City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare

As I mentioned when I reviewed City of Bones, I am officially hooked. After reading the first book in the Mortal Instruments Series I was compelled to walk right over to my bookshelf and pluck the next one to devour and the situation is no different this time around. I have already started City of Glass this morning. I also thought that City of Bones was really well written but Cassandra’s writing style became even more fluid in her second book. Cassandra Clare has a way of making you feel like you are truly watching the story unfold in front of you. It’s like when you are watching TV and the killer corners the damsel in distress, she screams and then…..it flips to another story line/commercial. I felt like she did this to me a lot (and no I am not saying that there are commercials in the book lol). I was left going “Wait! What happened to *insert character here*?” and anxiously reading on to find out. The suspense is intense at times.

After the devastating realization that the guy she loves is her long lost brother, Clary is left feeling like the rug has been ripped out from under her. Everything has changed. Clary is a Shadowhunter, her best friend Simon is in love with her, her mother is in a magically induced coma, her biological father is a evil mastermind, and her mom’s best friend (her father figure) is a werewolf. Yep, I think we can say that Clary has her hands full at the moment.

Jace is also crushed to learn that the girl he loves is really his sister and he is not who he always thought he was. Now the second of the Mortal Instruments is stolen and the Clave thinks that Jace may be aiding his father, Valentine, in his pursuit. Now Downworlder children are turning up dead, drained of blood. Can they clear Jace’s name and stop Valentine before he can execute his plan?

Cassandra Clare really ups the stakes with this one and I love her for it. But Can I just say that in life when ever you want to tell someone something and they say “No, me first” DON’T LISTEN! Jace and Clary, you are killing me! I never thought I would be saying, “Who cares if you are brother and sister, you are clearly meant to be!” I know I am one sick puppy….lol Don’t be like me and put this book off any longer. If you have not picked it up run, don’t walk to your nearest bookstore/library and grab the series. You will not regret it. I know that I don’t!

Follow Friday

It is Follow Friday again! So if you are stopping by on your blog hop please Follow me. Then leave a comment somewhere in the blog with your blog info and let me know you are a new follower and I will return the follow! I cant wait to hop on over to your blog and check it out. Even if you are not a new follower please leave a comment somewhere on the site and I will be sure to return the favor ;) Have a great weekend!

Amy and Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson

I love road trip books and in honor of my upcoming road trip across the country I decided to post my review of Amy and Roger’s Epic Detour. This is Morgan Matson’s debut novel and it is fabulous. The attention to detail in this book is what makes it a five star read for me. The playlists, pictures, receipts, locations, and even the people they meet along the way all fit flawlessly into the story and make it that much richer.

Amy Curry has been dealing with the sudden death of her father. Amy feels responsible for his death and refuses to get behind the wheel. Her life in California has been tough since the accident, but it is also her home. Now Amy’s mother has decided to move the family to Connecticut. Her mother has left early to get there new place set up so Amy will be forced to make the trip across the country with the son of a family friend.

Roger has his own set of baggage he is bringing along on this road trip. A recent breakup has him all torn up and felt with issues of his own. He knows that he is making this trip because Amy can’t do it herself and he needs the ride to Philadelphia, but he is still not thrilled about it. Amy’s mother has planned out the trip down to the last detail but where is the fun in that? Roger and Amy agree to make a few unplanned stops along the way and soon Amy and Roger realize that life is lived in the detours we take. This book is about finding yourself and as they make their way across the country they are able to face their pasts and even find each other in the process.

I read this book a little while ago and I still find myself picking it up to reread some favorite passages. I can honestly say that this book is a keeper and I recommend that if you like a feel good book with twists and turns and a touch of romance this is a great book to pick up.

Versatile Blogger Award

I am very excited to have been given the Versatile Blogger Award not once but twice. The first was from The Book Bee. The second award is from About Books Blog. Thank you so much for the award! I love your blogs as well!

How this award works:

1. Thank and link back to the person who gave you this award.

2. Share 7 things about yourself.

3. Pass the award along to 15 bloggers who you have recently discovered and who you think are fantastic for whatever reason! (In no particular order...)

