30 November 2011

"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: A Beautiful Evil (Gods & Monsters, #2)
Author: Kelly Keaton
Publisher: Simon Pulse, 285 Pages (February 21st, 2012)
Preorder here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository

Synopsis: A power she can’t deny. A destiny she’s determined to fight.

When Ari first arrived in the dilapidated city of New 2, all she wanted was to figure out who she was. But what she discovered was beyond her worst nightmare. Ari can already sense the evil growing inside her—a power the goddess Athena will stop at nothing to possess.

Desperate to hold on to her humanity and protect her loved ones, Ari must fight back. But Athena’s playing mind games, not just with Ari but with those she cares about most. And Athena has a very special plan for the brooding and sexy Sebastian.

Ari is determined to defeat Athena, but time is running out. With no other options, Ari must unleash the very thing she’s afraid of: herself.



Title: The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight
Author: Jennifer E. Smith
Publisher: Poppy, 256 Pages (January 2, 2012)
Preorder here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository

Synopsis: Who would have guessed that four minutes could change everything?

Today should be one of the worst days of seventeen-year-old Hadley Sullivan's life. She's stuck at JFK, late to her father's second wedding, which is taking place in London and involves a soon to be step-mother that Hadley's never even met. Then she meets the perfect boy in the airport's cramped waiting area. His name is Oliver, he's British, and he's in seat 18B. Hadley's in 18A.

Twists of fate and quirks of timing play out in this thoughtful novel about family connections, second chances and first loves. Set over a 24-hour-period, Hadley and Oliver's story will make you believe that true love finds you when you're least expecting it.


I think it's easy to say that I find it hard to pick just ONE book to feature in my WoW's each week. So, here are another two books that I can't WAIT to read! I loved the first book in Kelly Keaton's God's and Monsters series - Darkness Becomes Her, so as soon as I heard any little about the second book, I got just a wee bit excited! Then, because I love to put two books completely different from one another in my weekly WoW's, I have The Statistical Probability.... that I have been excited about for months now! I love the cover and the synopsis. Now just to get my hands on both these books. What do you guys think of the two books I've picked this week? 

*covers are always subject to change.
*I am not compensated at all for any of the links within this post.

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29 November 2011

Title: Lola and the Boy Next Door
Author: Stephanie Perkins
Publisher: Dutton, 338 Pages (September 29th, 2011)
From: purchased from Amazon

Synopsis: Budding designer Lola Nolan doesn’t believe in fashion . . . she believes in costume. The more expressive the outfit -- more sparkly, more fun, more wild -- the better. But even though Lola’s style is outrageous, she’s a devoted daughter and friend with some big plans for the future. And everything is pretty perfect (right down to her hot rocker boyfriend) until the dreaded Bell twins, Calliope and Cricket, return to the neighborhood.

When Cricket -- a gifted inventor -- steps out from his twin sister’s shadow and back into Lola’s life, she must finally reconcile a lifetime of feelings for the boy next door.


Review: 5 Stars - Lola and the Boy Next Door, sophomore title from author Stephanie Perkins was a book many of us have been waiting on pins and needles for since Anna and the French Kiss. What can I say? Perkins has done it again!

It’s safe to say that after reading this title, I will read anything that Perkins writes. She has penned some memorable and amazing characters that are easy to fall in love with and highly relate-able making this one of those books that once you pick up, don’t even think of having any plans on moving from your spot anytime soon, because you won’t be putting it down.

Lola and Cricket might be different and quirky, but how can you not read this book and love every last little detail of the two. Lola and her bright colors, wigs and endless accessories; Cricket with his writing on his hands, shy way about him and his own very different sense of style. Without a doubt each of these characters personalities were magnetic to me.

It’s nice to see family written into a YA title as well. It’s not often that we get to see and hear from a true family unit other than just the teens within the story. Perkins did a wonderful thing by including both Lola’s family and Crickets family as key parts to their story. It made everything about the book and characters more real and honest.

Anna and St. Clair from Anna and the French Kiss made an appearance here and there throughout this companion novel, which was such a bonus since I LOVED their story as well. It was fun to get a chance to check in with those two and see how they are. I was ecstatic to see them continue to show up within the story often and liked that they were involved in both Lola and Crickets lives.

