Musing Monday (4/30)

Do you listen to audiobooks? If not, why not? And, if so, what has been one of your favorites, so far?
Yes I have listened to audiobooks, but I've only listened to two and I really enjoyed them both. The first audiobook I've ever listened to was City of Bones by Cassandra Clare and the other was Cinder by Marissa Meyer.

I had a great experience when listening to both the audiobooks. I listened to them everywhere and it was a great way to pass time and enjoy a book all in one. Especially while doing things around the house and in the car!

I would listen to them more often if they weren't so expensive! But I do enjoy them and would like to read more :)

Hosted by: Should be reading

Cover Reveals

Reaper
by L.S. Murphy
Release Date |January 7, 2013|
Target Reader |Young Adult|
Keywords |Urban Fantasy|

There's no way sixteen year old Quincy Amarante will become the fifth grim reaper. None. Not over her shiny blue Mustang. Her Jimmy Choos. Or her dead body.

She’s supposed to enjoy her sophomore year, not learn about some freaky future Destiny says she has no choice but to fulfill.

It doesn’t take long for Quincy to realize the only way out of the game is to play along especially since Death can find her anyway, anywhere, anytime. And does.

Like when she’s reassuring her friends she wants nothing to do with former best friend Ben Moorland, who’s returned from god-knows-where, and fails. Miserably.

Instead of maintaining her coveted popularity status, Quincy’s goes down like the Titanic.

Maybe ... just maybe ... that’s okay.

It seems, perhaps, becoming a grim reaper isn’t just about the dead but more about a much needed shift in Quincy’s priorities—from who she thinks she wants to be to who she really is.

URL:
http://www.jtaylorpublishing.com/books/19

In My Mailbox (18)

Hey everyone :)
Back with another IMM!
This week I am so excited for the books I have!
Don't forget to leave your links so I can check out your IMM's

Books Mentioned

The Magic Warble giveaway US/INT!

Hey everyone,
I am hosting giveaway of The Magic Warble by Victoria Simcox.
I was contacted by her and was happy to host the giveaway.
There will be 4 winners :)
1 hardcopy - US only
1 ebook copies - INT

Victoria was born in Scarborough, Ontario, Canada, to an Austrian immigrant mother, and a Dutch immigrant father. She now lives in Western Washington with her husband, Russ and their three children, Toby, Kristina, and William. Her other family members are a Chihuahua, named Pipsy and two cats, named Frodo and Fritz. Besides being an author, Victoria is a home-schooling mother of twelve years and an elementary school art teacher of eleven years. In her spare time, Victoria enjoys managing her two older children's Celtic band. She also loves writing, reading, painting watercolors, hiking, good movies, and just simply hanging out with her family and friends.

Twelve-year-old Kristina Kingsly feels like the most unpopular girl in her school. The kids all tease her, and she never seems to fit in. But when Kristina receives an unusual Christmas gift, she suddenly finds herself magically transported to the land of Bernovem, home of dwarfs, gnomes, fairies, talking animals and the evil Queen Sentiz.
In Bernovem, Kristina not only fits in, she's honored as "the chosen one," the only one who can release the land from Queen Sentiz's control. But it's not as simple as it seems. To save Bernovem, she must place the gift she was given, the famous "Magic Warble," in its final resting place. She must travel through the deep forest, climb a treacherous mountain, and risk capture by the queen's "zelbocks" before she reaches her destination. Guided by her new fairy friends, Clover and Looper and by Prince Werrien, a teenage boy, and an assortment of other characters, Kristina sets off on a perilous journey that not only tests her strength but her heart.

The Black Dagger Brotherhood: An Insider's Guide by J.R. Ward

The BDB: An Insider's Guide
by J.R. Ward
Released |October 7th 2008 by NAL Trade|
Edition |Trade Paperback, 467 pages|

Prepare to enter the dark, passionate world of the Black Dagger Brotherhood and get up close and personal with each of the Brothers....

You'll find insider information on the Brotherhood, including their dossiers, stats, and special gifts. you'll read interviews with your favorite characters, including a heartbreaking conversation with Tohrment and Wellsie, conducted three weeks before she was killed by lessers. You'll discover deleted scenes -- accompanied by the whys behind the cuts -- in addition to exciting material from the J.R. Ward message boards and the answers to questions about the series posed by readers. you'll learn what it's like for J.R. Ward to write each installment of the series, and in a fascinating twist, you'll read an interview with the author -- conducted by the Brothers. For the first time ever, you'll see an original novella about Zsadist and Bella, and witness the miracle of their daughter Nalla's birth and experience the depth of their love for each other. Also, you'll receive a sneak peek at the much anticipated next book in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series, Lover Avenged, Rehvenge's story.

This is a compendium no black Dagger Brotherhood fan should miss...and an insider's guide that will seduce you as powerfully as the sexy band of Brothers and the "ferociously popular" world in which they live.

My Thoughts
This was an amazing inside to the Black Dagger Brotherhood and J.R. Wards thoughts! I absolutely loved it! It made me laugh so hard and reminded me of all those moments of each brother I had when reading their individual stories :)

Nightshade and Wolfsbane Giveaway!

