Alannah J.

Congrats Alannah! I've already emailed you and you have 48 hours to respond or I'll have to pick another winner. As always, winners are chosen via Random.org.

Thanks so much to everyone who entered and if you didn't win this one, not to worry... there's another contest running right now to win a $75.00 CSN Stores Gift Card! Then tomorrow kicks off my Blogoversary, Birthday and 500+ Celebration - all month long! I know I keep talking about this, but tomorrow's the day! Good Luck to all who enter! :)

Title: Review: Song of the Moon (Artemis Lupine, #1)
Author: Catherine Banks
Publisher: Self Published, 294 Pages (February 19th 2010)
From: the Author, Thank You!

Synopsis: What if you found out that there was another world inside your own? What if all of the things you thought made you weird, actually made you powerful?

Artemis's life is changed forever when the mysterious man from her dreams, Ares, comes to claim her as his mate. The seventeen year old girl must find a way to adapt to her true life and accept her fate or run from it. She must overcome her fears and human ideals to give her self to the dangerous world, and man, that is her destiny.

Review: 4 Stars - Catherine Banks had created a new and dark world within the first book in the Artemis Lupine Series - Song of the Moon. Weaving a mysterious tale that’s filled with werewolves, vampires and fae, Banks has written a great foundation within the Young Adult genre.

Our main character – Artemis is different, she knows it, as does everyone else, but no one knows exactly why… or do they? She’s strong, independent and feisty with a side of herself she knows nothing about that is hidden just underneath. With dreams of wolves and a beautiful man she doesn’t know but is drawn to – Artemis is thrown into a world she never knew existed.

Enter Ares, An alpha werewolf and someone who has just about all the answers that Artemis is looking for. These two characters are drawn together in many ways and are forced to face many unknown challenges along the way. Their banter back and forth was often snarky and gave me many laugh out loud moments, and yet other times their dialogue is true and honest. It was nice to see through the walls each had and watch their relationship change throughout the course of the book.

The writing is good, yet at times I found it somewhat confusing or hard to read. However neither took away from the story or characters in the slightest. I commend Banks for all she’s done with this self published title.

All in all, I’m happy to say that yet again, another self published author has pleasantly surprised me. With twists and turns from start to finish, more then memorable characters and a cliffhanger ending – Song of the Moon will leave you more then ready for the sequel – Kiss of a Star.

I was lucky enough to have interviewed Catherine and will be posting the interview and a contest for everyone soon!

FTC Disclaimer: I did NOT pay for this book, nor have I been compensated at all in any way or means for reading and writing this HONEST review.

Title: Paranormalcy
Author: Kiersten White
Publisher: HarperTeen, 352 Pages (August 31st 2010)
From: the Publisher, Thank You!

Synopsis: Sixteen-year-old Evie's job is bagging and tagging paranormals. Possessing the strange ability to see through their glamours, she works for the International Paranormal Containment Agency. But when someone--or something--starts taking out the vamps, werewolves, and other odd beasties she's worked hard to help become productive members of society, she's got to figure it out before they all disappear and the world becomes utterly normal.

Normal is so overrated.

Review: 4 Stars - Newcomer Kiersten White has struck gold with the first book in her new series – Paranormalcy. With her winning combination of amazingly unique and swoonable characters, fresh take on the paranormal and a story that’ll make any reader say “Oh Bleep”, White has written what is soon to be a huge hit with all and will have everyone begging for more.

Evie, she’s not your average teenager girl, not by a long shot. She’s quirky, strong and 100% girlie-girl, but that’s not all. She’s a key ingredient to the everyday workings of the International Paranormal Containment Agency (IPCA). She was recruited when she was younger for her wacky ability to be able to see past the glamour’s of all the other creatures out there. Kind of helpful when you work for an agency that are all about tagging and registering all the paranormals of the world. I have to say, she’s one of the best female characters I’ve read in a long time – she had that normal, girl next door feel to her with a twist.

Then there’s Lend, let me think what to say about him while I swoon. He’s so far from most boys within the Paranormal YA genre. He’s sweet, kind, interesting, and caring, which was such a nice change for me as a reader. The interaction between Evie and Lend was often funny and extremely entertaining to read. I liked how they acted their age and were youthful in their personalities and relationship, which we don’t see to often, and talk about refreshing!

Evie has many issues to deal with throughout the book – including an ex-boyfriend who just happens to be a faerie. Reth was creepy and added another layer to who Evie was as a character. Not knowing what his plans were until almost the end of the book was perfect. Another character I think needs mentioning is Evie’s best friend Lish. She’s a mermaid and can only speak via a computer which gives us many extremely entertaining conversations between the two. Lish as a character was a gem.

