ARC Review: Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins

Publisher: Dutton (September 29, 2011)
ARC: 338 Pages
Genre: YA Contemporary Romance
Stephanie Perkins's Website | Blog | Twitter

From Goodreads. Budding designer Lola Nolan doesn’t believe in fashion . . . she believes in costume. The more expressive the outfit -- more sparkly, more fun, more wild -- the better. But even though Lola’s style is outrageous, she’s a devoted daughter and friend with some big plans for the future. And everything is pretty perfect (right down to her hot rocker boyfriend) until the dreaded Bell twins, Calliope and Cricket, return to the neighborhood.

When Cricket -- a gifted inventor -- steps out from his twin sister’s shadow and back into Lola’s life, she must finally reconcile a lifetime of feelings for the boy next door.

Review by Kate
LOLA AND THE BOY NEXT DOOR, by Stephanie Perkins, is the adorable companion novel to Anna and the French Kiss. Lola is a girl with an intense eye for fashion, two gay dads, and a twenty-two year old boyfriend (Lola is seventeen). If her life wasn't full enough, her former best friend and crush, Cricket Bell, moves back into the house next door along with his ego-centric figure skating twin, Calliope. Their parting years ago stuck with Lola but with Cricket back in town, can she handle the rekindling of a former flame?

I had a great time reading this book. Lola was adorable, fun, and quirky. I loved her interesting style and her family dynamic with her two dads. She seemed to have a pretty stable head on her shoulders, minus the whole 'dating a guy in his twenties'-thing. From the beginning I really disliked the relationship between Max and Lola. I felt the same way everyone else did in the book in that dating someone five years older than you works later in life, not when one of the parties is a teenager. I found Max controlling and very insecure in turn suffocating Lola. On the other hand, I loved the history between Lola and Cricket and I yearned for them to get together! I liked how Perkins slowly revealed their past together and I think the idea of loving the boy next door is classic and romantic.

Along with a bunch of new characters, Perkins brought back Anna and St. Clair from Anna and the French Kiss, so I think fans of that book will definitely be pleased. Anna and St. Clair had a larger role than I expected but it was nice to have some connection between the books.

Without spoiling too much, I just wanted to say that this book is definitely one to add to your list before the year is out. Once I started reading it, I didn't want to put it down. Lola is a well formed character and one that I think teens can relate to. She is not 'the popular girl' but she does what she wants and what makes her happy. I loved her crazy fashion sense and it definitely plays a role in each aspect of her life. I give this book a thumbs up and I you will enjoy it too!

ARC Review: The Shadowing: Hunted by Adam Slater

Publisher: EgmontUSA (September 13, 2011)
ARC: 208 Pages
Genre: YA Paranormal
Series: The Shadowing # 1

Once every century, the barrier between the human world and the demon realm begins to break down. Creatures gather, anxiously waiting to cross the divide, to bring death and destruction from their world to ours. This time is called The Shadowing.

Callum Scott has always known that there is a supernatural world out there—he’s seen ghosts for as long as he can remember. Lately, he’s had visions of children being brutally murdered by a terrifying creature. Then the visions start coming true, and Callum realizes that he’s being hunted, too.

Driven by a dark destiny, he must stand against the demons that threaten our world.

And The Shadowing is almost here. . .

Review by Jess
THE SHADOWING: HUNTED, by Adam Slater is a fast pace story about one boy's journey to fight an incredible evil and protect himself and the ones he loves.

I was incredibly impressed by this novel. I liked the synopsis but was still a little hesitant. I read it and loved it! The plot was different and the characters had personality. I started the book and the next thing I knew I was done! It was definitely a fast read and it kept my interest the entire time.

I found that I really liked Callum and his grandmother especially! She was just the classic pain-in-the-butt-grandmother that you love so much. I felt that she was so real and not just a character in a book. The way she treated Callum was realistic and I didn't feel like I was reading fiction, I felt like I was watching a movie. I really liked Melissa. I felt like I could connect with her a lot, and her dictionary of the supernatural. She was just so nice and understanding. I would really love it if Callum and her got together, so let's keep fingers crossed!

Slater's writing was excellent and I am really looking forward to more from him. The entire book kept my interest from cover to cover and left me wanting more and making up predictions for the second book. I would describe this book as unique, and I would most certainly recommend it.

ARC Review: The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson

Publisher: Putnam (September 29, 2011)
ARC: 370 Pages
Series: Shades of London #1
Genre: YA Paranormal (Ghosts)
Maureen Johnson's Website | Blog | Twitter

From Goodreads. The day Louisiana teenager Rory Deveaux arrives in London marks a memorable occasion. For Rory, it's the start of a new life at a London boarding school. But for many, this will be remembered as the day a series of brutal murders broke out across the city, gruesome crimes mimicking the horrific Jack the Ripper events of more than a century ago.

Soon “Rippermania” takes hold of modern-day London, and the police are left with few leads and no witnesses. Except one. Rory spotted the man police believe to be the prime suspect. But she is the only one who saw him. Even her roommate, who was walking with her at the time, didn't notice the mysterious man. So why can only Rory see him? And more urgently, why has Rory become his next target? In this edge-of-your-seat thriller, full of suspense, humor, and romance, Rory will learn the truth about the secret ghost police of London and discover her own shocking abilities.

Review by Kate
THE NAME OF THE STAR, by Maureen Johnson, is a fantastic ghost story/mystery thriller involving one of the most notorious serial killers of all time, Jack the Ripper. Rory thinks that going to England for her senior year will be great, especially on a gorgeous campus but soon enough a copycat is reenacting the murders of the Ripper and leaving no evidence behind. Rory is the only witness to a strange man at the scene of one of the crimes but she seems to be the only one who saw him. Soon enough she is thrust into the dangerous world of the Shades with no turning back.

When I heard that this book was about Jack the Ripper I was excited because I think it is interesting reading about the psychology behind past serial killers and their crimes. But this book went well beyond my expectations. Johnson created characters that jumped right out of the pages and into my heart. Rory was a great main character and I became very attached to her situation. I loved her humor and blatant hatred for anything sporty. She cracked me up when complaining about her horrible hockey skills and it definitely made her seem very real.

Although it seemed that Rory didn't have much of a life back in the U.S. she definitely gained some really great friends and a possible romance at her new school. With her new friends she was able to cope with her new ghost-seeing status and help the Shades with a very dangerous case.

This book was beautifully crafted into a non-stop action and suspense story that I found I could not put down. Johnson created a magnificent start to a series that will definitely be a great competitor in the YA genre. I am very excited for the next in the series!! Oh and just stating now, I am definitely Team Stephen!!

The Crown on Your Head by Nancy Tillman: Giveaway

Thanks to Macmillan Children's Publishing, I am able to celebrate the newest release from Nancy Tillman, The Crown on Your Head, with a book trailer and giveaway. Enjoy the trailer, check out the links and be sure to enter!

Trailer:



About "The Crown on Your Head":

"...Bestselling author and artist Nancy Tillman has found another beautiful way to celebrate the embraces of our dear ones, and to reassure us, no matter how old or how young, that we are loved."

Nancy Tillman's Website

{Teen Book Scene} This or That: The Vision by Jen Nadol

As a part of The Teen Book Scene's The Vision Blog Tour (Click link for other stops) I have a Character This or That post from Demetria. Enjoy!

Coffee or tea? Coffee

Pizza or Chinese takeout? Chinese, it’s more exotic. She’d like that.

Books or Ebooks? Books

Inside or outside? Inside

Ice cream or gelato? Gelato, ditto the exotic.

Blonde or brunette? Brunette

Sweet or sour? Sweet, always the sweet. She’d rather not consider the sour.

Vacation on the beach or city? City

New York or LA? LA, contradictory for an inside girl, but she’d be a sucker for the dreamy illusion of Hollywood

Edward or Jacob? Edward

Thanks for stopping by Jen and Demetria!

From Goodreads. Cassie Renfield knows the mark tells her when someone is going to die and that she can intervene and attempt to change fate. But she still doesn't understand the consequences, especially whether saving one life dooms another. With no family left to offer guidance, Cassie goes in search of others like her. But when she meets Demetria, a troubled girl who seems to have the power of the Fates, Cassie finds the truth isn't at all what she expected. And then there's her heady new romance with bad boy Zander. Dating him has much graver repercussions than she could ever have imagined, forcing Cassie to make choices that cut to the essence of who she is and what she believes.