Hey everyone :)
Back with another giveaway! Its been a while since I've had one.
This giveaway of Nightshade and Wolfsbane by Andrea Cremer (books 1 and 2)
Sorry, but giveaway is US only!  Paperback editions
I love this series :)

Calla Tor has always known her destiny: After graduating from the Mountain School, she'll be the mate of sexy alpha wolf Ren Laroche and fight with him, side by side, ruling their pack and guarding sacred sites for the Keepers. But when she violates her masters' laws by saving a beautiful human boy out for a hike, Calla begins to question her fate, her existence, and the very essence of the world she has known. By following her heart, she might lose everything- including her own life. Is forbidden love worth the ultimate sacrifice?

Cover Reveals

Redheads Are Soulless
by Heather M. White

High School senior, Sofia Black, has had a very hard life. Since her father's death 7 years ago, she has had to look after her drug addicted, alcoholic mother. School isn't any better for her either. The other kids constantly tease, and ridicule her. All she wants is to get out of her small hometown in Alabama.

When new student, Jason, shows up, Sofia's world is turned upside down. She doesn't understand why he wants to befriend her so badly... And, just when she thinks she can trust him, trouble appears.

Jason's twin brother, Robbie, moves into town, and things go haywire. Sofia is now running for her life - and Jason is forced to share hidden secrets with her. She learns the truth about her father's death, and finds out that she may not be as "human" as she once thought. She struggles to accept her fate, while fighting for her life.

Link to Heather M White Blog - http://heatherstiara.blogspot.com/
SupaGurl Books Blog - http://www.supagurlbooks.blogspot.com 

Of Poseidon by Anna Banks

Of Poseidon
by Anna Banks
Released |May 22nd 2012 by Feiwel & Friends|
Edition |E-ARC|
Source |Netgalley|

Galen is the prince of the Syrena, sent to land to find a girl he’s heard can communicate with fish. Emma is on vacation at the beach. When she runs into Galen—literally, ouch!—both teens sense a connection. But it will take several encounters, including a deadly one with a shark, for Galen to be convinced of Emma’s gifts. Now, if he can only convince Emma that she holds the key to his kingdom . . .

Told from both Emma and Galen’s points of view, here is a fish-out-of-water story that sparkles with intrigue, humor, and waves of romance.

My Thoughts
This book intrigued me just from the title of it name :) Me, being a Poseidon lover, just couldn't resist checking this book out! Thanks Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to review this book! And this book was AMAZING! A must read :) Plus the cover is FAN-flipping-TASTIC!

Top Ten Tuesday - Top Ten All Time Favorite Characters In Books (14)

Hosted by: The Broke and The Bookish
This weeks topic is: Top Ten All Time Favorite Characters In Books

1. Zsadist and Vishous (Black Dagger Brotherhood series) - ♥ I just love him :) He is my top love interest in a book and he is an amazing character even though he has a very tortured past. But he can be funny, sweet, and loving! And Vishous is my second fave BDB brother. He is such a smart ass and who those eyes sound awesome!

2. Ash and Puck (The Iron Fey series) - Prince Ash is definitely a fave! And by the way from here on out is not in any particular order. :) My Ice Prince ♥ And you gotta love Puck! He just the hilarious best friend you would love to have! I really want to read more about him :)

3. Hermione (Harry Potter series) - She is intelligent and was a wonderful character to get to know :) I see her as being a wonderful BFF.

4. Jace (Mortal Instruments series) - My lovely shadowhunter! I shouldn't even have to explain why I love him! ♥

5. Rose and Dimitri (Vampire Academy series) - Like really? Just kick-ass! And Dimitri of course! OMG :) Don't need to explain.

6. Sissy Mae (Pride series) - This chick is hilarious! When I say I lmao when reading about her :) Great! I really need to reread this series and do some reviews!

7. Clay (Women of the Otherworld series) - He's amazing and loving and one danger werewolf to cross! I absolutely love him!

8. Percy Jackson (Percy Jackson series) - Who wouldn't want to be the son of Poseidon, have a sword that turns into a pen, and can control water?

9. Storm (Riding the Storm by Brenda Jackson) - Love this book and this twin! Storm was always my favorite when reading about the Westmoreland family!

10. Midnight (The Coldest Winter Ever) - Wish there was more of him in that book and wish other things could have happened between them. I loved his mysterious character!

In My Mailbox (17)

Well I couldn't record a video this week for my IMM because my webcam wasn't working.
So I'll just post it regularly.
I got a could books this week that I am really happy about!

Don't forget to leave your links!

For Review

I received this book from the author and it sounds interesting.

Only The Strongest Survive by Ian Fox

Print Book Bought

 Vanished by Meg Cabot (Bind Up)

When Lightning Strikes - Book 1

Code Name Cassandra - Book 2

Ebooks Bought

The Gathering Storm by Robin Bridges

Immortal Beloved by Cate Tiernan

The Iron Thorn by Caitlin Kittredge

Taken At Dusk by C.C. Hunter

Remembrance by Michelle Madow

Fear by Michael Grant

Fear
(Gone, #5)
by Michael Grant
Released |April 3rd 2012 by Katherine Tegen Book|
Edition |Ebook|

It's been one year since all the adults disappeared. Gone.

Despite the hunger and the lies, even despite the plague, the kids of Perdido Beach are determined to survive. Creeping into the tenuous new world they've built, though, is perhaps the worst incarnation yet of the enemy known as the Darkness: fear.

Within the FAYZ, life breaks down while the Darkness takes over, literally—turning the dome-world of the FAYZ entirely black. In darkness, the worst fears of all emerge, and the cruelest of intentions are carried out. But even in their darkest moments, the inhabitants of the FAYZ maintain a will to survive and a desire to take care of the others in their ravaged band that endures, no matter what the cost.