The good and evil elements within the story worked well because of the writing. White added just enough mystery to her supernatural creatures and her lore to make it all her own. What more can I say about Paranormalcy and it’s author other then I’m hooked, can’t wait for the next book – Supernaturally (Summer, 2011) - and to see just what White has up her sleeve for Evie and all the other characters next.

FTC Disclaimer: I did NOT pay for this book, nor have I been compensated at all in any way or means for reading and writing this HONEST review.

It's time again to give away another Gift Certificate to CSN Stores!

And what better way to spend that $75.00 then on a amazingly designed yet funky modern chair for reading? I mean common all you bookies out there, who wouldn't want to have a chair like the one in this post to curl up with a good book in? I know I would!

Now, I'm sure you all would like to know what you need to do to enter? Just follow the rules and fill out the form and your in!

What's the rule you ask? Well here they are:

You must fill out the form to enter. Comment are loved and more then welcome, however no entries in comments will be excepted.

You must be at least 13 years old to enter.

Contest is open to US and Canadian residents only. Sorry!

Contest ends: September 15th, 2010

THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED!!!!!!!

ENTER HERE

Good Luck to everyone!! Another contest starts on the 1st of September to kick off my month of contests! Enjoy!

Casey (The Bookish Type)

Congrats Casey!! I've sent an email and you have 48 hours to respond. If I don't hear back from you in 48 hours, I'll be forced to choose another winner. As always, winners are chosen via Random.org.

Thanks so much to everyone who entered! Each and everyone of you helped to make this contest a HUGE success! If you didn't win this one, not to worry.... more contest are starting next week and will be running all month long and on into October. If anyone has any questions, please let me know. Have a great week!

It's time for another week of In My Mailbox - here's a look at all the great books that arrived on my doorstep either by purchase, trade or for review. It's hosted by Kristi over at The Story Siren. As always, thanks so much for hosting it Kristi!



Here's what I got this week.....

Purchased:

Mockingjay By: Suzanne Collins
ALMOST finished reading. Reading slow to savor each and every page, every word..... So good!

For Review:

Jane By: April Lindner
A Huge Thank You to Hachette/Poppy for this title! Can't wait to read this one.

Won, Traded or Gifted:

Oh My Goth By: Gena Showalter
From Paperback Swap
 
So, that's my week in books. What all did you guys get? Great stuff I hope. Enjoy the rest of your weekend and Happy Reading!

Allison

&

Jennifer M.

Congrats to both Allison and Jennifer! I've sent you each an email and you have 24 hours to respond. Sorry this is such a short time frame, but I need to have the winners info. to the publisher on Monday. If I don't hear back from one or both of you by tomorrow at this time, I'll have to pick another or other winners. As always, winners are chosen using Random.org. Please be sure to check your junk mail too - I know sometimes that can happen.

Thanks to everyone who entered and if you didn't win this one, not to worry, there's many more contests coming up starting next week! If anyone has any questions, please let me know. As always good luck to you all in future contests.

So, after working with Jessica for the past few many weeks, we can finally tell you all about our EPIC event:

 "Haunted Halloween: True Tales of the Paranormal!"

And when we say it's EPIC, that doesn't even do it justice! We have 40+ truly amazing YA Authors who have agreed to help celebrate the month of October with us and are going to be sharing some of their real life, true scary stories. I bet you'd like to know just who they are right?

Well, that I can't tell you.... yet *evil cackling witch laugh* 

Authors and publishers have donated some incredible books and swag that we'll be giving away to all of YOU throughout the month. It's exciting stuff you wont want to miss out on!

Until then, keep an ever watchful eye on this space. More information will be delivered sometime soon....

When you ask? You'll just have to wait and see.

Haunted Halloween has finally begun!!!!

If your looking for more information check out this post here for details and how to win, win win!!

Also, we're looking for additional authors for our event and if you would like to learn more information, please feel free to email. The more the merrier!

Title: It's a Book
Author: Lane Smith
Publisher: Roaring Brook Press, 32 Pages (August 3rd 2010)
From: the Publisher, Thank You!

Synopsis: Playful and lighthearted with a subversive twist that is signature Lane Smith, IT’S A BOOK is a delightful manifesto on behalf of print in the digital age. This satisfying, perfectly executed picture book has something to say to readers of all stripes and all ages.

Review: 4 Stars - It’s a Book By Lane Smith is the perfect coffee table book for readers of all ages. Being that were in the digital age and now with the semi-recent introduction to eReaders, this light hearted story shows just how easily we can often find ourselves throughout each day lost behind a computer, eReader, or various other electronics.

The three characters are a Monkey, Donkey and a Mouse. The Monkey is reading a book, and the Donkey has no idea what it is. With his curiosity, the Donkey asks many questions to better learn and understand just what a “book” is or even does.

With extremely cute art and funny characters, It’s a Book was delightful to read and I thoroughly enjoyed all 32 pages.

