Monday, August 30, 2010

New Release Tuesday

This is an awesome week for YA novels! I will have to lock myself in my room in order to read all of these books. I cant decide which one to read first. Any sugesstions??

Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

When sixteen-year-old Tessa Gray crosses the ocean to find her brother, her destination is England, the time is the reign of Queen Victoria, and something terrifying is waiting for her in London's Downworld, where vampires, warlocks and other supernatural folk stalk the gaslit streets. Only the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the world of demons, keep order amidst the chaos.

Kidnapped by the mysterious Dark Sisters, members of a secret organization called The Pandemonium Club, Tessa soon learns that she herself is a Downworlder with a rare ability: the power to transform, at will, into another person. What's more, the Magister, the shadowy figure who runs the Club, will stop at nothing to claim Tessa's power for his own.

Friendless and hunted, Tessa takes refuge with the Shadowhunters of the London Institute, who swear to find her brother if she will use her power to help them. She soon finds herself fascinated by—and torn between—two best friends: Jem, whose fragile beauty hides a deadly secret, and blue-eyed Will, whose caustic wit and volatile moods keep everyone in his life at arm's length...everyone, that is, but Tessa.

As their search draws them deep into the heart of an arcane plot that threatens to destroy the Shadowhunters, Tessa realizes that she may need to choose between saving her brother and helping her new friends save the world...and that love may be the most dangerous magic of all.

Nevermore by Kelley Creagh

Cheerleader Isobel Lanley is horrified when she is paired with Varen Nethers for an English project, which is due—so unfair—on the day of the rival game. Cold and aloof, sardonic and sharp-tongued, Varen makes it clear he’d rather not have anything to do with her either. But when Isobel discovers strange writing in his journal, she can’t help but give this enigmatic boy with the piercing eyes another look.

Soon, Isobel finds herself making excuses to be with Varen. Steadily pulled away from her friends and her possessive boyfriend, Isobel ventures deeper and deeper into the dream world Varen has created through the pages of his notebook, a realm where the terrifying stories of Edgar Allan Poe come to life.

As her world begins to unravel around her, Isobel discovers that dreams, like words, hold more power than she ever imagined, and that the most frightening realities are those of the mind. Now she must find a way to reach Varen before he is consumed by the shadows of his own nightmares.

His life depends on it.

Unraveled by Gena Showalter

For once, sixteen-year-old Aden Stone has everything he’s ever wanted:
A home.
Friends.
The girl of his dreams.

Too bad he’s going to die...Since coming to Crossroads, Oklahoma, former outcast Aden Stone has been living the good life. Never mind that one of his best friends is a werewolf, his girlfriend is a vampire princess who hungers for his blood, and he’s supposed to be crowned Vampire King – while still a human! Well, kind of.

With four – oops, three now — human souls living inside his head, Aden has always been “different” himself. These souls can time travel, raise the dead, possess another’s mind, and, his least favorite these days, tell the future.

The forecast for Aden? A knife through the heart.

Because a war is brewing between the creatures of the dark, and Aden is somehow at the center of it all. But he isn’t about to lie down and accept his destiny without a fight. Not when his new friends have his back, not when Victoria has risked her own future to be with him, and not when he has a reason to live for the first time in his life...

The Haunted by Jessica Verday

After a summer spent reclaiming her sanity and trying to forget the boy she fell in love with by the bridge where her best friend drowned - the boy who must not exist, cannot exist, because she knows that he is dead - Abbey returns to Sleepy Hollow, determined to leave the ghosts of her past behind.

Abby throws herself into schoolwork, perfume-making and her friendship with Ben, her cute and funny lab partner, who just might be able to help her get over Caspian once and for all. But Abbey is never going to truly be able to move on from Caspian and Caspian has no choice but to return to her side: for Caspian is a Shade and Abbey is his destiny. The two are tied not only to each other, but also to the town of Sleepy Hollow and the famous legend that binds their fates - a legend whose true ending and dark truths they are only just beginning to guess...

Halo by Alexandra Adornetto

Nothing much happens in the sleepy town of Venus Cove. But everything changes when three angels are sent from heaven to protect the town against the gathering forces of darkness: Gabriel, the warrior; Ivy, the healer; and Bethany, a teenage girl who is the least experienced of the trio. They work hard to conceal their true identity and, most of all, their wings. But the mission is threatened when the youngest angel, Bethany, is sent to high school and falls in love with the handsome school captain, Xavier Woods.

