Thursday, May 31, 2012

What's Next? (1)

  What's Next is hosted by the awesome Hafsah at Icey Books.
This just seems like an awesome meme! If you are wondering what is going to happen to my Thursday reviews, those will be moved to Fridays!

ARCs Releasing Soon: 

Summer book: 

Which one should I pick?

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

1st Summer 12 hour Readathon

So, this is hosted by the amazing Anna over at Literary Exploration. Click HERE to go to the official post!

I really need to get a few books done before I go on vacation next week so I can type up some reviews, this is my time to do that. I will be starting at 1 p.m. on Wednesday (today) and ending at 1 a.m. I will take some breaks because I will need to do other things like go to church etc.

                                                                   What I plan to read:
1. Fifteen Candles by Veronica Chambers (This should be a quick read and take no more than an hour or two)
2. Deadly Cool by Gemma Halliday (This is an ebook and I have read almost 50 pages of but never finished)
3The Survivors by Amanda Havard (I am part of a blog tour for the sequel on June 17th so I need to read this one)
4. Point of Origin by Amanda Havard (This is the book for the blog tour!)

                So, that's it but if I can or one of these gets really slow or boring, I will trade it out for Lies Beneath by Anne Greenwood Brown. I will come back every time I finish a book and mark it out.

                                                 Leave me a link if you are participating!
                                         (scroll down to see my Waiting on Wednesday post)

Waiting on Wednesday (11)

Monument 14 by Emmy Laybourne
Release Date: June 5, 2012
Publisher: Feiwel and Friends
Your mother hollers that you’re going to miss the bus. She can see it coming down the street. You don’t stop and hug her and tell her you love her. You don’t thank her for being a good, kind, patient mother. Of course not—you launch yourself down the stairs and make a run for the corner.
Only, if it’s the last time you’ll ever see your mother, you sort of start to wish you’d stopped and did those things. Maybe even missed the bus.
But the bus was barreling down our street, so I ran.
Fourteen kids. One superstore. A million things that go wrong. 
In Emmy Laybourne’s action-packed debut novel, six high school kids (some popular, some not), two eighth graders (one a tech genius), and six little kids trapped together in a chain superstore build a refuge for themselves inside. While outside, a series of escalating disasters, beginning with a monster hailstorm and ending with a chemical weapons spill, seems to be tearing the world—as they know it—apart.
Why I cannot wait: Monument 14 does sound a bit depressing but it also sounds like it will have lots and lots and lots of action. It does seem like it could be emotional and kind of scary because you know they say in 2012 the world is gonna end so yea... I cannot wait to get my hands on a copy of this.

Sunday, May 27, 2012

Author Interview: Kersten Kelly

Kersten L. Kelly is a self-published author of narrative non fiction and semi-fiction books. She grew up in Munster, Indiana, and currently works in a sales role based out of Chicago, Illinois. She started writing at a early age and graduated from Indiana University with a dual Bachelor's Degree in Economics and Communication & Culture. She then went on to earn a Master's in Business Administration from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University. She has a passion for learning, teaching, and writing as well as international travel in her spare time. This book is her first piece of published work.

So, today we have Kersten Kelly author of Economics.
Let's get started with the questions!

WHEN WRITING
With or without music?
With music

Pen and paper or computer?
Computer

During the morning or through the night?
Through the night

BOOKS
Paperback or hardback?
Paperback

Physical copy or e-reader?
Physical copy

RANDOM
Coffee or tea?
Tea

Lip-gloss or lipstick?
Lip-gloss

Rain or sunshine?
Sunshine

                                    That's it for today! Be sure to tell Kersten thanks for stopping by!
                                                                    Here's her book:
If you go to Goodreads, you can read the ebook for free!

Friday, May 25, 2012

Stacking the Shelves (3)

 Stacking the Shelves is hosted by Tynga at Tynga's Reviews.