Blog Tour: Guest Post by Sandra Sookoo (Marking Time)

Today I have Sandra Sookoo on the blog for a guest post as a part of the Sizzling PR tour for Marking Time. Enjoy!

What’s the deal with all those clothes?

Though I love writing stories set in historical time lines, there are a few things that make such a venture difficult—namely the clothes.

Imagine your daily routine now: wake up to the alarm, stumble out of bed and into a nice, warm shower, blow dry your hair, put on makeup, get dressed in barely-there panties, a bra, some sort of shirt and pants then slide your feet into some sort of shoes. That’s it.

Now imagine yourself living back at the turn of the last century, circa 1900. You wake up to no alarm. There were no electronic devices—or electricity. No shower either, though running water was around in some parts of America, there wasn’t water heaters or the aforementioned electricity. Sometimes women had a bath but those usually came at the end of the day and not every day at that. Only loose women wore makeup during this time, so you’d go bare in the face department. Oh, and the hair? Most of the time it was put up. Why? All that hanging hair would get in the way of work and it would get dirty so it was pinned up.

Undergarments? Well, depending on your station in life you’d wear a camisole and drawers, petticoats, a corset, garters and hose, either a skirt and blouse or a dress, gloves, bonnet/hat and button-up boots (or slippers for evening) Now imagine how much that extra fabric would weigh let alone try to move around (or climb into and out of carriages) with the corset.

Imagine you’re locked in an embrace with your beau. Too many clothes are…well too many clothes. I wonder how many girls changed their minds during the fight with the fabric? LOL
Tough, huh?

Bet your life doesn’t seem so bad right about now.

Now that you’re grinning, I brought a blurb and never before read excerpt from my latest book MARKING TIME. It’s a blend of paranormal and time travel historical romance.


Blurb:

Ava Lesarris has her life figured out. She has a great job, has accepted her latent wolf shifter identity and is looking forward to climbing the corporate ladder. When a faulty GPS unit leads her to a town called Strange Hollow, she’s in a quandary, even more so when she’s suddenly transported back to the year 1900.

Sam Tremaine is the last of his kind. He’s a phoenix, living in Strange Hollow during what should have been its greatest time—the founding year, but he can’t enjoy it. He’s dying which leaves him with one regret. He’s never found a woman whose spirit is as strong as his own. He wants be remembered but time is running out, not to mention he hasn’t been able to get “it” up for months.

Worlds collide as the past and present come together in Strange Hollow. Ava will need to figure out her purpose while Sam struggles to come to terms with his fate. If they’re lucky, the special town will offer the answers they’re both seeking before the next phase of life begins.

Excerpt:
“Call me Ava.”
The name sounded lyrical to his ears. “Please, sit with me for a moment. I would imagine you have questions.” Waiting to settle himself until after she had done so, Sam grinned. “Continue.”
“Actually, they’re more demands at this point. Did you know these people are trying to force me to wear a torture device disguised as a corset?” Her green eyes flashed with the force of her ire. “That may be the norm in this time period, but where I come from, we’re much smarter. Steel boning? Really? Do they even know how unhealthy that is? Underwire bras are the thing. If they work on them now, the lingerie could be invented sooner.”
“I see.” He raked his gaze along her tailored suit, appreciating how the cut of the fabric hugged her curves and how the silky material of the shirt beneath was sheer enough he saw the faint whisper of lace beneath. At that moment he’d give half his fortune to look his fill on such a modern interpretation on foundation garments. “Perhaps you should tell me more about them?” She cleared her throat and he snapped his focus back to her face. He’d been well and truly caught. “I apologize. Please ignore my last comment.”
“Men are all the same.”
The urge to return to the introductory stage burned strong. “Again, I am sorry. I have never encountered a woman quite as forward speaking as you.”
“Forward speaking? What the hell does that mean?” Her glare could usher in an early winter. “Did you think I’d sit around and wait to be called upon or something? Rush over to you and ask to wait on your exulted self hand and foot?” An arched eyebrow rose. “Yeah, so not going to work with me, buddy.”
Fascinating woman. I must know more. “Then you confirm you are some sort of time traveler?” How very interesting.
“Duh. Are you not listening to me? Are we speaking the same language?”
“Very well.” Sam couldn’t contain the wide grin from her words. “Let’s try a civil conversation and go from there.”
“Fine, and then maybe you can point me in the direction of a bar? I could really use a cold one right about now.”
“A cold what?” The woman’s phrasing held him captivated. Her speech and figure kept him spellbound.
She rolled her eyes. “A beer. Surely you folks have heard of that?”
“Of course, but ladies in this time period do not indulge, neither do they frequent bars, unless they are of a certain profession that goes hand in hand with liquor.” He raised an eyebrow for emphasis. A stab of pleasure went through him when a wash of pink stained her cheeks. “Ah, I can see you are not that type of woman.”
“I could surprise you, although I draw the line at trading sex for money. If that’s what you’re thinking, just stop.” The woman crossed one leg over the other at the knee and his gaze slid to her footwear. Much different from the beaded satin slippers he was familiar with, these shoes appeared to be tooled from supple leather and sported a heel of at least four inches in height. How did one walk in such uncomfortable-looking things? Yet the extreme footwear showed off her high instep. Erotic images danced through his mind of her clad only in a corset and those shoes. Damnation, knowing this woman would be trouble.
His estimation of her swung back toward a fallen woman, despite her protest. A new wave of heated desire crept over his skin, yet left his cock untouched. He had to know more. “Where and when do you hail from? Why exactly are you here? I apologize for the rapid-fire questions, but from the death glances of that battle-ax guard dog, our time together will be limited.”

True Blood Episode 4.12 Recap: “And When I Die"

We start off the season finale with Jesus and Lafayette having breakfast. Lafayette feels something off with his boyfriend and Marnie reveals herself inside Lafayette by stabbing him in the hand with a fork. (Ouch)

Sookie sees her dead Gran on the floor of the kitchen, she is hallucinating of course. Tara comes down and they have coffee together and talk about heaven. Foreshadowing much?

Sam is the only person at Tommy's funeral but Mrs. Fortenberry shows up and gives her condolences. She wonders why Tommy stole some of her jewelry and clothes but she tells Sam she loved him like a son. She tells Sam to call her Momma and offers to make him some pork rind casserole. Yum?

Jason goes to where Hoyt is working and tells him about having sex with Jessica. Hoyt gives another flip out and beats the crap out of Jason. Hoyt says some pretty nasty things to Jason to make his brain switch turn on and start thinking about his relationships.

Marnie ties up Jesus and insists that he give her his brujo demon from inside or she will kill Lafayette. In a moment of martyrdom Jesus casts to let out the demon and Marnie stabs him with a knife and licks the blood off the knife to harness the demon power.

Sookie goes into Merlotte's. Terry and Arlene are dressed as zombies because they are 'the new vampires'. Sookie picks Arlene's brain and finds out about Tommy's death. Sookie gives Sam her condolences. She tells him she didn't want to come around since he fired her and Sam realizes that it was Tommy who fired her, and he offers her job back. Sookie talks to a down-trodded Alcide at the bar and he offers his were-sauce to her. She is still deciding on her vamp-bf's so he leaves the offer on the table. Sookie goes outside and sees Holly in a fairy costume. Holly informs Sookie that Halloween or Samhain is when the veil between the living and the dead is at its thinnest. Tara runs into them and tells them that Marnie is back in the form of Lafayette.

The witches and Sookie find Bill and Eric tied to a pyr. They try to talk Marnie out of it but she refuses and lights up the vampires. Sookie and the witches cast and they bring up the spirits from the graveyard and drive Marnie out of Lafayette. Antonia convinces Marnie that she is better off now and she needs to be dead. Marnie agrees in an anticlimactic way. Gran is one of the spirits who has risen and she tells Sookie that everything will be okay, yadda yadda. I've never been a fan of Gran's so this whole thing about telling Sookie not to be with Eric kinda made me mad, go back to the grave Gran!