Note: A word of warning for younger readers or adults with kids, there is a semi bad word on the last page in reference to the Donkey. It didn’t bother me, however I felt a warning would be appreciated to any looking to purchase this super cute book!

FTC Disclaimer: I did NOT pay for this book, nor have I been compensated at all in any way or means for reading and writing this HONEST review.

Debbie's World of Books

Congrats to you Debbie!! I've emailed you and you have 48 hours to respond or I'll have to choose another winner. As always, winners are chosen via Random.org. Thanks to everyone who entered and if you didn't win this time, not to worry - there's another contest from CSN and I in the works. Might even post next week? hmmmm! lol So, keep an eye out.

PLUS - September 1st kicks off my huge MEGA Bash here! The first contest starts then with more popping up throughout the whole month! Then I think I'll just keep the party going on into October! So, for the next few days, things might but a little slow around here, because of getting ready for 2 months of TONS of things going on and not to mention reading Mockingjay! My copy just arrived today... so I'm reading, yay!

Thanks again to everyone who entered. Good luck to anyone who's entered to win one of my three other contests running right now. Enter to win Promise By Kristie Cook tonight because it's the last day to enter! Links for all contests right above the center post here.

"Waiting On" Wednesday is an event hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. The purpose of this weekly event is to spotlight a soon-to-be-released book that you are very much anticipating. "Waiting On" Wednesday will also give bloggers an opportunity to share ideas for our TBR lists.

Title: Grace
Author: Elizabeth Scott
Publisher: Dutton, 208 Pages (September 16th 2010)
Preorder here: Amazon, Borders, Barns and Noble, The Book Depository

Synopsis: A fable of a terrifying near future by critically acclaimed author Elizabeth Scott.

Grace was raised to be an Angel, a herald of death by suicide bomb. But she refuses to die for the cause, and now Grace is on the run, daring to dream of freedom. In search of a border she may never reach, she travels among malevolent soldiers on a decrepit train crawling through the desert. Accompanied by the mysterious Kerr, Grace struggles to be invisible, but the fear of discovery looms large as she recalls the history and events that delivered her uncertain fate.

Told in spare, powerful prose, this tale of a dystopian near future will haunt readers long after they've reached the final page.
WOW, this book sounds strong and powerful.... emotional and, yeah,  more then amazing. I can't wait to read it.

Title: Personal Demons (Personal Demons, #1)
Author: Lisa Desrochers
Publisher: Tor Teen, 364 Pages (September 14th 2010)
Preorder here: Amazon, Borders, Barns and Noble, The Book Depository

Synopsis: Frannie Cavanaugh is a good Catholic girl with a bit of a wicked streak. She's spent years keeping everyone at a distance—even her closest friends... more Frannie Cavanaugh is a good Catholic girl with a bit of a wicked streak. She's spent years keeping everyone at a distance—even her closest friends—and it seems her senior year will be more of the same...until Luc Cain enrolls in her class. No one knows where he came from, but Frannie can't seem to stay away from him. What she doesn't know is that Luc works in Acquisitions—for Hell—and she possesses a unique skill set that has the King of Hell tingling with anticipation. All Luc has to do is get her to sin, and he’s as tempting as they come. Frannie doesn’t stand a chance.

Unfortunately for Luc, Heaven has other plans, and the angel, Gabe, is going to do whatever it takes to make sure that Luc doesn’t get what he came for. And it isn't long before they find themselves fighting for more than just her soul. But if Luc fails, there will be Hell to pay…for all of them.
 
This is one of my MUST read books. Along with pretty much everything else I feature in my weekly WoW's. I just REALLY cant wait for this one and thankfully the wait is almost over. Oh, I just can't wait - it sounds like a book I will more then LOVE! Who else is looking forward to either of these books?

Title: Through Her Eyes
Author: Jennifer Archer
Publisher: HarperTeen, 240 Pages (April 1st 2011)
Preorder here: Amazon, Borders, Barns and Noble, The Book Depository

Synopsis: Sixteen-year-old Tansy Piper moves with her grandfather and her mother, a horror writer, to the setting of her mother's next book--a secluded house outside of a tiny, desolate West Texas town. Lonely and upset over the move, Tansy escapes into her photography and the dark, seductive poems she finds hidden in the cellar, both of which lure her into the mind and world of a mysterious, troubled young man who died sixty years earlier.

I really can't wait to check out this title! The cover is so beautiful and the story sounds like something I'd love. Anyone else looking forward to this 2011 title as much as I am?

Notes:
*covers are always subject to change.
*I am not compensated at all for any of the links withing this page.

Great news for everyone who owns an eReader! Released today - Shadow Hills is now available for purchase on both Barns and Noble and Amazon! If you haven't read this one yet, it's great! One of my favorite books this year. Check out my 5 Star review -

Review: Shadow Hills

Purchase for your eReader today!