Fear, Michael Grant's fifth book in the bestselling dystopian Gone series, will thrill readers . . . even as it terrifies them.

My Thoughts

This is the fifth installment in the Gone series and it was, omg, AMAZING! This book blew my mind :) So many different elements happened in this book. If you have not pick up this book yet, you are definitely missing out!

Cover Reveals

Obumbrate
(Illumine, #2)
by Alivia Anders
Released |July 7th 2012|

Essallie Hanley just wishes her life could go back to normal. But what's normal when you carry the burden of knowing you're a half-angel created for war, that the only person who can help you is a demon still waiting to kill you, and that your only chance for salvation lied in a boy who died in front of you?

If Essallie had turned her back on everything she'd learned, she could have made the most of her fractured life. That is, until Kayden told her that she's a ticking time-bomb; that at any given moment her blood could betray her, her veins burning her alive from the inside out until nothing but ash remains.

Desperate to find answers, and possibly find her only chance for survival, Essallie heads back for New York City, back to the place where it all began. With every answer comes a price, and with every price the risks and rewards become greater. But when Essallie soon finds herself the target of an unknown hunter determined to kill her, she's at wits' end. That is, until a fellow Nephilim named Ari steps in. But is Ari a piece of the puzzle to her salvation, or the promise of her demise?

Book One: Illumine by Alivia - Synopsis - my ratings 4 stars :)

http://aliviaanders.blogspot.com/
@aliviaanders
 

Books To Pine For (13)

Rift
(Nightshade Prequel, #1)
by Andrea Cremer
Released |August 7th 2012 by Philomel| 
Edition |Hardcover, 448 pages|

Chronicling the rise of the Keepers, this is the stunning prequel to Andrea Cremer's internationally bestselling Nightshade trilogy!

Sixteen-year-old Ember Morrow is promised to a group called Conatus after one of their healers saves her mother's life. Once she arrives, Ember finds joy in wielding swords, learning magic, and fighting the encroaching darkness loose in the world. She also finds herself falling in love with her mentor, the dashing, brooding, and powerful Barrow Hess. When the knights realize Eira, one of their leaders, is dabbling in dark magic, Ember and Barrow must choose whether to follow Eira into the nether realm or to pledge their lives to destroying her and her kind.

With action, adventure, magic, and tantalizing sensuality, this book is as fast-paced and breathtaking as the Nightshade novels.

Eternal by J.A. Belfield

Eternal
(Holloway Pack Prequel)
by J.A. Belfield
Released |July 2nd 2012 by J. Taylor Publishing|
Edition |E-ARC|
Source |J. Taylor Publishing|

An unmarried woman living in a house of men breeds hearsay and lore. If only the villagers knew the truth.
It’s not Jem Stonehouse’s marital status that brings unwanted strangers to town. Rather, it’s that she is the only female werewolf in existence — a prize to any pack.
Sean Holloway, the love of Jem’s life, has gone to great lengths to protect her. As a new attack becomes imminent, Sean realizes he must take greater measures with Jem’s safety or risk losing her forever.
His first task must be to marry her, but a force greater than the largest werewolf stands in his way.
Her mother

No One To Trust by Katie Reus

No One To Trust
by Katie Reus
Released |March 1st 2012 by Katie Reus|
Edition |Ebook|
Source |For review - author|

Computer security specialist Elizabeth Martinez has never been able to turn her back on her brother Benny. When his risky lifestyle finally lands him in harm’s way, Elizabeth finds herself dragged into the dangerous underworld with him and into the cross hairs of one of Miami’s death-dealing drug lords. Only after her ex-boyfriend saves her does she realize she might have no choice but to depend on the one man she has tried so desperately to forget.

Former Marine Porter Caldwell never should have let Elizabeth walk away from him all those months ago. She means more to him than anything and now that she’s in danger and turned to him for help, he won’t make that mistake again. When a local gang targets her and she’s nearly killed in a drive by shooting, Porter vows to do whatever it takes to keep her alive. Even if it means turning his back on all that he’s sworn to uphold.

Taste by Kate Evangelista - Book Trailer and Excerpt Reveal

Taste
by Kate Evangelista
Publisher: |Crescent Moon Press|

At Barinkoff Academy, there's only one rule: no students on campus after curfew. Phoenix McKay soon finds out why when she is left behind at sunset. A group calling themselves night students threaten to taste her flesh until she is saved by a mysterious, alluring boy. With his pale skin, dark eyes, and mesmerizing voice, Demitri is both irresistible and impenetrable. He warns her to stay away from his dangerous world of flesh eaters. Unfortunately, the gorgeous and playful Luka has other plans.
When Phoenix is caught between her physical and her emotional attraction, she becomes the keeper of a deadly secret that will rock the foundations of an ancient civilization living beneath Barinkoff Academy. Phoenix doesn’t realize until it is too late that the closer she gets to both Demitri and Luka the more she is plunging them all into a centuries old feud.

Cover Reveals

After Dark

(The 19th Year Trilogy, #1)

by Emi Gayle

Release Date |October 31, 2012|

Target Reader |Young Adult|

Keywords |Paranormal Romance|

What eighteen year old Mac Thorne doesn’t know will probably kill her.

In exactly eight months, five days, three hours and thirteen minutes, Mac has to choose what she’ll be for the rest of her life.

