Friday, June 29, 2012

Velveteen

Author: Daniel Marks
Format: ARC  eBook
Print Length: 464 pages
Publisher: Random House
Published: October 9, 2012






Velveteen Monroe is dead.  At 16, she was kidnapped andmurdered by a madman named Bonesaw.  But that's not the problem.
The problem is she landed in purgatory. And while it's not a fiery inferno, it's certainly no heaven. It's gray, ashen, and crumbling more and more by the day, and everyone has a job to do. Which doesn't leave Velveteen much time to do anything about what's really on her mind.
Bonesaw.
Velveteen aches to deliver the bloody punishment her killer deserves. And she's figured out just how to do it. She'll haunt him for the rest of his days. It'll be brutal . . . and awesome.
But crossing the divide between the living and the dead has devastating consequences. Velveteen's obsessive haunting cracks the foundations of purgatory and jeopardizes her very soul. A risk she's willing to take—except fate has just given her reason to stick around: an unreasonably hot and completely off-limits coworker.
Velveteen can't help herself when it comes to breaking rules . . . or getting revenge. And she just might be angry enough to take everyone down with her.

My Thoughts

The cover page of this book is stunning, the models portraying Velvet and Nick were exactly as I pictured them.  The book itself was also stunning, graphic and at times a little confusing.  The confusion comes due to too many subplots within the book.  The major plotline was the cracking in foundations of purgatory caused by Shadowquakes.  The very thing that Velvet is supposed to prevent/ stop from happening.  Her haunting Bonesaw does not cause them- more evil ghosts do.  A subplot is the revolutionaries that want to breakout of purgatory.  Hence the confusion within the novel- revenge, shadowquakes, revolutionaries and of course forbidden love.  Although Nick kinda kicks that subplot to the curb real fast- he doesn’t really care that it is forbidden.  To him it is a no brainer.
The first chapter will wrap you up into Velvet’s world.  She is a ghost bent on revenge- or that is how others will see her.  I kind of saw her differently.  She is ghost bent on saving victims of a death as horrific as hers.  She kept trying to thwart Bonesaw’s next murder, if that means haunting his sorry behind then so be it.  As the team leader of a group of Salvage’s (search and rescue of wayward souls), she further proves my point. 
Her personality is spunky which I can relate to and I love her sarcasm.  She is extremely loyal and trustworthy to her friends.  Nick, the love interest, is adorable.  There really is no other way to put it. Even though he discovers he is dead and that he could of course control corpse he keeps a positive attitude.  When Velvet is being witchy, he calls her on it.  The fact that he even likes her is adorable- considering he was the basketball jock to her Goth gal.  This was even pointed out by Velvet, which was awesome.
I only had two complaints about the book.  The romance was not really romantic. Nick was not introduced until chapter 10- wish he got to the party a little bit earlier. Falling in love should have taken longer than five minutes. The other thing is how descriptive the book it.  Does the reader really need to know that “a pair of gruff-looking souls in coveralls chained the funicular cars to a massive wedge…”?  Some of the vocabulary used in the descriptions was on the higher end of a SAT vocabulary studying list.  This caused the book to be a little choppy for me.

My Rating 3 stars out of 5

Other Characters

Luisa- Velvet’s best friend, happens to also be on her Salvage team as poltergeists along with her brother
Logan- Luisa’s brother, on the Salvage team as poltergeists
Nick- Velvet’s love interest, she of course becomes his boss

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

The Vincent Brothers

Author: Abbi Glines
Format: eBook
Publisher: Abbi Glines
Published: June 3, 2012


He may have given her up without a fight, but Sawyer Vincent is far from over losing the girl he’s loved all of his life. Instead of giving up his best friend and the girl he thought he’d spend forever with, he gave Ashton and his brother Beau his blessing. However, adjusting to seeing Ashton wrapped up in Beau’s arms isn’t easy. Complicating everything even more, Ashton’s cousin Lana is in town for the summer. Sweet, kind, soft-spoken Lana, who gets under his skin. Just being near her makes him forget all about Ashton and his broken heart. Lana is everything he wanted Ashton to be except she isn’t Ashton. She lacks the backbone to stand up for herself and confidence that Ashton wears like a crown.

