fellow HTS carrier, can relate to her new life. Davy wants to trust him; maybe he's not as dangerous as he seems. Or maybe Davy is just as deadly.


COMING JANUARY 30th . . . 

Minders by Michele Jaffe

A high concept, cinematic read with a surprising twist,MINDERS asks the question: who is really watching whom?

Q: If the boy you love commits a crime, would you turn him in?

Sadie Ames is a type-A teenager from the wealthy suburbs. She's been accepted to the prestigious Mind Corps Fellowship program, where she'll spend six weeks as an observer inside the head of Ford, a troubled boy with a passion for the crumbling architecture of the inner city. There's just one problem: Sadie's fallen in love with him.

Q: What if the crime is murder?

Ford Winters is haunted by the murder of his older brother, James. As Sadie falls deeper into his world, dazzled by the shimmering pinpricks of color that form images in his mind, she begins to think she knows him. Then Ford does something unthinkable.

Q: What if you saw it happen from inside his mind?

Back in her own body, Sadie is faced with the ultimate dilemma. With Ford's life in her hands, she must decide what is right and what is wrong. And how well she can really ever know someone, even someone she loves.


What books are YOU looking forward to in January?

Thursday, January 2, 2014

YA Review: Enders by Lissa Price





Title: Enders (Starters & Enders #2)
Author: Lissa Price
# of Pages: 288
Publisher: Random House
Publication Date: January 7th 2014
Source: ARC 
Level: Young Adult
Rating: 5 Hearts





Synopsis

With the Prime Destinations body bank destroyed, Callie no longer has to rent herself out to creepy Enders. But Enders can still get inside her mind and make her do things she doesn't want to do. Like hurt someone she loves. Having the chip removed could save Callie's life - but it could also silence the voice in her head that might belong to her father. Callie has flashes of her ex-renter Helena's memories, too ...and the Old Man is back, filling her with fear. Who is real and who is masquerading in a teen body? This is the thrilling sequel to "Starters".

My Verdict


Since it had been over a year since I read the first book in this set, Starters, I decided to do a re-read before jumping into Enders so I wouldn't have any problems connecting all the little pieces. However, the author did a good amount of recapping at the beginning so I probably would have been fine without the re-read but it got me back into the world and mindset so I'm still glad I did.

Callie, Tyler, and Michael are finally free from Prime Destination and are living like normal claimed Starters. That is until Callie starts hearing the voice of the Old Man in her head, proving to her that she will never be completely free. This book went in a lot of different directions than I was expecting, it's full of twists and turns that will keep you on your toes!

We get a few new characters this time around, some joining Callie's side, others fighting to bring her down. There's a certain new character I'd like to gush about but you're just going to have to read it for yourselves *que evil laughter* ;)

I think fans of the first book will be happy with where things go in Enders. For those who haven't read the first book yet, what are you waiting for?! While there is only supposed to be two books in the set the ending seemed like the perfect setup for a third. Hey, a girl can dream right? =)