She has no choice but to pick. As a Changeling, it’s her birthright. To Mac, it’s a birthchore. Like going to school with humans, interacting with humans, and pretending to be human during the pesky daylight hours.

Once darkness descends, Mac can change into any supernatural form that exists — which makes her as happy as she can be. That is, until Winn Thomas, the biggest geek in her senior class figures out there’s more to what hides in the dark than most are willing to acknowledge.

In this first of the 19th Year Trilogy, Winn might know more about Mac than even she does, and that knowledge could end their lives, unless Mac ensures the powers-that-be have no choice but to keep him around.

URL: http://www.jtaylorpublishing.com/books/16

Previous books in this series:

None. This is the first of three.

Recommendation (4) - Dystopian

Gone
(Gone, #1)
by Michael Grant
Released |June 24th 2008 by HarperTeen|
Edition |Hardcover, 558 pages|

In the blink of an eye. Everyone disappears. GONE.

Except for the young. Teens. Middle schoolers. Toddlers. But not one single adult. No teachers, no cops, no doctors, no parents. Just as suddenly, there are no phones, no internet, no television. No way to get help. And no way to figure out what's happened.

Hunger threatens. Bullies rule. A sinister creature lurks. Animals are mutating. And the teens themselves are changing, developing new talents - unimaginable, dangerous, deadly powers - that grow stronger by the day.

It's a terrifying new world. Sides are being chosen, a fight is shaping up. Townies against rich kids. Bullies against the weak. Powerful against powerless. And time is running out: On your birthday, you disappear just like everyone else... 

In My Mailbox (16)

Hey everyone :)
Back with another IMM!
I got quite a few books this week that I am really REALLY excited for!
Enjoy and don't forget to leave your links to your IMM :D

Books Mentioned

Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater

Shiver
(Wolves of Mercy Falls, #1)
by Maggie Stiefvater
Released |August 1st 2009 by Scholastic Inc|
Edition | Ebook|

Grace and Sam share a kinship so close they could be lovers or siblings. But they also share a problem. When the temperature slips towards freezing, Sam reverts to his wolf identity and must retreat into the woods to protect his pack. He worries that eventually his human side will fade away and he will be left howling alone at the lonely moon. A stirring supernatural teen romance.

 My Thoughts
I didn't think i would like this book even though i love werewolves. But...I really liked it! A great recommendation!

Lover Mine by J.R. Ward

Love Mine  
(Black Dagger Brotherhood, #8)
by J.R. Ward
Released |April 27th 2010 by NAL|
Edition |Mass Market Paperback, 653 pages|

In the darkest corners of the night in Caldwell, New York, a conflict like no other rages. Long divided as a terrifying battleground for the vampires and their enemies, the city is home to a band of brothers born to defend their race: the warrior vampires of the Black Dagger Brotherhood.

John Matthew has come a long way since he was found living among humans, his vampire nature unknown to himself and to those around him. After he was taken in by the Brotherhood, no one could guess what his true history was- or his true identity. Indeed, the fallen Brother Darius has returned, but with a different face and a very different destiny. As a vicious personal vendetta takes John into the heart of the war, he will need to call up on both who he is now and who he once was in order to face off against evil incarnate.

Xhex, a sympath assassin, has long steeled herself against the attraction between her and John Matthew. Having already lost one lover to madness, she will not allow the male of worth to fall prey to the darkness of her twisted life. When fate intervenes, however, the two discover that love, like destiny, is inevitable between soul mates.

My Thoughts 

John's character has always attracted me. It was something different about him and it had nothing to do with him being a mute. His character intrigued me from the start of the series, when he was first introduced in book two in the BDB series. And Xhex is bad ass!!!

Thanks Ishita :D

I would like to take this time to thank Ishita for the new blog design!
My blog was okay before she designed it. I did everything myself with my lack of skills. But Ishita took my okay blog to an AMAZING blog :) Her talent speaks for itself lol She was so kind and she let me be apart of the redesign. She took my wants into consideration and made it happen. I was always apart of the designing process.  She's a really nice girl and everyone should, yes I said should, check out her blog and her redesign blog because they are awesome!

Her pricing is affordable and the outcome of the blog is amazing.

Thank you so much Ishita,
Janina


Link to blog design website:  http://designbythereadingfish.blogspot.com/
Twitter: @heyitsfishy

Bonds of Fenris by S.J. Bell + Author Interview

Title: Bonds of Fenris
Author: S.J. Bell
Release Date: May 7th 2012 by S.J. Bell
Edition: E-ARC
Source: Author

Talia Thornwood's life ended one year ago, when she became a werewolf. She survived the attack, and the horrifying transformation a month later, but the life she has now is barely worth living. She lurks about in a filthy, run-down house, with too many werewolves crammed into too small a space. Every day is a struggle against the stress of human contact, the romantic prodding of her obnoxious packmate Pierce, and the gnawing hunger for flesh in her soul.

She's all but resigned herself to a dreary existence on the margins of society when she meets Corwin. Corwin is a werewolf like none other. He walks among humans as if it was nothing, and can keep his wolf under control even when the moon is full. Talia's mind is suddenly opened to the possibilities before her, and the realization of how little she really knows about lycanthropy.

Corwin claims that he can teach her how to cope as he does, even how to transcend her affliction. But it will not be easy. It is a hard education that requires her to question everything her pack taught her, and confront exactly what she has become. And, more amazingly, what she never stopped being.

