27 February 2010

In My Mailbox - (13)

Here's another week of In My Mail Box. This marks week 13 of a peek into the various books that I've picked up, ordered or had arrive on my doorstep for review. It's hosted by Kristi over at The Story Siren. Thanks again for hosting it Kristi! So here's what I got this week.....

Again, there's no picture this week. It was kind of a slow week, however here's what I got:

From Amazon:

Cracked Up To Be By: Courtney Summers

Paperback Swap:

The Cursed One (Wild Wulfs of London Book 3) By: Ronda Thompson
Edge Of Hunger (Primal Instinct) by Rhyannon Byrd

For Review:

One Night That Changes Everything by Lauren Barnholdt

A good week. A little quiet... but not bad. What all did you guys get?

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26 February 2010

250 Custom Sticker Winner!

Hey guys - I was told by Mavie from the Bookologist that she'd like me to pick a new winner... so I did just that. The new winner of 250 Custom Stickers from UPrinting is..........



I've emailed you and need to hear back RIGHT away. There's a cut off date that I need to get back to UPrinting and were cutting it close, so please email me back when your answer to my question and I can get back to them right away.

Thanks again and CONGRATS!

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Winner of the 250 Custom Stickers is....



The Bookologist


I've sent you an email and need you to get back to me right away.

Thanks to all who entered!




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24 February 2010

"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: Exit Strategy
Author: Ryan Potter
Publisher: Flux, 312 Pages (March 1, 2010)
Preorder here: Amazon, Borders, The Book Depository

Synopsis: Who are you supposed to look up to when it seems like every adult you know is more screwed up than yourself?

Looming above Zach Ramsey's hometown are the smoke stacks of the truck assembly plant, the greasy lifeblood of this Detroit suburb. Surrounded by drunks, broken marriages, and factory rats living in fear of the pink slip, Zach is getting the hell out of Blaine after graduation. But first, he's going to enjoy the summer before his senior year.

Rolling in cash from bootlegging booze, getting smashed with his best friend Tank, and falling in love for the first time, Zach's having a blast until he uncovers dark secrets that shake his faith in everyone—including Tank, whose 'roid rages betray a shocking habit.

With enough evidence to nail the town's steroid kingpin, Zach is faced with the toughest decision of his life—one that will prove just what kind of adult he's destined to be.

Sounds interesting. What do you guys think of this one? Looking forward to reading it?

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23 February 2010

Teaser Tuesday - Num8ers By: Rachel Ward - (4)


Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly meme hosted by MizB at Should Be Reading. Here's what you do...

-Grab your current read

-Open to a random page

-Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

-BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn't give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

-Share the title & author, too, so that other Teaser Tuesday participants can add the book to their TBR lists if they like your teasers!

Title: Num8ers
Author: Rachel Ward
Publisher: Chicken House/Scholastic Inc., 325 Pages (January 5th 2009)
Order From: Amazon, Borders, The Book Depository, Barns and Noble
 
I shrugged him off.
"Forget about it. I just did what anyone would've."
"There isn't anyone else here, though, is there? There was only you. Only you could've saved me. And you did." (Pg. 124)
 
Sounds interesting. I haven't started readin it yet, but will be picking this up to read and review in the next day or so. Looking forward to it. Keep an eye out here for a chance to win a copy of this book! Contest coming soon.

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22 February 2010

Contest - Enter to Win 250 Custom Stickers!!

CONTEST CLOSED!
A fun contest for fellow book bloggers.. or really anyone! UPrinting has given me a chance to hold this contest to offer one lucky winner the following:








- 250 Stickers/Labels for One (1) lucky winner
- Sizes: 2” x 3.5”, 2” x 4”, or 3” x 3”
- Paper: 70lb Label Matte
- Specifications: Full color front, blank back; 4   Business Day printing
- Shipping: FREE Ground UPS Shipping
- Eligibility: Limited to Residents only

Here's also some additonal information on what you could win and how easy it is to get started! Just follow the links:

- Custom Stickers

- Label Printing

The contest will run until Feb 26th, 2010. As always, you must be at least 13 years old to enter. Please feel out this easy-peasy form. Any entries posted in comments will not count. Any questions, please ask away. Good Luck to everyone who enters!