Lana McDaniel has lived her life in her cousin's shadow. While Lana struggled with her grades no matter how hard she tried, her mother praised Ashton's intelligence. She hadn’t been blessed with Ashton’s blond hair and flawless skin, but that didn't keep her mother from lamenting her naturally red hair and freckles. But none of that would have mattered if Ashton hadn’t always had Sawyer Vincent wrapped around her finger -- the only boy Lana wanted. Once Ashton let Sawyer go, Lana had been so sure that he’d move on. Determined to make Sawyer finally see her, she'd talked her mother into letting her spend the summer with Ashton. But Sawyer is still in love with Ashton, and Lana isn’t going to be anyone's rebound girl. No matter how yummy Sawyer Vincent’s kisses taste.

My Opinion

In The Vincent Boys, Sawyer loses his long-time girlfriend to his best friend Beau.  I never really understood how he could just give his blessing.  I mean seriously, I get that you want them to be happy but darn.  The Vincent Brother picks up about six months later.  Sawyer starts off as well a jerk.  I honestly did not see what anyone could see in him.  Yeah, he had his sweet moments but there were times when I wish that Beau would have punched him in the face.

Lana on the other hand is likeable right from the start.  Yeah, she may have kinda changed who she was for a guy but really I think that catching the guy was the motivation for the changed not the cause.  You know that saying be careful what you wish for?  Someone should have told Lana that.  Sawyer isn’t truly over losing the dream a future with of his Ash (not the true Ash).  Eventually Sawyer stops being a jerk and starts being himself.  Boy can he turn on the charm and woowziers.
A good part about the book- both sides have to work at the relationship.  It does not come easy for either one.  The best part about the book- it is told by both perspectives.  You see something happen through Lana’s eyes and then you get Sawyer’s reaction through his.  It will rock your world.
Abbi Glines is a master at creating a three dimensional world for the reader to hide away in.  I honestly think it is the duel perspectives.  She is the type of author that you circle the release dates of her books in your calendar using hot pink, of course.  Then you clear the day of all grown-up adult like activities, snuggle up on your couch with some hot cocoa and a blanket.  You disappear into her world for a good four to five hours, knowing that it will be a wonderful visit. 

Other Characters

Ethan- Kinda interested in Lana but is a friend of Sawyer.
Jewel- Lana’s oldest friend, the polar opposite of Lana.  Surprisingly, understands Lana and will always protect her.  Even if she is protecting Lana from herself.
Jake- A friend of Sawyer.  You will either love him or hate him but at least you will know that he will be honest with you from the start.

Friday, June 22, 2012

It's a Read-a-thon to clear-up that TBR pile

Valerie at Stuck In Books is hosting a Read-a-thon!  I am really excited about this.  Not only do we get to read but we could win prizes as well.  Holy cowzers!  How cool is that?

To sign up for the Read-a-thon click on the link to visit Valerie's page.  She is offering great prizes and lots of fun.  The first challenge is already up and it is HOTT!  Yepper it does have the power to bring in the extra T.

I plan on reading Velveteen By Daniel Marks and The Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead.  I know, her series has been around for a while.  But I have no excuse.  Hiding my head in shame.

Have fun reading!  Maybe you will win something.  Good Luck!

Thursday, June 21, 2012

Liebster Blog Award


I have been awarded the Liebster Blog Award! I really wasn't expecting it but woow!  Talk about blowing me away.   Thanks so much to Dorothy at Swoon Worthy Books  http://swoonworthybooks.blogspot.com/

The Liebster Blog Award is given to upcoming bloggers who have 200 followers or less.
The word Liebster is German and means sweetest, kindest, nicest, dearest, beloved, lovely, kind, pleasant, valued, cute, endearing, and welcome.

