February RAK Wrap-Up

I Received:
nothing yet

I Gave:

Going Too Far by Jennifer Echols to Cathy over @ The Crazy Bookworm

A BIG thank you to Isalys and Vanessa at Book Soulmates for hosting!!

Wishlist Wednesday #2

Wishlist Wednesday is hosted by Pen to Paper

Entangled by Cat Clarke

Summary:

The same questions whirl round and round in my head:
What does he want from me?
How could I have let this happen?
AM I GOING TO DIE?

17-year-old Grace wakes up in a white room, with a table, pens and paper - and no clue how she got here.

As Grace pours her tangled life onto the page, she is forced to remember everything she's tried to forget. There's falling hopelessly in love with the gorgeous Nat, and the unravelling of her relationship with her best friend Sal. But there's something missing.

Grace must face the most important question of all.
Why is she here?

A story of dangerous secrets, intense friendship
and electrifying attraction.

Why it's on my wishlist...

This book has been on my wishlist for just over a year now.  I haven't bought it just because it wasn't in e-book form, but now that I'm starting to read physical books again I might just have to get it.  

What are you wishing for?

Waiting on Wednesday #2

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill @ Breaking the Spine

This week I'm waiting for.....

In Honor
by Jessi Kirby



To Be Released on May 8, 2012


Summary:
Honor receives her brother's last letter from Iraq three days after learning that he died, and opens it the day his fellow Marines lay the flag over his casket. Its contents are a complete shock: concert tickets to see Kyra Kelly, her favorite pop star and Finn's celebrity crush. In his letter, he jokingly charged Honor with the task of telling Kyra Kelly that he was in love with her. 

Grief-stricken and determined to grant Finn's last request, she rushes to leave immediately. But she only gets as far as the driveway before running into Rusty, Finn's best friend since third grade and his polar opposite. She hasn't seen him in ages, thanks to a falling out between the two guys, but Rusty is much the same as Honor remembers him: arrogant, stubborn. . . and ruggedly good looking. Neither one is what the other would ever look for in a road trip partner, but the two of them set off together, on a voyage that makes sense only because it doesn't. Along the way, they find small and sometimes surprising ways to ease their shared loss and honor Finn--but when shocking truths are revealed at the end of the road, will either of them be able to cope with the consequences?

Why I'm waiting:  

After reading the summary, I know this book is going to be a hard read for me.  I have a family member in the military who have served a few tours in Iraq and I know how hard it is to say goodbye knowing you may never see them again.  For me, I want to see how Kyra deals with what her brother has given her and to what lengths she goes to honor his good name.

What book are you waiting for?

{Review} Intangible by J. Meyers

Intangible
by J. Meyers
Publisher:  J. Meyers
Pages:  318
Source:  e-book courtesy of J. Meyers in exchange for a fair and honest review
Available as of January 31, 2012

Twins Sera and Luke Raine have a well-kept secret—she heals with a touch of her hand, he sees the future. All their lives they’ve helped those in need on the sly. They've always thought of their abilities as being a gift.

Then Luke has a vision that Sera is killed. That gift they’ve always cherished begins to feel an awful lot like a curse. Because the thing about Luke’s ability? He’s always right. And he can’t do anything about it.

Rating:

My Review:

Intangible was a wonderful, entertaining read! J. Meyers took a world of mythical beings and provided the reader with a suspenseful ride through an exquisitely written tale. 

Let me introduce you to the main characters. First we have the twins, Sera and Luke Raine. They aren't like your usual twins, they get along and always know when something is bothering the other. Sera can heal people. Luke sees the future. Sera is selfless, witty, intelligent, and rarely does anything to serve her own purpose. Luke is caring, a great shoulder to lean on, and he is protective of his sister. Then we have Fey, Sera and Luke's best friend. She is sly, helpful, and down to earth. Next is Marc, the mysterious new guy in town who needs to figure out where his loyalties lie. Finally we have Jonas. Fey has known him for a long time and doesn't trust him, but to Sera and Luke, he is mysterious and creepy.

What I liked most about this book was that it wasn't your everyday, run of the mill paranormal read. Usually we only find vampires and werewolves matched together, but Intangible brings elves, vampires and gifted humans to the table. I found this to be very refreshing and a much appreciated break from the norm.  

