GIVEAWAY! Freedom Giveaway Hop!

STOP #82

The Freedom Giveaway Hop is hosted by I Am A Reader, Not A Writer  and Simply Stacie.net  It takes place from July 1st to 7th.    There are hundreds of blogs participating and each has their own rules, so be sure to stop by each one and enter!

Here is what I am giving away:

 WITHER By Lauren DeStefano (ARC)

 

Nice and Mean by Jessica Leader

WANT TO WIN THESE TWO BOOKS?

Contest is open to anyone over 13 years old with a reliable mailing address (PO Boxes OK!)

Contest ends on 7.7.11 Winner will be chosen by Random.org on 7.8.11

Winner will have 48 hours to respond to email or a new winner will be chosen.

This giveaway is sponsored by ME

If mailing costs to your country is prohibitive, I may opt to substitute a book of your choice from the Book Depository gift card (up to $15)

Complete the below form

Follow Me

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+1 for social networking  this giveaway and leave me a link (blog, twitter, facebook, etc) up to 4 times.

REVIEW: Wolfsbane by Andrea Cremer

Description

This thrilling sequel to the much-talked-about Nightshade begins just where it ended-Calla Tor wakes up in the lair of the Searchers, her sworn enemy, and she's certain her days are numbered. But then the Searchers make her an offer-one that gives her the chance to destroy her former masters and save the pack-and the man-she left behind. Is Ren worth the price of her freedom? And will Shay stand by her side no matter what? Now in control of her own destiny, Calla must decide which battles are worth fighting and how many trials true love can endure and still survive.

About the Author

Andrea Cremer lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where she's a professor in the history department at Macalester College. Wolfsbane is her second novel.

Details

• Reading level: Young Adult
• Hardcover: 400 pages
• Publisher: Philomel (July 26, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0399254838
• ISBN-13: 978-0399254833

SOURCE:  Book It Forward ARC Tours

MY THOUGHTS
ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT

After escaping from her betrothal to Ren, Calla wakes up in her enemy's, the Searchers, stronghold. As Calla regains her strength and starts to question what happened, she is reunited with Shay. As Calla starts to trust the Searchers and slowly realizes the lies she has been told by the Guardians.  The first part of the book details the truths and falsehoods of each group, but I still had a bit of a feeling that all is not what it seems in either camp.  Calla is now faced with mixed feelings about Shay and Ren once she learns that Ren has helped her escape.  The last part of the book is fully action packed so much that your heart will race until you turn the last page.

This book leaves us with a major dilemma facing Calla about Ren and Shay as to which one really holds her heart.  Shay makes her feel giddy and in love, while Ren inspires the steady love that she has always known.  Ren does not make any real appearances in this book, but he is there in the background and a central force in Calla's actions.  So yes, you are faced with a triangle which I hope will be worked out in book three.  I have extremely mixed feelings about Ren and Shay in which neither seem exactly right for Calla.  Calla, to me, is a typical girl, very confused and yet strong when she needs to be.  She needs some answers instead of just acting on instinct as she seems to be doing in this book.  I really hope all of my questions are answered in the next installment.

Yes, I know the cover I used has been changed, but I like this one better.

Waiting on Wednesday: After Obsession by Carrie Jones & Steven Wedel

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

Description

Aimee and Alan have secrets. Both teens have unusual pasts and abilities they prefer to keep hidden. But when they meet each other, in a cold Maine town, they can't stop their secrets from spilling out. Strange things have been happening lately, and they both feel that something-or someone- is haunting them. They're wrong. Despite their unusual history and powers, it's neither Aimee nor Alan who is truly haunted. It's Alan's cousin Courtney who, in a desperate plea to find her missing father, has invited a demon into her life-and into her body. Only together can Aimee and Alan exorcise the ghost. And they have to move quickly, before it devours not just Courtney but everything around her.

Filled with heart-pounding romance, paranormal activity, and rich teen characters to love-and introducing an exciting new YA voice, Steven Wedel-this novel is exactly what Carrie Jones fans have been waiting for. Meet your next obsession.

