Thursday, December 30

Best of 2010

So, its official 2010 is coming to an end.  I have read a lot of books! Some of you might freak out and call me crazy even. I've read so many great books this year, and there are still lots I didn't get a chance to read yet.

If you want to see the full list of books I read in 2010, please see the list HERE.

I had a friend ask me last week, how do you find so many books to read? Its easy. Being a blogger, we always stumble upon new books, right?

Picking out 10 favorites was very hard for me because of how many I did read. I think that I would like to limit it to 50, instead of 11  but I won't. HAHA.

Here are my favorite 11 books I read this year. Not all of them were published in 2010.


My Favorite Book of 2010 was Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

Here are my top 10 of 2010
Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles
The Duff by Kody Keplinger
Something Like Fate by Susane Colasanti
Forgive My Fins by Tera Lynn Childs
Forget You by Jennifer Echols
The Ghost and The Goth by Stacey Kade
Matched by Ally Condie
The Unwritten Rule by Elizabeth Scott
Winter Longing by Tricia Mills
You Wish by Mandy Hubbard

There were also a few series that I read, that I really loved so I wanted to mention them too.
   -The Iron King (Fey) by Julie Kagawa
   -The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
   -Ruby Oliver by E Lockhart
   -How To Ruin And Paradise series by Simone Elkeles

What were your favorites this year?

Wednesday, December 29

Waiting On Wednesday (76)

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. WOW spotlights forthcoming titles that we absolutely can't wait to read.


Blood Magic by Tessa Gratton


Summary:  For Nick Pardee and Silla Kennicot, the cemetery is the center of everything. 

Nick is a city boy angry at being forced to move back to the nowhere town of Yaleylah, Missouri where he grew up. He can’t help remembering his mom and the blood magic she practiced – memories he’s tried for five years to escape. Silla, though, doesn’t want to forget; her parents’ apparent murder-suicide left her numb and needing answers. When a book of magic spells in her dad’s handwriting appears on her doorstep, she sees her chance to unravel the mystery of their deaths. 

Together they plunge into the world of dark magic, but when a hundred-year-old blood witch comes hunting for the bones of Silla’s parents and the spell book, Nick and Silla will have to let go of everything they believe about who they are, the nature of life and death, and the deadly secrets that hide in blood.

Why I Want It: Beautiful cover, awesome plot, witches, boy and girl. Whats not to like?

Sunday, December 26

Infinite Days by Rebecca Maizel

Infinite Days by Rebecca Maizel
Release Date: August 3, 2010
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages:  336
Buy This Book:Amazon



Summary: Lenah Beaudonte is, in many ways, your average teen: the new girl at Wickham Boarding School, she struggles to fit in enough to survive and stand out enough to catch the eye of the golden-boy lacrosse captain. But Lenah also just happens to be a recovering five-hundred-year-old vampire queen. After centuries of terrorizing Europe, Lenah is able to realize the dream all vampires have -- to be human again. After performing a dangerous ritual to restore her humanity, Lenah entered a century-long hibernation, leaving behind the wicked coven she ruled over and the eternal love who has helped grant her deep-seated wish.

Until, that is, Lenah draws her first natural breath in centuries at Wickham and rediscovers a human life that bears little resemblance to the one she had known. As if suddenly becoming a teenager weren’t stressful enough, each passing hour brings Lenah closer to the moment when her abandoned coven will open the crypt where she should be sleeping and find her gone. As her borrowed days slip by, Lenah resolves to live her newfound life as fully as she can. But, to do so, she must answer ominous questions: Can an ex-vampire survive in an alien time and place? What can Lenah do to protect her new friends from the bloodthirsty menace about to descend upon them? And how is she ever going to pass her biology midterm?

My Thoughts: I loved the premise of Infinite Days. Lately, I've been getting burnt out on vampire books but this one was really good. We are introduced to Lenah who is a centuries old vampire who turns human!


She was turned into a vampire by her lover Rhode at sixteen. Lenah feels like she’d missed out on her chance to be a normal 16 year old girl so as Rhodes last act that he loves her he performs an ancient ritual that allows her to reclaim the human life that he took away from her. Lenah makes a few friends; not easily mind you, but she becomes friends with Tony. He just seems to understand and get her. Than there is the issue of Justin. Justin is the popular boy everybody wants. He starts out with a girlfriend and eventually dumps her. Than of course there are Rhode and Vicken, other vampire's she has a history with. Can we say romantic entanglements?