4. Contact the bloggers you've picked and let them know about the award.

7 More Things About Me

1. I am writing my first book...bit by bit

2. I have and MBA with a Marketing focus....yet my passion is reading/writing

3. I am moving from Illinois to California with no more then my dogs and a packed car in 2 weeks!!

4. I dont watch much TV but I refuse to miss The Vampire Diaries or Supernatural

5. I could not whistle until I was in my twenties...I guess it's just hard for some people lol

6. I have been to 9 different countries (I <3 traveling) but I have a fear of flying - Go figure *shrug*

7. I think that life is meaningless without passion. So please be passionate about something!

15 Bloggers I Will Award

1. Thesaleigh Truth Walker

2. Ronni' s Reviews

3. Must Love Books

4. Missy's Reads & Reviews.

6. Lu's Book Blog

7. Holes In My Brain

8. From the TBR Pile

9. Bree's Books

10. Book Lover's Review

11. Book Infinity

12. A Book Obsession

13. The Unread Reader

14. The Young Adult Literature Review

15. End of Story Next Book

Join the Street Team for Shadow Hills

Anastasia Hopcus has an amazing debut novel that if you havent read yet I highly recommend it. You can read my review of Shadow Hills here. She is putting together a Street Team for Shadow Hills and if you are interested in joining here is your chance. Just click here and fill out the form. Happy Monday everyone!

City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

Clarissa Fray “Clary” is expecting a typical night out with her best friend Simon when she heads to the Pandemonium Club. Clary certainly was not expecting to witness a murder, but she can’t deny that the strangest part about the situation is that no one else can see them but her. Clary is quickly thrown into a world that she never knew existed, where Shadowhunters are responsible for ridding the earth of demons. Jace, Isabelle, and Alec are Shadowhunters and they are just as surprised as Clary that she can see them. After all Clary is just a mundane human right?

When Clary’s mother is taken and Clary is attacked by a Ravener demon it is Jace who saves her and brings her back to the Institute. It becomes evident that Clary is not a “mundie” and her mother has been hiding more then she could have imagined. Now Clary, Jace, Isabelle, Alec, and Simon all have there part to play in the search for the Mortal Cup, Jocelyn Fray, and the truth.

I must admit that I was not happy about how a few things turned out (If you have read this you know exactly what I am referring to), but I am confident that it will turn out to be false. *clasps hands and prays “Dear God don’t let it be true”* Other then that little glitch I absolutely loved this book. It has a lot going on so it is almost impossible to put down. In fact as soon as I finished the last page I headed straight to the bookshelf to grab “City of Ashes.” I think my favorite character is Jace and not just because he is gorgeous. You can tell that he cares about Clary a lot as the story progresses but based on the hints to his background it is apparent that he has been conditioned to view love as a weakness. He fights his feelings and hides behind is cocky attitude to keep from being hurt (think about the falcon story).

To be honest I think that all the characters are really well developed within this series. The reader is really able to climb into their heads and understand why they are the way they are. Like so many other books this one was recommended to me a long time ago and I kept pushing it back. I really regret not reading this sooner. Sorry Ollie I should have listened to you!

Feel free to tell me who your favorite character is and why? I would love to discuss. Also no spoilers but if you can tell me if the “situation” gets better in book 2 I can stop mourning it…. lol

Oh and BTW – Most of you will laugh at me but now I get the whole MundieMoms blog name…I know I am not the sharpest tool in the shed lol

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

Warning if you have not read the first book in this series, The Hunger Games, this review will contain a spoiler or two. I started this book the same night I finished The Hunger Games. After much crying over Rue I was nervous for what the second book in this series had in store. Catching Fire was just as amazing as the first book even though I once again cried my eyes out about Rue when Katniss and Peeta toured District 11.

The Hunger games are now officially behind them. Now Katniss can move on with life right? Wrong. Her perceived act of defiance (that kept Peeta alive) has made her the catalyst for an uprising against the Capital. Katniss, "The girl who was on fire" has created a spark and now she will have to face the consequences. Suddenly Katniss has much bigger problems then her conflicting feels for Peeta and her best friend Gale.

On top of everything, it is the 75th anniversary of the Hunger Games which means that it is the year of the Quarter Quill. The Quarter Quill is a Hunger Games with a twist, which no one knows about until it is announced just before the reaping. This year the twist is worse then Katniss could have imagined.

I can’t wait for the third and final book in this series, “Mockingjay.” Like I mentioned in my review for The Hunger Games, I am glad in a way that I waited to start this series for so long because I only have to wait two more weeks to read the conclusion. I am a little worried about Peeta and Katniss. I really like Gale but he is no Peeta. Once again Suzanne Collins has written a story that pulls the reader in and creates a permanent connection with the characters.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

So after putting this series off for far too long I finally decided it was time to read The Hunger Games. Let me tell you I am kicking myself for not starting it sooner. The bright side is that the second book is already out and the third is close at hand so I won’t have to wait to finish this series. If you are looking for a book with a strong female heroin, edge of your seat suspense, or an emotional rollercoaster then this is the book for you. I have not cried from reading a book in a while (mostly because I steer clear of the tear jerker genre in general) but this one had me turning on the waterworks.

