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Girls*Heart* Books: May 2012

Thursday, May 31, 2012

Treasured Thursday: Most Treasured Angels



Treasured Thursday is a weekly event created by Touya over at The Reader's Garden that is all about our most treasured. I'm hosting it here now, for those of you who are interested in joining me. This week our topic is our most treasured angels.


Well, lemme be honest. I like Fallen Angels better than any angel could dream... I just like the paranormal aspect of angels, though, and I'll be honest, Gabriel from Halo was a very close second here...


But I have a favorite. I have somebody I would do I lot for if it meant he could be real...ya know, and like ME. But I'm shallow like that. I digress; my favorite and most treasured angel (fallen...) is...




Patch, from Hush, Hush.

For those of you who haven't read it, here's the summery:

For Nora Grey, romance was not part of the plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school,no matter how much her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her...until Patch comes along. With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Nora is drawn to him against her better judgment, but after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora's not sure whom to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is, and to know more about her than her closest friends. She can't decide whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide. And when she tries to seek some answers, she finds herself near a truth that is far more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel.
For Nora is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those that have fallen - and when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost her life.


Now, as much as that sounds like just flat out drama and insanity (which it is, which is wonderful, but), Patch plays a very big "normal" part of the story, and my God, I love him oh-so-very much I can't stand it. He's charming in that complete-tool sort of way, flirty and sexy as it gets...and this is on paper. I applaud you, Becca!


I am getting off topic a lot...this happens when I talk about guys I like...anyhow. Point being. Patch is definitely my most treasured (fallen) Angel, and will be for a long time! Who's yours?







Wednesday, May 30, 2012

"Waiting on" Wednesday: Butter by Erin Jade Lange



"Waiting on" Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're super excited about. This week, my pick is:


Butter
By: Erin Jade Lange
Publication Date: September 18th, 2012


A lonely obese boy everyone calls "Butter" is about to make history. He is going to eat himself to death--live on the Internet--and everyone is invited to watch. When he first makes the announcement online to his classmates, Butter expects pity, insults, and possibly sheer indifference. What he gets are morbid cheerleaders rallying around his deadly plan. Yet as their dark encouragement grows, it begins to feel a lot like popularity. And that feels good. But what happens when Butter reaches his suicide deadline? Can he live with the fallout if he doesn't go through with his plans? With a deft hand, E.J. Lange allows readers to identify with both the bullies and the bullied in the all-consuming look at one teen's battle with himself.


Alright. I found this book on Goodreads while looking for things to buy off Barnes & Noble, and when I read the summary my one and only thought was, "What the ever loving ****?" And when a little summary can make me think that hard, I really have to find this. Guh. 


I've never read anything by Ms. Lange, but I am deeply looking forward to this book! Cannot wait! :D 


What book are you looking forward to?



Author Spotlight: Katherine Lowry Logan


Hello there guys and gals, I was lucky enough to ask Katherine Lowry Logan, author of The Ruby Brooch a few questions for you guys! (By the way, The Ruby Brooch is FREE today on Amazon.com, so be sure to grab that!) And without further ado, I give you our Author Spotlight on Katherine Lowry Logan!


Can you tell us a little about yourself?
I’ve been a widow since 1997 and for the last nine years, I’ve been my mom’s caregiver. She is 86 and visually impaired. She loves listening to romance novels on audiobooks. I’ll enter her room and step right into the middle of a love scene. It cracks me up.

I have five grandchildren (7, 6, 5, 4, and 3). Three live in New York City and two live in Northern Kentucky. I don’t see them as often as I’d like, but when I do, I spoil them as much as possible.

I am a distance runner and am currently training to run the Air Force Marathon on September 15, the day I intend to release my next book The Last MacKlenna. I didn’t start running until eight months ago, and I love it. I spend my days running and writing, and my evenings with my sweetie, who is Chief of Endocrinology and Fertility at the University of Kentucky. Our paths crossed in another lifetime, and it took Match.com to re-unite us. It’s a pretty cool love story.


What inspired you to write The Ruby Brooch?
In September 1996, I read my first Elizabeth Lowell’s book Winter Fire. I loved it. Over the next several weeks, I read her entire back list. Then I moved on to Linda Howard, Beatrice Small and several other romance authors. By September 1997, I had read over 250 romance novels and decided I wanted to write my own. I knew three things: I wanted to write a time travel romance set in the American west in the mid-1800s, and because I had read suspense and mystery stories for years, my story had to have a mystery element. The idea for using a ruby brooch as a method of time travel came about because of a piece of jewelry I have that has its own remarkable history, sort of like The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants.