FOR REVIEW:
                                                   Lightbringer by K.D. McEntire (Finished Copy)
                                                          Reaper by K.D. McEntire (ARC)
Undead by Kirsty McKay (ARC, Ebook)

I want to give thanks to PYR, NetGalley, and Scholastic for providing me with this awesome books to read and review for you guys.
Bought:

That's it for me this week! Wait, I also got a Iphone 4s so recommend me some apps down below!
Also, check out the giveaway in the post below!
Leave me a link below.
                                      

Thursday, May 24, 2012

Author Interview & Giveaway: Lynda Mullaly Hunt

So today, we have the amazing Lynda Hunt here with us! Give her a round of applause.
Lynda is the author of One for the Murphys which was released on May 10.

WHEN WRITING

With or without music?
Usually, with music that has no lyrics. I like violin music—evokes emotion, I think. However, I wrote a good chunk of One for the Murphys to the Broadway musical, WICKED, soundtrack. Usually, I cannot write with lyrics playing, but it seemed to propel the story forward. Especially, the scenes with a character named, Toni.

Pen and paper or computer?
I brainstorm/take notes with paper and teal or purple pens. (I always carry a notebook in my back pocket.) Then, I go to the keyboard.

During the day or through the night?
Oh, I’m a late night writer! I’m often working between 10:00 pm to 2:00 am.

BOOKS

Paperback or hardback?
Paperback. I like to fan pages of books.

Physical copy or e-reader?
Physical copy—definitely! E-readers don’t smell nearly as good.

RANDOM

Coffee or tea?
Coffee, coffee, and more coffee.

Lipgloss or lipstick?Lipgloss on sweatshirt days. Lipstick on dressier days.  

Rain or sunshine?
Actually, I love the rain. Add thunder and lightning, and I’m even happier. Rainy days are my best writing days, too.

                                   I also have a giveaway for some swag straight from Lynda!
a Rafflecopter giveaway


Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Waiting on Wednesday (10)

Defiance by C.J. Redwine
Expected Publication: October 2, 2012
Publisher: Greenwillow
Within the walls of Baalboden, beneath the shadow of the city’s brutal leader, Rachel Adams has a secret. While other girls sew dresses, host dinner parties, and obey their male Protectors, Rachel knows how to survive in the wilderness and deftly wield a sword. When her father, Jared, fails to return from a courier mission and is declared dead, the Commander assigns Rachel a new Protector, her father’s apprentice, Logan—the same boy Rachel declared her love for two years ago, and the same boy who handed her heart right back to her. Left with nothing but fierce belief in her father’s survival, Rachel decides to escape and find him herself. But treason against the Commander carries a heavy price, and what awaits her in the Wasteland could destroy her.
At nineteen, Logan McEntire is many things. Orphan. Outcast. Inventor. As apprentice to the city’s top courier, Logan is focused on learning his trade so he can escape the tyranny of Baalboden. But his plan never included being responsible for his mentor’s impulsive daughter. Logan is determined to protect her, but when his escape plan goes wrong and Rachel pays the price, he realizes he has more at stake than disappointing Jared.
As Rachel and Logan battle their way through the Wasteland, stalked by a monster that can’t be killed and an army of assassins out for blood, they discover romance, heartbreak, and a truth that will incite a war decades in the making.
Why I cannot wait: Defiance just sounds like a very different but dark read. A plus is also that cover! I love the pop of color with Rachel's hair and the few green leaves floating around. It does look kinda like a dark read but something I could conquer in a day like it was a light-hearted fun read.

                                           What are you waiting on this Wednesday?

