October RAK Wrap-Up

I Received:

Wolf Pact by Melissa de la Cruz & Chosen Ones by Tiffany Truitt from Michelle @ Michelle Chew Writes

Confessions of an Angry Girl by Louise Rozett from Carien @ Pearls Cast Before a McPig  

Something Like Normal by Trish Doller from Montana @ The Book Belles

Dark Kiss by Michelle Rowen to Abbey @ Abbey Ann's Bookland

I Sent:

Saving June & Speechless by Hannah Harrington to Michelle @ Michelle Chew Writes

Sweet Evil by Wendy Higgins to Montana @ The Book Belles

The Savage Grace by Bree Despain to Abbey @ Abbey Ann's Bookland
Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo to Jessie @ Jessie's Book Place

A BIG thank you to everyone who sent me books and to Isalys and Vanessa at Book Soulmates for hosting!!

{Spotlight} 90 Cats and No Litter Box in Sight by Molly Zenk

90 Cats and No Litter Box in Sight
by Molly Zenk
Pages: 251
Available as of June 1, 2012 in ebook
Amazon | Barnes & Noble

They're perfect for each other…even if she doesn't know it yet.

Glynis Kirby's love life stinks. Her boyfriend dumped her for another guy. Her next-door-neighbor held her hostage on prom night. And now she's been trapped in a Porta-Potty by a monkey with a switchblade. And she's not even going to talk about her date with the poly sci major with the Pocket Ouiji Board. Maybe she really is desperate enough to take everyone's advice--including her mother's (ugh!)--and date the dashing Daniel Bond.

Corin Lancashire runs the popular blog site mydreamgirl.com where he chronicles his less than stellar attempts to get noticed by his dream girl, Glynis Kirby. After taking the "all girls think stripteases are hot" advice from a reader, and discovering that "all girls but Glynis think stripteases are hot," Corin disables the comments feature on his blog and takes matters into his own hands to build a friendship-crawling-toward-relationship with his dream girl. But competing with the charming, suave, and well-dressed Daniel is a hazard Corin didn't anticipate, and neither is the information he digs up on Daniel that could threaten Glynis's life…

EXCERPT:
     Corin grabs my arm and spins me around to face him before I'm safe in the halls of the Math Department. Not many guys will follow you in there. It's like a Geek Den where everyone is too wrapped up in their research and books and whiteboards to think to ask a girl out on a date and I'm pretty sure that's what Corin was planning to do before the stripping and the singing.
     “Who put you up to this?” I demand. “Who? Was it Kathy? My mom? Who put you up to this?”
     “No one,” Corin protests. “No one put me up to anything. I just... I just needed a way to get your attention. I could tell you were about to leave so I... I'm not like this normally, I swear,” he adds. “It's just, well, uh... It's just that I thought of so many things to say to you and when the time came to actually say them, I blanked out and did the first thing I could think of. You don't need to Baker Act me or anything. I'm really just a shy guy.”
     “Shy guys don't strip in public.”
     “They do when they take really bad advice from people on the Internet.” Corin runs a hand through his Doctor McDreamy hair before raising his pale eyebrows and giving me McDreamy eyes to go along with his McDreamy hair. “You're probably not going to believe this, Glynis, but I'm not a freak or a stalker. I'm completely harmless. Really.”
     “You have yet to convince me of that, Crazy Bus Boy.”
     “Does that mean I get another shot?” He perks up at the thought. “You can call me whatever nick-names you want—good or bad—just give me another shot. I'll be boringly normal from here on out. I promise.”
     I take an unconscious step closer to Corin as he's talking because, the strangest thing happens as I'm looking up at his bright, hopeful face and coaxing smile. I feel safe. For the first time in almost a year, I feel safe.
     “Get off the bus tomorrow at my stop and you'll have that shot.”
     What's the harm in giving the guy a little crumb of hope? Maybe if he has hope, so will I.