Do you find yourself reflected in any of your characters?
There is a part of me in all the characters. Although I’m not a paramedic like Kit, I am a first responder. I jump at the call and am there to help during a crisis. I can’t whistle like Cullen, although I try, and I saunter, much the way he does. I butt in sometimes where I’m not needed, and I don’t take myself too seriously like Braham. I am faith-filled like Sarah and every once in a while will come out with some pearls of wisdom, probably not as profound as hers. I have Adam’s curiosity, and Frances’s penchant for occasionally blurting out something that should be filtered. And like Henry, I’m very protective of the ones I love. And then there’s Elliott, who is afraid to open his heart because he was hurt long ago and never fully recovered. Fortunately, I have!

If you could give an aspiring author one piece of advice, what would it be?
Don’t quit! And then I’d add, grow a thick skin and don’t ever stop learning the craft of writing.

If you could spend a day with any literary character, who would it be and why?
That’s an easy one. Authors Preston Douglas and Lincoln Child www.prestonchild.com write action adventure stories. They created a character named Special Agent A.X.L. Pendergast. Pendergast always wears black suits and looks like an undertaker. There are dozens of unanswered questions about him and his rather quirky behavior. He appears in twelve novels and several of them take place in New York City. I read, or inhale each book, hoping to learn something more about the man. If I met him, he’d be evasive, but interesting enough to enjoy his company.

What are you reading right now?
I’m always reading several books at the same time. At the top of my fiction Kindle list are Threads West, 11/23/63, Comeback Love, Heartbreaker, Timeless, Dating a Cougar, and Fast Lane. Non-fiction titles include: What I talk About When I talk About Running, Mile Markers, and Reading Like a Writer.

What is your favorite part of being a writer?
Or, why do I love my job? It’s my passion. It’s a challenge to put thoughts together and turn them into sentences, into paragraphs, into pages, and ultimately into a book. Writing makes me cry and laugh out loud. It makes me want to pick up the phone and call a friend and say, “What do you think of this idea?” It makes me smile when I see in my daughters’ eyes their love and excitement over my accomplishments. It’s a joy and a blessing. When I write, I’m in my sweet spot.

Will we see more of Kit & Cullen in the next books in The Celtic Brooch trilogy?
They will make appearances in the other two brooch books, and also in Frances and Elizabeth’s stories. Elliott’s story, The Last MacKlenna, is included at the end of The Ruby Brooch. It is not part of the trilogy. That story has two spin off characters. Since they are contemporary stories, Cullen and Kit will not make an appearance.

Thank you so much for taking the time to answer our questions! Looking forward to the rest of the Brooch books! 

For more information on Katerine Lowry Logan: 

Website       Facebook       Twitter         Blog

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Teaser Tuesday: Velveteen by Daniel Marks


Teaser Tuesday is a weekly event hosted by MizB at Should Be Reading. Anyone can participate! All you have to do is:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page

• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

My Teaser this week is from:
Due out October 2012

"Bonesaw had dropped the ball on macabre creativity. It's like he never got the text message."
(Kindle location 27) 

That's my teaser, what's yours? 

Sunday, May 27, 2012

Tammy's Two Cents: Breathless by Scott Prussing: Review, Interview & Giveaway!


Weston College freshman Leesa Nyland has been fascinated by vampires since she was three years old. That's when her mom started acting weird, insisting sunlight hurt her skin because she'd been bitten by a one-fanged vampire.
But fascinated doesn't mean Leesa believes. Any more than she believes in blue fire, people who live for centuries, and kisses that can kill. But when her beloved older brother suddenly disappears, she is forced to consider all these and more. She also has to figure out what to do about her mysterious new boyfriend. She knows Rave likes her a lot--so why won't he kiss her?
As Leesa draws closer to finding her brother, she faces some gut-wrenching decisions. Should she risk her mom's life trying to "cure" her? Should she continue seeing Rave, after he reveals his dangerous secret? And most terrifying of all, should she make the ultimate sacrifice-give up her humanity-to save her brother?
 