About the Author

CARRIE JONES loves Great Pyrenees dogs, Skinny Cow fudgsicles, and potatoes. In addition to the New York Times bestsellers Need and Captivate and the third book in the series, Entice, Carrie is also the author of Girl, Hero; Love (and Other Uses for Duct Tape); and Tips on Having a Gay (Ex-)Boyfriend. Carrie grew up in Bedford, New Hampshire, where she once had a séance with uber-comedian Sarah Silverman. www.carriejonesbooks.com

STEVEN WEDEL is a high school English teacher, and lives with his wife and children in Oklahoma. He has written adult fantasy novels; this is his first book for young adults.
www.stevenewedel.com

Details

• Reading level: Young Adult
• Hardcover: 320 pages
• Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Childrens (September 13, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1599906813
• ISBN-13: 978-1599906812

BOOK TRAILER TUESDAY: Mercy by Rebecca Lim

REVIEW: The Duff by Kody Keplinger

Description

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

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

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

About the Author

"I always felt like the 'ugly girl' in high school, so when I was introduced to the word during my senior year, I knew I was the Duff. The idea of writing a book with DUFF as the title started as a joke, but when I realized that my friends felt like Duffs, too, I knew I had to write this story." -Kody Keplinger on her inspiration for The DUFF, her debut novel. Kody is now eighteen and attending Ithaca College in New York where she's majoring in writing and finishing her second novel to be published by Poppy in Fall 2011.

Details

• Reading level: Young Adult
• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Poppy (June 7, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0316084247
• ISBN-13: 978-0316084246

SOURCE: PUBLISHER

MY THOUGHTS
ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT

*** yes, some spoilers here ***

Bianca is a witty, snarky senior, her mother is a motivational speaker, her father works at a computer repair shop and they are not getting along.  She has extremely loyal friends that are both cheerleaders, blonde and gorgeous.  Well, according to Bianca they are, Jessica and Casey don't think that about themselves.  Welsey is the school heart throb and bad boy with a love em and leave em attitude.  When the two meet at the local all ages club, Wesley calls Biana Duffy and them explains exactly what it mean...Designated Ugly Fat Friend, Bianca reacts by throwing her drink in his face.  And thus begins a romantic entanglement that turns out to be something neither one of them planned.  Bianca is out to "use" Wesley for just one thing:  sex with no strings.

I am glad this book took on the issue of sex and love and how those actions impact teens today.   I don't think that teens are especially sexually active with AIDS and the spread of other STDs and this story actually says that if you are having sex, make sure it is safe.  I felt so sad for Bianca when her parents were breaking up.  Neither of them took her feelings into consideration and she didn't open up at all to her friends even when they asked and tried to push her for answers.  She instead retreats into what starts out as meaningless sex in order to fill the gap of her parents' love.  Except then the sex starts to mean something.

I really wanted to hate Wesley but found that he had the same endearing qualities as Bianca.  He was also trying to fix the loss of his parents (they traveled a lot) with sex.  Bianca called him a man whore which was probably appropriate, but she soon realizes she is just as bad as he is.  The whole premise of the Duff having sex the Hot Guy seems far fetched at first, but when you think about the size of the school (small) and they are such opposites, well, the whole thing just comes together and works.  This book is best suited for older teens since there is language and sexual situations.

AND THE WINNER IS: MidSummer's Eve Giveaway Hop

Elisquared --eliweibley

Be sure to stop by Eli to the nth Power HERE

An email has been sent to the lucky people named above (first part of their email address in case my note ends up in spam).  The winner(s)  has 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.

Thanks to all who entered.

PLEASE CHECK YOUR SPAM FOR THE EMAIL FROM BOOKHOUNDS @ HOTMAIL REQUESTING YOUR MAILING ADDRESS!

Didn't win?  Order your copy from my Amazon link:

AND THE WINNER IS: Uncommon Criminals by Ally Carter

AYDREA -- danceislove27

An email has been sent to the lucky people named above (first part of their email address in case my note ends up in spam).  The winner(s)  has 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.

Thanks to all who entered.

PLEASE CHECK YOUR SPAM FOR THE EMAIL FROM BOOKHOUNDS @ HOTMAIL REQUESTING YOUR MAILING ADDRESS!

Didn't win?  Order your copy from my Amazon link:

REVIEW: Fins Are Forever by Tera Lynn Childs

Description

On Lily Sanderson’s eighteenth birthday she’ll become just a girl—still a mer girl, true, but signing the renunciation paperwork will ink Princess Waterlily of Thalassinia out of existence. That leaves plain old Lily living on land, dating the boy she loves, and trying to master this being human thing once and for all.