Enter Here!

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It's that time again for another week of In My Mailbox. This marks week 12 of a peek into the various books that I've picked up, ordered or had arrive on my doorstep for review. It's hosted by Kristi over at The Story Siren. Thanks again for hosting it Kristi! So here's what I got this week.....

First off, there's no picture as you can see. It was kind of a slow week. Here's what I got:

For Review:

Num8ers By: Rachel Ward

From Paperback Swap:

The Dark One - (Wild Wulfs of London Book 1) By: Ronda Thompson
The Untamed One - (Wild Wulfs of London Book 2) By: Rhonda Thompson
Stray By: Rachel Vincent


Quiet week for me. What all did you guys get?

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19 February 2010

THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED!

Yes, it's time for another contest here!! This time it's for a chance to win ONE of THREE copies of -

Wherever Nina Lies By: Lynn Weingarten

You can check out the more info about the book Here.

Synopsis: Nina was beautiful, wild, and adored by her younger sister, Ellie. But, one day, Nina disappeared. Two years later, everyone has given up home that Nina will return, but Ellie knows her sister is out there. If only Ellie had a clue where to look. Then she gets one, in the form of a mysterious drawing. Determined to find Nina, Ellie takes off on a crazy, sexy, cross-country road trip with the only person who believes she’s got a chance—her hot, adventurous new crush. Along the way, Ellie finds a few things she wasn’t planning on. Like love. Lies. And the most shocking thing of all: the truth.

About the Author: Lynn Weingarten spends a lot of time writing in coffee shops while occasionally reading strangers’ laptops over their shoulders. In the past she has been a book editor, a barista, a counter girl at a bakery in Ireland, a waitress at a bar, and a seller of tiny homemade clay animals. She lives in New York City. Wherever Nina Lies was her first novel. Please visit her online at www.lynnweingarten.com. Author Photo By: Jena Cumbo

Books are valued at $8.99 each. This book giveaway is open to participants with a United States mailing address only (international readers can enter if they have a friend in the States who can accept their prizes by mail.)
                                                                      
Entering is easy! Just fill out the form - HERE!
 
This contest will end on March 8th, 2010. If you have any questions please let me know. You must be at least 13 years old to enter. Entries left in the comments section of this post will not count. Good Luck to all who enter!                                          

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18 February 2010

Review: Wherever Nina Lies By: Lynn Weingarten

Title: Wherever Nina Lies
Author: Lynn Weingarten
Publisher: Point
From: Big Honcho Media

Synopsis: Nina was beautiful, artistic, wild . . . and adored by her younger sister, Ellie. But one day, without any warning, Nina disappeared.

Two years later, Ellie can't stop thinking about her sister. Although everyone else has given up hope that Nina will return, Elile just knows her sister is out there, somewhere. If only Ellie had a clue where to look.

And then she gets one, in the form of a mysterious drawing tucked into the pages of a book. Determined to find her sister, Ellie takes off on a crazy, sexy, cross-country road trip with the only person who believes she's got a chance -- her hot, adventurous new crush.

Along the way, Ellie finds a few things she wasn't planning on. Like love. Mysteries. Lies. And something far ore shocking -- the truth.

Review: 4 Stars - First - I need to say wow, what a book! It is such a thrilling mystery. It was not what I thought it'd be. Funny, because I seem to be saying that a lot lately, this just happens to be a great thing with this story.

Our main character Ellie is struggling to find out just what happened to her older sister Nina, who vanished 2 years prior. She believes her mother doesn't care and feels pretty much alone in her search. She has her best friend who goes along with things, but only to a certain point. She believes that Ellie should give up and move on, but sometimes things are easier said then done.

When they happen to find a clue about her sister, Ellie goes out of her way to find out anything and everything about what might have happened to her. She meets a stranger, Sean, a boy who seems to understand and want’s to help her find her long lost sister. As the two travel from place to place finding more clues along the way, as they search for Ellie's sister, we get to see glimpses to what just might be lurking around dark corner.