Barnes and Noble

Amazon

Synopsis: His love captivated her... his secrets might kill her.

Since her sister’s mysterious death, Persephone “Phe” Archer has been plagued by a series of disturbing dreams. Determined to find out what happened to her sister, Phe enrolls at Devenish Prep in Shadow Hills, Massachusetts—the subject of her sister’s final diary entry.

After stepping on campus, Phe immediately realizes that there’s something different about this place—an unexplained epidemic that decimated the town in the 1700s, an ancient and creepy cemetery, and gorgeous boy Zach—and somehow she’s connected to it all.

But the more questions she asks and the deeper she digs, the more entangled Phe becomes in the haunting past of Shadow Hills. Finding what links her to this town…might cost her her life.

If you ask me, this is a MUST read from a debut author - and the start to a great new series. So all you out there with eReaders, purchase today or soon, you won't be disappointed! For additional information check out Anastasia Hopcus Website.

d

Title: Love Sucks
Author: Lauren Hammond
Publisher: Punkin House, (August 3rd 2010)
Order here: Amazon, Punkin

Synopsis: In England during the seventeen hundreds, Cara Jones had her human life ended for her and she became a creature of the night. One moment she's an adolescent young woman living her life, the next she's lurking in the streets at night looking for her next meal. The vampire slayings in England became so brutal the whole race was nearly wiped out. So Cara and the clan she called her extended family fled to the U.S. to make a home. They kept to themselves and stayed out of trouble by feeding on recently deceased corpses and cleaning out blood supplies at local hospitals. When one of the clan members makes a mistake, they are once again being hunted and Cara is the only one who makes it out alive. Cara is officially the last vampire on earth. So when Cara awakes from a two hundred year slumber, she awakes to a new city, new people, and a new way of life. Cara sets out on a journey to find her soul mate, the one person who is designed for her. Along the way she encounters a zany new friend, a jealous co worker, and a man whom she can't live without. Dr. Jared Sayers is her destiny. Will Jared give up everything he knows to be with Cara? Or will she wander the earth for the rest of eternity alone?
 

From Lauren:

 

We are constantly offered so many choices in our everyday lives. We have opportunities to decide what we want out of life. But what if you weren’t given a choice? What if the life you are leading was chosen for you?

 

That’s what happened to Cara Jones in Love Sucks. Cara never chose to be a vampire. That life was chosen for her.

When I began writing this novel, the first mental image I ever got of Cara Jones was her punching her fist through the lid of her coffin and the rest is history. I tried to put myself in her shoes. What would I do in her situation? What would I do if I woke up buried in the ground in the middle of nowhere not knowing who or what I had become? I truly believe by doing this I created a great character that not only I could relate to but one that my readers could relate to as well.

I wrote this novel completely from Cara’s point of view. I wanted my readers to feel like I did, I wanted them to put themselves in Cara’s shoes. This book, takes you on the journey of a lifetime. You’ll follow Cara through her years of life beginning in the 1700’s until she wakes up in the year 2010. A vampire around that long can get into a lot of trouble, right?

I want my readers to enjoy reading this book as much as I enjoyed writing it. There is a sequel in the works and A Sucker For Love will be out sometime in the summer of 2011.

So now I only have one thing left to say, are you ready to be sucked in?

You can find Lauren here:

Lauren's Blog

Twitter: @NovelistLauren

Facebook Fan Page

Other Guest Posts:

Reading Teen

Courtney Reads

Novel Thoughts

Nymfaux

2 Much Testosterone

Interviews:

A Buckeye Girl Reads

Vampires.com

Thanks so much for stopping by Lauren!

It's time for another week of In My Mailbox - here's a look at all the great books that arrived on my doorstep either by purchase, trade or for review. It's hosted by Kristi over at The Story Siren. As always, thanks so much for hosting it Kristi!



Well, last week was really slow when it came to books, so I just took the couple that I got and added them to this week's IMM. So, here's what I got:

Purchased:
 
None this week.
 
Review:
 
Mieradome By: Kate Hegarty
Extraordinary By: Nancy Werlin (signed)
Spin By: Catherine McKenzie
Jessica Z. By: Shawn Klomparens
Two Years, No Rain By: Shawn Klomparens
Siren By: Tricia Rayburn
The Lost Saint (The Dark Divine, #2) By: Bree Despain
Things I Know About Love By: Kate Le Vann
Rich and Mad By: William Nicholson
Virgin Territory By: James Lecesne
Little Black Lies By: Tish Cohen
It's A Book By: Lane Smith
Jumbee By: Pamela Keyes
 
A HUGE thanks to Egmont, Macmillan/Roaring Brook Press, Nancy Werlin, Catherine McKenzie, Kate Hegarty and Meryl L. Moss Media.
 
