Review: Matched by Allie Condie

Matched

by

Allie Condie

I had anticipated this book for so long! While reading I would find myself almost furious at times, not at the book, but at the storyline, the government in the book. I would have to stop myself and remind myself that it was only a book. I don't consider myself a rebellious person, it was just very hard for me to focus to read at times. It bothers me that the excerpt from the jacket flap isn't quite how the book goes either.

Cassia lives in a world where they tell you what to do. Simple as that. They have even picked out the age when you die. They choose your meals, and even deliver them to you. When your young, you go to school, you get older, a teen, you get your Match chosen for you, as well as your job. You have to have children by the time you are thirty-one. So many decisions already made for you. Life should be easy right? Nah, not that simple. Cassia was given a match and then later given another match only to be told that the second was an error. Except, they don't make errors. So, now Cassia is confused. She knows both boys in the pictures. It would be different if she didn't know one of them but it didn't work that way. Now she is torn with what to do. She sees them both everyday. They told her that Xander is her Match that is who she is to be with. Ky was a mistake. It is impossible for her to be with him. Over time, she realizes that she no longer wants to play by the rules. She wants to be with Ky. They will not allow this. I t really is impossible for them to be together and it is now time for Cassia to take her test to see what she will do as her job. She now has to sort people. She has to sort Ky at his job. This is the worst this ever. What she decides will determine her fate.

3/5 Stars. 366 Pages. Published by Dutton. Received from Cheryl Rogers.



In My Mailbox (22)

What is "In My Mailbox"?In My Mailbox is a weekly meme. What is a meme, you ask. The simple description is  "an idea that spreads quickly." Usually the creator of the meme asks for other people to participate and ultimately link back to the person that started the meme. Memes shouldn't be confused with "features." There are some features that are somewhat exclusive to certain blogs, be courteous and don't steal content.

The idea of In My Mailbox is to bring books to the attention of our blog readers and to encourage interaction with other blogs.  Here's what I got this week, how about you? And  while your commenting, won't you be a follower too? Here's what I got  this week:

Won from Penguin, an ARC of

Won from The Mod Podge Bookshelf

a signed and personalized ARC of

Bought

and finally, I got one of my bookshelves!

Review: Paranormalcy by Kiersten White

Paranormalcy

by

Kiersten White

This is a roller coaster ride full of paranormal action! I was so enthralled! Every page is loaded full of action! I am so anxious to read the second book! Kiersten, you definitely had your work cut out for you, because this book, well, you blew me away!

Evie was an orphan and as a young child was picked up by the International Paranormal Containment Agency (IPCA for short) and has been working for them ever since. She has always considered herself as normal 'human' even though she can see things others can't. There is a whole world out there we know nothing of. Mermaids, Vamps, Werewolves, Faeries, Hags. (No, I'm not talking about your mother-in-law.) 

One of the first events happens when the IPCA gets broken into. Yeah Evie catches the guy but that's not it. It's almost like he's invisible. A waterboy? They are so busy questioning him, that suddenly mysterious deaths start occurring. Massive deaths. 20+ vampires at one time. Then other agencies get broken into.  Even after taking all precautions, whatever seems to be doing this has gotten in.

Meanwhile, Evie is fascinated my the waterboy. Although Evie's boss Raquel doesn't approve of them talking, Evie and Lend aka waterboy insist. Raquel seems to think that it's possible his people are behind the killings. Evie completely trusts Lend. He was breaking in to find out more about the killings hoping that the IPCA would know. And that's when the ICPA gets hit. Whoever is doing the killings is there. Evie has now just got message that they are after her!

Are you Serious!

Could this day get any worse?

She must find a way out with Lend without Raquel or the killer knowing!

5/5 Stars. 335 Pages. Published by HarperTeen. Won from Teens Read and Write

Review: Prom and Prejudice by Elizabeth Eulberg

Prom and Prejudice

by

Elizabeth Eulberg

A delightfully refreshing book to read! I enjoyed this book. This wasn't quite what I was expecting either. Yes, it was better! Job well done Elizabeth!

