LIVING DEAD GIRL by Elizabeth Scott

LIVING DEAD GIRL
Author: Elizabeth Scott
Source: Library Loan

• Reading level: Young Adult
• Hardcover: 176 pages
• Publisher: Simon Pulse; First Edition. (September 2, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1416960597
• ISBN-13: 978-1416960591

 SYNOPSIS:
Once upon a time, I was a little girl who disappeared.Once upon a time, my name was not Alice.
Once upon a time, I didn't know how lucky I was.
When Alice was ten, Ray took her away from her family, her friends -- her life. She learned to give up all power, to endure all pain. She waited for the nightmare to be over.
Now Alice is fifteen and Ray still has her, but he speaks more and more of her death. He does not know it is what she longs for. She does not know he has something more terrifying than death in mind for her.
This is Alice's story. It is one you have never heard, and one you will never, ever forget. 

MY THOUGHTS:

My, oh my.  This book was just gripping.  It is the story of a girl who is kidnapped at age 10. What this poor child goes through for 5 years is horrible.  It hurts just to think about it.  Her kidnapper, Ray, is horrible.  I wanted to beat the crap out of this man.  I had to put this book down several times because I couldn't stand to read anything else that Ray would do to her.  Ray has named her Alice and she is his.  She is only allowed a small portion of food a day so she will stay a little girl for him.  She has to be weighed everyday to make sure that she isn't over 100 pounds.  That is just the tip of the iceberg of what this child has to endure.

This is a book that you will have to put down out of disgust and hurt, but you will have to pick it up just as fast to find out what happens to Alice.  I didn't like the ending though. I wanted more to the ending and the author leaves it open for you to make your own ending. 

A gripping read that will leave you with hurt, anger and sadness.  It grabs a hold of you and keeps you reading.  If you are a parent, you will also find yourself holding your children after you finish. I know I did.

MY RATING:

Very Good! I would recommend this book! 4 STARS

COVER ALERT!

NIGHT STAR by Alyson Noel

Book 5 in THE IMMORTALS series.

In stores 11.16.10

(ARC Review) THE DUFF by Kody Keplinger

THE DUFF
Author: Kody Keplinger
Source: Around the World Tours

• Reading level: Young Adult
• Hardcover: 288 pages
• Publisher: Poppy (September 7, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0316084239
• ISBN-13: 978-0316084239

SYNOPSIS:


Seventeen-year-old Bianca Piper is cynical and loyal, and she doesn't think she's the prettiest of her friends by a long shot. She's also way too smart to fall for the charms of man-slut and slimy school hottie Wesley Rush. In fact, Bianca hates him. And when he nicknames her "Duffy," she throws her Coke in his face. 

But things aren't so great at home right now. Desperate for a distraction, Bianca ends up kissing Wesley. And likes it. Eager for escape, she throws herself into a closeted enemies-with-benefits relationship with Wesley. 

Until it all goes horribly awry. It turns out that Wesley isn't such a bad listener, and his life is pretty screwed up, too. Suddenly Bianca realizes with absolute horror that she's falling for the guy she thought she hated more than anyone. 

MY THOUGHTS:

Yes, I was The Duff, or as the cover states, "Designated Ugly Fat Friend".  Now, I wasn't really this in school, but more around the family members that are my age.  I was the chunkier, average girl while my 2 younger cousins were the pretty, skinny model types. When we went to clubs, I was on the sidelines while they were getting the attention. It wasn't fun and I instantly related to the character of Bianca in this book.

Bianca has two friends that are hotter than she is.  She sits at the club on the sidelines while her two best friends get the attention.  Now, her best friends aren't mean to her and don't see Bianca as The Duff.  In fact, they have insecurities of their own, but Bianca doesn't see it that way. Especially when Wesley--the school womanizer--comes up to her in the club and nicknames her The Duff.  He admits to talking to her just because the hot friends will notice him more if he is seen talking with the outsider of the group.  I wanted to jump into the book and slap the crap out of this boy!

Bianca has also had a crush on another boy for three years named Toby. When Toby breaks up with his girlfriend and finally notices Bianca, she gets confused because she thinks he is too perfect for her.  Wesley and Bianca have been hanging around a lot--doing term papers and basically having romps in bed--and she is now confused. I felt the confusion she went through.  I really started to enjoy Wesley in the book once we started to see what was really going on in his life.  I loved the smart mouth dialogue between everyone in the book.  Best of all, this could be about anyone really.  We all have our insecurities and feel like The Duff at one point in our life.

I really enjoyed this book more than I thought I would.  I was disappointed when the story ended.  I wanted more! I wanted to reread the book as soon as I finished.  A great read that every teen should read to let them know that no one is perfect.  Everyone has flaws, but this book was a perfect read!

MY RATING:

Outstanding Book That Will Stay On My Bookshelf
For Rereading! 5 STARS

PINT: Post it note Tuesday!

Post it note Tuesday is hosted by the awesome Supah! Go grab her button and post yours! Be sure to link up!
Getting this up a little early because I can never remember to do it on Tuesdays! Thanks for the reminder Brittney! 