Lenah has to learn how to become a modern day teenager. She has to learn how to use electronics, how to do fun things such as dance and swim. There has been so much she has missed out on since becoming a vampire.

And of course, there is the problem of her coven hunting her down to kill her! What more can this newly reborn human-vampire have to deal with? Infinite Days was definitely an interesting take on the vampire world. It was nice to see how much she grew as a person and how much love was inside her heart. I really liked Lenah and all the guys are just a plus to the story!

Major cliffhanger at the end, why can't book two already be out? HAHA!

Overall: I loved this one! It was sad, fun, hilarious, witty, and charming. I enjoyed the whole novel and can't wait for the second book to be released!

Cover: Very Very Shiny! And its so pretty!



What I'd Give It:


Saturday, December 25

Merry Christmas

I just wanted to wish all my wonderful readers a Merry Christmas. 

I've had a rough few days but I'm trying to keep myself calm. I'm not even sure how to start this sentence. A few nights ago, (technically I got the news early Christmas eve morning) a friend got in a car accident. My sister's boyfriends son was killed in a car accident the night before Christmas Eve. She has been with her boyfriend for 10 years so they are pretty much family by this point. He was on his way back for Christmas from his marine base. 

He's only two years younger than me, I even went to high school with him and he was just apart of my sister's life and was just always there. I had gotten used to him being around. He was supposed to deploy in June. This wasn't supposed to happen. It's just hard. I keep thinking about the accident and it brings tears to my eyes. I keep telling myself its just not fair. I can't begin to imagine how my sister and his dad feels. I want to understand but I don't.  I think I'm still in denial or a state of shock because I just don't understand how he can just be gone.  Just like that. 

Anyways, I just wanted to say that Carrie and Bradford you are in my thoughts and I'm going to miss you Bo.

Rest In Peace Bo

Thursday, December 23

A Blue So Dark by Holly Schindler

A Blue So Dark by Holly Schindler 
Release Date: May 8, 2010
Publisher:  Flux
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 288
Buy This Book: Amazon






Summary: Fifteen-year-old Aura Ambrose has been hiding a secret. Her mother, a talented artist and art teacher, is slowly being consumed by schizophrenia, and Aura has been her sole caretaker ever since Aura's dad left them. Convinced that "creative" equals crazy, Aura shuns her own artistic talent. But as her mother sinks deeper into the darkness of mental illness, the hunger for a creative outlet draws Aura toward the depths of her imagination. Just as desperation threatens to swallow her whole, Aura discovers that art, love, and family are profoundly linked—and together may offer an escape from her fears. 

My Thoughts: I waited a while to read A Blue So Dark pushing it to the bottom of my TBR but I kept hearing good things about it so finally sat down to read it. We are introduced to Aura who is a teenager and is very artistic. She loves to draw things but she's scared. Scared to keep drawing. Scared of what could happen. Scared of what might happen. Why, you ask? Her mom has been diagnosed with schizophrenia. Her mother is also an artist so Aura is afraid it could happen to her. Her dad is out of the picture. She occasionally sees him but he's off with his new wife living his happy little life. Aura has a lot of things to deal with. Her best friend has a baby, she has a crush on a guy named Jeremy who notices her but not nearly enough. She works at a business where there are more secrets than anyone would assume.  

Aura watches her mother slip further and further and Aura needs help but she doesn't know who she can turn too. She tries to handle it on her own but how much can a teenager take or do on her own?   

Aura was strong, determined, and helpful to her mother but she can only do so much and starts to fall behind in her own life, skipping school to try to get her mom out of her funk.  

I liked the quotes at the beginning of the chapters. They gave me more insight of what was really going on with Aura's mom and made me understand better.  

I liked the romance between Aura and Jeremy but I wanted more of it. I would have liked to seen him more throughout the book but I know the focus of this one is on family and diseases that can happen to us.   

A Blue So Dark was haunting, raw, emotional, and a powerful debut from Schindler.  One word= INTENSE. 