At Merlotte's, Terry's old war buddy makes an appearance and is not happy to hear that Terry is married. Arlene takes out the trash and sees the ghost of Rene (Miss him!!) and he warns her that Terry and his friend are trouble. Dun dun dun!

Jessica shows up at Jason's in a seductive Red Riding Hood outfit and they do the nasty. Afterwards she leaves to feed because the deed has made her thirsty and she is not ready for Jason's blood commitment. After she goes newly-turned Steve Newlin makes an appearance. Oh snap!

Tara consoles an upset Lafayette. Jesus's ghost shows up and in a bittersweet moment says goodbye to Lafayette and because of his medium powers he will never be without Jesus.

At Merlottes, Andy tries to make up with Holly but she turns him down and requests that for now they just be friends.

Eric and Bill take Sookie's blood to heal. Bill tells Sookie she wants her to be happy, Eric (practically) jump for joy and Sookie regretfully tells them both she needs to be alone now. Or next season: jumps Alcide. ::fingers crossed::

Nan shows up with her guards at Bill's. She informs them that she has been fired and wants their help in starting a fight against The Authority or she will have Sookie killed by vampires. Eric rips the heads of the guards and Bill kills Nan. I'm really loving the Bill/Eric actually working together dynamic!

Alcide is called to a construction site where they find a hole in the cement with chains in them. Russell is back!!

And the final moment of awesomeness: Debbie shows up at Sookie's with a shotgun pointed at her. Debbie shoots just as Tara steps between the bullet and Sookie and gets her head blown up. Sookie shoves the gun into Debbie's neck and pulls the trigger. We end the season with Sookie screaming over Tara's bloody body.

Overall a pretty good finale. A lot of questions were left open-ended of course. Who will Sookie eventually choose? Is Tara really dead or will the vampires turn her? Or will she be another ghost that Lafayette can see? How will shooting Debbie affect Sookie? What's going on with Russell and Steve Newlin? Can't wait for next season!

What did you think of the episode?

eGalley Review: The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson

Publisher: Greenwillow Books (September 20, 2011)
Format: eBook from Netgalley (Hardcover 432 Pages)
Series: Fire and Thorns #1
Genre: YA Fantasy
Rae Carson's Website | Twitter

From Goodreads. Once a century, one person is chosen for greatness.

Elisa is the chosen one.

But she is also the younger of two princesses, the one who has never done anything remarkable. She can’t see how she ever will.

Now, on her sixteenth birthday, she has become the secret wife of a handsome and worldly king—a king whose country is in turmoil. A king who needs the chosen one, not a failure of a princess.

And he’s not the only one who needs her. Savage enemies seething with dark magic are hunting her. A daring, determined revolutionary thinks she could be his people’s savior. And he looks at her in a way that no man has ever looked at her before. Soon it is not just her life, but her very heart that is at stake.

Elisa could be everything to those who need her most. If the prophecy is fulfilled. If she finds the power deep within herself. If she doesn’t die young.

Most of the chosen do.

Review by Kate
THE GIRL OF FIRE AND THORNS, by Rae Carson, is a fantasy coming-of-age novel. In this new world that Carson created, Elisa is thrust into a journey of epic proportions to fight for what she believes in and those she loves.

To be honest after reading about 50 pages I almost put this book down. I was bored, confused, and willing to  let it go. I searched for reviews online (this is why I think book bloggers are so great!) and I found one in particular that agreed with me that the first Part (sidenote: there are three 'parts' to this novel) was a little tough to get through but if I persisted, Parts Two and Three were totally worth it. So I pushed through the novel, finding some difficulties with the names and places and when I reached Part Two, I could not put it down! When I finished, I realized Part One's background about Elisa was completely necessary to envision the epic changes she went through throughout the book.

Elisa was initially the 'fat girl' who had little to no self-confidence and ate her feelings. Her father arranged her marriage to Alejandro and when she arrived at his home, she was kept a secret from everyone. We learn that she is the keeper of the Godstone which resided in her navel (which initially I thought was like belly piercing but come to find out it is actually really attached to her navel). She had been chosen at birth to complete a Service but what that was was nobody's guess. I felt Elisa was whiny and spoiled initially but that made her transformation even more real and distinct.

The relationship dynamics that Elisa formed throughout the book were definitely layered and I found myself questioning loyalties as much as she did. I enjoyed her motherly affection for Alejandro's son Rosario and his ultimate importance in the book was interesting and quite comical. Elisa had so much on her plate and at times her only ally was Humberto. I enjoyed their relationship in the desert immensely. Elisa's ability to adapt to new environments and people made her my hero. She was tested over and over and ultimately learned much about herself and the life she was meant to lead.

Carson definitely is a strong contender in the fantasy genre. Her ability to create stunning visuals through her words and a thought-provoking story is definitely top notch. This is definitely the To-Read YA Fantasy of this year! I am so happy I finished it and I can't wait for the next two books in the series!

ARC Review: Enthralled: Paranormal Diversions Edited by Melissa Marr and Kelley Armstrong

Publisher: Harper Collins (September 20, 2011)
Paperback: 464 Pages
Genre: YA Paranormal

From Goodreads. A journey may take hundreds of miles, or it may cover the distance between duty and desire.

Sixteen of today’s hottest writers of paranormal tales weave stories on a common theme of journeying. Authors such as Kelley Armstrong, Rachel Caine, and Melissa Marr return to the beloved worlds of their bestselling series, while others, like Claudia Gray, Kami Garcia, and Margaret Stohl, create new land-scapes and characters. But whether they’re writing about vampires, faeries, angels, or other magical beings, each author explores the strength and resilience of the human heart.

Review by Kate
ENTHRALLED is a fabulous anthology from today's hottest YA paranormal authors, including Melissa Marr, Kelley Armstrong, Rachel Vincent, Sarah Rees Brennan, Jeri Smith-Ready, Mary E. Pearson, Jennifer Lynn Barnes, Jessica Verday, Claudia Gray, Jackson Pearce, Carrie Ryan, Rachel Caine, Kami Garcia, Margaret Stohl, Kimberly Derting, and Ally Condie. If you are a fan of any of these authors, this book is a great addition to your bookshelf. Some of the stories are stand-alone and others are additions to current series's. I have highlighted a few stories that I really enjoyed:

Giovanni’s Farewell by Claudia Gray is a story about fraternal twins with powers to hear thoughts and speak to the dead. It was a great start to the anthology and I hope Gray turns that introduction into a real book. Scenic Route by Carrie Ryan is an expected zombie tale about two sisters holed up in a house while the rest of the world deals with its reckoning. Things About Love by Jackson Pearce takes place in the As You Wish world with Lawrence and a female jinn, Juliet. I really loved this story and definitely a treat for those who have read As You Wish. Niederwald by Rachel Vincent was a journey with Sabine and Emma, from the Soul Screamers series, to see a seer and the trouble they have along the way. A Mortal Winter King by Melissa Marr shows a snippet of Donia & Keenan's life after he turns mortal (from the Wicked Lovely series). Facing Facts by Kelley Armstrong brings the Darkest Powers teens back to light in a thrilling tale.

Definitely a great read for fans of current YA paranormal books and series's!

ARC Review: If I Die by Rachel Vincent

SPOILER ALERT. If you have not read other books in the Soul Screamers series, there may be spoilers ahead.

Publisher: Harlequin Teen (September 27, 2011)
ARC: 342 Pages
Series: Soul Screamers #5
My Reviews of the series:
My Soul To Take (#1)
My Soul To Save (#2)
My Soul To Keep (#3)
My Soul To Steal (#4)
My Soul To Lose (novella)
Rachel Vincent's Website | Blog | Twitter

From Goodreads. No one wants to be this teacher’s pet . . .

Everyone else is talking about Eastlake High’s gorgeous new math teacher, Mr. Beck, but Kaylee Cavanaugh has bigger things on her mind. Kaylee’s a banshee—her scream is a portent of death.

But the next scream might hit too close to home. Kaylee’s borrowed lifeline has almost run out.

Yeah—it’s a shock to her, too. So to distract herself from her own problems, Kaylee is determined to defend her school against the latest supernatural threat. That hot new teacher is really an incubus, who feeds from the desire of unsuspecting students. The only girls immune to his lure are Kaylee and Sabine, her boyfriend’s delinquent ex-girlfriend. Now the unlikely allies have to get rid of Mr. Beck…before he discovers they aren’t quite human either.