All in all, love comes to mind when I think of this book. Love for the story, characters and writing. Perkins is a force within the contemporary YA genre. As mentioned at the beginning of this review, I will forever more read anything that Perkins writes. I can’t wait for Isla and the Happily Ever After and will be looking forward to seeing if Anna, St. Clair, Lola or Cricket will be making their own guest appearances. There’s no doubt that I recommending this title to anyone who loved Anna and the French Kiss and if you haven’t read that, I have no clue what’s stopping you – go out and get both of these titles and read right away today!

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

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24 November 2011

Happy Thanksgiving!


To everyone who celebrates, I'd like to wish you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving!

Today is a special day, filled with family, friends and too much food and while this year might have started out a bit rough, I have so much to be thankful for. My family & friends near and far, health and happiness to name just a few. During this time of the year it's a reminder that the things we are thankful for, we should remember all year long. Not just this one day.

And throughout the day, while spending time with family, eating way too much food., I'll be thinking of my many friends that I've made throughout my 2 years blogging. Also too, the many visitors who have stumbled upon my blog and hoping that you and your family are enjoying a day filled with reminders of the many things that you are thankful for.

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21 November 2011

Review: Every You, Every Me By: David Levithan

Title: Every You, Every Me
Author: David Levithan
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers, 235 Pages (September 13th, 2011)
From: The Publisher & Amazon Vine

Synopsis: In this high school-set psychological tale, a tormented teen named Evan starts to discover a series of unnerving photographs—some of which feature him. Someone is stalking him . . . messing with him . . . threatening him. Worse, ever since his best friend Ariel has been gone, he's been unable to sleep, spending night after night torturing himself for his role in her absence. And as crazy as it sounds, Evan's starting to believe it's Ariel that's behind all of this, punishing him. But the more Evan starts to unravel the mystery, the more his paranoia and insomnia amplify, and the more he starts to unravel himself. Creatively told with black-and-white photos interspersed between the text so the reader can see the photos that are so unnerving to Evan, Every You, Every Me is a one-of-a-kind departure from a one-of-a-kind author.

Review: 3 Stars - You, Every Me By: David Levithan was intriguing from the first time I heard about it. Somewhat of a Young Adult picture book, the story is told with words and photos. The Collaborative work between author and photographer added a whole new layer of depth to an already mysterious story.

The main characters in this title – Evan and Ariel are best friends. However, the book is written solely from Evan’s perspective. The way it’s written you really question if what you are reading is Evan’s truth or if there’s more to these troubled teens. Ariel is more of a ghost in this one, a ghost in the sense that she’s a key ingredient to the story, but you never really get to know exactly who she is. I mean we do learn a bit more as you read on about the characters and about Ariel, but I felt I was always trying to grasp for just a bit more.
I never really connected with the characters, however in the end I knew I was reading and enjoying the story for the mystery, to find out what the heck was really going on and the pictures because I wanted to find out more of their meaning and to see more of how they would further impact the story. The two twisted and blended together extremely well.

While I loved the mystery of the book surrounding all the characters, it was somewhat hard and distracting to read with so much of the text having a strike through it. However, it’s through this text that you almost get another character. As mentioned above, It’s all part of Evan’s thoughts which make you wonder just how much of what he says and doesn’t say is truth, or at least more his truth.

All in all, I did enjoy this one, just wasn’t what I was expecting, which can for the most part be a good thing. Maybe it was me, but I just didn’t love it. The mystery kept me reading, as did the photos. The characters I never really connected with, but I did want to find out what would happen next with them, which really is what counts. Do I recommend this title? I do, for the mystery and pictures and because it’s something new and different. I know many will enjoy it, Happy reading.

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.

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18 November 2011

Title: Break Away (Away, #1)
Author: Tatiana Vila
Publisher: Smashwords, Self Published
From: the Author, Thank You!

Synopsis: Ice Queen. That's what everyone calls Dafne at school. The girl with the striking looks of a Raven Princess but whose cold-steeled touch freezes everyone in her way. Her reputation works for her and she even likes it. People don't mess with her—except for her sister's infuriatingly handsome boyfriend, Ian, who loves pushing her subzero temper to its limits.

Life in Berryford is flowing exactly as she wants it—no drama, no boy trying to get into her pants—until she starts noticing odd, glazed-eyed students everywhere. Something weird is happening and, unusual enough for her, she needs to find out why. But when people start falling into a coma with no reason, among them Dafne's sister, she decides to take the matter in her hands, because if her intuition is right, this isn't something doctors or virologists can fight. This is something…more.

