Wednesday, April 28, 2010

BOTB

BABIES!! That's all I've been able to think about. Hubs and I aren't quite ready to start trying to conceive, but we are getting there. Unfortunately, I can't get babies off my mind. I've even been reading baby and motherhood blogs. What is wrong with me?

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Before I Fall

Before I Fall is a book by debut author Lauren Oliver. I'd been hearing awesome things about the book, so when I won a free book on Temeka's blog, I asked her to send me my very own copy. I've been putting off reading it for several weeks because I had so many library books to get through. I finally caught up with my library books so I got a chance to read it.

Sam (Samantha) is a popular girl. She has a hot boyfriend, super popular friends, and dibs on any and everything at her high school. Cupid Day starts off like any other day. She rides to school with her best friends, eats lunch with her boyfriend and heads to a party. That night, everything changes. What started out as a normal day, turns out to be her last day. Now she must relive her last day over seven different times until she gets it right.

I had really high expectations for this book. I knew a little about the premise before reading it, and I figured it would be a little strange reading about the same day over and over. It really wasn't that strange at all. I grew to like Sam. She grows in the book and you can almost see the wheels turning as she figures things out. She wasn't a lovable character, but she definitely was a likable one. I also didn't love her friends, but the plot was so good that it almost didn't matter. It's usually the characters that make a book great for me, but that wasn't the case with this book. The plot really grabbed me and I couldn't wait to see what would happen next. It also made you think. It wasn't a fluffy book solely for entertainment. This book made you think about the choices you make in life and how the effect others. Little things can make a big impact. I really enjoyed this book and I can't wait to read more from Lauren Oliver

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Shakespeare's Landlord

Charlaine Harris hooked me on her Sookie Stackhouse (TrueBlood) series. I read those books so fast that I was mad at myself for not savoring them. Since then, I've been meaning to read Harris's other series to see if they are just as good. I began collecting books from both the Lily Bard series and the Harper Connelly series. Yesterday, I picked up Shakespeare's Landlord, the first book in the Lily Bard Mystery Series.

Lily Bard has a new life in Shakespeare, Arkansas. She is working as a cleaning lady in the small town. She lays low, hoping to escape her past.

One night, Lily discovers the dead body of her landlord. Soon, suspicions begin to fall on her. If she doesn't solve this murder mystery then her past may be discovered and her life will fall apart. Or end.

This was a short book. I read it while subbing at a high school, so it's a quick read. I enjoyed it, but it wasn't as good as the Sookie Series. I figured out who the murderer was before Lily did, so there was no surprise. I am interested to see where Lily's love life takes her, so I will probably read the next book.

Sunday, April 18, 2010

The Awakening

After reading the first book in the Darkest Powers series, The Summoning, I couldn't wait to pick up the second book.

From Goodreads:

If you had met me a few weeks ago, you probably would have described me as an average teenage girl—someone normal. Now my life has changed forever and I'm as far away from normal as it gets. A living science experiment—not only can I see ghosts, but I was genetically altered by a sinister organization called the Edison Group. What does that mean? For starters, I'm a teenage necromancer whose powers are out of control; I raise the dead without even trying. Trust me, that is not a power you want to have. Ever.

Now I'm running for my life with three of my supernatural friends—a charming sorcerer, a cynical werewolf, and a disgruntled witch—and we have to find someone who can help us before the Edison Group finds us first. Or die trying.


This book was even better than the first. I have officially fallen in love with the characters. The boys are so fun and protective. Chloe is so kick ass and brave! I love seeing a teenage girl portrayed the way she is. She isn't angsty or boy crazed. She is smart, thoughtful, and just...awesome! I have to wait to get the third book from the library. I can not wait to get my hands on it!

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

The Summoning

A friend of mine recommended that I read the Darkest Powers series by Kelley Armstrong. Without asking any questions about the author or the series, I checked out the first book, The Summoning from my library. Usually if a friend recommends a book, I take her word for it and pick it up without hesitation. I love not knowing what I'm getting into and the surprise of it all.


The Summoning is about your "normal" teenage girl, Chloe, who just so happens to be able to see ghosts. She gets locked up into a halfway house for troubled teens. At the Lyle House, Chloe learns that these teens aren't just troubled and that there is more that meets the eye. With her eyes open the a world of supernaturals, Chloe is determined to discover the hidden truths about the Lyle House.