We interrupt your reading for.....

A WEATHER REPORT! LMAO!!!!

OMG! What was I thinking when I let my parents move me to this God Forsaken Desert long ago? I know, I didn't have much choice when I was like 6 years old, but COME ON!  I just looked at the temp outside, and can you believe it is 105 in the freakin shade??!!  What makes it worse is the damn water pump in our swamp cooler just went out! So yeah, it feels like 115 in the house.  Hubby came home from work and fixed it thank goodness!

When people refer to Dry Heat and such, don't listen! There is only one kind of heat---FREAKIN HOT!  That's right! HOT!  It is so hot outside my house right now that when you take one step outside you have instant sweat and its hard to breathe.  I hate that all winter long I whine about the cold, and then in summer I whine about the heat.  But here in our Southern California town, we have 2 seasons.  Hot and Hotter. Anyone else feeling the summer yet?? Is it Winter time yet??? Whats worse are the kids are on summer break and wanting to sit on my lap to complain about the heat. HELLO? Get the hell out of my lap because you are making me hotter!! They want me to cook them food and I tell them to go get a sandwich! I am not freaking cooking in this heat!

Okay just had to vent...resume your blog hopping! LOL

MY DANGEROUS DUKE by Gaelen Foley

MY DANGEROUS DUKE

Author: Gaelen Foley

Source: Publisher

* I received this book free of 

charge in exchange for an

honest review*

• Mass Market Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: Avon (June 29, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0061733970
• ISBN-13: 978-0061733970

SYNOPSIS:

The Inferno Club: In public, this scandalous society of London aristocrats is notorious for pursuing all manner of debauchery. But in private, they are warriors who would do anything to protect king and country . . .

They say that the very name of Warrington is cursed . . . 

From a time as old as the cold stone of the duke's ancestral castle, the Warrington men have been plagued by tragedy. But Rohan Kilburn, the Duke of Warrington, has vowed to escape the predestined torment by forsaking love and devoting his life to the Inferno Club and its secret mission. 

And then she is brought to him unbidden by cutthroats hoping to calm the duke's infamous temper—a sacrificial virgin of sorts. But even overpowered, Kate Madsen will be no man's sacrifice. And the duke's price for claiming her may be what he has sworn never to give—the heart he has so long and fiercely guarded—to the beautiful hostage he was never meant to love. 

MY THOUGHTS:

I am very picky about my Historical and Regency Romance books.  I have slowly started reading more and more of these type of books recently and was thrilled when the publisher sent me this book for review. 

First of all, lets go over the good points.  The story seemed to be like a retelling of Beauty and the Beast.  I love it when authors do this intentionally or not even realizing they are doing it.  When a book is an adaptation of some of my favorite fairy tales, I am instantly attracted to it. We have the beautiful bookworm Kate, who is kidnapped and given as a gift to The Beast Rohan.  Now even though they call him The Beast, it is not because he is ugly or anything. In fact, he is very handsome.  He has a reputation though of killing, being hard core, and cursed to boot!  The treasure hunt near the end of the book was fascinating and fun.  There is witty dialogue that made some fun moments mixed into the serious moments.

Now for the bad of the book.  While I like the characters of Rohan and Kate, I just couldn't get the two to click when put together.  There didn't seem to be any sparks between the two.  The only time I really liked them together was when they were bickering and when they were on the treasure hunt.  The steamy scenes were in fact hot, but it felt too forced between the two.  I also couldn't stand all the filler in the book.  I don't want a crash course in history when I am reading the book.  Yes, some of it pertained to the plot, but a lot of it just filled like the author was trying to fill the pages to meet a page count.  Also, why do we have to hear the titles so many times? I know he is a Duke, and his friends are of royalty titles as well, but do we have to be reminded of it every time they are reintroduced in a chapter or scene? 

Overall, the book was good as a stand alone even though it is part of a series.  The plot was fun, the bickering was fun, but the rest was just okay.  I would still read something else by this author, but I would be hesitant in buying it first.

MY RATING:

 
Okay book, but it left me wanting more! 3 STARS

IMM: IN MY MAILBOX

In My Mailbox is hosted over at The Story Siren. Thanks Kristi for hosting!

This was an awesome week for me! It seemed like all of my PaperBackSwap orders came in at once! I got 2 packages from 2 different book fairies, and lots of contest wins!  This is not an ordinary week for me.  The reason I have so many coming in my mailbox at the moment is because I am trying to get a bunch of books for the new tour site and for giveaways.  If you haven't stopped by the new tour site, you should!  Lot's of great books will be posting soon!

 These are my review books that came this week.  I know it looks like a lot, but I read very quickly. The box that they are sitting on is full of 56 copies of Hearts at Stake by Alyxandra Harvey.  They were sent to me by Bloomsbury Kids for me to pass out at the Eclipse premier to teens as they either enter the movie or when they come out.  I can't wait to make some teens happy!

This from a wonderful book fairy! Anna from Anna's Book Blog surprised me with these ARCs and already released books. She also knows I am  HUGE fan of swag, so she included a baggie of swag for me as well! THANK YOU ANNA!!!!!!