With frustration and guilt leading her way, and Ian forcing himself to her side, Dafne will step onto a road that'll open her eyes to why ignorance is bliss, why hate is so close to love, and why our imagination might be the most dangerous weapon ever known.


Review: 3 Stars - Tatiana Vila’s new book Break Away is the first book in a new series.

Twins Dafne & Buffy know loss. They live with their aunt and grandmother after losing both their parents. Dafne freeze’s everyone out and she has succeeded with her ice queen reputation. Buffy is the opposite, popular and with a boyfriend that likes to push Dafne as close to the edge as possible when it comes to irritating her.

When Dafne starts to notice people acting strange and learns that many are falling into a coma for no reason all over the world, she knows something bigger is going on than even the CDC could understand. When Buffy falls into this weird coma, Dafne knows she has to find a way to bring her and everyone back or a way to stop it from happening to anyone else before it’s too late.

Dafne’s an interesting character. She hides inside herself, keeps everyone out, is artistic and lost after losing her parents. She has a great support system at home if only she’s let more people in other than her Grandmother and best friend. I could somewhat relate to her, which I’m sure many people will since most of us have had some kind of pain or loss in their lives.

And then we have Ian, Buffy’s boyfriend, who if you ask me is attracted to Dafne when he shouldn’t be. I mean he’s dating Buffy and all, so I more than understood why Dafne thought of him as a slime ball. He kind of frustrated me and seeing how he knew exactly how to push Dafne’s buttons doing it with such excitement was madding for me as the reader. Then, as I continued to read, Vila explains their strange relationship and while I had a much better understanding about the two and what their draw to each other was, in the end I still ended up with mixed feelings for both characters. Talk about a roller coaster ride of emotions for me when it came to these two!

The story was somewhat confusing throughout the first half of the book. It felt kind of… choppy. While continuing reading it felt better rounded and the last few chapters were what made the book for me. Some things could have been a bit more fleshed out, making the book as a whole and the characters a bit fuller. However, that ending totally grabbed a hold of me and I think I groaned in frustration over the somewhat cliffhanger Vila left us with. Not to mention wanting to find out more about the coma and waking people up from it. So, I guess we’ll just have to wait for the next book in the series, right?

All in all, I liked Vila’s imagination and the whole idea behind the story. She found a way to change things up and to put a bit of a paranormal twist into this one, making it so far from the norm that many will find this title an interested and entertaining read. I did enjoy the story and the characters had an emotional affect on me as I’m sure they will on you, so check it out and see what you think of it.

Looking forward to the second book in the Away series and after reading this one, I think you will be too.


Excerpt: 

He ran his hand through his hair, with one of those girl-melting smiles playing on his lips, and looked at me. “It’s part of being a passionate art slave. Paint runs through my veins.”

“Take it easy on the theatrics,” I scoffed, laying down the chopsticks on the plate. “I'm passionate about Art, too, and I don’t need to sport a freaking splotch on my skin twenty-four-seven like some neon sign.” Maybe it wasn’t seven days a week, but it was enough to set it as one of his trademarks.

“Well, I like it. I think it’s cute,” Buffy said as she straightened holding several DVDs in her hands, then glanced at him and winked.

I rolled my eyes.

Ian laughed, that low and careless sound flying into the air. “Hmm, I think your sister may like it, too, and she doesn’t know how to handle it,” he told Buffy and turned to look at me. “Am I right?”

“You wish.” I arched my eyebrows and looked down at the sushi resting on my lap, my Japanese craving suddenly shrinking. I so disliked him. “Gran!” I called, the fury boiling in my stomach pitching my voice to a louder note. “I need the…”

“It’s here. It’s here,” Gran repeated as she stepped inside the living room—which had turned into a living hell—with a small bowl in her slightly wrinkled hands. She handed it to me and walked to the solid oak wood cabinet. Several pictures crowded the cabinet’s surface, some dating the times of her youth in dull, faded colors, and some displaying flamboyantly the outcome of her past—us.

Mom and Dad’s pictures were hiding in her bedroom. She’d decided to veil them from our sight for our own good. Every time we saw them smiling at us through the glossy paper, the air in the house became a cold pressure, weighing our heads and chests with a terrible pain. Whenever the need to watch those happy glimpses of time clutched our hearts, Gran’s door always welcomed our hands. Though it’d been only once for me, I knew Buffy’s fingers had enclosed that brass handle a few times more.