But Kaylee’s running out of time, and those who love her will do anything to save her life.

Anything.

Review by Kate
IF I DIE, by Rachel Vincent, is the highly anticipated continuation of her Soul Screamers series. With Kaylee's impending death only a week away I could not put down this book for a single second. I am such a fan of this series and although I feel my beloved Nash may never be able to redeem himself in Kaylee's eyes, I will not stop reading these books until Vincent stops writing them.

The first chapter packed a punch when Kaylee is told that her borrowed time is up. With the threat of death Kaylee does what she normally does and ignores her own problems to solve a current issue involving a new teacher at school who is using young girls for his own advantage. As the clock ticks down, Kaylee comes to many realizations about her life and those around her.

I loved the other books in the series, but I LOVED this book. The tension and anticipation for Kaylee's death day was overwhelming and I could not read fast enough. The Netherworld once again creeps into her life in the form of an incubus which forces her to go back to the one place she promised herself she would never go again. Secrets and lies between Kaylee and those that love her arise into one awesome climax that will have you begging for more.

I wish Kaylee and Nash would get over the hump that was 'Nash on Demon's Breath' and just love each other! But sneaky Vincent comes in with Reaper Tod and puts a definite wedge in their relationship. At first I went in kicking and screaming but after reading the book, I came to understand more of Tod's perspective and I might (might!) start to like the kid. (Grumble) Sabine is a pain in the you-know-what more than ever and I honestly have not found any reason to like her, but I only have hatred for her because Vincent is masterful at creating it.

Fans of the series will love it, and typical Vincent will have you on your knees for more at the insane events at the end of the book. And for those who haven't read the series, I seriously insist that you must!

The Vampire Diaries Episode 3.01 Recap: "The Birthday"

Recap by Jessica

The season premiere of The Vampire Diaries starts out in Tennessee with a woman calling for her dog, and Klaus comes walking up, asking to use the phone because his car broke down up the road and the woman is very obviously suspicious but Klaus talks his way into the woman's house. Once inside the house, there is another woman inside, and she begins to run when she finds that Klaus is looking for Ray Sutton, but Stefan is the ever so faithful back-up.

The girls finally admit to knowing where he is but Klaus can't just let them go and this is where we see that Stefan is not the same old Stefan but a monster. Klaus gives the order to kill the girls, one quickly and making the other one suffer. Klaus saunters away from the house with screams coming from it.

Elena wakes up to a bright bedroom in a seemingly solemn mood, she walks to open the curtains and it turns into her opening Jeremy's curtains much to his disdain and lets him know he's late for work and Elena walks from the room and Jeremy looks mentally exhausted.

Caroline and Elena are on the phone talking about her 18th birthday party that is planned for that night. Caroline also mentions that her mom found out there was another 'animal attack' in Memphis, and it could be a lead to Stefan and Klaus. Elena is determined to track down Stefan and find him. She is desperate to know that he is alive.

Elena and Alaric talk about the possibilities that Stefan is either dead or working with Klaus. Elena checks with Alaric to make sure he's still okay sleeping on the couch because there are two open bedrooms in the house, of course one is Elena's dead parents room, and the other is Alaric's dead girlfriends room.

Damon is drinking champagne in the bathtub while his girlfriend gets ready for work, they are also talking about the possible whereabouts of Stefan. Damon gets out of the tub, covered in bubbles and walks downstairs to get more as Elena is walking through the house. Damon appears behind her and she turns around and jumps then quickly turns back around when she finds that he is naked. Damon says; "Hey, you should learn to knock, what if I was... indecent." with his Damon smirk.

Elena gives him the info on the new Stefan lead in Memphis and Damon amends that he will go check it out and Elena should not because Klaus thinks she's dead and it should be kept that way.

Jeremy is video chatting with Bonnie while he's at work talking about having a little normal in his life, as the lights flicker on and off. Jeremy rushes Bonnie off the phone. The lights flicker off again and when they come back on Vicky is standing in front of him then Anna is behind him.

Caroline and Tyler eat lunch at the Mystic Grill and Matt asks Jeremy to switch sections so Matt doesn't have to see Caroline and Tyler together.

Now at the Southern Comfort Bar, we meet Ray Sutton, where Klaus finds him with Stefan as back up of course. Klaus wants to know where Ray's pack of werewolves are and when Ray isn't willing to give the information, they decide to play Truth of Wolfs bane. Everyone in the bar is compelled to see nothing.

Damon and Alaric go to Memphis to check out the lead on Stefan and find the two women in pieces then put back together, which apparently is Stefan's trademark.

Caroline, Tyler and Elena are getting ready for Elena's party talking about Damon shutting Elena down when it comes to looking for Stefan. There is some HUGE sexual tension and they tell each other about how being a vampire and a werewolf makes them want to get some. (LOL, hilariously awkward scene.)

Back with Damon and Alaric, Damon lights the bodies on fire. Finds out they're werewolves. Damon knows Stefan is alive from his kills.

Back at Southern Comfort Bar, Stefan is torturing Ray by throwing darts soaked in wolfs bane. Klaus has found out that Damon is tracking him, and Stefan promises to make him stop.

Damon and Elena have a moment, when Damon presents her with her necklace that she thought the had lost forever. Happy birthday! Damon escorts Elena downstairs to her party, which is a rager.

Jeremy and Matt smoke a joint together and Jeremy admits to Matt that he sees things since he was brought back to life by magic. (Leaving out very specifically that he sees Vicky, Matt's dead sister!)

Andie, Damon's girlfriend, gets caught up at work, only to be toyed with...who? Stefan!

Caroline watches Tyler dancing with a girl, then Matt speaks to her finally, and makes her angrier, then Tyler and his date come up to her, and Caroline compels her to leave the party.

Elena and Caroline run into each other in Damon's room, where Elena says her birthday wish is to know that Stefan is alive. Then they discover that Damon has been tracking Stefan and Klaus by himself.

Damon is at Andie's work, looking for her and SURPRISE! he finds Stefan. Stefan demands Damon "let him go" and Damon retaliates "I have a birthday girl at home who wont let me do that". Stefan seems to not care, and shows his point by letting Andie move from her compelled state at the top of a walkway on the ceiling, she falls, and Stefan makes sure Damon cant save her. Andie dies and Stefan disappears.

Jeremy offers Matt a ride home, then thinks better of it when he sees Vickie in the passenger seat, and Matt hears him say her name.

Tyler approaches Caroline pissed that she compelled his date to leave, and they begin to argue about dating people, and Tyler reminds Caroline that she shut him down when he tried to ask her out, and then they start making out and leave the party together.

Damon walks into his bedroom to find an angry Elena, and then he goes off on her and tells her to stop looking for him, stop having hope, "Stefan is gone and he isn't coming back".

Jeremy and Matt are back at the Gilbert house, and Jeremy confesses to Matt that he has been seeing Vickie, and Matt seems to be in denial and blames it on missing her.

Back at Southern Comfort, Stefan has returned to Klaus as promised, and Klaus feeds Ray his blood, then kills him.

Alaric tells Elena that he is not going to be staying with her and Jeremy anymore and leaves.

Caroline and Tyler are getting hot and heavy at the Lockwood's house, Damon tears apart Stefan's bedroom, and Stefan half-runs out of the Southern Comfort Bar and looks up at the sky like he's a broken puppy, he pulls out his phone.

Elena's phone starts vibrating and she picks it up, and waits for someone to answer her, but no one does. She know's its Stefan, she reassures him that he will be okay and that she loves him. Stefan begins to cry.

Back in the Lockwood's house, Tyler and Caroline, Caroline is sneaking out and Tyler's mom sees her, she goes to pick up her purse and it burns her (most likely Vervain) and then Mrs. Lockwood shoots Caroline.

What did you think of this weeks episode?

ARC Review: After Obsession by Carrie Jones & Steven E. Wedel

Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Childrens (September 13, 2011)
ARC: 320 Pages
Genre: YA Paranormal
Carrie Jones's Website |  Twitter
Steven E. Wedel's Website | Twitter

From Goodreads. 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.