Now that Lily and Quince are together, mer-bond or not, she’s almost content to give up her place in the royal succession of Thalassinia. But just when she thinks she has everything figured out, Lily’s father sends a certain whirlpool-stirring cousin to stay with her on land. What did Doe do to get herself exiled from Thalassinia and stuck in terraped form, when everyone knows how much she hates humans? And why why why is she batting her eyelashes at Lily’s former crush, Brody?

The seafoam on the surf comes when a merboy from Lily’s past shows up. Tellin asks Lily for something that clouds her view of the horizon. There’s a future with Quince on land, her loyalty to the kingdom in the sea, and Lily tossing on the waves in the middle. Will she find a way to reconcile her love, her duty, and her dreams?

About the Author

Tera Lynn Childs (Authora neo) is a newly discovered species of authorfish who always dreamed of being a mermaid but never got closer than a career as a competitive swimmer. She loves to spend as much time as possible in and around water (until her fingertips turn all pruny) in the vain hope that one day her legs will magically turn into fins. When stuck on land, Authora neo can be found writing in coffee shops across the country, prowling for cool mermaid gear on Etsy, and spending way too much time online.

Details

• Reading level: Young Adult
• Hardcover: 320 pages
• Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books (June 28, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0061914681
• ISBN-13: 978-0061914683

SOURCE:  AROUND THE WORLD ARC TOURS

MY THOUGHTS
ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT

***slight spoilers after first paragraph***



Fins are Forever hit the perfect spot with me and I enjoyed this one even more than the start of the series. The book starts out with Lily deciding she will give up her capacity as a princess on her birthday and live on dry land to resolve the conflict she has with her human side.  Things are going swimmingly with Quince and she finds the perfect career to strive for as a marine ecologist.  Of course, something goes terribly wrong when her wicked cousin, Dosinia turns up on her doorstep.

There are some almost slapstick moments in the book when Lily discovers herself stuck with her human hating cousin.  Doe has committed some unspeakable offense in the mer kingdom that causes her to be banished without any powers and is sent to live with Lily to redeem herself.  The big twist here is that Lily is the one to judge if Doe has been rehabilitated and can accept humans in her life.  Doe makes good on that one by falling in love with Brody who she promptly kisses.

The ending left a lot of things open and to me it seems that there is hope that  Lily may regain her ability to rule the mer kingdom.  I can't wait until the next installment.  I received this review copy at no cost from Around the World ARC tours in exchange for my honest review.

Waiting on Wednesday: The Space Between by Brenna Yovanoff

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

Description

Everything is made of steel, even the flowers. How can you love anything in a place like this?

Daphne is the half-demon, half-fallen angel daughter of Lucifer and Lilith. Life for her is an endless expanse of time, until her brother Obie is kidnapped - and Daphne realizes she may be partially responsible. Determined to find him, Daphne travels from her home in Pandemonium to the vast streets of Earth, where everything is colder and more terrifying. With the help of the human boy she believes was the last person to see her brother alive, Daphne glimpses into his dreams, discovering clues to Obie's whereabouts. As she delves deeper into her demonic powers, she must navigate the jealousies and alliances of the violent archangels who stand in her way. But she also discovers, unexpectedly, what it means to love and be human in a world where human is the hardest thing to be.

This second novel by rising star Brenna Yovanoff is a story of identity, discovery, and a troubled love between two people struggling to find their place both in our world and theirs.

About the Author

Brenna Yovanoff's (www.brennayovanoff.com) debut novel, The Replacement, was an instant New York Times bestseller. She has an MFA in creative writing from Colorado State University and currently lives in Denver.

Details

• Reading level: Young Adult
• Hardcover: 352 pages
• Publisher: Razorbill (November 15, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1595143394
• ISBN-13: 978-1595143396

Another awesome cover from Brenna Yovanoff -- Another book I NEED right now....

BOOK TRAILER TUESDAY: The Duff by Kody Keplinger

GIVEAWAY! Mid Summer's Eve Giveaway Hop!

STOP #121

The Splash Into Summer Giveaway Hop is hosted by I Am A Reader, Not A Writer . It takes place from June 21st to 24th.    There are hundreds of blogs participating and each has their own rules, so be sure to stop by each one and enter!

Here is what I am giving away:

Viola in the Spotlight by Adriana Trigiani

and...