“You have a letter, Dafne.” Gran said, pointing to the metallic slinky I’d convinced her to use as a mail holder. It filled the empty spot where  Mom and Dad’s pictures had been.

“Oh, yeah, I was waiting for it.” I bent forward and stretched myself to reach the coffee table to place the plate and the soy sauce on it.

While I stood up and peeled off the blazer, Gran turned and left the room. Buffy seemed to remember something and followed her into the foyer to speak with her, leaving me alone in the living hell with the prick of Ian.

I threw the blazer over the back of the recliner and turned to grab my mail, which wasn’t in the slinky anymore. Ian was holding it.

“If you don’t want to suffer a slow and painful death, you better give me that envelope, right now.” I pushed my hand to him, palm up, waiting.

He tsked, waving the white envelope in the air. “If you ask nicely, I may consider it.”

“Consider it?” I snapped, blushing in red-hot anger. “There’s nothing to consider. Did you hear me? Nothing.” I closed the distance between us threateningly, feeling like a black panther measuring its prey’s weaknesses. “What you’re holding in your hands is mine. And if you don’t give it back, I’ll kick your ass out of this house no matter what Buffy thinks. Understood?” I narrowed my eyes to a feline glare.

“You would love to do that, wouldn’t you?” he said with that wicked crooked smile pulling up one corner of his mouth.

I ignored his innuendo and rose on my tiptoes to snatch the envelope, but he waved it back in a flash, letting me fall flat on my feet with my hands empty. And the fact that he was about a full head taller than me didn’t help either. I wasn’t small, he was just too tall. “Give it back,” I said through clenched teeth.

“Just be a good girl,” he said in a singsong voice, lowering bit by bit the hand holding the envelope, until it was leveled to his hip.

If he was doing it on purpose or not, if it was part of some stupid strategy, it didn’t matter. I threw my hand forward in a mightily attempt, but in the same second, he snapped back his hand behind him and I crushed against him. The soft flesh crowning my chest lessened the hard contact, though it hurt a little. Ian was pure lean muscle; even the ripples of his abs were obvious under the fabric of his shirt.

Okay, I had to give him that. The guy had an amazing body.

I pushed away the thought from my mind in a flash and glared at him more intently, keeping the short distance between our bodies. My eyes almost shooting sharp ice balls. “Forget the kicking ass thing. I would gladly cover you up in meat juice and push you down into a bed of starving ants,” I said slowly, each word infused with dark fury.

He leaned down his head, placing his face only an inch away from mine, and whispered, “I'm not afraid of you, Dafne.” His voice blew into my lips. And that’s not what shot a shiver up my spine in that moment. Behind those words that seemed so daring and bold, echoed a sort of promise. A promise of what? I didn’t know. But it suffused his sharp words with warmth—a startling contradiction.


ENTER TO WIN 1 of 3 eBook Copies of BREAKAWAY!

Rules and how to enter:

You MUST be at least 13 years old to enter.
To enter, please fill out the form provided below.
This giveaway is open INTERNATIONAL!
Giveaway ends: December 2nd, 2011


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.

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So, Haunted Halloween 2011 is well and truly over. Jessica and I both agree that we surpassed last years event by leaps and bounds. It's a fun event that we both work hard on for a few months before and about a month after, but what can we say? We love it! We're already starting to talk about next year, and have a few things up our sleeves.

We can't say THANK YOU enough to each of you who entered and to those behind the scenes who made all this possible for our second year. Since all the giveaways have ended, I figured it's time to post the last group of winners. They have been emailed and I'm not sure all have responded YET, so if you see your name here and think you've won something.... but haven't received an email from me yet, please check your spam folder OR email to claim your prize! Anyone who doesn't respond within 48 hours from this post going live, another winner will be picked - using Random.org - to take their place.

NOTE: Be sure to read the whole post! Some of you were lucky and have won MORE than ONE Giveaway! Also, some of the winners of giveaways that were being hosted on BOTH blogs will only be contacted by one of us. So, please keep an eye out for an email from Jessica or myself. Again, be sure to check your spam folders as well and if you have not received an email from either of us, please email to claim your prize asap! 

