Saturday, June 30, 2012

Stacking The Shelves and Weekly Update (10)

Hi everyone!! I hope you all are having a great week and Happy Saturday/Sunday everyone!! Stacking The Shelves is hosted by Tynga's Reviews, and is a great way for fellow bloggers to share the books that they have received over the week.

Happy (almost) July 1st everyone!! This week I got some awesome books on my kindle and I received a surprise in the mail! I've been able to get a lot more reading done with me being on summer break so be on the lookout for more reviews this week!

Here's what I reviewed this week:
For Darkness Shows the Stars by Diana Peterfreund

This week I also got to interview the lovely Brenda Pandos..make sure to check out my interview here.

Anyways..here's what I got this week!!
 
Received from the Library:
The Innocents by Francesca Segal

Purchased:
 Breathless by Cole Gibsen

Received for Review:
 Deity by Jennifer L. Armentrout (Thank you Spencer Hill Press!)
Mystic City by Theo Lawrence (Thank you Netgalley and Random House!)

****I actually already have a copy of Deity so if you are interested in swapping Deity for another book please let me know in the comments, send me an email or direct message me on twitter!

What did you get this week? Let me know in the comments!

Friday, June 29, 2012

Dante's Girl (The Paradise Diaries, #1) by Courtney Cole Review

Name: Dante's Girl (The Paradise Diaries, #1)
Author: Courtney Cole
Publisher: Lakehouse Press
Release Date: June 24th, 2012
Format: E-Book
Buy the book on Amazon
356 pages

I have spent every summer since I was ten years old with my father in London. Every summer, since I was ten years old, has been uneventful and boring. Until this year. And this year, after a freak volcanic eruption strands me far from home, I have learned these things: 1. I can make do with one outfit for three days before I buy new clothes. 2. If I hear the phrase, “You’re not in Kansas anymore, Toto,” even one more time, I might become a homicidal maniac. 3. I am horribly and embarrassingly allergic to jellyfish. 4. I am in love with Dante Giliberti, who just happens to be the beautiful, sophisticated son of the Prime Minister of a Mediterranean paradise. 5. See number four above. Because it brings with it a whole slew of problems and I’ve learned something from every one of them. Let’s start with the fact that Dante’s world is five light-years away from mine. He goes to black-tie functions and knows the Prime Minister of England on a first name basis. I was born and raised on a farm in Kansas and wear cut-off jeans paired with cowboy boots. See the difference? But hearts don’t care about differences. Hearts want what they want. And mine just wants to be Dante’s girl. My heart just might be crazy.-Goodreads

My Review:
What a really cute summer read! I was surfing through Amazon last week and I saw this book..so I decided to check it out and buy it. I am really glad that I did..definitely a nice summer contemporary book!

I'm a huge fan of books with international boys (especially because of the accents!) and the setting of this book was gorgeous! The plot of this book was too sweet and really was a roller coaster ride of emotions. I was definitely cheering for Dante and Reece the moment they met at the airport until the last scene of the book! At points it was a little cheesy..but it didn't matter because I was swept into the romance! This book definitely moved at the right pace..it wasn't too fast or slow! Some parts where a little predictable but I was surprised to find many unexpected scenes that I loved!

 I really loved the main character, Reece! She really stayed true to herself and didn't change just because of Dante. She and Dante really complimented each other and were so adorable together! At times Dante was a little bit annoying when he was a little bit shady in his past love life, but once the reader gets past that you can see that he and Reece are perfect! Dante definitely is a dapper and dashing man..and I can see why Reece fell for him.

Overall, I really enjoyed Dante's Girl and I am SO hoping that both characters make an appearance in the next book in the series! This book really is a cute summer romance book and I highly recommend checking it out..especially when you are at the beach.

My Rating: Four out of Five Stars

Thursday, June 28, 2012

Follow and Feature Friday # 37

Hi everyone..Happy Friday!! Follow Friday is hosted by Alison Can Read and Parajunkee!!


So here's this week's question..

Q: Birthday Wishes -- Blow out the candles and imagine what character could pop out of your cake, who is it and what book are they from?

A: Hmm...this is a tough one! So many awesome characters and I can only have one pop out of my cake. I think I'm going to go with Etienne St. Clair from Anna and The French Kiss! He is so swoon worthy..and every time I read about him I fall in love all over again. He is British, loves history, and is so sweet..my perfect type of guy! I haven't read this book in awhile but I really need to read it..I miss Etienne!

Sam Way (who is a British model) is how I imagine Etienne!


So..whats your answer this week? Leave me a message in the comments and let me know! 

P.S. Don't Forget to Enter my 1 year Blogoversary giveaway here.

