Pawn (The Blackcoat Rebellion #1) by Aimee Carter

Title: Pawn  (The Blackcoat Rebellion #1)
Author: Aimee Carter
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Release Date: November 26, 2013
Received From: Publisher via Netgalley  

Synopsis: YOU CAN BE A VII. IF YOU GIVE UP EVERYTHING. 
For Kitty Doe, it seems like an easy choice. She can either spend her life as a III in misery, looked down upon by the higher ranks and forced to leave the people she loves, or she can become a VII and join the most powerful family in the country. 
If she says yes, Kitty will be Masked—surgically transformed into Lila Hart, the Prime Minister's niece, who died under mysterious circumstances. As a member of the Hart family, she will be famous. She will be adored. And for the first time, she will matter. 
There's only one catch. She must also stop the rebellion that Lila secretly fostered, the same one that got her killed …and one Kitty believes in. Faced with threats, conspiracies and a life that's not her own, she must decide which path to choose—and learn how to become more than a pawn in a twisted game she's only beginning to understand.

Review:
I love Aimee Carter's Goddess Test series so I was super excited to read Pawn.  I know a lot of people are burnt out on dystopian but I think Pawn has elements that are different enough to entice even the most cynical of dystopian readers.

The world that Carter has created is so rich and detailed. I really liked getting to know the world as Kitty got to know and understand the intimate details of how it is run. Every good dystopian novel needs an evil leader and Pawn definitely has its fair share of corrupt leadership. I was severely creeped out by some of the things the Harts did.

I never knew who to trust while I was reading Pawn. There were so many twists and turns to the plot that I was completely surprised by some of the events that transpired.

While I really liked Kitty and thought she was a strong but flawed protagonist, I think the secondary characters really shone. Whether it was one of the scheming Harts or Kitty's boyfriend Benji they all added so much variety and spice to the plot!

Pawn is one of the best dystopian books I have read in a while. It was unexpected, creepy, and even had a little teeny bit of romance thrown in. I cannot wait for the next book to see what happens to Kitty and the Harts!

Definitely pick this one up today!

Romance Review: Wicked in Your Arms: Forgotten Princesses #1 by Sophie Jordan

Title: Wicked in Your Arms: Forgotten Princesses
Author: Sophie Jordan
Publisher: Avon
Release Date: July 26, 2011
Received From: Library

Synopsis: One of the most notoriously eligible bachelors in Europe is finally ready to marry . . .

For fiercely independent Grier Hadley, being the illegitimate daughter of one of London's most unsavory characters has only one advantage: an enormous, ill-gotten dowry.

Prince Sevastian Maksimi knows where his duty lies: he must find a well-bred young lady—one with a considerable fortune to her name—wed her promptly, and get to the business of producing an heir.

The last thing Grier needs is some unattainable prince curling her toes with his smoldering glances and wicked suggestions. As far as Sev is concerned, she lacks the breeding to become a princess. And yet one kiss from this arresting female is all it takes for him to realize that anyone else in his arms would be unthinkable . . .

Review:
Wicked in Your Arms was the first of Sophie Jordan's adult books I had read. I had read her Firelight (YA) series and really enjoyed it so I decided to give her historical romances a try. I am so glad I did I loved this book and Grier was a fabulous heroine.

I read this book in ebook format and I am glad I did. There were so many passages that I highlighted because they were fantastic and hilarious. Also because I wanted to choose one to share with you so you could get a peek into the banter between Grier and Savastian. I think this passage will convince you to read this book much more than anything I could say.

 "Not that it's any of your concern, but I'm eight and twenty."
He blinked. "You're a bit long in the tooth, aren't you?"
She gasped. "For what? Being alive?"
"For being yet unclaimed."
"Unclaimed? As in unclaimed by a man?"
He nodded once.
"A little archaic, aren't you? I've been busy... haven't gotten around to a man... claiming me yet."
"I see," he murmured, either missing her sarcasm or deliberately ignoring it.
Propping her hands on her hips, she demanded, "And how old are you?"
"It doesn't matter how old I am. I'm a man."
"No, you're a jackass!" she retorted. (58)

 Isn't that dialogue awesome? You want to know what happens next don't you? Wicked in Your Arms is chock full of dialogue just like that. As well as stolen kisses and political intrigue.