So, on to the exciting stuff, the winners.......

White Crow Winner: Helen Bush


Dark Parties Winner: Mare S.

Book Lovers Prize Pack #1 Winner: Pabkins

Misfit winner: Ashley

YA Giveaway #2 Winner:
1st place – Kaya H.
2nd place – Amy L. 
3rd place – SarahS. 

Frost Winner: Sophia

Legend Audio Book Winners:
Amy F.
Jeanne

Healing Wars Winner: Emma M.

Ashes Winner: Megan

Furnace Series Winner: Kindra A.

Book Lovers Prize Pack #2 Winner: Michele L.

Doodle Giveaway #2 Winners:
1st place – Sophia
2nd place – Marthapao
3rd place – Divya

Torn Winner: Demijel

Genesis eBook Winner: Smittenskitten

Born at Midnight & Awake at Dawn Giveaway:
Heather R. (SPNHeather)

Deadly Cool Winner: Mary D. [M.A.D.]

Doodle Winners #3:
1st Place - Books for Company 
2nd Place - Jessica@a GREAT read
3rd Place - Aylin S. 

NEW WINNERS:

Ashes, Ashes 2nd Place Winner
(Wins a Audio Book copy)

Dani_n.


Blood Magic Winner: Gabbi C.


Many of you have already responded, Thank You for that! 

All winners have been selected via Random.org. If you have any questions, please check my policy page or feel free to email. Thanks again to everyone who entered and if you didn't win one of these, not to worry... TONS more giveaways coming up soon, so keep an eye out!

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17 November 2011


Hello and welcome to........

Top 10: A Week of Looking Back....
                                .........and Looking Forward.

Last year Jessica from Confessions of a Bookaholic and I posted some Top 10 lists the last week of 2010. For five days we recapped some of our favorite books, covers and characters. We also listed some books we were looking forward to in 2011. This year we thought we'd do it again... just with a twist. We have invited some friends to help us co-host things and make an event out of it! Rachel from Fiktshun & Jaime & Patricia from Two Chicks on Books and Jessica and I have all come together to work on making this into something we hope more people will want to join in on and contribute. You're probably wondering what the topics of this years Top 10 lists will be and the dates, right? Well I have all that info for you here....

Monday 12/26 – Top 10 Books I’ve read in 2011

Tuesday 12/27 – Top 10 Book Covers of 2011

Wednesday 12/28 – Top 10 Book Boyfriends in 2011

Thursday 12/29 – Top 10 Characters in 2011 (This can be anything you'd like to make it for characters. You can post your favorite Villains, etc. Just be sure that this post is character based.)

Friday 12/30 – Top 10 Books I’m looking forward to in 2012 (also on this day, we'll each be adding something of a recap of the total number of books read, pages read, etc. This part of the post is optional. Feel free to add any stats you'd like to share with everyone. So, if you'd like to also include some end of year stats, feel free to join us!)

How you do these posts/lists is totally up to you. What books, covers and characters you pick are all your own.

The only rules to follow are posting the topics on the dates we've provided.

Now, I know what you're all thinking. That this will be hard to keep to 10. Some of you might like to break the lists up a bit. Working with a Top 10 for YA books and then a Top 10 for Adult titles. Feel free to add honorable mentions if you're also having a hard time sticking to 10. However, with the honorable mentions, please try to keep it to a minimum or it kind of defeats the whole purpose of things.

Our main focus of this event is for YOU to join in and share your lists with us all and for everyone to visit each others blogs' and see what books have made it on THEIR lists.

The event is simple. Follow the dates and list topics as provided and fill out the linky below. This gives us an idea who will be joining us for the Top 10 week. THEN, be sure to come back to one of our blogs on each of the days and link up your post for that specific day! Just remember, each day will have a linky for THAT Top 10 topic.

At the end of the event we will be picking a winner using Random.org from the people who have posted their lists and added their info to the linky for each day. Total number of maximum entries is 6. Telling us you are joining in on the event in today's linky is your first entry. Posting your top 10 each day with the correct topic on the correct day, THEN coming back to add your link to the linky for that day gives you another entry. Additional Giveaway details will be provided soon, so keep checking back to find out what we'll be giving away!

NOTE: this is the SAME Linky on each of the Co-Hosts Blogs, so please only enter your Name, Blog Name and URL on one blog. Thanks!