Lizzie Bennet isn't like the other people who go to Longbourn Academy. The only reason she gets to go is because she is lucky enough that she has gotten a scholarship. The biggest thing talked about at Longbourn is prom. Sad this is-Lizzie isn't even interested. Who could really blame her though seeing as which any of the other 'rich' girls who seem to think that they are the only ones who should be allowed on campus seem to pick on her and tease her hardcore any chance they get? The only people that are nice to her are fellow scholarship people or a few of the guys from Longbourn, she doesn't want to seem to give them a chance though.

Lizzie loves music. That's actually how she got her scholarship. Yep, she's that good! After school she works part time and a guy named Will Darcy seems to show up most every night to walk her back even though she has repeatedly told him not to. After time she has grown used to him being there, yet Lizzie still can't stand him. Lizzie's best friend Jane had been dating Will Darcy's best friend Charles and Lizzie thinks Will (he actually goes by the name of Darcy) has something to do with the breakup. That's even more bad points in his book. Ouch! Over time, Lizzie finally seems to realize that she's judging Darcy in the same way as all the other 'rich' girls seem to judge her. That's when she opens up to Darcy. That's when she decides to let him in to her world and she gets to know him, but she sure is in for a huge surprise!

4/5 Stars. 227 Pages. Published by Point. Received from Sophie Jordan.   

 

Winner of Lucky Leprechaun Giveaway

First and foremost I want to thank everyone who entered! I appreciate all you wonderful people who come to my blog!

The winner of this giveaway is:

IZAZA

who chose

Congrats!

I will be participating in the Easter giveaway hop so please come back and check out what I'll have!

In My Mailbox (21)

What is "In My Mailbox"?In My Mailbox is a weekly meme. What is a meme, you ask. The simple description is  "an idea that spreads quickly." Usually the creator of the meme asks for other people to participate and ultimately link back to the person that started the meme. Memes shouldn't be confused with "features." There are some features that are somewhat exclusive to certain blogs, be courteous and don't steal content.

The idea of In My Mailbox is to bring books to the attention of our blog readers and to encourage interaction with other blogs.  Here's what I got this week, how about you? And  while your commenting, won't you be a follower too? Here's what I got  this week:

From Debbie Viguie:

A signed copy of,

From Lady Reader's Bookstuff

and from Simon and Schuster:

No books bought this week! Yay me! Now HOPEFULLY I will be getting my bookshelves next week that I have been waiting for since um....YEARS!!! I guess we'll see next week if I got them...

 

Review: Choker by Elizabeth Woods

Choker

by

Elizabeth Woods

This one had me quite curious going into it. I didn't know what it was about. All in all, it was a good read, a little predictable, but still worth the buy.

It just hasn't been the same for Cara. Not since she had to move away from her best friend Zoe. Whats worse is that the girls at school make fun of her because she was choking at lunch one day so now she's stuck with the most awful nickname of Choker. Oh so lame right?! All Cara wants is for Ethan to notice her. He is the one who seemed to save her from her awful choking incident after all. If Ethan could just pay attention to her like she was a popular girl...

After another horrible day at school Cara feels like she just can't take anymore. That's when she finds Zoe waiting for her. Zoe has always had problems with her mother's boyfriend and is now on the run. Cara is willing to do whatever it takes to help. It doesn't matter how much time has past since they've seen each other, they are best friends once again! Zoe is to hide out in Cara's room. Cara will sneak her whatever she needs. It will work perfectly right?

The best thing of all is that now, Zoe is helping Cara dress to impress Ethan and helping her get in good with the 'in' crowd. All is good right? Did I mention that now those girls teasing Cara are missing? Zoe is acting odd and nothing seems to make sense anymore. Who's a girl to trust? What's a best friend for after all? 