Here's the Rules:
1. Each person must post 11 random facts about themselves
2. Answer 11 questions the tagger has given you and give 11 questions for the people you tagged
3. Choose 11 people and link them in your post
4. Tell them you've tagged them
5. Remember, no tag backs

My 11 Random Facts:
1. I am a high school teacher.
2. I am an air force brat- born and raised.
3. I would love to own a pug- but hubby is allergic.
4. I would rather read than watch tv.  In fact there are nights when the tv does not come on at all.
5. I love going to the movies especially if it is a comic book adaptation.
6. My favorite color is pink.
7. I hate meat on my pizza.
8. I would take a good book over a good party any day.
9. I love m&ms in my popcorn (has to be hot popcorn).  Try it, it’s yummy!
10. I prefer fountain drinks to canned sodas.
11.  Sometimes, I wish the good guy got the gal instead of the bad boy.  We all know the bad guy always gets the gal.


Questions from Swoon Worthy Books:
1. Favorite holiday? Thanksgiving, often an overlooked holiday but one that makes me happy.
2. When did you realize you wanted to book blog? In April, when my students started telling me to.
3. Top three best books you’ve ever read and reviewed?  This one is kinda hard as I have only reviewed 16 books for my blog.
     1.    Dark Frost by Jennifer Estep
     2.    Bleeding Heart by Alyxandra Harvey
     3.    Storm by Brigid Kemmerer.
4. What book has left the biggest impact on you?  The Harry Potter Series
5. Are you a reader and a writer or just a reader? Reader
6. Top three authors you’d most like to meet? 
     1.    J. K. Rowling
     2.    Jennifer Estep
     3.    Cassandra Clare
Disclaimer: Jennifer L. Armentrout would have totally been on this list but I got to meet her this month.  She rocks apple sauce! 
7. What book world do you most want to visit? All of them.  Shadow Falls by CC Hunter or Maddy Edwards Paranormal Public Series.  I like the thought of different paranormals getting together and not automatically killing each other.
8. Top three book boyfriends/girlfriends?Lucy/Nicholas- The Drake Chronicles
Katy/Daemon- The Lux Series
Ree/Paden- The Dark Betrayal Series
9. Top three favorite main characters?
Gwen Frost- Mythos Academy Series
Lucy – The Drake Chronicles
Sydney- Bloodlines Series kinda tied with Katy from the Lux Series
10. What book have you read this year that you would recommend? Mortal Obligation by Nichole Chase
11. Favorite Day of the week? It’s Wednesday! It’s Wednesday! The middle of the week!  It’s Wednesday! It’s Wednesday! Put a smile between your checks!
Blogs I'm Tagging:
Questions for the tagged:
1.    Why do you blog?
2.    Why do you read?
3.    Book character who you thought should have ended up with someone else:
4.    Book character who you thought should have a spin-off book:
5.    Author that you are guaranteed to buy anything they write:
6.    Book series that you secretly google spoilers for hoping against hope to find out what happens in the next book:
7.    Author, who you trust, but sometimes what to yell at for what they are putting your beloved “friends” through:
8.    Three books that have made you cry:
9.    Five swoon worthy characters
10.  Three characters’ Team who you secretly are not a member of (such as Just say no to Team Seth)
11.  Four book characters who you would love to meet

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Bleeding Heart

Author: Alyxandra Harvey
Format: eBook
Print Length: 304 pages
Publisher: Walker Books
Published: March 10, 2011


The Drakes and friends will be tested when an infestation of deadly vampires threatens Violet Hill Lucy’s cousin Christabel has come to live in Violet Hill, and adjusting to the difference between life in a small mountain town and her home in the city is difficult enough. The strict curfew that Lucy’s parents enforce is the worst part. Something really dangerous couldn’t possibly happen in this tiny town. But Christabel has noticed some mysterious happenings, and it seems like Lucy, her boyfriend Nicholas and his brother Connor are all in on a secret that Christabel doesn’t understand—one that seems deadly serious. Although she won’t admit it, Christabel would love to be in on any secret with Connor Drake. But when she is kidnapped by the ruthless Hel-Blar vampires, Christabel must cause more and more trouble in Violet Hill, Lucy and Connor finally fill Christabel in on all the undead drama. Together, they must find a way to stamp out the Hel-Blar for good.