Review by Kate
AFTER OBSESSION, by Carrie Jones and Steven E. Wedel, is a spine-tingling thriller that I wouldn't recommend reading at night! This book was masterfully and seamlessly crafted by two talented authors with alternating POVs. I've never read anything quite as terrifying and awesome at the same time.

There are so many things I would love to say about this book but it would definitely spoil the awesomeness that is After Obsession. Aimee and Alan form a quick alliance when his cousin and her best friend becomes possessed by a hide-under-your-covers-creepy-demon. The whole town seems to be affected by this demon's powers and through Aimee's gift and Alan's Native American spirit guide, they are thrust into the roles they were destined to fulfill and hope to come out alive.

I loved the whole collaboration between these two authors. And this book is definitely something new in the world of current YA books. Jones and Wedel seriously know how to creep someone out with the fantastic evil they created. Any fans of the horror genre or those looking for a great book with scary tendencies should definitely pick it up!

eGalley Review: Cold Kiss by Amy Garvey

Publisher: HarperTeen (September 20, 2011)
Format: ebook from Netgalley (Hardcover 336 Pages)
Genre: YA Paranormal
Amy Garvey's Blog

From Goodreads. When her boyfriend, Danny, is killed in a car accident, Wren can’t imagine living without him. Wild with grief, she uses the untamed powers she’s inherited to bring him back. But the Danny who returns is just a shell of the boy she once loved.

Wren has spent four months keeping Danny hidden, while her life slowly unravels around her. Then Gabriel DeMarnes transfers to her school and somehow, inexplicably, he can sense her secret. Wren finds herself drawn to Gabriel, who is so much more alive than the ghost of the boy she loved. But Wren can’t turn her back on Danny or the choice she made for him—and she realizes she must find a way to make things right, even if it means breaking her own heart.

Review by Kate
COLD KISS, by Amy Garvey, is a heartbreaking tale with an undertone of the paranormal. Wren and Danny were the perfect couple, but a startling accident left Danny dead and Wren heartbroken. Through her grief she channels the unspoken powers of her family and brings Danny back to life. But this Danny is not the one she loved, he is but a shadow of what she lost. Wren distances herself from the life she could be leading to keep Danny a secret, but it isn't as easy as Wren thought.

Minus the cover (I'm sorry but it creeps me out!), I really enjoyed this book. Harvey created an MC that was lovable and who I wanted to see succeed even when her world threatened to crumble over her. Wren's guilt for bringing Danny back tugged at my heartstrings. I really enjoyed exploring Wren's gifts, but was disappointed that her mother ignored them and didn't help her daughter control them. To add more guilt, her best friends Jess and Darcia wanted to rekindle their friendship lost after Danny died. Wren's fear of getting close to anyone was consistent throughout the book and I wanted to jump into the book and give her a hug!

Gabriel seemed to be the light to Wren's dark hole she buried herself in and I definitely appreciated how forthcoming, honest, and brave he was throughout Wren's dealing with her dead ex-boyfriend. I thought all her problems could be solved with Gabriel's help but Wren's stubbornness to fix her own mistakes added to her depressing life.

I really loved the paranormal aspect of this book. As if I didn't feel bad enough for Wren's situation, adding the uncontrollable powers that sparked within her made it worse. But Wren's intellect and exploration of her gifts was really awesome to behold. I wish Harvey got more into the paranormal aspect, because I am such a sucker for it, but I think the balance between paranormal and contemporary was perfect.

This book is a bittersweet story about dealing with grief and realizing that even in the face of death it is possible to move on and be happy. Wren acted with her heart the whole time and I think she will jump right into yours if you let her.

eGalley Review: Circle Nine by Anne Heltzel

Publisher: Candlewick Press (September 13, 2011)
Format: ebook (Hardcover: 272 Pages)
Genre: YA Psychological Thriller
Anne Heltzel's Info Page

From Goodreads. She knows only Sam, a mysterious teenage boy. He is her sole companion; her whole life. She was born, already a teenager, lying outside a burning building in soot-stained clothes, remembering nothing, not even her name. He showed her the necklace she had on, the one that named her: Abby. Sam brought her to live in his cave-palace, where he gives her everything she needs. He loves her. He protects her from the world outside, from everyone who wants to hurt them, like the denizens of Circle Nine, Dante’s deepest circle of hell. But even in a charmed, brand-new life like Abby’s, change will come. Sam falls ill. A new girl comes to stay, and Abby begins to question Sam’s devotion. With doubt comes emotional turmoil, changes in perception, and glimpses of her past identity. In this courageous psychological thriller, Abby tells the story of living her new life and discovering her old one, while grappling with an ever-changing reality.

Review by Kate
CIRCLE NINE, by Anne Heltzel, starts the reader off in the dark and slowly unravels creepy and thrilling revelations that will keep you thinking long after the book is finished.

Initially, the cover of the book spoke to me as a dystopian novel. Since I pretty much always judge a book by the cover I started reading it without reading the summary. Silly me. I started the book and was immediately hooked. When it became apparent that it was not a dystopian, I was already too deep into the book to stop. In this psychological thriller, Abby lives in a lavish cave with her friend and wannabe-lover, Sam. Sam tells Abby she can never leave the cave without him because outside is Circe Nine where people can trick you and steal you away. As the weeks progress, Abby starts to notice things around her not making sense and soon her world comes crashing down. She risks the threat of more verbal abuse from Sam to explore Circle Nine and realizes the terrible turn that her life took.

One event in her life created a mental block in Abby's mind, and as she explores her previous life before the cave, she begins to heal and gains the strength and perspective to attempt to rebuild. Thrillers are not my normal genre to read but this book absolutely blew me away. Heltzel has great talent for creating stimulating visuals for a reader and really dig deep into tough issues such as abuse and drug use. For those who love a good mystery or if you are looking for something out of the ordinary in the YA genre this book is definitely for you!

Guest Post: Raymond M. Rose

Today I have the pleasure of hosting Raymond M. Rose for a guest blog today about Tweeting with Authors. Enjoy!

Last month, I finished reading Souless, Gail Carriger's first book in her Alexia Tarabotti series. If you haven't read it, put it on your TBR. It's Victorian, fun, paranormal, adventurous, romantic, steampunk-y, and, all around, a wonderful novel. When I was finished with the book, I did some searches on Twitter with "Souless" and "Gail Carriger." I found some people talking about the book and I chimed in. They replied and we found ourselves, over the next couple of days, talking about the books. It was great. Like a long distance book group filled with people I didn’t know, I enjoyed sharing remarks about the book in 140 characters.

And then something happened... Gail Carriger (@gailcarriger ) tweeted me. She thanked me for my kind words.

That was something new.

I have never had an author contact me. God knows, she didn’t have to. Sure you could argue that Web 2.0 author etiquette demands that she contact me so as to help spread word about her books. But what happened next would trump that argument. She replied back to my follow-up tweet. On top of that, any time I comment on something she writes whether it is a blog post, an interview, etc, she replies... personally. Not some form reply but an actual response.

The interesting this is that, because of the way that she's made an effort to engage me, I'm enjoying her books more. As I read the next book in the series, I find myself saying things like, "Oh Gail!" when something wonderful or witty happens. Because of the relationship we've established (not trying to sound stalkerly here – I don’t sit outside her window late at night with a boom box in my arms), her books have taken on an even more personal connection. The same can be said for Cherie Preist (@cmpriest), James S.A. Corey (@AbrahamHanover), and Kady Cross (@KadyCross). All terrific authors, all authors who I follow on Twitter, and all authors who have replied to me.

So, I think, let's talk to authors more! Seriously!

With the advent of social media, we have become more connected. I know the media likes to say that we aren't, but the hell do they know? I'm a stay-at-home dad. Do you think I get to talk to many adults during the day? Normally, no. But since, I've joined Twitter, I talk to readers, to writers, to comic book fans, to movie lovers, to music addicts, and to all around snarky people every day. It makes a rather adult-less day a little better.

So let's take social media, let's take Twitter, and really start sharing. Readers talking to authors. Authors getting ideas off of readers. A two way conversation that will help bridge that connection between the author's creativity and the reader's imagination. Make it less of a one-way street and more of a highway. It doesn’t mean we should start tweeting to authors on how they can make their books better but it does mean that authors and readers should try to establish an open and honest two-way communication. Twitter is perfect for that.