4/5 Stars. 233 Pages. Published by Simon & Schuster. Purchased at  Amazon 

Review: Between Shades of Grey

Between Shades of Grey

by

Ruta Sepetys

A sad and heart wrenching tale that will leave you sobbing and weeping. You can't help but carry Lina and her family in your heart even after your done reading.

Ruta Sepetys has created a similar tale of what it must have been like taking true stories and piecing them together along with some of her own wonderful imagination to create this remarkable and astounding tale about Lina and her family. They lived well up until they were rudely interrupted by the NKVD one day while they're father was gone. Made to pack one suitcase with all the belongings they could fit inside they had to go with them. Luckily, Lina's mother had anticipated such a sad event and had sewn valuables inside her coat pockets to be sold when needed later. Forced to get onto a train with others and made to stay inside, no bathroom, and no food. Occasionally Ruta would show flashbacks of Lina's life before these sad series of events to show how great of a life she had.

Lina's family had been chosen because of her father. They had already abducted him. Lina could draw remarkably well and would leave hidden messages, and drawings in hopes that he would find them. So sad some of the things those children witnessed. So sad. Makes you realize the things we take for granted. I had hoped for a happy ending, but knew better than that. I certainly didn't expect what was to come though.

5/5 Stars. 346 Pages. Published by Penguin. This was an ARC copy received from the publisher.

Lucky Leprechaun Giveaway Hop

Yes! It's that time! Don't pinch me, I'm GREEN! No long stories, I'm not going to bore you!

I'm going to let you pick from six books, three of them new, three of them are older.

I have read all of these except Chime and have found all of them far beyond wonderful!

To enter you must be a follower

 Open to EVERYBODY!

Enter Here

And don't forget to check out all the other blogs that are participating!

Check them out HERE



Winner of Soul Screamer Giveaway!

Thank you to all those who entered and I'm very sorry I couldn't make it international but since I'm shipping this one from my house it'll cost a little extra.

The winner is:

Indigo

CONGRATULATIONS!

I always choose my winner through random.org.

Thank you to all those who entered. Please come back and enter in my Lucky Leprechaun Giveaway Hop! 

Review: Wicked Lovely

Wicked Lovely

by

Melissa Marr

I do believe Melissa Marr has found the perfect words to describe the fey. They be wicked lovely. How evil and fascinating can one creature be? Melissa Marr lets us into the beginnings of the faerie world to catch a glimpse. The only thing I didn't quite like was there were no descriptions of the different types. If I hadn't read any previous fairy books I would be a lot more clueless when it came to things in this story. Nymphs, Wood sprites. These could've been explained in greater detail, not just mentioned as if we knew all about them. 

Aislinn has always had the ability to see fairies. This is not something you walk around letting people know. You do NOT want fairies to know that you see them! They are dangerous. They are strong. It has ran in Aislinn's blood to see the fey. Her mother and grandmother seen them as well. 

It all starts when Aislinn realizes she's being followed by fairies. She can't seem to lose them for long and it continues to happen. The only person she has to turn to for help is her friend Seth. He's always there for her. Always will be. She finally decides to stop and figure out just why it is they are following her only to find that the Summerland King has decided that Aislinn is being drawn to him. He wants her. Him being a fairy and all, mighty and powerful, yeah, he pretty much gets what he wants. Aislinn doesn't see it that way.

4/5 Stars. 328 Pages. Published by Harperteen. Purchased at Rose's Bookhouse. 



In My Mailbox (20)

What is "In My Mailbox"?In My Mailbox is a weekly meme. What is a meme, you ask. The simple description is  "an idea that spreads quickly." Usually the creator of the meme asks for other people to participate and ultimately link back to the person that started the meme. Memes shouldn't be confused with "features." There are some features that are somewhat exclusive to certain blogs, be courteous and don't steal content.

The idea of In My Mailbox is to bring books to the attention of our blog readers and to encourage interaction with other blogs.  Here's what I got this week, how about you? And  while your commenting, won't you be a follower too? Here's what I got  this week:

From Amy Holder at Written In Lipstick

an ARC of The Lipstick Laws

From Lady Reader's Bookstuff

Bought:

I was a good girl last week so I got to be a got to be bad this week!

