Spring Fling Giveaway Hop Win Emily the Strange Piece of Mind

Welcome to the Spring Fling Giveaway Hop! 

This hop is hosted by: 

I Am a Reader, Not a Writer (HERE) 

Eve's Fan Garden (HERE)

There are almost two hundred blogs participating and each has their own entry rules and geographic limits, so be sure to read the rules for each one.  This hop starts May 1st and and runs through May 7th, midnight.

HERE IS WHAT I HAVE FOR ONE LUCKY WINNER:

WANT TO WIN THIS ARC BOOKS?

Contest is open to anyone over 13 years old with a reliable mailing address

Contest ends on 5.7.12 Winner will be chosen by Random.org on 5.8.12

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

This giveaway is sponsored by me and ONE copy of each book is available.

Complete the below form 


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BOOK REVIEW: Welcome Caller, This is Chloe by Shelley Coriell @amuletbooks @ShelleyCoriell

Publication Date: May 1, 2012

Big-hearted Chloe Camden is the queen of her universe until her best friend shreds her reputation and her school counselor axes her junior independent study project. Chloe is forced to take on a meaningful project in order to pass, and so she joins her school’s struggling radio station, where the other students don’t find her too queenly. Ostracized by her former BFs and struggling with her beloved Grams’s mental deterioration, lonely Chloe ends up hosting a call-in show that gets the station much-needed publicity and, in the end, trouble. She also befriends radio techie and loner Duncan Moore, a quiet soul with a romantic heart. On and off the air, Chloe faces her loneliness and helps others find the fun and joy in everyday life. Readers will fall in love with Chloe as she falls in love with the radio station and the misfits who call it home.

About the Author

A professional journalist, Shelley Coriell has worked as a newspaper reporter, an award-winning magazine editor, and an association executive. She is a six-time finalist for the Romance Writers of America Golden Heart Prize. This is her first novel. She lives in Tempe, Arizona. Visit her online at www.shelleycoriell.com.

 Details

• Reading level: Ages 14 and up
• Hardcover: 320 pages
• Publisher: Amulet Books (May 1, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1419701916
• ISBN-13: 978-1419701917

SOURCE:  AROUND THE WORLD ARC TOURS


MY THOUGHTS
REALLY LIKED IT


*** spoilers ***


Chloe is a typical teen, has a few really close friends and is generally happy and upbeat.  Known for her ability to make others laugh and make everyone have a good time, she is dumbfounded when her absolute best friend Brie has spread a vicious sexual rumor about her and her school counselor when Chloe wins the Mistletoe Crown instead of her at the winter formal.  Her other bestie, Mercedes sides with Brie and helps pass around the rumor.  Chloe goes from being on top of the school social ladder to the bottom rung.  Chloe rebounds nicely when she is forced to help the school's radio station as part of her junior year project and becomes well liked again.


I loved how Chloe found her way right side up in this young adult contemporary tale.  I don't know if it is fully a romance, but since she falls in love with Duncan, a guy with a horrible home life, I guess I will have to classify it as one.  She also has a wonderful home life with five adoring older brothers and two professional parents. Chloe has a special bond with her grandmother who is experience a deteriorating  lifestyle because of Parkinsons disease and can no longer live alone.  There are a lot of really nice interactions between the two generations.  Duncan is a whole nother mess:  his mother is a drug addict and he is trying his hardest to work and go to school with his only outlet as the radio station and Chloe falls hard for him.


There is a band of misfits at the radio station and Chloe finds it easy to get through life since her home  life is so stable.  Her best friends accuse her of not caring or listening to them.  Brie's family is going through a divorce and she is losing everything which is the real cause of her starting the rumor.  The rumor is the major thing that didn't ring true to me in this day and age.  To me, this would have made front page news, especially when one student accuses a teacher of misconduct.  Where is the outcry from the adults?  There are a few twists and turns to the end with a climatic scene where the radio station is burned down and everyone hates Chloe again.  Overall, I found this a quite enjoyable read and look forward to more from this author.  There are mentions of drugs and alcohol and some normal kissing, so it is a pretty safe read for younger teens and should bring up some good discussion points. 

BOOKHOUNDS YA Stacking the Shelves April 28, 2012

Stacking the Shelves is a new weekly post by TYNGA'S REVIEWS showcasing your new books!

Here is what I got in the last week!

Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

TELEVISION TO BOOKS - I Am A Pole And So Can You! by Stephen Colbert @grandcentralpub

The Colbert Report	Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c
"I Am a Pole (And So Can You!)"
www.colbertnation.com
Colbert Report Full Episodes Political Humor & Satire Blog Video Archive

OK, so this is not a book that is going to be a television show, but a television show that now has a book! 

Book Description

Publication Date: May 8, 2012

"The sad thing is, I like it" - Maurice Sendak


"The perfect gift to give a child or grandchild for their high school or college graduation.
Also Father's Day.
Also, other times."


- Stephen Colbert

AND THE WINNER IS: Showers of Books

AND THE WINNER IS:



JENNIFER


.
Thanks to all who entered. 


She has asked me to pre order THE CITY OF LOST SOULS  which I snagged for 10% off at the Book Depository! It was a bit above my $10 limit, but hey, not much!  I may ask if I can borrow it when she is done LOL!  

AND THE WINNER IS: No Strings The Secret Me Book!

AND THE WINNER IS:


SHELBY!





An email has been sent to the lucky person named above
The winner 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!





PS - I cannot do another giveaway with comments -- the scrolling on my computer isn't behaving (this has to do with my internet connection) and everytime I looked for the winning comment, my computer would freeze up....SIGH!  

Fairy Tale Giveaway Hop!

Welcome to the Fairy Tale Giveaway Hop! 

This hop is hosted by: 

I Am a Reader, Not a Writer (HERE) 

VV32Reads (HERE)

There are almost a hundred blogs participating and each has their own entry rules and geographic limits, so be sure to read the rules for each one.  This hop starts April 26th and and runs through May 1st, midnight.

To celebrate FAIRY TALES in modern Young Adult Literature, I am listing my 3 favorite heroines and the books they appear in.

1. Cinder from Cindy by Marissa Meyer

2. Valerie from Red Riding Hood by Sarah Blakely Cartwright

3. Linda from Beastly by Alex Flinn (although Kendra rocks!)

HERE IS WHAT I HAVE FOR ONE LUCKY WINNER:

AND

WANT TO WIN BOTH OF THESE BOOKS?

Contest is open to anyone over 13 years old with a reliable mailing address

Contest ends on 5.1.12 Winner will be chosen by Random.org on 5.2.12

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

This giveaway is sponsored by me and ONE copy of each book is available.

Complete the below form 
Follow Me

Extra Entries

+1 Follow me on Twitter HERE 

+1 Like BookHounds on Facebook HERE 

Waiting on Wednesday: Endure by Carrie Jones @KidsBloomsbury @carriejonesbook

"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:

Book Description

Publication Date: May 8, 2012 | Series: Need

Zara is at the center of an all-out war, and an impending apocalypse. True, she’s successfully rescued Nick from Valhalla, but it simply isn’t enough. Bedford is being ravaged by evil pixies and they need much more than one great warrior; they need an army. Zara isn’t sure what her role is anymore. She’s not just fighting for her friends, she’s also a pixie queen. And to align her team of pixies with the humans she loves will be one of her greatest battles yet. Especially since she can’t even reconcile her growing feelings for her pixie king…

Unexpected turns, surprising revelations, and one utterly satisfying romantic finale make Endure a thrilling end to this series of bestsellers.

I am so sad that this series is ending.  I hope the author has something new for me to look forward to soon.  I will miss these characters! 

BOOK TRAILER TUESDAY: The Selection by Kiera Cass @harperteen @kieracass

Book Description

Publication Date: April 24, 2012 | Series: Selection - Trilogy

For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in a palace and compete for the heart of gorgeous Prince Maxon.
But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.
Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself—and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.

ADORED this book!  This has been optioned for a television show on the CW -- I hope it doesn't come out too cheesy!  

REVIEW: Whisper by Alyson Noel @mackidsbooks @alysonnoel

Book Description

This time, Riley might really have bitten off more than she’s ready for. After practically begging the Council for a more challenging Soul Catch, she is assigned an actual Roman gladiator—Theocoles, the Pillar of Doom. How is Riley, a skinny twelve-year-old, supposed to get through to him? Then she meets the beautiful Messalina, who convinces her that her only chance is to become part of this world. To accomplish this, Messalina helps Riley through a dramatic, mystical makeover, transforming her into the beautiful and mature teen she’s always wanted to be. Finally, Riley can experience her first boyfriend and her first kiss. With a dream this enchanting, will she ever want to leave?