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Waiting on Wednesday 51: The Iron Legends

Hi everyone! Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine!
Name: The Iron Legends
Author: Julie Kagawa
Publisher: Harlequin
Release Date: August 28th, 2012
Add the Book on Goodreads

Summer, Winter, Iron. Together at last. Dangerous faeries. Heartbreaking romance. Thrilling action and limitless adventure. The world of the fey has never been so powerful. This collection includes three novellas set in the world of The Iron Fey plus the expanded Guide to the Nevernever and exclusive information about Julie Kagawa's unforgettable world of Faery. Winter's Passage Meghan Chase used to be an ordinary girl...until she discovered that she is really a faery princess. After escaping from the clutches of the deadly Iron fey, Meghan must follow through on her promise to return to the equally dangerous Winter Court with her forbidden love, Prince Ash. But first, Meghan has one request: that they visit Puck--Meghan's best friend and servant of her father, King Oberon--who was gravely injured defending Meghan from the Iron Fey. Yet Meghan and Ash's detour does not go unnoticed. They have caught the attention of an ancient, powerful hunter--a foe that even Ash may not be able to defeat.... Summer's Crossing A Midsummer's Nightmare? Robin Goodfellow. Puck. Summer Court prankster, King Oberon's right hand, bane of many a faery queen's existence—and secret friend to Prince Ash of the Winter Court. Until one girl's death came between them, and another girl stole both their hearts. Now Ash has granted one favor too many and someone's come to collect, forcing the prince to a place he cannot go without Puck's help—into the heart of the Summer Court. And Puck faces the ultimate choice—betray Ash and possibly win the girl they both love, or help his former friend turned bitter enemy pull off a deception that no true faery prankster could possibly resist. Iron's Prophecy.-Goodreads

My Thoughts:
When the Iron Fey series ended last fall, I really thought the series was over and I wouldn't see anymore of my favorite characters! When I found out that Julie Kagawa was coming out with another Iron Fey novella I was SO excited! I really can't wait to see where Ash and Meghan are now..and see what Puck is up too as well. This one will be a must read for me this August!!

What are you waiting for this week? Let me know in the comments!

Monday, June 25, 2012

Author Interview with Brenda Pandos!

Hi everyone! Today I have the lovely Brenda Pandos for an author interview in honor of her release of Evergeen (Which comes out June 29th!).
 
Can you tell us a little about your novel, Evergreen?
Evergreen swirls around treachery, greed, and the binding mer kiss that will leave readers treading water. All Ash and Fin want is to dive into their happily ever after, but due to circumstances they can’t control, they are separated and on different coasts. As their worlds try hard to keep them apart, they fight to be together once again. But when the time comes to choose humanity or the mer for either of them, they struggle deciding which will convert. But a secret lies deep in the heart of Natatoria, and if it’s unearthed, their love will be put to the ultimate test.


What is your favorite part of the writing process?

Storytelling for me is a huge puzzle and bridging scene to scene is my favorite part. I love finding that awesome element that pushes things forward and makes things all that much harder for my characters to overcome. My husband says I write my stories one shower at a time. I think being alone with the hot water pelting on my scalp allows the craziest plot twists to surface.

Where did you get the idea for this series?

I’ve been in love with mermaids since Splash and The Little Mermaid. I even sewed myself a tail from one of my mother’s coral nightgowns when 14 and swam with it in Lake Tahoe one summer. I’ve always been curious about underwater monster lore, and wondered if it was a “cover” for something else. And who better to tell the story than a cute land-loving merman who lived next door, fancies baseball hats, and drives a Jeep.


I know Evergreen is the second book of many in this series, how many books are you thinking of writing for the mer tales?

The next book Everlost will be told from Tatchi’s perspective. After that I’m not sure, but I’m bound to have another. We’ll see what the characters tell me. But don’t think you’ve got the plot figured out from the title. *sands hands greedily* You know how I love to twist words around.


Last question…if you could go anywhere in the world where would you go?

Anywhere with a cool breeze, a warm ocean nearby, a tropical drink, my wonderful boys playing happily in the sand, hubby by my side, and sunshine. After this writing escapade, I’m due for a vacation!

Make sure to check out Evergreen which comes out Friday!

Sunday, June 24, 2012

For Darkness Shows The Stars by Diana Peterfreund Review

Name: For Darkness Shows The Stars
Author: Diana Peterfreund
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Release Date: June 12th, 2012
Format: Library Book
Buy the Book on Amazon
398 pages

It's been several generations since a genetic experiment gone wrong caused the Reduction, decimating humanity and giving rise to a Luddite nobility who outlawed most technology. Elliot North has always known her place in this world. Four years ago Elliot refused to run away with her childhood sweetheart, the servant Kai, choosing duty to her family's estate over love. Since then the world has changed: a new class of Post-Reductionists is jumpstarting the wheel of progress, and Elliot's estate is foundering, forcing her to rent land to the mysterious Cloud Fleet, a group of shipbuilders that includes renowned explorer Captain Malakai Wentforth--an almost unrecognizable Kai. And while Elliot wonders if this could be their second chance, Kai seems determined to show Elliot exactly what she gave up when she let him go. But Elliot soon discovers her old friend carries a secret--one that could change their society . . . or bring it to its knees. And again, she's faced with a choice: cling to what she's been raised to believe, or cast her lot with the only boy she's ever loved, even if she's lost him forever. Inspired by Jane Austen's "Persuasion", "For Darkness Shows the Stars" is a breathtaking romance about opening your mind to the future and your heart to the one person you know can break it.-Goodreads

My Review:
I really enjoyed For Darkness Shows The Stars! The only regret that I have is that I wish I read Jane Austen's Persuasion before reading this book.

