Tuesday, May 31, 2011

New Reviews

This is just a post to let you all know that I finally decided to start reviewing the romance novels that I read alongside the YA novels. I have been reading romance since I was 15 and I have loved it ever since! The reason why I haven't been reviewing the romance novels since I started this blog is because I didn't want anyone criticizing me for writing about something that is for "adults". Well, you know what, I don't care about that anymore. I am going to start reviewing romance novels because I love them and I have something to say about all of them. I hope my readers are okay with my new reviews! =) If you would like, you can leave me a comment about how you feel!

New YA Book Releases: May 31, 2011


How do you defy destiny?
Helen Hamilton has spent her entire sixteen years trying to hide how different she is—no easy task on an island as small and sheltered as Nantucket. And it's getting harder. Nightmares of a desperate desert journey have Helen waking parched, only to find her sheets damaged by dirt and dust. At school she's haunted by hallucinations of three women weeping tears of blood . . . and when Helen first crosses paths with Lucas Delos, she has no way of knowing they're destined to play the leading roles in a tragedy the Fates insist on repeating throughout history.
As Helen unlocks the secrets of her ancestry, she realizes that some myths are more than just legend. But even demigod powers might not be enough to defy the forces that are both drawing her and Lucas together—and trying to tear them apart.
Nightspell by Leah Cypess

Here be ghosts, the maps said, and that was all.
In this haunted kingdom, ghosts linger—not just in the deepest forests or the darkest caverns, but alongside the living, as part of a twisted palace court that revels all night and sleeps through the daylight hours.
Darri's sister was trapped in this place of fear and shadows as a child. And now Darri has a chance to save her sister . . . if she agrees to a betrothal with the prince of the dead. But nothing is simple in this eerie kingdom—not her sister, who has changed beyond recognition; not her plan, which will be thrown off track almost at once; and not the undead prince, who seems more alive than anyone else.
In a court seething with the desire for vengeance, Darri holds the key to the balance between life and death. Can her warrior heart withstand the most wrenching choice of all?
Queen of the Dead by Stacey Kade

After being sent back from the light, Alona Dare - former homecoming queen, current Queen of the Dead - finds herself doing something she never expected: working. Instead of spending days perfecting her tan by the pool (her typical summer routine when she was, you know, alive), Alona must now cater to the needs of other lost spirits. By her side for all of this - ugh- “helping of others” is Will Killian: social outcast, seer of the dead, and someone Alona cares about more than she’d like. Before Alona can make a final ruling on Will’s “friend” or “more” status, though, she discovers trouble at home. Her mom is tossing out Alona’s most valuable possessions, and her dad is expecting a new daughter with his wicked wife. Is it possible her family is already moving on? Hello! She’s only been dead for two months! Thankfully, Alona knows just the guy who can put a stop to this mess. Unfortunately for Alona, Will has other stuff on his mind, and Mina, a young (and beautiful) seer, is at the top of the list. She’s the first ghost-talker Will’s ever met—aside from his father—and she may hold answers to Will’s troubled past. But can she be trusted? Alona immediately puts a check mark in the “clearly not” column. But Will is - ahem - willing to find out, even if it means leaving a hurt and angry Alona to her own devices, which is never a good idea.

Monday, May 30, 2011

Review: Rules of Attraction by Simone Elkeles

April 27, 2010
Walker & Company

From Goodreads:
When Carlos Fuentes returns to America after living in Mexico for a year, he doesn’t want any part of the life his older brother, Alex, has laid out for him at a high school in Colorado . Carlos likes living his life on the edge and wants to carve his own path—just like Alex did. Then he meets Kiara Westford. She doesn’t talk much and is completely intimidated by Carlos’ wild ways. As they get to know one another, Carlos assumes Kiara thinks she’s too good for him, and refuses to admit that she might be getting to him. But he soon realizes that being himself is exactly what Kiara needs right now.

My Review:
When I first started Rules of Attraction, I wasn't sure how Simone Elkeles was going to be able to pull off another story full of gangs, drugs, Fuentes family problems, and a special girl who knocks the socks off of a Fuentes brother (all these things make the story oh, so controversial and soooo good). And boy did Elkeles show me how she could switch up the dynamics just a little and be able to satisfy the reader. I adore the Perfect Chemistry series. Elkeles doesn't shy away from any shocking matters-- she dives right into them.  If you haven't tried this series yet, you are missing out!!

Going into the story, I was thinking that Kiara would be just like Brittany: perfect, pretty, popular, snarky, yet hiding her true emotions inside of her. Kiara sure had a lot of snark to her but she was none of the other things. She wears baggy clothes to hide her girly figure and she is far from popular. She stutters and tries very hard to control her speech impediment. I think I liked her much better than Brittany just because she doesn't feel like she has to put on a fake persona to face the world and is comfortable with being who she is. When Carlos comes into the picture, Kiara is sure thrown for a loop! While she doesn't try to change herself for him, she finds her self going close to a selfish (not really) and arrogant (x1000) former member of a gang.