Overall: I really liked A Blue So Dark. I don't read too many books focused on health related topics but I enjoyed this. I can't wait to see what Schindler has in store next.  

Cover: Really like it a lot! I like the colors and the way the girl is positioned.  

What I'd Give It:

Wednesday, December 22

Waiting On Wednesday (75)

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. WOW spotlights forthcoming titles that we absolutely can't wait to read.


Clarity by Kim Harrington


Summary: Clarity "Claire" Fern sees things. Things no one else can see. Things like stolen kisses and long-buried secrets. All she has to do is touch an object and the visions come to her. It's a gift. 

And a curse. 

When a teenage girl is found murdered, Claire's ex-boyfriend wants her to help solve the case — but Claire is still furious at the cheating jerk. Then Claire's brother — who has supernatural gifts of his own — becomes the prime suspect, and Claire can no longer look away. Teaming up with Gabriel, the smoldering son of the new detective, Claire must venture into the depths of fear, revenge, and lust in order to track the killer. But will her sight fail her just when she needs it most?

Why I  Want It: Uh, she can see things when she touches things, oh yes!

Tuesday, December 21

Once In A Full Moon By Ellen Schreiber


Once In A Full Moon By Ellen Schreiber
Release Date: December 28, 2010
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 304
Buy This Book: Amazon



Summary: Beware of a kiss under the full moon. It will change your life forever.

Celeste Parker is used to hearing scary stories about werewolves—Legend’s Run is famous for them. But when, after an unnerving visit with a psychic, she encounters a pack of wolves and gorgeous, enigmatic Brandon, she must discover whether his transformation is more than legend or just a trick of the shadows in the moonlight. Brandon may be Celeste’s hero, or he may be the most dangerous creature she could encounter in the woods of Legend’s Run.

The bestselling Vampire Kisses author, Ellen Schreiber, weaves together psychic predictions, generations-old secrets, a town divided, and the possibility of falling in love with a hot and heroic werewolf—the perfect formula for what happens...once in a full moon.


My Thoughts: Once In A Full Moon was unique but not as great as I hoped it would be. It was also my very first book by Schreiber. We are introduced to Celeste who is your average teenage girl. She hangs out with her two best friends, their boyfriends, and her boyfriend Nash. The guys are also all best friends so they make the perfect sixsome. They all seem happy enough at first. Celeste starts researching werewolves for a school paper and she tries to learn everything she can about them. A new guy shows up at school, his name is Brandon and he's from the other other side (the place is set up along the lines of Eastside and Westside). Nobody really likes him because he keeps to himself.

One day while walking home Celeste gets lost near the woods during a snowstorm. She is surrounded by wolves ready to attack. All of a sudden Brandon is there and scares them away but in the process he gets bitten.

Over the course of the next few weeks, strange things start happening to Brandon as Celeste's feelings grow for him. A lot happens and the ending is left open for a sequel.

What can I possibly say about Once In A Full Moon? I wanted to love this book. It was just okay. There were some parts that just felt so immature and should have been plain to see for Celeste and she seemed so naive she didn't notice. One example, is when Mrs. Meadows (the psychic or was she?) was trying to find out about Brandon and Celeste thought she was wanting to help him when it was so obvious that her goal was to expose him. Some of the werewolf symptoms also didn't make sense. To me, werewolves always look like wolves when they change (LOL) and in this one, he just grew a goatee and hair on his body.He didn't really turn into a wolf like I wanted him too.

Once In A Full Moon was just okay but it didn't live up to my expectations.

Overall: It was okay. It was a quick read so at least there was that. If it had been 500ish pages I probably would have just set it down and been done with it. I also finished this one right after Anna And The French Kiss and what could possibly live up to that, right? I think if you like more tween books than teen, you'll enjoy it more than I did.

Cover: I love this cover! It's so pretty!

What I'd Give It:

Sunday, December 19

See What I See By Gloria Whelan

See What I See By Gloria Whelan
Release Date: December 28, 2010
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pages: 208
Buy This Book: Amazon



Summary: Kate Tapert sees her life in paintings. Yet one place she never sees her life is in the work of the famous and reclusive artist Dalton Quinn—her father, whom she hasn’t seen or heard from in nearly ten years. Now Kate has an art dream of her own, and a scholarship to art school to help make it a reality. The last piece to the puzzle is staying with her father, which means it’s time for Kate to work her way into Dalton’s life, into his mind, and into his heart, whether he likes it or not.