For Darkness Shows The Stars' plot captivated me from start to finish. When I first started reading, I was immediately sucked into Elliot North's world and I found this book so hard to put down! I really loved how Diana Peterfreund is able to create this awesome dystopian world, and is able to explain what happened and why things turned out the way they were. I also loved how she shows Elliot's and Kai's relationship not through flashbacks, but through the various letters that they wrote to each other through the years. I thought that was so meaningful, and it really helped the reader get a better understanding to the extent of their relationship. The one thing that kinda bothered me about the plot was that I felt that the ending was a little bit abrupt. I wish we got to see a little bit more romance between Kai and Elliot but I guess there's only so much you can fit into a book!

The main character of the story, Elliot, really is my favorite character in this book. She is such a caring girl, and even though she is supposed to follow the different "protocols" of the Luddite society, she still cares and loves the people who are different than her (at least in this society's POV). I love how she is able to break away from her fathers views and is able to become her own independent, and strong willed person. She is so compassionate towards others and she truly makes this book shine!

Overall, I really enjoyed For Darkness Shows The Stars! I really recommend that you check this book out this summer :)

My Rating: Four out of Five Stars

Saturday, June 23, 2012

Stacking The Shelves and Weekly Update (9)

Hi everyone!! I hope you all are having a great week and Happy Saturday/Sunday everyone!! Stacking The Shelves is hosted by Tynga's Reviews, and is a great way for fellow bloggers to share the books that they have received over the week.

This week has been a bit crazy..so sorry for the lack of reviews everyone! Last night I graduated High School which was an amazing experience and yesterday was my blogoversary!! More reviews will be written next week..I promise :)

Anyways..here's what I reviewed this week:

This week some awesome books from the library came in for me..yay for the library!

Received from the Library:
 The Future of Us by Jay Asher and Carolyn Mackler
For Darkness Shows The Stars by Diana Peterfreund
Wentworth Hall by Abby Grahame

Received for Review
 
The Blessed by Tonya Hurley (Thank you Simon and Schuster!)
Over You by
The Blue Door by Christa Kinde (Thank you Edelweiss and Zondervan!)

What did you get this week? Let me know in the comments!

Friday, June 22, 2012

Happy Blogoversary Catching Books!!


Woooo today is Blogoversary Day!! It's also the day I graduate high school..weird huh? One year ago today I started my blog, Catching Books!

Looking back over this past year I can see how much I've grown on this blog! Seeing some of my first reviews still makes me cringe at times, but I'm glad to see how I've progressed as a book blogger and a reader!

Here's some highlights of this year on my blog:
First Review Ever Written: Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini
First Waiting on Wednesday: Juliet Immortal by Stacey Jay
First Follower: My Best Friend Jaime! She's been here with my every step of the way, helping me make my blog awesome :)

Blogger friends who have helped me every step of the way..I want to thank you all! If I had room I would list every blogger who has inspired and supported me to continue blogging! Thank you all :)
Alison @ Alison Can Read
Lalaine @ FicBookReviews
Sarah @ saz101
Rachel @ Parajunkee
Giselle @ Xpresso Reads

Don't forget to enter my Blogoversary Giveaway to help me celebrate! The link is underneath. Thanks again for everyone's support and I can't wait for more blogging to come :)

Thursday, June 21, 2012

Follow and Feature Friday # 36

Hi everyone..Happy Friday!! Follow and Feature Friday is hosted by Parajunkee and Alison Can Read.

Okay so here's this weeks question....

Q: If you could "unread" a book, which one would it be? Is it because you want to start over and experience it again for the first time? Or because it was THAT bad?

A: If I could "unread" a book it would definiately be the first Harry Potter book. When the first book came out, I was too little to read it on my own so my Dad read it to me every night. While that really was a great experience, I would love to be able to go back and experience the magic of reading the first (and actually second) Harry Potter books on my own!

So..whats your answer this week? Leave me a message in the comments and let me know! 

P.S. Don't Forget to Enter my 1 year Blogoversary giveaway here.

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

One Year Blogoversary Giveaway!


One year ago from Friday I started Catching Books, and it has been the best experience ever! I have made so many awesome friends and I even got to go to BEA! Here's for an awesome year at Catching Books and I want to thank you all for being on this amazing journey with me!