Not to be cliché but, Breathless is a breath of fresh air.  Prussing has taken the almost worn out vampire/vampire hunters genre and given it new life!   The characters are unigue and engaging, the story interesting and the love triangle intriguing! 
I may sound like a broken record, I know, we have ourselves another strong female lead and very real, believable characters. I also liked that Prussing avoided the usual teenage female character; Leesa is a grounded, selfless non-annoying character. 
Leesa receives a cryptic and disturbing letter from her brother, Bradley just before he disappears; she packs up and heads of the college.  The same college her brother attended and disappeared from.  She quickly makes friends with the quirky Cali (whom I loved straight away because Leesa’s disability didn’t even phase her!) Shortly after that she meets the mysterious Rave, a guy she's immediately attracted to. And then there's the equally mysterious Stefan who seems interested in her as well, can you say Love Triangle; and a damn good one to boot! 
I have to stop there, if I say anymore it will ruin the surprise… this book is a must read guys, packed full of action, romance and mystery.

Of course I had to request an interview with Scott and he said yes! 
Giveaway details after the interview………………
Scott Prussing
 SCOTT PRUSSING'S WEBSITE

*Tell me a bit about yourself.
I grew up in suburban New Jersey and went to college and grad school in Connecticut. I have
degrees in psychology from the University of Connecticut and Yale University. After graduate
school, I was smart enough to move to beautiful San Diego, California, where I live just four
blocks from the ocean. I love it here. In addition to writing, I enjoy riding my bike along the
coast, going to the movies (not renting), reading books of all types, golf and hiking. I’m one of
the few people in the United States without a cell phone.
I’m single (but looking!) I recently took early retirement from a career in health education and
preventive wellness to concentrate on writing. I’m the author of the three books in the paranormal romance series Blue Fire Saga (Breathless, Deathless, and Helpless). I’m working on the fourth (Fearless) and hope to release it in June or July. I’ve also written two mystery/suspense novels (Unturned Stones and Tangled Webs), a teen romance Mine: A Love Story, whose plot is based on the hit songs of Taylor Swift, and a fantasy adventure novel called Dreams of the Last Born.

*What was your inspiration for Breathless?
I hate to admit to this, because it sounds so commercial, but it’s true, so here goes. In the mid
nineteen eighties, I wrote a mystery/suspense novel called Unturned Stones. It’s still my favorite of all my books. I think it’s totally original, well-written, with lots of clever twists. I managed to acquire a New York agent, but he was unable to get it published. I wrote another mystery/suspense novel, Tangled Webs, but still had no luck getting published.
Flash forward 15 years. A friend of mine’s husband, who is an avid reader, read my two
books and loved them. He knows how hard it is to get anything published and casually uttered this “throwaway” line: “You should write something with vampires in it. Anything with vampires sells.” I thought: I can do that. So I did. And thus was Breathless born. I self-published it and gained enough avid fans clamoring for more that I had to write a sequel, and then a third book. And still they want more…
I wanted Breathless to be a Twilight type story that was really not like Twilight, if that makes any sense. So I just started thinking about what I could do differently, but still appeal to that huge audience. I invented volkaanes (vampire hunters) and one-fanged vampires and gave my heroine some definite strengths and weaknesses. I made my vampires a bit more traditional, with no “sparkling” or total assimilation into human society like attending highschool. I used my mystery/suspense background to create a suspenseful story (why did Leesa’s brother suddenly disappear and what happened to him) as a backdrop for the romantic triangle of Leesa, a volkaane and a vampire.

*Was there a particular person that was the inspiration for Leesa?
No, not at all. She is completely a creation of my imagination (though I like to think she has at
least a little bit of me in her).


*I simply must know, how did the idea for your history/story of the vampires come about; research or just a fantastic idea?
I like the way you phrased that! It would sound egotistical if I called it a “fantastic idea,” but
that’s what it was, just a fantastic idea. I did very little research beyond what I already knew
from reading and watching movies. (Btw, I never read or saw Twilight until after Breathless was written.)