I really enjoyed the flow of this book. The point of view changes throughout the story and I found this to be really helpful with character development. Normally, I don't see siblings getting along in real life, let alone in books, but Sera and Luke's relationship was very believable and you could see how in sync they were with each other. The change in point of view also helps to fill the reader in on the motivation behind each characters actions. I questioned Jonas and Fey's actions on occasion, but their reasoning was later revealed and everything fell into place.

I highly recommend this book to all paranormal/fantasy fans. This was an enjoyable read and I am eager to read what J. Meyers has in store for us next.

FTC Disclosure:  I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.  I was not monetarily compensated for my opinion.  

Teaser Tuesday #2

Hosted by Should Be Reading

I just started reading 
Don't Judge a Girl by Her Cover
by Ally Carter

There are things spies often carry with them:  pocket litter, fake IDs, the occasional weapon-slash-camera-slash hair accessory. But the heaviest things, I think, are the secrets.
    - Chapter 10


I heard a voice in my earpiece say, "Chameleon, I know you're being Chameleony, but if you could wave or something, or tell me where you are, that would be great."
    - Chapter 12

Leave your Teaser Tuesday links for me!

{Review} Cross My Heart and Hope to Spy by Ally Carter

Cross My Heart and Hope to Spy
by Ally Carter
Series:  Gallagher Girls (#2)
Publisher:  Hyperion Book
Pages:  236
Source:  Self Purchased
Available as of October 2, 2007

Cammie Morgan is back, and it's clear that her life hasn't calmed down since the events of I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You. At first, giddy anticipation is in the air. Gallagher Academy, Cammie's elite spy school, is hosting a visit from a covert training center for boys. Soon after the boys' arrival, though, everything goes dangerously awry when a series of security breaches are discovered at the academy. Worse yet, teenage agent-in-training Cammie is being blamed for the penetration. With the school's top-secret status at risk, the Gallagher Girls have to work quickly to save their beloved school.

Rating:

This review contains spoilers if you haven't read the first book in this series. 

I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You

My Review:

Ally Carter has taken the spy world and used it to create another beautifully crafted book. I was hooked by just the summary and read this book quickly.  

Cammie, Bex, Liz, and Macey are back and determined to get through another semester at the Gallagher Academy. Cammie just had a debriefing with the CIA about her escapades from the previous semester and not only did she have to give Josh up, she is not allowed to see or speak to him again. All of her secret hideaways and passages are blocked and she is under more scrutiny then ever before.  Now the girls have to live with boys. They always thought there was a spy school for boys, now they know for sure. New characters are introduced in this book, like Zach, but I don't want to give anything away!  

This book was better than I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You by a long shot. Yes, we no longer have Josh & Cammie's relationship to look forward to, but now the girls have a huge distraction, boys. The question is can they still pass all their classes and act when called on for a mission.

I loved this book. Cammie still needs help from her friends to crack a new code, living with and trusting boys. I remember when I was working on that code. I highly recommend this book to anyone who has read I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You and wants to read more about Cammie's spy life.

Weekly Update

Hey everyone! It's Sunday. That means I get to enlighten you to my weekly schedule!!

My nutrition test last week was cake. Can you say 96% with no studying?!
I can! : ) This week my schedule consists on going to class, reading, and sleeping. I should be able to get through, or start, all of the books I list below, unlike last week.

Because of WVU Dance Marathon yesterday, I was unable to finish Gallagher Girl number 2, Cross My Heart and Hope to Spy. I should have my review up in the next couple of hours.

Books I plan to read this week:
Intangible by J. Meyers
Don't Judge a Girl by Her Cover by Ally Carter
Significance by Shelly Crane
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Finally, if there are any books you would like me to review email me or leave me a comment.

In My Mailbox #2

In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren.  It is a weekly blog that allows the blogger to brag about what they received in the mail, got for review, won in contest, purchased, ect.