The only thing I can say that I felt confused about or even questioned was how easy Ellie just trusted and headed out on this crazy trip with a total stranger. I think maybe she just wanted her sister back so bad that she was blinded by that. I can't say anything else but good things about this book. I often felt creepy while reading it. Loved the ever twisting mysteries throughout the story that more then kept me guessing right up until the shocking end.

It's hard not to get pulled into this story, to feel for the characters - both good and bad sides, not to mention the creep factor that pushes things into shocking territory. There's a bit of just about everything in this book, all rolled into a one. I'm, without a doubt looking forward to more from this author in the future.

***Keep an eye out here tomorrow for a contest to win 1 of 3 copies of this 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 review.

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17 February 2010

I've been meaning to start this meme for awhile now, and figured I'd start today. :o) I have so many books I'm looking forward to this year, along with most of us that I wanted to join in the fun of sharing just what I can't wait for. So here goes!

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



Title: Nevermore
Author: Kelly Creagh
Publisher: Atheneum, 528 Pages (August 31st 2010)
Preorder here: Amazon, Borders, The Book Depository

Synopsis: At once an homage to one of America's greatest writers and a page-turning psychological mystery that is equal parts horror, humor, and romance, NEVERMORE is the story of Varen -- a Poe-fan and goth -- and Isobel -- a cheerleader and unlikely heroine. When a Lit. project pairs the two together, Isobel finds herself steadily swept into Varen's world, one that he has created in his notebook and in his mind, one where the terrifying stories of Edgar Allan Poe come to life. Isobel slowly learns that dreams can be much more powerful than she'd ever expected, and that pain and despair come in all sorts of shades. As labels of "goth" and "cheerleader" fade away, she sees more in Varen than a tall, pale outcast, and a consuming romance is braced against the ever-clearer horror that the most terrifying realities are those within our own minds.

When Isobel has a single chance to rescue Varen from the shadows of his own nightmares, will she be able to save him -- and herself?

As soon as I read what this book was about - I knew it was a must read for me. Sounds interesting, something with a different twist, including the fact that Edgar Allen Poe is a huge part of one of the main charaters lives.

I have this book on preoder and am really looking forward to reading it. What about you guys? How's this book sound to you?

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16 February 2010

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly meme hosted by MizB at Should Be Reading. Here's what you do...

-Grab your current read
-Open to a random page
-Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
-BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn't give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
-Share the title & author, too, so that other Teaser Tuesday participants can add the book to their TBR lists if they like your teasers!

Title: Perchance To Dream Theatre Illuminata #2
Author: Lisa Mantchev
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends, 352 Pages (May 25, 2010)
Preorder here: Amazon, Borders, The Book Depository

"Hail and well met! He Bowed to Bertie with much jingle of his bells. "Would the lady care for a taste of my gherkin?"

"She would not," Mustardseed said, no doubt thoroughly offended by the stranger beating him to a vulger suggestion. "Apologize at once, or feel the wrath of my toothpick." (Pg. 219)

By the time this posts I should be working on a review for this. I said it before and I'll say it again, the faries in these books are a crack up! Love them all!! Really enjoying this book - and if you read and liked the first in the series, you'll enjoy this one too.

*note - since this is an ARC - I'm not 100% sure if having this as up for a teaser is okay. Should there be a problem, please let me know and I'll be sure to remove this post. Thank You.

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15 February 2010

Review: Perfect Fifths By: Megan McCafferty

Title: Perfect Fifths
Author: Megan McCafferty
Publisher: Crown, 258 Pages (April 14th 2009)
From: Amazon

Synopsis: Old flames are reignited in the fifth and final book in the New York Times bestselling Jessica Darling series.

Captivated readers have followed Jessica through every step and misstep: from her life as a tormented, tart-tongued teenager to her years as a college grad stumbling toward adulthood. Now a young professional in her mid-twenties, Jess is off to a Caribbean wedding. As she rushes to her gate at the airport, she literally runs into her former boyfriend, Marcus Flutie. It’s the first time she's seen him since she reluctantly turned down his marriage proposal three years earlier–and emotions run high.

Marcus and Jessica have both changed dramatically, yet their connection feels as familiar as ever. Is their reunion just a fluke or has fate orchestrated this collision of their lives once again?