Carlos is spicy and dangerous, yet easy to fall for. He puts up a wall around his heart and doesn't want to let anyone get close to him for fear that he might lose them. To those around him, he appears self-assured and cocky. Inside, he is a real sweetheart and he will die for those that he cares about. When he meets Kiara, his walls that he built start to crumble. Kiara infuriates him and isn't really pretty, yet he can't help but feel something for her. I really loved watching Carlos grow closer to Kiara. He is very tough but Kiara knows how to get to him. I also enjoyed seeing Alex and Carlos grow closer again. Carlos is upset at Alex for leaving them for Brittany and it isn't easy for him to forgive him.

Rules of Attraction was a fast read that had me hooked until the very end. There are so many emotions that I experienced while reading. Make sure to have a box of tissues close by when you read this one! Rules of Attraction is just as good as Perfect Chemistry! I cannot wait until Luis' story. It is sure to be just as amazing as the previous two.

My Rating:

Sunday, May 29, 2011

Cover Reveal: Taken at Dusk by C.C. Hunter

C.C. Hunter just revealed her cover of Taken at Dusk, the third book in the Shadow Falls series. I think it looks amazing!! Love the reddish orange color. What do you think??


Saturday, May 28, 2011

In My Mailbox (21)


For Review:
Betrayed by Ednah Walters

Bought:
A Touch Mortal by Leah Clifford

Won:
Daimon by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Daimon and Half-Blood Swag

Thanks to:
Ednah Walters
Jennifer L. Armentrout

Friday, May 27, 2011

Review: Fins Are Forever by Tera Lynn Childs

July 1, 2011
HarperTeen

Received from Splash Team ARC Tour

From Goodreads:
On Lily Sanderson’s eighteenth birthday she’ll become just a girl—still a mergirl, true, but signing the renunciation will ink Princess Waterlily of Thalassinia out of existence. That leaves plain old Lily living on land, dating the boy she loves, and trying to master this being-human thing once and for all.
Now that Lily and Quince are together, mer bond or not, she’s almost content to give up her place in the royal succession of Thalassinia. But just when she thinks she has everything figured out, the waves start to get rough. Lily’s father sends a certain whirlpool-stirring cousin to stay with her on land. What did Doe do to get herself exiled from Thalassinia and stuck in terraped form when everyone knows how much she hates humans? And why why why is she batting her eyelashes at Lily’s former crush, Brody?
The seafoam on the raging surf comes when a merboy from Lily’s past shows up—Tellin asks Lily for something that clouds her view of the horizon. There’s a future with Quince on land, her loyalty to the kingdom in the sea, and Lily tossing on the waves in the middle. Will she find a way to reconcile her love, her duty, and her own dreams?
Tera Lynn Childs’s sequel to Forgive My Fins offers another tail-flicking romance with plenty of fun, sun, and underwater adventure.


My Review:
Tera Lynn Childs is by far one of my favorite authors. Each one of her books has a unique plot line and I know when I pick up one of her books, I will be entertained! Fins Are Forever did not disappoint! Lily and Quince are back in this fun-filled read full of mermaids, romance, and drama. Childs throws in many surprises and weaves a fantastical read that is sure to leave readers panting for more!

Lily is such a sweet, sassy, and fun girl! She definitely has a lot on her plate in this book. Dosinia has been exiled from Thalassinia and Lily is put in charge of her as her last royal duty. She has to get Dosinia to get over her hatred for humans, which is not an easy task at all. Dosnia is very difficult to deal with and only concerned about herself. She causes many, many problems for Lily. While dealing with Doe, Lily also has to find time to hang out with her boyfriend Quince and find out a way to ace the SATs. Lily sure has a lot in store for her in this novel!

I love stories about mermaids and Tera Lynn Childs series about mermaid princess Waterlily warms my heart. It is light-hearted and very enjoyable! Childs has a very unique take on mermaids and I love meeting all of Lily's underwater friends and family. A merboy, Tellin, from Lily's past is introduced in the story and opens up many avenues for Lily to consider. Lily has so much at stake in Fins Are Forever!

If you haven't yet read Forgive My Fins, you are sure missing out on an awesome series! I would highly recommend running to the nearest library or bookstore because you need to check it out! If you are anxiously waiting on Fins Are Forever, you will not be disappointed in this next installment in Lily's story!

My Rating:

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Follow Friday


Follow Friday is hosted by Parajunkee! =)

This weeks question:

Q. How many books do you read in a week? And in what format do you read them, or listen to them?


I read about 3 books a week during school when it is not so crazy. During the summer, I can read about a book a day. I prefer to read books in hard copies because I like the experience better if that makes any sense. =P

While you're here, feel free to check out my reviews that I posted this week:
Something Like Fate by Susane Colasanti
The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter

Thanks for stopping by!