Won:
 
Personal Demons (Personal Demons, #1) By: Lisa Desrochers
 
A HUGE thanks to Sara from Babbling Flow for the amazing contest!!
 
Traded or Gifted:
 
None this week.
 
So, that's all the amazing goodies I got this week...... or maybe not? Hmmm, I wonder what that means? Well, it means tons of goodies for YOU GUYS! Yep, some great books sitting here to giveaway. That's all I'll say right now. Keep an eye out next week for more info!
 
What did you guys get this week?

Just wanted to let everyone know that I was featured in a guest post over at By Pen or by Sword today in Lee's feature "Voices". I would love it if you all would head on over, check it out and leave a comment - here and there.

Here's the link: "Voices: Book Blogger Lisa from A Life Bound By Books"

I had fun writing it, and I hope you all enjoy it.

Thanks again for hosting me Lee!

Title: Holly's Inbox: Scandal in the City
Author: Holly Durham
Publisher: Sourcebooks, 512 pages (August 1st 2010)
From: the Publisher, Thank You!

Synopsis: Office rivalries, rumors, and scandals have never been so hilariously entertaining-or so addicting

Things are finally looking up for Holly. With her love life, career, and family all on the right path, Holly is looking forward to the next chapter in her life when a sudden rampage of gossip sweeps the city and threatens to destroy Holly's hard-earned happiness. Told entirely through emails, readers can catch a glimpse into the daily digital drama that is Holly Denham's life. Join Holly and her outrageous cast of family and friends as they navigate the ups and downs of living in a city where your world can be turned upside down faster than you can say "You've got mail!"

Review: 5 Stars - Holly’s Inbox: Scandal in the City held just as many laugh out loud moments as the first book in the series. With Holly’s unique voice and told completely in email format from numerous characters, makes this an entertaining read from the first page to the last.

In this second installment we learn more about Holly and her relationships with her boyfriend, her friends, family and work colleagues. She wants to move up in the job, pay off debts and be happy in her relationships. She wants her Happily Ever After moment just like anyone else. She goes out of her way to make things work for everyone around her - within her job and away from it.

With a promotion filled with drama and troubles at home, Holly’s once short lived happiness is put to the ultimate test and she’s forced to make some hard choices. It’s through her family and friends that we get a chance to see another side of Holly as she’s faced with huge choices. The drama in the work place is written where anyone who’s worked in or out of an office will understand and appreciate what each character goes through daily.

With a refreshingly unique writing style and realistic characters within the bubble of a London workplace - Holly, her troubles and her ever present sharp witty comebacks - will always hold a special place in my heart. I hope there will be a third in this series as there’s nothing more then to say I’m thoroughly hooked!

The first book in the series - Holly's Inbox is also availabe from Scorcebooks.

FTC Disclaimer: I did not pay for this book, nor have I been compensated at all in any way or means for reading and writing HONEST this review.

"Waiting On" Wednesday is an event hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. The purpose of this weekly event is to spotlight a soon-to-be-released book that you are very much anticipating. "Waiting On" Wednesday will also give bloggers an opportunity to share ideas for our TBR lists.

Title: Firelight (Draki, #1)
Author: Sophie Jordan
Publisher: Harper Teen, 336 Pages (September 7th 2010)
Preorder here: Amazon, Borders, Barns and Noble, The Book Depository

Synopsis: With her rare ability to breathe fire, Jacinda is special even among the draki—the descendants of dragons who can shift between human and dragon forms. But when Jacinda’s rebelliousness leads her family to flee into the human world, she struggles to adapt, even as her draki spirit fades.

The one thing that revives it is Will, whose family hunts her kind. Jacinda can’t resist getting closer to him, even though she knows she’s risking not only her life but the draki’s most closely guarded secret.

Title: the DUFF
Author: Kody Keplinger
Publisher: Little Brown/Poppy, 288 Pages (September 7th 2010)
Preorder here: Amazon, Borders, Barns and Noble, The Book Depository

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

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

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

Title: Dark Song
Author: Gail Giles
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 304 Pages, (September 7th 2010)
Preorder here: Amazon, Borders, Barns and Noble, The Book Depository

Synopsis: Mark said he heard the dark song when he creeped houses. The song the predator's heart sings when it hears the heart of the prey. I heard it now. Mark...more Mark said he heard the dark song when he creeped houses. The song the predator's heart sings when it hears the heart of the prey. I heard it now. Mark said it had always been in me. Lurking. Waiting for me to hear.

Ames is not the person she was a few months ago. Her father lost his job, and her family is crumbling apart. Now, all she has is Marc. Marc, who loves her more than anything. Marc, who owns a gun collection. And he'll stop at nothing--even using his guns--to get what he wants. Ames feels her parents have betrayed her with their lies and self-absorption, but is she prepared to make the ultimate betrayal against them?