This is my other goodies from my Secret Book Fairy.  I am telling you, she is an awesome person and friend! She feeds my addiction so much and I can't thank her enough!

This is my huge stack of books that arrived this week from PaperBackSwap!  Look at all that yummy bookness! Most of these are for the tour site to give you a little preview of what will be coming next month! Well, the smut books are for my personal reading and the rest is for the tour site. LOL

These are my tour books from Around the World Tours. I am reading Duff right now so be on the lookout for the review to be posted soon. If you haven't checked out that tour site, you are missing out. Cindy does a wonderful and professional job! She has a lot of great tours open right now.

The first three books shown here I won over at The Story Siren in a contest.  Willow I won over at Anna's Book Blog in a contest.  Thank you to both of you for the contests!!

This is my contest win from Larissa's Bookish Life.  I won a signed copy that Keri Arthur sent along with candy and Tim Tam's that I have heard so much about!

That is what I got in the mail this week. Hop on over to The Story Siren and share what you got this week in your mailbox!

TALK DIRTY TO ME by Tory Richards

TALK DIRTY TO ME
Author: Tory Richards
Source: Author Submission
* I received this ebook free of charge in 
  exchange for an honest review*

Book Type: eBook

Publisher: Ellora's Cave Publishing

ISBN: 9781419928123

SYNOPSIS:

Lilly has been in love with her brother’s best friend Blake for years. She lost her virginity to the oil driller on her eighteenth birthday, only to wake the next morning to find him gone. After he pulled that stunt twice more, she swore never to see or talk to him again. But now he’s back for her brother’s wedding, and he’s as irresistible as she remembers.

Blake thinks Lilly’s even sexier than ever. Unable to resist one another, they don’t make it out of the airport parking lot before taking up where they left off. As the two rediscover their passion for each other, nothing and nowhere is off-limits!

MY THOUGHTS:

Yes, I am a big fan of author Tory Richards.  When I was offered the chance to read and review Talk Dirty To Me, I was over the moon!  I had been waiting ever since she announced that she was having a book published with Ellora's Cave and I was so excited for her!  Talk Dirty To Me was a new masterpiece for this author! 

This book is more erotic than her previous books, yet she pulls it off with ease.  I loved the characters of Lilly and Blake.  Even though this is a short story, I still felt the connection between the two and the story was believable.  Wait, did I mention the steamy sex scenes? Well, they were hot!  The story flowed quickly, but that was okay.  I knew going into this that it was a short story.  The only problem is that it left me hungry for more! I wanted more of this couple and now I want to see a sequel! 

A definite story you need to read if you are a steamy read junkie!  This book is a quick fix to feed your hot read addiction! 

MY RATING:

Outstanding Book That Will Stay On My Bookshelf
For Rereading! 5 STARS

Veil of Shadows

Shiloh Walker has a contest running right now for a chance to win an ARC copy of Veil of Shadows.  I decided to post a blog entry about why I think she needs to send one to me for the contest.

First of all, Shiloh Walker is an author I chat with on Twitter.  She is witty, funny and will tell you like it is. Best of all, she is an inspiration to others.  Not only does she give you great advice for writing, but she also has given me great advice and encouragement for my struggle with weight loss.  When I feel like I am going to grow out of my current size jeans, I read her tweets and realize I better do something or else. She worked her bootie off for weight loss and I am so proud of her!  If she can get me to try, then anyone can. Whenever I have a question, she is there! 

So I am going to kiss up salute you for being my inspiration in more ways than one! Thanks Shiloh!

WICKED PLEASURE by Lora Leigh

WICKED PLEASURE
Author: Lora Leigh
Source: Library Loan

• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin; 1st edition (May 13, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312368720
• ISBN-13: 978-0312368722

SYNOPSIS:

Jaci Wright has been running from the Falladay twins, Chase and Cam, for seven years now.  Fears of the desires they arouse in her, and the knowledge of the relationship they wanted with her, spurred her to run, to find a life that kept her traveling the globe and out of their reach.

 

But now life has come full circle.  A new job has placed Jaci in the Sinclair mansion with Chase and Cam.  And they're tired of waiting.  It's hard enough to face accepting a relationship with two men rather than just one, but gossip and the tattered tales of juicy secrets fill the society she now moves within.  Can Jaci face the world knowing she's a lover to both men, or will her hesitancy and her fears destroy her chance of happiness forver?

 

MY THOUGHTS:

I was in the mood for a smutty sexy read and I have heard that this author knows how to write it. Well, this was the only book by this author that my library had available and I thought I would give it a go. Whew, thank goodness our air conditioning works!

This author can write the steamy sex scenes that could actually start a fire on the pages.  I was enjoying those scenes so much, that I almost forgot that there was a plot involved as well!  Basically, Jaci is hired to redecorate a mansion for a private club. Now I am not talking about a private gambling or drinking club. It is a sex club.  She also is working with Cam and Chase. Cam is the one man she saved herself for and has always loved.  The only problem is Cam insists on it being a packaged twin deal in the bedroom. Yes, we have to find out why Cam is like this and why Chase allows it, but with all the steamy sex that goes on, I forgot about it. I did not however, like the way Cam was so possessive and how Jaci was strong one chapter and weak the next. I also wish there was more focus on the buried plot.

