tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73023199818608281822024-03-13T22:10:25.349-07:00All Booked UpYA and New Adult Book Reviews, Upcoming Club Reads, Literary Announcements, etc. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09453670627059574372noreply@blogger.comBlogger145125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7302319981860828182.post-6622056594215815822017-03-07T06:00:00.000-08:002017-03-07T10:34:20.933-08:00ARC Review: Seven Days of You<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8zpcYppyQn8/WL0NmqrJ4bI/AAAAAAAACT8/EDB8NwUDrxQ80vlha7cbjRi1ib4PAkHFwCLcB/s1600/Seven%2BDays%2Bof%2BYou.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8zpcYppyQn8/WL0NmqrJ4bI/AAAAAAAACT8/EDB8NwUDrxQ80vlha7cbjRi1ib4PAkHFwCLcB/s320/Seven%2BDays%2Bof%2BYou.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
What would you do if you had seven days left before you had to move and leave everything behind? That is exactly what Sophia, our main character has to face in Cecilia Vinesse's <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26138370-seven-days-of-you" target="_blank">Seven Days of You</a>. If you're looking for something quick to read that will remind you of those summer romances and also introduce you to a new and interesting setting, this might be a book for you.<br />
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Synopsis courtesy of <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26138370-seven-days-of-you" target="_blank">Goodreads</a>:<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px;">Sophia has seven days left in Tokyo before she moves back to the States. Seven days to say good-bye to the electric city, her wild best friend, and the boy she’s harbored a semi-secret crush on for years. Seven perfect days…until Jamie Foster-Collins moves back to Japan and ruins everything.</span><br />
<br style="color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px;">Jamie and Sophia have a history of heartbreak, and the last thing Sophia wants is for him to steal her leaving thunder with his stupid arriving thunder. Yet as the week counts down, the relationships she thought were stable begin to explode around her. And Jamie is the one who helps her pick up the pieces. Sophia is forced to admit she may have misjudged Jamie, but can their seven short days of Tokyo adventures end in anything but good-bye?</span></blockquote>
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There are elements in this novel that I really enjoy including the setting - Tokyo! Readers are really able to take a quick dive into the sights, sounds and culture of Japan from an expat view. That element was quite interesting. I also generally enjoyed the premise of the story line. I mean, the timing of life! Oh how unfair it can feel at times! Our main character is leaving in 7 days and at the start of the book another character, Jaime, returns and sets a series of events and ups and downs into motion. There are also some family issues that were weaved in such a real way that came across as very authentic and I appreciated that element as well.<br />
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On the other side, there were some elements that I wasn't crazy about. For instance, there were times where the main character came off as a little naive and immature, but then again I know we all can be like that at times. Her friends also were a little of a low point for me as they kinda sucked. She does have to move around a lot and so surface-y friendships might develop more often and I get that, but honestly I guess this plays into the above naiveté for me, but they don't treat her the way I would hope "close" friends would. And finally, just as an FYI (not necessarily a negative), the ending will leave readers hanging a little...I almost wished there was an epilogue as it appears this will not be any sort of series. I get that though, sometimes life leaves stories like this...we've all had points in our lives that deserve a second chapter, epilogue or next in the series, but life sometimes ends it's self with a big fat period and moves on.<br />
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All in all, Seven Days of You is a fun, quirky and quick read that will give readers a peek into a world of hellos, goodbyes and 7 days to fall in love in Tokyo. Enjoy!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09453670627059574372noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7302319981860828182.post-23025824391715325782015-09-23T08:00:00.000-07:002015-09-23T08:00:00.509-07:00Waiting on Wednesday: Truthwitch<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at </span></i><a href="http://breakingthespine.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #0000e9; font-size: x-small;"><i>Breaking the Spine</i></span></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.</span></i></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5KTmaY9MRww/VgCRKwyDV_I/AAAAAAAAB60/HT6BWywLcts/s1600/Truthwitch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5KTmaY9MRww/VgCRKwyDV_I/AAAAAAAAB60/HT6BWywLcts/s400/Truthwitch.jpg" width="266" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Let me start off by saying, sorry for being MIA the past few months. Another state-to-state move and job change means very little time to actually sit down and blog...however I have not forgotten you and I have certainly NOT stopped reading! So stay tuned becuase when I get some free time, there will be some massive book review love coming your way! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So on to our WoW (Waiting on Wednesday)...Being a blogger has it's benefits of sometimes getting ARCs early to read - I love it! However, sometimes I admit that I get massive book/ARC envy from those who have particularly killer reads that I just am dying to get my hands on and this my friends is one of those instances! Let me introduce you to the lovely and highly anticipated read of 2016 - <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21414439-truthwitch">Truthwitch (The Witchlands #1) by Susan Dennard</a>! I mean come on!!! Look at this cover? Does it not convey some serious bad-ass-ness?! I don't think that's a word but i mean, wow! What a stunning cover and we all know I judge my books by their covers. Clearly there will be magic ("witch" in the title and mystical wateryness surrounding her...duh), and fighting (did you see the sword AND dagger?) and of course love/romance/friendships (I mean she is GORG, someone's bound to fall in love or have a hardcore ship here)...and this is just the cover! Let's dive into the <span style="font-size: small;">synopsis (<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21414439-truthwitch">courtesy of Goodreads</a>):</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">On a continent ruled by three empires, some are born with a
“witchery”, a magical skill that sets them apart from others.</span></span> <br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">In the Witchlands, there are almost as many types of magic
as there are ways to get in trouble—as two desperate young women know all too
well.</span></span> <br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Safiya is a Truthwitch, able to discern truth from lie. It’s
a powerful magic that many would kill to have on their side, especially amongst
the nobility to which Safi was born. So Safi must keep her gift hidden, lest
she be used as a pawn in the struggle between empires.</span></span> <br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Iseult, a Threadwitch, can see the invisible ties that bind
and entangle the lives around her—but she cannot see the bonds that touch her
own heart. Her unlikely friendship with Safi has taken her from life as an
outcast into one of reckless adventure, where she is a cool, wary balance to
Safi’s hotheaded impulsiveness.</span></span> <br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Safi and Iseult just want to be free to live their own
lives, but war is coming to the Witchlands. With the help of the cunning Prince
Merik (a Windwitch and ship’s captain) and the hindrance of a Bloodwitch bent
on revenge, the friends must fight emperors, princes, and mercenaries alike,
who will stop at nothing to get their hands on a Truthwitch.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So all in all, yes, I'm figuratively drooling over this book. If the book gods love me I'll hope to get it before the January 5th release but if they love others before me (and it happens) then I will gladly wait my turn and get my pre-order when the rest of the world does...how many days? Let the countdown begin!!!</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09453670627059574372noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7302319981860828182.post-72154264514892449262015-09-21T17:19:00.003-07:002015-09-21T17:19:40.020-07:00Review: Midnight Thieif<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lqxCS1LbWdc/VgCd6KVt5XI/AAAAAAAAB7Q/5qi2tMnBELE/s1600/Midnight%2BTheif.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lqxCS1LbWdc/VgCd6KVt5XI/AAAAAAAAB7Q/5qi2tMnBELE/s320/Midnight%2BTheif.jpg" width="211" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Since I now travel for 50% of my job I sometimes feel like I live in airports and hotels. That being said, I found myself the other day browsing the shelves of an unnamed airport bookstore and found myself buying <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17566814-midnight-thief">Midnight Thief (Midnight Thief #1) by Livia Blackburne</a>. Now, I will preface this review by saying that I typically do not trust books purchased without research (either word of mouth, recommendation, Goodreads or Amazon or even Barnes & Noble reviews to rely on), but this cover did look interesting and I vaguely remembered seeing some hype around this when it released back in 2014. So all that being said, let me tell you, this book did not disappoint! My 4 hour flight went by in a flash and at the end all I could think about was getting my hands on the next installment! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Blackburne does a great job with <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17566814-midnight-thief">Midnight Thief</a> by having all of the cornerstones I personally feel I need, first, a strong hero/heroine - Kyra definitely fits this bill as leading lady. Kyra is full of strength and wit that helps her survive but she is not without flaws which helps her character feel genuine throughout. She grows up a street thief to get by and provide for those in need (think Robin Hood) and is fairly decent at her craft. She has a small group of urchins (the only family she knows) that she watches over and helps to mentor. All in all her heart is in the right place, she has drive and is talented but she is fairly naive. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Second key, a personal journey/great story-line - Kyra starts off in the streets of the Forge and is content there until there is a promise of more that will help her protect and care for those she loves, but it comes with a price. She takes this leap of faith and trains to help the Assassins Guild that starts off great until she gets in too deep... </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Third key, a love interest - now this can be changed out with a key second point of view or a intense friendship, but come on, we all need a little tug at the heartstrings and our "knight in shining armor" Tristam does not let us down. He is everything Kyra is not and they fit each-other perfectly in every way - except technically they are fighting on the opposite sides. I mean if that didn't spell out star crossed then i don't know what would...</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">There's a fantastic twist at the end that will leave readers aching for the next installment but trust me when I say this book has it all! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Overall, <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17566814-midnight-thief">Midnight Thief</a> has an amazing cast (a heroine you want to root for and bad guys you want to fail), magical creatures, epic fights, and a romantic pairing that is a slow build to perfection! Definitely pick this one up for your trip, even if that trip only takes you to your favorite reading chair. </span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09453670627059574372noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7302319981860828182.post-74424220353381419692015-03-16T06:00:00.000-07:002015-03-16T06:00:04.827-07:00ARC Review: Kissing Ted Callahan (and Other Guys)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TKyXi8gkkck/VMhL8TzNEAI/AAAAAAAABp4/CBAyWMAzNGs/s1600/Kissing%2BTed%2BCallahan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TKyXi8gkkck/VMhL8TzNEAI/AAAAAAAABp4/CBAyWMAzNGs/s1600/Kissing%2BTed%2BCallahan.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Okay I have to start by saying that I absolutely fell in love with this novel! Amy Spalding, you stole my heart with your amazingly addictive characters, witty banter and impossible situations that feel all too real! If you have not checked this one out yet, please do! It's well worth a read!<br /><br />Synopsis courtesy of <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18333999-kissing-ted-callahan?from_search=true">Goodreads</a>:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After catching their bandmates in a compromising position, sixteen-year-old Los Angelenos Riley and Reid become painfully aware of the romance missing from their own lives. And so a pact is formed: they'll both try to make something happen with their respective crushes and document the experiences in a shared notebook.<br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">While Reid struggles with the moral dilemma of adopting a dog to win over someone's heart, Riley tries to make progress with Ted Callahan, who she's been obsessed with forever-His floppy hair! His undeniable intelligence! But suddenly cute guys are popping up everywhere. How did she never notice them before?! With their love lives going from 0 to 60 in the blink of an eye, Riley and Reid realize the results of their pact may be more than they bargained for. </span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18333999-kissing-ted-callahan?from_search=true">Kissing Ted Callahan (and Other Guys)</a> is one of those books that takes you by surprise! I went into it not expecting much but really wow, I feel like I stumbled across a real GEM! I laughed, I giggled, I empathized and I was constantly expecting to be taken one way and would find myself taken in a totally different (and wonderful) direction! <br /><br />The characters that Spalding creates are amazingly real and diverse and full of faults that make them so delicious and adorable and frustrating all at the same time. I want Riley and Reid to be my BFFs and seriously, the guys are all so unique and imperfect in their perfectly realistic ways. And the world building is perfect! I feel like I'm there walking the school halls, chatting in the parking lot, and in the garage during rehearsals creating, I mean avoiding awkward situations...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I will warn, for our younger readers, there is sex...brief, respectful and well done but also awkward and imperfect in a very realistically hilarious sort of way, but I do feel I should make you aware.<br /><br />I love that this was written in a way where we really get two points of view - Riley (our main gal) with Passenger Manifest (aka diary/journal) entries by both Riley and Reid! The inner dialog of Riley is so perfect. Really she cracks me up and makes me want to laugh with her and yell at her at the same time. Riley really lives it up, but will her casual dating (Garrick, Milo and Ted - so many!) help or hurt her chances to really land her big fish - Ted Callahan? You would think with all these guys there would be some tortured love triangle but surprisingly there are no love triangles to be found! Hooray! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Amy Spalding, I cannot wait to read more of your books! Bravo! </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What a complicated and yet so perfectly perfect spring read!</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09453670627059574372noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7302319981860828182.post-77952444055478014312015-02-20T06:00:00.000-08:002015-02-20T06:00:02.655-08:00Book Blitz - Sword by Amy Bai<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-NaM_cep3rH0/VOV2vb5CLAI/AAAAAAAABwc/LqVPeWrfv70/s640/blogger-image--1560426462.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-NaM_cep3rH0/VOV2vb5CLAI/AAAAAAAABwc/LqVPeWrfv70/s640/blogger-image--1560426462.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">While we are by far mainly reviews here at All Booked Up YA, today we are participating in a Book Blitz put on by Xpresso Book Tours! We signed up for <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23524359-sword">Sword</a> by Amy Bai because it sounds EXACTLY like the type of book we love to LOVE! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">First off look at this cover?! Who doesn't love a fiery red-headed female heroine that also has strength behind her?! I mean really! Wow! Love this cover art! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Second off, read this killer synopsis...can we say "WANT!"</span><br />
