Synchronized Reading: February 2014

Thursday, February 27, 2014

February Wrap Up/March TBR

Hey Everyone,

February was not a good month of reading for me due to school, but I'm hoping March will be better since I have a two week break after next week. *fingers crossed that I read more books* I really need to catch up on some review books and I'm hoping to do that next month. I read 4 books in the month of February and they were pretty decent reads. One of those was a book that I had to read for class. I hope some of you have had better luck than I have with the amount of books that you've read.

February Wrap Up

The Tyrant's Daughter by J.C. Carleson - Review Book - 3.5 stars - My Review

Fates by Lanie Bross - Review Book - 2 stars - My Review

White Hot Kiss by Jennifer L. Armentrout - Review Book - 4 stars - My Review

The Goal by Eliyahu M. Goldratt - Read for School - 3.5 stars - Review to Come

March TBR

I'm hoping these will be definite finished for me. I'm already reading Killer Frost and I'm about 40% done with it.

I hope to get to these if I finish the others

Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Waiting On Wednesday (8): Messenger of Fear

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Breaking the Spine

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is

Messenger of Fear

by Michael Grant

Releases |August 26th 2014 by Electric Monkey|

Add to Goodreads

Mara wakes in a field of dead grass, a heavy mist pressing down on her. She is terrified, afraid that she is dead. Then a beautiful young man dressed in black appears. He calls himself Messenger of Fear.
This boy is able to move effortlessly through space and time. He also sees the darkness in human hearts. He sees the evils done: the destructive lies, the cruelty, the bullying, the violence. And if the world does not bring justice to those who do evil, he will. He offers the wicked a game. If they win, they go free. If they lose, they will live their greatest fear. Either way, their sanity will be challenged.
It is a world of fair but harsh justice. Of retribution and redemption. And mystery. Why was Mara chosen to be the Messenger’s apprentice? What has she done to deserve this terrible fate? She won’t find out until three of the wicked receive justice. And when she does, she will be shattered.

Why I'm Waiting...

I'll give any book that Michael Grant writes a try because I've enjoyed most of the books that I've read by him. Loved his Gone series and I've been enjoying his BZRK trilogy as well. So I'm definitely curious about this one.

Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Cover Love (26)

I really haven't done one of these in awhile as well. But this is where I show you guys all the recent cover reveals that I've seen within the last few days, weeks, or month :) I've seen so many, but I'll share with you a few! I find the cover reveals on Pinterest :)

If you have any favorites, I'd love to know which ones! Or if you're excited for one of them, I'd love to that as well :)

I can't wait for Sacrifice! And Kiss Kill Vanish has me so intrigued.

Get Even | Deliverance | Perfect Couple | Blackbird | The Jewel

Undivided | Unraveled | Unmarked | Five Ways to Fall | Astray

Take Me On | Illuminae | Messenger of Fear | Unmade | Falling Into Place

The Far Dawn | Catalyst | Gathering Darkness | Dead Zone | Unmade

I'm really excited for Messenger of Fear because I'll read anything by Michael Grant and I want to read The Far Dawn as well because I have been enjoying the series

Saturday, February 22, 2014

Book Hauling It Up (86)

I hope you've had a great week in books :)
Hopefully you got some good ones and read some good ones!
Don't forget to leave your links!

For Review

Locked - from author

Complicit - from netgalley

Bought

Thursday, February 20, 2014

White Hot Kiss by Jennifer L. Armentrout

One kiss could be the last.
Seventeen-year-old Layla just wants to be normal. But with a kiss that kills anything with a soul, she's anything but normal. Half demon, half gargoyle, Layla has abilities no one else possesses.
Raised among the Wardens—a race of gargoyles tasked with hunting demons and keeping humanity safe—Layla tries to fit in, but that means hiding her own dark side from those she loves the most. Especially Zayne, the swoon-worthy, incredibly gorgeous and completely off-limits Warden she's crushed on since forever.
Then she meets Roth—a tattooed, sinfully hot demon who claims to know all her secrets. Layla knows she should stay away, but she's not sure she wants to—especially when that whole no-kissing thing isn't an issue, considering Roth has no soul.
But when Layla discovers she's the reason for the violent demon uprising, trusting Roth could not only ruin her chances with Zayne…it could brand her a traitor to her family. Worse yet, it could become a one-way ticket to the end of the world.

White Hot Kiss was a fast paced read for me and I was easily able to dive into the story. Jennifer L. Armentrout books are able to do that to me. Going into this book, I really didn't have any expectations because I didn't really know what I was going to get. The whole gargoyle thing really had me intrigued and I was curious to see how that would turn out. Overall, I thought the book was fun and entertaining. There also a good amount of action in the story which keeps the pacing steady.