About the Author:
MOLLY ZENK was born in Minnesota, grew up in Florida, lived briefly in Tennessee, before finally settling in Colorado. She graduated from Flagler College in St. Augustine, FL with degrees in Secondary Education, English, and Creative Writing. She spent six years using those degrees teaching High School English, Poetry, and Creative Writing before going on “hiatus” to focus on being a stay-at-home/work-at-home Mom. Molly is the author of two historical fiction novels – Chasing Byron (Highland Press, 2008) and Unheard Melodies: Confessions Of A Poetic Muse (Wings Press, 2008) about Lord Byron and John Keats. Chasing Byron is used in classrooms to make the Romantic Poets accessible to at risk kids and reluctant readers. Unheard Melodies was nominated for Best Book Of 2008 by Long And Short Reviews. 90 Cats... is Molly's third novel and the first in a four book series. Molly is married to a Mathematician/Software Engineer who complains about there not being enough “math” or info about him in her author bio. They live in Arvada, CO with their young children, one dog, and one cat.

You can find Molly...

Website | Facebook

{Review & Giveaway} Duplicity by Nikki Jefford

Duplicity 
by Nikki Jefford
Series: Spellbound (#2)
Pages: 280
Source: PDF provided by author for review
Available as of May 20, 2012
Amazon | Barnes & Noble

If Graylee Perez thought sharing a body with her twin sister was bad, dealing with a duplicate of herself is two times worse. Gray the second doesn’t seem to get that Lee’s boyfriend, Raj McKenna, is off limits. Then there’s the problem of Adrian Montez. He expects one of the Grays to be his.

Nearly a year later, the council is onto them for past misdeeds; Lee, along with the rest of the coven, has lost control of her powers; and Gray is being stalked by what looks like the Grim Reaper.

If they work together, they may stand a chance of setting things right and making it out alive.

Rating:

This review may contain spoilers if you haven't read the first book in the series. Entangled

My Review:

Duplicity is an amazing addition to the Spellbound Trilogy. Nikki Jefford added lots of twists to this sstory that made me want to know what would happen next.

Graylee found a host in Stacey Morehouse's body and is now known as Lee. Little does she know that Adrian has yet to fulfill his half of bringing Gray back. Soon all hell will break loose and Lee will be meeting her double.

Duplicity was just as good, if not better, than Entangled. The point of view switch was awesome considering the two Grays. Two sides were told and it was great getting to look at and compare Lee and Gray to see how Lee grew after taking over Stacey's body.

Overall, Duplicity left me excited for the third and final book, Enchantment. The ending was tied up well with only one or two questions to be answered. December can't get here soon enough. If you love witches, you should take a crack at this series!

Giveaway!
Nikki currently has a campaign going on...
Perez for President!
This giveaway is open to US ONLY!
Included in this prize pack is....

Paperback Copy of Entangled

Sephora by OPI Nail Polish in USA! USA! *To Be Shipped From Sephora*

Rosie Riveter "We Can Do It" Vinyl Decal

Open Through Election Day!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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.  

{Review & Giveaway} Blog Tour: My Favorite Mistake by Chelsea M. Cameron

My Favorite Mistake 
by Chelsea M. Cameron
Pages: 259
Source: e-ARC provided by author via SupaGurl Tours
Available as of September 29, 2012
Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Taylor Caldwell can't decide if she wants to kiss her new college roommate or punch him.

On the one hand, Hunter Zaccadelli is a handsome, blue-eyed bundle of charm. On the other, he's a tattooed, guitar-playing bundle of bad boy. Maybe that's why Taylor's afraid of falling in love with him, or anyone else. She doesn't want to get burned, and even though her other roommates adore him, she wants him gone before it's too late.

Hunter himself has been been burned before, but the fact that Taylor calls him out on his crap and has the sexiest laugh ever make him decide maybe love isn't a lost cause. They make a bet: if she can convince him she truly loves or hates him, he'll leave the apartment--and leave her alone. The problem is, the more time they spend together, the less she hates him, and the more she moves toward love.

But when the man who holds the key to Taylor's fear of giving up her heart resurfaces and threatens to wreck everything, she has to decide: trust Hunter with her greatest secret, or do everything in her power to win that bet and drive him away forever.