Review: The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter

April 19, 2011
Harlequin Teen

From Goodreads:
It's always been just Kate and her mom—and her mother is dying. Her last wish? To move back to her childhood home. So Kate's going to start at a new school with no friends, no other family and the fear her mother won't live past the fall.Then she meets Henry. Dark. Tortured. And mesmerizing. He claims to be Hades, god of the Underworld—and if she accepts his bargain, he'll keep her mother alive while Kate tries to pass seven tests.
Kate is sure he's crazy—until she sees him bring a girl back from the dead. Now saving her mother seems crazily possible. If she succeeds, she'll become Henry's future bride, and a goddess.


My Review:
The Goddess Test introduces the reader to a fun, fresh take on Greek mythology and I absolutely LOVED it. I am a huge fan of retellings of Greek myths so when I heard about this book, I was so excited! The synopsis gives the reader just a small taste of what is to come in the story. The Goddess Test is complex and unique! It is just what I was expecting and more!! Do not miss out on this fun-filled debut.

Kate has to be one of my favorite heroines in the YA genre. She is not too weak and not too strong. She is an average girl who gets thrown into a not-so-average world of gods and goddesses. I loved the fact that she could hold her own but wasn't unrealistic about it. Her times with Henry were fun to watch and I cried and laughed right along with her. Her bond with her mother is very strong and it was nice to see such a relationship in the paranormal romance genre. Most of the time the girls don't have a relationship with their mom and all they care about is their guy. This is not the case for Kate. She has equally strong feelings for both and I loved seeing her balance them.

Henry is very mysterious and interesting. I wasn't sure about how to feel about him at first but as Kate got to know him better, I enjoyed what I saw in Henry. He is very tortured and has gone through a whoooole lot in his lifetime. I loved seeing him open up more around Kate and slowly grow to love her. In The Goddess Test, the reader really gets to see how Henry is as a person but doesn't get to see much about his "job". I am really hoping that I get to see more about how he rules the Underworld in Goddess Interrupted.

Now, even though the story is mostly about Henry, Kate, and Kate's mother, the side cast of characters were just as involved in Kate's time at Eden. There is Ava, James, Theo, Ella, and Calliope to name a few. I really hope that I will get to know some of them better in the sequel, Goddess Interrupted. The storyline was crazzzy. Nothing at all was predictable in The Goddess Test and I was shocked at the developments in the story. When everything finally came together in the end, I was thrown for a loop! Many plot points had hinted at the end but I still couldn't believe it!

The Goddess Test is a wonderful story full of gods, goddesses, and Greek mythology. Even if you aren't in to Greek myths or don't know much about them, I would still recommend reading The Goddess Test. The Goddess Test changes everything around and I LOVED it. It is so unique and lovely! Do not miss out on this book!!

My Rating:

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Waiting on Wednesday (28)

October 4, 2011
HarperTeen

From Goodreads:
A move to Ireland is about to introduce Megan to her destiny, her real destiny, can she embrace it and will she survive it?

A tragedy in Megan’s past set her on a predetermined course. A chain of events has been set in motion that brings Megan to Kinsale, a small town in the south of Ireland where her destiny awaits her. Her life starts to fall into place as she makes new friends and settles into her new school. However, the reclusive and distant Adam DeRís calls to her body and soul.

She finds herself increasingly drawn to Adam and his strange family. Adam knows a secret from her past and he and his family hold the key to her future. A future that binds her to Adam and his world, a world of power, mystery and ancient orders. A world that unbeknownst to her, she very much belongs in.


Why I'm Excited:
The cover of the book is so gorgeous! I am really interested in seeing where the story goes. I think it has something to do with Celtic legends which I would really love to see done in YA. Can't wait!



Tuesday, May 24, 2011

New YA Book Releases: May 24, 2011


The Girl in the Steel Corset by Kady Cross
In 1897 England, sixteen-year-old Finley Jayne has no one…except the "thing" inside her.
When a young lord tries to take advantage of Finley, she fights back. And wins. But no normal Victorian girl has a darker side that makes her capable of knocking out a full-grown man with one punch….
Only Griffin King sees the magical darkness inside her that says she's special, says she's one of them. The orphaned duke takes her in from the gaslit streets against the wishes of his band of misfits: Emily, who has her own special abilities and an unrequited love for Sam, who is part robot; and Jasper, an American cowboy with a shadowy secret.
Griffin's investigating a criminal called The Machinist, the mastermind behind several recent crimes by automatons. Finley thinks she can help—and finally be a part of something, finally fit in.
But The Machinist wants to tear Griff's little company of strays apart, and it isn't long before trust is tested on all sides. At least Finley knows whose side she's on—even if it seems no one believes her.