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<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-0YtzDDWxHAY/VOV2ut75ywI/AAAAAAAABwU/dOA8jF-qDcQ/s640/blogger-image-2071794924.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-0YtzDDWxHAY/VOV2ut75ywI/AAAAAAAABwU/dOA8jF-qDcQ/s320/blogger-image-2071794924.jpg" width="212" /></a><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Synopsis:</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></strong><em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sword shall guide the hands of men . . .</span></em><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For over a thousand years the kingdom of Lardan has been at peace: isolated from the world, safe from the wars of its neighbors, slowly forgetting the wild and deadly magic of its origins. Now the deepest truths of the past and the darkest predictions for the future survive only in the verses of nursery rhymes.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For over a thousand years, some of Lardan’s fractious provinces have been biding their time.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Kyali Corwynall is the daughter of the Lord General, a child of one of the royal Houses, and the court’s only sword-wielding girl. She has known for all of her sixteen years what the future holds for her–politics and duty, the management of a House, and protecting her best friend, the princess and presumed heir to the throne. But one day an old nursery rhyme begins to come true, an ancient magic wakes, and the future changes for everyone. In the space of a single night her entire life unravels into violence and chaos. Now Kyali must find a way to master the magic her people have left behind, or watch her world–and her closest friends–fall to a war older than the kingdom itself.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I mean right?! Swords...Kingdoms...Magic...Royalty! Did we say this is exactly the types of books we love to read because YES, this is EXACTLY the types of books we love to read! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lastly, why we're so looking forward to this book...THE AUTHOR! She just sounds like the type of person I want...NEED to know! I mean right?! Sheepdog lover, coffee-slinger, farm girl...can I have a girl crush? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Check her out:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
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<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ExX-JtDCA-4/VOV2wnpNnjI/AAAAAAAABws/ld1H-W9i1g8/s640/blogger-image-1277120885.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ExX-JtDCA-4/VOV2wnpNnjI/AAAAAAAABws/ld1H-W9i1g8/s320/blogger-image-1277120885.jpg" width="311" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Amy Bai has been, by order of neither chronology nor preference, a barista, a numbers-cruncher, a paper-pusher, and a farmhand. She likes thunderstorms, the enthusiasm of dogs, tall boots and long jackets, cinnamon basil, margaritas, and being surprised by the weirdness of her fellow humans. She lives in New England with her guitar-playing Russian husband and two very goofy sheepdogs.<br /><br />Author links:</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.amy-bai.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">http://www.amy-bai.com/</span></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Amy.Bai" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">https://www.facebook.com/Amy.<wbr></wbr>Bai</span></a></div>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/Inkjade" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">https://twitter.com/Inkjade</span></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/9841180.Amy_Bai" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">https://www.goodreads.com/<wbr></wbr>author/show/9841180.Amy_Bai</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The best news...drum roll please...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><strong> </strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>THIS BOOK IS OUT NOW!</strong> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Wait, what? That's right, you can go out and get your copy <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1936460610/ref=x_gr_w_bb?ie=UTF8&tag=httpwwwgoodco-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1936460610&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2">here</a>!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Also don't forget to try your luck with the contest below!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span> </div>
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<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="d0425123683" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/d0425123683/" id="rcwidget_sjquvzah" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thank you to </span><a href="http://www.xpressobooktours.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Xpresso Book Tours</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> for hosting this Book Blitz!</span></div>
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<script src="//widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09453670627059574372noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7302319981860828182.post-32064305096695855622015-02-19T05:00:00.000-08:002015-02-19T05:00:03.733-08:00Book Tour Stop: Sleeping Tom by E.V. Fairfall + Giveaway<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YT04I129LtI/VOV1YH7FXCI/AAAAAAAABwA/ZoQyOtng4oQ/s640/blogger-image-564297852.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YT04I129LtI/VOV1YH7FXCI/AAAAAAAABwA/ZoQyOtng4oQ/s640/blogger-image-564297852.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
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All Booked Up YA is pleased to present to you, our lovely readers, <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23444087-sleeping-tom?ac=1">Sleeping Tom</a> by E.V. Fairfall! Let me tell you, this book is one of those books that delivers and hits on the nerve of mental disorder - a refreshing and unique read that will leave a lasting impact.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What really initially drew me to this read was that, unlike so many YAs of current, <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23444087-sleeping-tom?ac=1">Sleeping</a></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23444087-sleeping-tom?ac=1"> Tom</a> focuses around a very real mental disorder but does it in such a tactful and engaging way. </span><br />
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<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0NNNB0IBA-o/VOV1W_OaQaI/AAAAAAAABvw/90B4OlBf6IE/s640/blogger-image-1817355818.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0NNNB0IBA-o/VOV1W_OaQaI/AAAAAAAABvw/90B4OlBf6IE/s320/blogger-image-1817355818.jpg" width="209" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In Sleeping Tom we meet Rebecca/Caden a teen girl who is trying to figure out who she is. Caden is confused and alone just getting out of her abusive relationship and that's how she meets dark, handsome and complex Gabriel/Tom. Gabriel battles with dissociative identity disorder and at night "Tom" comes out and he's kind, patient, caring and by day he's Gabriel - testy, moody, complicated. What's interesting is that on the flip side, Caden is struggling to really come to reality with who she is beyond who she is in relation to a boy. Her identity grows and morphs throughout the novel and is really revealing and powerful to see. How many of us haven't tried on different "selfs" in our lives?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">While I didn't love this book to begin with (Caden was hard for me to relate to in the begining) I really did grow to love these two characters as the story unfolded and I really enjoyed that this novel broke that typical YA storyline and didn't leave you with a sickly sweet ending. A wonderful read from an author I hope to read again in the future!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strong>Enter to win a tote and a copy of Transformed! *US ONLY*</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Start Reading today:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Goodreads: </span><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23444087-sleeping-tom?ac=1" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">https://www.<wbr></wbr>goodreads.com/book/show/<wbr></wbr>23444087-sleeping-tom?ac=1</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Amazon: </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PTYKTZ8#" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">http://www.amazon.com/<wbr></wbr>dp/B00PTYKTZ8#</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strong><u>Follow the tour here:</u></strong></span><br />
<strong><u><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span></u></strong><br />
<strong>February 16th</strong><br />
-<a href="http://upallnightbookblog.com/blog-tour-review-giveaway-sleeping-tom-by-e-v-fairfall/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #42799b;">Blushing Babes Book Blog</span></a><br />
-<a href="http://freshlybakedbooks.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #42799b;">Freshly Baked Books</span></a><br />
-<a href="http://www.livreit2me.wordpress.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #42799b;">Livre It To Me</span></a><br />
-<a href="http://beyondboyfriendreviews.tumblr.com/post/111172666110/blog-tour-review-of-sleeping-tom-by-e-v-fairfall" target="_blank"><span style="color: #42799b;">beyond boyfriend reviews</span></a><br />
-<a href="http://booksdirectonline.blogspot.com.au/2015/02/sleeping-tom-by-e-v-fairfall.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #42799b;">Books Direct</span></a><br />
<strong>February 17th</strong><br />
-<a href="https://kirstylovesbooks.wordpress.com/2015/02/17/review-with-giveaway-sleeping-tom-by-e-v-fairfall/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #42799b;">All in One Place</span></a><br />
-<a href="http://thebookwhorediaries.blogspot.ca/2015/02/blog-tour-sleeping-tom-by-ev-fairfall.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #42799b;">The Bookwhore Diaries</span></a><br />
-<a href="http://lushbookreviewss.blogspot.ca/2015/02/sleeping-tom-tour-giveaway-with-ev.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #42799b;">lushbookreviews</span></a><br />
-<a href="http://www.cosyingupwithbooks.blogspot.co.uk/2015/02/blog-tour-giveaway-sleeping-tom-by-ev.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #42799b;">Cosying Up With Books</span></a><br />
-<a href="http://tntreviews.weebly.com/reveals--tours/sleeping-tom-by-ev-fairfall" target="_blank"><span style="color: #42799b;">TNT Reviews</span></a><br />
-<a href="http://reading-is-dreaming-with-open-eyes.blogspot.hu/2015/02/blog-tour-sleeping-tom-by-e-v-fairfall.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #42799b;">Reading Is Dreaming With Open Eyes</span></a><br />
<strong>February 18th</strong><br />
-<a href="http://bookreviewsbyjasmine.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #42799b;">Jazzy Book Reviews</span></a><br />
-<a href="http://collectorofbookboyfriends.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #42799b;">Collector of Book Boyfriends</span></a><br />
-<a href="http://www.whatsbeyondforks.com/2015/02/review-tour-sleeping-tom-by-ev-fairfall.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #42799b;">What’s Beyond Forks?</span></a><br />
-<a href="http://britishbookwormblog.com/2015/02/18/review-giveaway-sleeping-tom-by-e-v-fairfall-ev_fairfall-xpressoreads-xpressotours/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #42799b;">A British Bookworm’s Blog</span></a><br />
-<a href="http://www.seekikiread.com/2015/02/18/book-review-sleeping-tom-by-e-v-fairfall/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #42799b;">See Kiki Read</span></a><br />
-<a href="http://westoleyourbookboyfriend.weebly.com/reviews/sheris-review-of-sleeping-tom-by-ev-fairfall-blog-tour-giveaway" target="_blank"><span data-sheets-userformat="[null,null,513,[null,0],null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,0]" data-sheets-value="[null,2,"we stole your book boyfriend"]"><span style="color: #42799b;">we stole your book boyfriend</span></span></a><br />
<strong>February 19th</strong><br />
-<a href="http://www.kimberleighwheaton.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #42799b;">Kimber Leigh Writes</span></a><br />
-<a href="http://distancebookclub.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #42799b;">AllBookedUpYA</span></a><br />
-<a href="http://www.thephantomparagrapher.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #42799b;">The Phantom Paragrapher</span></a><br />
-<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Betweenthepagesbookblog" target="_blank"><span style="color: #42799b;">between the pages book blog</span></a><br />
-<a href="http://www.xtheshadowrealmx.blogspot.ie/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #42799b;">The Shadow Realm</span></a><br />
<strong>February 20th</strong><br />