So in honor of my blogoversary I am giving away not one..but TWO boxes of mystery books! Yes that's right, two boxs! Now I'm not going to tell you what's going to be in what boxes..that would ruin the surprise!

So here's the rules:
1. You must be from the United States
2. The Giveaway ends on July 22nd!
3. Winners must reply within 48 hours otherwise another winner will be chosen!

Thanks again everyone and be on the lookout for my EPIC blog post on Friday with a highlight of my blog for the year!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Waiting on Wednesday 50: Renegade

Hi everyone! Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine.

 Name: Renegade
Author: J.A. Souders
Publisher: Tor Teen
Release Date: November 13th, 2012
Add the book on Goodreads

Since the age of three, sixteen-year-old Evelyn Winters has been trained to be Daughter of the People in the underwater utopia known as Elysium. Selected from hundreds of children for her ideal genes all her life she’s thought that everything was perfect; her world. Her people. The Law. But when Gavin Hunter, a Surface Dweller, accidentally stumbles into their secluded little world, she’s forced to come to a startling realization: everything she knows is a lie. Her memories have been altered. Her mind and body aren’t under her own control. And the person she knows as Mother is a monster. Together with Gavin she plans her escape, only to learn that her own mind is a ticking time bomb... and Mother has one last secret that will destroy them all.-Goodreads

My Thoughts:
I love the cover to Renegade..it's gorgeous! I stumbled upon this book a few weeks ago on goodreads and it definitely seems like an interesting read. I'm curious to see why Evelyn's memories have been altered and how she plans to leave her home. Can't wait to read this one in the fall!!

What do you think of my pick this week?

Monday, June 18, 2012

Taken at Dusk (Shadow Falls # 3) by C.C. Hunter Review

Name: Taken at Dusk
Author: C.C. Hunter
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Release Date: April 10th, 2012
Format: Library Book
Buy the book on Amazon
380 pages

Step into Shadow Falls, a camp for teens with supernatural powers. Here friendship thrives, love takes you by surprise, and our hearts possess the greatest magic of all. Kylie Galen wants the truth so badly she can taste it. The truth about who her real family is, the truth about which boy she’s meant to be with—and the truth about what her emerging powers mean. But she’s about to discover that some secrets can change your life forever…and not always for the better. Just when she and Lucas are finally getting close, she learns that his pack has forbidden them from being together. Was it a mistake to pick him over Derek? And it’s not just romance troubling Kylie. An amnesia-stricken ghost is haunting her, delivering the frightful warning, someone lives and someone dies. As Kylie races to unravel the mystery and protect those she loves, she finally unlocks the truth about her supernatural identity, which is far different—and more astonishing—than she ever imagined.-Goodreads

My Review:
I can't believe I waited so long to read this book! I've been a huge fan of this series and Taken at Dusk was another great book to the shadow falls series!

C.C. Hunter does a fabulous job of picking up right where book two left up..and keeps this book at the perfect pace! Not once did I find myself lost or going back to earlier pages wondering what details I missed. The introduction of a few new characters was also really nice! Of course it's great to see all of our old friends..but I also liked seeing Kylie interact with different people! The plot of this book really was great! It had the perfect amount of mystery, romance, action, and suspense for me! I loved how C.C. Hunter was able to add all of these elements without making the plot so overwhelming.

I really enjoy seeing Kylie grow throughout the series..especially in this book! She really has become a strong willed girl who cares about protecting her friends and family. I also really enjoyed seeing her with Lucas in this book :) but I'm actually a little bit of a fan of Derek as well. The author really makes this love triangle work without us knowing which boy Kylie is going to choose. I like how the reader can see Kylie's difficulty with choosing either boy and we can see how she can interacts with both boys.

Overall, I really enjoyed Taken at Dusk! There definitely are some questions that are still buzzing in my head that need to be answered! I am looking forward to reading the fourth book in the series and seeing what happens next.

My Rating: Four out of Five Stars

Sunday, June 17, 2012

The Eight Best Books That I've Read This Year (so far)!!

With my blogoversary coming up on Friday (Yay!!!!), I have decided to do a little reflecting and look back on some of the best books that I have read this year for my blog.

The False Prince has to be one of the best books that I have read this year! It has action, romance, mystery all rolled up into one! What I really loved about this book is that the point of view is told in the perspective of male. It was really interesting to see things from a guys point of view!

Shatter Me made me fall in love with dystopian books and I can't believe I didn't like them at all before! I really liked the world that Tahereh Mafi creates..once I started Shatter Me I couldn't put it down. The romance aspect to this book is so sweet and is a great bonus to this book as well :)

When I first picked up Hallowed I was sure that it wouldn't top the first book to this series (Unearthly), but I was so wrong. I loved every second of Hallowed. From it's heartbreaking moments to pages that would make me laugh out loud, this really was a great book to an already awesome series!