My Thoughts

Oh my goodness, Oh my goodness, Oh my goodness!  Yes this book does warrant typing that out three times in a row.  This is a vampire story that is unique, amazingly written and thrilling.  With just enough romance in it to capture your heart and make you sigh.  I tend to get caught up in the world of the Drakes.  Lucy is as likeable as ever, such a human.  Nicholas is still more reserved than Lucy but you can tell that he will do anything for her.  Christabel is a nice addition to the Drake world as well.  Lucy’s dad is her uncle and after stopping by his sister’s apartment decides to bring Christabel home to live with them.  Christabel is a city gal who notices things others may not.  She loves to read (huge plus in any character) and often quotes poetry.  Conner of course is the computer geek in the Drake family.  Anyone who knows anything about computer geeks know that they typically do not get the girl.  They are normally the nice guy- that is how Christabel views Conner.  So there is a sense of will she ever view him as something other than a nice guy.  The villain in the book is still likeable in a weird are you drink off of bad blood kinda way. 

The book ends on a cliff hanger that left me shocked.  I actually spoke my “oh no, what was she thinking?” out loud.  Got the side eye from the hubby for that.  Since I came upon the Drake Chronicles late in the game, I only had a week to wait to find out.  Go me!  And honestly I am very excited to see what happens.  Please oh please let everything be okay.  But atlas, dear followers I am afraid the next book will be heart wrecking. 

Other Characters

Lucy’s Folks- Lucy’s mom is best friends with Helena, although she is a peace loving hippie and Helena is a vampire.
Laim- Father Drake- he is the calm one in the family, also the diplomat.
Helena- Momma Drake- a total momma bear, who will hurt/stake anyone who threatens her family.
Solange- The only little girl out of the eight Drake kids.  Did I mention she is also the youngest, a newly turned vampire and best friends with Lucy?
Saga- A crazy vampire, the one who happens to kidnap Christabel.

Friday, June 15, 2012

Taste

Author: Kate Evangelista
Format: eBook
Print Length: 251 pages
Publisher: Crescent Moon Press
Published: April 29, 2012

At Barinkoff Academy, there's only one rule: no students on campus after curfew. Phoenix McKay soon finds out why when she is left behind at sunset. A group calling themselves night students threaten to taste her flesh until she is saved by a mysterious, alluring boy. With his pale skin, dark eyes, and mesmerizing voice, Demitri is both irresistible and impenetrable. He warns her to stay away from his dangerous world of flesh eaters. Unfortunately, the gorgeous and playful Luka has other plans.

When Phoenix is caught between her physical and her emotional attraction, she becomes the keeper of a deadly secret that will rock the foundations of an ancient civilization living beneath Barinkoff Academy. Phoenix doesn't realize until it is too late that the closer she gets to both Demitri and Luka the more she is plunging them all into a centuries old feud.

My Thoughts

Kate creates a fascinating world that comes alive on the very first page.  Phoenix attends Barinkoff Academy- a boarding school with two types of students: humans and those that are Zhamvy (flesh eaters).  The humans are placed on a curfew- once the sun sets they have to be off campus.  After being caught out after curfew Phoenix begins to have a lot of questions.  Phoenix of course is the typical American having to know the answers to her questions.  So she goes in search of those answers.  She ends up being used by Demitri’s brother in an experiment that could save his people, unfortunately it could kill her.  While the main characters that are Phoenix and Demitri, I could not help but be more concerned about Luka’s story.  Even at the conclusion of the book, I thought hopefully this will become a series because I really wanna know what happens to Luka. 

The world that Kate writes will play out in your head like a movie.  She describes the scenes with color and emotion.  So much so that towards the end you will be saying out loud, “seriously, what are they thinking?”  I really enjoyed reading this book- the details of the surroundings, the characters.  Hopefully Kate will write more books in this amazing world that she created.

Other Characters

Calixta- Demitri’s fiancée, she is kind of a mean flesh eater.
Dray- Demitri’s brother, also the flesh eater’s scientist that is trying hard to secretly save his people.
Preya- Phoenix roommate.
Yuna- Luka’s younger sister, she is a hoot.

Monday, June 11, 2012

Fairy Bad Day

Author: Amanda Ashby
Format: eBook
Print Length: 345 pages
Publisher: Penguin Publishing
Published: June 9, 2011

While most students at Burtonwood Academy get to kill demons and goblins, fifteen-year-old Emma gets to rid the world of little annoying fairies with glittery wings and a hipster fashion sense. She was destined to be a dragon slayer, but cute and charming Curtis stole her spot. Then she sees a giant killer fairy Ñand it's invisible to everyone but her! If Emma has any chance of stopping this evil fairy, she's going to need help. Unfortunately, the only person who can help is Curtis. And now, not only has he stolen her dragon-slayer spot, but maybe her heart as well! Why does she think it's going to be a fairy bad day?