-<a href="http://www.creating-serenity.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #42799b;">Creating Serenity</span></a><br />
-<a href="http://www.djsbookcorner.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #42799b;">DJ’s Book Corner</span></a><br />
-<a href="http://www.crystalsmanyreviewers.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #42799b;">Crystal’s Many Reviewers</span></a><br />
-<a href="http://ccovertocover.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span data-sheets-userformat="[null,null,513,[null,0],null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,0]" data-sheets-value="[null,2,"Cover to Cover"]"><span style="color: #42799b;">Cover to Cover</span></span></a><br />
<strong>February 21st</strong><br />
-<a href="https://extreemeobsessed.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #42799b;">Forever Obsession</span></a><br />
-<a href="http://ogitchidabookblog.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #42799b;">Ogitchida Kwe’s Book Blog</span></a><br />
-<a href="http://kookiekrysp.com/" target="_blank"><span data-sheets-userformat="[null,null,513,[null,0],null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,0]" data-sheets-value="[null,2,"Kookie Krysp Reads"]"><span style="color: #42799b;">Kookie Krysp Reads</span></span></a><br />
-<a href="http://litasbookblog.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #42799b;">Lita’s Book Blog</span></a><br />
-<span style="color: #42799b;"><a href="http://booksandashes.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Books and Ashes</a></span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09453670627059574372noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7302319981860828182.post-21425912411377471802015-01-29T06:00:00.000-08:002015-01-29T06:25:38.719-08:00ARC Review: The Secrets We Keep <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ydhCws4dbBM/VMhdutQOg_I/AAAAAAAABqY/p9fh7ekRfT4/s1600/The%2BSecrets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ydhCws4dbBM/VMhdutQOg_I/AAAAAAAABqY/p9fh7ekRfT4/s1600/The%2BSecrets.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There are books out there that seem to hook you from the very first sentence...<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21469095-the-secrets-we-keep">The Secrets We Keep</a> by Trisha Leaver is exactly that kind of book! Leaver will have you hook, line and sinker before you even realize it. I remember thinking within the first page, "Yup, and I'm hooked!" <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21469095-the-secrets-we-keep">The Secrets We Keep</a> is a thrilling ride that will have you eager to see what happens next on this spiraling journey about family, love and loss. <br /><br />Synopsis courtesy of <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21469095-the-secrets-we-keep">Goodreads</a>:</span><blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ella and Maddy Lawton are identical twins. Ella has spent her high school years living in popular Maddy's shadows, but she has never been envious of Maddy. In fact, she's chosen the quiet, safe confines of her sketchbook over the constant battle for attention that has defined Maddy's world.<br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When—after a heated argument—Maddy and Ella get into a tragic accident that leaves her sister dead, Ella wakes up in the hospital surrounded by loved ones who believe she is Maddy. Feeling responsible for Maddy's death and everyone's grief, Ella makes a split-second decision to pretend to be Maddy. Soon, Ella realizes that Maddy's life was full of secrets. Caught in a web of lies, Ella is faced with two options—confess her deception or live her sister's life. </span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />This book first jumped out at me because (1) I love stories about family - this one is about twins and their bond (2) I am intrigued by stories of great struggle/loss/emotion and this one has it all and (3) I have to admit this cover art had me at first glance! It's absolutely breathtaking. <br /><br />TSWK is a well written story about a teen girl who loses her twin sister in an auto accident and really the two of them could not be different however it didn't always used to be that way. They used to be close and as they hit high school they drifted. This coming of age story really explores the way we see ourselves and the power that emotionally has especially in the teen years. Ella is amazing, and intelligent and has everything going for her only, like so many of us, she doesn't see that until she can see through someone else's eyes. <br /><br />This is such a powerful story about family, friends and most of all sisters and also touches on the stressors of adolescence and belonging and the lengths that some will go to maintain popularity no matter how fragile a web that is. There were moments in this novel that really left me breathless and as Ella uncovered the world of popularity and family dynamics. Now don't get me wrong, there were many moments when I wanted to shake Ella and ask her what in the world she was doing but really, I think we've all had moments in our lives where someone had wanted to shake some sense in us! That's high school for you. <br /><br />This is a story about life. About the fact that sometimes the grass is not always greener. This is a story about love. About how a family loves differently but the same. About how friendship is often the greatest form of love we can ever have. This is a story about life and how fantastically complicated it all become and how one lie can spin a web that can seem endless and suffocating. This is a story about finding one's self and where one belongs. This is a story about life. </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09453670627059574372noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7302319981860828182.post-82352581081228398472015-01-28T06:00:00.000-08:002015-01-28T06:00:04.075-08:00Waiting on Wednesday: A Court of Thorns and Roses<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">"Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at </span></em><a href="http://breakingthespine.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #0000e9; font-size: x-small;"><em>Breaking the Spine</em></span></a><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.</span></em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So first off let me say, wow it's been FOREVER since I've posted a WoW post and there are SOOOOO many amazing reads that I am looking forward to for 2015! I wish I could list them all and eventually I do hope to list them all here but let's start with one at a time! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Okay, so without further delay, the book that I am seriously crushing/stalking is none other than the much loved Sarah J. Maas' <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16096824-a-court-of-thorns-and-roses?ac=1">A Court of Thorns and Roses</a>! OMG! Seriously take a look at this synopsis (courtesy of <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16096824-a-court-of-thorns-and-roses?ac=1">Goodreads</a>):</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When nineteen-year-old huntress Feyre kills a wolf in the woods, a beast-like creature arrives to demand retribution for it. Dragged to a treacherous magical land she only knows about from legends, Feyre discovers that her captor is not an animal, but Tamlin—one of the lethal, immortal faeries who once ruled their world.<br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As she dwells on his estate, her feelings for Tamlin transform from icy hostility into a fiery passion that burns through every lie and warning she's been told about the beautiful, dangerous world of the Fae. But an ancient, wicked shadow grows over the faerie lands, and Feyre must find a way to stop it . . . or doom Tamlin—and his world—forever.</span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Beyond the synopsis I read a teaser of the first four chapters (that can be found <a href="http://www.amazon.com/A-Court-Thorns-Roses-eSampler-ebook/dp/B00Q4POS9O">HERE</a> and <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-court-of-thorns-and-roses-esampler-sarah-j-maas/1120824539?ean=9781619638952">HERE</a>) and OMG, I desperately need this now! And by now I mean PRONTO! ASAP! Can it please please please be May 5th? What am I to do with myself until then...let the countdown begin because with all of these teasers and talk around this one I seriously am salivating here. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> We all know how much I love a re-telling and this has the promise of a loose nod to the adored Beauty and the Beast story. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It really doesn't get better than faeries, amazing world building, hot steamy love interests and a fierce and strong leading lady!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I mean don't just take my word for it, check out some of the reviews on <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16096824-a-court-of-thorns-and-roses?ac=1">Goodreads</a> and be sure to add this to your TBR pile because this one looks like one to DEFINITELY not miss in 2015! EEeee let the wait begin...</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09453670627059574372noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7302319981860828182.post-52816859203537913342015-01-27T19:16:00.000-08:002015-01-28T09:45:12.727-08:00Review: The Mime Order (The Bone Season #2)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--jm74JC_UWo/VMhUI6mUadI/AAAAAAAABqI/OuJzA15WGdc/s1600/The%2BMime%2BOrder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--jm74JC_UWo/VMhUI6mUadI/AAAAAAAABqI/OuJzA15WGdc/s1600/The%2BMime%2BOrder.jpg" height="320" width="210" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Wow, I COULD NOT PUT THIS DOWN! Initial overall thoughts: If you loved <a href="http://distancebookclub.blogspot.com/2013/07/the-bone-season-scion-1.html">The Bone Season (The Bone Season #1)</a> then you will LOVE <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17901125-the-mime-order?from_search=true">The Mime Order (The Bone Season #2)</a>! Drop what you're doing and carve out a day, afternoon or several bus rides to dive into the depths of the world of the Scion and get ready to lose yourself to the world of Samantha Shannon! <br /><br />Synopsis courtesy of <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17901125-the-mime-order?from_search=true">Goodreads</a>:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Paige Mahoney has escaped the brutal prison camp of Sheol I, but her problems have only just begun: many of the survivors are missing and she is the most wanted person in London...<br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As Scion turns its all-seeing eye on the dreamwalker, the mime-lords and mime-queens of the city's gangs are invited to a rare meeting of the Unnatural Assembly. Jaxon Hall and his Seven Seals prepare to take centre stage, but there are bitter fault lines running through the clairvoyant community and dark secrets around every corner. Then the Rephaim begin crawling out from the shadows. But where is Warden? Paige must keep moving, from Seven Dials to Grub Street to the secret catacombs of Camden, until the fate of the underworld can be decided.</span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />Where do I start? This is a hard review to write only because I want to do TMO justice and I can't really divulge all of the wonderfulness because of spoiler-y-ness. I mean come on, I seriously finished this in about 7 hours and it was a whirlwind of amazingness! I will warn that the first 60-70% felt rather slow for my general taste but because of Shannon's amazing writing/world building/characters I really did not mind it especially when she gifted us readers with the last 30-40%! Hold on to your seat because that part is AH-MAZ-ING! <br /><br />Let me start by saying that Samantha Shannon is a true master of her craft! She can spin a web so intricate that you feel as if you have actually fallen into a world so real that you can actually touch, hear, feel and smell everything around you! Oh, I could read her words forever. Honestly, because she is such a talented writer that is what helped me through the slow start. <br /><br />Secondly, the characters just get better! We learn so much more not only about Paige and Jaxon (who I seriously love, but I hate...I love to hate him) but also from our secondary characters who really seem to fill in and wow, I love Shannon for giving them some depth! Warden to me is still mysterious but OMG how much do I LOVE their romance. Again, Warden does not really come back in until the last 30% of the novel but when he does it's SOOOOO worth it! There is one scene...and, well, you will know when it hits you! The romance in TMO is subtle but adds so much to the story without overwhelming it. It's perfection. <br /><br />Honestly if you're still on the fence about this book, trust me (and many others) when I say, this is worth the read! It's slow to start but it's absolutely stunning and one that I would hate for you all to miss out on! So what are you waiting for? <br />
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**Update: If you're on the go, know that there is also a FANTASTIC audio version narrated by Alana Kerr available for purchase <a href="http://www.audible.com/pd/Sci-Fi-Fantasy/The-Mime-Order-Audiobook/B00Q7A80UO/ref=a_search_c4_1_1_srTtl?qid=1422466991&sr=1-1">HERE</a>! Check out <a href="https://soundcloud.com/audible/the-mime-order">this sample</a> and enjoy on your commute!** </span><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09453670627059574372noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7302319981860828182.post-14406302237971571802014-11-10T07:00:00.000-08:002014-11-10T07:00:08.296-08:00Queen of Someday (Stolen Empire #1)<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t1Wkxcj59Wk/U724QMuGgMI/AAAAAAAABZc/3WZNvweAIyc/s1600/22360786.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t1Wkxcj59Wk/U724QMuGgMI/AAAAAAAABZc/3WZNvweAIyc/s1600/22360786.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Wow, what a thrilling ride!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Who can resist a royally good story?!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Laced with slight history but packed with a punch of adventure, heartbreak,
drama and political games <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22360786-queen-of-someday?from_search=true">Queen of Someday</a> by Sherry Ficklin is sure to have
you falling in love!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Summary courtesy of <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22360786-queen-of-someday?from_search=true">Goodreads</a>:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">ONE GIRL WILL BRING AN
EMPIRE TO ITS KNEES...<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Before she can become
the greatest empress in history, fifteen-year-old Sophie will have to survive
her social-climbing mother’s quest to put her on the throne of Russia—at any
cost.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Imperial Court holds
dangers like nothing Sophie has ever faced before. In the heart of St.