Told partly from Marcus’s point of view, Perfect Fifths finally lets readers inside the mind of the one person who’s both troubled and titillated Jessica Darling for years. Expect nothing less than the satisfying conclusion fans have been waiting for, one perfect in its imperfection. . . .

Review: 3.5 Stars - It's hard for me to write this review. The fourth book and now this book just fell a little flat to me. I understand that characters need to grow and with that growth comes change in who they are and how they act and react to the people around them. It's just that these characters - Jessica and Marcus felt like such different people that I didn't even feel like I was reading the same series.

I loved the first three books. Loved them with a capital "L" even, and then with book four I felt let down and even a bit confused. Knowing that this would be the last in the series I knew I'd read it no matter what to see where our two main characters would end up.

Jessica and Marcus have had a crazy relationship to say the very least. The up's the down's and all the crazy parts inbetween. I was in many ways happy with the outcome and where the end of this series took us. I felt closure with things. I just think that it was a bit short or rushed even. I loved all the dialogue between Jessica and Marcus, their happy crazy banter was always a huge sell for me and their story. It was nice to have such a large part of this book be devoted to just that. It was for this reason alone that I gave this the rating that I did. Plus, they felt more like the Jessica and Marcus I knew and loved in the first three books.

It's always sad when a series of books come to an end and with this it all felt right. Felt like a great place to leave these two and without giving anything away to anyone, I'll just leave it at that.

If you've read any of the other books in this series, it's well worth the reading the final book. I think everyone will be happy to see what unfolds throughout for Jessica and Marcus. Enjoy!

FTC Disclaimer: I DID pay for this book and have NOT been compensated at all in any way or means for reading and writing this review.

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If you happen to not find what your looking for within any of these links, please feel free to email at any time. Thank you so much for visiting A Life Bound By Books.

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14 February 2010

Linger By: Maggie Stiefvater

Linger Cover LargeIn Maggie Stiefvater's Shiver, Grace and Sam found each other. Now, in Linger, they must fight to be together. For Grace, this means defying her parents and keeping a very dangerous secret about her own well-being. For Sam, this means grappling with his werewolf past . . . and figuring out a way to survive into the future. Add into the mix a new wolf named Cole, whose own past has the potential to destroy the whole pack. And Isabelle, who already lost her brother to the wolves . . . and is nonetheless drawn to Cole.

At turns harrowing and euphoric, Linger is a spellbinding love story that explores both sides of love -- the light and the dark, the warm and the cold -- in a way you will never forget.


Comes out in stores everywhere July 20th. Pre-order here.

Enter to win an advanced review copies of LINGER, Sisters Red, The Dead-Tossed Waves, and The Replacement on Maggie's blog.

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It's that time again for another week of In My Mailbox. This marks week 11-ish of a peek into the various books that I've picked up, ordered or had arrive on my doorstep for review. It's hosted by Kristi over at The Story Siren. Thanks again for hosting it Kristi! So here's what I got this week.....

So, I haven't done one of these again for a few weeks now. I had a busy week in books with the last weekend before my book outlet closed/moved. Then I had a quiet week, and this week was pretty good. I figured it's about time to play catch up again... so here's the good stuff:

Purchased from various places - Amazon, The Book Depository, Barns and Noble & My Book Outlet Store - Not all books listed are pictured, sorry!

First Drop of Crimson By: Jeaniene Frost
The Forest of Hands and Teeth By: Carrie Ryan
Saving Franchesca By: Melina Marchetta
Sweethearts By: Sara Zarr
The Iron King By: Julie Kagawa
Pants on Fire By: Meg Cabot
Incarceron By: Catherine Fisher
Jellicoe Road By: Melina Marchetta
Bleeding Violet By: Dia Reeves
The Splendor Falls By: Rosemary Clement-Moore
The Exchange By: Graham Joyce
Tell Me What You See By: Zoran Drvenkar
General Winston's Daughter By: Sharon Shinn
Love, Meg By: C. Leigh Purtill
All About Vee By: C. Leigh Purtill
Enthusiasm By: Polly Shulman


For Review:

Wherever Nina Lies By: Lynn Weingarten (review to come soon on this one!)
The Perchance to Dream (Théâtre Illuminata, #2) By: Lisa Mantchev (only a few more pages to read!)