So if you don’t have a Twitter account, go open one. Get out there. Start talking to writers. Start talking to readers. But most of all, start talking about books. Trust me, you'll be happier.

I'm going to throw this out before I go: skip the big guys. James Patterson isn’t going to respond (and he doesn’t have a Twitter account)... so don't read his books. ("Did he just say don't read James Patterson?") I did! Seek out authors who are actively engaged on Twitter (or Facebook) and read ONLY their books? Then engage them! Try it for a month! I really think you'll find reading books by authors who actively want to talk to you quite enjoyable! I think you're reading experiences will be taken to a higher level!

If you decide to do this or would just like to talk with me, I'm @TheRaymondMRose!

Thanks for stopping by Raymond!

Genre: Sci/Fi, Mystery
Type: eBook, paperback
Publisher: Christopher Williams Books (www.cwbooks.net)
Page Count (approx): 480

Synopsis: Ten years ago, Jack and Bruce barely survived a battle royale between good and evil that left half of their city destroyed. Over the years, they’ve drifted apart – their lives going separate paths. Now Bruce is back in town looking for Jack’s help. Because what’s about to happen is worse than anything they could imagine!

Genre: Contemporary Literature
Type: eBook, paperback
Publisher: Christopher Williams Books (www.cwbooks.net)
Page Count (approx): 290

Synopsis: Paul Rhoads, a successful horror novelist, has moved back to his hometown in Pennsylvania. Moving back home turns out to be more than just returning to his roots but starting up a relationship with his high school sweetheart, Annie. And getting to know her precious eight month old son, Max. However, when Annie dies in a freak car accident, Paul finds himself catapulted into the role of father and decides to do something he would never have imagined himself doing: raise Max as his own.

ARC Review: Fateful by Claudia Gray

Publisher: HarperTeen (September 13, 2011)
ARC: 336 Pages
Genre: YA Alternate History/Paranormal
Claudia Gray's Website | Blog | Twitter

From Goodreads. In Fateful, eighteen-year-old maid Tess Davies is determined to escape the wealthy, overbearing family she works for. Once the ship they’re sailing on reaches the United States, she’ll strike out on her own. Then she meets Alec, a handsome first-class passenger who captivates her instantly. But Alec has secrets....

Soon Tess will learn just how dark Alec’s past truly is. The danger they face is no ordinary enemy: werewolves are real and they’re stalking him—and now Tess, too. Her growing love for Alec will put Tess in mortal peril, and fate will do the same before their journey on the Titanic is over.

Featuring the opulent backdrop of the Titanic, Fateful’s publication is poised to coincide with the 100-year anniversary of the ship’s doomed maiden voyage. It is sure to be a hit among Titanic buffs and fans of paranormal romance alike.

Review by Kate
FATEFUL, by Claudia Gray, takes place on the RMS Titanic during its tragic voyage in 1912. Romance blossoms between two very different teenagers, but unlike the Dicaprio and Winslet version there are supernatural forces aboard the ship that will stop at nothing to get what it wants.

I really enjoyed this book. It's really hard not to compare it to the movie that I grew up loving: girl and boy from different rungs on the social ladder come together and build an epic romance only to be doomed on the sinking monstrosity that is the Titanic. But besides Tess and Alec being from different social backgrounds and on the Titanic, that's where the similarities ended. I loved the werewolves involvement in the story. The supernatural aspect of the book made it even more interesting to read.

The relationship between Tess and Alec was not love at first sight. Well, I think it was a little bit for Tess, I mean who can resist an adorable rich guy that actually acknowledges the help as equal? This brooding boy stole my heart away as he did Tess's. Their fight to protect the other during dangerous situations made their relationship strong right from the start.

The 'villain' in this book was definitely a bad dude with no regard for human life. I found myself forgetting Tess was on the Titanic, I just wanted her and Alec to be rid of the guy! Definitely gave me goosebumps.

Overall this was a fantastic book. I regretfully have not read anything else by Gray, but I definitely hope to start her Evernight series in the very close future! This book was another great/tragic story of those who were stranded at sea on that fateful night. The knowledge that the boat would definitely sink made me urgently speed through the book to make sure those I loved made it out alive. This is one stand-alone book that I highly recommend to round out your book-reading year!

Book Trailer & Giveaway: Dreamland by Alyson Noel

Thanks to Macmillan, I am able to share the awesome book trailer to the newest release in the Riley Bloom Series, Dreamland, by Alyson Noel. Check out the trailer and giveaway below!

Macmillan page for Alyson Noël  | Official Alyson Noel FB Page | Alyson's Website

Riley's finding that the afterlife can be a lonely place when all you do is focus on work. So she goes to the place where dreams happen, hoping to find a way to contact her sister, Ever. She meets the director, who tells her about the two ways to send dreams. As a Dream Jumper, a person can jump into a dreamer's dream, share a message, and participate. As a Dreamweaver, an entire dream can be created in a studio and sent to the dreamer. But Dreamweaving was outlawed decades ago, and the studio was boarded up. Thinking it's her only way to reach out to her sister, Riley goes in search of the old studio. There she finds a ghost boy, who's been creating and sending nightmares to people for years. In order to stop him and reach out to Ever, Riley is going to have to confront and overcome her own fears.

BBAW Daily Topic: Interview Swap

My interview partner is Nat from Reading Romances, we had a ton of fun during our chat and be sure to check out the other side of the interview on her site. 

Hi Nat! Lovely to meet you too, love the blog. I am definitely a fan of romances!! How about you describe yourself or your blog in 140 characters- Twitter style.

Okay, let me open my twitter so I don't have to keep counting the characters! LOL
"I love reading anything related to the subjects I'm interested in, like sci-fi, fantasy, history, art and philosophy." (checking the characters). 24 to go, all right." And obviously, romance" 140!

That was a heck of a challenge, I love to talk.

What was the first blog you read that made you want to create your own? And what made it stick out for you?

That's interesting, cause I started to think about blogging when I had a book discussion forum. We discussed books but didn't follow any reviews or blogs till we started using goodreads. From there, I found a lot of cool blogs but I didn't really FOLLOW any, and I thought it was so cool! I didn't imagine how many book bloggers there are out there. So that's how I started to blog, just wanted my ideas to be read by other people that loved books too.

Not a very cliche but still a cliche answer!

If you could blog interview one author (alive or dead) that is like your idol, who would it be and name 2 questions that you would ask?

Wow, I would LOVE to interview Kresley Cole someday! Now I have to think about what I would ask her...Okay, I'd ask some very spoilery questions about her Immortals After Dark series, one would be about the character Nix and the other would be about the mythology around the books. I'm dying to know!

What are some things you like to see in a book blog? Does design make you want to keep reading? Or certain types of posts?

If we're talking about book bloggers, I love to read good and solid reviews, and creative features like memes, challenges or hops that make them unique. Ana yes, the design is very important to me since I have a fine arts BA! It's something that can really annoy me. I believe that the content and the visual have to work together to make the reader interested to read the material. My favorite posts are, usually, when the blogger is excited for one book, reads and reviews it. You can feel the excitement.

How do you deal with balancing your personal, professional, and blogging life? Do you find you sacrifice one for the other often?

Good question. Well, I believe that blogging has to be a hobby, when it becomes a "job" things can get complicated unless you can live out of that. I think that sometimes my social life includes more and more books: blogging, reading, writing reviews etc. You get to meet a lot of good people, so even if I'm not out shopping with friends or something, I still have another social life that will balance that. However, sometimes you have to sacrifice one thing to get another, it's life. Depends on what your priorities are.

What are the types of things you love to see in a romance that you fall in love with? Hot male lead? (obviously) Love triangle? etc.

The good dialogue is what gets to me. That's why I love Julia Quinn's books, they're full of humor and it's a delight to read her dialogs. Also, good characters and plausible problems for the couple to work on. Hot male lead? Hmm..yeah, but I have to say that I prefer the beta guys! Love triangles can be great too, but it's in my top 5!

Do you like the foreign guys? Dark hair? Brooding?
I just don't like the bossy ones with an over sensitive sense of protection! LOL

I had so much fun!!!

I loved it too!