My Review:
I really enjoyed this book. It was different than other shifter books that I have read. I loved the whole concept of accepting the wolf, human, and werewolf.

Musing Monday (4/9/12)

What do you think are the top 5 books every woman should read? (And for the men who might be playing today: What do you think are the top 5 books every man should read?)

Hosted by: Should Be Reading

I do have 5 books that I think women should read. They have messages in them that not just women should keep in mind but everyone. It might not be the obvious, but maybe the emotions the characters are going through etc.I am not going to go in dept about each books, but I will list them and tell you what I think should be focused on. I am not going to give spoilers!

The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa

Title: The Immortal Rules (Blood of Eden, #1)
Author: Julie Kagawa
Release Date: April 24th 2012 by Harlequin Teen 
Edition: Hardcover, 485 pages
Source: Netgalley, E-Arc

In a future world, Vampires reign. Humans are blood cattle. And one girl will search for the key to save humanity.

Allison Sekemoto survives in the Fringe, the outermost circle of a vampire city. By day, she and her crew scavenge for food. By night, any one of them could be eaten.

Some days, all that drives Allie is her hatred of them. The vampires who keep humans as blood cattle. Until the night Allie herself is attacked—and given the ultimate choice. Die… or become one of the monsters.

Faced with her own mortality, Allie becomes what she despises most. To survive, she must learn the rules of being immortal, including the most important: go long enough without human blood, and you will go mad.

Then Allie is forced to flee into the unknown, outside her city walls. There she joins a ragged band of humans who are seeking a legend—a possible cure to the disease that killed off most of humankind and created the rabids, the mindless creatures who threaten humans and vampires alike.

But it isn't easy to pass for human. Especially not around Zeke, who might see past the monster inside her. And Allie soon must decide what—and who—is worth dying for.

Cover Reveals

Blue Moon
A Holloway Pack Story #2
Author: J.A. Belfield
Release Date: December 1, 2012
Target Reader: Adult
Keywords: Urban Fantasy, Werewolf

Someone is watching the Holloway pack, and this time, the female isn’t the target.

Life with a group of seven male werewolves worries Jem Stonehouse not one bit. She is engaged to the Alpha’s son Sean Holloway after all. So what has Jem’s territorial instincts on high alert?
The pack’s latest addition. Both of them.
None of the men think there’s a problem with the new girlfriends. Jem's intuition tells her otherwise—that and a nagging suspicion the new females aren't there to partake.
Jem believes they’ve joined in to take.
The question is ... What?
As the eve of the blue moon draws ever closer, Jem’s running out of time to find the answer and outwit a thief of the worst possible kind.
A woman who believes she can’t lose.

 

URL: http://www.jtaylorpublishing.com/books/18

Previous Books in this series include:
Darkness & Light (#1)
Instinct (#0)
Eternal (#0.5)

Struck by Jennifer Bosworth

Title: Struck (Struck, #1)
Author: Jennifer Bosworth
Release Date: May 8th 2012 by Farrar, Straus and Giroux BYR 
Edition: Hardcover, 373 pages
Source: Netgalley

Mia Price is a lightning addict. She’s survived countless strikes, but her craving to connect to the energy in storms endangers her life and the lives of those around her.

Los Angeles, where lightning rarely strikes, is one of the few places Mia feels safe from her addiction. But when an earthquake devastates the city, her haven is transformed into a minefield of chaos and danger. The beaches become massive tent cities. Downtown is a crumbling wasteland, where a traveling party moves to a different empty building each night, the revelers drawn to the destruction by a force they cannot deny. Two warring cults rise to power, and both see Mia as the key to their opposing doomsday prophecies. They believe she has a connection to the freak electrical storm that caused the quake, and to the far more devastating storm that is yet to come.

Mia wants to trust the enigmatic and alluring Jeremy when he promises to protect her, but she fears he isn’t who he claims to be. In the end, the passion and power that brought them together could be their downfall. When the final disaster strikes, Mia must risk unleashing the full horror of her strength to save the people she loves, or lose everything.

Illumine Wishlist - Signed paperback of Illumine and bookmarks Giveaway (International)

Illumine's Wish is an event hosted by the author, the lovely Alivia Anders and I am so glad to be apart of it! This is a massive event where a couple bloggers are hosting giveaways of various items revolving around Illumine! :) Be sure to check it out!

Synopsis

For the past five months Essallie Hanley has been trying to forget about the frightening murder of her boyfriend. Haunted by vivid nightmares and hallucinations of the event she does anything she can to pretend she's like every other normal girl in High School.

Only Essallie is far from normal. Able to conjure blue fire and a shimmering silhouette of wings from her body, she seeks the only known solace left to her name; her first home in Belfast, Maine.

But she soon realizes that her return home is only the beginning of a long and twisted road taking her as far from her humanity as possible, with Kayden, the demon originally summoned to slaughter her, leading the way. Unable to touch her but oddly curious, he joins Essallie in her search to find out just what she is. But neither of them were prepared for the secrets they've begun to unravel, secrets that will change Essallie and everyone around her forever.

 Also: Check out my author interview with Alivia Anders and my review of Illumine!