One of the main reasons I liked this book so much, besides the dialogue, is Grier herself. She has all these secrets that the reader and Sevastian both have to figure out. She is strong willed and independent and very different from many typical historical romance heroines. Also Sev is sexy.

I think anyone who is a fan of historical romance or who wants to get into reading historical romance should definitely pick up Wicked in Your Arms. It is a real treat!

Sweet Legacy Blog Blitz: Five Fast Facts

Today is the release date for the final book in the Medusa Girl's series by Tera Lynn Childs. Sweet Legacy
In case you haven't heard about this awesome Medusa based series here is the synopsis for the first book Sweet Venom;

Grace just moved to San Francisco and is excited to start over at a new school. The change is full of fresh possibilities, but it’s also a tiny bit scary. It gets scarier when a minotaur walks in the door. And even more shocking when a girl who looks just like her shows up to fight the monster.
Gretchen is tired of monsters pulling her out into the wee hours, especially on a school night, but what can she do? Sending the minotaur back to his bleak home is just another notch on her combat belt. She never expected to run into this girl who could be her double, though.
Greer has her life pretty well put together, thank you very much. But that all tilts sideways when two girls who look eerily like her appear on her doorstep and claim they're triplets, supernatural descendants of some hideous creature from Greek myth, destined to spend their lives hunting monsters.
These three teenage descendants of Medusa, the once-beautiful gorgon maligned by myth, must reunite and embrace their fates in this unique paranormal world where monsters lurk in plain sight.

Awesome right?
Well in celebration of the release of Sweet Legacy I have five interesting facts about the author Tera Lynn Childs!

• She visited Czechoslovakia behind the Iron Curtain when she was seven
• The only kind of cherries she likes are Rainier
• She almost trained as an Olympic swimmer
• She spent a summer working at an historic dude ranch in the remote western side of Rocky Mountain National Park
• She was born three weeks late (and has been making up for it ever since)

Pretty cool right? I am totally with her on the Rainier cherries thing. All other cherries are inferior!

Let me know, are you excited for the final Medusa Girl's book? Or are you going to be picking up the first book just in time to binge read?

Life After Theft by Aprilynne Pike Review

Title: Life After Theft
Author: Aprilynne Pike
Publisher: HarperTeen
Release Date: April 30, 2013
Received From: Bought

Synopsis: Aprilynne Pike, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Wings series, shines in this stand-alone novel that offers a humorous twist on ghosts and is perfect for fans of Ally Carter, Rachel Hawkins, and Kiersten White.
Kimberlee Schaffer may be drop-dead gorgeous . . . but she also dropped dead last year. Now she needs Jeff's help with her unfinished business, and she's not taking no for an answer. When she was alive, Kimberlee wasn't just a mean girl; she was also a complete kleptomaniac. So if Jeff wants to avoid being haunted until graduation, he'll have to help her return all of the stolen items. But Jeff soon discovers that it's much easier to steal something than it is to bring it back.
Paying for your mistakes takes on a whole new meaning in this hauntingly clever twist on The Scarlet Pimpernel.

Review: This was a very interesting book. As a whole I don't read very many books with male main characters. Not because I don't like them or think they are somehow lesser; I just connect better with female main characters.

That being said when I see a book with a very interesting premise I am going to pick it up regardless.  That is what happened with Life After Theft.

Life After Theft is a fun take on the classic klepto story. This is because the aforementioned klepto just so happens to be dead. And so our main character Jeff has to return all of Kimberlee's stolen goods so she can hopefully move on and leave him in peace.

There are quite a few bumps and bruises that Jeff experiences while returning the stuff. Including but not limited to being arrested. 

But even though this is a fun and sometimes harrowing story about returning stolen goods and actually feeling bad for taking the stuff. It is mostly a story about forgiving when someone messes up, as well as not holding someone's past against them.

Life After Theft has amazing character development. All of the major characters grew leaps and bounds and became completely different in a believable way.

I enjoyed the book, it was fun and different and I enjoyed how the romance was incorporated.  That being said I found a little of the pacing a little off. But besides that I really enjoyed it.

Playing With Her Heart Character Interview: Jill

Today I have the pleasure of interviewing Jill one of the main characters from Playing with Her Heart by Lauren Blakely!