Waiting on Wednesday (7): Sacrifice

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Breaking the Spine

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is

Sacrifice

(The Elementals, #5)

by Brigid Kemmerer
Releases |September 30th 2014 by Kensington Teen|

Add to Goodreads

One misstep and they lose it all. For the last time.

Michael Merrick is used to pressure.

He’s the only parent his three brothers have had for years. His power to control Earth could kill someone if he miscalculates. Now an Elemental Guide has it out for his family, and he’s all that stands in the way.

His girlfriend, Hannah, gets that. She’s got a kid of her own, and a job as a firefighter that could end her life without a moment’s notice.

But there are people who have had enough of Michael’s defiance, his family’s “bad luck.” Before he knows it, Michael’s enemies have turned into the Merricks’ enemies, and they’re armed for war.

They’re not interested in surrender. But Michael isn’t the white flag type anyway. There will be blood on the ground tonight…

Why I'm Waiting...

This series is just awesome! I've been loving it since the beginning and I've been really curious about getting into Michael's head.

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

Top Ten Tuesday (24): Top Ten Reasons I Love Being A Blogger/Reader

Hosted by: the Broke and Bookish

This Week's Topic: Top Ten Reasons I Love Being A Blogger/Reader

(In No Particular Order!)

1. It's fun! I absolutely love reading, but never really got to share my love for reading with anyone because most people I know, besides my mom and a friend or two, think my love for reading is weird.

2. #1 leads me into #2 and that is getting the chance to talk to a variety of different people who also have a love for books :) I love discussing books with other and seeing the different opinions that people have.

3. Discovering new books :) Until I started blogging I didn't really realized how many different types of books there was. I use to just stick with the same old same old books, like romance. Right around the time I started blogging I had just gotten into the YA genre and blogging helped me discover so many new books.

4. Getting the opportunity to interview authors or doing guest posts. Also, receiving early review copies. I mean, how awesome is that!

5. Exploring my local library. I have never had a library card and had many been to my local library like twice before I started blogging. Let me just say, that my local library is amazing! I now love going there and getting books :)

6. Goodreads and other blogs have become a life saver! I seriously use to waste so much money on books I could have avoided if I had known what the hell goodreads was like 5 years ago. Reading reviews help me out so much!

7. I don't know, my mind is starting to draw a blank, but I love that I can be myself when I'm writing my reviews and other posts. I get to speak my mind and thoughts on books because, you know, it's my blog!

8. I love reading because it's so relaxing. I can grab a book and just submerge myself in the story. It helps to free my mind when I'm stressing or upset about something.

Monday, February 17, 2014

Fates by Lanie Bross

One moment. One foolish desire. One mistake. And Corinthe lost everything.
She fell from her tranquil life in Pyralis Terra and found herself exiled to the human world. Her punishment? To make sure people's fates unfold according to plan. Now, years later, Corinthe has one last assignment: kill Lucas Kaller. His death will be her ticket home.
But for the first time, Corinthe feels a tingle of doubt. It begins as a lump in her throat, then grows toward her heart, and suddenly she feels like she is falling all over again--this time for a boy she knows she can never have. Because it is written: one of them must live, and one of them must die. In a universe where every moment, every second, every fate has already been decided, where does love fit in?

Fates started out as a good read. I was intrigued with the plot and the characters and overall enjoying the story. The very first chapter of the story made me want to know more and continue on reading because it started off intense. I was hooked. The story was different from the majority of the book that I've read and it wasn't what I was expecting. That's not a bad thing. I found Corinthe to be intriguing and her issue with the choices she had to make and the feelings behind it were a great part of the story. Everyone struggles with a decision or a crossroad at some point in their life, so that was believable. Luc was interesting as well. By chance or by 'fate' the two meet and their lives were intertwined ever since.

Bookish Quotes (8)

Hey Everyone,

I haven't done one of these in while and decided to do one today. I went on goodreads and screen shot some of my liked quotes from books, so I can share them with you. I have a thing for sad quotes. It might be a little bit evident in this post. But this is just a few of the many that I have liked on goodreads :)

I hope you guys like some of the quotes! If you do, let me know which one!

I absolutely love J.R. Ward :) One of my fave authors!

A few more

Waiting On Wednesday (6): Killer Instinct

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Breaking the Spine

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is

Killer Instinct

(Naturals, #2)

by Jennifer L. Barnes

Releases |November 2014 by Quercus|

Add to Goodreads

Seventeen-year-old Cassie Hobbes has a gift for profiling people. Her talent has landed her a spot in an elite FBI program for teens with innate crime-solving abilities, and into some harrowing situations. After barely escaping a confrontation with an unbalanced killer obsessed with her mother’s murder, Cassie hopes she and the rest of the team can stick to solving cold cases from a distance.

But when victims of a brutal new serial killer start turning up, the Naturals are pulled into an active case that strikes too close to home: the killer is a perfect copycat of Dean’s incarcerated father—a man he’d do anything to forget. Forced deeper into a murderer’s psyche than ever before, will the Naturals be able to outsmart the enigmatic killer’s brutal mind games before this copycat twists them into his web for good?