Will she defy the laws of Heaven by loving him? Things come to a head when the angels realize they are not the only supernatural power in Venus Cove. There′s a new kid in town and he′s charming, seductive and deadly. Worst of all, he′s after Beth.


Paranormalcy by Kiersten White

Wierd as it is working for the International Paranormal Containment Agency, Evie's always thought of herself as normal. Sure, her best friend is a mermaid, her ex-boyfriend is a faerie, she’s falling for a shape-shifter, and she’s the only person who can see through paranormals' glamours, but still. Normal.

Only now paranormals are dying, and Evie's dreams are filled with haunting voices and mysterious prophecies. She soon realizes that there may be a link between her abilities and the sudden rash of deaths. Not only that, but she may very well be at the center of a dark faerie prophecy promising destruction to all paranormal creatures.

So much for normal.

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Cover Love!

I just came across this cover and I was immediately drawn to the book. Unfortunately is not out until July 12th 2011. After reading the synopsis I immediately added this to my to-read list and placed in on my calendar so that I wont miss this book when it comes out next year :)

Bad Taste in Boys by Carrie Harris

Someone’s been a very bad zombie.

Super-smartie Kate Grable gets to play doctor, helping out her high school football team. Not only will the experience look good on her college apps, she gets to be this close to her quarterback crush, Aaron. Then something disturbing happens. Kate finds out that the coach has given the team steroids. Except . . . the vials she finds don’t exactly contain steroids. Whatever’s in them is turning hot gridiron hunks into mindless, flesh-eating . . . zombies.

Unless she finds an antidote, no one is safe. Not Aaron, not Kate’s brother, not her best friend . . . not even Kate . . .

It’s scary. It’s twisted. It’s sick. It’s high school.

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Shadow Hills eBook Release, Blog Tour, and Street Team Update!

Shadow Hills is available on eBook today!! So for all of you Kindle and Nook owners (ebook readers) now you can grab your eBook of Shadow Hills by Anastasia Hopcus! Let me say that if you have been waiting to read this book you are missing out. I loved it. See my review Here. To purchase your ebook of Shadow Hills visit Barnes and Noble or Amazon. Happy Reading!!!

And speaking of Shadow Hills…..the Shadow Hills Street Team website is still under construction. BUT the anticipation is starting to drive us all crazy so Anastasia has decided to post the first challenge. If you haven’t already filled out the form on her website to be a part of the street team then head on over and do it now. There is a link in her most recent post here.

Once you are all signed up you should receive your first mission via email. I will be heading over to my mailbox soon to check for mine. I hope to be at Adriana status soon and then I will be moving up to Toy…wondering what I am talking about? Visit Anastasia’s site and read Shadow Hills ;)

Also...
Dont miss the Shadow Hills Blog Tour
(As the dates pass I will try to update to direct links)

1. August 23rd - The Undercover Book Lover
2. August 24th - I Just Wanna Sit Here & Read
3. August 25th - I Heart Monster
4. August 26th - Aaron's Books
5. August 27th - Brooke Reviews
6. August 28th - Karin's Book Nook
7. August 29th - Tinas Book Reviews
8. August 30th - Anna's Book Blog
9. August 31st - Ellz Readz
10. September 1st - The Serpentine Library
11. September 2nd - The Book Vixen
12. September 3rd - Mundie Moms
13. September 4th - Notes in the Margin
14. September 5th - The True Book Addict
15. September 6th - The Story Siren
16. September 7th - Reading with Tequila
17. September 8th - A Fanatics Book Blog
18. September 9th - Only Sexy Books Allowed
19. September 10th - Tales of a Teenage Book Lover
20. September 11th - ReaderGirls
21. September 12th - Daisy Chain Book Reviews
22. September 13th - Confessions of Bookaholic
23. September 14th - The Fiction Enthusiast
24. September 15th - Presenting Lenore
25. September 16th- DJ’s Life in Fiction
26. September 17th - Red House Books
27. September 18th - Shut Up! I'm Reading
28. September 19th - Chick Lit Teens

Mockingjay is Here!!!

Happy Mockingjay Day! It is finally here! I know what most of you will be doing for the next couple of days. I had mine shipped to my new address in California so I wont even get mine until next week so dont tell me who ends up with Katniss. *oh please let it be Peeta* Happy Reading!

Friday, August 20, 2010

Never Cry Werewolf by Heather Davis

Heather Davis’s debut was not disappointing. I thought it was entertaining and fast paced. I would have liked some more relationship development between the main character Shelby and her love interest Austin but I still enjoyed the story.