Title: Extraordinary

Author: Nancy Werlin

Publisher: Dial, 400 Pages (September 7th 2010)

Preorder here: Amazon, Borders, Barns and Noble, The Book Depository

Synopsis: Phoebe finds herself drawn to Mallory, the strange and secretive new kid in school, and the two girls become as close as sisters . . . until Mallory's magnetic older brother, Ryland, shows up during their junior year. Ryland has an immediate, exciting hold on Phoebe, but a dangerous hold, for she begins to question her feelings about her best friend and, worse, about herself. Soon she'll discover the shocking truth about Ryland and Mallory: that these two are visitors from the faerie realm who have come to collect on an age-old debt. Generations ago, the faerie queen promised Pheobe's ancestor five extraordinary sons in exchange for the sacrifice of one ordinary female heir. But in hundreds of years there hasn't been a single ordinary girl in the family, and now the faeries are dying. Could Phoebe be the first ordinary one? Could she save the faeries, or is she special enough to save herself?

Each one of these books sound like a must read. I really can't wait to get a chance to read each of these. There should be a review for Firelight soon, if not already. Either way it's one that just shouldn't be forgotten. Some exciting sounding books if you ask me. Oh, I can't wait!!! Who else is looking foward to any if not all of these??

Title: Clique #13: My Little Phony
Author: Lisi Harrison
Publisher: Poppy, 272 Pages (August 3rd 2010)

Synopsis: Sugar, spice, and everything lice.
 
Massie Block: The holidays are just around the corner, and the only thing Massie doesn't want for Christmas is a lip-kiss from her ninth-grade crush, Landon. Not that she'd ever admit it, but she's nervous! To distract herself, Massie focuses on getting revenge on Claire for ditching the Pretty Committee. But when the plan to bug her ex-BFF backfires big-time, she may find herself headed for a Merry Kissmass-whether she likes it or not.

Alicia Rivera: Promised her parents she wouldn't shop at awl between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Her reward? An all-expenses-paid trip to the Spanish Riviera. But what happens when she sees the cuh-yutest pair of Ralph Lauren sunglasses? No pain, no Spain.

Dylan Marvil: After going overboard at the Westchester Mall, Dylan isn't worried about the size of her clothes . . . but she is worried about the size of her clothing budget. Cuh-redit denied!

Kristen Gregory: Is sick of being the only poor girl in Westchester. But misery loves company, and maybe, just maybe, she won't be the only broke member of the Pretty Committee for long. . . .

Claire Lyons: When Massie scares off her new drama friends with a fake-lice scare, Claire decides she's done letting Massie bully her. The alpha may have exterminated Claire's social life, but what goes around comes around. The raid is on, and it won't be over until the fat ladybug sings.

The Clique . . . the only thing harder than getting in is staying in.

I'm have TWO copies to giveaway! Entering is easy. Please follow the rules and fill out the form below! Any questions, please see my policy page or feel free to email.

RULES:

- Please, no entries in comments. Comments are welcomed and loved. Trust me, filling out the easy form will save you from spam.
- You must be at least 13 years old to enter.
- This contest is open to US/Canada only. No PO Boxes.
- This giveaway was made possible by the publisher. Please be aware that I will have to send the winners name and address to the publisher for shipping.
- Contest ends on August 27th, 2010

THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED!!!!!!!!

ENTER HERE!!

Good Luck to everyone who enters!!!

Emily M.!!!

Congrats Emily! I've emailed you and you have 48 hours to respond or I'll have to choose another winner. If anyone has any questions, please let me know. As always (unless otherwise stated) all winners are selected via Random.org.

Thanks to everyone who entered. If you didn't win this one.. don't worry! I have three other contests running right now - just above the posts here are all the links. Then, as I've mentioned before September and October will be FULL of FUN and tons of Contests!!  I hope you'll all enter.

Title: The Extraordinary Secrets of April May & June
Author: Robin Benway
Publisher: Razorbill,
From: the Publisher, Thank You!

Synopsis: Three sisters, three extraordinary, life-changing powers!

I hugged my sisters and they fit against my sides like two jigsaw pieces that would never fit anywhere else. I couldn’t imagine ever letting them go again, like releasing them would be to surrender the best parts of myself.

Three sisters share a magical, unshakable bond in this witty high-concept novel from the critically acclaimed author of Audrey, Wait! Around the time of their parents’ divorce, sisters April, May, and June recover special powers from childhood—powers that come in handy navigating the hell that is high school. Powers that help them cope with the hardest year of their lives. But could they have a greater purpose?

April, the oldest and a bit of a worrier, can see the future. Middle-child May can literally disappear. And baby June reads minds—everyone’s but her own. When April gets a vision of disaster, the girls come together to save the day and reconcile their strained family. They realize that no matter what happens, powers or no powers, they’ll always have each other.

Because there’s one thing stronger than magic: sisterhood.