Monday, May 21, 2012

Review: Girl Out Loud by Emily Gale

Girl Out Loud by Emily Gale
Release Date: June 1, 2012
Publisher: Scholastic
Format: ARC
Source: Publisher *in exchange for an honest review*
Pages: 288
*Silent Scream!*
Kass Kennedy is nobody's idol. She does forget the lyrics. She's not a gleek. The x factor? Not her! Read her lips: She has the right to remain silent.
Just try telling that to her dad.
Because he's totally lost it this time, demanding Kass audition for a TV talent show. Which would be slightly less than death-by-embarrassment if Kass could (duh!) actually sing. And if even the smallest part of her craved the spotlight. Stardom is her dad's dream, not hers. But he's so fragile, she's afraid he just might crack if she doesn't go through with his latest, craziest plan.
Not helping: Her hopelessly MIA mom. The budding criminal mastermind also known as her kid brother. And amateur shrink Izzy and used-to-be-sweet Char, who've gone all frenemies over a boy in brown boots. (Don't ask.)
It's only rock n' roll? If only! Inside, Kass is screaming, but no one is listening. How loud does a girl have to shout to be heard? 
 Whoa! If you want to start reading a amazing novel, Girl Out Loud is the book for you!

The characters: Kassidy or Kass as she is usually called, is a fun girl. She is about 15 or 16 but thinks that she's 24. She was very mature and handled a lot of tough situations really good. She was always there if her friends needed her but in this book they get into a few little fights and that kind of breaks up their terrific trio. I felt that sometimes she could be kind of childish and I wanted to slap her and tell her to get her head in the game.

The plot and writing style: We follow Kass Kennedy. Your average every day girl. Except, her dad is kinda messed up. He wants her to be the star and do everything that he can't and that is really hard on Kass. One day, well everything changes when her dad says that he wants her to audition for the X Factor and that this would be really really good. The writing style was so awesome and fast paced and omg!

Overall, well I don't think I need to say anymore. I know I say 'Go get this book now!' a lot. Ok maybe more than a lot but this is definitely one to go check out or pre-order or whatever it is that you guys do.


                                                                     5/5

Sunday, May 20, 2012

Weekly Round-Up

So, this week I didn't get anything in the mail. But I decided I would do a wrap up of everything that I posted this week.

Reviews: 
Anna & the French Kiss - Stephanie Perkins
Flygirl - Sherri E. Smith

Wow:
Fingerprints of You - Kristen-Paige Madonia

Interview: 

And I also changed up the blog style this week. How do you like it?

Saturday, May 19, 2012

This or That with Naya Nikki!

Naya Nikki is a student author who spends her time writing short stories and novels in between doing an English with Creative Writing degree at Nottingham Trent University. When not at a university she lives at home with her parents in London and spends time with her family and friends. Her hobbies include reading and shopping.

WHEN WRITING
Pen & and Paper or Computer?
Pen and Paper, it is always easier to get a hold of in the middle of a lecture..haha

During the day or through the night?
Through the night..... I'm nocturnal

With or Without music?
With music, especially Angels and Airwaves, I concentrate better with their music

BOOKS
Paperback or hardback?
Hardback, because I love to get them as soon as they're released

Physical copy or e-readers?
Physical copy, you feel like you have achieved something after reading them

RANDOM
Rain or sunshine?
Sunshine, always puts a smile on my face

Lipstick or Lipgloss?
Lipgloss, it tastes better :)

Coffee or tea?
Tea, it's a family thing

                                                 Thanks so much Naya for stopping by!
                                          Make sure you check out her upcoming novel, Familiar Ties!