Rating:

My Review:

Talk about amazing. My Favorite Mistake is a wonderful addition to New Adult books that kept me entranced and on the edge of my seat. Chelsea M. Cameron has a way with words that left me breathless and wanting more.

Taylor Cladwell has had a rough life. She's locked herself away from all men, rarely trusting. So when Hunter Zaccadelli shows up at her dorm as her new roommate she's more furious than ever before. His good looks and cocky attitude will only get him so far. Will the Ice Queen melt or will he be finding a new place before the semester ends?

I LOVED this book. When I first started reading I thought it was a little reminiscent of Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire, but that was quickly squashed the further I got into the story. Chelsea M. Cameron created a story with well thought out characters, intense relationships, and an interesting plot. It was fast-paced and I was a goner from the first sentence. Once I started, I couldn't put it down. It was hott, steamy, funny, and oh so swoon-worthy.

Overall, My Favorite Mistake is a new favorite of mine. If you love New Adult books, which deal with college age characters and more adult situations, or you want something I little spicier than the usual Young Adult read, then you should definitely pick up this book up. 

Giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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.  

Book Buzzers #5

This week on The Book Buzzers... 

5 sequels to series that you've purchased but haven't read

Jenni | Evie | Justin | Tiffany | Jessirae | Amy

What books from a series do you have but haven't had a chance to read yet?

Also, if you have any suggestions for future topics let me know. 
We would love our viewers input and ideas!

{Review} Revived by Cat Patrick

Revived 
by Cat Patrick
Publisher: Electric Monkey
Pages: 326
Source: Purchased
Available as of July 2, 2012
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Fishpond
The Book Depository | Books-A-Million

As romantic as Shiver...as intense as "Before I Fall". Revived is unmissable.

The world fades to nothing, and before I have the chance to think another thought...I'm dead.

My name is Daisy West and my whole life is a lie. I'm part of a programme to test a drug called Revive - a drug that brings people back from the dead. I have died five times. I've been Revived five times. With each revival comes a new name, a new town...a new life. But this time, I won't let myself die. This time, I've found a love that I can't let go of. This time, I'm going to make my life my own.

Rating:

My Review:

When I picked up Revived it was because I loved Forgotten and thought the story line sounded amazing. What I didn't expect was how engrossed I would become or how heavy an emotional weight this book would have. Cat Patrick did not disappoint. 

Daisy has been revived five times. The most recent was caused by a bee. She doesn't expect the move to bring with it a best friend and an unexpected relationship. All she has to do is stay alive...

I loved Daisy. She underwent such a huge change between the first and last pages. She began to see things differently and question whether the drug, Revive, was ethical or not. One little bee changed her life, for better, and she sees what she's missed by not making friends in her previous "lives." 

There were a few things I really like about this book. The first being that I thought of Final Destination when I began reading. I continued to think, for about half of the book, that if it's your time to die, got peacefully and let it happen. No need to screw with the fates. However, the further into it I got, the more I started wondering how ethical this drug really. I loved that I started questioning so many things from something as simple as a sentence or two on a page in a book. It was wonderful. The thing I loved most though was the epic twist that literally had me say "What?!" out loud and reread a page four times. I was in utter disbelief. 

Overall, Revived was an awesome book that questions ethics and makes you think. I highly recommend picking this one up. It will take you for one awesome ride!

{Review} Chosen Ones by Tiffany Truitt

Chosen Ones 
by Tiffany Truitt
Publisher:  Entangled Publishing
Series: The Lost Souls (#1)
Pages:  400
Source:  Gift
Available as of June 12, 2012
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Fishpond
The Book Depository | Books-A-Million

Life is bleak but uncomplicated for sixteen-year-old Tess, living in a not-too-distant future where the government, faced with humanity's extinction, created the Chosen Ones, artificial beings who are extraordinarily beautiful, unbelievably strong, and unabashedly deadly.

When Tess begins work at Templeton, a Chosen Ones training facility, she meets James, and the attraction is immediate in its intensity, overwhelming in its danger. But there is more to Templeton than Tess ever knew. Can she stand against her oppressors, even if it means giving up the only happiness in her life?