Katniss Everdeen is a 16-year-old girl living with her mother and younger sister (Prim) in the poorest district of Panem, District 12. Panem is what remains of the United States. Panem was once thirteen districts and a capital, but after an uprising nearly 75 years ago only 12 districts remain. The war that the district raged on the capital all those years ago is how the Capital has justified the creation of “The Hunger Games.” Each year, ever one of the remaining twelve districts must send one boy and one girl to compete in the televised event where they are forced to fight to the death. Only one will be allowed to survive.

The reaping (like a lottery) is a dreaded event by everyone in the district but it is especially troubling for Katniss because this is the first year that her little sister’s name will be in the running. When Prim is chosen, Katniss steps forward to take her place. Now Katniss along with Peeta are swept away to represent District 12 in the 74th annual Hunger Games.

I am a twilight fan so in the spirit of the Twilight mania going on in the world I am totally team Peeta! I <3 Gale but Peeta…swoon! ;)

Win it Wednesday

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Forgive My Fins by Tera Lynn Childs

This book was very cute. I have to admit that I found the fish slang to be a little hokey but other then that I enjoyed the story. The main character, Princess Waterlilly "Lily" is strong, loyal, and extremely stubborn, all good qualities depending on the situation. The only thing I found frustrating was her persistent denial regarding how she feels about Quince/Brody and how they feel about her. But I won't spoil the story for you by diving into that anymore. Quince was amazing! He is the other main focus of the story and I figure if Lily doesn't want him I'll take him :) The rest of the supporting characters were very well developed and really added to the atmosphere of the world Lily lives in and the situation she is faced with.

Lily is seventeen and quickly approaching her eighteenth birthday. It is on that birthday that she must be bonded "kind of like marriage" or she will lose her rights to the thrown. Lily is the only daughter to the King of Thalassinia, a mer-kingdom located about 45 miles east, off the coast of Florida. Lily has spent the last three years on land living with her mother's sister. After discovering that her mother was a human she wanted to learn more about that world. From the first time she saw Brody Bennett she was hooked (pun totally intended). Brody is hot (bonus), and at home in the water so he would make the perfect mer-mate as far as Lily is concerned.

Quince is Lily's next door neighbor and he drives her crazy. He has done everything in his power to make Lily miserable for the last three years. But through a cruel twist of fate she ends up being bonded to him instead of her crush. Now she has to convince everyone that they should be separated before the bond becomes permanent and Quince becomes a merman forever.

This was my first book by Tera Lynn Childs but I have heard good things about her other series, "Oh. My. Gods." If "Forgive my Fins" is any indication then I will have to pick them up. "Forgive my Fins," was a fun summer read and I recommend it to all. If you do enjoy this book you will be happy to learn that there is a sequel, "Fins are Forever" is set to release summer of 2011!

Deception by Lee Nichols

I was very pleased with this book. Lee Nichols delivered an excited page turner. Emma was a heroine that I could relate to and root for. Some of the best aspects of this story are center around the relationships that Emma has cultivated and even lost. Her best friend who no longer speaks to her, her brother who is also not returning her calls, the ghosts she befriends, and her complicated relationship with Bennett all add to Emma as a character and the plot of the story.

Emma Vaile's parents have left on a business trip which gives her the perfect excuse to cut loose. She gives into pressure from her new friends and throws a huge party at her museum of a home. And everything is great….until the cops show up. Her parents have been out of communication for weeks and Emma is not the only one who has noticed. So now Emma is handed over to Bennett Stone, a former friend of her brothers who her parents recently named as her legal guardian. Emma finds herself uprooted and moving to New England to live in Bennett’s home. Why is Bennett Stone, who is only a few years older (a long time crush of Emma’s), the one taking her in?

As soon as she arrives, Emma is enrolled at Thatcher Academy. She quickly settles into a new group of friends and then the visions start. Emma suddenly finds herself taken back in time to experience things she can’t explain. How can this town feel so familiar when she has never been here before? Why does Bennett seem to steer clear of her as much as possible? Murders similar to one from her past keep happening and she may hold the key to the mystery surrounding them. There is so much that Emma has yet to learn about herself, her past, and her future. With everything going on in her life, being a ghostkeeper is the least of her problems.

I think that the Haunting Emma series is going to be fantastic. I definitely recommend Deception! The next books in the series are Betrayal which is set to release March 2011 and Possession, which will be published late 2011.

Clarity Cover Reveal

I am very excited to post the newly revealed cover of Clarity by Kim Harrington! Clarity is set to release March 1, 2011. Make sure to add this to your to-read lists, if you haven't already. Have a great week everyone!

Synopsis: Clarity "Clare" Fern sees things. Things no one else can see. Things like stolen kisses and long-buried secrets. All she has to do is touch an object and the visions come to her. It's a gift.

And a curse.