Friday, May 18, 2012

Review: Flygirl by Sherri E. Smith

Flygirl by Sherri. E Smith
Release Date: September 16, 2012
Publisher: Scholastic
Format: Paperback
Pages: 269
Source: borrowed
Ida Mae Jones dreams of flight. Her daddy was a pilot and being black didn't stop him from fulfilling his dreams. But her daddy's gone now, and being a woman, and being black, are two strikes against her.
When America enters the war with Germany and Japan, the Army creates the WASP, the Women's Airforce Service Pilots - and Ida suddenly sees a way to fly as well as do something significant to help her brother stationed in the Pacific. But even the WASP won't accept her as a black woman, forcing Ida Mae to make a difficult choice of "passing," of pretending to be white to be accepted into the program. Hiding one's racial heritage, denying one's family, denying one's self is a heavy burden. And while Ida Mae chases her dream, she must also decide who it is she really wants to be.
My Review: I am not a huge historical fiction fan. If I do read historical fiction, it's a Dear America book. Which takes like an hour to read. This was definitely very different from a Dear America novel and I'm here to tell you why I liked that.
   First, the characters. Ida or "Jonesy" as called by Patsy is an african american woman. She was very strong willed and never wanted to stop flying. She was very opinionated and always stuck to her opinion, which was usually right. Jolene was only there for a short time but I really didn't like her. I think she was just way too jealous for my taste. She was also always rude to Ida Mae. Sometimes I wanted to jump in there and slap her. (Ha). Patsy and Lily were just so sweet and they were just like Ida. Patsy was a little more spunky though.
   Next, the plot. We follow Ida Mae Jones. She was born in raised in Louisiana. Her daddy's family has always married whites so that they're children can become lighter and lighter and lighter. Ida Mae's daddy married her dark mom which made his mom very mad. Ida's dad passed away a few years ago in a farming accident. Ever since then she has always wanted to fly and be a pilot. She knew she could since she looked like a white woman and could fly. She goes off to train to become a WASP and there she meets Patsy and Lily. They go on lots of fun adventures together and are just fun.
   Overall. Flygirl was a terrific book. I felt that it did get slow in some important parts and that some of the twang was hard to understand. I would still pick it up and give it a shot though. I recommend this for anyone who wants a great, quick read.
                                                                      4/5

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Waiting on Wednesday (9)

 Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine!

  

Expected Publication Date: August 7, 2012
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Lemon grew up with Stella, a single mom who wasn’t exactly maternal. Stella always had a drink in her hand and a new boyfriend every few months, and when things got out of hand, she would whisk Lemon off to a new town for a fresh beginning. Now, just as they are moving yet again, Lemon discovers that she is pregnant from a reckless encounter—with a guy Stella had been flirting with.

On the verge of revisiting her mother’s mistakes, Lemon struggles to cope with the idea of herself as a young unmarried mother, as well as the fact that she’s never met her own father. Determined to have at least one big adventure before she has the baby, Lemon sets off on a cross-country road trip, intending not only to meet her father, but to figure out who she wants to be.

Why I can't wait:  This book sounds like a great book! I love the cover and the concept sounds really cool too. It just sounds like something I would sit down and devour very quickly. August needs to hurry up and get here before I seriously go crazy waiting for the book!



Monday, May 14, 2012

Review: Anna & The French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins
Published: December 2, 2012
Publisher: Speak
Format: Paperback
Source: Purchased
Pages: 372
Anna is looking forward to her senior year in Atlanta, where she has a great job, a loyal best friend, and a crush on the verge of becoming more. Which is why she is less than thrilled about being shipped off to boarding school in Paris - until she meets Etienne St. Clair: perfect, Parisian (and English and American, which makes for a swoon-worthy accent), and utterly irresistible. The only problem is that he's taken, and Anna might be, too, if anything comes of her almost-relationship back home. As winter melts into spring, will a year of romantic near - misses end with the kiss Anna - and readers - have long awaited?


My Review: I don't know why I waited for so long to read this novel... WHAT'S WRONG WITH ME? Well anyway, I knew it would be pretty good just because of all of the great and positive reviews I had seen about it. I didn't know it would be this good though.
   First, the characters. Anna is our main protagonist. She was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia and for her senior year, her dad forces her to move to Paris for her senior year. She is the kind of friend I would want to be with, fun, funny, and polite. Now, if it was me, I think I would be so happy you could hear me in Paris screaming "Oh Yea, that's what I'm talking about!" but Anna didn't want to go to Paris. St. Clair is the sidekick and I loved him... okay maybe more than loved.
   Next, the plot. We follow Anna after she is forced to go to Paris for her senior year of high school. She meets St. Clair and well I don't want to give away the rest but you probably already know.
   Anna and the French Kiss was a roller-coaster ride I didn't want to get off of. I really enjoyed the writing style and characters fun personalities. I cannot wait to get my hands on a copy of Lola and the Boy Next Door.
                                                                                                5/5

Sunday, May 13, 2012

Bout of Books 4.0

This is my first time participating in Bout of Books. I just really need to get ahead in my reading in case something comes up. 