Petersburg, surviving means navigating the political, romantic, and religious
demands of the bitter Empress Elizabeth and her handsome, but sadistic nephew,
Peter. Determined to save her impoverished family—and herself—Sophie vows to do
whatever is necessary to thrive in her new surroundings. But an attempt on her
life and an unexpected attraction threatens to derail her plans.</span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Alone in a new and
dangerous world, learning who to trust and who to charm may mean the difference
between becoming queen and being sent home in shame to marry her lecherous
uncle. With traitors and murderers lurking around every corner, her very life
hangs in the balance. Betrothed to one man but falling in love with another,
Sophie will need to decide how much she’s willing to sacrifice in order to
become the empress she is destined to be.</span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In a battle for the
soul of a nation, will love or destiny reign supreme?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I really had to take a step back from this one because O-M-G
this book really has it all!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From the
get-go the world building absolutely took my breath away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From her idyllic childhood to the thrilling
journey to Russia, Ficklin really does an outstanding job setting the scene and
fully immersing the reader. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’m not sure what’s going on but recently all of my favorite
books or rather most YA books in general are featuring a kick ass heroine who
is faced of course with adversity and tough choices that affect not only her
but those that surround her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This one
does not fail me on that front.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sophie
really has her set of enemies throughout and one of her greatest enemies is
herself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Will she find the courage to
take destiny by the horns?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
definitely is one spit-fire of a girl destined to be a queen!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Without giving too much away, I can honestly say that I
FULLY recommend this one!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Filled with so
much good that will have you on the edge of your seat until the very last page…and
even then I secretly was wishing the final pages would start to fill themselves
in with more!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t wait for #2!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09453670627059574372noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7302319981860828182.post-35298279594654053102014-11-09T14:30:00.000-08:002014-11-09T14:30:58.696-08:00For the Love of Books!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wuKVN4_1O2Q/VF_qRBmAOmI/AAAAAAAABlI/WuLzRtQsNrQ/s1600/Thankful%2BChalkboard%2BSign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wuKVN4_1O2Q/VF_qRBmAOmI/AAAAAAAABlI/WuLzRtQsNrQ/s1600/Thankful%2BChalkboard%2BSign.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I may be late to the party by saying this but it seems a whole MONTH has escaped me! I do promise more reviews to come! Seriously this time! To be upfront, it's not the reading that has lapsed...I have been reading so many EXCELLENT books that are slated to come either this fall/winter/spring! We really do live in such an amazing world where there are such creative and imaginative writers at our disposal! I truly am so THANKFUL for all these amazing writers/publishers/agents/etc. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lately (especially since it is the month of November) I have given some thought to those things that we really are so luck to have. I challenge you all to think of one thing a day for the rest of this month that you are thankful for. This is nothing hard or challenging but it is something that I think in our busy lives we often overlook or don't reflect on. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So for today, let me say that beyond living in a world where we are spoiled with creativity and imagination, I am also deeply thankful for my family. Now I don't have kids and my actual family is quite small, but I want to say beyond my immediate family I am thankful for my urban family (i.e. girlfriends, classmates, those that aren't blood related but that I honestly do consider family) and my bookish family (that's YOU)! Thank you to you all, whether you are a fellow blogger, writer, publicist or a lover of YA that has somehow stumbled upon my little blog! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here's to a November filled with reflection of THANKS!</span><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09453670627059574372noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7302319981860828182.post-39285776264997096252014-09-26T05:00:00.000-07:002014-09-26T05:00:12.106-07:00Part-Time Princess<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lRN-2QTbeF0/U_wxW8ybyLI/AAAAAAAABgE/-9xu-nCaerk/s1600/unnamed.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lRN-2QTbeF0/U_wxW8ybyLI/AAAAAAAABgE/-9xu-nCaerk/s1600/unnamed.png" height="147" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Looking for a fun summer read that is sure to make you swoon and melt your heart? Look no further! Pamela DuMond introduces a new smashing series that is sure to win your heart with <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22730727-part-time-princess">Part-Time Princess (Ladies in Waiting: #1)!</a> Royalty, makeovers and two princes fighting over one girl?! Sign me up! PTP is a fairly quick read that will keep you up all night wondering which frog will turn into the prince of Lucy's heart! </span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Lf9OxaftfxQ/U_wxrmOnK3I/AAAAAAAABgM/739pOIneh1c/s1600/22730727.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Lf9OxaftfxQ/U_wxrmOnK3I/AAAAAAAABgM/739pOIneh1c/s1600/22730727.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was initially drawn to this one based on the topic. I am a sucker for a romantic comedy of sorts and this one looked like it would not disappoint! Our main character Lucy is full of spunk and is completely LOVABLE and the IRRESISTIBLE and SWOON WORTHY bad-boy Nick is just so delectable! And really, can you even pass up the chance for a HUNKY heir to the throne, Cristoph? Choices, choices, choices...only thing is they both think she's someone she's not...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I mean seriously...check out this cute cover?! I LOVE IT! And come on, I need more princess stories in my life! I was definitely pleasantly surprised by how much I truly enjoyed this novel. Witty, funny, full of characters (big and small) that you are sure to love and love to hate...but don't take my word for it! Read here for the killer synopsis.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Summary Courtesy of <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22730727-part-time-princess">Goodreads</a>:</span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Two Princes are in love with her. Too bad she’s an imposter…<br /><br />Hold tight to your tiara, grab your scepter and be prepared for the New Adult hilarious, modern-day romantic-comedy ride of your life!<br /><br />Rated PG-13 and mildly R for: <br /><br />Sexual innuendo.<br />Hot Guys. <br />Hot Guys who are Princes. <br />Flirting.<br />Romance. <br />The occasional naughty word. <br />The occasional naughty royal fantasy.<br />The occasional naughty deed.<br />Romance.<br />Castles.<br />Ladies-in-Waiting.<br />Parties! <br />Cocktails.<br />A puppy.<br />Gowns.<br />Intrigue.<br />Chocolate.<br />Champagne.<br />A Royal Wedding! <br />Comedy. <br />Sexiness. <br />More Romance.<br />And—a Happily-Ever-After Ending (Just not the way you expected it!)<br /><br />Lucy Trabbicio’s a down-on-her-luck, young, American, former biker-bar cocktail waitress desperate to find a job. Lady Elizabeth Billingsley hires Lucy to travel to Fredonia, the tiny jewel of a country in the Alps, for ten days ‘tops’ to impersonate her.<br /><br />Say what? How the heck is that going to happen?<br /><br />In the mother of all makeovers, Elizabeth’s people teach Lucy how to dress, walk, talk, eat, be coiffed and even get naked like a European Lady. <br /><br />The goal?<br /><br />To keep Crown Prince Cristoph Timmel interested in Elizabeth until she finishes her unexpected, pressing personal business in the States.<br /><br />But fate intervenes… Lucy meets and is wildly attracted to sexy, bad-boy Nick on the oh-so-long flights to Fredonia. Unfortunately for Lucy—Nick and Elizabeth have a hot sexual history, which Nick wants to immediately resume.<br /><br />Prince Cristoph proposes marriage. What's an imposter girl to do? Elizabeth insists that she’ll make it back home in time for the wedding. Lucy accepts Cristoph’s proposal and is on the fast track to becoming a Princess but continues to fall for the wrong Prince of Fredonia—Nick. When another tiny glitch arises—someone’s trying to kill her.<br /><br />The only folks helping Lucy are her wild, party hard, take-no-prisoners Ladies-in-Waiting. <br /><br />When the real Lady Elizabeth decides she’s not marrying Cristoph and never returning to Fredonia, Lucy’s faced with an uncomfortable decision—continue her deception, marry the prince she’s not in love with and live a dream life albeit without Nick, her dream guy? Or tell the truth and return to poverty and oblivion?<br /><br />A modern day sexy fairy tale with romance, twists and turns, LOL moments, a few tears and an empowering ending.</span><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22730727-part-time-princess#"></a></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So what are you waiting for? Seriously. Part-Time Princess will have you swooning over two dreamy men that are sure to have you lusting after them and wondering which one will sweep Lucy off her feet or if there will be any sweeping at all once they learn of her BIG secret. Will this be a betrayal too big to overcome? These pages are also filled with the loyal and the catty "ladies in waiting" and of course there's someone after Lucy's life...but who could it be? Guess you'll have to dive in and read to find out! Pick it up, grab your fav snack and dive into something juicy!</span><br />
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<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/97b9fb4b5/" id="rc-97b9fb4b5" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">HUUUUUUGUE thanks to <a href="http://xpressobooktours.com/">Xpresso Book Tours</a> for this opportunity!</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lDQy5pV52As/U_wx8pk-PmI/AAAAAAAABgU/3dbZH0j4-Ac/s1600/XpressoBannerTours.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lDQy5pV52As/U_wx8pk-PmI/AAAAAAAABgU/3dbZH0j4-Ac/s1600/XpressoBannerTours.png" height="81" title="" width="320" /></a></div>
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To see others blogs involved in this tour check out: </div>
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<strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">September 22nd</strong><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />-<a href="http://badbirdreads.com/review-part-time-princess-pamela-dumond-blog-tour-giveaway/" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #42799b; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Bad Bird Reads</a> >>Review<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />-<a href="http://nicksbookblog93.blogspot.ca/2014/09/blog-tour-stop-part-time-princess-by.html" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #42799b; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Nick’s Book Blog</a> >> Playlist<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />-<a href="http://alittlebitofrnr.com/guest-post-giveaway-part-time-princes-ladies-waiting-1-pamela-dumond/" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #42799b; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A Little Bit of R&R </a>>> Guest Post<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />-<a href="http://cindysloveofbooks.com/2014/09/blog-tour-part-time-princess/" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #42799b; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Cindy’s Love of Books</a> >> Review<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />-<a href="http://authorsyouwanttoread.wordpress.com/2014/09/22/book-tour-and-giveaway-part-time-princess-by-pamela_dumond/" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #42799b; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Indie Authors You Want to Read </a>>> Excerpt</div>
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<strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">September 23rd</strong><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />-<a href="http://bookbriefs.net/2014/09/23/reviewgiveaway-part-time-princess-pamela-dumond/" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #42799b; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Book Briefs</a> >> Review<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />-<a href="http://loveinspiredream.blogspot.ca/2014/08/review-tour-part-time-princess-by.html" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #42799b; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Dandelion Dreams</a> >> Review<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />-<a href="http://fic-talk.com/2014/09/blog-tour-part-time-princess-by-pamela-dumond/" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #42799b; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Fic Talk</a> >> Excerpt</div>