About the Author

Alyson Noël is the author of Radiance, Shimmer, the Immortals series, and seven previous novels for St. Martin’s Press. She lives in Orange County, California.

alysonnoel.com

immortalsseries.com

SOURCE: NETGALLEY - Publisher

MY THOUGHTS

ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT

Riley Bloom is still in the Here and Now and on a new journey to help a soul move on. In this latest installment, Riley's inner most desire almost comes true. After she dies at age twelve, she thinks she will never, ever become a teenager and reach the magical age of thirteen. After Bodhi, leads her to her next challenge, he leaves her and tells her this will be her most challenging case yet. She travels back to ancient Rome in order to help a gladiator named Theocoles move over the bridge. When she is befriended by Messalina, whose uncle owns the gladiator school where Theocoles trains, she finds her innermost wishes suddenly being fulfilled. She now looks like a teenager and actually has her first kiss! There the story takes a strange turn and Messalina forces her to relive the day that Theocoles is killed again and again. It is a wonder that Riley can escape the madness that Messalina has created.

The word whisper plays an important role in this story, where Riley again outwits the souls she is entrusted to help cross over. The world of ancient Rome is seductively described by Noel and you really feel like you are in the Coliseum cheering on the gladiators.   I am so glad I just read that this series will continue for another book.  I so enjoy Riley's adventures.  This is safe for the youngest of teens and is a series that even the most reluctant of readers will get into.  I know since I have recommend this series to several kids who say they hate to read but ask me when the next book will be out!

Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Square Fish; First Edition edition (April 24, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312641567
• ISBN-13: 978-0312641566

BookHounds YA IN MY MAILBOX: April 22, 2012

In My Mailbox was started by The Story Siren!

Review and Giveaway!

GIVEAWAY & REVIEW: The Selection by Kiera Cass @harperteen @kieracass

Book Description

Publication Date: April 24, 2012 | Series: Selection - Trilogy

For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in a palace and compete for the heart of gorgeous Prince Maxon.

But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.

Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself—and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.

AAbout the Author

Kiera Cass is a graduate of Radford University and currently lives in Blacksburg, Virginia, with her family. Her fantasy novel the siren was self-published in 2009. Kiera has kissed approximately fourteen boys in her life. None of them were princes.

SOURCE:  Publisher


MY THOUGHTS
ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT





America Singer has been thrown into a reality television show to win the hand and heart of Prince Maxon. Living in a post third world war country that was once the United States. society has been divided between the haves and the have nots and broken down further into a caste system.  This story is actually closer to truth than fiction right now.  We have the class warfare, the war on women, and people who still go to bed hungry.  It scares me.  So throw in a bit of reality television like the Bachelor and it can get very intense quickly.  America is exactly the sort of anti hero that I have come to adore.  She is outspoken, tells the truth (mostly) and is trying to find her way in a society where she has limited options.  Her family will be paid for her entering this game show where she might end up with the prince and thus her family will be able to eat and have warmth. So in a Survivor like fashion, she wants to stay in the game as long as possible.  




I know, I know, everyone has been equating this story as a cross between The Bachelor and the Hunger Games.  I admit there are some similarities like the dystopian world of the Hunger Games and people starving, class warfare, haves versus have-nots and the like while bringing in the reality television version of The Bachelor.  Even if you are like me and never really watched those back stabbing television b*tches, you will know exactly what I am talking about if you survived junior high.  There are devious girls, like Celeste,  who will stop at nothing to attain the prize of the Prince.  Then there are others like Marlee, who aren't quite as obvious.  Prince Maxon, for all his worldliness, is not quite the player and has some really bad self esteem issues.  I think there is more to him than what is in the book so far and wonder how he will be developed.  


And just for fun, there is a wonderful love triangle between America's first love, Aspen, who is now back in the picture as a palace guard.  That plot points seems a bit too convenient for me and again it will be interesting to see where this story line ends up in the next installment of this trilogy.  Overall, there is not much for parents to worry about in this story since it just includes some kissing since there are regulations about most aspects of life.  I only remember alcohol discussed in a few instances, some discussions of violence (a boy is whipped for stealing food) and really not much else.  I really can't wait until the next one is released. 