Prom & Prejudice by Elizabeth Eulberg (ARC)

WANT TO WIN THESE TWO BOOKS?

Contest is open to anyone over 13 years old with a reliable mailing address (PO Boxes OK!)

Contest ends on 6.24.11 Winner will be chosen by Random.org on 6.25.11

Winner will have 48 hours to respond to email or a new winner will be chosen.

This giveaway is sponsored by ME

If mailing costs to your country is prohibitive, I may opt to substitute a book of your choice from the Book Depository gift card (up to $15)

Complete the below form

Follow Me

Extra Entries

+1 Follow me on Twitter HERE 

+1 Like BookHounds on Facebook HERE 

+1 for social networking  this giveaway and leave me a link (blog, twitter, facebook, etc)

GIVEAWAY & REVIEW: Forgotten by Cat Patrick

Description

Each night at precisely 4:33 am, while sixteen-year-old London Lane is asleep, her memory of that day is erased. In the morning, all she can "remember" are events from her future. London is used to relying on reminder notes and a trusted friend to get through the day, but things get complicated when a new boy at school enters the picture. Luke Henry is not someone you'd easily forget, yet try as she might, London can't find him in her memories of things to come.

When London starts experiencing disturbing flashbacks, or flash-forwards, as the case may be, she realizes it's time to learn about the past she keeps forgetting-before it destroys her future.

About the Author

On a rainy November morning, new baby sleep deprived, Cat Patrick forgot what she was doing. She retraced her steps but instead of remembering, the idea for Forgotten was born.

Cat lives near Seattle with her husband and twin daughters who now, thankfully, sleep through the night. Forgotten is her debut novel. 

Details

• Reading level: Young Adult
• Hardcover: 304 pages
• Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers (June 7, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0316094617
• ISBN-13: 978-0316094610

SOURCE:  PUBLISHER

MY THOUGHTS

ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT

"I remember forwards and forget backwards."  London Lane has a traumatic experience in her past that causes her mind to reset at 4:33 every morning.  She doesn't remember anything that happened to her in the past and gets glimpses into her future that are disturbing movies in her mind.  Resorting to notes, her cell phone with reminders programmed and her best friend, Jamie, she tries to live a normal teen life.  Doomed to know the future of herself and those around her which makes her feel helpless for her inability to change the outcome of a situation, she lives as an outsider, afraid to let anyone get close to her and discover her secret.

When Luke Henry starts at her school, she is immediately attracted to him and is worried that she can't see him in her future the same she foresees others.  She assumes he must not be the guy for her and pushes him away even though she has immense feelings for him.  Finding strength she didn't know existed and with the help of Luke, she starts to uncover her lost memories and discovers the real truth of her memory issues.  There are some really unexpected twists in the plot that really caught me off guard.  I was expecting a typical teen romance, but this turned into a bit of a psychological thriller and mystery which was above and beyond normal teen books.  

This is probably one of the best books I have read this year in the teen category.  It is unique and the writing is excellent.  There is a perfect balance between romance and mystery that draws you in and hits you when you least expect it.  Yes, the romance between Luke and London is sweet, but the mystery of London's mind is what truly keeps you hooked.  I am not going to give away the details of what London uncovers, but it does have an unexpected happy ending.  This is one creatively crafted story.  I can't even compare it to anything I've read this year since it is so different than anything I have read so far.  

WANT TO WIN A COPY OF THIS BOOK?

Contest is open to anyone over 13 years old with a reliable mailing address
(International & PO Boxes OK!)

Contest ends on 7.5.11 Winner will be chosen by Random.org on 7.6.11

Winner will have 48 hours to respond to email or a new winner will be chosen.

This giveaway is sponsored by the publisher and ME.

Complete the below form

Follow Me

Extra Entries

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+1 Be my friend on Goodreads HERE

+1 for social networking  this giveaway and leave me a link (blog, twitter, facebook, etc)
Extra Entries for Cat Patrick

+1 Follow her on twitter HERE
+1 Like Forgotten on Facebook HERE
+1 Fan on Goodreads HERE
+1 Follow the blog HERE(hint:  click on the bubble that says Cat Patrick, Author and you can link to all of her accounts!)

GIVEAWAY! $25 gift card to Kobo.com eBook Store!