Nat and I had a great time during our 'chat' session, it was definitely a fun way to do an interview!!

Ruling Passion: The Drake Chronicles All In One!

Coming September 27th, 2011, is the first three books of The Drake Chronicles, by Alyxandra Harvey all in one awesome book!

ISBN: 978-0-80272-802-9 / $9.99 / 816 pages
www.alyxandraharvey.com
Contains: Hearts at Stake, Blood Feud, and Out for Blood
(Previously published separately as The Drake Chronicles)

Read what others have to say about the series:

"A refreshing take of the familiar teenage vampire drama . . . Harvey builds an engaging world of vampire cultures balanced wit a smart mix of darkness and humor."
—Publishers Weekly

“A fabulous and fast-paced read! The action is superb . . . this is the perfect
escape read."
—Romantic Times

To get more info about each of the books, check out the links below:

Hearts at Stake | Blood Feud | Out for Blood

And my reviews of the series:

Hearts at Stake | Blood Feud | Out for Blood

This series is refreshing for the YA vampire genre and you should definitely check them out even if you haven't already. I have added this all-in-one book to my wish list and I think you should too! Also, how awesome is the new cover? Gorgeous!!!

ARC Review: Perfect by Ellen Hopkins

Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry (September 13th 2011)
ARC: 544 Pages
Series: Impulse # 2
Genre: YA Contemporary
Book from: Publisher*

Everyone has something, someone, somewhere else that they’d rather be. For four high-school seniors, their goals of perfection are just as different as the paths they take to get there.

Cara’s parents’ unrealistic expectations have already sent her twin brother Conner spiraling toward suicide. For her, perfect means rejecting their ideals to take a chance on a new kind of love. Kendra covets the perfect face and body—no matter what surgeries and drugs she needs to get there. To score his perfect home run—on the field and off—Sean will sacrifice more than he can ever win back. And Andre realizes to follow his heart and achieve his perfect performance, he’ll be living a life his ancestors would never understand.

Everyone wants to be perfect, but when perfection loses its meaning, how far will you go? What would you give up to be perfect?

Review by Jess
PERFECT, by Ellen Hopkins is beautiful yet heart-breaking, magical and tragic, the title says it all, this novel was perfect.

I have read all of Ellen Hopkins novels and I was more that excited to read this, and I had very high expectations and those expectations were definitely met. Hopkins' writing is in one word, breathtaking. I found myself hanging on every sentence and every happening treasuring the beauty.

The characters in this novel were real, I felt like I could connect with the characters and relate their troubles to my own life which made the read so much more intoxicating. I loved reading Cara after already having read Impulse where her twin brother is featured. Getting to see the two P.O.V.'s was amazing.

I liked that the individual stories of each of the characters connected with each other in some way. There was not one point in this book where I didn't want to be reading it. This is a book you can read over and over again too. I was constantly anticipating what was going to happen and how each character would react to some situations, and there were some points where my predictions were COMPLETELY wrong and that is a welcome change sometimes.

All and all, this novel is a masterpiece. Ellen Hopkins nailed it AGAIN! If you have read Impulse then I highly highly suggest reading this, or if you love reading books you just can't put down. I am excited to read more from Ellen Hopkin in the future.

*FTC Disclosure: I received this ARC from the publisher. I do not receive payment of any kind in exchange for a review. I do not receive monetary compensation from any book links in my review.

Book Trailer & Phone App: Dark Eden by Patrick Carman

Harper Collins has come up with a fantastic way to experience DARK EDEN (releases everywhere on November 1st), by Patrick Carman. Check out what Harper Collins has to say about this newest technology in book reading:

'DARK EDEN can be experienced in two ways. The series is enhanced by a downloadable app that enriches the elements of the traditional narrative through innovative story artifacts including still images, audio recordings, videos, scans, and text entries. For a complete explanation of how the app experience works, check out this video from author Patrick Carman. The DARK EDEN app is available now on the iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch and all Android enabled devices.

To get a taste of what's to come, download THE ARRIVAL, the first free episode, available through the DARK EDEN mobile app in the Apple/iOS App Store and the Android Market.'

Fifteen-year-old Will Besting is sent by his doctor to Fort Eden, an institution meant to help patients suffering from crippling phobias. Once there, Will and six other teenagers take turns in mysterious fear chambers and confront their worst nightmares—with the help of the group facilitator, Rainsford, an enigmatic guide. When the patients emerge from the chamber, they feel emboldened by the previous night's experiences. But each person soon discovers strange, unexplained aches and pains. What is really happening to the seven teens trapped in this dark Eden?

Official Website | Official Facebook Page

ARC Review: The Gray Wolf Throne by Cinda Williams Chima

Publisher: Hyperion Books (August 30, 2011)
ARC: 528 Pages
Genre: YA Fantasy
Series: Seven Realms # 3
Book from Publisher*
Cinda Williams Chima's Website

Han Alister thought he had already lost everyone he loved. But when he finds his friend Rebecca Morley near death in the Spirit Mountains, Han knows that nothing matters more than saving her. The costs of his efforts are steep, but nothing can prepare him for what he soon discovers: the beautiful, mysterious girl he knew as Rebecca is none other than Raisa ana’Marianna, heir to the Queendom of the Fells. Han is hurt and betrayed. He knows he has no future with a blueblood. And, as far as he’s concerned, the princess’s family killed his own mother and sister. But if Han is to fulfill his end of an old bargain, he must do everything in his power to see Raisa crowned queen.

Meanwhile, some people will stop at nothing to prevent Raisa from ascending. With each attempt on her life, she wonders how long it will be before her enemies succeed. Her heart tells her that the thief-turned-wizard Han Alister can be trusted. She wants to believe it—he’s saved her life more than once. But with danger coming at her from every direction, Raisa can only rely on her wits and her iron-hard will to survive—and even that might not be enough.

The Gray Wolf Throne is an epic tale of fierce loyalty, unbearable sacrifice, and the heartless hand of fate.

Review by Jess
THE GRAY WOLF THRONE, by Cinda Williams Chima is the third installment of the Seven Realms series and this is best one yet! This installment is full of non-stop action and scheming! It's a fast pace read and intense!

I was amazed by Chima's latest novel. The characters seem to get more and more complex and I feel like I can really connect with all of the characters and understand their point of view. I am in love with Han! Chima has done such a wonderful job developing him as a character and his role in Princess Raisa's life. Them together make me swoon and as a reader, knowing both their secrets that they keep from each other I want so badly for everything to be revealed.

It was really nice to see such a change in the Princess Raisa and see her really grow into her royal role. I found that even through all the tough times Raisa experienced in this novel she was a strong princess and I think readers will find they can look up to her.

I was worried that the beginning of this novel would be a slow start, but it picked up right away and I couldn't put it down, I actually had dreams about the characters. I am hooked and loving it.

Giveaway: Ladybird Ladybird by Abra Ebner

Crimson Oak Publishing has given me a great opportunity to showcase a book trailer for their newest ebook release Ladybird Ladybird, by Abra Ebner. Also, there is a great giveaway HERE (be sure to put down that I referred you, much appreciated!) for five chances to win a $50 American Express gift card*. 

Check out the book trailer and purchase link below:

Samantha was born under a full moon to a mother already dead. Revived by doctors and given to her unloving father, Samantha was raised a cursed child, her only friend the ghost of her mother who speaks to her through keys. From the inside out, Sam burns with life, a fire so vivid it keeps her peers at a distance, all except one. Leith, a quiet farmboy with a broken heart and demons of his own, enjoys the seclusion his classmates grant him, but the seclusion is all too familiar to Sam. When their worlds collide... fires burn

Purchase book HERE



*Giveaway ends Sunday, September 18th 11:59PM PST.

True Blood Episode 4.11 Recap: “Soul of Fire”

No one storyline is ever not important in True Blood but I am going to change the format slightly for this recap. The major conflict was Marnie versus the vamps and that is what I am going to focus the majority of the post on.

Were's/Shifters
Sam and Alcide are still in the bike shop and they threaten the other Were but he is not budging. Luna comes in and yells at the guy because Marcus took Emma out of school without telling her. Sam tells Luna that Marcus killed Tommy.