*For those who are unfamiliar with your novel, Breathless, how would you introduce it?
Breathless is book one in the Blue Fire Saga, a paranormal romance series set at a small college in present day Connecticut. There are currently three books in the series.
Weston College freshman Leesa Nyland has been fascinated by vampires since she was three
years old. That's when her mom started acting weird, refusing to go outside during the day and insisting sunlight hurt her skin because she'd been bitten by a one-fanged vampire.
But fascinated doesn't mean Leesa believes. Any more than she believes in blue fire, people who live for centuries, and kisses that can kill. But when her beloved older brother suddenly
disappears, she is forced to consider all these and more. She also has to figure out what to do
about her mysterious new boyfriend. She knows Rave likes her a lot—so why won't he kiss her? As Leesa draws closer to finding her brother, she faces some gut-wrenching decisions. Should she risk her mom's life trying to "cure" her? Should she continue seeing Rave, after he reveals his dangerous secret? And most terrifying of all, should she make the ultimate sacrifice-give up her humanity-to save her brother?

*What are the pros and cons to being an indie author?
Let’s start with the pros. I receive over 95% of all revenue from my print books (PayPal takes a small cut to handle the credit card operation). I also get 65-70% of the revenue from my ebooks(naturally, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Smashwords take their cut.) I also have complete control over all aspects of my work: content, editing, cover art, promotion, etc. In promoting the books myself, I have made many wonderful friends, primarily through Facebook. (Would you believe I didn’t even have a FB account before self-publishing my book? I now have well over 500 friends, as well as more than 800 “likes” on my FB fan page, Breathless Fampires.) Now for the cons. As a self-published author, I am responsible for 100% of the costs, though I was fortunate to have a friend “invest” in me to help defray the cost of printing Breathless. And believe me, there are many costs (printing, cover art, editing, shipping, etc.). With experience and a growing fan base, I’ve learned to reduce many of these costs. I get volunteer readers to proofread a few chapters each of any new book. I’ve used the same cover art for all 3 books of my Blue Fire Saga, getting a friend with Photoshop to change the color of Leesa’s shirt and using a paint program myself to change the titles and the number of drops of blood. The other major downside to self-publishing is the promotion. I have to do all the promoting myself. Established publishers have far more contacts and outlets through which to publicize and sell books, so getting the word out as a self-published author is challenging, to say the least. It’s especially challenging because of all the competition out there. As it gets easier and easier to self-publish ebooks (not to mention virtually free), it becomes harder and harder to get noticed amidst the hordes of books flooding the market.

*What has been the most interesting comment (or review) about your book?
It’s difficult to pick out just one, but this one from a review by a woman at Literal Addiction Paranormal Book Club is certainly among my favorites: “Let me be honest and say that I was
apprehensive to even start this review—a paranormal romance said to straddle the line between YA and Adult written by a dude—yeah, just wasn’t sure what to expect. However, let me finish by saying that Breathless was fantastic! A unique, creative, fresh approach to the vampire genre that we’ve all come to know and love, but with characters that are NOT from your ordinary Super Groups or perfection personified and who wrap you around their little fingers just pages "after you meet.”
I especially love the “written by a dude” part.

*Who is YOUR favorite author?
This is actually a difficult question, because I don’t really have anyone who I identify as my “favorite” author. The Lord of the Rings is my all-time favorite book, so that would make Tolkien a natural choice, but I’m not all that fond of his other books, even The Hobbit. When I was younger, I read every book Edgar Rice Burroughs ever wrote (and there are a LOT of
them!), so he deserves a mention as well. I call the wizards who appear in book three of my Blue Fire Saga “waziri,” after the native tribe that were Tarzan’s friends. Then there are five or six mystery/suspense authors who I really like and read all their books.

*What are you reading right now?
I usually read a book or two a week, so this will change by the time this is posted. But as I write this, I’m reading The Hunter, a mystery/suspense by John Lescroart, who I always enjoy.

*Tell us your latest news.
My latest news appears in the answer to the next question.

*Are there to be anymore installments for the Blue Fire Saga?
(for those who aren't familiar…Breathless/book 1; Deathless/book 2; Helpless/book 3)

Book 4, Fearless is currently a bit more than halfway done. I hope to release it by end of summer, maybe sooner. There will definitely be at least a fifth book. I’m leaning toward Heartless as the title of number 5.

                                                                     


Saturday, May 26, 2012

Review: Crank by Ellen Hopkins

Kristina Georgia Snow is the perfect daughter: gifted high school junior, quiet, never any trouble. But on a trip to visit her absentee father, Kristina disappears and Bree takes her place. Bree is the exact opposite of Kristina -- she's fearless. Through a boy, Bree meets the monster: crank. And what begins as a wild, ecstatic ride turns into a struggle through hell for her mind, her soul -- her life. 

Lemme start off right now by saying: I don't care if you don't like novels written in verse. You will like this book! 