Overall, if you are looking for some steamy smut, then this book will definitely fit into that category.  If you are looking for a book that has a story included, well this one has it, but you might be sidetracked with the fantastic smut that this author can write!

MY RATING:

 
Okay book, but it left me wanting more! 3 STARS

ECLIPSE--Battle Scene Trailer

THE SHORT SECOND LIFE OF BREE TANNER by Stephenie Meyer

THE SHORT SECOND LIFE OF BREE TANNER
Author: Stephenie Meyer
Source: Library Loan

• Reading level: Young Adult
• Hardcover: 192 pages
• Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers; 1st Edition, 1st Printing edition (June 5, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 031612558X
• ISBN-13: 978-0316125581

SYNOPSIS:

Fans of The Twilight Saga will be enthralled by this riveting story of Bree Tanner, a character first introduced in Eclipse, and the darker side of the newborn vampire world she inhabits. In another irresistible combination of danger, mystery, and romance, Stephenie Meyer tells the devastating story of Bree and the newborn army as they prepare to close in on Bella Swan and the Cullens, following their encounter to its unforgettable conclusion. 

MY THOUGHTS:

Since Eclipse is releasing this month on the big screen, I thought I would give this book a chance now.  Eclipse was one of my favorite books in the Twilight saga.  Even though I still wanted Midnight Sun to become the next book by this author, I guess anyone who is in love with this series will have to settle with this book for now.

I would say settling is the best way to describe this book to me.  It wasn't what I wanted and it didn't live up to the hype around it.  Maybe because I wanted a book like Twilight that will capture me and keep me reading instead of eating or sleeping.  This book to me was only mediocre.  I just couldn't enjoy this book as much as I should have.  To me, Bree just wasn't a person I wanted to read about.  I mean come on, give me Edward! Give me Jacob! Hell, give me Kristin Stewart as Bella over a vampire that I know is not going to be around for Breaking Dawn! I also felt that the author just didn't give it her all with this one.  The writing wasn't as captivating as her previous books. 

Overall, if you are a serious Twilight junkie, read it.  It wasn't a bad book, but it wasn't great either. It needed something more to make it great.

MY RATING:

 
Okay book, but it left me wanting more! 3 STARS

THE BODY FINDER by Kimberly Derting

THE BODY FINDER

Author: Kimberly Derting

Source: Library Loan

• Reading level: Young Adult
• Hardcover: 336 pages
• Publisher: HarperCollins; 1 edition (March 16, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0061779814
• ISBN-13: 978-0061779817

SYNOPSIS:

Violet Ambrose is grappling with two major issues: Jay Heaton and her morbid secret ability. While the sixteen-year-old is confused by her new feelings for her best friend since childhood, she is more disturbed by her "power" to sense dead bodies—or at least those that have been murdered. Since she was a little girl, she has felt the echoes the dead leave behind in the world . . . and the imprints that attach to their killers. 

Violet has never considered her strange talent to be a gift; it mostly just led her to find dead birds her cat left for her. But now that a serial killer is terrorizing her small town, and the echoes of the local girls he's claimed haunt her daily, Violet realizes she might be the only person who can stop him. 

Despite his fierce protectiveness over her, Jay reluctantly agrees to help Violet find the murderer—and Violet is unnerved by her hope that Jay's intentions are much more than friendly. But even as she's falling intensely in love, Violet is getting closer and closer to discovering a killer . . . and becoming his prey herself. 

MY THOUGHTS:

WOW! I had heard so much about this book, all of it positive, that I couldn't wait to get my hands on it!  I was intrigued with the summary and the plot that I knew it was going to be a hard book to put down. 

I am sorry to admit that my family suffered while I was reading this book.  I was so into this book, they had to fend for themselves at meal time.  THAT is how good this book is.  I loved the characters of Violet and Jay.  The writing was witty and flowed great with suspense and love weaved together perfectly.  The author constantly kept leading you down one path to figuring it all out, and then she yanks you in a different direction.  The suspense, intrigue and overall plot was so captivating, that you couldn't help but tune out everything else in life just you can keep reading!  

I am amazed by this author's writing and the world she has created with this book.  Who would have thought psychics who see echo's would be so captivating? I didn't, but I am so happy to have given it a chance -- to capture me in the world of Kimberly Derting. By far, one of the better books I have read this year! I definitely will be checking out the next book in this series!

MY RATING:

Outstanding Book That Will Stay On My Bookshelf
For Rereading! 5 STARS

(ARC Review) The Haunted by Jessica Verday

THE HAUNTED
The Hollow Trilogy #2
Author: Jessica Verday
Source: Simon Pulse
* I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review*

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
• Hardcover: 480 pages
• Publisher: Simon Pulse (August 31, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 141697895X
• ISBN-13: 978-1416978954

SYNOPSIS:

An impossible truth. An impossible love. 