What made you want to be an actor?

Because I can't imagine doing anything else. This is my passion, this is my love, this feeds my soul.


What is your favorite part of playing someone else?

I love letting go of who I am, forgetting the day, forgetting my world and becoming someone else wholly. It's a chance to live many lives too, to experience what it's like - for a couple hours at least -- of living another kind of life.

I hear that you like to run. How is running similar to acting?

I love to run!! Running clears my head, and I can just focus on the adrenaline and the action of putting one foot in front of the other! It also requires a lot of focus, a sort of single-minded focus, to be able to run for long distances, and that kind of clearing your head is the same thing you need to do when you're stepping into a role.


Being around so many attractive actors must be fun. But how do you stay separated and focused enough that you can do your job?

It's definitely easy to get swept up and caught up! Especially since you have to turn on and turn off emotions, and I do think that's why so many actors and actresses fall for each other and for co-stars. But I try to think of it as a job, and because it is easy to turn off emotions, that's what I aim to do when I walk off stage so that I don't get swept up in anything more!


If you could only sing or act for the rest of your life which would you choose?

No fair!!! How can I choose between my two great loves??? If you force me though...acting.


What are you the most excited about the prospect of working with Davis Milo?

He's so talented, and has such an amazing reputation for bringing out the absolute best in his cast. I know he can be tough, but he's tough for a reason - because he helps you succeed on stage!

What does it feel like when you get the call? Is it all excitement or is there also some trepidation? 

Getting the call is one of the most thrilling parts of working in the performing arts! Well, besides the reaction from audiences! But getting the call that you've been cast often a moment of true ecstatic joy. In my case, I didn't get the call - I found out when I bumped into my director on the street, so it was even better!

Thank you so much Jill!!

To find out more about Jill and to see how her story ends be sure to check out Playing With Her Heart

Here is a synopsis to get you started!

Twenty-three year old rising theatre star Jill McCormick has built a life out of pretending. Pretending she's happy, pretending she's not haunted by the dark secret that shattered her world six years ago. But then she comes face to face with her new director -- sexy, sophisticated, jealous, all-alpha, dirty-talking Davis Milo. He tries to resist the actress he's cast, but the attraction between them is too powerful, and soon their private rehearsals spiral into new, forbidden territory. The connection, the chemistry is undeniable, and it hits them anywhere, and everywhere -- in the theater, on the piano, in the limo, in the restaurant...But the tragedy in Jill's past stands between them. Davis has walls too, so they can either face their fears together, or risk the most intense love, sex and passion either has ever felt...

Join the Agenda with Gennifer Albin author of Crewel #JointheAgenda

I don't know if you guys have heard of the book Crewel by Gennifer Albin but she is doing an awesome promotion where you will have the chance to win one of three scholarships!

One cool thing is that no one is too old or too young to win! Though those under 18 will have to receive parental permission. More info about the scholarship contests will be announced this Friday so get ready!

In the meantime check out the recruitment video and #JointheAgenda



If after watching the video you are ready to #JointheAgenda go to Gennifer Abin's website to sign up! 

Also be sure to check out my review of Crewel to get ready for Altered coming in October!

#JointheAgenda

The Look of Love by Bella Andre

Title: The Look of Love (The Sullivan's #1)
Author: Bella Andre
Release Date: January 1, 2011
Received From: Library

Synopsis: With THE LOOK OF LOVE, bestselling author Bella Andre introduces you the Sullivan family. In this fun and emotional contemporary romance series, when a Sullivan bad boy falls...he falls hard. And it's forever.

Chloe Peterson is having a bad night. A really bad night. The large bruise on her cheek can attest to that. And when her car skids off the side of a wet country road straight into a ditch, she’s convinced even the gorgeous guy who rescues her in the middle of the rain storm must be too good to be true. Or is he?

As a successful photographer who frequently travels around the world, Chase Sullivan has his pick of beautiful women, and whenever he’s home in San Francisco, one of his seven siblings is usually up for causing a little fun trouble. Chase thinks his life is great just as it is—until the night he finds Chloe and her totaled car on the side of the road in Napa Valley. Not only has he never met anyone so lovely, both inside and out, but he quickly realizes she has much bigger problems than her damaged car. Soon, he is willing to move mountains to love—and protect—her, but will she let him?