 

Crossed cover reveal!

My oh MY! isn't it just oh so beautiful! It made me gasp when I first seen it! Yes, it took my breath away! I love the breaking out look! How I can't wait to get my hands on it! Isn't she lovely! Haha! Now I'm singing. I need to stop myself. I must go because I can't contain the excitement no longer!

Review: Entangled

Entangled

by

Cat Clarke

While reading Entangled I actually ended up feeling a sort of bond with Grace. I don't want to say that I pitied her. Not at all. That's not it. I just connected with her in more of a way than I have with other characters. I felt for her. Cat, you did a superb job! I am now waiting so very impatiently for the release of Torn. Bravo!

What would you do if you woke up in a room full of white? Not a hospital room. A bedroom. With the window boarded shut. All you have laying next to you are some pens and paper sitting on a table. That's just what happened to Grace.

Her abductor? Ethan. Yet, she's not frightfully scared. Yes, she wants to go home. Of course, who wouldn't. Ethan doesn't seem to do all the things you'd expect an abductor to do. All he wants is for her to write. Write what? He doesn't answer. So she writes about her life. A life she cares not so much for.

Sal is her best friend. So that means they share all secrets right? NO! Sal got pregnant and knew she couldn't keep it, Grace being the best friend and all, was right there to support her. Grace just wanted to know who the father was. Sal didn't want to talk about it. 

That's cool. Give her some time. Space. That's what she needs. Then she'll come around. Yet, she didn't. Still, Sal ain't budging. Besides that, Sal seems even more closed off now. It ends up leading to a huge fight causing them to stop talking for a while. 

One day, Ethan comes in and leaves the door open. Nothing new there really. He's nice to Grace so she's nice back. She figures if she runs, he'll catch her. No point in trying. He decides to sit down in the chair and ends up falling asleep. This is her chance! Yet, she can't do it. She tries, but fails. Really, if you have a life that is just as blah as Grace's, would you go? What's the point? What if it was a trap? She gets great food served to her. Ethan's not mean to her.  She just couldn't do it.

While Grace and Sal weren't talking, that's when Grace met Nat. He's wonderful. He treats her well, is nice, good looking, what more can she ask for? Hmm, maybe if he answered the phone when she called and didn't act funny from time to time.

Eventually Grace and Sal make up and Grace introduces the two. Sal and Nat seem uneasy around each other. Over time, Sal gets more snappy and she still won't open up to Grace. Nat has been very busy lately, having to put Grace on the back burner.

Somethings wrong with Ethan. He's very pale and weak. Grace can't seem to wake him up.

What's going on with Sal? Why won't she just open up? Friends are supposed to share their secrets. Right?

And what's the deal with Nat?

Grace is intertwined with them all, yet she doesn't know a thing.

5/5 Stars. 372 Pages. Published by Quercus. Purchased at The Book Depository



What's on your summertime HOT list?

I'm well aware of all the fabulous books coming out now but I just can't seem to take my mind off of all those books that seem too far out of  my reach that are coming out this summer.  Crazy right?! I just can't help it! Maybe it's the fact that I can't have them yet? Nah! It's because they're going to be great books! So tell me, tell me, tell me!!!! What are you hot for? What's on your summer list? What can you not stand to wait for any longer? Yes, I know I'm kind of pushing the border with The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer but that one I can't wait for either so I just had to include it! And some of these covers, aren't they just gorgeous! Oh, I can't wait! Until those dog days of summer...

Review: The Replacement

The Replacement

by

Brenna Yovanoff

Let me start by saying that when I started this book, I was ready to read this book. I have a massive to-be-read pile so when I picked this one, I was in the mood. Yet, I just couldn't get into the story. I actually had to set this book down and walk away. Determined to finish, I came back, only to run into the same problem. I pushed through and finally, around page 150ish it got somewhat more understandable? Hmm, maybe that's not the right choice of words, but honestly, I just don't know what is.