I think that's it for the last few weeks, well, I didn't list the books I've added to my Kindle... oops! lol I hope to keep this up MUCH better then I have. This and a few other posts each week - besides reviews.

So, what all did you guys get this week?

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12 February 2010

Review: Break By: Hannah Moskowitz

Title: Break
Author: Hannah Moskowitz
Publisher: Simon Pulse, 256 Pages (August 25th 2009)
From: Amazon

Synopsis: Jonah is on a mission to break every bone in his body. Everyone knows that broken bones grow back stronger than they were before. And Jonah wants to be stronger—needs to be stronger—because everything around him is falling apart.

Breaking, and then healing, is Jonah's only way to cope with the stresses of home, girls, and the world on his shoulders. This is the story of his self-destructive spiral, his rock-bottom moment, and how he finally learns to accept help and find true strength through recovery.

Review: 3 Stars - I was drawn to this story because of the idea of a teenage boy who goes out of his way to try to break every bone in his body. I wanted to know just what was behind this idea, why someone would want to do this to themselves.

The plot was interesting and kept me reading. Jonah, our main character had many problems that he didn’t know how to deal with – hence breaking his bones so they grow back strong, making him stronger for his family. I felt that the ending left us a little short. I didn’t like that I started to care for Johan and I never knew or got the feeling he would be okay. I would have given it more stars if I had more closure. I know sometimes not having closure in a book fits, but for me… I needed more with this one.

Also, Naomi, Johan’s best friend pushed my buttons. I was frustrated that she didn’t listen to her best friend and support him when things changed or he was trying to change. She used such peer pressure on Jonah that it was hard to read at times. I guess I just felt that he had so much going on that he didn’t need that from her piled on top of it all too. Then again, that’s true, in some form with most teen’s right?

His family didn’t know what to do about this either. That part of the book was more then realistic as so many parents face things with their kids that they don’t understand, don’t know what to do with. I knew that they wanted to help but felt so helpless in the situation with not only Jonah but with his other brothers, both younger – one brother Jesse who’s allergic to just about everything and a baby brother Will who does nothing but cry.

In the end this book wasn’t what I was expecting. It was a nice change from what I tend to read. I like finding different stories and this was just that. I commend Moskowitz for writing this book and getting published while still in High School. I’ll be looking for her next book to see what she has in store for us next.

FTC Disclaimer: I DID pay for this book and have NOT been compensated at all in any way or means for reading and writing this review.

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11 February 2010

*Please note, this is an adult title. While I mostly review YA titles, I will from time to time review adult titles.

Title: Hunting Ground (Alpha & Omega, #2)
Author: Patricia Briggs
Publisher: Ace, 304 Pages (August 25th, 2009)
From: Amazon

Synopsis: Mated to werewolf Charles Cornick, the son -and enforcer -of the leader of the North American werewolves, Anna Latham now knows how dangerous being a werewolf is, especially when a werewolf opposes Charles and his father is struck down.

Charles's reputation makes him the prime suspect, and the penalty for the crime is execution. Now Anna and Charles must combine their talents to hunt down the real killer -or Charles will take the fall.

Review: 4 Stars - Hunting Ground is the second book in the Alpha and Omega series and picks up almost right where we left off with Cry Wolf. It tells us the continued story of Anna and Charles Cornick - as they head to Seattle for a meeting with the Alphas from around the world to discuss them coming out to the world as the Fey have. (Note, this is a sister series to the Mercy Thompson series by the same author. This and that series follow along almost the same time line, so the stories do cross here and there.)

Bran - Charles father, The Marrok - head of all the packs in the US is planning for them to revel themselves. Most of the wolves agree, yet some are pushing with force that this not happen.

This meeting was a place for all to listen and air concerns about the pending reveal to the world. No matter what, Bran’s plans are in place to tell the World, he just wants to make it known that he's there to help, support and guide no matter what the outcome might be for them all.

With this looming over them... knowing not all the wolf packs around the world support this, there was bound to be trouble.