THE ALL NEW KOBO eREADER™ TOUCH

Now is your chance to check out the all new Kobo eReader Touch and the Kobo.com ebook store!   The books purchased at Kobo.com work across multiple devices with and easy to use downloaded app.  I just started reading books on my Blackberry and find that it is a wonderful thing to have when I am waiting in line or stuck someplace with out a book. 

Enter now for your chance to win a $25 gift cards to the Kobo.com store!

With a revolutionary new touch screen experience, Kobo makes eReading easier than ever and makes it even more accessible to people around the world. Created for readers by readers, the beautiful new design provides the ultimate in reading comfort and is the most portable eReader – thin and light, it travels easily anywhere.

Kobo has a catalog of over 2.3 million books, newspapers and magazines and over 3.6 million users worldwide. A reading lover’s dream, the new device boasts storage of up to 30,000 books with expandable memory.

With FREE eRearding apps - Read eBooks on just about any device - smartphones, tablets, computers, eReaders, and more.

From more information on Kobo, please visit www.Kobo.com

WANT TO WIN A $25 gift card to KOBO.COM Store?

 Contest is open to anyone over 18 years old with a US email address and ends 7.2.11
Winner will be chosen by Random.org on 7.3.11
Winner will have 48 hours to respond to email or a new winner will be chosen
This giveaway is sponsored by Kobo.com and there will be ONE WINNER!
Complete the form below!
Follow Me
+1 Leave a comment with an email address (you can do this daily for extra entries)
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 +1 Post about this giveaway on your social networking site and leave me a link here.  You can do this daily and receive an entry for each link you leave.  One per day per site.

+2 Blog about this giveaway and leave me a link

REVIEW: The Day Before by Lisa Schroeder

Description

Sometimes there's no turning back.

Amber's life is spinning out of control. All she wants is to turn up the volume on her iPod until all of the demands of her family and friends fade away. So she sneaks off to the beach to spend a day by herself.

Then Amber meets Cade. Their attraction is instant, and Amber can tell that he's also looking for an escape. Together they decide to share a perfect day: no pasts, no fears, no regrets.

The more time that Amber spends with Cade, the more she's drawn to him. And the more she's troubled by his darkness. Because Cade's not just living in the now--he's living each moment like it's his last.

About the Author

Lisa Schroeder is the author of IT'S RAINING CUPCAKES and upcoming SPRINKLES AND SECRETS (Aladdin, Fall 2011). She is also the author of YA novels I HEART YOU, YOU HAUNT ME (1/08), FAR FROM YOU (12/08), CHASING BROOKLYN (1/10) and THE DAY BEFORE (6/11), all with Simon Pulse. She lives in Beaverton, Oregon.  Find out more about Lisa and her books at http://www.lisaschroederbooks.com/

Details

• Reading level: Young Adult
• Hardcover: 320 pages
• Publisher: Simon Pulse (June 28, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1442417439
• ISBN-13: 978-1442417434

SOURCE:  AROUND THE WORLD ARC TOURS

MY THOUGHTS
ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT

I am always amazed at Lisa Schroeder's books which are written in verse.  They can convey so much emotion in so very little words.  I would think it is next to impossible to get across a complete story with so few passages, but like a song, you get everything.  There are two major twists to this story, ones that I have not seen in a young adult book before.

The story is two lost souls meeting and understanding each other like no other has understood them before.  Amber has been hit with some horrible news about her life and runs away to spend the day at the beach to understand what this means to her.  She meets Cade, who is hiding his own life and death issue and is trying to capture one last day on his own.  The two come together and give each other strength to get through their issues together.  There I did it -- no spoilers!

I received this book at no expense from Around the World ARC tours in exchange for my honest review.

Waiting on Wednesday: Beautiful Chaos by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl

 

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

Description

Ethan Wate thought he was getting used to the strange, impossible events happening in Gatlin, his small Southern town. But now that Ethan and Lena have returned home, strange and impossible have taken on new meanings. Swarms of locusts, record-breaking heat, and devastating storms ravage Gatlin as Ethan and Lena struggle to understand the impact of Lena's Claiming. Even Lena's family of powerful Supernaturals is affected - and their abilities begin to dangerously misfire. As time passes, one question becomes clear: What - or who - will need to be sacrificed to save Gatlin?