I usually read 2 or three books a week. On a bad week it will be 1. On a good week it's close to 3.
Each day I will update this post. Wednesday and Friday will be my main reading days.


GOAL: 
  • Read 4 books
Books to Read:
  • Flygirl by Sherri E. Smith
  • Nightspell by Leah Cypess
  • Elemental by Emily White
  • Deadly Cool by Gemma Halliday
So that's it. I am a part of the Black Satin tour in June so if I receive the copy I will try to work it in but I am not going to stress about it.


Updates:


5/14
Started : Flygirl by Sherri E. Smith
Number of Pages read: 46


5/15
Kept reading Flygirl
Number of pages read: 95


5/16
Finished Flygirl by Sherri E. Smith
# of pages read: 121


5/17
Started Xor: The Shape of Darkness by Moshe Sipper
# of pages read : 12


5/18
Started Nightspell by Leah Cypess
Started Deadly Cool by Gemma Halliday
# of pages read: 29

5/19
NOTHING!


5/20
Finished Nightspell 
# of pages read 310


So, no I didn't get to everything but I had a very very busy week.

Saturday, May 12, 2012

Stacking the Shelves (2)

                                     Stacking the Shelves is hosted by Tynga at Tynga's Reviews.


Bought: 
  Glow by Amy Kathleen Ryan (ebook) $2.99
Deadly Cool by Gemma Halliday (ebook) $2.99
The Duff by Kody Keplinger (ebook) $2.99


Gifted: 
  The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa (from Mom)

That's it for me! I got a lot of awesome looking books!
 What did you get?
Leave me a link!

                         




              

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Waiting On Wednesday (8)

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

Glass Heart by Amy Garvey
(sequel to Cold Kiss)
Expected Publication: September 18, 2012
Publisher: HaperCollins
This doesn't have a synopsis yet but I cannot wait to read it. I read Cold Kiss before I started this blog and absoslutely adored it. I will reread it before this comes out and post a review. I can't wait to find out what happens to all of the characters which, by the way are amazing.


Monday, May 7, 2012

Review: The Summer My Life Began by Shannon Greenland

The Summer My Life Began by Shannon Greenland
Published: May 10, 2012
Publisher: Speak (Penguin)
Source: NetGalley
Format: ebook
Pages: 250
Elizabeth Margaret—better known as Em—has always known what life would contain: an internship at her father’s firm, a degree from Harvard and a career as a lawyer. The only problem is that it’s not what she wants. When she gets the opportunity to get away from it all and spend a month with the aunt she never knew, she jumps at the chance. While there, Em pursues her secret dream of being a chef, and she also learns that her family has kept some significant secrets from her, too. And then there’s Cade, the laid-back local surfer boy who seems to be everything Em isn't. Naturally, she can’t resist him, and as their romance blossoms, Em feels she is living on her own terms for the first time.
My Review: The Summer My Life Began is an amazing novel and I just cannot stop raving about it to all of my friends. It was definitely a quick read at 250 pages but let me tell you, a lot happens in those 250 pages.
   First, the characters. Em was our main protagonist. After leaving behind her New York life of and having a structured life, she trades that in for a month of island living with her aunt Tilly. Em was a breathtaking character. She was spunky, funny, quirky, smart, I just can't describe her other than AWESOME! Cade was the awesome a guess you could say, sidekick? He was always there whether he was lurking in the distance of right beside you. He was always there and I really liked that.
   Next, the plot. We follow Em. Em has been raised all her life as a proper lady in New York with the perfect life planned ahead of her. After a graduation letter arrives from her Aunt Tilly -which Em didn't know existed- she heads down the the island she lives on to live for a whole month. She then discovers who she really is and where she belongs.
   Overall, this was a very different book that I actually really enjoyed. The Summer My Life Began by Shannon Greenland was an exhilarating read. I will probably re-read this several time because it was so breathtaking! I know I say this about every contemporary read I have read lately, definitely buy this one or preorder it or research it more.
                                         5/5

Saturday, May 5, 2012

Stacking the Shelves (1)

Stacking the Shelves is hosted by Tynga's Reviews.
So, this week is another picture! Sorry you guys! Also, I know I said I would be doing In My Cart but it seems like I will be doing this haha.