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<strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">September 24th</strong><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />-<a href="http://oldvictorianquill.wordpress.com/2014/09/24/tour-stop-part-time-princess-by-pamela-dumond/" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #42799b; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">OldVictorianQuill</a> >> Review<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />-<a href="http://hitormissbooks.wordpress.com/2014/09/24/blog-tour-review-giveaway-part-time-princess-ladies-in-waiting-1-by-pamela-dumond/" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #42799b; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Hit or Miss Books</a> >> Review<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />-<a href="http://www.iknowthatbook.blogspot.ca/2014/09/part-time-princess-guest-post-and.html" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #42799b; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">I know that Book </a>>> Guest Post<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />-<a href="http://thebookwhorediaries.blogspot.ca/2014/09/book-tour-part-time-princess-by-pamela.html" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #42799b; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">The Bookwhore Diaries </a>>> Review<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />-<a href="http://confessionsofabookwhore.com/?p=5748" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #42799b; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">The Biblio Files: Confessions of a Book Whore</a> >> Excerpt<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />-<a href="http://rampantreaders.com/2014/09/blog-tour-review-part-time-princess-by-pamela-dumond.html" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #42799b; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Rampant Readers</a> >> Review</div>
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<strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">September 25th</strong><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />-<a href="http://piecesofwhimsy.blogspot.com.au/2014/09/part-time-princess-by-pamela-dumond.html" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #42799b; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Pieces of Whimsy </a>>> Excerpt<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />-<a href="http://tometender.blogspot.ca/2014/09/part-time-princess-by-pamela-dumond.html" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #42799b; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Tome Tender</a> >> Review<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />-<a href="http://underneaththecoversblog.com/2014/09/25/qa-with-pamela-dumond-author-of-part-time-princess/" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #42799b; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Underneath the Covers</a> >> Interview<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />-<a href="http://futureslayergirlsreviews.weebly.com/" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #42799b; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Future Slayer Girl’s Butt-Kicking Reviews</a> >> Review</div>
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<strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">September 26th</strong><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />-<a href="http://journeywithbooks.blogspot.com/" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #42799b; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Journey with Books</a> >> Review<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />-<a href="http://karinaswatchareading.blogspot.com/" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #42799b; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Watcha Reading</a> >> Interview<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />-<a href="http://journeythroughpages.blogspot.com/" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #42799b; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A Journey Through Pages</a> >> Review<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />-<a href="http://broadwaygirlbookreviews.blogspot.com/" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #42799b; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Broadway Girl Book Reviews</a> >> Review<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />-<a href="http://www.distancebookclub.blogspot.com/" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #42799b; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">All Booked Up YA </a>>> Review</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09453670627059574372noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7302319981860828182.post-58209001661651775262014-09-10T10:33:00.000-07:002014-09-10T10:33:07.338-07:00Moving...AGAIN!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gdrFCKR3w04/VBCKGsa90TI/AAAAAAAABhY/l-VaAOm48KA/s1600/moving-snoopy2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gdrFCKR3w04/VBCKGsa90TI/AAAAAAAABhY/l-VaAOm48KA/s1600/moving-snoopy2.jpg" height="240" style="cursor: move;" unselectable="on" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lovely blog readers, I must apologize for my lack of posting as of late. We are in the process of moving to another house and things have just been waaaay hectic and chaotic to sit down and compose myself enough to post on the blog. In good news, I have been reading some FABULOUS novels that I cannot wait to share with you but for now, I must pack....and pack and pack... I feel like all I own is books upon books and they're heavy and take forever to pack up! Oh the joys of moving. One upside to e-books my friends is the ease of just putting your e-reader in your purse, but if you're like me, you cannot part with the wonderful characteristics of a physical book, flipping those pages and the smell of paper and ink... </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To tide any of you over that are dying to find a good read to start check out some of these (full reviews to come):</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20578940-the-iron-trial?from_search=true">The Iron Trial</a> by Cassandra Clare and Holly Black - I LOVE LOVE LOVE these two authors and they really do not disappoint in this magical adventure! This is book one of the series and I cannot wait to see what happens next! Good/Evil/Magic/School/Friends/Plot Twists/ETC </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20613470-heir-of-fire?from_search=true">Heir of Fire</a> by the BELOVED Sarah J. Maas - Do I really need to elaborate?! AMAZING/Heart Wrenching/AMAZING/DID I SAY AMAZING? Definitely not one to miss esp if you have read the rest of the series...if you have yet to start the series, I HIGHLY suggest you start...like yesterday!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19367070-illusions-of-fate?from_search=true">Illusions of Fate</a> by Kiersten White - Okay bookies, this one is fantastic! You will love this. Trust me. Elements of Magic, themes of race and class. This definitely had a hint of Cassandra Clare mixed with an element of Howl's Moving Castle. Magical in so many ways, this is not one to miss!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">4. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15791085-the-falconer?from_search=true">The Falconer</a> by Elizabeth May - Have you read this one? No? Why not? You should! Amazingly strong female lead who rises from a tragedy with a vengeance and thirst for revenge. Fast paced and exhilarating! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There are so many amazing books coming out this fall too that I CANNOT wait to share with you!! Oh you will swoon, you will cry, you will laugh and cringe! Fall 2014 is looking spectacular! I should be up and running again end of September (possibly earlier - hopeful)! I am still active on Twitter (@allbookedupya) and regularly run contests and giveaways and will post little burbs about what I'm reading..nothing as indepth as the blog posts, but if you need your bookish fix come chat with me! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Anyway, back to packing and packing and packing...Happy reading! </span><br />
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How, how, how had I thought I had already posted a review
of the lovely <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16429619-the-kiss-of-deception?ref=ru_lihp_up_rv_1_mclk&uid=1811411897">THE KISS OF DECEPTION</a> only to find out I never did!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oy!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Let me start off by saying, if<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>you’re a fan of fantasy and epic adventure than you best not miss Mary
E. Pearson’s amazing magical skill at writing!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Definitely one of the top 10 for 2014 IMHO, Pearson will build you a
kingdom so rich and full and then throw in fantastic characters that you will
love to hate and fall in love with and to top it all off she will tell you a
story so amazing and lush and then she will strategically place little twists
and turns that will not only keep you engaged but on the edge of your
seat!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is definitely not one to miss…
Don’t trust me? Read on…</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Summary courtesy of <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16429619-the-kiss-of-deception?ref=ru_lihp_up_rv_1_mclk&uid=1811411897">Goodreads</a>:</span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>A princess must find her place in a reborn world.<br /><br />She flees on her wedding day.<br /><br />She steals ancient documents from the Chancellor's secret collection.<br /><br />She is pursued by bounty hunters sent by her own father.<br /><br />She is Princess Lia, seventeen, First Daughter of the House of Morrighan.<br /><br />The Kingdom of Morrighan is steeped in tradition and the stories of a bygone world, but some traditions Lia can't abide. Like having to marry someone she's never met to secure a political alliance.<br /><br />Fed up and ready for a new life, Lia flees to a distant village on the morning of her wedding. She settles in among the common folk, intrigued when two mysterious and handsome strangers arrive—and unaware that one is the jilted prince and the other an assassin sent to kill her. Deceptions swirl and Lia finds herself on the brink of unlocking perilous secrets—secrets that may unravel her world—even as she feels herself falling in love.</em></span></blockquote>
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Okay so let’s start with the cover, because we all know I
DEFINITELY judge my books by the cover and this one DOES NOT disappoint! First
of all look at that sky!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve all been
there and trust me when I say, that sky spells brewing STORM! I mean really, and
check it out, our girl Lia staring right into the eye of the storm even with
pursuers clearly in the background!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As if the cover hadn’t been indication enough let me just
say, this book is….FREAKING AWESOME! Seriously though, this novel was amazing
and well written.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Definitely well
thought out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What was my favorite
part?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well beyond the princesses and
arranged marriages it was the CHARACTERS!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Omg!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I fell in love with our
little heroine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She’s our princess, but
not dainty and simple minded and liking everything pretty but rather this
courageous ball of spunk that decides, “no I will not marry if not for love”
and sneaks out and finds herself in a world that she can call her own…that is
until they come for her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is so
headstrong and capable at the same time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She and her AMAZING servant Pauline set off on the adventure of their
lifetime and because of courage, wit and smarts is able to really do quite
anything the set their minds too…too bad the prince and the assassin are also
fairly intelligent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Honestly though, the characters are truly amazing but the
setting is nearly just as brilliant!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Pearson’s world building is seriously crafted to near perfections.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can taste and smell the tavern and on the
dusty roads I was there too!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was like
reading a movie with your eyes but feeling it in your body.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So well done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I cannot say enough good things about this novel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You really need to try it out yourself.
Seriously, you will not be disappointed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So what are you waiting for?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>…GO!