For Ethan, the chaos is a frightening but welcome distraction. He's being haunted in his dreams again, but this time it isn't by Lena - and whatever is haunting him is following him out of his dreams and into his everyday life. Even worse, Ethan is gradually losing pieces of himself - forgetting names, phone numbers, even memories. He doesn't know why, and most days he's too afraid to ask.

Sometimes there isn't just one answer or one choice. Sometimes there's no going back. And this time there won't be a happy ending.

About the Author

Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl live in Los Angeles, California, with their families. Beautiful Chaos is the third book in the Beautiful Creatures series, following Beautiful Creatures and Beautiful Darkness.

Details

• Reading level: Young Adult
• Hardcover: 528 pages
• Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers (October 18, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0316123528
• ISBN-13: 978-0316123525

BOOK TRAILER TUESDAY: The Hollow Trilogy by Jessica Verday

GIVEAWAY & REVIEW: Uncommon Criminals by Ally Carter

Description

Katarina Bishop has worn a lot of labels in her short life: Friend. Niece. Daughter. Thief. But for the last two months she’s simply been known as the girl who ran the crew that robbed the greatest museum in the world. That’s why Kat isn’t surprised when she’s asked to steal the infamous Cleopatra Emerald so it can be returned to its rightful owners. There are only three problems. First, the gem hasn’t been seen in public in thirty years. Second, since the fall of the Egyptian empire and the suicide of Cleopatra, no one who holds the emerald keeps it for long — and in Kat’s world, history almost always repeats itself. But it’s the third problem that makes Kat’s crew the most nervous, and that is . . . the emerald is cursed. Kat might be in way over her head, but she’s not going down without a fight. After all, she has her best friend — the gorgeous Hale — and the rest of her crew with her as they chase the Cleopatra around the globe, dodging curses and realizing that the same tricks and cons her family has used for centuries are useless this time. Which means, this time, Katarina Bishop is making up her own rules.

About the Author

Ally Carter is the New York Times best-selling author of Heist Society and the Gallagher Girls series, including I’d Tell You I Love You, But Then I’d Have to Kill You; Cross My Heart and Hope to Spy; Don’t Judge a Girl by Her Cover; and Only the Good Spy Young. She lives in Oklahoma, where she’s busy masterminding her next big heist. Visit Ally online at www.allycarter.com. 

Details

• Reading level: Young Adult
• Hardcover: 304 pages
• Publisher: Hyperion Book CH (June 21, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1423147952
• ISBN-13: 978-1423147954

SOURCE:  PUBLISHER

MY THOUGHTS
LOVED IT

Kat Bishop isn't really a thief, although it certainly looks like that after her debut in Heist Society.  This story resumes the tale of Kat and Hale with even more action and adventure.  The triangle between her, Nick and Hale works so effortlessly that the sparks created really move everything in the plot forward and is not forced at all.  Nick is a good boy overall, but he has a bad streak.  Hale is ever charming and you know he just can't be right for Kat, but she still has a thing for him or was that Nick?  Yes, dilemmas, although I think Nick and Hale care more for her than she does for them.

So Kat has decided to redeem herself by using her time on the road to return the Cleopatra Emerald to it's rightful owner.  There is a curse on the emerald and everything Kat has ever done or conned in the past just won't work this time.  She has to rethink her plans to make it work and boy, does this twisty plot work.  The conclusion is well worth the price of the book!  This book is for anyone who enjoys a light mystery and is appropriate for those over 11 years old.  I just thought this is wonderful!  

WANT TO WIN A COPY OF THIS BOOK?

Contest is open to anyone over 13 years old with a reliable US mailing address (PO Boxes OK!)

Contest ends on 6.24.11 Winner will be chosen by Random.org on 6.25.11

Winner will have 48 hours to respond to email or a new winner will be chosen.

This giveaway is sponsored by the publisher and ME.

Complete the below form

Follow Me

Extra Entries

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Waiting on Wednesday: Eternity by Heather Terrell

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

Description

As Ellie comes to grips with her destiny as the Elect One, her relationship with Michael grows tense. When she meets a mysterious boy names Rafe, things get even more complicated.

Yet the time has come for the Elect One to stand against the group of fallen angels who are bent on destroying the world. In order to face the immeasurable malevolence heading her way, Ellie tries to put her personal life aside. But she soon learns that whoever holds her heart also holds the key to mankind’s salvation — or destruction. As the end days approach, Ellie is faced with an epic decision. Who does her heart really belong to? And is her love strong enough to save the world?