 Review: 3 Stars - The Extraordinary Secrets of April, May & June by Robin Benway was a cute, fun, light hearted read with sisters so different from one another that everyone should have no trouble finding one to relate to. From the author who wrote “Audrey Wait” – Benway has taken writing from a teen girl’s point of view to a new level with the addition of superpowers.

One of the great things about reading this book was the fact that each sister was so different and quirky. Told in three very distinctive voices in alternating chapters it wasn’t always clear just which sister was speaking, however after learning more about each they were pretty easy to tell appart. Their personalities so different, yet their powers reflected each one perfectly. April the oldest, bookish and fiercely over protective could see flashes of the future. May the middle child with - what sometimes happens to the middle child - is smart, sassy, snarky and wants nothing more then to be left alone – invisible – gets just that, invisibility. And then the youngest June, wants to be popular, grown up and listened to she gets to hear peoples thoughts. They are each dealing with things within their chapters and Benway does a great job melding them all together into one intertwined story.

The romantic interests were great as were the few other secondary characters that popped up here and there. The boys were a perfect fit to the girls and in the end were some of my favorite characters too. Maybe it’s just me, but I tend to love a feisty character and there were plenty throughout.

The story was somewhat predictable, but in the end I found myself not as invested in the lives of these three sisters as I was hoping to be. Not to say that it’s a bad story, just not what I was expecting. There were a couple of laugh out loud moments and I have to say that May was by far my favorite of the three. She had some of the best lines and I loved her whit and her chapters were highlights that I just couldn’t get enough off.

All in all Benway has created something that will no doubt entertain people. With funny moments laced throughout and a set of sisters who could be the girls next door, it’s easy to see that many readers will find something to love about each of these Extraordinary girls.

FTC Disclaimer: I did not pay for this book, nor have I been compensated at all in any way or means for reading and writing this HONEST review.

It's time for another week of In My Mail Box - here's a look at all the great books that arrived on my doorstep either by purchase, trade or for review. It's hosted by Kristi over at The Story Siren. As always, thanks so much for hosting it Kristi!



Well, last week was really slow when it came to books, so I just took the couple that I got and added them to this week's IMM. So, here's what I got:

Purchased:

Winter Longing By: Tricia Mills

For Review:

Numb By: Sean Ferrell
Forbidden By: Tabitha Suzuma
John Belushi Is Dead By: Kathy Charles
Being Jamie Baker By: Kelly Oram
Dark Song By: Gail Giles

A Huge thanks goes out to Sean & HarperCollins, Tabithia & Random House UK, Kelly Oram, Simon & Schuster and Little Brown!

Won:

Sleepless By: Cyn Balog
(again another second copy! I had traded Jenn for this and then won a copy from Random Buzzers 2-3 days later. Another contest book)

Traded:

Nightshade By: Andrea Cremer
(Not pictured - this is a second copy, I had traded this one with my friend Natalie from Mindful Musings 2 days before my review copy arrived here. This just might be getting added to a contest coming up!)

Gifted:

Clockwork Angel By: Cassandra Clare
Ghost Girl By: Tonya Hurley (signed!)
A HUGE Thanks goes out to Kelly from DemonLover's Blog for picking up extra copies of these for me while she was at ComicCon - you rock Kelly!

So, that's what I got this week... what about you guys? What did everyone get?

Marlene B.!!!!!!!

Congrats Marlene! I've sent an email, you have 48 hours to respond or I'll have to choose another winner.

Thanks to everyone who entered and if you didn't win, not to worry... TONS more contest are just right around the corner.

Time for another Hop and Follow Friday!

If you'd like to join in - head on over to Crazy-For-Books! Thanks again for hosting it Jennifer!

Today's question is:

How many books do you have on your 'to be read shelf’?

I honestly have no idea. There's a TON on it... and the only reason why I have no idea how many there is on my TBR shelf is because I'm afraid if I knew that magical number I'd have a mini panic attack lol. A girl can never have to many books, so I'll just stay in the dark on this one. :)

To join the fun and make now book blogger friends, just follow these simple rules:

1.Follow the Follow My Book Blog Friday Host { Parajunkee.com } and any one else you want to follow on the list
2.Follow our Featured Bloggers - None this week.
3.Put your Blog name & URL in the Linky thing.
4.Grab the button up there and place it in a post, this post is for people to find a place to say hi in your comments.
5.Follow Follow Follow as many as you can.
6.If someone comments and says they are following you, be a dear and follow back. Spread the Love...and the followers
7.If you want to show the link list, just follow the link below the entries and copy and paste it within your post!


Here's some contest's I have running right now - Good Luck to all who enter!!