See What I See is a powerful family story filled with uneasy relationships, deep secrets, reluctant togetherness, and an examination of the unbreakable bond between father and daughter. Celebrated National Book Award–winning author Gloria Whelan delivers her most modern story yet, with all the beauty, emotion, and timeless themes that she is known for.
 


My Thoughts: I won't lie, I don't read many books like this. I'm more of a romance reader. But I got this for review and I liked the sound of it plus I knew a few friends were excited for it so decided to give it a chance. We meet Kate who has spent her whole life with her mom, in a trailer, barely getting by. She wants to become an artist, go to art school, do something she loves. Her father is a famous painter but he left them while she was just a child and had nothing to do with them all these years.  

She decides to go to art school in the town he lives which is only 4 hours away from her home. He moved back a while back getting away from New York. She gets a scholarship so now all she needs is a room to live in. She shows up on his doorstep and asks to live with him. I don't want to spoil the whole plot but she finds out there is a lot more to his story than she originally thought. It was heartbreaking to read this book but at least it was a shorter book so I didn't have to keep those tears in my eyes for long. I think it just hit too close to home for me.  Kate was very independent and loyal. She was very mature for her age and knew how to handle things.  

Overall: A wonderful story about following your heart, your goals, and going after what you want but realizing things that are beyond your control may interfere sometimes. I really enjoyed reading this but felt myself tear up a few too many times.  

Cover: Its such an artistic cover and it fits the book perfectly! 

What I'd Give It:

Thursday, December 16

Other by Karen Kincy


Other by Karen Kincy
Release Date: July 1, 2010
Publisher: Flux
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 336
Buy The Book: Amazon



Summary: Seventeen-year-old Gwen hides a dangerous secret: she’s Other. Half-pooka, to be exact, thanks to the father she never met. Most Americans don’t exactly roll out the welcome mat for Others, especially not the small-town folks of Klikamuks, Washington. As if this isn’t bad enough, Gwen’s on the brink of revealing her true identity to her long-time boyfriend, Zack, but she’s scared he’ll lump her with the likes of bloodthirsty vampires and feral werewolves.

When a pack of werewolves chooses the national forest behind Gwen’s home as their new territory, the tensions in Klikamuks escalate-into murder. It soon becomes clear a serial killer is methodically slaying Others. The police turn a blind eye, leaving Gwen to find the killer before the killer finds her. As she hunts for clues, she uncovers more Others living nearby than she ever expected. Like Tavian, a sexy Japanese fox-spirit who rivals Zack and challenges her to embrace her Otherness. Gwen must struggle with her own conflicted identity, learn who she can trust, and-most importantly-stay alive.

My Thoughts: I had anxiously been awaiting Other to be released but than once I got it, I was reading other stuff so it took a back burner for a few months. I'm so glad I finally read it! Other was amazing! I loved it! I enjoyed every second of it. We meet Gwen who is Other.
Gwen, is half-human/half-pooka. She can shape shift into any animal she wants. The main idea of the book was that people were murdering Other's which put Gwen's life in jeopardy. She is also dealing with other life issues as well, including her boyfriend Zack and how far she should take their relationship, her feelings for her new friend Tavian, and the issues she faces with being Other. 


Lets talk about the boys in the story. Zack is a religious Christian who is taught to be against Other's. Gwen is afraid to tell him because she's nervous how he'll react. Yes, she believes he really does love her but how can she be sure? What Zack did to her made me want to slap him!

There are also other main characters, Zack's cousin, his brothers, I didn't really like them from the get go. They irked me.

Than there is Tavian. Tavian is an online friend who becomes a real friend. He's sweet, caring, and Gwen thinks he is more like her than she knows. I loved how that friendship blossomed.

The good part of this book, is that the murderer isn't revealed until the end of the book and we never know who it is throughout the book I loved seeing how Gwen and Tavian work together to solve the mystery of whom she/he is. I loved their little encounters and how they could be so free together.