Be sure to take the button provided for the event and display it on your blog and link it back to this post so anyone who wants to find out more info about the event easily knows how to find us.

We hope everyone who reads this will be as excited for this event as we are and we can't wait to check out all of your lists!

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16 November 2011

"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: Never Eighteen
Author: Megan Bostic
Publisher: HMH Children's Books, 204 Pages (January 17th, 2012)
Preorder here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository

Synopsis: Austin Parker is on a journey to bring truth, beauty, and meaning to his life.

Austin Parker is never going to see his eighteenth birthday. At the rate he’s going, he probably won’t even see the end of the year. The doctors say his chances of surviving are slim to none even with treatment, so he’s decided it’s time to let go.

But before he goes, Austin wants to mend the broken fences in his life. So with the help of his best friend, Kaylee, Austin visits every person in his life who touched him in a special way. He journeys to places he’s loved and those he’s never seen. And what starts as a way to say goodbye turns into a personal journey that brings love, acceptance, and meaning to Austin’s life.


Title: Surrender (Haunting Emma, #3)
Author: Lee Nichols
Publisher: Bloomsbury, 288 Pages (December 6th, 2011)
Preorder here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository

Synopsis: After a devastating battle at headquarters in New York, the ghostkeeping world is in shambles. When Emma and Bennett return home, they are determined to defeat the wraithmaster, Neos, forever. But it's not going to be easy. Bennett's parents kick him out when they realize he is still using drugs to enhance his powers. Emma is convinced her aunt has come back from the dead to warn her of a new threat. And worst of all, Neos is using wraiths to possess the students at Thatcher Academy. If the ghosts manage to take over the entire school, even Emma won't be strong enough to stop them. But if either she or Bennett sacrifice his or her powers, they might be able to save the ghostkeeping world once and for all-and break the "ghostkeepers lose their powers when they fall in love" curse. The question is: who will be the one to surrender all power?

Title: Halflings (Halflings, #1)
Author: Heather Burch
Publisher: Zondervan Publishing (January 17th, 2011)
Preorder here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository

Synopsis: After being inexplicably targeted by an evil intent on harming her at any cost, seventeen-year-old Nikki finds herself under the watchful guardianship of three mysterious young men who call themselves halflings. Sworn to defend her, misfits Mace, Raven, and Vine battle to keep Nikki safe while hiding their deepest secret—and the wings that come with.


A growing attraction between Nikki and two of her protectors presents a whole other danger. While she risks a broken heart, Mace and Raven could lose everything, including their souls. As the mysteries behind the boys’ powers, as well as her role in a scientist’s dark plan, unfold, Nikki is faced with choices that will affect the future of an entire race of heavenly beings, as well as the precarious equilibrium of the earthly world.

Okay, I just couldn't pick one book for this week's WoW. So, I bring you 3 that I can't wait for. First off, I've been waiting for Never Eighteen for over a year now. I seriously can't wait for this book. Sounds like an emotional read. Then... for Surrender, I have LOVED this trilogy and I can't wait to find out how it all ends! Oh Bennett! Then we have Halflings - this is a new book to me but sounds like it's a must read. Angels, 3 misfit protectors, a love triangle and choices that'll event the whole of the race.... count me in please!

So, what do you guys think of my three picks for this week?

*covers are always subject to change.
*I am not compensated at all for any of the links within this post.

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14 November 2011

The fourth book in the Iron Fey series from Julie Kagawa is currently available from Harlequin Teen!


For my tour stop, I have an excerpt from The Iron Knight and an interview with Julie!! So excited to be part of this tour and to be able to share this with you guys. So check it out!


Excerpt:

Sighing, I opened the bone gate and crossed the weed choked
yard, scattering chickens in front of me. Before we
reached the steps, however, the door creaked open and an old
woman emerged from the darkened interior. Tangled white
hair framed a lined, wrinkled face, and sharp black eyes peered
out at us, bright and gleaming. In one gnarled hand she held
a basket, in the other a butcher knife, stained with the blood
of many victims.

Interview:

When you first started this series, with The Iron King, did you know then that there would be multiple books? And did you know you’d want to write them with a changing point of view?

When I first began The Iron King, I knew I wanted to write at least a trilogy, but I left an open ending on the first book in case the publisher didn’t want to buy the whole series.  Fortunately, they did, though I did intend the series just to be a trilogy.  I didn’t think I would write a fourth book from Ash’s POV, but it made the most sense to continue the series with him.