After a summer spent reclaiming her sanity and trying to forget the boy she fell in love with--the boy who must not exist, cannot exist, because she knows that he is dead--Abbey returns to Sleepy Hollow, ready to leave the ghosts of her past behind. She throws herself into her schoolwork, her perfume-making, and her friendship with Ben, her cute and funny lab partner, who just might be her ticket to getting over Caspian once and for all.


But Abbey can never get over Caspian, and Caspian has no choice but to return to her side, for Caspian is a Shade, and Abbey is his destiny. They are tied not only to each other, but also to the town of Sleepy Hollow, and to the famous legend that binds their fates--a legend whose dark truths they are only beginning to guess....

MY THOUGHTS:

After the disappointment that The Hollow left me with, I was anxious to read the next in the series to see if it would be better.  I am so glad I gave this author another chance!

Abbey returns to Sleepy Hollow after a breakdown caused by the death of her best friend Kristen and falling in love with a dead boy.  She has been living with her Aunt and finally comes home after the completion of the Sleepy Hollow bridge to dedicate it in the memory of her friend.  She is scared to return to the town that caused her such pain, but she puts a brave face on and decides it is time.  Just when things start taking off with Ben and getting back into the perfume creations, Caspian returns to Abbey.  She feels conflicted at first trying to figure out if she is going crazy again, or if Caspian truly is real in her world.  Along the way, we get to see the love between Caspian and Abbey grow, old favorites return in Abbey's life and new discoveries about The Shade.

I am amazed at how much the author's writing has progressed from The Hollow.  I admit, the beginning of this book moves slow like the first one, but as you get going in the story it really takes off. That is about the only negative thing about the book in my opinion. There is more suspense with a lot of the answers you were wanting from the previous book being answered.  The author still left a great climax at the end of the story though that will leave you frustrated because you have to wait for the final book.  Some things become clear in the plot, but other things are going to be left for the final book I assume.  Personally, I can't wait for the final book now.  I have crossed the Sleepy Hollow bridge and I don't want to turn back!

MY RATING:

Very Good! I would recommend this book! 4 STARS

A GIRL'S GUIDE TO LIFE by Katie Meier

A GIRL'S GUIDE TO LIFE
Author: Katie Meier
Source: Booksneeze
*I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review*

• Reading level: Young Adult
• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (June 22, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1400315948
• ISBN-13: 978-1400315949

SYNOPSIS:


A Girl's Guide to Life offers girls a fun, healthy approach to facing their adolescent years. 
 
This complete resource helps teenage girls deal with all the traumas, dramas, and triumphs in their lives. The book is divided into Body, Mind, and Soul sections to address the relevant issues in each area of a young woman's life. It's "the" book for any girl wondering what's happening to her body, soul, and mind during these crazy years. 

Revised and updated to include information on texting, sexting, and the viral cultural in which teens live, this book will help girls navigate their way through what can be a very tumultuous time in life.
With conversations with real teen girls, a foundation on God and the Bible, and helpful tips and questions for the reader, girls will gain an encouraging and fresh perspective on their lives.

A Girl's Guide to Life offers teen girls a new approach to facing their adolescent years. 

MY THOUGHTS:

I wish I had this book when I was growing up and going through those awkward teenage years.  This is the perfect book for a teen girl who has questions about life, love, sex and everything in between.  Not only would it be perfect for teen girls, but it also would be perfect for Mother's to help in explaining those tough questions we all dread.

This book focused on the questions that almost any teenage girl would have.  It helped with explaining sex, make-up, eating disorders and peer pressure with explanations and advice in teen language that will be easy to understand.  It touches on the religious side of things as well, without pushing the religion on every page.  It had a good balance between the two.

Overall a great book for teen girls and Mother's with teen girls as well. 

MY RATING:

Outstanding Book That Will Stay On My Bookshelf
For Rereading! 5 STARS

GODDESS BOOT CAMP by Tera Lynn Childs

GODDESS BOOT CAMP

Author: Tera Lynn Childs

Source: Library Loan

• Reading level: Young Adult
• Hardcover: 224 pages
• Publisher: Dutton Juvenile (June 11, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0525421343
• ISBN-13: 978-0525421344

SYNOPSIS:

Phoebe, who recently discovered she's a descendant of Nike (the goddess, not the shoe), is finding that supernatural powers come with a crazy learning curve. Her stepfather, headmaster of the Academy for descendants of the Greek gods, has enrolled her at Dynamotheos Development Camp—aka Goddess Boot Camp—with a bunch of ten-year-olds for the summer. Embarrassing as that is, hopefully it'll help her gain control over her powers in time to pass the test of the gods, continue training hard enough to qualify for the Pythian Games, and enjoy her godly boyfriend, Griffin, all while avoiding the ultimate mistake of accidentally misusing powers.

MY THOUGHTS:

After reading Oh.My.Gods I quickly started reading Goddess Boot Camp.  It is the second book in the series and is written by one of my favorite authors for young adult books.  I loved the first book in the series! The second book though just wasn't as great as the first. 