Alright, now that I got that out of the way (though I know someone is reading this and scowling), lemme tell you about the novel.

Crank is the story of Kristina Snow, a perfectly normal, excellent teenager. Until she visits her dad. Kristina is introduced to drugs, (crystal meth, to be specific, also called crank) by a boy, and becomes a wild and fearless girl named Bree, who is nothing like the girl she used to be.

It's a hard book to read, I will admit. It deals with Bree's addiction and Kristina's struggle to control it and hide it, it deals with Bree's actions and how Kristina has to deal with it. I found myself reaching for the box of tissues more than I ever have when I've read a book.

That being said, I will tell you wholeheartedly I believe parents should read this book with their teenagers. It is not for the weak-stomached, I say, but it is a subject that needs to be tackled -- attacking this issue could save a life.

This novel has stuck with me since the moment I finished it, and I believe I won't ever forget Kristina Snow. Now, onto Glass.

My Rating:


I definitely recommend it! Just...have the tissues ready.


Friday, May 25, 2012

Group Review & Giveaway: Cold Kiss by Amy Garvey



Be careful what you wish for. . . .

When Wren's boyfriend, Danny, died, Wren decided that what she wanted—what she had to do—was to bring Danny back. And so, in a heartbroken fury, armed with dark incantations and a secret power, she did.

But the Danny who returns isn't the boy Wren fell in love with, and she must hide him away while her life unravels around her. Then Gabriel transfers to her school and somehow he knows what she has done—and he wants to help make things right.

But Wren alone must undo what she has wrought—even if it means breaking her heart all over again.
(from Amazon.com)

Hello all, this month we decided to tackle Cold Kiss by Amy Garvey for our group review! I came across this book while browsing through Goodreads (I believe Lana was already reading it) and it caught my attention. I went right to Amazon & downloaded it for my kindle. I'm so very glad I did; this book had me hooked from the very first page!

Set in a small town where everyone knows everything about everyone else, Cold Kiss brings us back to our first love and that first time you feel really connected to a person outside of your family. And it shows what can happen when that gets taken away in a violent and unexpected manner. Especially when you have certain gifts at your disposal as does our main character, Wren. I was riveted by Wren's story from the beginning and literally sat and read this book in one afternoon without moving from my couch. I simply could not put it down.

Garvey has written an emotional masterpiece that will have you on the edge of your seat. Told from Wren's point of view, the story hurtles towards climax, dragging you along for one hell of a ride. Wren's life has become one giant yarn ball of catastrophes and every time she thinks she has one knot undone, another one gets helplessly snared in the tangle. I really love how she doesn't expect anyone else to get her out of the mess she's made.

My very favorite thing about this book was the characters; mainly our heroine. Wren is a dynamo, a miniature spitfire who is determined to fix her own mistakes and learn from them. She isn't a princess waiting to be rescued, but a complexly fierce, stubborn and funny young woman. Then we have Gabriel; can I just say that I LOVE him! He's sweet, caring and funny and exactly what Wren needs, in my opinion. Knowing what a horrible situation Wren is in, he just wants to help her fix it. Or fix it himself; yep, he's that kind of guy. I can't wait to see how his & Wren's relationship develops in the next installment.

Cold Kiss is fast paced and heartbreaking; funny and sad all at the same time. You're on an emotional roller coaster from start to finish. I would highly recommend it to anyone who loves a good paranormal story.

My Rating:




I’ll be honest right now; I really had no intention of reading this book. I got it at a book signing Amy happened to be at, and though she did get a ton of brownie points for being a Dean Girl, I thought the book was going to be stale and boring. “Oh, look,” I thought, “another story of a girl who’s so obsessed with a guy she has no personality whatsoever.” But Mel raved about it, so I picked it up.

Holy God, why didn’t I do this SOONER?

Cold Kiss does indeed have a love triangle…Sort of. Frankly it can only end one way, considering one member of said triangle is dead, but you still wanna cry for Danny (even if you want to jump into the book and trample Gabriel in a not-so-innocent way). Well, about half way through the book that stopped for me, because Danny was beginning to freak me out…I don’t freak out easily. But it’s written so well, and so precise, I couldn’t help but shiver at some moments.