Beauty Queens by Libba Bray

From bestselling, Printz Award-winning author Libba Bray, the story of a plane of beauty pageant contestants that crashes on a desert island.
Teen beauty queens. A "Lost"-like island. Mysteries and dangers. No access to email. And the spirit of fierce, feral competition that lives underground in girls, a savage brutality that can only be revealed by a journey into the heart of non-exfoliated darkness. Oh, the horror, the horror! Only funnier. With evening gowns. And a body count.







Blood Magic by Tessa Gratton
This page-turning debut novel will entice fans who like their paranormal romances dark and disturbing. It's a natural next-read for fans of Stephanie Meyer, Carrie Jones, and Becca Fitzpatrick. But instead of mythical creatures, blood magic has everything to do with primal human desires like power, wealth, and immortality.

Everywhere Silla Kennicott turns she sees blood. She can't stop thinking about her parents alleged murder-suicide. She is consumed by a book filled with spells that arrives mysteriously in the mail. The spells share one common ingredient: blood, and Silla is more than willing to cast a few. What's a little spilled blood if she can uncover the truth? And then there's Nick—the new guy at school who makes her pulse race. He has a few secrets of his own and is all too familiar with the lure of blood magic. Drawn together by a combination of fate and chemistry, Silla and Nick must find out who else in their small Missouri town knows their secret and will do anything to take the book and magic from Silla.


Between Here and Forever by Elizabeth Scott

Abby accepted that she can’t measure up to her beautiful, magnetic sister Tess a long time ago, and knows exactly what she is: Second best. Invisible.

Until the accident.

Now Tess is in a coma, and Abby’s life is on hold. It may have been hard living with Tess, but it's nothing compared to living without her.

She's got a plan to bring Tess back though, involving the gorgeous and mysterious Eli, but then Abby learns something about Tess, something that was always there, but that she’d never seen.

Abby is about to find out that truth isn't always what you think it is, and that life holds more than she ever thought it could...


Angel Burn by L.A. Weatherly

Willow knows she’s different from other girls, and not just because she loves tinkering with cars. Willow has a gift. She can look into the future and know people’s dreams and hopes, their sorrows and regrets, just by touching them. She has no idea where this power comes from. But the assassin, Alex, does. Gorgeous, mysterious Alex knows more about Willow than Willow herself does. He knows that her powers link to dark and dangerous forces and that he’s one of the few humans left who can fight them. When Alex finds himself falling in love with his sworn enemy, he discovers that nothing is as it seems, least of all good and evil.
In the first book in an action-packed romantic trilogy, L. A. Weatherly sends readers on a thrill ride of a road trip  —  and depicts the human race at the brink of a future as catastrophic as it is deceptively beautiful.


Something Deadly Comes This Way by Kim Harrison

I'm Madison Avery, in charge of heaven's hit squad . . . and fighting it all the way.
When Madison died the night of her prom, she knew her life would never be the same. Now she has a powerful amulet, a team of rogue angels by her side, and the ability to flash forward into the future to see the shape of destiny. And of course, now she's finally with Josh—a perfect boyfriend who doesn't even mind that she's dead.
But being dead has its disadvantages, too. Madison feels caught between the light and the dark, and between her real life and her timekeeper status. When Madison has the opportunity to get her body back—to be alive again—she faces her most difficult decision yet. If she claims it, she could return to being a normal girl—and have a chance at a real relationship with Josh. But would having the one thing she wants most in the world also mean giving up everything she's worked so hard for?


Monday, May 23, 2011

Armchair BEA Kickoff Post

*waves* Hello to those currently reading this. ;) My name is Bailey and I started my blog, IB Book Blogging, last July. I am an IB student in Arizona and I will be a senior next year. Of course, I love reading and reviewing books. It makes me feel so great when people say that they will look into a book because of my review. I love knowing that I have some kind of influence on people out there!

When I found out about BEA last year, I knew I would do whatever it took to go. I even convinced my mom to take me because she wanted me to see New York where she had spent some of her life. However, those plans went down the drain when we looked at my school calendar and found out that I would have finals the week of BEA. I was so upset and saddened but Armchair BEA is letting me get a taste of what I would have experienced had I gone!

I really don't want to go on and on about myself but I can't close this post without showing a picture of my puppy (he is almost 2!) Boomer. He is my reading buddy and always cuddles up with me in my bed. Oh, by the way, my bed is how I "armchair". It is so comfy and I love laying down and chilling out with a good book and Boomer, who is sometimes joined by one of my other 3 dogs (Suzy Q, Rocky Joe, and Little Bit). As you can probably already see, I love my doggies! That is Boomer below. He snuck my book away from me when I wasn't looking and proceeded to read Shattered Souls.


Thank you so much for stopping by my blog! Feel free to have a look around and don't be afraid to leave me a comment!

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