When a teenage girl is found murdered, Clare's ex-boyfriend wants her to help solve the case — but Clare is still furious at the cheating jerk. Then Clare's brother — who has supernatural gifts of his own — becomes the prime suspect, and Clare can no longer look away. Teaming up with Gabriel, the smoldering son of the new detective, Clare must venture into the depths of fear, revenge, and lust in order to track the killer. But will her sight fail her just when she needs it most?

Sleepless by Cyn Balog

My Sandman must be a little too good at his job. I have to be his best charge. I love sleep and he has no problem dowsing me with sand each night (too the point where I struggle to get out of bed each morning)….wait, doesn’t that mean he’s not good at his job? Darn it! I bet Griffin is my Sandman! lol

As you can see, this story stuck with me. It was fun and sweet. I had a little trouble getting started with this book, but I will blame that on my busy schedule and not the story itself. Sleepless is about Sandmen (incase you couldn’t tell from my tangent above. Eron De Marchelle is a Sandman and he has been one for 100 years. This is the term that each Sandman must fulfill his duties before he (or she) can return to a human life and complete their unfinished business. Eron has always followed the rules, been a model employee. That is all about to change when he starts to train his replacement.

Griffin Colburn is dead, leaving behind his girlfriend, Julia. He was offered a chance to return to his human life after he completes 100 years as a Sandman. He is to be Eron’s replacement. Griffin is having a difficult time letting go of his life and Julia. When his best friend Bret sets his sights on Julia, Griffin is determined to prevent his advances. Eron now has bigger problems then inserting his 1910 experience2010 world. Eron will have to make sure than Griffin fulfills his duties as a Sandman so that Eron can become human while protecting his charge, Julia (whom he loves) from Griffin’s tirade. But spending time in both worlds is difficult and Eron never knows when or for how long he will be able to exist in human form.

Julia is dealing with the death of her boyfriend. She is once again in the spotlight. Her boyfriend’s best friend is suddenly making passes at her and now an incredibly hot stranger has popped into her life. Why is it that Eron seems so familiar to her? As her curiosity and attraction grows for Eron her life becomes more confusing and more dangerous.

The story is told from two points of view, Eron and Julia. I really liked this book, but I wish it had been a little longer. As I mentioned before I have been a little busy lately, but I had a hard time getting through the first 70 pages or so, which is a third of the book. After those first 70 pages I was hooked, but some might lose interest before then. Cyn Balog had a great plot for this book and I feel like in the end it turned out to be a great read, but she could have bulked this story up.

Follow Friday

It is Follow Friday! So if you are stopping by on your blog hop please Follow me. Then leave a comment somewhere in the blog with your blog info and let me know you are a new follower and I will return the follow! I have already had visited (and follwed) some great blog this morning. Yours could be next :) Have a great weekend!

Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins

I really enjoyed this book. After reading it I have become a big fan of Rachel Hawkins. She is hysterical! You should all follow her on twitter @LadyHawkins and her blog here. But back to Hex Hall and All of its Hexyness!

Sophie Mercer has been moved around her whole life. After an unfortunate incident at her prom, Sophie is once again headed to a new school only this one is very different from the others. Hecate Hall is a reformatory school for witches, shapeshifters, faeries, and even a lone vampire. Apparently, Sophie is not the only one who has a habit of getting into trouble.

Sophie lands a room with Jenna, who has a tiny obsession with pink (by tiny I mean this girl has a fixation bordering on crazy-lol). Jenna is at Hex Hall (what Hecate is commonly referred as) on scholarship, which in it of itself is reason for most of the rich snobs to hate her, but it also doesn’t help that Jenna is a vampire. Being the only vampire in Hex Hall creates some problems for Jenna when her best friend Holly is killed and she becomes the prime suspect. Holly’s coven blames Jenna for Holly’s death and they are determined to recruit Sophie to replace Holly. Unfortunately for them, Sophie likes Jenna and she can already tell that Elodie and the others are not people that she wants to associate with. Jenna and Sophie become fast friends. Then the body count starts to rise. Sophie knows that Jenna is innocent but can she prove it in time?

Enter Archer Cross! Can we take a moment and marvel at the simple hotness of the name “Archer Cross”……ok moving on. Archer is a warlock who is indisputably, the hottest guy at Hecate. Archer is also dating Sophie’s new nemesis, Elodie (despite her viciousness I do covet her awesome name). Getting sentenced to string of detentions literally locked in a room with Archer to catalog random junk seems like a blessing and a curse. Sophie can’t seem to shake her growing attraction to Archer. Could he feel the same? Sophie begins to learn things about herself that she never imagined. There are so many questions that unfold throughout the book. Who is Sophie really? And why are people being attacked at Hecate? Is Archer hiding more then his sudden feelings for Sophie?

Demonglass (Hex Hall #2) is due out March 1st 2011. I can’t wait! I can tell that this is going to be a great series.