For Review:

• Intangible by J. Meyers
• Sykosa by Justin Ordonez 
• Whispering Hills by Taryn Browing
• Angel Eyes by Shannon Dittemore

Won:

• Swirls by F.A. Hershey, courtesy of Jude @ In Between

Gift:

• Entwined by  Heather Dixon, Thank you Sarah @ Wondrous Readings 

Purchased:

• Oppression by Jessica Therrien

What's in your mailbox?

WVU Dance Marathon 2012

On February 25, 2012 I attended WVU Dance Marathon.  

We raised money to help support our local Children's Miracle Network Hospital.  So far we have raised $32,748.55.  If you would like to help support this cause please click here.  Donations will be accepted until March 1, 2012.  Thank you!!

Below is a picture of my friend Bethany and I after learning all twenty of the required dances.

Feature & Follow #1

Feature & Follow is a blog hop hosted by Parajunkee and Alison Can Read.  It is a great way to make new friends and gain followers.  

You can follow me via any of the following:

GFC, Linky, Networked Blogs

RSS or Email

Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads 
(all are located on the right sidebar)

This Weeks Activity:

Take a picture or describe where you like to read most.

 

I can read just about anywhere.  But my favorite place to read is home in bed where I am surrounded by fluffy warm blankets and my two adorable kitties. 




Where do you like to read?

Friday Five Day: Books For Non-Readers

It's Friday!  This weeks topic is books I recommend to people who either don't like reading or don't read often.  The books included in this list are ones that I enjoyed reading so much, I didn't want to put them down. 

Ten Things We Did (and Probably Shouldn't Have) by Sarah Mlynowski
This book was funny and kept me entertained.  If I had to pick one book to turn into a movie, this would be it.  To see my review click here.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
When this book became a huge success, everyone was recommending it to me.  I kinda pushed it off to the side because I don't like following the crowd.  I wish I would have listened to everyone.  This book has action, an awesome plot, and great characters.

Twenty Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler
This is the perfect book for spring break or summer vacation.  Twenty Boy Summer is a quick, well-written read.

Forgotten by Cat Patrick
This book was well written and was intriguing from page one.  How would you feel if you woke up every day not knowing what happened the day before and only knowing what was going to happen?

The Pact by Jodi Picoult
This is one of the few books I read when I was in my "I hate reading" phase.  Jodi Picoult kept my attention and in no way gave away how it would end. 

{Review} I'm Not Her by Janet Gurtler

I'm Not Her

by Janet Gurtler

Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire

Pages: 285

Source:  Self Purchased

Available as of May 1, 2011

"For the first time in my life, I didn't feel envy..."
Tess is the exact opposite of her beautiful, athletic sister. And that's okay. Kristina is the sporty one, Tess is the smart one, and they each have their place. Until Kristina is diagnosed with cancer. Suddenly Tess is the center of the popular crowd, everyone eager for updates. There are senior boys flirting with her.  Yet the smiles of her picture-perfect family are cracking and her sister could be dying. Now Tess has to fill a new role: the strong one. Because if she doesn't hold it together, who will?

Rating:

Review:

When I read I’m Not Her the first time, I cried. It was no different the second time around. Janet Gurtler created a believable plot through her eloquent writing and the main character’s feelings towards her sister’s diagnosis.

Tess is the baby of the family. She envied her sister until the word cancer and Kristina were uttered in the same sentence. She is invisible to everyone at school. And then Kristina misses one day and Tess becomes the center of attention because everyone wants to know why her sister isn’t there. Kristina asks Tess to tell nobody. She doesn’t want people knowing she has cancer because she doesn’t want people feeling sorry for her. Kristina is the “It” girl, outgoing, likeable, beautiful, and carefree. Their parents are in denial. Tess needs to step up or risk her entire family falling apart.

Despite the tears, I really enjoyed this book. Tess had to be the adult. Her parents were either absent or not dealing with all the possible outcomes of Kristina’s situation. She is the one who has to pull her family back together and make everyone face the music. Tess grows up during Kristina’s illness. She is no longer the quite, invisible girl; she is the outspoken girl who doesn’t want to be in the limelight struggling to keep her life from falling apart.

I highly recommend this book to ALL readers! It was phenomenal and is definitely worth a read….or two. 

This book satisfies one of my twenty books for the 2012 Completely Contemp Challenge.