☺<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09453670627059574372noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7302319981860828182.post-69473621938563492772014-08-06T07:42:00.002-07:002014-08-06T07:42:33.820-07:00Waiting on Wednesday: The Infinite Sea (The 5th Wave #2) <div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">"Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at </span><a href="http://breakingthespine.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #0000e9;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Breaking the Spine</span></span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.</span></span></i></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-URiySZBidEo/U-I-vr1asuI/AAAAAAAABew/5t3DTZEmlIw/s1600/Infinite.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-URiySZBidEo/U-I-vr1asuI/AAAAAAAABew/5t3DTZEmlIw/s1600/Infinite.jpg" height="320" width="205" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's that time of the week again, WAITING ON WEDNESDAY! Hooray! Anyway, this week I am eagerly waiting on Rick Yancy's <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16131484-the-infinite-sea">The Infinite Sea (The 5th Wave #2)</a>! For those of you who've been following for a while you know how much I ADORED <a href="http://distancebookclub.blogspot.com/2013/08/the-5th-wave.html">The 5th Wave</a> and let me be the first to tell you my anticipation is just growing for this second installment! I mean come on...talk about a CLIFFHANGER and if you're like me, you're probably dying to know what happens....Come on September!!<br /><br />Summary courtesy of <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16131484-the-infinite-sea">Goodreads</a>:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">How do you rid the Earth of seven billion humans? Rid the humans of their humanity.<br /><br />Surviving the first four waves was nearly impossible. Now Cassie Sullivan finds herself in a new world, a world in which the fundamental trust that binds us together is gone. As the 5th Wave rolls across the landscape, Cassie, Ben, and Ringer are forced to confront the Others’ ultimate goal: the extermination of the human race.<br /><br />Cassie and her friends haven’t seen the depths to which the Others will sink, nor have the Others seen the heights to which humanity will rise, in the ultimate battle between life and death, hope and despair, love and hate.</span></blockquote>
<br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Right?! Amazing! Oh I just cannot wait. This sounds Ah-Ma-Zing and oh that cover...it's just GORGEOUS! Love everything about it from the font choice to the colors EVERYTHING! I may even have picked up a poster that I will be giving away on my Twitter account (@allbookedupya)...so if you're not already following there, check it out! </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09453670627059574372noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7302319981860828182.post-84077556423622613692014-08-05T10:11:00.000-07:002014-08-05T10:12:04.514-07:00The Jewel (The Lone City #1)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4lNG2U0CIl0/U9r-fzY_33I/AAAAAAAABdw/BENsmLcvST4/s1600/the+Jewel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4lNG2U0CIl0/U9r-fzY_33I/AAAAAAAABdw/BENsmLcvST4/s1600/the+Jewel.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #181818;"><span style="line-height: 19px;">Wow! Wow, wow wow! If you're looking to lose yourself in a beautiful dream-like world that is so horrifically lovely then <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16068780-the-jewel?ref=ru_lihp_up_rs_0_mclk&uid=1802024600">The Jewel </a>by Amy Ewing is the book for you! </span></span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;">I was so looking forward to this read and let me tell you, it did not disappoint! Amy Ewing will get you...hook, line and sinker! </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Summary courtesy of <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16068780-the-jewel?ref=ru_lihp_up_rs_0_mclk&uid=1802024600">Goodreads</a>:</span><br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>The Jewel means wealth. The Jewel means beauty. The Jewel means royalty. But for girls like Violet, the Jewel means servitude. Not just any kind of servitude. Violet, born and raised in the Marsh, has been trained as a surrogate for the royalty—because in the Jewel the only thing more important than opulence is offspring.<br /><br />Purchased at the surrogacy auction by the Duchess of the Lake and greeted with a slap to the face, Violet (now known only as #197) quickly learns of the brutal truths that lie beneath the Jewel’s glittering facade: the cruelty, backstabbing, and hidden violence that have become the royal way of life.<br /><br />Violet must accept the ugly realities of her existence... and try to stay alive. But then a forbidden romance erupts between Violet and a handsome gentleman hired as a companion to the Duchess’s petulant niece. Though his presence makes life in the Jewel a bit brighter, the consequences of their illicit relationship will cost them both more than they bargained for.</i></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; line-height: 19px;">We meet Violet, #197 of 200...one of the elite - top 10. She is not a name but rather a number, a slave of sorts breed and trained to be the best that money can buy. Violet's fate lives in the surrogate system but all is not as it seems...will she be able to survive the Jewel and save herself before it's too late? Violet plays several different roles/faces within this novel...she is daughter, sister, friend, surrogate, love, damsel in distress, musician but most of all survivor. She has smarts, talent, beauty and strength but can she overcome the Jewel?</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; line-height: 19px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; line-height: 19px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; line-height: 19px;">The plot is amazing and moves at a wonderful pace...not too slow but not rushed either. I absolutely fell in love with Violet and the world she comes from and the world she lives in - although horrific as it may be, it's fantastically built! The overall idea of this auction for surrogates is really quite horrible. It is not fully explained what has caused the royals not to have babies (bad water, toxins, inbreeding) however it does say that they are unable to have children thus the need for the surrogates. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;">I instantly fell in love with this GORGEOUS cover. Love the way her face shines in all of the many faucets and how it almost hugs her in a little nest. She looks trapped, exposed, alone but none-the-less stunning. Just breathtaking. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; line-height: 19px;">I will warn you, this leaves you with the mother of all cliffhangers and I for one cannot wait to read the next installment! </span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09453670627059574372noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7302319981860828182.post-25703505754584070792014-08-01T07:00:00.000-07:002014-08-01T07:00:01.314-07:00The Queen of the Tearling (The Queen of the Tearling #1)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So I must be honest, I've been extremely good about READING books this summer but entirely too bad about POSTING reviews about them. So slowly but surely I am catching myself up! This next review up has been receiving a ton of praise and the movie rights were just recently purchased by Warner Bros and already signed is the famed Emma Watson. Yes, that's THE actress from the beloved Harry Potter films and what's better is that the producer is none other than the Harry Potter director, David Heyman! So without further delay, let me introduce you to Erika Johansen's <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17415882-the-queen-of-the-tearling">The Queen of the Tearling</a>!<br /><br />Summary courtesy of <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17415882-the-queen-of-the-tearling">Goodreads</a>:</span><blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>On her nineteenth birthday, Princess Kelsea Raleigh Glynn, raised in exile, sets out on a perilous journey back to the castle of her birth to ascend her rightful throne. Plain and serious, a girl who loves books and learning, Kelsea bears little resemblance to her mother, the vain and frivolous Queen Elyssa. But though she may be inexperienced and sheltered, Kelsea is not defenseless: Around her neck hangs the Tearling sapphire, a jewel of immense magical power; and accompanying her is the Queen’s Guard, a cadre of brave knights led by the enigmatic and dedicated Lazarus. Kelsea will need them all to survive a cabal of enemies who will use every weapon—from crimson-caped assassins to the darkest blood magic—to prevent her from wearing the crown.</i></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Despite her royal blood, Kelsea feels like nothing so much as an insecure girl, a child called upon to lead a people and a kingdom about which she knows almost nothing. But what she discovers in the capital will change everything, confronting her with horrors she never imagined. An act of singular daring will throw Kelsea’s kingdom into tumult, unleashing the vengeance of the tyrannical ruler of neighboring Mortmesne: the Red Queen, a sorceress possessed of the darkest magic. Now Kelsea will begin to discover whom among the servants, aristocracy, and her own guard she can trust.</i></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>But the quest to save her kingdom and meet her destiny has only just begun—a wondrous journey of self-discovery and a trial by fire that will make her a legend…if she can survive.</i></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>The Queen of the Tearling introduces readers to a world as fully imagined and terrifying as that of The Hunger Games, with characters as vivid and intriguing as those of The Game of Thrones, and a wholly original heroine. Combining thrilling action and twisting plot turns, it is a magnificent debut from the talented Erika Johansen.</i></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />Let me start by saying that I am always a little skeptical when a novel has film rights before it's even out available in book form. I mean come on right? How do you know this will even be any good or that the public will support it, but let me tell you, all of that worry is for nothing. The Queen of the Tearling is an EPIC adventure that includes magic, a thrilling chase, intrigue, a fierce intellectual heroine and loyal sub characters who you will fall for in an honest and heartbreaking way.<br /><br />The plot is absolutely phenomenal. The pace isn't dragged out and as the story moves along it's almost as if puzzle pieces click into place. I love, love, LOVE stories like this! And what I loved even more? The Queen of the Tearling is one of the few novels that I remember where the main character is not devastatingly beautiful and Kelsey actually is described as "carrying a little extra weight." So realistic and refreshing. I know we all love a beautiful future queen/princess but honestly, this is just one of the many reasons why I fell in love with Kelsey. She is so perfectly imperfect and wields the power to make change in this flawed future that is so wonderfully laid out. Johansen really does a superb job world building. From the first page until the very last the Tearling Kingdom and Mortmesme are masterfully built and imagined by this glorious author! What sorcery is this? <br /><br />Now, I know I've been saying nothing but praise for this lovely novel and really there is not much in my mind that I would change but I will warn, that in this world where we are presented with so many novels filled to the brim with love triangles and epic romance stories this one is definitely lacking. That is not to say that I felt like anything was missing, but if that's something you're looking for I will warn you that this element is barely there. There are hints here and there, but this is at the other end of the romance spectrum. <br /><br />All that being said, this is definitely a series to keep you eye out for! What an original story with engaging characters and an incredible world that I cannot wait to dive into in the rest of the series! </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09453670627059574372noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7302319981860828182.post-32557524076273292062014-07-31T09:32:00.000-07:002014-07-31T09:32:46.235-07:00Happy Birthday Harry Potter!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RAJ7NTWyAGM/U9prSXWwgwI/AAAAAAAABc0/NpK6D0Xpds8/s1600/harry-potter-philosophers-stone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RAJ7NTWyAGM/U9prSXWwgwI/AAAAAAAABc0/NpK6D0Xpds8/s1600/harry-potter-philosophers-stone.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In honor of our favorite Gryffindor, today's post will be in honor of the young wizard that started it all...HARRY POTTER! Mr. Harry Potter who was marked with the iconic lightning bolt scar turns 34 today and I can honestly say that MY YA journey would not be complete without HP! HUUUUUGE thanks to the wonderful J.K Rowling (who also has a birthday on 7/31) for creating the most magnificent world building my imagination has been able to roam in and creating such beloved characters that really nearly became real to me. This definitely was my introduction to FANGIRLING and midnight releases and dare I say, even costuming. So again, Happy Birthday to one character that has had a lasting effect on my personal reading preferences! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now, what, my friends to do on this momentous day? Have you considered...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1. <strong>Baking your own Happy Birthday Harry cake?</strong> I love this cake and its imperfections. Gotta love that goofy and adorable Hagrid!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2. <strong>How about re-watching your favorite HP movie!