I've always loved a great historical romance book..and The Season was a great choice! I loved reading about the romance, glamour, and pageantry of 19th century England! I really felt that I was swept away into a different time period. The added bonus of action to this book really was great and made me like this book even more!

I LOVED every second of The Vicious Deep and it really is the perfect summer beach read (shouldn't all mermaid books be read at the beach?!). Like I said before, I loved reading this book from a guys perspective! The main character, Tristan, can be hysterical at times but it also so sincere. The plot to this book really was great and I can't wait to get my hands on the next book in the series :)

The Selection was on my list of highly anticipated reads for 2012 and it definitely didn't disappoint! I  loved the idea of a competition for girls to "win" the heart of a Prince..especially one as dashing as Prince Maxon! The main character America, is such a strong willed and independent girl and I liked how she didn't let the glamour and glitz of the competition get to her! I am excited to read the next book in the series and see what comes next for America, Maxon and Aspen! 

Dreamless seriously was a fabulous followup to an already AMAZING series! I am a huge fan of greek mythology so I love how Josephine Angelini is able to make it blend in so well with the real world! Helen, seriously is such an amazing girl after all the things she does to protect her friends and family. Of course I still love Lucas, but the introduction of Orion seriously has me liking both guys for Helen! Can't wait to read the next book in the series :)

The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight has to be my favorite contemporary read of 2012. Even though this book only took course over a 24 hour time period, by the end of the book I felt that I knew Hadley and Oliver so well! I loved seeing their romance progress throughout the novel and the added bonus that part of this novel takes place in England was great too :)

Thoughts anyone? Let me know what you think of my favorite books of 2012 so far!


Saturday, June 16, 2012

Stacking The Shelves and Weekly Update (8)

Hi everyone!! I hope you all are having a great week and Happy Saturday/Sunday everyone!! Stacking The Shelves is hosted by Tynga's Reviews, and is a great way for fellow bloggers to share the books that they have received over the week.


Sorry for the lack of posts this week..this week has been really hectic!! Next week I graduate high school and my one year blogoversary is on Friday! Be on the lookout for a giveaway (hint hint this Monday night?). This week I will definately pick up my reading and review some more books :)

Here's what I reviewed this week:
Don't You Wish by Roxanne St. Claire

So this week I didn't receive a lot because I went to BEA last week!! So here's what I got this week:

Received for Review:
Defiance by C.J. Redwine (Thank you Edelweiss and Harper Teen for sending me a copy!!)

What do you think of what I got?? What did you get this week??  Leave me a link in the comments so I can check it out :)

Thursday, June 14, 2012

Follow and Feature Friday # 35

Hi everyone..happy Friday!! Follow Friday is hosted by Parajunkee and Alison Can Read! Happy Early Father's day to all the Dads out there!!

So this Friday's question is..

Q: Who is the best father figure you have read in a book and why?

A: Oh man..this is a really hard question!! The first book that came to mind would be Albus Dumbledore from the Harry Potter series..he was a father figure to Harry right? Harry really looks up to him and values his advice and opinion so much. Without him, Harry wouldn't have been able to become the character we all know and love. Another father figure that came to mind is Arthur Weasley (also from Harry Potter). He always has some of the funniest lines in the book and he truly is a great father :)

Well..who is the best father figure you have read in a book?? What do you think of my choices?? I was feeling a Harry Potter theme this was as you can all tell :) Comment below and let me know what you think!

Don't You Wish by Roxanne St. Claire Review

Name: Don't You Wish
Author: Roxanne St. Claire
Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers
Release Date: July 10th, 2012
Format: E-Book ARC
Pre-Order the book on Amazon
Thank you Netgalley and Delacorte Books for Young readers for sending me this book for review!!

When plain and unpopular Annie Nutter gets zapped by one of her dad's whacked-out inventions, she lands in a parallel universe where her life becomes picture-perfect. Now she's Ayla Monroe, daughter of the same mother but a different father—and she's the gorgeous, rich queen bee of her high school. In this universe, Ayla lives in glitzy Miami instead of dreary Pittsburgh and has beaucoup bucks, courtesy of her billionaire—if usually absent—father. Her friends hit the clubs, party backstage at concerts, and take risks that are exhilarating . . . and illegal. Here she's got a date to lose her V-card with the hottest guy she's ever seen. But on the inside, Ayla is still Annie. So when she's offered the chance to leave the dream life and head home to Pittsburgh, will she take it? The choice isn't as simple as you think.-Goodreads

My Review:
When I first started this book I really didn't know what to expect. I've been kinda in a book rut lately and I haven't really found any books that I could really get into. However, I am SO glad that I decided to read this book because it definitely brightened my mood and got me out of this book rut that I have been in!