Other is magical, a great story, a great debut. Its everything I hoped it would be and more. 

Overall: I loved this one! A favorite. I love how brave Gwen is, how she sticks up for herself and doesn't let people walk all over her. I can't wait to see what Kincy does with the next book!

Cover: Love It! It fits the story perfectly and it's very appealing.
 

What I'd Give It:


Wednesday, December 15

Waiting On Wednesday (74)

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. WOW spotlights forthcoming titles that we absolutely can't wait to read.

Playing Hurt by Holly Schindler

Summary: Star basketball player Chelsea "Nitro" Keyes had a full ride to college—and everyone's admiration back home. Then she took a horrible fall during senior year. Now a metal plate holds her together and she feels like a stranger in her own family. 

That summer, Chelsea's dad hires Clint, a nineteen-year-old ex-hockey player and "boot camp" trainer, to work with her at a northern Minnesota lake resort. As they grow close, Chelsea finds that Clint's haunted by his own tragedy. Will their romance end up hurting them all over again—or finally heal their heartbreak?


Why I Want It: This sounds like this book was made for me! HA! It seems like just the kind of book I will fall in love with!

Monday, December 13

The Oracle Rebounds By Allison Van Diepen

The Oracle Rebounds by Allison Van Diepen
Release Date: November 1, 2010
Publisher: Harlequin 
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 208
Buy This Book:Amazon






Summary: As the “oracle of dating,” Kayla is supposed to have all the answers about love and relationships. She’s supposed to have the perfect relationship. But now that Jared is “taking a step back,” Kayla feels like a total fraud. 

So the expert on dating starts taking her own rebound advice—and some from her friends—and stops moping around. Yeah, there are other possibilities out there—including the beyond-cute French foreign exchange student she’s showing around town. But when controversy erupts about the Oracle’s advice, Kayla is sent reeling once again. Will anything work out for her this year? Yet when her friends start seriously needing the Oracle, Kayla begins to focus on what really matters: Viv, Sharese, Amy and Ryan, her trueblue buds. And suddenly, everything starts making sense again…



My Thoughts: I was so excited to receive The Oracle Rebounds and I wasn't disappointed a bit. We are back with Kayla (the dating expert) and her bundle of friends. We start the book with Kayla and Jared stepping back from one another. Or more like him breaking up with her to focus on himself. So what does Kayla do? She turns to her work and the new foreign exchange student staying at her house. She starts dating him and spending lots of time with him. This is just a way to get over Jared she tells herself at first. She must stay intact otherwise the Oracle will also suffer a downfall.

First, lets say, I didn't like the new guy. I need Kayla to be with Jared, he's supposed to be her true love or at least he is for me during this book. The way Jared stares at her from afar still bring butterflies to my stomach hoping they will get back together. The exchange student goes back to his country and once again Kayla has basically been dumped so she has to get over it again. She also spends more time giving advice and starts to guest blog on another site which totally gets the Oracle bad reviews. The other site totally trashes her!

 Also take into consideration, this series is a light fluffy read. They shouldn't be taken too seriously. They need to be savored, laughed with, enjoyed while sipping hot chocolate.

I also love Kayla's friends. They always make me laugh and I enjoy spending time with them. Will Kayla and Jared get back together or are they just over and friends again? Read the book to find out. I also love the articles Kayla writes. This girl knows what she is talking about!

Overall: I really enjoyed reading this one. I still liked the Oracle Of Dating a bit more because it introduced us to the storyline. I love these books, they are cute, Kayla is a very likable girl, and Jared is just awesome. 

Cover: Love It! These covers always have bright colored clothing and they look really stylish.  

What I'd Give It:


Sunday, December 12

In My Mailbox (61) 12/12/2010


It was a really slow week for me! Only a few books for me!
Night Star by Alyson Noel 
Fall For Anything by Courtney Summers 

What did you get this week?

Thursday, December 9

Pucker Up by Rhonda Stapleton


Pucker Up By
Rhonda Stapleton
Release Date: May 18, 2010
Publisher: Greenwillow Books
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 368

Buy This Book:Amazon



Summary: In this irresistibly romantic trilogy, Felicity discovers that she's no ordinary teen matchmaker...she's a cupid!