</strong> Of course my fav is #1! Harry was so little and cute and this truly introduced us to the wonderful wizarding world of Harry Potter! Gotta love the magic that was and is Diagon Alley! Which is your favorite?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3. <strong>Re-Readathon the books!</strong> Oh the books! They made us laugh and cry and have heartbreak all over ourselves. These books are worth their weight in gold IMHO! Have you seen the new covers that are going to be released with artwork by Johnny Duddle? *drools*</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">4. <strong>Have you seen the amazingness that is <a href="https://www.universalorlando.com/Theme-Parks/Universal-Studios-Florida/Wizarding-World-Of-Harry-Potter-Diagon-Alley.aspx">Harry Potter world in Orlando, FL</a>? </strong> OMG! I went a couple years back and I have to tell you, the butter beer is AMAZING! The ride lines can get long, but oh so worth it! Gotta pick yourself up a wand too! AND...they just opened up Diagon Alley! I need to get myself back there clearly! Definitely a good alternative to the "happiest place on earth."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">*Photo courtesy of<a href="http://www.foxnews.com/leisure/2010/07/02/harry-potters-butterbeer-recipe-uncovered/"> AP</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">5. <strong>And one wouldn't be the other without a visit to <a href="http://www.wbstudiotour.co.uk/">WB Studio Tour in London</a>!</strong> I totally did this a couple years back too and it was amazing. Much more "Museum-like" but amazing none-the-less just without any rides.</span> <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5FEBUs9jbm4/U9prYeIWEBI/AAAAAAAABdQ/crhnVOuXM7A/s1600/hpcoach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5FEBUs9jbm4/U9prYeIWEBI/AAAAAAAABdQ/crhnVOuXM7A/s1600/hpcoach.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So what are you doing to celebrate Harry Potter's birthday? Let the celebration being!!!!</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09453670627059574372noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7302319981860828182.post-12610934722263938092014-07-30T07:24:00.000-07:002014-07-30T07:24:46.820-07:00Waiting on Wednesday: The Young Elites<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">"Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at </span></em><a href="http://breakingthespine.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #0000e9; font-size: x-small;"><em>Breaking the Spine</em></span></a><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.</span></em></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0FmM1nsiCi8/U9giv-u-y2I/AAAAAAAABbo/SSeNjXSPOYU/s1600/20821111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0FmM1nsiCi8/U9giv-u-y2I/AAAAAAAABbo/SSeNjXSPOYU/s1600/20821111.jpg" height="320" width="211" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Okay, so when I first caught wind of this project I could barely contain myself and now, well let's just say my need to have this book adorn my shelves has grown ten-fold! I CANNOT wait for October. Why you ask, well on the blessed 7th day of October this mortal world will be blessed with the release of </span><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20821111-the-young-elites"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Young Elites</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> by none-other than our beloved Marie Lu (author of the amazing Legend Series). *Swoons*</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If I were to pass from this world before this release date a big regret would be having never turned the pages of this book. Melodramatic you ask, why yes, yes I am, especially when it comes to amazing authors with outstanding talent. This one definitely looks like it will follow in the legendary footsteps of it's predecessors. I mean, okay, come on check out this synopsis.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Summary courtesy of</span><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20821111-the-young-elites"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Goodreads</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">:</span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am tired of being used, hurt, and cast aside.<br /> <br />Adelina Amouteru is a survivor of the blood fever. A decade ago, the deadly illness swept through her nation. Most of the infected perished, while many of the children who survived were left with strange markings. Adelina’s black hair turned silver, her lashes went pale, and now she has only a jagged scar where her left eye once was. Her cruel father believes she is a malfetto, an abomination, ruining their family’s good name and standing in the way of their fortune. But some of the fever’s survivors are rumored to possess more than just scars—they are believed to have mysterious and powerful gifts, and though their identities remain secret, they have come to be called the Young Elites.<br /><br />Teren Santoro works for the king. As Leader of the Inquisition Axis, it is his job to seek out the Young Elites, to destroy them before they destroy the nation. He believes the Young Elites to be dangerous and vengeful, but it’s Teren who may possess the darkest secret of all.<br /><br />Enzo Valenciano is a member of the Dagger Society. This secret sect of Young Elites seeks out others like them before the Inquisition Axis can. But when the Daggers find Adelina, they discover someone with powers like they’ve never seen.<br /> Adelina wants to believe Enzo is on her side, and that Teren is the true enemy. But the lives of these three will collide in unexpected ways, as each fights a very different and personal battle. But of one thing they are all certain: Adelina has abilities that shouldn’t belong in this world. A vengeful blackness in her heart. And a desire to destroy all who dare to cross her.<br /> <br />It is my turn to use. My turn to hurt.</span></em></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Right? I know! I could barely contain myself either! A league of young elites who might possess magical powers? YES! Sign. ME. UP! Marie Lu, welcome to the world of fantasy! I'll leave you with this quote from </span><a href="http://bibliopunkkreads.com/2014/07/review-the-young-elites.html"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Krys from Bibliopunkreads</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">: "This book is all the things, reckless and brave and breathtaking." Okay, shelved for TBR and October, please, please, please come quickly! </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09453670627059574372noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7302319981860828182.post-71083634493503012832014-07-29T15:04:00.002-07:002014-07-29T15:04:37.353-07:00Branded (Sinners #1) <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wb45xxIIJn8/U9gZ_JOvd1I/AAAAAAAABbQ/RnXzIdW0Epc/s1600/branded.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wb45xxIIJn8/U9gZ_JOvd1I/AAAAAAAABbQ/RnXzIdW0Epc/s1600/branded.jpg" height="320" width="208" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So if you're like me and the summer kinda gets you in a contemporary mood but at times you need a little break, then you should check out <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17402117-branded">Branded (Sinners #1)</a> by Abi Ketner and Missy Kalicicki! Although this was released a year ago it just went through a cover/reBRANDING...haha get it? and OMG I LOVE LOVE LOVE this revamped cover. So sexy and intriguing! Love that it shifts the focus from the dystopian world view of the last cover to more about Lexi and focus on our strong heroine. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Summary Courtesy of <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17402117-branded">Goodreads</a>:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><blockquote class="tr_bq">
<em>Fifty years ago The Commander came into <br />
power and murdered all who opposed him. In his warped mind, the seven deadly sins were the downfall of society. <br /><br />To punish the guilty, he created the Hole, a place where sinners are branded according to their sins. Sinners are forced to live a less than human existence in deplorable conditions, under the watchful eye of guards who are ready to kill anyone who steps out of line.<br /><br />Now, LUST wraps around my neck like thick, blue fingers, threatening to choke the life out of me. I’ve been accused of a crime I didn’t commit, and the Hole is my new home. <br /><br />Constant darkness. <br /><br />Brutal and savage violence. <br /><br />Excruciating pain. <br /><br />Every day is a fight for survival. <br /><br />But I won’t let them win. I will not die in the Hole. <br /><br />I am more than my brand. I’m a fighter. My name is Lexi Hamilton, and this is my story.</em></blockquote>
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span id="freeTextreview990158319"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What an exquisite novel that really explores what I can only equate to hell. Charged and branded for a crime she did not commit - LUST, Lexi Hamilton is sent to the Hole and there endures the worst of society. She is however, guarded and protected by handsomely strong soldier, Cole and his crap for brains guard dog Zeus and from within the depths of this hell she does find strength.</span></span><br />
<span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The characters are so well developed and really have a life all their own. I fell instantly in love with Cole...tough exterior but as the story progresses his walls slowly crumble and we get to see a man in love, but a tortured love none-the-less. Lexi is everything you can want in a strong female lead. She's not overly whiny, has a mind of her own but doesn't make everything due to her cause and endures more than I think would be possible. I also have to give a shout out to Zeus. LOVE him. I know he's a dog, but wow, I want him to be my dog. Protector, comforter, lover (not in that way)...true companion till the end. </span></span><br />
<br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">With so many twists and turns and amazing world building this story feels so fresh and raw. Well done on so many levels. There are some seriously hot moments in this book and equally terrifying ones as well. This is definitely not a series to miss!</span><a class="actionLinkLite" href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20647319-branded#"></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09453670627059574372noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7302319981860828182.post-7274070205485269712014-07-23T10:12:00.003-07:002014-07-23T10:12:50.501-07:00Waiting on Wednesday: The Orphan Queen<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
<em><span style="font-size: x-small;">"Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at </span></em><a href="http://breakingthespine.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #0000e9; font-size: x-small;"><em>Breaking the Spine</em></span></a><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.</span></em></span></div>
<em><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"></span></em><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MAUURb19UKk/U8_sx6ZpcPI/AAAAAAAABao/J7rCM3j5ZHk/s1600/18081228.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MAUURb19UKk/U8_sx6ZpcPI/AAAAAAAABao/J7rCM3j5ZHk/s1600/18081228.jpg" height="320" width="211" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Okay so I *<b>Promise</b>* I will update reviews soon…life
has just been, well a tad bit crazy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That being said, I could not go without my WoW!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So without further ado….<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This week I am eagerly anticipating the release and addition
to my bookshelf, <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18081228-the-orphan-queen?from_search=true">THE ORPHAN QUEEN</a> by none other than the lovely and very
talented, Jodi Meadows!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We all know her
as beloved novelist for the Newsoul trilogy: Incarnate, Asunder and Infinite
and now it looks as if she’s done it again this time venturing into the land of
deadly royals and adventures of epic proportions!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I cannot wait to get my little paws on this
read (I mean just look at this cover! Absolutely stunning!!) and curl up for a day just devouring this one!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love love love these types of books…adventure,
princesses, deadly spies, romance and MAGIC! EEeeee!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Definitely so excited! Hurry hurry
hurry!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I need 2015 to be here NOW!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wah…2015!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I need to work on being patient… ;-)</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18081228-the-orphan-queen?from_search=true">Goodreads Summary</a>:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><blockquote class="tr_bq">
Wilhelmina has a hundred identities.<br />
<br />
<em><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">She is a princess.</span></em> When the Indigo
Kingdom conquered her homeland, Wilhelmina and other orphaned children of
nobility were taken to Skyvale, the Indigo Kingdom’s capital. Ten years later,
they are the Ospreys, experts at stealth and theft. With them, Wilhelmina means
to take back her throne.<br />
<br />
<em><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">She is a spy.</span></em> Wil and her best
friend, Melanie, infiltrate Skyvale Palace to study their foes. They assume the
identities of nobles from a wraith-fallen kingdom, but enemies fill the palace,
and Melanie’s behavior grows suspicious. With Osprey missions becoming
increasingly dangerous and their leader more unstable, Wil can’t trust anyone.<br />
<br />
<em><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">She is a threat.</span></em> Wraith is the
toxic by-product of magic, and for a century using magic has been forbidden.