About the Author

Heather Terrell is the author of The Chrysalis, The Map Thief, and Brigid of Kildare. Before she started writing, she worked as a lawyer, and she has more than ten years' experience as a litigator at two of the country's premier law firms and for Fortune 500 companies. A graduate of Boston College and Boston University School of Law, she now lives in Pittsburgh with her family. Fallen Angel is her first novel for young adults.

Details

• Reading level: Young Adult
• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: HarperTeen (June 28, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0061965715
• ISBN-13: 978-0061965715

BOOK TRAILER TUESDAY: Forgotten by Cat Patrick Diary #2

Pick my next read and giveaway!

GO VOTE FOR THE BOOK YOU WANT ME TO READ  AND GIVEAWAY-- UPPER RIGHT CORNER!

Description

Each night when 16 year-old London Lane goes to sleep, her whole world disappears. In the morning, all that's left is a note telling her about a day she can't remember. The whole scenario doesn't exactly make high school or dating that hot guy whose name she can't seem to recall any easier. But when London starts experiencing disturbing visions she can't make sense of, she realizes it's time to learn a little more about the past she keeps forgetting-before it destroys her future.

Part psychological drama, part romance, and part mystery, this thought-provoking novel will inspire readers to consider the what-if's in their own lives and recognize the power they have to control their destinies.

Description

Cute girls dig him. He has his own fan club

But he wasn't always this awesome. He used to be Mr. Comic Book, a resident of Lonelyland. So when he swtiched schools, he slapped on a grin and went from big nerd to big shot.

Meet Happyface. This is his journal.
This unique combination of text and fully integrated art follows the journey of a dorky, quiet, artsy kid as he reinvents himself after moving to a new town, where he's nicknamed Happyface. Peek in his journal and see the world through his hilariously self-deprecating eyes as he learns to shed his comic-book-loving, computer-game playing ways. Join him as he makes new friends, tries to hide from his messy past, forgives the people who have hurt him most, and ultimately learns to face the world with a genuine smile.

 Description

16-year-old Molly Dix loves her ordinary life in suburban Indiana, so when her single mother passes away, she is shocked to discover that her biological father is Brick Berlin, world famous movie star and red carpet regular.

Equally intrigued and terrified by her Hollywood lineage, Molly moves to Southern California and plunges head-first into the deep end of Beverly Hills celebrity life. Just as Molly thinks her new life and family couldn't get any stranger, she meets Brooke Berlin, her gorgeous and spoiled half-sister whom welcomes Molly to la-la land with a healthy dose of passive-aggressive "sisterly love."

Set against the backdrop of a sparkling and fashion-filled Los Angeles, this deliciously dysfunctional family soap opera will satisfy every reader looking for their next lifestyles-of-the-rich-and-famous beach read.

Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan are fashion writers in Los Angeles California. Their blog www.gofugyourself.com draws an average of four million readers a month, and their dispatches from the front rows of Fashion Week are routinely the most-read stories on New York magazine's web site. Heather and Jessica have been called "fashion assassins" by Joan Rivers and "a viciously funny duo" by the Hollywood Reporter. Spoiled is their first novel for young adults.

AND THE WINNER IS: Blogs of Wrath by Todd Noker and Zack Shutt

VVB -- vvb32


 Be sure to stop by VVB32 Reads HERE

 
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REVIEW: Love Story by Jennifer Echols

Description

SHE’S WRITING ABOUT HIM. HE’S WRITING ABOUT HER. AND EVERYBODY IS READING BETWEEN THE LINES. For Erin Blackwell, majoring in creative writing at the New York City college of her dreams is more than a chance to fulfill her ambitions—it’s her ticket away from the tragic memories that shadow her family’s racehorse farm in Kentucky. But when she refuses to major in business and take over the farm herself someday, her grandmother gives Erin’s college tuition and promised inheritance to their maddeningly handsome stable boy, Hunter Allen. Now Erin has to win an internship and work late nights at a local coffee shop to make her own dreams a reality. She should despise Hunter . . . so why does he sneak into her thoughts as the hero of her latest writing assignment?
Then, on the day she’s sharing that assignment with her class, Hunter walks in. He’s joining her class. And after he reads about himself in her story, her private fantasies about him must be painfully clear. She only hopes to persuade him not to reveal her secret to everyone else. But Hunter devises his own creative revenge, writing sexy stories that drive the whole class wild with curiosity and fill Erin’s heart with longing. Now she’s not just imagining what might have been. She’s writing a whole new ending for her romance with Hunter . . . except this story could come true.