Being that the Iron Knight is written from Ash’s point of view, was it easier or harder to switch over and tell his story?

It was a little harder, initially.  I knew Meghan; after three books I knew her voice and her personality and her quirks.  It was difficult with Ash, because he was such a guarded character, and he never was really chatty.  And because he’s lived such a long time, and is an Unseelie fey, he’s done some things in his life that might change how some people view him.  It was actually kind of scary putting his story out there; what will people think now that they know the real Ash?  But I wrote his story as honestly as I could, and I hope they will come to love the Winter Prince as much as I do.

For you, what was the hardest part in writing this series or writing in general?

Lately, it’s been making myself turn off the Internet and not check Tweetdeck every time I get stuck, lol!  I get distracted very easily and “checking email” can turn into an hour of doing nothing but playing around online, very bad for the writing day.  Sometimes I’ll unplug the modem or disconnect myself from the internet or I’d never get anything done.

Do you have a favorite line or two you could share with us from The Iron Knight?

Certainly!  Here is an exchange between Ash and Puck:

“Hey, ice-boy, you okay?  You’ve got your brooding face on again.”

            “I’m fine.” 

“You’re so full of crap.”  Puck lounged in the cradle of a tree, hands behind his head, one foot dangling in the air.  “Lighten up already.  We finally found the cat—which we should get a freaking medal for, the search for the Golden Fleece wasn’t this hard—and you look like you’re going to engage Mab in single combat first thing in the morning.”

            “I’m thinking.  You should try it sometime.”
“Ooh, witty.” 

Did you always know you’d be writing a spin off series and can we expect to hear more of Meghan, Ash and Puck’s story in the future?

Actually, I was approached by my publisher when The Iron Fey series was wrapping up and asked if I had any more Iron Fey stories floating around my head.  Which got me thinking of Ethan, Meghan’s little brother.  He was the one who started the whole adventure, in a way.  What would it be like growing up, able to see the fey?  And the more I thought about it, the more I realized Ethan had a story to tell, too.  As for Ash, Meghan, and Puck, I’m sure there will be a few cameos in the new series. ;-)

Thank you so much for stopping by today Julie, it was a pleasure to have you!



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Title: The Iron Knight (The Iron Fey, #4)
Author: Julie Kagawa
Publisher: Harlequin Teen, 361 Pages (October 25th, 2011)
From: the Publisher, Thank You!

Synopsis: My name- my True Name- is Ashallyn'darkmyr Tallyn. I am the last remaining son of Mab, Queen of the Unseelie Court.


And I am dead to her.


My fall began, as many stories do, with a girl...


To cold faery prince Ash, love was a weakness for mortals and fools. His own love had died a horrible death, killing gentler feelings the Winter Prince might have had. Or so he thought.


Then Meghan Chase- a half-human, half-fey slip of a girl- smashed through his barricades, binding him to her irrevocably with his oath to be her knight. And when all of Faery nearly fell to the Iron fey, she severed their bond to save his life. Meghan is now the Iron Queen, ruler of a realm where no Winter or Summer faery can survive,


With the unwelcome company of his archrival, Summer Court prankster Puck, and the infuriating cait sith Grimalkin, Ash begins a journey he is bound to see through its end- a quest to find a way to honor his vow to stand by Meghan's side.


To survive the Iron Realm, Ash must have a soul and a mortal body. But the tests he must face to earn these things are impossible. And along the way, Ash learns something that changes everything. A truth that challenges his darkest beliefs and shows him that, sometimes, it takes more than courage to make the ultimate sacrifice.

Review: 5 Stars - The Iron Knight, the fourth and final book in the Iron Fey series from Julie Kagawa wraps up her thrilling series with an action packed journey. With the first three books being written in female lead, Meghan Chases’ point of view, Kagawa gives readers a fresh take on the series by writing the last book from the Winter Prince – Ash’s point of view. And believe me; it rounds out the series extremely well.

When we last left Meghan, Ash, Puck & Grim things were…. Not looking very good. If you’re not sure what I’m talking about, we’ll you’ll just have to pick the series up and check it out to know what I mean. I loved that this was written from Ash’s vantage. The icy prince has been so guarded throughout the whole series because of how he was raised and because of events that happened in his past that getting such insight into whom he really is. Ash has always been such a fighter on the outside, but it’s his inner battles and the events he’s forced to face throughout this journey that the reader finally has a chance to understand why Ash is who he is.