The Giveaway

One person will win: (ends on April 14)

1 paperback copy of Illumine (signed)
4 Illumine bookmarks (signed)
2 special edition Obumbrate bookmarks

Percy Jackson by Rick Riordan - Series Review

This review is a little bit different.
I am doing a series review of the entire Percy Jackson series!
I will talk about the characters and basically what I thought of the series as a whole. I'm not going to into each book but I will tell you my ratings of each. And which books in the series are my faves :)

 

Title: The Lightning Thief, The Sea of Monsters, The Titan's Curse, The Battle of the Labyrinth, The Last Olympian (Percy Jackson, #1-5)

Author: Rick Riordan

Release Date: April 1st 2006 by Miramax

Edition: Kindle books

 

 Synopsis of The Lightning Thief (book 1):

In this stunning collectors' edition of The Lightning Thief, Percy Jackson's world is brought to life with eight full-color plates by the series jacket artist John Rocco. The edition comes in an elegant slipcase with a ribbon bookmark, rough edges, and cloth cover--a perfect keepsake for fans of this truly epic series.

After getting expelled from yet another school for yet another clash with mythological monsters only he can see, twelve-year-old Percy Jackson is taken to Camp Half-Blood, where he finally learns the truth about his unique abilities: He is a demigod, half human, half immortal. Even more stunning: His father is the Greek god Poseidon, ruler of the sea, making Percy one of the most powerful demigods alive. There's little time to process this news. All too soon, a cryptic prophecy from the Oracle sends Percy on his first quest, a mission to the Underworld to prevent a war among the gods of Olympus.

This first installment of Rick Riordan's best-selling series is a non-stop thrill-ride and a classic of mythic proportions.

My Thoughts:
To start off, as I've said before, this is a series review of the Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan. I love this series! It's amazing, fun, light, and quick.  This series is considered middle grade I believe, buy me tell you that I think all people, any age, will enjoy this series. I am 21 and absolutely loved it!

The Characters
Percy Jackson - Percy was a great character to get know throughout the entire series. The fact that he is the son of Poseidon has absolutely nothing to do with why I love him...When Poseidon is one of my favorite gods. Percy was brave and always wanted to save his friends, no matter the situation or the danger it put him in. That was one thing that I really admired. It's one of the things, in my eyes, that made him more exciting and likable. And the way he cared for his mom throughout the series was wonderful! He was outspoken when it came to things he was passionate about. I would love to have his sword! That thing is just amazing :)
Grover -  Grover, a satyr who is also the best friend of Percy, was kind of a fun character. He could be a little bit of a wuss, but he was likeable! You there is always that friend that's like, "No am not doing that", or "No, that dangerous!" lol but you love em any way :)
Annabeth - She was okay. In the beginning she was alright, but she got a bit selfish. Sometimes, she thought it was all about her or that she was to smart for everyone else, her being the daughter of Athena and all. She was okay at times, but at other times I didn't like her.
Tyson - Percy's a half brother and also half Cyclops was just adorable! I really liked him :) He was a big ol' teddy bear! Just loved him!
Luke - Poor Luke! You feel for him sometimes. He was a villian, but he was also still a child at heart and you come to realized that at the end of the series. 
The gods - OMG! The gods could be real ass hats, but at times they were hilarious! Especially, Apollo! He was hilarious, with him and the poetry!

The Adventures 
In this series, the half-bloods go on tons of adventures. The face many dangerous encounters, but as your reading this series you feel as if you right there along with them. I loved each and everyone one of them! My favorite books in the series would have to be The Lightning Thief (book 1) and The Last Olympian (book 5). Those two books were on the top but the other books were amazing as well!

I highly recommend this series to everyone! People of all ages :) It's a fun,  an adventurous, and a light read! :)

Book One: 5 stars

Book Two: 4 stars

Book Three: 4.5 stars 

Book Four: 4 stars

Book Five: 5 stars

The Series as a whole:

Blogger Interview: Jessirae at Words, Pages, and books

Hey everyone,
Today's blogger interview is with Jessirae from Words, Pages, and Books!
Please welcome her :) *Claps*
I really love her blog and she is such a sweet girl! Everyone should really check out her blog!
Her reviews are so amazing and thoughtful. She writes a whole lot better than I do :)
Her links will be question 10 of the interview :)
Enjoy and please tell me your thoughts!

1. Well, to start off this interview how about you tell us a little bit about yourself and your blog.

My name is Jessirae (as everyone knows already, lol). I'm a 21 year old college student at San Diego State University; majoring in Public Health. I love reading books (that's a given!), listening to music, and occasionally watching TV when there is something worth watching. I'm addicted to Arizona Green Tea and chocolate. My blog is the place where I talk everything and anything about books, especially YA books. I write reviews, announce cover reveals, do a giveaway or two from time to time and many more!

Raised by Wolves by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Title: Raised by Wolves (Raised by Wolves, #1)
Author: Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Release Date: September 30th 2010 by Quercus Publishing
Edition: Paperback, 418 pages

Synopsis:

At the age of four, Bryn watched a rogue werewolf brutally murder her parents. Alone in the world, she was rescued and taken in by the mysterious Callum, the alpha of his werewolf pack. Now fifteen, Bryn’s been raised as a human among werewolves, adhering to pack rule (mostly). Little fazes her.

But the pack’s been keeping a secret, and when Bryn goes exploring against Callum’s direct orders, she finds Chase, a newly turned teen Were locked in a cage. Terrifying memories of the attack on her mom and dad come flooding back. Bryn needs answers, and she needs Chase to get them. Suddenly, all allegiances to the pack no longer matter. It’s Bryn and Chase against the werewolf world, whatever the consequences.