One of my favorite parts about this book was the development of the main character Annie! At first, she doesn't think too much about her friends or family, and only really thinks about fitting in with the cool crowd at school. When her parents get into a fight over her dad's latest invention, Annie wishes that she could be living a different life-one filled with glamour and wealth. Suddenly, she's zapped into the body of Ayla Monroe. At first, Annie is loving this new life-one filled with glitz and glam, amazing clothes, a ticket to parties, and being one of the most popular girls at school. Soon, however, she starts to realize that the popular life isn't all that it's cracked up to be and realizes what really matters in her life: her family. I was really happy that Annie was able to come to this realization that money doesn't make you happy and it's really your family that can put a smile on your face. Seeing her develop from kind of a shallow character to one who is caring and realizes that material things aren't everything.

I also loved the cast of characters that accompanied Annie meets on her adventure! Her two friends as Ayla, Jade and Bliss, were a little out there and definitely did things that I didn't like, still were hysterical and fun to read about. Now onto Charlie-one of my favorite characters about this book! He's able to see Annie for who she really is, even when she's hiding behind a mask of wealth and fame, and helps her find her way home. He is such a caring and sweet character and I loved how much he cared for Annie!

Overall, I really enjoyed Don't You Wish and I recommend that you all check it out this summer! It really was such an enjoyable read and the perfect summer beach read!

My Rating: Four out of Five Stars

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Waiting on Wednesday 49: Evergreen (Mer Tales # 2)

Hi everyone! Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine!!

Name: Evergreen (Mer Tales # 2)
Author: Brenda Pandos
Publisher: Obsidian Mountain Publishing
Release Date: June 29th, 2012
Add the book on Goodreads

A kingdom on the brink of war. A king on the fringes of insanity. A family running for their lives.
Ash and Fin’s only desire is to be together and dive into their happily ever after, though their conflicting worlds work to pull them apart. Neither is ready to convert to the other’s life: become a human or a mer. Little do they know that somewhere in Natatoria a secret holds the fine fabric of everyone’s lives together. 
If the truth is discovered, Ash and Fin will no longer have the luxury of waiting. They’ll be forced to choose. But will it be for loyalty or love? Or will someone else make the choice for them if they can’t decide? Enter the watery world of treachery, greed, and the binding mer kiss as the story continues with Evergreen, book two of Mer Tales.-Goodreads

My Thoughts:
I LOVED the first book to this series, Everblue, and I am so excited to read this one!! This book definitely is a really great summer beach read. I'm really interested to see where the author goes with the plot after leaving us with a cliffhanger at the end of book one! I can't wait to see what happens and if you haven't read this series please check it out :)

What are you waiting for this week? Comment below and let me know :D 


Betrayed (The Guardian Legacy # 2) by Ednah Walters Review

Name: Betrayed
Author: Ednah Walters
Publisher: Spencer Hill Press
Release Date: June 5th, 2012
Format: ARC Copy
Buy the book on Amazon

Thank you Spencer Hill Press for sending me a copy of this book for review!!

Lil isn't just an average teenager. She's one of the Nephilim--the descendants of humans and angels--which gives her some serious psi skills and a mission for redemption. Just when Lil thinks she's found a balance between her normal life with human friends and her training to become a Guardian, she's warned that someone close to her will betray her. When the boy she loves starts acting strangely and one of her human friends acquires a supernatural ability, Lil begins to realize that someone is manipulating the people she loves... and won't stop until she's been lured to the dark side.-Goodreads

My Review:
So when I first started this book I was actually completely lost..but after doing some research I realized that this was actually the second book in a series! I luckily was able to find the first book and get up to speed, and not be so confused when I read Betrayed! Overall, I enjoyed Betrayed, but I did find it hard to follow at times especially since I read the first book kind of quick.

The plot of this book was really interesting! I liked how Lil is able to balance both her human life and her training to become a guardian. After reading a bunch of different angel books, I really liked how Ednah Walters is able to incorporate angel mythology into a new way! It was great that the author kept this book at a good pace..I liked how the beginning was a little slow and then when the action hit things definitely sped up!

The main character, Lil, is really great. Like I said before, I liked seeing her balance her guardian life and her human life. I thought she does a great job of being able to balance both and still do the things that she loves to do. Lil really cares about the people she loves and she will do anything she can to protect them.

Overall..Betrayed was a nice read! I really do recommend reading the first book in the series before this one because otherwise you will be completely lost (which happened to me)! If you are looking for a new angel series check this one out!

My Rating: Three out of Five Stars

Sunday, June 10, 2012

Book Trailers: Round Two!

Hi everyone! So in April I did a post on book trailers (see post here) and your thoughts on them. This time I decided to do a post and showcase some awesome book trailers that I've found!