I still loved this book, so don't get me wrong.  I just felt it needed just a little bit more to it.  I loved the witty dialogue that the author never fails to bring to the story. I loved each of the characters in the story as well.  The only thing I didn't like was I wanted to read about the trial of Phoebe's Dad.  It was a major part of the book, yet we never get to see it.  It left me frustrated and hoping that this series will continue with another book that will go into that part of the story in more detail.  There were plenty of laugh out loud moments and teen romance that is sweet.  The book moved at a normal pace and included a lot of my favorite characters from the previous book.  

While this is not my favorite book by this author, it still is a great book with great imagination.  I do hope that the author will continue the story of Phoebe and let us see more glimpse's of her relationship with her Father.

MY RATING:

Very Good! I would recommend this book! 4 STARS

IMM: IN MY MAILBOX

Well, believe it or not, this was a slow week for me.  I didn't receive as much as I was expecting. If you could see my list of books that are coming from PaperBackSwap, you would fall over. So hopefully next week I will have even more waiting in my mailbox! In My Mailbox is hosted by The Story Siren!

On the left hand side are the books I received from PaperBackSwap. That is just a small sample of what I have coming from that site. I can't wait for the rest to get here! On the right hand side are books I received for review and for the tour site. My big squeal was Paranormalcy. I already posted it on my tour site, Not Forgotten Tours.

On the left hand side are the books I found at our local Goodwill store.  Each book was only 90 cents each! Love finding great books for under a buck! It makes my book money stretch longer! On the right hand side are books from my Book Fairy.(AGAIN) My book fairy rocks and she will never understand how much she means to me! If it wasn't for her I would never be able to read the latest books. She is a book angel sent from Heaven's library/bookstore! THANK YOU!

That is what was waiting for me in my mailbox this week. I can't wait to see what everyone else got, even though I know I will suffer from book envy! LOL

NEW BOOK ANNOUNCEMENT!!

OMG!!!

I just got my newsletter from author Shayla Black and she had great news to share! You can even find it on her site! If you are fans of her Wicked Ties series, check this out!!!

COMING MARCH 1rst, 2011

SURRENDER TO ME: WICKED LOVERS #4 by Shayla Black

A secret fantasy.

Hunter had everything until a bullet iced his career as a Navy SEAL. Restless and uncertain about his future, he accepts an intriguing proposition: share an acquaintance's girlfriend and fulfill her fantasy of a ménage. It should have been just a night of sexual adventure between three consenting adults. But Kata is like no other girl Hunter has ever met. By turns audacious and sexy, then vulnerable and aloof, she's a heartbreaker he's determined to master. But he needs more than one night. And he wants to do it alone.

An uncontrollable obsession.

Kata never expected to leave her comfortable relationship and explore something so dangerously forbidden with a stranger. Hard as she tries to resist, the guilty pleasure overwhelms her, and she surrenders herself, inch by inch, to the hardcore man who wants her for himself. Consumed by blazing desire, they're soon threatened by the shadows of the past. And now to keep Kata safe, Hunter makes her a bold proposition of his own. Saying yes will destroy her heart. But saying no could cost Kata her life. 

 

And this is what else she had to say:

 

More Wicked Lovers coming! Good news for fans of the series. More books are coming your way. I just signed for two more Wicked Lovers! The first of these will release in October 2011, about Logan Edgington, titled BELONG TO ME. I'm really excited to be bringing you more of these sexy books! 

Oh.My.Gods. by Tera Lynn Childs

Oh.My.Gods

Author: Tera Lynn Childs

Source: Library Loan

• Reading level: Young Adult
• Hardcover: 272 pages
• Publisher: Dutton Juvenile (May 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0525479422
• ISBN-13: 978-0525479420

SYNOPSIS:

When cross-country-running California girl Phoebe Castro finds out her mom is marrying a virtual stranger and moving them halfway around the world to Greece right before her senior year, she thinks her worst problem will be missing out on fun times with her two best friends. But when they arrive on Serfopoula, her new stepdad tells her that all the students at the Academy—the ultra-elite private school which happens to be the same one founded by Plato more than two thousand years ago—are all super-powerful descendants of the gods. Missing her friends is the least of her problems.

MY THOUGHTS:

Oh.My.God! This book was another great read by the fabulous author, Tera Lynn Childs.  After reading Forgive My Fins, I desperately wanted to read more of this authors work. She has the creativity to come up with the most wonderful creations in her writing.  The character of Phoebe was a typical teenage girl with dreams of getting a scholarship to college due to her long distance running.  She has worked hard to get to where she is and then her mom pulls the rug out from under her. Her Mom reveals that she is getting married to Damien, who happens to be a descendant of a Greek God.  Suddenly Phoebe is thrown off track with her future plans and is forced to move to Greece.  She is told about that the myth about the Greek Gods is true.  She struggles to find her place as a human among all the descendants of the Greek Gods.  Along with trying to fit in, she finds two great friends Troy and Nicole.  She also falls in love with Griffin who is one of the jocks at the school.  