Details

• Reading level: Ages 13 and up
• Hardcover: 336 pages
• Publisher: HarperTeen (April 24, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0062059939
• ISBN-13: 978-0062059932

WANT TO WIN THIS ARC BOOK?
Contest is open to anyone with a reliable mailing address and ends 5.5.12
Winner will be chosen by Random.org on 5.6.12 and announced on Fridays.
Winner will have 48 hours to respond to email or a new winner will be chosen
This giveaway is sponsored by ME!




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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WINNER! Autism Awareness WIN The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon

AND THE WINNER IS:


RON MARSH

An email has been sent to the lucky person named above
The winner 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!

Showers of Books Giveaway Hop WIN $10 credit to the Book Depository!

Welcome to the SHOWERS OF BOOKS Giveaway Hop! 

This hop is hosted by 

I Am a Reader, Not a Writer (HERE) and 

One a Day YA (HERE)

There are over a hundred blogs participating and each has their own entry rules and geographic limits, so be sure to read the rules for each one.  

This hop starts April 20th and runs through April 25th,  midnight.

HERE IS WHAT I HAVE FOR ONE LUCKY WINNER:

WANT TO WIN THIS CREDIT ?


Contest is open to anyone over 13 years old and living within the delivery areas of Amazon or Book Depository
This ends 4.25.12 midnight Pacific Time and the winner will be chosen by Random.org on 4.26.12.
Winner will have 48 hours to respond to email or a new winner will be chosen
This giveaway is sponsored by me for ONE WINNER.



To enter: 
Complete the below form
You MUST Follow Me

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Waiting on Wednesday: Before I Wake by Rachel Vincent @rachelkvincent @HarlequinTeen

"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:

Book Description
Publication Date: June 26, 2012 | Series: Soul Screamers

I died on a Thursday-

killed by a monster intent on stealing my soul.

The good news? He didn't get it.

The bad news?

Turns out not even death will get you out of high school...Covering up her own murder was one thing, but faking life is much harder than Kaylee Cavanaugh expected. After weeks spent "recovering," she's back in school, fighting to stay visible to the human world, struggling to fit in with her friends and planning time alone with her new reaper boyfriend.

But to earn her keep in the human world, Kaylee must reclaim stolen souls, and when her first assignment brings her face-to-face with an old foe, she knows the game has changed. Her immortal status won't keep her safe. And this time Kaylee isn't just gambling with her own life....

SOUL SCREAMERS The last thing you hear before you die

It seems like this will be the longest wait ever for a book I want....

BOOK TRAILER TUESDAY: Whisper by Alyson Noel @mackidsbooks @alysonnoel

Book Description

Publication Date: April 24, 2012 | Age Level: 9 and up | Series: Radiance (Book 4)

This time, Riley might really have bitten off more than she’s ready for. After practically begging the Council for a more challenging Soul Catch, she is assigned an actual Roman gladiator—Theocoles, the Pillar of Doom. How is Riley, a skinny twelve-year-old, supposed to get through to him? Then she meets the beautiful Messalina, who convinces her that her only chance is to become part of this world. To accomplish this, Messalina helps Riley through a dramatic, mystical makeover, transforming her into the beautiful and mature teen she’s always wanted to be. Finally, Riley can experience her first boyfriend and her first kiss. With a dream this enchanting, will she ever want to leave?

LOVED this book!

AND THE WINNER IS: Hoppy Easter Croak by Gina Damico

AND THE WINNER IS:


JAZMIN

An email has been sent to the lucky person named above
The winner 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!

No Strings Attached Giveaway Hop WIN The Secret Me Book

Welcome to the No Strings Attached Giveaway Hop! 

This hop is hosted by: 

Kathy @ I Am a Reader, Not a Writer (HERE) 

There are about 75 blogs participating and each has their own entry rules and geographic limits, so be sure to read the rules for each one.  This hop starts April 17th and and runs through April 22nd, midnight.

HERE IS WHAT I HAVE FOR ONE LUCKY WINNER:

WANT TO WIN THIS NEW BOOK?

Contest is open to anyone over 13 years old with a reliable mailing address

Contest ends on 4.22.12 Winner will be chosen by Random.org on 4.23.12

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

This giveaway is sponsored by me and ONE copy of the book is available.





The only thing you HAVE to do is leave a comment with your your email address or twitter name so I can contact you.  Although I won't complain if you tell me how cute Schatze is....


That is it!  


Easy Peasy!