Chloe vows never to make the mistake of trusting a man again. Only, with every loving look Chase gives her—and every sinfully sweet caress—as the attraction between them sparks and sizzles, she can’t help but wonder if she’s met the only exception. And although Chase didn’t realize his life was going to change forever in an instant, amazingly, he isn’t the least bit interested in fighting that change. Instead, he’s gearing up for a different fight altogether…for Chloe’s heart.

Review:
I received a copy of the fourth book in The Sullivan's Series from ALA and fell in love (review coming soon.) Because of this I knew I had to go back to the beginning and read the rest of them.

Each story in the Sullivan's series is the story of one of the eight Sullivan kids The Look of Love is Chase's story. I knew what happened to him and Chloe because I read I Only Have Eyes For You but I was still super excited to see how their relationship grew and came to be.

With each one of these books I read I fall more in love with the Sullivan family. Yes they have rocky relationships but they all care so much for each other and want the best for them even if that person may not agree. Chase and Chloe really only come into contact with Marcus, the oldest Sullivan and the subject of the second book. I loved seeing how open Marcus was with Chloe even though it would be completely weird to have your brother bring some random girl to your house.

Most of The Look of Love takes place in Marcus' vineyard. It was so gorgeous sounding and Bella Andre made me want to be there. It was also the perfect place for a romance novel to be set. Chase was shooting at the vineyard and I loved watching Chloe become more comfortable with both Chase and his team.

I don't think I could be as brave as Chloe was, I mean getting into a car with a perfect stranger in the middle of the night. Not that she really had many more options. I really felt for Chloe, she had gone though so much that I could completely understand her trepidation.

The Look of Love like all of Bella Andre's books is very sexy, but I love how all of the Sullivan men care about their women. It makes it seem like less of an overtaking and domineering relationship. Especially since that is what Chloe needed.

Basically you should read this series so we can squee about them together! And even if you have only read historical romance like I had you will still like it!

Neptune's Tears by Susan Waggoner

Title: Neptune's Tears
Author: Susan Waggoner
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co.
Release Date: June 25, 2013
Received From: Publisher in return for honest review

Synopsis: London, 2218 A.D. Seventeen-year-old Zee is an intern empath. She’s focused on her job, poised for a great career—until one day an attractive patient undoes her hard-earned calm. As an empath, she cannot afford such distractions, but neither can she stay away from David, even when she discovers he’s one of a mysterious alien race. As London comes under attack by anarchist bombings, and as Zee struggles to get a handle on her unusually strong psychic abilities, David starts pulling away. Although Zee’s sure he’s attracted to her, David has secrets he cannot share. But it’s too late for Zee. She’s losing her heart to the gray-eyed alien boy, and she’s determined to follow him—no matter how far it may take her.

 Review: I was really intrigued by the premise of Neptune's Tears but once I started reading it I realized that the story was even more than I had imagined.

As a science major I really connected with Zee. And I think many people can connect with her drive to keep her job/schooling at the forefront of her life. Beyond that I really liked Zee, she was a strong character and knew what she wanted.

I also really enjoyed the world building in Neptune's Tears. I felt like it was fully fleshed out and very vivid. Also the story about the aliens coming and everyone embracing them seemed like something that could really happen.

There was a major twist at the end and while I knew something was up I was not expecting that at all! But there was also a heart-breaking part that made me want to cry.

David and Zee's relationship was very natural. It was not fake feeling and even though they had some istant chemistry I felt like it progressed from there in a more accurate way than many other books. It also did not feel forced like in some other stories I have read. Their connection was vivid.

There is a whole plot line about Neptune's Tears which are some very important diamonds. But I never really understood what they had to do with anything besides the old woman who Zee treats. I hope it is more elaborated on in the next books. I was just surprised that they were not a bigger deal considering that's the name of the book.

Besides that I really enjoyed it and think it is a great new sci-fi series.

New Design!

I don't know if you guys have noticed but I got a fabulous new blog design courtesy of Katie at KD Designs! I love it and think it fits my blog perfectly!

Besides being a fabulous designer Katie is also a book blogger at Sophistikatied! I really recommend Katie's design services because she did everything in a timely manner and she also was able to bring my (confused) vision to life. If you are looking for great design services look no further.