The author floors me with her creativeness and the way she can keep you hooked on a book.  I loved the witty writing that you would expect from teenage characters.  It flowed nicely and was well paced.  A book that will quickly suck you in and leave you wanting to finish the book at a world record pace!  I have found victory with finding this author!

MY RATING:

Outstanding Book That Will Stay On My Bookshelf
For Rereading! 5 STARS

WAKE: The Movie

Lisa McMann confirmed on her blog today that the Wake trilogy will become a movie. Here is what she had to say:

Paramount and MTV Films have picked up the film rights to the WAKE trilogy, with Christopher Landon (Disturbia) writing/directing. Miley Cyrus is considering the lead role.

As you know, even with people and studios attached, it takes a lot for a movie to actually happen, so there are no guarantees it'll get made. But I'm crossing my fingers.

I am thrilled!

As soon as I have more information, I will let you know. Read all the details at the link above!
xox
Lisa

A SEASON OF EDEN by J.M. Warwick

A SEASON OF EDEN

Author: J.M. Warwick (AKA Jennifer Laurens)

Source: Publisher/Grove Creek Publishing

* I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review*

• Reading level: Young Adult
• Paperback: 244 pages
• Publisher: Grove Creek Publishing (October 20, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1933963905
• ISBN-13: 978-1933963907

SYNOPSIS:

He's my teacher. I shouldn't be alone with him. But I can't help that he's irresistible.

I let the door silently close at my back. He stared at me, and a taut quiet stretched between us.

"I like hearing you play," I said, moving toward him.

He turned, in sync with my slow approach. He looked up at me but didn't say anything. I rested my clammy hand on the cold, slick body of the baby grand. "May I?"

The muscles in his throat shifted, then he swallowed. "Eden."

My legs weakened, like a soft tickling kiss had just been blown against the backs of them. "Is it okay?" I asked.

His gaze held mine like two hands joined. He understood what I was really asking.

"Let me stay," I said. "Please."

"You're going to get me in trouble."

MY THOUGHTS:

After finishing this book, I am still wondering how to write up a review on this book.  It was amazing! That sums up my whole experience with this book.

Eden decides to enroll in Choir for her elective her senior year.  To her, it is just an easy A and to pass the last semester before graduating.  She is surprised and in awe when the new choir teacher appears and is instantly attracted to Mr. Christian. 

Now some people, myself included, feel that a teacher/student relationship is wrong. YES, it is. Yet, as your read this book, you will realize that this story is different and you will find yourself hoping the teacher/student relationship will happen.  Eden is actually 18. She is considered an adult even though she is in her senior year of high school.  Mr. Christian is only 22 and he finished his teaching credentials early and loves music. James, tries to not fall for Eden, but she is hard to resist.  The romance is actually sweet and believable. You feel the struggle that they both go through trying not to give into the feelings because of the situation. 

The writing was amazing.  You could actually feel the emotions and the struggle with every paragraph you read. It flowed beautifully and I could not put this book down. The only disappointment I had was the ending. It not only left you questioning the relationship, but it left you hungry for more of Eden and James. I didn't want the book to end. (yes, even emailed the author and told her this! LOL) Well done and a true masterpiece for young adults and adults as well.  

MY RATING:

Outstanding Book That Will Stay On My Bookshelf
For Rereading!

WINNER!

The weekly giveaway has now ended for the week. The winner of Eternal on the Water ARC is:

Cindy W.

Congrats! Please send me your mailing info to djsfoxylady @ gmail.com

Please include in the subject line: WEEKLY WINNER

You have 48 hours to respond.  If I don't hear from you within 48 hours, you forfeit the prize.

Thanks to all who entered!!

 

INTIMATE ENCOUNTERS by Sierra Michaels

INTIMATE ENCOUNTERS

Author: Sierra Michaels

Source: Author Submission

* I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review*

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Black Rose Writing (March 4, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1935605151
• ISBN-13: 978-1935605157

SYNOPSIS:

Cali is a graduate student paying her way through school giving sensual massage to strange men at an apartment with several other girls, where she leads a double life and internally struggles with the job she has chosen, the friendships she has made, and the lies she must tell. At the university Cali is a star student trying to finish her master's thesis on California archaeology. What the other students and professors must not know is that by night she makes money by giving happy endings to strangers. At first, she truly enjoys working at the apartment, since it brings out the sensual side she lacks as a student. She forms a close friendship with two of the girls and a few of her regular customers, but struggles with the fact that she is doing something illegal, dangerous, and looked down upon in American society. Intimate Encounters is a humorus and occasionally serious account of the inner workings of the sensual massage business and the unique and sometimes pathological characters who work at and visit the apartment, as well as Cali's life and struggles as a graduate student in doubt about her chosen field and her future. 

MY THOUGHTS:

After reading the blurb about the book, I knew this was going to be an erotic read.  Even though the blurb states a humorous feel in it, I didn't see a lot of humor. I did however, read some happy endings to some strangers.