So what are your thoughts? I happen to LOVE the Dreamless and Throne of Glass trailers the best :)

Let me know in the comments what you think!!
(books featured: Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Mass, Dreamless by Josephine Angelini, Until I Die by Amy Plum, Golden Lily by Richelle Mead)

Saturday, June 9, 2012

Stacking The Shelves and Weekly (BEA!!) Recap (7)

Hi everyone!! I hope you all are having a great week and Happy Saturday/Sunday everyone!! Stacking The Shelves is hosted by Tynga's Reviews, and is a great way for fellow bloggers to share the books that they have received over the week.

Here's a recap of what I have reviewed this week:

 The Last Princess by Galaxy Craze
Dark Companion by Marta Acosta

So the highlight of this week was going to BEA!! It was my first time going and it really was a great experience. I went on Thursday for the day and I had the BEST time! I met so many nice people and saw some really interesting books. Next year I will definately try to go for the whole week..

Anyways..here's all the awesome swag that I got on Thursday! I decided to take pictures of what I got instead of doing goodreads images..
Venom by Fiona Paul
The Diviners by Libba Bray
Poison Princess by Kresley Cole
Falling Kingdoms by Morgan Rhodes

Origin by Jessica Khoury
Skinny by Donna Cooner
Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken
The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater
Summer and Bird by Katherine Catmull
The Innocents by Lili Peloquin

Carnival of Souls by Melissa Marr
Magisterium by Jeff Hirsch
The Butterfly Clues by Kate Ellison
Deity by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Beta by Rachel Cohn

Thanks so much to all of the wonderful publishers and authors that I met on Thursday at BEA! I want to thank you all for giving me copies of these awesome books for review :)

So I have to say..that I am SO excited to read The Diviners by Libba Bray and Venom by Fiona Paul..I can't wait to start all of these books!!
Be on the lookout for my epic one year blogoversary giveaway coming soon!

What do you think of what I got?? What did you get this week??  Leave me a link in the comments and let me know if you went to BEA!!

Thursday, June 7, 2012

Dark Companion by Marta Acosta Review

Name: Dark Companion
Author: Marta Acosta
Publisher: Tor/Macmillan
Release Date: July 3rd, 2012
Format: E-book ARC
Pre-Order the book on Amazon


Thank you Netgalley and Tor/Macmillian for sending me a copy of this book for review!!

When foster teen Jane Williams is invited to attend elite Birch Grove Academy for Girls and escape her violent urban neighborhood, she thinks the offer is too good to be true. She's even offered her own living quarters, the groundskeeper's cottage in the center of the birch grove. Something's not quite right about the school -- or is it Jane? She thinks she sees things in the birch grove at night. She's also beginning to suspect that the elegant headmistress and her sons are hiding secrets. Lucky is the gorgeous, golden son who is especially attentive to Jane, and Jack is the sardonic puzzling brother. The school with its talented teachers and bright students is a dream for a science and math geek like Jane. She also loves her new friends, including hilarious poetry-spouting rich girl, Mary Violet. But the longer Jane stays at Birch Grove, the more questions she has about the disappearance of another scholarship girl and a missing faculty member. 
Jane discovers one secret about Birch Grove, which only leads to more mysteries. What is she willing to sacrifice in order to stay at this school...and be bound to Birch Grove forever?-Goodreads

My Review:
When I first started Dark Companion, I really had no clue what to expect. After a slow start, I found myself really enjoying this book and liking everything it had to offer!!

I was really intrigued by the plot of Dark Companion. I really liked how this book always kept me guessing..I would think that one thing would happen and instead something else would happen that I totally didn't see coming! I also really liked that I didn't really know what genre this book was because it made me more interested in reading and finding out what was going to happen. I liked learning things as Jane learned them, instead of already knowing ahead of time. The pace of this book works well..I did think that the beginning was a little slow..but once Jane gets accustomed to Grove Academy, things really started to pick up and I found it so hard to put this book down. The amount of romance in this book was perfect..not too little and not too much which was right for this book.

I will say, that I really liked the main character Jane! At first, I wasn't sure what to make of her, but as the book moved forward I really saw how caring she is, and how she is such a good friend. I also LOVED Jack! He is so funny and he and Jane compliment each other so well. The scenes that they were in always were great and I loved how he teased her in such a cute way by calling her different pixie names! The only character I wasn't a huge fan of was Lucky. Mary Violet (otherwise known as MV) was great! She was so funny with all of her french sayings and I loved when she would quote random poetry! She really is a great friend for Jane! I really thought that he needed to grow up and I thought he was too focused on himself and not anyone else.

Overall, I really enjoyed Dark Companion and I was really happy with how the book ended! I highly recommend checking this book out when it is published in July.

My Rating: Four out of Five Stars

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Waiting on Wednesday 48: Ashes of Twilight

Hi everyone!! Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Breaking The Spine.