FOR REVIEW: 
Nightspell by Leah Cypess (Thanks Leah!)
  Lies Beneath by Anne Greenwood Brown (Thanks Delacorte and Paul)

Lea signed it and sent some swag!

That's it for me!
What did you get?



Thursday, May 3, 2012

Review: Lipstick Apology by Jennifer Jabaley

Lipstick Apology by Jennifer Jabaley
Publication Date: August 6, 2009
Publisher: Razorbill
Format: Paperback
Source: Purchased
Pages: 321
Sometimes a good-bye is just the beginning. When Emily Carsons parents die in a plane crash, she's left with nothing but her mother's last words scrawled in lipstick on a tray table: Emily, please forgive me. Now it's fall and Emily moves to New York City, where she attracts the attention of two very different boys: the cute, popular Owen, and her quirky chemistry partner, Anthony. With the help of some surprising new friends, Emily must choose between the boy who helps her forget and the one who encourages her to remember, and ultimately heal.
My Review: 
                                       


Because I loved this book so much, I made a quick video just telling you the info like when it was published and to go get it! Now, like stop reading this and go get this novel!
   First, the characters. Emily is our main protagonist. After she lears about her parents death and finds out about the message, she is constantly wondering what her mom was asking her to forgive her for. She was a great girl and I loved her the whole time. I thought she was a lot more real? than a lot of the 16 year old females in novels these days. She was a great person and honestly, I mean I know she is the main character and all but she was what kept me going because of her personality.
   Next, the plot. We follow Emily Carson. Emily is having a party at her house after her parents leave on a flight across the country. When Emily's aunt Jolie comes in and tell her what happened. Emily then is basically a couch potato for two months and does nothing but sit on the couch or her bed all day long. After Emily moves to New York City with Jolie, she start's wondering about the apology. When she meets Owen and Anthony, everything reminds her of her mom. We follow her through all of her crazy, reasonable, sometime weird decisions.
   Overall this was a breathtaking read. I felt like this book was 20 pages long I raced through it so fast. Definitely pick this up. If it sounds depressing, it's not, at all. 
                                                                            5/5

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Waiting on Wednesday (7)


Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

Such a Rush by Jennifer Echols
Expected Publication Date: July 10, 2012
Publisher: MTV Books
     High school senior Leah Jones loves nothing more than flying. While she’s in the air, it’s easy to forget life with her absentee mother at the low-rent end of a South Carolina beach town. When her flight instructor, Mr. Hall, hires her to fly for his banner advertising business, she sees it as her ticket out of the trailer park. And when he dies suddenly, she’s afraid her flying career is gone forever. 

But Mr. Hall’s teenage sons, golden boy Alec and adrenaline junkie Grayson, are determined to keep the banner planes flying. Though Leah has crushed on Grayson for years, she’s leery of getting involved in what now seems like a doomed business — until Grayson betrays her by digging up her most damning secret. Holding it over her head, he forces her to fly for secret reasons of his own, reasons involving Alec. Now Leah finds herself drawn into a battle between brothers — and the consequences could be deadly.
Why I can't wait: I have heard nothing but good things about Jennifer Echols and I have never read one of her novels. This sounds like a great one to start with and I cannot wait until it comes out so I can purchase it and just devour it.
       
                                                         What are you waiting on?
                                                                  Leave me a link? 


Elemental by Emily White Bookmark Giveaway

   I have a review copy of this novel and my review will be posted later this month.
Here is an awesome giveaway of some Elemental bookmarks.
This book was released today so you need to go check it out!