My Thoughts

Emma grew up thinking that she was going to follow in her mother’s footsteps and become a dragon-slayer.  She was destined for it, it was in her blood.  So imagine her shock, disdain and despair over being choose as a fairy slayer.  Couple all those feelings with the fact that there have never be another fairy slayer before.  Why should there be?  It was not like the fairies were dangerous, just annoying right?
Not only was the much coveted dragon-slayer taking from her by Curtis, now she is pair with him on a class project.  Curtis is not so bad but he is hiding a secret which we all know does not go very well in books.  Due to his secret he plays hot/cold with rather he likes Emma or not. 
I liked the book.  It was a nice read on a cold rainy day.  The characters are well thought-out and not annoying.  Emma, even though she does not get what she wanted, is not a woe is me kinda gal.  This is refreshing in comparison to many YA novels that are currently on the market.

Other Characters

Loni- Emma’s best friend, extremely brainy and fashionable
Tyler- Emma’s guy best friend, harbors secret feelings for Loni
Principal Kessler- head of the school- kinda not so open to listening to Emma
Rupert, Trevor, and Gilbert- annoying little fairies, Emma’s right though why does there have to be a fairy slayer they really are just annoying

Saturday, June 9, 2012

Jennifer L. Armentrout



Yesterday was the coolest experience.  I actually got to meet one of my favorite authors, Jennifer L. Armentrout!  She writes two of my favorite series, the Lux Series and the Covenant Series.  She traveled to a quint bookstore in North Atlanta along with her entourage that included the models on the cover of the Lux Series books.  Needless to say a lot of the readers were there to meet the models- specifically the one who represents Daemon Black from the Lux Series.  He is swoon worthy

Jennifer was down-to-earth, quick with a smile and easy going.  She engaged the audience in great conversations.  The best part, she even gave out ARCs of Onxy!  Of course, I was totally happy to get.  What an amazing book!  I will write a review of it once it is released as to give no spoilers away. 
Oh and the best news ever- come fall she will be releasing a book a month!  So much talent, so much anticipation for the books that she writes.

Saturday, June 2, 2012

Dark Frost

Author: Jennifer Estep
Format: eBook
Print Length: 401 pages
Publisher: Kensington Books
Published: May 29, 2012


I've seen so many freaky things since I started attending Mythos Academy last fall. I know I'm supposed to be a fearless warrior, but most of the time, I feel like I'm just waiting for the next Bad, Bad Thing to happen. Like someone trying to kill me--again.


Everyone at Mythos Academy knows me as Gwen Frost, the Gypsy girl who uses her psychometry magic to find lost objects--and who just may be dating Logan Quinn, the hottest guy in school. But I'm also the girl the Reapers of Chaos want dead in the worst way. The Reapers are the baddest of the bad, the people who murdered my mom. So why do they have it in for me? It turns out my mom hid a powerful artifact called the Helheim Dagger before she died. Now, the Reapers will do anything to get it back. They think I know where the dagger is hidden, but this is one thing I can't use my magic to find. All I do know is that the Reapers are coming for me--and I'm in for the fight of my life.

My Thoughts

Dark Frost does not disappoint, in fact I read the book in one day.  The emotional attachment that the reader develops with Gwen, Daphne , Carson and Logan is as strong as ever.  There will be a time in the book when you are confused by some of their actions.  There may even be a time when you are yelling at one of them for being a moron.  But I promise it is worth it. 

Within the first three chapters there may be tears forming in your eyes.  If you are sensitive, by chapter 13 you would have cried.  But goodess is it worth it.  Gwen has been through so much by the time that this book is published that you honestly may wonder what more could the author do to her.   The answer to that unspoken question is a heck a lot. 