Felicity can't believe her luck. Her longtime crush is now officially her boyfriend, and just in time for prom. Felicity isn't just smitten with Derek, she's head-over-heels in love. So when she learns that her boss at Cupid's Hollow used cupid magic to make Derek fall for her, Felicity is devastated. What will happen when the magic wears off?

Felicity has only two weeks to win Derek's heart for real--no matter what it takes!

My Thoughts: What can I possibly say? This is the last book of the series and I'm a little bit sad. I really enjoyed reading about Felicity and I don't want it to end. These books were extremely fast reads even though I tried to savor them. We are back again with Felicity and things are finally looking up for her. She's got the perfect boyfriend Derek, she's still best friends with Andy and Maya and her matchmaking is finally going smoothly, or so she thinks.

She goes in for a meeting with Janet and she sees that she's been matched with Derek. Oh no, does that mean that he isn't really into her and he's just under the spell. Crap, crap, crap.

Derek is such a likable character. I mean he's the perfect guy. He is sweet to Felicity, he leaves her roses, he babysits his siblings and he is very nice to his mom. Dreamy, much?

In Pucker Up, Felicity is there for her friends, she is trying to figure out if Derek really likes her or not, she even starts to feel a little bit sorry for her arch enemy by the end of the book.

Overall: I really enjoyed Pucker Up and am sad to see the series ending. I think my favorite of the three books was Flirting With Disaster. I will miss reading about Felicity and Derek but I'm glad how the book ended. The best word to describe the Stupid Cupid trilogy is cute. It's pure brain candy; like a piece of chocolate you want to just keep savoring over and over again.

Cover: Love it. Just as cute as the other two!



What I'd Give It:

Wednesday, December 8

Waiting On Wednesday (73)

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. WOW spotlights forthcoming titles that we absolutely can't wait to read.


Jenna and Jonah's Fauxmance by Brendan Halpin and Emily Franklin


Summary: Fans of romance don't need to look any further than the fauxmance brewing between teen idols Charlie Tracker and Fielding Withers—known on their hit TV show as Jenna and Jonah, next-door neighbors flush with the excitement of first love. But it's their off-screen relationship that has helped cement their fame, as passionate fans follow their every PDA. They grace the covers of magazines week after week. Their fan club has chapters all over the country. The only problem is their off-screen romance is one big publicity stunt, and Charlie and Fielding can't stand to be in the same room. Still, it's a great gig, so even when the cameras stop rolling, the show must go on, and on, and on. . . . Until the pesky paparazzi blow their cover, and Charlie and Fielding must disappear to weather the media storm. It's not until they're far off the grid of the Hollywood circuit that they realize that there's more to each of them than shiny hair and a winning smile.


Why I Want It: On and off screen romance, need I say more? 

Monday, December 6

Vampire Crush By A.M. Robinson

Vampire Crush by A.M. Robinson
Release Date: December 28, 2010
Publisher: HarperTeen
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 416
Buy This Book: Amazon





Summary: First, six mysteriously pale new students show up at Sophie McGee’s high school. Then, Sophie’s childhood nemesis James reappears, still displaying a knack for making Sophie’s blood boil. When Sophie finds out that James has a connection to the new students, she decides to investigate...never expecting her life will quickly begin to resemble a campy horror movie, complete with budding crushes and bloodthirsty villains.

Perfect for fans of the Vampire Kisses and Vladmir Tod series, A. M. Robinson’s debut novel sparkles with action, intrigue, irresistible wit, and sizzling romance.



My Thoughts: When I started this one, I honestly didn't know what I was in for! I figured it would just be another vampire novel that was like the rest. Lately, it seems like they have all just went together. Vampire Crush was unique and enjoyable. It was a little of bit mystery, romance, and humor. We are introduced to Sophie who is in high school. She is on the school newspaper and just kind of keeps to herself. People know her but they don't really "know" her. We've all felt like that at a time I think. All of a sudden a new group of kids show up to her school. How weird is it that there are so many new students at once? Sophie has to interview a few of them for the paper and she has trouble tracking them down. They seem more and more mysterious to her. Than snap, her old neighbor James is also back in town. Coincidence? I think not! 