We get a chance to see more of Anna and Charles in their new relationship and marriage. We get to see more of the emotional scars that Anna has from her past. It's great to see just how calm and patient Charles is with her, knowing who he is and what he does – he’s his father’s enforcer/assassin. It just makes me LOVE this couple even more. I like seeing how Charles is just as timid around Anna because of who HE is and not just because of her past. It was great even with this second book that we could continue along with them as they worked through their still new relationship.

I also loved that we had a chance to see more of the fierce side of Anna. In the end both Anna and Charles worked together to deal with the threats that surround them and were brought closer together because of it; both growing in the process - which I felt was important to the telling of their story within in the larger one.

All in all, this is one of my favorite series. I love Briggs writing style and ability to weave a great story. Props to her with how she's able to interweave two different series into the same world. This is one you don't want to miss.

FTC Disclaimer: I DID pay for this book and have NOT been compensated at all in any way or means for reading and writing this review.

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10 February 2010

Albatross By: Josie Bloss

Title: Albatross
Author: Josie Bloss
Publisher: Flux, 240 pages (Feburary 1st, 2010)
From: The Publisher

Synopsis: What's so cool about nice guys?

Everyone at Tess's new school warns her that Micah is bad news—a heartbreaker. But she can't ignore her attraction to this brooding, brilliant, friendless emo hottie who can turn on the charm—or heart-shredding scorn—at a moment's notice. Starting over in a new town after her parents' split isn't easy for Tess, and Micah feels like her first real connection. But what happens when their bond suddenly feels like shackles? And Micah starts to remind Tess of her freakishly controlling father?

With Albatross, Josie Bloss takes her storytelling in a new direction by exploring the dark side of relationships.

Review: 4 Stars - WOW....
 
It took me awhile to write this review after reading this book, because the story affected me so much. I still don't think this review does it justice. I think you'll need to read it to understand what I mean.
 
What's scary about this book? That there's people out there like this.... it gave me shivers and really made me think about how there are some cruel people out there, come big or small, old or young.
 
When Tess moves with her mother to a new town and starts at a new school, she's looking to fit in. She's told by a few people to stay way from Micah because he's not the nicest person around. Tess is thrown together with Micah and finds him interesting and wants to learn more about this cute boy. She ends up more then attracted to him - people repelling ways and all.
 
Bloss hit the nail on the head with these characters. It's amazing and scary just how close both Tess and Micah are to real people. The dark side of their relationship just takes hold and drives the story even further down a road that you don't want to see anyone go down. Even Scarier is the fact that there are guys like Micah and Tess's dad out there and girls like Tess fall for them, because it's all they know from their home lives or all they think they deserve.
 
The author has created a perfect mix of true life on both sides of the story - The girl who falls for the not so nice guy and doesn't see it until it's too late and the guy who's out to step on anyone he can along the way.
 
A story that is so believable that it had me shaking my head and wanting to yell at both Tess and Micah throughout the book. Bloss is an author that I'll be on the look out for her next book. She's got a knack for writing, without a doubt.

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 review.

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06 February 2010

Contest To Celebrate 150+ Followers!

This Contest Is Now Closed!


CONTEST TIME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yep, it's time for a contest!! I figured since I've hit 150+ followers.... As a big Thank You to each of you, I thought I'd hold a contest! This time it's going to be different. For now, there will be TWO winners and if I get enough new followers and entries I MIGHT add in another winner. So here's the contest info.

The First Place winner will win $15 and The Second Place Winner will win $10 to use at The Book Depository. If The Book Depository ships to you, feel free to enter.

Back in December I asked you guys to fill out a form and let me know what 3 books you'd like to win. I mentioned that those who filled out the form would get an extra entry into a contest and this is it. So, if you haven't filled out the form by now, sorry! And if you have, those entries have been added in for you already.

- Rules to follow for this contest are pretty simple:


Once the winners are chosen - they will be contacted via email and have 72 hours to respond before another winner or winners are selected. Each will need to be able to tell me what book or books they'd like sent to them from the Book Depository. As a winner if you can find 2 or 3 books at or under the $15 or $10 amount - then they will be yours!

Contest is open to anyone and everyone The Book Despository Ships to.