The Reapers of Chaos are pure evil and you ending up begging for their deaths.  You do find out some answers to questions that have been in your mind from previous books in the series.  But the ending will leave you with more questions.  Gwen’s reaction in the end is heartbreaking.  The author writes her emotions so well that you will be feeling them as you read them.  Honestly to this reader Christmas Eve could not get here fast enough.

My Rating 5 out of 5 stars

Other Characters

Daphne- Gwen’s best friend and a Valkyrie (a girl Viking).  She is ubber strong and goes through something in this book that is not so great.
Carson- Daphne’s boyfriend and a Celt barb warrior.  How that actually works out we are not sure but hey he can fight when he needs to.
Logan- Gwen’s love interest.  If only they could actually get together.  He is also the best fighter at Mythos Academy being a Spartan and all.  That could explain why he is always saving Gwen’s life.
Nott-  A fenrir wolf that Gwen’s accidently adopts. 
Nickamedes- Logan’s uncle and head librarian.  A lot of answers to questions concerning him in this book.
Professor Metis- Athena’s champion, and Gwen’s mentor.  Best friends with Gwen’s momma.

Friday, June 1, 2012

Zellie Wells Trilogy

Author: Stacey Wallace Benefiel
Format: eBook
Print Length: 598 pages
Publisher: Self-published
Published: July 12, 2011


All three books in the Zellie Wells trilogy, Glimpse, Glimmer and Glow, together in one volume.

GLIMPSE: Zellie Wells has a devastating crush on Avery Adams, the son of her mom’s high school sweetheart. At her sixteenth birthday party, held in the basement of her dad’s church, she finally finds the courage to talk to him. Turns out, the devastating crush is mutual.

As Avery takes her hand and leads her out onto the makeshift dance floor, Zellie is overwhelmed by her first vision of his death; shocking because not only are they both covered in his blood, but they’re old, like 35, and she is pregnant.

Afraid to tell anyone about the vision, (she’d just be labeled a freaky black magic witch, right?) Zellie keeps the knowledge of Avery’s future to herself and tries to act like any other teenager in love. When they get caught on their way to a secret rendezvous by her mom and his dad, they are forbidden to see each other.

Convinced that their parents are freaking out unnecessarily, Avery and Zellie vow to be together no matter what. They continue their relationship in secret until Zellie learns that their parents are just trying to prevent her and Avery from suffering like they did. The visions are hereditary, they’re dangerous, and if they stay together the visions will come true.

Now Zellie must choose between severing all ties with Avery, like her mom did to prevent his father’s death, and finding a way to change Avery’s future.

GLIMMER: Zellie Wells’ life is changing. Her relationship with Avery is growing stronger every day, but their parents are still giving them ultimatums and trying to keep them apart. Her newly discovered powers have all but disappeared. Benjamin, another young Retroact, is back and has brought with him a painful shared vision and a troubled past. While working together to figure out what the vision means, Zellie discovers that Benjamin is a worthy friend and mentor. If only he could keep his hands off of her - if only she wanted him to...

GLOW: Zellie Wells has mastered her powers and gotten the guy. She’s lived through her parents’ divorce and being separated from Avery. She’s come back from the dead.
What else is there?
Oh, yeah. REVENGE.
Discover how it all ends when Zellie and the gang finally track down Mildred and fight to right the wrongs of The Society’s past, present and future

My Thoughts

I like the concept of the books.  Zellie being a Retroact-seeing into the future and then being able to stop time.  Her sister being a part of her “retro-activeness”.  The books were a little slow in areas.  The parental relationships were a little too much for me.  Actually it reminded me of a daytime talk show like Maury.  Zellie’s relationship with Avery is interesting.  She is way to forgiven of the things that he does.  Once he figures some stuff out he is an okay guy. Until he does you kinda just want to roll your eyes at him and scream you can do so much better.  Ben and Chris’ characters do develop in the last book. 

Other Characters

Melody- Zellie’s little sister, starts off as a brat but later turns out to be an awesome little sister.
Claire- Zellie’s best friend, and just what a best friend is suppose to be like.  She is fabulous, unselfish and caring.  Always there for Zellie with no questions asked.
Ben- He is just like Zellie.  Can’t tell you anything else without it being a spoiler.
Christopher- Assistant pastor to Zellie’s dad, not all that Christian like though in his intents.