So what do you think? Let me know in the comments and check out Katie's other designs at http://www.kdcreates.com/!

The False Prince by Jennifer Nielsen (Audio Review)

Title: The False Prince
Author: Jennifer Nielsen
Publisher: Scholastic
Release Date: April 1, 2012
Received From: Library

Synopsis: THE FALSE PRINCE is the thrilling first book in a brand-new trilogy filled with danger and deceit and hidden identities that will have readers rushing breathlessly to the end.

In a discontent kingdom, civil war is brewing. To unify the divided people, Conner, a nobleman of the court, devises a cunning plan to find an impersonator of the king's long-lost son and install him as a puppet prince. Four orphans are recruited to compete for the role, including a defiant boy named Sage. Sage knows that Conner's motives are more than questionable, yet his life balances on a sword's point -- he must be chosen to play the prince or he will certainly be killed. But Sage's rivals have their own agendas as well.

As Sage moves from a rundown orphanage to Conner's sumptuous palace, layer upon layer of treachery and deceit unfold, until finally, a truth is revealed that, in the end, may very well prove more dangerous than all of the lies taken together.

An extraordinary adventure filled with danger and action, lies and deadly truths that will have readers clinging to the edge of their seats.

Review:
I listened to The False Prince on audio and I really enjoyed it! The reader was fantastic and he totally embodied not only Sage but all the other characters. I think when I read the second book it will probably be in his voice. So if you have the opportunity to listen to this one I definitely recommend it! Also it would be great for road trips with your family because it is technically middle grade.

I love fantasy books. While I really enjoy all other types of books, fantasy is my love. Though even I can admit sometimes the plots feel contrived. Not The False Prince, the idea is very similar to others. A group trying to take over a country you know the story. But how often does it happen that they try to take over the country by trying to essentially bring the Prince back from the dead. (He has been missing/presumed dead. No sorcery or necromancy here)

I loved all four boys. They were all so different and so like many other boys that I have known over the course of my life. But even with that I fell in love with Sage. He is the perfect middle grade boy character. His is a rascal, smart, and funny. Plus he has a few more tricks up his sleeve than you may think.

Jennifer Nielsen created a richly developed story with just enough twists and turns to make it interesting. Also, I loved the major plot twist. It was perfect and executed so well!

Basically if you are looking for a book to read with your kids or just plain want a good fantasy to read yourself, The False Prince is right for you. And even better the second book; The Runaway King is already out so you don't have to wait!

It is debated on whether or not The False Prince is MG or YA but it does not really matter since it is really good for MG on up!


Also through the 31st The False Prince audiobook is one of the free SYNC titles so if you want to try the audio: http://www.audiobooksync.com/2013/07/25/sync-has-a-secret-identity-week-9/

Body and Blood by Amanda Havard Excerpt and Contest!

Today the third book in Amanda Havard's Survivors series Body and Blood is coming out! 

If you have not yet read the first two books you are in luck because there is an awesome contest at the end of this post that you will want to win! Also the first book in the series; The Survivors is free from July 23- July 26th so get on that!

Here is the synopsis of Body and Blood for you to check out! 

How many answers you seek are just a part of you, waiting to be found?

The game has changed.

Fresh from her first brush with mortality, a fragile Sadie Matthau is playing human with Cole Hardwick while the Survivors endure unimaginable tragedy. Wrought with the first deaths of their own kind, a tyrant who will torture them, and an opponent more terrifying than anyone could have foreseen, the Survivors are facing their end.

Told from three points of view, The Survivors: Body & Blood is a bloodcurdling, mind-bending, heart-stopping ride. As Sadie and the Winters uncover more enemies, more history, and more answers, they find themselves brought closer together and ripped further apart. And all the while, a haunting Alexander Raven lurks at the edge of Sadie s lifeline, at the darkening fringes of her mind.

As the Survivors descend into chaos, Sadie realizes a painful truth: the deepest of secrets leave the darkest of marks.

Caught between a terrifying fantasy and her own grim reality, Body & Blood is the story of Sadie s dance with her demons, future, past, and present.

And now I have an exclusive excerpt from Body and Blood enjoy!

John got back to his feet and in unsettling, invasive move put his hands on Hannah’s shoulders. “You see, children. Sadie’s dark power is so strong that even your eldest Survivors have succumbed. We know the ways in which Satan works. Sadie is doing his work.”