Contest ends on March 15th, 2010.

Winner(s) will be picked at random using random.org.

Please no entries in comments, those will not count. Filling out the form is manditory.

You MUST be at least 13 years old to enter. Since I have no way to check this, I'm counting on everyone to be honest. Anyone under 18 please have your parents permission. Thanks.

Any other questions, email and ask away. Thanks to all who enter and GOOD LUCK!

FOLLOW THE LINK TO ENTER

*note - this contest is running a longer then usual. It's running longer for a couple reasons. Keep an eye out for possible additional info. Contest and rules, as always are subject to change.

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05 February 2010

Contest Winner!!!

So, I just choose my winner, via random.org for the ARC contest I was holding that ended last night for "The Good Girl's Guide To Getting Kidnapped".

The lucky winner is..............




Congrats Robin!!!

I've emailed and she has 72 hours to respond before I pick another winner.

Keep an eye out here, another couple contests are coming up VERY SOON!

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01 February 2010

Title: The Green Bronze Mirror
Author: Lynne Patricial Newark
Publisher: CnPosner Books, 128 Pages (August 30th 2009)
From: CnPosner Books

Synopsis: A schoolgirl looks into an old bronze mirror and finds herself transported in the Rome of Emperor Nero.

Review: 2 Stars - The Green Bronze mirror is a reprint of a YA title that was originally printed back in 1966. This new version comes to us with illustrations By: Philip Smiley.

The story takes place in what would be current times. Our main character – a fifteen year old girl by the name of Karen is wandering around a beach in England and comes across a Green Bronze Mirror that magically takes her back in time over 2000 years to when Nero ruled Rome. She’s found by some Roman soldiers and is mistaken to be a slave. She’s force to travel back with them to Rome and be sold to the highest bidder.

This book was sometimes confusing as to who was speaking during many conversations and I found it hard to believe that even a 15 year old, no matter the year – 1966 or 2010 wouldn’t be freaking out by not only the HUGE difference in year, but to be forced to live as a slave and really not be worried or do much about it. It was just not something I could see any one taking as easily as Karen did. It frustrated me that she just lived this way for months before showing any sign of wanting to find a way back and finally when she did show interest in going home, the ending felt rushed.

I think I would have enjoyed this story further if we would have been told more of the adventure our main character had while traveling back to find the mirror. The little glimpse we did get to see of this journey as Karen and her companion, a slave boy name Kleon was the most interesting parts of the story. I have to say that he – Kleon was the also a better part of this book. I wish the author would have let us see a little more into who he really was.

The copy I have has many printing errors and I’m not sure if this is an ARC/Galley printing or if this is a completed version, however this also took away from the story. I think that might have added to the confusion as mentioned above.

The idea for this book is a good one. Not lacking from adventure and would give younger readers a chance to use their imagination throughout the story. I think this book might be for to young of a read for me to be able to connect with any of the characters. I could see a younger audience liking this for the adventure that this story was. I would suggest this as a book for anyone around 10-14, boys or girls. It’s a read that would give any younger reader an idea of life and times in Rome some 2000+ years ago.
 
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 review.

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Title: Catching Fire
Author: Suzanne Collins
Publisher: Scholastic Press, 391 Pages (September 1st 2009)
From: Amazon

Synopsis: Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has won the annual Hunger Games with fellow district tribute Peeta Mellark. But it was a victory won by defiance of the Capitol and their harsh rules. Katniss and Peeta should be happy. After all, they have just won for themselves and their families a life of safety and plenty.

But there are rumors of rebellion among the subjects, and Katniss and Peeta, to their horror, are the faces of that rebellion. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge.


Review: 5 Stars - AMAZING! This series just keeps getting better and better. It’s even more interesting and entertaining with now the second book in a Trilogy and the turn of each page! I didn’t know where Collins would take us in the second installment and was shocked and shocked some more as I read. As like with The Hunger Games I couldn’t get enough. The twists and turns were written perfectly. The characters all seemed to grow even before my eyes. The things that each character has to endure just were heartbreaking and breathtaking all rolled into a nice & shiny pretty orange book.