This book was SO good. I started it last night and was so sad to have to put it down to get sleep. After dreaming about the characters all night, I even skipped the gym today so that I could finish reading before work. I loved how unpredictable the plot and characters were. This book was not your average YA supernatural book. There weren't even any mysterious guys in Biology class! ::gasps::


As as I love YA books, sometime the teen angst really makes me want to hurl the book across the room. This was NOT the case with this book. I sympathized with the characters and I grew to love them! I love how this book doesn't revolve around selfish teens and their angsty love lives. Reading this was like drinking tall glass of water. It was satisfying, refreshing, and good for you.

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Love Is A Many Trousered Thing

Yes Georgia, love IS a many trousered thing. I have been fitting the Georgia Nicholson books in when I need to read something quick, light, and fluffy.This was the 8th book of the series and it didn't disappoint.
Georgia is a self-evolved, boy-crazed teenager who can't decide who she wanted to date. Masimo has just informed Georgia that he is single and ready to to be her one and only. Before Georgia can take this information in, the Sex God, Robbie shows up. Georgia experiences a world wind of emotions and can't decide who she like more.

I love these books so much! They are cute and laugh-out-loud funny. I love how Rennison has created her own language using words like "casualosity" and "glamorosity." I find myself using some of these words in my everyday life. If you ever want to laugh, pick up a Georgia Nicholson book!

Thursday, April 8, 2010

The Last Olympian

WOW! I still can't believe this was the last book. I fell in love with this series and now it's over. What will I do without Percy Jackson in my life?

The half-bloods have been preparing for the big battle between the Olympians and the Titans. Kronos's army is stronger than ever and the odds are not looking good for the future of the Olympians. The gods decided that fighting the monster Typhon should be at the top of their priority list. While the gods are fighting Typhon, Kronos and his army are advancing on New York to destroy Mount Olympus. Now, it's up to Percy and his friends to save Mount Olympus and protect New York City.


This. Book. Was. Awesome. I'm so sad that this series is over. I love how Riordan told us the stories of Greek Mythology without overwhelming or boring his readers. This was the perfect ending to the series. It was so fun watching Percy and his friends grow up and mature. I hope that Riordan gives us more from Camp Half-Blood.



My First GIVEAWAY!!!

If you actually read my blog then you know how much I love the book Hex Hall and the author, Rachel Hawkins. Well last week my friend Crystal from Crystal Clear Reading went to a book signing. Rachel Hawkins as well as Lindsey Leavitt, the author of Princess for Hire were there. Both authors are AMAZING people and were just so sweet. I just so happened to get one extra signed copy of Hex Hall to give away on my blog! What's better than a free book? A free autographed book! So, if you'd like to win this book, enter below! Good luck!!

To make it a little more fun, Crystal is also doing a giveaway on her blog! She is cooler than me, so she as three books to choose from. Go over and enter her giveaway to increase your chances!

Entry Rules

1. You must be a follower of this blog to win
2. All entries must be received by 11:59 PM on Friday, April 30th
3. You will have 48 hours to respond to my email if you've won, otherwise you will forfeit your prize and I will pick another winner
4. Winner will be picked by Random.Org by using the List Randomizer followed by the Number Generator


Tuesday, April 6, 2010

The Dark Divine

This book by Bree Dispain has gotten some recent buzz on the interwebs. I looked it up on Goodreads and the cover was so pretty that I decided to check it out. I rarely read the synopsis of the book until I'm already reading said book. I know, I'm backwards like that. Anyway, I had no idea what this book was about when I checked it out.

Grace Divine is the daughter of a pastor. She is a good student. sister, friend, and Christian. Three years ago, something horrible happened to her brother Jude. She knows that his ex-best friend, Daniel, has something to do with the secret that Jude is hiding, after all, Daniel's been missing for the pass three years. One day, the troubled Daniel shows up in their lives again. Jude makes Grace promise to stay away from Daniel, but she can no longer deny her attraction to him. Grace must learn what Daniel's dark secret is and once she does, it will change her life forever.


I finished this book at 2am, and I am still unsure about how I feel about it. I enjoyed the first half, but the ending was a little off. It wasn't rushed, but it didn't seem complete either. That probably makes no sense to you, but that's just it. It didn't really make sense. Usually I can tell by the ending of a book whether or not there will be a sequel, but with this one, I HAVE NO IDEA! So, I looked it up and there will be a sequel. It's a pretty good book despite the ending, so I plan on reading the next installment. Plus, I fell in love with Daniel, so I give it 3/5 stars.

Thursday, April 1, 2010

A Day of Vlogs - Part 1

So, my nestie friends and I decided to vlog this week. Here is part 1. Please excuse my frumpiness.