About the Author

Jennifer Echols is the author of romantic dramas for MTV and romantic comedies for Pulse. She currently lives in Birmingham. Visit her on the web at www.jennifer-echols.com.

Details

• Reading level: Young Adult
• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: MTV; Original edition (July 19, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1439178321
• ISBN-13: 978-1439178324

SOURCE:  AROUND THE WORLD ARC TOURS

MY THOUGHTS
LOVED IT

***spoiler alert - don't read the last paragraph!***

Oh how I wish I had read the blurb before I read the book.  I must have skipped the first page or something since I was really confused and didn't think this book was for me since it seemed like a generic romance novel.   Princess Bookie told me to stick with and you know she was right.  I continued to read, smiled a bunch, laughed a bit and cried some.  I still can't put my finger on why this book hit me so emotionally, but it really did touch a nerve. I really think that it is Jennifer Echols style of writing that gets her point across without forcing it--it just flows naturally.  I last read Forget You and although that was my favorite book by this author, I think that this more grown up book has now taken my top spot.

Now to make this as spoiler free as possible since this review is way before the release date. Erin has lost her inheritance after sticking to her principles and studying writing instead of business as her grandmother wishes.  She stands to lose her family's horse farm as well as the money which is the only life she has ever known.  The twist here is that Hunter, her crush from junior high, has taken her place and is given her inheritance.Fast forward to a university in New York where Erin is working as a barrista  and living in a closet to to supplement her scholarship.  She is happily making a new life for herself without wealth and is doing fine until Hunter shows up in her advanced writing class.

Pay attention to those first pages of the story since they set the stage for the rest of the book. I had to go back and reread them. There are some really priceless passages and interactions between Hunter and Erin.  If you are looking for some drama, this book has it all, including a few swoon worthy moments.  Hunter is keeping secrets from Erin and those secrets come back to bite him.  Of course there are a few twists and turns to the happy ending (ok, I spoiled it now).  This is perfect summer reading!

AND THE WINNER IS: Splash into Summer Giveaway Hop with ZOMBIES!

Carina L. Tai -- alicia.aatra

Be sure to stop by DYSTOPIAN DESSERTS here

An email has been sent to the lucky person named above (first part of their email address in case my note ends up in spam).  The winner(s)  has 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.

Thanks to all who entered.

PLEASE CHECK YOUR SPAM FOR THE EMAIL FROM BOOKHOUNDS @ HOTMAIL REQUESTING YOUR MAILING ADDRESS!

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AND THE WINNER IS: Sisters Red by Jackson Pearce

DANIELLE  --  iqb99

An email has been sent to the lucky person named above (first part of their email address in case my note ends up in spam).  The winner(s)  has 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.

Thanks to all who entered.

PLEASE CHECK YOUR SPAM FOR THE EMAIL FROM BOOKHOUNDS @ HOTMAIL REQUESTING YOUR MAILING ADDRESS!

Didn't win?  Order your copy from my Amazon link:

Waiting on Wednesday: Forgotten by Cat Patrick

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

 Description

Each night at precisely 4:33 am, while sixteen-year-old London Lane is asleep, her memory of that day is erased. In the morning, all she can "remember" are events from her future. London is used to relying on reminder notes and a trusted friend to get through the day, but things get complicated when a new boy at school enters the picture. Luke Henry is not someone you'd easily forget, yet try as she might, London can't find him in her memories of things to come.



When London starts experiencing disturbing flashbacks, or flash-forwards, as the case may be, she realizes it's time to learn about the past she keeps forgetting-before it destroys her future.

About the Author

On a rainy November morning, new baby sleep deprived, Cat Patrick forgot what she was doing. She retraced her steps but instead of remembering, the idea for Forgotten was born.

Cat lives near Seattle with her husband and twin daughters who now, thankfully, sleep through the night. Forgotten is her debut novel.

Details

• Reading level: Young Adult
• Hardcover: 304 pages
• Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers (June 7, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0316094617
• ISBN-13: 978-0316094610