We all face inner battles and Ash has some major ones to work through and things to learn on his quest to keep his word to Meghan. This is probably my favorite book in the series and it’s all down to Kagawa’s writing and watching Ash grow into the person he’s supposed to be.

With him in this journey is Puck, Grim and…. Someone else that I can’t say or it would be giving too much away.  However, it’s this secret someone that truly forces Ash to look at the past and the future, forcing him to finally look deeper as who he is and what he wants for the future.

Puck was his charming as ever self, yet as Ash began to face some of his issues and begins to change, Puck does too. The history between these two runs long and has cut deep. With Ash on this journey he’s facing some pretty amazing challenges. It’s through everything that the two once best friends learn a few things about each other and their past.

One thing about this installment was the flashbacks into the past where we really see who Ash was and why he’s so guarded. I mean being raised in the Winter Court is one thing, but it was much more than that. These peeks into his past were an enlightening part of the story as a whole that I loved about this book the most. The epilogue, written from Meghan’s point of view was, in my humble opinion the perfect way to end such an epic series.

All in all, this was one of those fantastic series that at the end you were excited to read and feel a part of, but sad when it comes to the end of the final book. You grow attached to the characters and come to picture every word and swing of the swords in the battles vividly while reading, like you could be right there with them on their thrilling journeys. Kagawa’s writing makes the story from one book to the next, characters and adventures an epic fantasy tale that’ll at the top of my books to recommend for a long while to come. 

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.

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12 November 2011


Title: The Iron Queen (The Iron Fey, #3)
Author: Julie Kagawa
Publisher: Harlequin Teen, 358 Pages (January 25th, 2011)
From: the Publisher, Thank You!

Synopsis: My name is Meghan Chase.


I thought it was over. That my time with the fey, the impossible choices I had to make, the sacrifices of those I loved, was behind me. But a storm is approaching, an army of Iron fey that will drag me back, kicking and screaming. Drag me away from the banished prince who's sworn to stand by my side. Drag me into the core of conflict so powerful, I'm not sure anyone can survive it.


This time, there will be no turning back.

Review: 4 Stars - The third book in the Iron Fey Series, By Julie Kagawa – The Iron Queen – tells the continuing tales of half human, half fey princess Meghan Chase. It’s thrilling, adventurous, emotional, and humorous all around amazing series for fans of YA Paranormal.

Meghan, Ash, Puck and Grim are back and I have to say better than ever. This new journey takes them through some tough times, as the Nevernever is being consumed by the Iron realm. Both Winter and Summer courts are at war with the Iron Fey to try to save their world and their lives.

Meghan is continuing to evolve and grow and you can see the difference in her from the first books right through the heartbreaking, tear jerking ending of the Iron Queen. I should mention that this is one of those endings that I wouldn't have been able to deal with well if I didn't have the Iron Knight to pick up and read back to back with this one. Meghan is such a strong female character who has quickly become a favorite of mine. Her interaction with Ash, Puck and Grim is highly entertaining and often sweet. However, it’s her selflessness and all that she’s willing to give up for those she loves that make her memorable and heartwarming character.

Ash and Puck have also grown by leaps and bounds from the first time we've met them. Especially Ash who’s hard exterior has always been tough to crack. It’s those little glimpses that we get to see, because of Meghan that give Ash a depth that I looked forward to reading more about in the Iron Knight.

And Puck, he’s charming and as always entertaining. Yet he’s changed as well. You can feel his sadness through his usual banter and carefree self. And then I can’t forget to mention Grim. He’s the same, with the exception of one scene towards the end that started the water works flowing. Yep, while reading this book, I’ll admit that I did shed some tears here and there. But, anytime a writer can affect me emotionally with their writing and characters as Kagawa has, makes for a good read.

All in all, if you haven’t picked up the first book in the Iron Fey series – The Iron Daughter, what are you waiting for? These books have a little bit of everything and then some. And if you have started this series and haven’t picked up this one yet, be sure to pick it up AND the Iron Knight at the same time. Trust me; you’ll thank me for this. So, I’ll leave readers with one question – if you have started or read this series, are you Team Ash or Team Puck? Me, I’m an Ash girl, through and through.

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.

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

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