My Thoughts:
This is one of my first  shifter YA series that I loved, because I didn't start off reading YA. I read adult shifter books, but hadn't been introduced to the YA category at the time. Writing this review I am finding difficult since I read this book almost 2 years ago, but I'll try without spoiling :D

Bryn was adopted as a child by alpha werewolf Callum when a rogue wolf killed her parents while she hid and watched the entire thing. Soon Bryn meets Chase a boy who was recently turned. Things get a little crazy after that!

The Characters
I loved Bryn's character! She was fun :) And she also had some attitude that I liked! No push over with her. But sometimes, I felt she could be a little bit defiant and hardheaded, but after all she's only 15. LOVED LOVED LOVED Callum! I loved his whole demeanor. He was kind of suave, level headed and he showed his true emotions to Bryn which I thought was... *Awwww* ;)  His whole Alphaness just draws me to him even though he's old lol! I also like Bryn's friend Devon :) He was an added plus to the book!

Chase
When Bryn finally comes in contact with Chase, it was interesting. I was right there along with Bryn with the why can't I see him thing. I liked Chase he was sweet and adorable! Their romance, I swear, was the cutest thing to me. Now I don't want to spoil things so I am going to stop right here. But when the thing happen when Bryn did the thing lol I was like whoa. Everyone had a freak out moment.

I kind of thought things were taken to the extreme with Devon's mother, but I guess that was unusual. But when Ali reacted, I didn't think she need to do what she did lol I am cracking up! But I did think she overreacted. Plus she had kids to think about.

But overall, amazing story! This one of the reasons why I love shifters :D I highly recommend this series!

 

From Me To You (1) - Blog Tours

 About - From Me To You

From me to you is something that I decided to do on my blog. Where I talk about a certain topic that people may have asked me or that is a topic going around on blogs! I hope everyone enjoys this :) It's something I just decided to do. Keep in mind these thoughts are just my opinions and experiences with book blogging from me to you :) I'm going to try to do these weekly or maybe every two weeks. I don't know how that will go.

 This Week's Topic

Blog Tours

I get a few questions about blogs tours and what they are. So here is a little a bit of insight that I know about blogs tours and how I have experienced them.

Blogs tours are is a fun thing for book bloggers and authors in my opinion. It's your way of finding new books, getting to know an author, doing a guest post, or maybe even hosting a giveaway. Also, you can come up with your own thing for the blog tour. Just run it by the person hosting the blog tour. Blog tours are also a way for an author to get reviews for their book and to interact with bloggers :) As far as I know and what I have experience as a blogger, you do not have to pay to review the book. With a blog tour your post needs to be ready and posted by the date you are given. Not a day late.

Reviewing books for a blog tour.

When you review a book for a blog tour, it's just like posting a regular review to your blog. There are no extras to it. Just tell your honest opinion of the book whether you like it or not. Don't stress over it feeling you need to have it perfect. Just be yourself like you do in any other book review you do. Make sure you have the book read before your blog tour stop!

Author interviews for blog tours.

Author interviews are so FUN! You get to make up your own questions, that you want to ask an author and they answer them :D Don't have to many questions! lol Authors are extremely busy. I love reading the author's answers to my questions. It's like a way of get to knowing them. This is one of the things I do the most when I am doing a blog tour! That and reviews :) Sometimes you email the author personally with your questions and sometimes you send your questions through the person running the blog tour and they give your questions to the author. And it's so fun when the author stops by your blog and comment on it!

Guest Post for a blog tour.

Guest posts is where you give an author a topic to talk about and they answer it. I personally haven't done to many of these because it's so hard to come up with a topic that has not been repeated so many times! Say it's a question or a topic you have really wanted to ask an author, well here's your chance!

I try to participate in tons of blog tours! I just love them and I love to check out other people's blog tour stops :) I hope this may have answered some of your questions.

450 Followers Giveaway :)

Hey everyone :)
Welcome to my 450 followers giveaway AND this is my 7th month of book blogging!
I am so very excited and so glad I stuck with it :D This has been a wonderful new thing added to my life and I love it!

This is an ebook giveaway!
Sorry I'm kind of broke so I can't do what I really want to do, BUT there will be 5 (FIVE) winners!
Each winner will get to choose one of the ebooks  below :D
Epub and Kindle available!

Book Choices

Just fill out the rafflecopter for your chance to win!

My Fairytale Life by Heather M. White

Title: My Fairytale Life (Vampire Hunter, #1)
Author: Heather M. White
Release Date: January 30th 2012
Edition: Ebook, 193 pages
Source: For review-Author

Synopsis:

17 year old Jadyn and her dad are vampire hunters. That is until her dad decides it's time for Jadyn to have a "normal" life. When he moved them to Miami, Florida the last thing Jadyn expected was for there to be vampires.

Jadyn doesn't want to have a normal life, but then she starts to make new friends. She starts to think that maybe a normal life might not be so bad after all. But soon she realizes that maybe her friends aren't "human" as she once thought they were.

On top of everything else a very powerful vampire, Tabatha, seeks revenge on Jadyn. People from her school start disappearing, and people start dying. She wants to stop the deaths, but Tabatha has other plans for her.

Can Jadyn stop the one vampire that is impossible to kill before its too late?