As the romance heats up between James and Sophie, Sophie finds out the new vampires are looking for someone. Her spy sense kicks in and she wants to know more! I can't say too much else or I will give away all the spoilers of this one. It was a light read and easy to figure out. 

Overall: I really enjoyed Vampire Crush. I especially liked James and the conversations that went on between him and Sophie. I didn't quite like all the vampires as much as I would have liked. Vlad especially annoyed me and I think half of that was to do with his name. Come on, typical vampire name, how did Sophie not know that one from day one? HAHA! Vampire Crush was a really light read. Lots of references to high school musical and even Twilight. I liked it but I wanted to see more depth and get to know the characters a bit more.

Cover: The cover is really red, huh? Its striking enough to get a few second glances. I also like how we can see the bats shadow!

What I'd Give It:

Saturday, December 4

In My Mailbox (60) 12/4/2010








Black Friday Goodies (DVD's)
Dear John
P.S. I Love You
The Time Travelers Wife
New Moon
The Vampire Diaries Season 1- 
Did anyone else get up super early to get this on amazon via the lightening deal? LOL
Hello Kitty hot pink Boots ( I love HK items)


Books:
Matched by Ally Condie (had to buy the final copy-loved it)
Anna And The French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins (had to buy the final copy-loved it)
Unraveled by Gena Showalter 
Intertwined by Gena Showalter  
Blink & Caution by Tim Wynne Jones (arc tour)
What Comes After by Steve Watkins  (arc tour)
Prom And Prejudice by Elizabeth Eulberg (arc tour) 
The Transformation Of Things by Jillian Cantor (won)
The Anti-Prom by Abby McDonald (arc tour)
The Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa (arc tour) This series rocks!
Here Lies Bridgett by Paige Harbison (arc tour)
Sister Mischief by Laura Goode (arc tour)

This week I got a lot of books for arc tours, which the tours have already started! Matched and Anna I just had to have final copies because I loved them both so much!!! 

What did you get this week? 




Thursday, December 2

Wildwing by Emily Whitman

Wildwing by Emily Whitman
Release Date: September 21, 2010
Publisher: Greenwillow Books 
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 368
Buy This Book: Amazon



Summary: Addy knows there's so much more to life than what she has. She must be destined for more than being a maid to an eccentric elderly man. And so when she finds a mysterious contraption in the gentleman's study, of course she steps inside. Of course she bumps into the wrong button. Suddenly Addy is in medieval England, mistaken for the young woman betrothed to the lord of the nearby manor. It's destiny. But is it home? And will she ever find her way back to her own time? Will she want to, once she's met the shy, handsome falconer's apprentice? 

My Thoughts: Another historical read. I usually tend to stay away from these because I don't like many. Yes, there are some I like. But the majority, I don't enjoy as much as other romance books.

We are introduced to Addy, who is basically a peasant. She gets picked on by the other girls, she walks with her head down, she wants to just fit in and if she can't; just be ignored completely. Addy lives in England in 1915. One day after an incident with another girl her mother threatens to send her away to work and do what "she's supposed to do." But things don't go as planned and she ends up working for an elderly old man. He lost his son years ago and has never been the same sense.  While in his house cleaning, she finds a device that is  a time machine that takes Addy back in time to her town during the Middle Ages. She thinks this is so great! She can go back in time and live as someone else! She goes back and is mistaken for Lady Mitilda so she plays along thinking its better than whoever she really is. She finds out shes to be the bride of a much older man, ick. And of course she meets Will and falls in love with him instead. And that is basically forbidden because she's already promised to another. Of course there is a lot of other things going on behind the scene and Addy realizes just what she has gotten herself into!

Wildwing was a creative book but it just didn't hold up for me. It was predictable in some parts, I knew what was going to happen before it would happen and that bugged me. I want to be surprised. I don't like seeing things coming. 

Overall: I liked Wildwing but didn't love it. It was an okay historical romance. I wish I could have gotten more surprises but overall, I'm happy with the way it ended. I'm glad things went that way. I liked seeing all the dilemmas she got herself in. She wasn't perfect.

Cover: The cover is cute. I like the frame!

What I'd Give It:

 

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