Rating:

My Review:

Chosen Ones was one of my most anticipated new releases for 2012. Sadly, I wasn't able to finish it. After reading a few chapters, I was completely lost and had no idea what was going on. When I did understand the plot, I couldn't get into it. I was unable to connect with Tess, which made reading difficult. There was no urge to keep reading, no on-the-edge-of-my-seat excitement, and when it wasn't in my hand, I found an excuse not to pick it up. When I did pick it up I found the plot to be slow and not all that captivating. I did try to finish this novel, but after two weeks of trying I didn't have the heart to finish it. If you want to read Chosen Ones, I recommend borrowing it. 

{Review} Glass Houses by Rachel Caine

Glass Houses 
by Rachel Caine
Publisher:  Allison & Busby
Series: The Morganville Vampires (#1)
Pages:  348
Source:  Puchased
Available as of October 3, 2006
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Fishpond
The Book Depository | Books-A-Million

It’s a small college town filled with quirky characters. But when the sun goes down, the bad comes out. Because in Morganville, there is an evil that lurks in the darkest shadows—one that will spill out into the bright light of day.

Claire Danvers has had enough of her nightmarish dorm situation. The popular girls never let her forget just where she ranks on the school’s social scene: somewhere less than zero. And Claire really doesn’t have the right connections—to the undead who run the town.

When Claire heads off campus, the imposing old house where she finds a room may not be much better. Hew new roommates don’t show many signs of life. But they’ll have Claire’s back when the town’s deepest secrets come crawling out, hungry for fresh blood...

Rating:

My Review:

Love, love, love, love, love. Before reading Glass Houses I was in the air about my feelings towards vampires. Twilight kinda killed them for me, but Rachel Caine has brought back my love for the fanged beasts.

Claire Danvers is brilliant. She's sixteen and starting her freshman year of college. Sadly, her parents wouldn't send her far from home so she got stuck in Morganville at a school where half the student body drops out or disappears by the end of their second year. Claire didn't think having to stay close to home could get any worse until she starts getting picked on.

I'd heard so many great things about this series that I was worried about starting it and having it now live up to my expectations. I'm so happy this wasn't the case. For once, the main character isn't some dim wit female whose sole focus is guys. Yes, there were mentions of attractiveness, but there was substance to the novel that didn't revolve about a guy. The closer I got to the end the quicker the pace became. I flew threw the last 75 pages like they were nothing. It kept me on my toes.

Overall, Glass Houses reignited my love of vamps. It kept my attention and I ordered the next three books in the series before I even got halfway through. If you haven't started this series yet, you should. It will take you for an amazing ride.

Wishlist & Waiting on Wednesday #28

Wishlist Wednesday is hosted by Pen to Paper

Choker by Elizabeth Woods

Summary:

Sixteen-year-old Cara Lange has been a loner ever since she moved away from her best and only friend, Zoe, years ago. She eats lunch with the other girls from the track team, but they're not really her friends. Mostly she spends her time watching Ethan Gray from a distance, wishing he would finally notice her, and avoiding the popular girls who call her "Choker" after a humiliating incident in the cafeteria.

Then one day Cara comes home to find Zoe waiting for her. Zoe's on the run from problems at home, and Cara agrees to help her hide. With her best friend back, Cara's life changes overnight. Zoe gives her a new look and new confidence, and next thing she knows, she's getting invited to parties and flirting with Ethan. Best of all, she has her BFF there to confide in.

But just as quickly as Cara's life came together, it starts to unravel. A girl goes missing in her town, and everyone is a suspect—including Ethan. Worse still, Zoe starts behaving strangely, and Cara begins to wonder what exactly her friend does all day when she's at school. You're supposed to trust your best friend no matter what, but what if she turns into a total stranger?

Why it's on my wishlist...

I've read a number of reviews for Choker.
Most say it's good with a shocking ending and a gripping plot.
Needless to say, it was added to my TBR.

What's on your wishlist?

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill @ Breaking the Spine

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

Meant to Be

by Lauren Morrill

To Be Released on November 13, 2012

Summary:

Meant to be or not meant to be . . . that is the question.