Meanwhile, at Alcide's, Debbie (in very little clothing) is with Marcus. He wants her to leave with him and Emma but she refuses because she loves Alcide. He wants to know why she is with him then and she says because Alcide has been unfaithful.

Emma calls Luna and Alcide recognizes the number as his own, they hurry off to save her. At Alcides, Sam and Alcide go into the bedroom and Alcide freaks out on Debbie. Sam tells Marcus he will kill him without shifting. They wrestle for a bit and Sam is on the winning side but he wants Marcus to live with his decision. Marcus attacks when Sam is turned and Alcide crushes his windpipe and Marcus dies. Debbie freaks out and Alcide disowns her.

Andy & the Fairy
Andy is still on his way home when he sees a light ball in the forest. A woman (presumably fey) comes out from it and feels threatened, she light beams him to the ground. When Andy comes to, the fairy woman tells him that if she is going to make love to him he needs to swear on the light to protect her. She pulls some E.T. trick with her finger and Andy swears. Afterwards, Andy arrives at home and Arlene is there worried sick. He tells her what happened and she thinks that it is residual from the V. She tells him that his real life is better than his made-up one and he needs to be grateful for that.

Witch War
The four vamps (Eric, Bill, Pam, and Jessica) are about to blow up Moon Goddess Emporium. Sookie tries to convince Marnie that they will all die unless they leave since the vamps do plan on taking the place down. Roy tells the witches they can't leave and Marnie disagrees, she throws a knife on the ground and tells anyone who wants to leave they can with the protection of the knife. One of the witches attempts to go but Marnie magic's the knife and stabs the girl in the stomach.

Marnie freaks out a bit and in the words of Lafayette, "puked a b*tch out". Antonia tells Marnie she wants to leave because she murdered one of their own. Marnie is not having it and she binds Antonia to her. Jesus informs the other witches that now they are in light terms, screwed.

Outside, Jason convinces Eric and Bill not to shoot at the place because Sookie is in there and there is a protection spell.

Jesus tells Marnie that Casey is not dead and he wants to help her. Him and Lafayette take a very dead Casey into the back room. Jesus plans on unbinding Marnie and Antonia using brujo magic and it's going to get ugly. Jesus takes herbs from the shop under the guise of cauterizing wounds and whatnot. Marnie allows it.

Sookie and Holly try to convince Marnie to stop all of this and they realize she is beyond saving. Marnie has felt like a doormat in the past and she will not give up this time.

Marnie's robot-vamps are sent out to fight the other vamps. They kill one of them and hold the other hostage. Eric wants to kill the woman but Bill calls out for Marnie. Marnie takes Sookie with her. Outside again, Sookie tells the vamps that Marnie will negotiate. She makes her vamp attack again and Bill sends her into the protection barrier, the vamp is no more. Marnie tells them that the barrier is impenetrable to most humans but the contained sunlight in it will give true death to any vampire. Marnie negotiates Sookie's life for both Bill and Eric's. They agree. Sookie, Pam, and Jessica freak out but the boys are going to do it. Right before Bill kills Eric, Pam gets a bazooka and shoots the barrier causing a massive explosion on their side and the Moon Emporium gets shaken up a bit.

Jesus starts the ritual with Casey and tells Lafayette that the demon inside him is going to come out and to ignore anything bad he says. He takes Casey's blood from the wound and begins.

Outside, Eric is furious with Pam. Bill goes to Jessica and she is healing quickly. She tells him not to ever give himself up like that again. Jason is massively burned and blind, Jessica quickly comes to his rescue and gives him her blood.

Marnie uses some magic on Casey's blood pool to show what is happening outside then she sees the future: her own death. She freaks out and makes all the witches and Sookie cast to protect themselves.

Outside, Jason is all better and he thanks Jessica. All the vampires are unwillingly pulled toward the protection barrier and Jason tries to pull them back. Sookie hears Jason's thoughts and light beams the circle to stop. The vamps are safe. Marnie flips out on Sookie and puts her in a ring of fire. Jesus completes the ritual including the demon-head and Antonia leaves Marnie's body. The fire and protection barrier is broken.

Eric and Bill vampire-speed into Moon Goddess. Sookie tells them it was all Marnie. Roy tries to protect Marnie but Eric rips out his heart and drinks from it (awesome!), Bill shoots Marnie all over the body then in the head. It seems everything is over. Sookie watches Bill and Eric talk, and they steal glances at her too, but nothing between them is resolved. Jesus is upset about Marnie but Tara and Lafayette convince him that he did the right thing.

Jason and Jessica talk and he tells her that he always thinks about her even when he isn't on her blood. They both don't know what to do at that point.

Later that night, Lafayette and Jesus are having pillow talk and Lafayette calms Jesus down enough to go to sleep. Lafayette tries to but wakes up to see Marnie floating above him. She inhabits his body then Blackout!!

This episode was total insanity! I was biting my nails the whole time! I hope Sookie comes to some sort of resolution between Eric and Bill next episode. I wasn't sure about the whole Andy/Fairy thing but I hope we see more of the fey in the future because I'd love for True Blood to explore that part of Sookie as they did in the books. And the whole Marnie/Lafayette thing is going to be insane! I feel like the season finale is going to be the best of all the seasons and I can't wait!!

What did you think of this week's episode?

{Teen Book Scene} Character Interview: The Predicteds (Christine Seifert)

Today I am hosting a character interview with Daphne from The Predicteds. Enjoy!!

Can you tell us a little about yourself and your family?

It’s pretty much just me and mom, Melissa. People ask me all the time why I call her Melissa. Let’s just say that Melissa’s never been a typical mom, which is why calling her mom would just be weird. I used to when I was little. And then one day when I was about six, I got stung by a bee on my finger when I was playing outside, and I went running inside yelling Mommy as loudly as I could. Melissa was working on her first book at the time, and she came out of her office, and said very calmly, “I’m not much of a mother, and we both know that. I’m lucky you are so patient with me. Let’s just cut the traditional mother-daughter act and be friends or colleagues. There’s no sense pretending we are something we aren’t.”

So I just gaped at her, and then I said, “Uh, Melissa, I have a bee sting.” And she said, “There’s a first-aid kit in the bathroom.”

That’s pretty much the story of our relationship. She might not be a good mother, but I have to admit that she makes a pretty good “colleague.” At least I never have to worry about her reading my diary or giving me the sex talk like normal mothers. But it would be nice if she would let me in on her life sometimes.

I don’t know much about my father. Melissa doesn’t like to talk about it; she just says it didn’t work out between them. I think there’s something she’s not telling me. I’m going to find out that that is.

What are your thoughts about how your mother had such a great impact on creating PROFILE?

Well, at first I was pretty mad at Melissa. I mean, it’s her fault that a lot of this bad stuff happened at Quiet High. But sometimes people have good intentions. I think that counts for something, right? I’m not perfect either. Plus, it’s not her fault that everyone at QH just sort of jumped on the PROFILE bandwagon.

Do you think being 'predicted' could potentially make someone a criminal or are some people just inherently bad?

Hmmmm, I used to think one thing, but then something happened that made me change my mind. I guess you just have to read my story to find out what I think. I will tell you this, though: A lot of people at QH are pretty sure they know the answer.

What initially drew you to start liking Jesse?

His eyes. And maybe his glasses. I’ve always had a thing for guys with glasses. He doesn’t look like your typical jock. Jocks are a turn-off to me. He seemed kind of mysterious. Total cliché, right? But it’s true! I think there’s just something between us, you know? It’s electric, like nothing I’ve ever felt before. It’s hard to describe.

What do you think is the future of PROFILE?

If you want me to be totally honest, I’m scared. I don’t know what’s going to happen with PROFILE. All I know is that Quiet High will never be the same again. And neither will the rest of the world when this program extends across the country. I try not to think about it too much.

Thanks Daphne!!

From Goodreads. Daphne is the new girl in town and is having trouble fitting in. At least she has Jesse... sort of. He wants to be more than "just friends," but there's something he's not telling her about his past. Something dangerous. When a female student is brutally attacked, police turn to PROFILE, a new program that can predict a student's capacity for drug use, pregnancy, and violent behavior, to solve the case. As the witch hunt ensues, Daphne is forced to question her feelings for Jesse-and what she will do if her first love turns out to be a killer.