My Thoughts:
At first I went into this book with an open mind. It was good in the beginning and I was very interested in it. Then Jadyn met Beau. Instant love, but it doesn't mention love.  They use 'friendship', but you can just tell. How are you 'In to deep' when you only met the person 4 days ago. WTF? That was the first strike that turned me off about the book.

And then things get revealed and the first thought, the Twilight sage.

SPOILER
Beau is a vamp, Jeremy is a werewolf. She's with Beau, but wondering why she has some feeling for Jeremy. Jeremy is interested in her, but she really likes Beau. But then, ALL OF A SUDDEN, she may like Jeremy more than Beau. Really? I was totally annoyed by this. I just couldn't get with the program. I didn't connect with any of the characters. I kind of liked Jadyn's friend Erica.
End of Spoiler
 
The storyline was what caught my attention and it was interesting. That was what made me really interested in reading the book when the author contacted me. About, 35% into the book, I started not liking it. But it would have been okay if things didn't remind me of Twilight. The book was also, fast paced. A little too fast paced. There wasn't time for me to anticipate anything. One page she's wondering what's going on and then the next page, BOOM, you find out what it was.

I did kind of like Tabitha in a crazy, weird, psycho villian sort of way. She had major issues. I can't decide if I want to read the next book or not. The book wasn't all bad. It did have its moments were I really liked it.

Overall, the book just didn't do it for me. But if you like this kind of thing. You may be interested in it!

 

Lover Reborn by J.R. Ward

Title: Lover Reborn (Black Dagger Brotherhood, #10)
Author: J.R. Ward
Release Date: March 27th 2012 by NAL
Edition: Hardcover, 572 pages

Synopsis:

In the darkest corners of the night in Caldwell, New York, a conflict like no other rages. The city is home to a band of brothers born to defend their race: the warrior vampires of the Black Dagger Brotherhood.

Now back in the Brotherhood - and unrecognisable as the vampire leader he once was - Tohrment is physically emaciated and heartbroken beyond despair. When he begins to see his beloved in his dreams - trapped in a cold, isolating netherworld - Tohr turns to a self-serving fallen angel in hopes of saving the one he has lost. When he's told he must learn to love another to free his former mate, Tohr knows they are all doomed . . .

Except then a female with a shadowed history begins to get through to him. Against the backdrop of the raging war with the lessers, and with a new clan of vampires vying for the Blind King's throne, Tohr struggles between the buried past, and a very hot, passion-filled future . . . but can his heart let go and set all of them free?

My Thoughts:
OMG! This is the tenth installment in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series. Tohrment's story. I absolutely, positively freaking love it :D I did not know how Ward was going to capture Tohr. I will try my best not to give away any spoilers! This review may be a bit long also! I just can't control my thoughts.

Let's start off with Tohr's story... Tohr went through the death of his Shellan (mate) and was devastated. He was basically the living dead. There and breathing, but not connected to world. When Tohr first lost his Shellan, back at in the beginning of the series, I cried for him. I experience his pain as if I was going through it myself.

In the beginning of this book. Tohr is still in love with Wellsie (mate) and can't get over her or her death. Living in false hope that she may magically appear in front of him. You feel for him because of all the torment and torture he put himself through. And then there's No'One. Who also is tortured by her past. She was kidnapped by a Sympath when she was younger. Raped and beaten. And to top it off she got pregnant and couldn't live with what was happening. After she gave birth she killed herself. Tohr saw and experience her death. Then somehow she came back.

Tohr and No'One in the beginning was hard to see. Both so stuck in the past, and not knowing how to deal with the present. I love what they both went through to reach the point they got to in the end. It was a emotional journey for me! So much, even from the first page of the book. But I did not cry! I love Tohr and have always. It was kind of weird though in the beginning considering that's Xhex mother, but I quickly got over that.

But as time went on, he made some changes. Slowly, but surely. He evolved so much as a character in this book! *And I must admit...I'm proud* It took him some time, but you know as your reading this book that if he was to just jump into a romance so quickly, it wouldn't feel right at all! I love the romance, btw!

No'One was a great character to get to know more about. And in this book, it's not just about her and Tohr but you see some of things that transpires  between her and Xhex. Which I liked.

Other notes: Xhex and John go through some things in this book, but I will not say what. Sometimes I felt that it was a bit immature. ALSO, we have a new enemy on the block! What? Waaaaayyy better than the Lessers!

And the ending with Blay and Qhuinn! OMFG! And Lassiter, you got to love him :)

Overall, amazing! One of my faves in the series :) 

In My Mailbox (15)

Hey everyone :)
Here with my IMM!
I got a couple books this week that I am really excited for :)
Hope you enjoy!
And don't forget to leave your links.
Hosted by: The Story Siren

Books Mentioned

March Wrap Up :)

Hey everyone,
Here to tell you about all the books I read in March.
Their ratings and briefly about them!
I read 13 books this month!!!
But yeah, On to the vid.....

Books Mentioned

Lover Revealed by J.R. Ward
Hunted by Cheryl Rainfield
Goddess Interrupted by Aimee Carter
Until Next Time by Amy Lignor
Lover Unbound by J.R. Ward
Lover Enshrined by J.R. Ward
Grave Mercy by R.L. LaFevers
Protector's Mate by Katie Reus
Lover Avenged by J.R. Ward
The Goddess Hunt by Aimee Carter
Enchantment by Charlotte Abel
Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver
Struck by Jennifer Bosworth (review scheduled for April 8)