Within the first chapter we get to understand what Cali does for a side job.  What she does is illegal, but she needs the money to make it through graduate school on her own.  I admit, I blushed in that first chapter.  Just the thought of what she was doing to complete strangers seemed so wrong, but Cali didn't think about that while doing her job.  As you read more into the book though, it seems to repeat again and again.  The book seemed to progress slowly and dragged at a slow pace.  I kept waiting for something big to happen and it didn't.  Then the bust happens. The chapter when the apartment gets busted was, in my opinion, the turn around for Cali. Yet the author missed the opportunity at this point in the book to keep the reader hooked.  The bust played out behind the scenes of the main character and we didn't get to see the drama that it entailed. It would have given so much more substance to the book. 

The ending was abrupt as well. When you finally get to the end of the book, Cali realizes what she wants in life. It was wrapped up within in a few pages and left the reader with a let down of a climatic ending. I do believe the author has great potential with a wonderful plot.  I just wish it had more speed to the story with a little more substance. 

MY RATING:

 
  If the library doesn't have it, don't worry about reading it! 2 STARS

My New Tour Site!

I just wanted to share with all my readers that my new tour site Not Forgotten Tours is now open and running! I just started posting some books but I have some great ones coming up as well!  If you would like to donate any books for the tours just email me on my contact page, or on the page on the tour blog.  If you would rather donate through paypal as an option for the purchase of newer books, just click on the link in my sidebar. All proceeds will go to funding for books and mailing supplies.  I hope to see all of you on the tour site!!!

NOT FORGOTTEN TOURS

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MICHELLE!!!

Today is Michelle's Birthday over at
Red Headed Book Child's 
blog.  Be sure to go wish her a very merry birthday!  And here is my gift for you!  My lovely singing on your special day Michelle! LMBO!!!

*cough*
*taps mic*
Happy Birthday to you!
Happy Birthday to you!
Happy Birthday dear Michelleeeeeeee!
Happy Birthday to you!!!!
*bows*
thank you thank you!
*clap clap*

Hope it was a good one!!!

(ARC REVIEW) Nightshade by Andrea Cremer

NIGHTSHADE
Author: Andrea Cremer
Source: Around The World Tours
*I received this book through a book tour site for review for free*

• Reading level: Young Adult
• Hardcover: 528 pages
• Publisher: Philomel (October 19, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 039925482X
• ISBN-13: 978-0399254826

SYNOPSIS:

While other teenage girls daydream about boys, Calla Tor imagines ripping out her enemies’ throats. And she wouldn’t have it any other way. Calla was born a warrior and on her eighteenth-birthday she’ll become the alpha female of the next generation of Guardian wolves. But Calla’s predestined path veers off course the moment she saves the life of a wayward hiker, a boy her own age. This human boy’s secret will turn the young pack's world upside down and forever alter the outcome of the centuries-old Witches' War that surrounds them all. 

MY THOUGHTS:


Oh my goodness! This book was another huge one! I thought I would spend a week on this sucker, but I finished it in days.  That is how amazing this book is!

The author did an amazing job at throwing twists in for the werewolf idea.  It was not at all what the normal is.  In this book, Calla is the alpha, not a man.  If you set aside all of the confusing background of the packs history and beliefs, which can be confusing, and look at the book as something fresh and amazing, then you too will easily be captivated into this authors' world of werewolves and adventure.


Another amazing hurdle in the book that the author did a wonderful job on was the love and romance.  The triangle left me torn up just as much as Calla.  It was hard to know who to cheer for when the two love interests were amazing as well.  It made me want to pull my hair out in frustration and wonder at what would happen between the three. To top it off, the author does an amazing job at leaving you guessing up until the end.  Just when you think you have everything figured out, you get smacked with a different outcome than what you expected.


The ending did lack in satisfaction though.  It didn't end in the right spot and feel of the entire book.  To me it either could have ended sooner, or left a bigger finale than what was written.  Hopefully the author can work on this before publication date or be prepared to give her fans the next installment soon!


MY RATING:

Outstanding Book That Will Stay On My Bookshelf
For Rereading! 5 STARS

BODY PARTS by Janet Cameron Hoult

BODY PARTS

A Collection of Poems About Aging

Author: Janet Cameron Hoult

Source: Bostick/Author

* I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review*

• Paperback: 60 pages
• Publisher: Outskirts Press (April 23, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1432755986
• ISBN-13: 978-1432755980

SYNOPSIS:

When you lose your hair and your hearing and your vision, it’s hard to find any humor in these all too human conditions. These poems were written from experience and, believe me, if you can laugh about aging body parts, you can handle the other problems life hands you. So read, enjoy and laugh! 

MY THOUGHTS:

As we all age, I think we all struggle with finding the humor in it. I was excited to be offered this book for review because it deals with just that.  Plus it is nothing  but poetry, which is a secret favorite of mine.

While the summary of the book sounded great, the poetry on the other hand, left me disappointed.  The poems felt sloppy and just like they were put together in a rush.  It didn't feel like there was any work put into them. Even though some of the poems were funny and gave me a little chuckle, I just couldn't enjoy the poetry like I should.  Not a bad book of poetry, but not a great job either. 

MY RATING:

 
  If the library doesn't have it, don't worry about reading it!

2 STARS