Still the wraith pours across the continent, reshaping the land and animals
into fresh horrors. Soon it will reach the Indigo Kingdom. Wilhelmina’s magic
might be the key to stopping the wraith, but if the vigilante Black Knife
discovers Wil’s magic, she will vanish like all the others<br />
<br />
Jodi Meadows introduces a vivid new fantasy full of intrigue, romance,
dangerous magic, and one girl’s battle to reclaim her place in the world.</blockquote>
<o:p></o:p></span><br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09453670627059574372noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7302319981860828182.post-90567686293991361522014-07-09T14:47:00.002-07:002014-07-09T14:47:31.507-07:00Waiting on Wednesday: Queen of Someday<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">"Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at <a href="http://breakingthespine.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #0000e9;">Breaking the Spine</span></a>, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.</span></i></span></div>
</span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t1Wkxcj59Wk/U724QMuGgMI/AAAAAAAABZY/bhFOKtpwr3Y/s1600/22360786.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t1Wkxcj59Wk/U724QMuGgMI/AAAAAAAABZY/bhFOKtpwr3Y/s1600/22360786.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For those of you who love historical period pieces with a twist, <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22360786-queen-of-someday">Queen of Someday</a> by Sherry Ficklin definitely looks like one amazing read! Loosely based on Catherine the Great, this one looks to have all the good fixins' of a wonderful historical romance YA! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Before we dig in too far though, can we all just take a moment to marvel at this cover! Holy hotness! Yowza! If one can judge a book by it's cover than this one looks steamy! Beyond the cover though, this looks to have all of the classical elements: romance, betrayal, action, mystery, intrigue... the list goes on and on!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I always kinda chuckle at book descriptions but this one does provide a fair amount of insight...so yes, Queen of Someday...mark as TBR and coming to shelves in early October!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Summary Courtesy of <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22360786-queen-of-someday">Goodreads</a>:</span><br />
<span id="freeText10681876941195713344"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><blockquote class="tr_bq">
ONE GIRL WILL BRING AN EMPIRE TO ITS KNEES...<br /><br />Before she can become the greatest empress in history, fifteen-year-old Sophie will have to survive her social-climbing mother’s quest to put her on the throne of Russia—at any cost.<br /><br />Imperial Court holds dangers like nothing Sophie has ever faced before. In the heart of St. Petersburg, surviving means navigating the political, romantic, and religious demands of the bitter Empress Elizabeth and her handsome, but sadistic nephew, Peter. Determined to save her impoverished family—and herself—Sophie vows to do whatever is necessary to thrive in her new surroundings. But an attempt on her life and an unexpected attraction threatens to derail her plans.<br /><br />Alone in a new and dangerous world, learning who to trust and who to charm may mean the difference between becoming queen and being sent home in shame to marry her lecherous uncle. With traitors and murderers lurking around every corner, her very life hangs in the balance. Betrothed to one man but falling in love with another, Sophie will need to decide how much she’s willing to sacrifice in order to become the empress she is destined to be.<br /><br />In a battle for the soul of a nation, will love or destiny reign supreme</blockquote>
</span><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09453670627059574372noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7302319981860828182.post-30678017650000347632014-07-01T08:00:00.003-07:002014-07-01T08:21:51.339-07:00Perfected<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bi-bNyWlRkk/U7LNBsC76zI/AAAAAAAABYw/dahwY83QGMM/s1600/18630496.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bi-bNyWlRkk/U7LNBsC76zI/AAAAAAAABYw/dahwY83QGMM/s1600/18630496.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Imagine a world where people are bought and sold.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not quite slaves, but more like pets - Human
companions for the rich and famous.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That
is exactly the disturbing future that Kate Birch imagines in <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18630496-perfected?from_search=true">Perfected</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This beautifully crafted novel explores a
world where these “pets” are genetically engineered for their calm demeanor,
short stature and grace and sold to the highest bidder. Troubling and alarming
this examines the coming of age of one of these naïve pets as the way she views
the world around her changes and crumbles.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Summary courtesy of <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18630496-perfected?from_search=true">Goodreads</a>:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Perfection comes at a price.<br /><br />As soon as the government passed legislation allowing humans to be genetically engineered and sold as pets, the rich and powerful rushed to own beautiful girls like Ella. Trained from birth to be graceful, demure, and above all, perfect, these “family companions” enter their masters’ homes prepared to live a life of idle luxury.<br /><br />Ella is happy with her new role as playmate for a congressman’s bubbly young daughter, but she doesn’t expect Penn, the congressman’s handsome and rebellious son. He’s the only person who sees beyond the perfect exterior to the girl within. Falling for him goes against every rule she knows…and the freedom she finds with him is intoxicating.<br /><br />But when Ella is kidnapped and thrust into the dark underworld lurking beneath her pampered life, she’s faced with an unthinkable choice. Because the only thing more dangerous than staying with Penn’s family is leaving…and if she’s unsuccessful, she’ll face a fate far worse than death.<br /><br />For fans of Keira Cass’s Selection series and Lauren DeStefano’s Chemical Garden series, Perfected is a chilling look at what it means to be human, and a stunning celebration of the power of love to set us free, wrapped in a glamorous—and dangerous—bow.</span></blockquote>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I really instantly fell in love first with the premise of Birch’s
novel…I mean who can beat this horrific future where humans are made to be pets
for the uber wealthy?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> The second thing that really captivated me about this one was the cover. Simple, clear, clever and GORGEOUS! Perfected reminded</span> me of
a few futuristic books that look at genetically modified people but Birch does it in a different way
where there is a bit of controversy around the idea of human “pets.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are parts of this book where it really
keeps you on the edge of your seat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I personally expected the evil/creepy to be lurking around the corner
for Ella but it never really came to that which on one hand was like “whew…”
but on the other hand I really did expect a bigger conflict on that front...I mean really, what type of people buy human companions...Creepy people, right?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The only thing that I would say is lacking is
that the romance between Penn and Ella didn’t really do it for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There wasn’t really a long period of time
where the two really got to know each other and build their relationship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> The relationship that they did develop was sweet and Penn really is more than just the typical rebellious bad boy but it just seemed to happen so fast. I like my love stories drawn out I suppose...</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The world building was quite good and allows the reader to
really dive into the world that surrounds Ella.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>At first nothing seems wrong, but then she begins to see the world for
what it really is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is a perfect
beach or vacation read.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The story reads
fairly quickly and the ending will really get your heart pounding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I really am eager to read the sequel as I’m
thinking the best is yet to come!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09453670627059574372noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7302319981860828182.post-26863384423154710092014-06-18T09:03:00.003-07:002014-06-18T09:03:35.866-07:00Waiting on Wednesday: Talon (Talon #1)<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">"Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at <a href="http://breakingthespine.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #0000e9;">Breaking the Spine</span></a>, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.</span></i></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UKhXF_iXfr0/U6G3wWLlAtI/AAAAAAAABX0/u7pRleK2vAk/s1600/17331828.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UKhXF_iXfr0/U6G3wWLlAtI/AAAAAAAABX0/u7pRleK2vAk/s1600/17331828.jpg" height="320" width="221" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Wow, so RL is getting crazy, but of course not too crazy for
this book lover to have a Waiting on Wednesday!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Today, I am eagerly anticipating </span><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17331828-talon?from_search=true"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Talon</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> by Julie Kagawa and published by
beloved Harlequin Teen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This one is not
coming out until late October (why oh why must I wait so long???) but I will
patiently wait. Afterall, the best things in life are worth waiting for…or is
it “comes in small boxes” or “are free”?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Hmmm, anyway, I’ll go with the waiting for bit!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So why, All Booked Up are you so eagerly anticipating THIS
one?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, let me start by saying I
absolutely adore Julie Kagawa!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
recently started following her on twitter and she makes the most AMAZING little
cute dragons…and that leads me to the next reason why….DRAGONS!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who doesn’t love a good novel about
dragons?!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They’re probably my most
favorite mystical creature.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So
intelligent and mysterious and often misunderstood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The story line slightly is reminiscent of
<a href="http://distancebookclub.blogspot.com/2013/05/seraphina.html">Seraphina </a>which I also absolutely adored…uhhhh I need this TODAY! I mean just
take a look-see at this amazing summary!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What’s not to like?!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Definitely
adding this to the TBR pile and waiting at the edge of my seat for this one!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Summary courtesy of </span><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17331828-talon?from_search=true"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Goodreads</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>Long ago, dragons were hunted to near extinction by the
Order of St. George, a legendary society of dragon slayers. Hiding in human
form and growing their numbers in secret, the dragons of Talon have become
strong and cunning, and they're positioned to take over the world with humans
none the wiser.<br />
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Ember and Dante Hill are the only sister and brother known to dragonkind.
Trained to infiltrate society, Ember wants to live the teen experience and
enjoy a summer of freedom before taking her destined place in Talon. But
destiny is a matter of perspective, and a rogue dragon will soon challenge
everything Ember has been taught. As Ember struggles to accept her future, she
and her brother are hunted by the Order of St. George.<br />
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Soldier Garret Xavier Sebastian has a mission to seek and destroy all dragons,
and Talon's newest recruits in particular. But he cannot kill unless he is
certain he has found his prey: and nothing is certain about Ember Hill. Faced
with Ember's bravery, confidence and all-too-human desires, Garret begins to
question everything that the Order has ingrained in him: and what he might be
willing to give up to find the truth about dragons.</em></span></blockquote>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09453670627059574372noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7302319981860828182.post-40603996747869850582014-06-12T07:00:00.000-07:002014-06-12T07:00:01.850-07:00To All the Boys I've Loved Before<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ILpg4lOyeco/U5iP3iep5sI/AAAAAAAABXE/p1MFu5fTOHA/s1600/TATB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ILpg4lOyeco/U5iP3iep5sI/AAAAAAAABXE/p1MFu5fTOHA/s1600/TATB.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There are some books that you can pick up and put down and
read at leisure...Jenny Han's </span><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15749186-to-all-the-boys-i-ve-loved-before"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To All the Boys I've Loved Before</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> is that one of
those books...at least not in my case!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
could not stop reading this one! So many FEELS!! Once I started it was full
steam ahead, all engines a go and I ended up staying up into the wee hours of
the morning just to live in Han's world a little longer!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is such a great coming-of-age story that
will hit the hearts of so many - definitely not one to miss!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Summary Courtesy of </span><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15749186-to-all-the-boys-i-ve-loved-before"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Goodreads</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">:</span></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before is the story of Lara Jean,
who has never openly admitted her crushes, but instead wrote each boy a letter
about how she felt, sealed it, and hid it in a box under her bed. But one day
Lara Jean discovers that somehow her secret box of letters has been mailed,
causing all her crushes from her past to confront her about the letters: her
first kiss, the boy from summer camp, even her sister's ex-boyfriend, Josh. As
she learns to deal with her past loves face to face, Lara Jean discovers that
something good may come out of these letters after all.</span></em></blockquote>
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I ADORED the characters! There is so much of me (and every
girl who went through middle/high school) in Lara Jean. She goes through so
much change when her older sister Margot moves away for college.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I loved reading about the ever shifting
dynamic of this cross-cultural family and their interactions throughout.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You will absolutely fall in love with this
family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reminded me a bit of an updated
version Little Women (all the sisters, Kitty is SOO little Amy and Josh is so
Teddy-ish)! And can I just mention Peter for a second?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I seriously have a crush on this fictitious character.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bit by bit I really ended up falling for
Peter as I moved further into the depths. He's really well developed
(character-wise) and wow...he surprised me!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I was not expecting to like him as much as I do. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Plot was engaging, realistic and really kept things
moving along. I can only imagine the series of events that would take place if
all of the sudden all of my crushes read my Diary or something like
that...ahhh! Gives me heart palpitations just thinking about it! And the
sub-plot of the story, date one guy to get the other jealous, it has been done
before, but let me assure you, this is so much more than that! What starts off
as a solution to a problem that was set off by Lara Jean's letters going out
ends up as so much more. There are some serious twist and turns that you don’t
see coming, and some that you do but they're still every bit as wonderful!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">All in all I really enjoyed reading this one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Surely one of the top contemporary reads of
the year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This one is light and
refreshing with a dash of real life to keep us all grounded. I HIGHLY recommend
this one and cannot wait for the sequel (which I did not realize was a sequel
until about 5 mins ago - EEE!). So what are you waiting for?! GO!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09453670627059574372noreply@blogger.com1