What I also liked was that Danny wasn’t really a “zombie” and Wren isn’t really a “witch”, though that is exactly what they both are. Wren isn’t walking around with a broom, wand and owl like a Harry Potter rip-off (thank God…) and Danny isn’t utterly obsessed with “Brains! BRAINS!” He is more of an animated corpse, obsessed with the person who brought him back (Wren), and Wren, to me, seems like someone who can just tap into the elements. It’s refreshing, having English instead of Latin and thought instead of hunger.

Wren is a little headstrong and resistant of help, but I actually like that about her. She isn’t falling all over Gabriel (who I love, by the way) and acting like a typical drama-queen we see nowadays. She likes him, it’s obvious, but she’s not obsessing (like other books I won’t mention…), which is good, because I probably would’ve had a harder time getting through the book if she had.

That being said, I got through the book in 4 days, and that’s only because I had work. It is beautifully written and sculpted and I cannot wait to dig into Glass Heart (due out in September- careful, I might trample you to get to it)!

I’m gonna fangirl over this book for a long time to come, I know it. I want to keep ranting, too! But my review is gonna be longer than the actual book soon…so I will shush now. But really, guys, go out and get yourselves a copy! You won’t regret it!

My Rating:



I am an avid zombie story fan; we are an avid “No Spoilers” Blog… I’m sorry but this is not a zombie book. I was a tad bit let down as I was expecting zombies, the night of the living dead eat your brains kinda zombies… so, kudos to Garvey for her new take on zombies but, as a creature of habit I just take a little bit more convincing. That being said, it is a very well written story, the struggles you face through Wren’s eyes are very believable and realistic.

There is nothing like your first love but, what if that is taken from you just when you’ve found it, what if you had the power to bring him back… would you? Anyone who has lost someone will find this story very poignant and prolific! Garvey has managed to capture the love without denying the loss; focused on the pain but never forgetting the memories. This story touches on the reality of hiding who you really are and therefore not being completely honest with the people you love; trust, friendship and the ability to love again even if your heart is broken and you don’t think that you ever will. By the end of the book my heart was breaking for Wren and Danny. This is one of my most difficult reviews to write… I give it 3.5 quills out of 5; mostly because 1. I was expecting zombies and although I got the undead, I didn’t get my zombie(s) 2. Sometimes the author’s descriptions went overboard. All in all, I would still recommend this book as it is a little rough around the edges but Garvey’s story is one that must be told! That is just my two cents. :)
My Rating:

And now! The Cold Kiss giveaway! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thursday, May 24, 2012

Treasured Thursdays: Most Treasured Punch in the Gut


Treasured Thursday is a weekly event created by Touya over at The Reader's Garden that is all about our most treasured. I'm hosting it here now, for those of you who are interested in joining me. This week our topic is our most treasured punch in the gut.

I know what everyone is thinking; Who treasures a punch in the stomach..? Me. And by that I mean most brutally honest and heartbreaking story, of course. 

Now me? I've read a bunch of sickeningly real stories about things no one wants to talk about. If it involves suicide or being uncomfortable with ones self, you can bet I've read it or it's on my TBR list (250 long and growing). I just love it. How morbid does this make me? Quite. I don't care.

I have a lot of favorites, honestly. Anything by Ellen Hopkins is loved, Jay Asher's 13 Reasons Why was beautiful, North of Beautiful is creeping up on my "I love you" list, and there are too many to name, honestly. But I do have one that I love immensely, and that is...

Speak, by Laurie Halse Anderson.

Can you say ow?

For those of you who haven't read it, here's the summery:

Melina Sordino busted an end-of-summer party by calling the cops. Now her old friends won't talk to her, and people she doesn't even know hate her from a distance. The safest place to be is alone, inside her own head. But even that's not safe. Because there's something she's trying not to think about, something about the night of the party that, if she let it in, would blow her carefully constructed disguise to smithereens. And then she would have to speak the truth.

I bought this book because I found an ad online that someone was making a movement to ban the book from school libraries. Banned books? Oh, yes, I am going to read it, I thought. It must have something dark, right? 

I wasn't disappointed. Though it did take a little while to get to the point, I was never bored. I was always wondering what happened to Melinda, and reading forward and hoping and praying every time I began a new chapter it would be the chapter I found out what happened to her. I won't spoil it for you (someone's heart just sank...) because I want you all to go pick it up if you haven't already. 

This is my most treasured; what's yours?