Enter to win a Top 8 Prize Pack! Top 8 and What's Your Status! Ends August 29th, 2010
Enter to win a copy of Greek:Double Date Ends 8/15/10
Enter to win a $65.00 Gift Cert to CSN Stores - Ends 8/23/10
Enter to win a copy of Promise By: Kristie Cook - Ends 8/25/10

And... September and October are going to be busy here! September I'll be celebrating my Blogoversary, Birthday and what I hope to be 500+ followers! I'm pretty close last time I checked, so I think I'll make it. Then in October, with the help of my good friend and fellow blogger Jessica from Confessions of a Bookaholic - we have some MAJOR super secret stuff going on and we can't wait to share with everyone! It's going to be FUN!

I hope you all have great weekend and Happy Reading to each of you!

Canadian Author - Catherine McKenzie has started an new Experiment. I recently contacted her and she told me a little more about it. Basically it's to help promote some great undiscovered fiction.  "I bet we can make these books bestsellers" Facebook Group's first two books chosen are Jessica Z. and Two Years, No Rain by Shawn Klomparens. Great idea right? I thought it was just another perfect way to draw attention to books we might not have otherwise heard of. I'll be reading and reviewing the titles sometime in the future.

Check out the Facebook Group Here

As for author Catherine McKenzie... here's some additonal information on her current and up coming title.

Title: Spin
Author: Catherine McKenzie
Publisher: HarperCollins Canada, 424 Pages (December 29th 2009)

Synopsis: Katie Sandford has just gotten an interview at her favourite music magazine, The Line. It's the chance of a lifetime. So what does she do? Goes out to celebrate - and shows up still drunk at the interview. No surprise, she doesn't get the job, but the folks at The Line think she might be perfect for another assignment for their sister gossip rag. All Katie has to do is follow It Girl Amber Sheppard into rehab. If she can get the inside scoop (and complete the 30-day program without getting kicked out), they'll reconsider her for the job at The Line.

Katie takes the job. But things get complicated when real friendships develop, a cute celebrity handler named Henry gets involved, and Katie begins to realize she may be in rehab for a reason. Katie has to make a decision -- is publishing the article worth everything she has to lose?

Title: Arranged
Author: Catherine McKenzie
Publisher: ?, 352 Pages (January 2011)

Synopsis: Anne Blythe is lucky. She's got a brand new book contract, a great newspaper job and a steadfast best friend, and she can land just about any man she sets her sights on - and the ones that appeal are typically tall, dark and handsome.

Problem is, the men she chooses never last. Shortly after yet another relationship goes down in flames, Anne comes across a card for what she believes is a dating service, and pockets it just in case. If she's so unlucky in love, maybe she could use a little assistance. Then her best friend announces she's engaged, and envy gets the better of Anne. Now's the time, she decides, to give the service a try - and she is shocked to discover that what the company specializes in are exclusive, and pricey, arranged marriages. After learning of the company's success rate, however, she overcomes her reluctance and signs on. After all, arranged marriages are the norm for millions of women around the world, and she's not done so well selecting a mate on her own. So why not use a professional service that claims it can produce the perfect match?

Some time later, Anne is travelling to a Mexican resort, where in one short weekend she will meet and marry Jack, the man they have chosen for her. And against all odds, it seems to be working out, until Anne learns that Jack and the company who arranged their marriage are not what they seem at all.

For more information on Author Catherine McKenzie, please visit her Website.

Title: What's Your Status? (A Top 8 Novel)
Author: Katie Finn
Publisher: Point, 368 Pages (July 1st 2010)

Synopsis: Sixteen-year-old Madison still loves logging on to Friendverse to see what her BFFs and her cute new boyfriend Nate are up to. But the latest social networking craze is Status Q, which is all about rapid-fire status updates. When one of Mad’s friends has to pull off a high-pressure heist, the gang relies on Status Q to send code messages to each other…all in the middle of a school dance! Will up-to-the-minute social networking save the day…or lead to good old-fashioned disaster?

Read the first 2 Chapters - Here!

About the author: Katie Finn is the author of Top 8 and What’s Your St@tus?. She lives and writes in Los Angeles. Friend her on Facebook, follow her on Twitter @katiefinnwrites and visit her online at http://www.katiefinn.com/.

For more info check out these sites:

http://www.thisispoint.com/books/whatsyourstatus.asp
http://www.katiefinn.com/Katie_Finn/Books.html

One winner will get a prize pack that includes a copy of Top 8 and What's Your Status?

And now the rules and how to enter:

Please fill out the form below to enter. No entries in comments please. Trust me, it'll help to prevent spam. Though comments are always welcome and loved.

You must be at least 13 years old to enter.
Winners will be picked using random.org, and will be emailed and have 48 hours to respond.

This contest is open to the US only. Sorry!

Contest ends - August 29th, 2010

THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED!!

ENTER HERE

Good Luck to everyone who enters and just another reminder that September is right around the corner and with that comes MANY contests, prize packs and winners!!! I'm so excited! Can't wait!