The way Collins writes is as if painting a picture or developing film before my eyes. The scenery is so easy to imagine as our hero’s face unimaginable and unbeatable odds over and over. The strength comes through in huge amounts as these people are faced to live in such a hard time. Each district is so vastly different from the other, however they are all faced with the same troubles.

From the horrible misuse of power within the Capitol and its ruthless President to each person living within the districts this book is something that shouldn’t be missed by any reader. As I’m sure just about everyone on the planet has read the first two books, I have to say if you haven’t you are missing out on something that’s more then a story, but a thrill ride from start to end. You won’t be disappointed. Go TEAM Peeta!

(This review has been kept short and to the point so I don’t give anything away.)

FTC Disclaimer: I DID pay for this book and have NOT been compensated at all in any way or means for reading and writing this review.

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Title: I Don't Want To Be Crazy
Auhor: Samantha Schutz
Publisher: Push, 288 Pages (July 1st, 2006)
From: Crownbook Outlet

Synopsis: This is a true story of growing up, breaking down, and coming to grips with a psychological disorder. When Samantha Schutz first left home for college, she was excited by the possibilities -- freedom from parents, freedom from a boyfriend who was reckless with her affections, freedom from the person she was supposed to be.


At first, she revelled in the independence ... but as pressures increased , she began to suffer anxiety attacks that would leave her mentally shaken and physically incapacitated. Thus began a hard road of discovery and coping, powerfully rendered in this poetry memoir.

Review: 3 Stars - I picked up this book after reading it was about a girl heading to college and starts having trouble with anxiety. I've suffered with anxiety since I was 6 years old, so it's nothing new to me. It's always something that's hard to explain to people who don't suffer with it themselves. It’s always an easier said then done thing.

However this author - Samantha Shutz does a great job writing this affliction and her experiences as she suffered through her college years. It gives everyone who suffers, or not, such insight into the world of anxiety.

At times I found myself frustrated for the various drinking and drugs. It's never great to do either of those things, especially if you have anxiety or on medication. It frustrated how she should have known better. I wish I could say it's because this is another Fictional story, but it's not. As I mentioned above, it's based on the author’s experiences after leaving for college.

The aspects of the story when it comes to the anxiety were pretty spot on, however I didn't understand how she could travel. Maybe that's me drawing from my own travel problems due to anxiety, but being stuck in a classroom in college and being stuck in a plane... I'd think that the smaller plane would cause more trouble when you compare the two.

However, there's no rhyme or reason to how anyone person gets stuck with this horrible illness and there's no rhyme or reason as to what you'll feel like from one day to the next. Each person is different in how they see and feel things, so it's right to say that each person with anxiety would be affected differently when it comes to some things. This book showed me just how similar yet how different people with anxiety are afflicted.

If your someone who has anxiety or know someone who does, this is a great book to read to get a better understanding of things, if not just to know your not alone out there and to feel like it's not only you.

FTC Disclaimer: I DID pay for this book and have NOT been compensated at all in any way or means for reading and writing this review.

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In accordance with FTC Guidelines, I have not received any monetary gain for any information posted within the pages of this website/blog. Any and all information has been provided by the publisher, author and or publicist for free. Content is also based on purchases made by myself or of my guest reviewer(s). Any and all opinions expressed within the pages of this website/blog are solely my own or those of the authors of any and all guest reviewers(s) or guest bloggers.



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About Me

Hi, I’m Lisa and I'm a proud bibliophile.

I enjoy reading and reviewing a variety of different books within the Young Adult, "New Adult" & Adult genres/categories. If you have any questions or if you are an author or publisher and would be interested in promoting a book, please feel free email. You can find my email under the "mail" button or under the contact link at the top of the page.

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When I review I rate from 1 to 5 stars, 5 being the highest rating. I review based on many different things from the writing, to the story - to the characters and how I can relate to them or how they are developed. I also review based on if an author has worked their magic and was able to draw me into a story so deeply that I don't want to put the book down. If you would like me to review a book, please contact me or view my Contact Information and Review Policy for further details.

5 Stars - I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it!
4 Stars - I Really liked/Loved it.
3 Stars - I liked it/Was pretty good.
2 Stars - It was, eh okay.
1 Star - It just wasn't for me.

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