Castaway Hearts by Taryn Raye: Review

Twice orphaned, Catherine Barrett arrives in Virginia a stranger to her closest kin and secretly engaged to the one man her family would disapprove of—her seafaring grandfather’s apprentice. Add to her troubles, the rich and intriguing older brother of her secret betrothed, Dawson Randolph, a plantation owner who is as heartless as he is handsome. Heartbroken when her intended sets sail for his maiden voyage, Catherine finds it difficult to adjust to her new life, hoping to befriend the one man who is, undoubtedly, the match her grandparents wish for her. Dawson’s distaste for her secret engagement to his brother makes it clear he has no designs for marriage to anyone. Especially her.

Ten years since the tragic loss of his young wife and infant son, Dawson Randolph is convinced love and marriage is a fool’s game and resents being pardon to his brother’s hidden engagement. Damned by his instant attraction and his own growing desire, Dawson vows to befriend her against his better judgment. Determined to bring her happiness in a time of fear and uncertainty, Dawson puts aside his animosity to become her confidant, only to realize Catherine holds the key to his heart. When tragedy strikes at sea, Catherine’s guilt pushes Dawson to the fringes of her life as madness consumes her.

Can his love save her before she drowns in her own grief? Or is he doomed to love her from a distance, always in the shadow of her love for his dead brother?
(from Goodreads)

Castaway Hearts is a stand alone historical romance by Taryn Raye. When asked if I would review this book, I jumped at the chance. I adore historical romance novels and this one seemed like something I would really enjoy. I'm very happy to report that I was right; this is a very sweet story and a quick read.

The story is told from the points of view of our two main characters, Catherine and Dawson. They were really the very best part of the book for me. They are both such vivid, funny and strong characters, they really  brought the story to life for me.  We see a spark between these two from the very first time they see one another. I really enjoyed watching them come to terms with their feelings for one another. 

 With a fast moving plot, plenty of conflict and likable characters, this was an easy read for me. I really loved the love story. I will definitely be looking for Ms. Raye's next book! 

My Rating:

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

"Waiting on" Wednesday: The Land of Stories: The Wishing Spell by Chris Colfer


"Waiting on" Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're super excited about. This week, my pick is:

The Land of Stories: The Wishing Spell
The Land of Stories book #1
By: Chris Colfer
Publication Date: July 17th, 2012
Alex and Conner Bailey's world is about to change, in this fast-paced adventure that uniquely combines our modern day world with the enchanting realm of classic fairytales.

The Land of Stories tells the tale of twins Alex and Conner. Through the mysterious powers of a cherished book of stories, they leave their world behind and find themselves in a foreign land full of wonder and magic where they come face-to-face with the fairy tale characters they grew up reading about. 

But after a series of encounters with witches, wolves, goblins, and trolls alike, getting back home is going to be harder than they thought.



...Well, let's just be honest right now, guys. If I'm going to admit to be a massive fangirl over anything, it's going to be about one Chris Colfer. But if I pretend it's by someone I don't know, I think it sounds interesting anyway! So I will honestly tell you all; I cannot wait to read this book!


Excuse me, everyone, I'll just be over here pacing...


This is my "Waiting on" (patiently...), what's yours?



The Ruby Brooch by Katherine Lowry Logan: Review

Buy NOW on Amazon.com
Can a 21st century paramedic find her true identity on the other side of the heather-scented mist?

From the white-plank fenced pastures of Lexington, Kentucky, to the beautiful Bay of San Francisco, The Ruby Brooch, a saga rich in detail and mystery, follows a young woman’s physical and emotional journey as she searches for the truth she believes will heal her wounds, restore her sense of self, and allow her to move on with her life.

As the lone survivor of a car crash that killed her parents, paramedic Kit MacKlenna makes a startling discovery that further alters her life. A faded letter and a well-worn journal reveal that she was abandoned on her father’s doorstep as a baby. The only clues to her identity are a blood-splattered shawl, a locket that bears a portrait of a nineteenth-century man, and a Celtic brooch with mystical powers. Following notes in her late father’s journal, Kit sets out on a quest to solve the murders of her birth parents and discover her true identity. Under the guise of the Widow MacKlenna, Kit calls on the power of the ruby brooch and is swept back in time to Independence, Missouri, in the year 1852.

Upon arriving in the past, she meets Cullen Montgomery, an egotistical Scotsman with a penchant for seducing widows. The San Francisco-bound lawyer happens to resemble the ghost who has haunted Kit since childhood. She quickly finds the Bach-humming, Shakespeare-quoting man to be over-bearing and his intolerance for liars threatens her quest.