With her trademark wit, brilliant plotting, and twists that no one will see coming, Jennifer Lynn Barnes will keep readers on the edge of their seats (and looking over their shoulders) as they race through the pages of this thrilling novel.

Why I'm Waiting...

I enjoyed the first one and would really like to continue on with the series :) And plus, I've enjoyed all the books I've ever read by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Other Books in the Series

Monday, February 10, 2014

The Tyrant's Daughter by J.C. Carleson

From a former CIA officer comes the riveting account of a royal Middle Eastern family exiled to the American suburbs.
When her father is killed in a coup, 15-year-old Laila flees from the war-torn middle east to a life of exile and anonymity in the U.S. Gradually she adjusts to a new school, new friends, and a new culture, but while Laila sees opportunity in her new life, her mother is focused on the past. She’s conspiring with CIA operatives and rebel factions to regain the throne their family lost. Laila can’t bear to stand still as an international crisis takes shape around her, but how can one girl stop a conflict that spans generations?
J.C. Carleson delivers a fascinating account of a girl—and a country—on the brink, and a rare glimpse at the personal side of international politics.

I became pretty intrigued by the Tyrant's Daughter when I was emailed about the book and received a copy for review through netgalley. I had never heard of it before, but the synopsis had me really interested in learning more about the story. I love books that deal with the CIA, FBI or the military in any way, so I was extremely excited to see what that aspect of the story would bring. I would definitely say that I enjoyed the story and found it very easy to read. I didn't have any problems getting diving in. It was a fast paced read that I finished quickly. I did have a couple of issues with the book, but overall I enjoyed it.

Book Hauling It Up (85)

I hope you've had a great week in books :)
Hopefully you got some good ones and read some good ones!
Don't forget to leave your links!

For Review - Netgalley

I'm excited to check out both books because I love both authors!

Bought

Ebook

Thursday, February 6, 2014

Uninvited by Sophie Jordan

When Davy Hamilton's tests come back positive for Homicidal Tendency Syndrome (HTS)-aka the kill gene-she loses everything. Her boyfriend ditches her, her parents are scared of her, and she can forget about her bright future at Juilliard. Davy doesn't feel any different, but genes don't lie. One day she will kill someone.
Only Sean, a fellow HTS carrier, can relate to her new life. Davy wants to trust him; maybe he's not as dangerous as he seems. Or maybe Davy is just as deadly.
The first in a two-book series, Uninvited tackles intriguing questions about free will, identity, and human nature. Steeped in New York Times bestselling author Sophie Jordan's trademark mix of gripping action and breathless romance, this suspenseful tale is perfect for fans of James Patterson, Michelle Hodkin, and Lisa McMann.

Uninvited left me with mixed feelings after I finished reading the book. So first I'm going to start with all the positives.

Waiting on Wednesday (5): True Colors

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Breaking the Spine

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is

True Colors

by Melissa Pearl

Releases |February 16th 2014|

Add to Goodreads

Caitlyn Davis always cruised through life, not being the type to ruffle feathers or involve herself in high school drama…until a chance encounter with a strange, homeless man changes everything.

Suddenly, Caitlyn has the ability to see behind people’s masks. She discovers that her life isn’t as simple as she imagined and her high school is filled with secrets…some very sinister ones.

Unable to ignore her new gift, Caitlyn embarks on a mission to learn why one of her friends now appears terrified, but masks her fear behind a bright, smiling veneer. Will Caitlyn’s new ability lead her into hot water? Or is her new found vision a blessing that will expose her friends’ true colors?

Her quest will lead Caitlyn to lose friends, stand up for those in need, and even find love.

At Palisades High School every face tells a story…

Why I'm Waiting...

I stumbled across this book recently and think it sounds like a pretty interesting one. I'd love to check it out.

Monday, February 3, 2014

January Wrap Up and February TBR (2014)

Hey Everyone,

I know my wrap up post is kind of late, but I'm going to do it anyway :)
For November I read 5 books, which was exciting. I'm really surprised that I got through this many books since I've been really busy with school. I'm also trying to play catch up on my review books. *sigh! There are not enough hours in the day!

January Wrap Up

Mist - 3 stars - review book - review - finally read this after months of having it!

Virals - DNF - audio - review

Heartbeat - 3 stars - review book - review

Into the Still Blue - 4 stars - review book - review

Uninvited - 3.5 stars - review book - review to come

February TBR

Saturday, February 1, 2014

Book Hauling It Up (84)

Hey everyone,

I hope you've had a great week in books :) Hopefully got some good ones and read some good ones! January is already over and we are on to the next month. The weeks seem to be passing by so fast to me :)
Don't forget to leave your links!

Review Books