It's one thing to fall head over heels into a puddle of hazelnut coffee, and quite another to fall for the—gasp—wrong guy. Straight-A junior Julia may be accident prone, but she's queen of following rules and being prepared. That's why she keeps a pencil sharpener in her purse and a pocket Shakespeare in her, well, pocket. And that's also why she's chosen Mark Bixford, her childhood crush, as her MTB ("meant to be").

But this spring break, Julia's rules are about to get defenestrated (SAT word: to be thrown from a window) when she's partnered with her personal nemesis, class-clown Jason, on a school trip to London. After one wild party, Julia starts receiving romantic texts . . . from an unknown number! Jason promises to help discover the identity of her mysterious new suitor if she agrees to break a few rules along the way. And thus begins a wild goose chase through London, leading Julia closer and closer to the biggest surprise of all: true love.

Because sometimes the things you least expect are the most meant to be.

Why I'm waiting:  
First and foremost, this cover is gorgeous, colorful, and needs to be added to my shelves.
Second, the summary reminds me of Anna and the French Kiss and
The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight, both of which I loved.
Finally, I've read some pretty awesome reviews for this Meant to Be, which leads me to believe it's a must read.

What are you waiting for?

Teaser Tuesday #27

Hosted by Should Be Reading

I finished
Revived
by Cat Patrick

     I feel a little bad, but I don't calm down, instead I clutch my side and keep rolling. Because sometimes, laughter is what you need.
     - Page 136 UK Edition

Be sure to stop by Saturday for my review!!

Leave your Teaser Tuesday link for me!

Book Buzzers #4

This week on The Book Buzzers... 

5 books you want to read again



Jenni | Evie | Justin | Tiffany | Jessirae | Amy

What books do you want to read again or have you read multiple times?

Also, if you have any suggestions for future topics let me know. 
We would love our viewers input and ideas!

My Next Book #6

I want to thank everyone who voted in the most recent poll!

The Dead Girls Dance = Awesome!!
Delayed in reading The Thing About the Truth by Lauren Barnholdt.


The next book I will be reading is...

Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake

A new poll is up on the sidebar below "Up Next"...Go Vote! -->

{Review} One Moment by Kristina McBride

One Moment 
by Kristina McBride
Publisher:  Egmont USA
Pages:  272
Source:  Puchased
Available as of June 26, 2012
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Fishpond
The Book Depository | Books-A-Million

This was supposed to be the best summer of Maggie’s life. Now it’s the one she’d do anything to forget.

Maggie remembers hanging out at the gorge with her closest friends after a blowout party. She remembers climbing the trail with her perfect boyfriend, Joey. She remembers that last kiss, soft, lingering, and meant to reassure her. So why can’t she remember what happened in the moment before they were supposed to dive? Why was she left cowering at the top of the cliff, while Joey floated in the water below–dead?

As Maggie’s memories return in snatches, nothing seems to make sense. Why was Joey acting so strangely at the party? Where did he go after taking her home? And if Joey was keeping these secrets, what else was he hiding?

Rating:

My Review:

The best word to describe this novel is stunning. Kristina McBride wrote a story that explores loss, friendship, lies, and moving on. It was delicately written and kept my attention till the very last page.

One moment can change everything. One moment can mean life or death. One choice can change everything. Six best friends go to their favorite place only to leave with five. The memory of one critical moment for one person, the only one who desperately needs to remember, is nonexistent. Will that memory resurface? If it does, will she be able to deal with the truth?

I loved One Moment. It was a quick read that ended in a happy place. So much of the story was focused on grief and trying to find answers, but in the end all the loose ends were tied up in a pretty bow. What I loved the most was the flashbacks. Some scenes were evaluated multiple times after new information was revealed, shedding new light on what Maggie was really seeing. This made the story. I found One Moment to be slow at times, but the slow build up made for an unexpected truth. 

Overall, One Moment was an amazing story of grief, letting go, and moving on. It was believable and had me on a roller coaster of emotions. If you enjoy books by Lauren Barnholdt or Jennifer Echols, you will more than likely enjoy this one.