If she can survive his accusations and resist his tempting and passionate embrace, she might be able to find the answers she seeks and return home to a new life without changing history or leaving her heart on the other side of time.
(from Goodreads)

The Ruby Brooch is the first book in the Celtic Brooch Trilogy by Katherine Lowry Logan. When I was contacted by the author to read this book, I was instantly excited. It combines several of my favorite things; historical romance, time travel and a stubborn woman. I could not wait to read it. From modern day Kentucky to 1852  Independence, Missouri, this book brings you on a woman's journey through time that defies all the odds.

Kit, our main character is such a strong and determined woman, you can't help but love her as she tries to learn the truth about her parentage. Her loyalty and bravery are other traits that I really admired. She doesn't know how not to help people in need. I loved watching her story unfold. All the characters were vibrant and complex; no cardboard cut outs here. Cullen, Kit's love interest, is beyond swoon-worthy; he quotes Shakespeare, hums Bach and is overprotective in a non-control freak way. I adore him.

 This was a fast read for me, probably because I couldn't put my kindle down. Instead I was carrying it from room to room so I could see what would happen next. It's fast paced, sweet and sad at times. I felt like I was on an emotional rollercoaster as I read. Laughing one moment and crying the next. It's an incredible story rich with detail. I could picture the wagon train in my mind so easily from the author's descriptions. The story is told from the third person perspective which  I really love because you get to get inside all the characters' heads and see what makes them tick.

Amazing characters and great storytelling make this a real page turner. The Ruby Brooch is one of the best books I've read this year; it's a fantastically original and moving book that will make you believe in true love and soul mates.This book was breathtaking from beginning to end. A poignant tale of loss and love and hope. I cannot wait for the next installment! I highly recommend it to anyone who loves a good romance.

My Rating: 

Today ONLY guys, you can get this fantastic read on Amazon for FREE!! So go now & I promise you won't be sorry!!


Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Review: Losing Elizabeth by Tanya J Peterson

When the school year begins, Elizabeth Carter's life is fantastic, and she is a happy, confident, well-adjusted teenager. She and her best friend Meg are not only on the school tennis team but they are even candidates for the varsity level. Elizabeth is in advanced classes and already planning for a bright future. She is ecstatic when greatly-admired Brad Evans asks her out. Slowly and insidiously, though, Brad takes over her life. Readers will find themselves traveling with Elizabeth on a tumultuous journey filled with both joy and pain that ultimately is a search for love, friendship, and identity.
Losing Elizabeth addresses the very core of teen life experience, which is learning to engage in meaningful relationships at the same time as an independent sense of self is developing. The novel reaches the young adult reader deep inside her heart and soul and speaks not only to what she likes, but to whom she is and what she is becoming.

When I first read the summary for Losing Elizabeth, I was very excited to dig into it. I'm a fan of stories that get into this girl-falling-all-over-a-guy-and-forgetting-she-is-a-human-too thing because I'm watching it happen a lot, and it drives me buggy. I hadn't found any books that focus solely on this issue yet, so I was very happy it was sent to me!

When I started reading, though, I found the novel to be quite abrupt. I was mentally adding paragraphs and sentences a lot, and rewording a couple times. Some of the things Lizzie (in particular) would say seemed like they shouldn't be dialog, and though it was written in third-person, the characters thoughts would sometimes take up one to three paragraphs in a row, making it seem like a first-person novel.

The other thing that was a little quick-paced was the characters themselves. Lizzie fell all over Brad even though he was a dick right off the bat; Meg changed her mind about Brad being a good guy or a bad guy in about thirty seconds flat; and the ending (which I won't give away) was resolved really fast for someone who's been in that type of relationship for weeks... 

In spite of that I did keep coming back for more, though (I still think I was just hoping Brad would get hit by a truck at some point). It was a good read, but I think it needed a little extra umph.

My Rating:

Teaser Tuesday: Angelfire by Courtney Allison Moulton


Teaser Tuesday is a weekly event hosted by MizB at Should Be Reading. Anyone can participate! All you have to do is:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page

• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!


This weeks teaser is from "Angelfire" by Courtney Allison Moulton!

"By the time he realized you were a Preliator, I was running from my hiding spot, swinging my sword. I didn't even land a solid blow before he took off into the darkness."
Page 305

That's my teaser! What's yours?