Mackie isn't normal. There is something different about him. Something that makes him not like one of us. He has fatal allergies to iron, blood, and consecrated ground. All he wants to be is normal. Human. Mackie was left as a Replacement. He took the spot of a human baby sixteen years ago. You must understand that even though he lives in a small town called Gentry, that's not where he's from. He's from a world we could never imagine. A world of dark, and dead. Evil? Hmm... Maybe some, maybe a lot. His mother that has raised him believes they are all evil. Mackie has met some of the dead from the world that he came from. He's not so sure.

 Now, he just wants to go to school and have normal friends. He has a special interest in a girl named Tate. Thing is, Tate's sister came up missing, and Mackie thinks he knows who's behind it.

3/5 Stars. 343 pages. Published by Razorbill. Purchased at Borders.

Winner of Hex, A Witch and Angel Tale!

Thank you to all those who entered! I wish everyone could have a copy, but sadly, there is only one winner. This really is a fantastic book and I urge everyone to go read it! Now, on to the winner!

Congratulations to:

Allison Cole!

In My Mailbox (19)

What is "In My Mailbox"?In My Mailbox is a weekly meme. What is a meme, you ask. The simple description is  "an idea that spreads quickly." Usually the creator of the meme asks for other people to participate and ultimately link back to the person that started the meme. Memes shouldn't be confused with "features." There are some features that are somewhat exclusive to certain blogs, be courteous and don't steal content.

The idea of In My Mailbox is to bring books to the attention of our blog readers and to encourage interaction with other blogs.  Here's what I got this week, how about you? And  while your commenting, won't you be a follower too? Here's what I got  this week:

From Jennifer Laurens:

Bought:

I did good this week! I only bought one book! That's very hard to do for me! That won't happen next week!

My husband thinks that I get a book in the mail everyday. If only I could read that fast!

Review: The Red Tree

The Red Tree

by

Caitlin Kiernan

I must start out by saying shame on me due to the fact that I allowed this book to set on my to-be-read stack for so long. This is one with words that will take you from your seat and carry you into the story so deep, you will feel like you are there. That's true passion in the written form.

Sarah Crowe has moved onto a quaint piece of property down some back roads in Rhode Island. Coming from Atlanta, this is quite a change, but she seems to like it. This is just what she needed. The hot summer days with no air conditioner forces her to go into the cellar one day where she stumbles upon an unfinished manuscript by the previous renter. The librarian of the town tells her he killed himself but it's not her story to tell. If Sarah wants to know, then to go ask the landlord.

He hung himself from the huge magnificent oak out back. That's it. That's all anyone knows. Sarah, being a writer herself, and who is supposed to be working on her own manuscript decides instead to start reading his which is thus in fact about the tree which he hung himself from. Haunted? Possessed? It's a tree! Really?

As the heat stricken days go by, Sarah ends up getting a roommate she didn't anticipate but over time comes to enjoy having. Together, they not so much as learn about the tree as that the tree decides to play tricks on them. Eventually, you don't even know what to believe and the only thing they have to help them is that unfinished manuscript. Even that isn't much help. But it's all they got.

5/5 Stars. 380 Pages. Published by Penguin Group. Purchased at Amazon

Author Interview with Ramona Wray and Giveaway

I want to first thank and give a warm welcome to Ramona! Thank you so much Ramona, for joining me here, on my blog!

Let's start with the basics!

1. Tell us a little about yourself.
Hi, guys. Jodie, thank you for having me. Well, I was born and raised in Romania, which was great; I actually spent my 20th birthday at Dracula’s Castle (but no, the big man didn’t put in an appearance...). My first love is writing, but I also like to travel as much as I can. I also draw, play the piano a little, and never miss an opportunity to go out dancing (I love salsa). I’m married and have a son.