Name: Ashes of Twilight
Author: Kassy Tayler
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Release Date: November 13th, 2012

Add the book on Goodreads

Wren MacAvoy works as a coal miner for a domed city that was constructed in the mid-nineteenth century to protect the royal blood line of England when astronomers spotted a comet on a collision course with Earth. Humanity would be saved by the most groundbreaking technology of the time. But after nearly 200 years of life beneath the dome, society has become complacent and the coal is running out. Plus there are those who wonder, is there life outside the dome or is the world still consumed by fire? When one of Wren's friends escapes the confines of the dome, he is burned alive and put on display as a warning to those seeking to disrupt the dome’s way of life. But Alex’s final words are haunting. “The sky is blue.” 
What happens next is a whirlwind of adventure, romance, conspiracy and the struggle to stay alive in a world where nothing is as it seems. Wren unwittingly becomes a catalyst for a revolution that destroys the dome and the only way to survive might be to embrace what the entire society has feared their entire existence.-Goodreads

My Thoughts
I LOVE the cover of Ashes of Twilight! When I first saw this book the colors really stood out to me and I love how the bird stands out so much against the blue. The plot synopsis of this book also sounds really interesting! I really want to see how people live in this dome and how different the world has changed. I will definitely be checking this book out in the fall!!

What are you waiting for this week? Comment below and let me know :D 

Monday, June 4, 2012

The Last Princess by Galaxy Craze Review

Name: The Last Princess
Author: Galaxy Craze
Publisher: Little Brown Books for Young Readers
Release Date: May 1st, 2012
Format: Library Book
Buy the book on Amazon

Happily ever after is a thing of the past.
A series of natural disasters has decimated the earth. Cut off from the rest of the world, England is a dark place. The sun rarely shines, food is scarce, and groups of criminals roam the woods, searching for prey. The people are growing restless. When a ruthless revolutionary sets out to overthrow the crown, he makes the royal family his first target. Blood is shed in Buckingham Palace, and only sixteen-year-old Princess Eliza manages to escape. Determined to kill the man who destroyed her family, Eliza joins the enemy forces in disguise. She has nothing left to live for but revenge, until she meets someone who helps her remember how to hope—and to love—once more. Now she must risk everything to ensure that she not become... The Last Princess.-Goodreads

My Review:
I'm not a huge fan of dystopian books, so I was a little hesitant when I first picked this book up..but I am SO glad I did!! Overall, the Last Princess is a some-what short, but action packed read.

One of the best parts about The Last Princess was the plot! It was really interesting to see how much England had changed after "The Seventeen Days" (which is when a series of natural disasters destroyed much of the Earth) and how people were able to survive in such a desolate place. The action scenes were really great this book! The battle scenes really reminded me of older wars in the fact that most people rode on horses and fought with a sword. It really helped me visualize the scenes better and it really was a great aspect to this book. I do wish that the author went more in depth as to what went on during this catastrophic event because I felt that the beginning was rushed and I really wanted to know more about this disaster. Especially since the author briefly mentions what happens during that time, it would have made the book stand out more if she added a bit to the beginning.

I also really liked the main character Eliza. After all that she is been through after the death of her mother and the death of her father, she is still able to pull through and be strong for her siblings and her country. She doesn't want to give up and she is so strong willed that it makes me feel like she is a true leader. I also like how she is willing to do anything for her family and her country and is such a brave girl. The romance aspect of this book was nice as well! It wasn't too much and it was a nice added bonus to this book and it really added some light into Eliza's life.

In the end, I really enjoyed The Last Princess! While it was a quick read, I still found myself really enjoying this book and I'm hoping that the author writes another book (after the cliffhanger ending!!).
 
My Rating: Four out of Five Stars

Sunday, June 3, 2012

Giveaway Winner!!

Hi everyone!! We have a winner for my giveaway of Silence by Michelle Sagara West!!

And the winner is..

Tiffany D.

Thanks to all that entered and be on the lookout for my epic 1 year blogoversary giveaway!!

Saturday, June 2, 2012

Stacking The Shelves and Weekly Recap (6)

Hi everyone!! I hope you all are having a great week and Happy Saturday/Sunday everyone!! Stacking The Shelves is hosted by Tynga's Reviews, and is a great way for fellow bloggers to share the books that they have received over the week.



Okay so first things first: whose going to BEA this week?? I will only be there on Thursday because of school and such..but if you will be there on Thursday let me know!! Also, anyone have any tips for a first timer/what I should expect?? Make sure to comment and let me know :)

Anyways this week I was able to review the following books:

So here's what I received this week!!

Received for Review:
Florence by Ciye Cho (Thank you Ciye for sending me a copy!!)

Received from the library/purchased
 ****Yes I know I already have a copy of Dreamless but I couldn't resist buying the finished copy!!

Dreamless (Starcrossed # 2) by Josephine Angelini

What do you think of what I got?? What did you get this week??  Leave me a link in the comments and let me know if your going to BEA!!