Sixteen-year-old Shelby has had her fair share of boy troubles recently and it is her most recent tryst that has lead to her Father and step-monster totally overreacting and banishing her to a brat camp for the summer. Luckily she at least gets to select the camp but if she screws it up she will be sent to Red Canyon—aka boot camp from hell! So Shelby is off to the artsy Camp Crescent. The level of cheesiness is off the charts at this camp but Shelby starts to overlook that when Austin Bridges appears on the scene.

Austin is cute, charming, mysterious, and the son of a rock star….who could ask for more? Shelby soon starts to realize that Austin may be hiding a secret that she never dreamed possible. Even worse is that Shelby is the only person he trusts to help him keep his secret which means Shelby’s history of getting into compromising situations is far from over.

Heather Davis delivered a great debut novel. Things don’t wrap up as well as the reader usually expects but that just makes it more realistic (well as realistic as a werewolf book can be). I also think that a certain scratch could leave room for a second book which I would defiantly pick up but I have not heard if there is another one planed. If anyone knows, leave me a comment with details so I can add it to my to-read list. Happy reading!

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Fairest of All: A Tale of the Wicked Queen by Serena Valentino

While this book was very well written I found it hard to get through. I am usually pretty good at picking books that I will enjoy which is why most of the books I read/review get such high star ratings but this one was simply a bad choice for me. Don’t misunderstand, I think that the story was well thought out and interesting enough it was just not my taste. I don't have anything negative to say about the book. I was just kind of bored reading it.

The story focuses on the life of the Wicked Queen from the Snow White fairy tale. What could have made the Wicked Queen “wicked”? Where did the mirror come from and who is the man in the mirror who speaks to the Queen? These are the questions that will draw the reader into this book. The story takes place hundreds of years ago, it is not a modern retelling of the story. This is literally another side of the Snow White story that Disney produced in 1937. The characters were good and it held pretty true to the classic story near the end. I recommend that anyone who is thinking about this one pick it up and read the first few chapters in the store just to make sure you are going to like it. It is very "Disney" I hope that explains it.

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

City of Glass by Cassandra Clare

I finished City of Glass and I have to say that The Mortal Instruments is one of the best series I have ever read. City of Bones crushed me a little with the news that Clary and Jace were really brother and sister. I was stubborn though and I refused to believe it. I immediately ran over to pick up City of Ashes. City of Ashes was even more exciting then the first book in the series. It was in that book that I realized why everybody is always raving about Magnus Bane. He is a very….sparkly character. I of course was also driven crazy by the end of that book when Jace “lies” to Clary and says he will just be her brother from now on…You are killing me Cassandra Clare!

City of Glass picks up right after City of Ashes. Clary’s mother is still in her magically induced coma but now, thanks to Madeline, Clary knows how to save her and the only one who can help her is in Idris. The reader hears a lot about Idris in the previous books but we are never really introduces to it until this book. Despite Clary’s reasons for wanting to go to Idris Jace is determined to prevent her from going. Jace fears that Clary’s heightened Shadowhunter abilities will make her desired by the Clave. After an unexpected demon attack Jace manages to succeed in leaving Clary behind but ends up bringing Simon with instead. Let’s just say that the new Inquisitor is not too pleased to see a vampire come through the portal and he has some plans for Simon.

Jace may have succeeded initially but Clary being the determined person she is creates her own portal and ends up in Idris with Luke anyways. Shortly after arriving in Idris Clary meets a new tall dark haired boy who seems strangely familiar. Sebastian quickly offers to help Clary in her pursuit for the warlock who can help her cure her mother. Valentine is still moving forward with his plans to attack the Clave and Idris. He has the sword and the cup and now he just needs the mirror. The only way to defeat his demon army may be for Shadowhunters and Downworlders to work together. Putting aside there differences and petty jealousies may prove to be impossible. Only Clary seems to hold the key to uniting them against Valentine.

City of Glass is action packed and laced with declarations of love *squeal*. I can’t wait to continue this series with City of Fallen Angels which is scheduled to release April 5, 2011. At least I will have Clockwork Angel to tide me over in the meantime and I only have to wait 2 more weeks for it!

Friday, August 13, 2010

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!

Thursday, August 12, 2010

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.

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

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

15. End of Story Next Book

Monday, August 9, 2010

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

Saturday, August 7, 2010

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.

Thursday, August 5, 2010

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! ;)

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

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!

Monday, August 2, 2010

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?

Sunday, August 1, 2010

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.
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