2. How exciting! Now tell us, where did you get the idea for Hex, A Witch and Angel Tale?
I get my best ideas in the shower. No kidding! I figured it has something to do with me being a water sign (cancer), because I always brim with ideas in the shower. So that’s where I was when I first thought of Hex.
3. Do you have a certain place where you prefer to do your writing?
Not in the shower, obviously :) But no, I write wherever I can. I’m a mom with a very busy daily schedule, so when I do find a spare moment, I get right on it. I never feel like there are enough hours in a day, if you know what I mean.
4. Are you currently working on anything now?
Yes and no. I have this idea for a new story, but I’m at that stage where I still get to know my characters. It’s a fun time; for instance, I’ll stop in the middle of a conversation and rush to jot down ideas, dialogue, and stuff that will never go in the book. Like I said, I’m just acquainting myself with this brand new set of characters. I expect I’ll have a new novel finished in a few months.
 5. Do you think you'll always stick to writing YA? Oh yeah, definitely. I’m totally incapable of writing for adults. I feel there’s nothing I could tell them that they don’t already know.

6. Living in Moscow, you've found a passion for pie. What's your favorite?
Mmm, pie! I make it from scratch, as often as I can, and eat it in what my husband calls “industrial quantities”. My favorite? It’s a tie between raspberry and chocolate cream.
 7. Favorite books?
I love “Sense and Sensibility”. “The American”, by Henry James. “The Lady of the Camellias”, by Al. Dumas fils. And then I love the contemporary stuff - Annette Curtis Klause blows me away. Jenny Downham’s “Before I Die”. Sarah Rees Brennan, Holly Black, Cassandra Clare. There are too many authors (and books) to count!
 8. Hobbies or special interests? I like to run, and I try to do it daily (though, lately, I haven’t). I like art, so I’ll never miss an opportunity to spend some time in a gallery, or at a museum. I have a thing for ballet, and I like to go whenever I can.
 9. Favorite music bands or singers? Again, too many to count. I’m a big fan of the 60’s music. Other than that, I listen to Snow Patrol, Linkin Park, Dashboard Confessional, Placebo, The Kooks, The Decemberists ... and many, many others.

10. What's your most rewarding experience since getting published? It’s all been great, you know. My son asked me one night to switch his usual fairy tale for something out of “my pink book”. But generally speaking, it’s people’s response to Hex. They’re interested to know, to read it, to email me about it. It’s a great feeling.
11. How important do you think it is to read and tell stories to our children?
Extremely important, I’d say. I have a six year-old boy who is autistic, and who likes his routine very much. It comforts him to know that, before going to sleep, mommy will read a story to him. And it’s a beneficial exercise all around - not only does it improve his vocabulary and the ability to express himself but, on a basic level, it provides me with an easier way to explain abstract concepts, such as “good” and “bad”, and the relationship between actions and consequences. Obviously, my son is different. With most children, it’s a way to bond with their parents, a time to ask a million questions, and to exercise their imagination. I’d say, reading to your child on a daily basis is one of the best things you could do for him or her.

Thanks so much Ramona! Curious to know more about Ramona Wray? Check out her blog,website, add her on Facebook or become her friend on Goodreads. Check out my review. You can purchase at Amazon.

Now, let's hear about the story!
Like most girls at Rosemound High School, seventeen-year-old Lily Crane is acutely aware of Ryder Kingscott. Hands down the cutest guy in school, Ryder is cool, mysterious, and utterly untouchable... especially for Lily. For when she touches someone, Lily instantly learns all about their lives. And while such a skill might seem nifty, in truth it is wrecking Lily's life. So she is shocked when Ryder asks her out-and even more shocked to discover he has a rival. Lucian Bell is the gorgeous new kid who can't take his eyes off of Lily. Being pursued by two hotties should make a girl happy, but Lily is skeptical. The boys act as if they've met before, hating each other with a passion that could only be rooted in a dark, dangerous past. A past full of terrible secrets. The kind of secrets that could get a girl killed.

One copy of Hex, A Witch and Angel Tale is up for grabs!

US only.

You must be a follower.

Enter HERE
Giveaway will end 3/6 at midnight