“He’s lying!” I cried.“You and I both know that you have brought nothing but tragedy and desecration to this family. If we are in peril, it is because of you,” he said. Then turning to the crowd, he screamed, “It is because of Sadie!”Half the crowd hailed his words, but the other half looked unconvinced, and he could tell. Suddenly, he put his hands to his head and dropped to his knees in the dirt.“Wait! Family! I am hearing something from the Lord! He says that Satan has possessed our daughter Sadie, and there is no hope for her. He says that if you don’t believe, then we must search her body, for it is covered in the Devil’s Marks.”It was straight out of the Salem history books.“You’ve got to be joking,” I huffed. But no one thought he was joking. The thoughts of every living Survivor swelled in my mind and consumed me, their doubt and fear and outrage spinning around my brain, choking down my throat.“You can’t listen to him! He’s manipulating you. He’s not telling the truth!”“Am I? And if I were, why would our dear Sadie have her body so covered even on this summer day?” he asked. The scars. That bastard. They’d see my scars, and they’d believe they were the Devil’s Marks because not a one of them had ever seen a scar.I wanted to keep it together, to keep some kind of cool in the face of this insanity, but hearing what they thought of me, and feeling the hatred they felt for me was too much.I flung my jacket and shirt off until I was standing in front of everyone I’d known in my life in only a bra and jeans. My arms and neck mangled from suicide attempts and Fateor collections, even the imprint of Sam’s teeth in my stomach and back were there for the world to see. Exposed.“Is that what you wanted to see?” I screamed, the slight grip I had on sanity slipping. “Is this what makes you think I’m of the devil? These scars I have inflicted upon myself, these wounds caused from my own pain? Yes, these are what I’ve been hiding. They are not of the devil but only by my own, pained hand. I’m not afraid to show you what I really am, even if it is something you’re afraid of, because I am nothing to fear. I have given this family everything, have given away my life and my freedom to protect you, and for what? So you can think I am damned? There is only one evil being inside these walls, and it is John!” I charged him then, grabbing the wand from Adelaide’s hand and stabbing it at John’s throat, not that I knew how to use it or what it could do. “He is evil, and if you can’t see that, then I can’t help any of you!”But John’s calculated malevolence outpaced me, and he could turn any moment into an opportunity. So instead of cowering or further shaming me, he swallowed hard and then spoke loudly and clearly. “Now is the time to make your choice. Either go with your family and God, or go with Sadie, the Winters, and their evil,” John said.“I’m with Sadie!” Hannah cried out. “And if you have any loyalty to this family, you will be too. I have seen the future, and Sadie is good.”“I’m with Sadie,” Sarah said. That was as much as I could hope to get out of the elders, I was sure.Ben stumbled to his feet. “I’m with Sadie,” he said.And then there was silence. 132 Survivors said nothing.

Sounds awesome right?!

Well you have a chance to win Body and Blood plus so much more!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thanks for stopping by and be sure to check out the rest of the tour for some more awesome content!

July 22

Defiantly Deviant

July 23

RELEASE DAY LAUNCH
A Reader’s Adventure

July 24

Magnet4Books

July 25

BookshelfBanter/TST Podcast

July 26

Anonymous Interests

July 27

Dreaming in Books Reviews
Brianna Lee Book Reviews

July 28

The BookCellarX

July 29

Word to Dreams

July 30

The Book Vortex

July 31

Books Complete Me
Roxy Kade

August 1

Love Laughter Friendship

August 2

Tsk Tsk What to Read
Indie Ignites

August 3

Kelly Vision

August 4

What’s Beyond Forks

If you are still unsure about the series check out my reviews of the first two books! The Survivors, Point of Origin And be sure to check out my review of Body and Blood coming soon!

Hysteria by Megan Miranda

Title: Hysteria
Author: Megan Miranda
Publisher: Walker Children's
Release Date: February 5, 2013
Received From: Netgalley in return for a honest review

 Synopsis: Mallory killed her boyfriend, Brian. She can't remember the details of that night but everyone knows it was self-defense, so she isn't charged. But Mallory still feels Brian's presence in her life. Is it all in her head? Or is it something more? In desperate need of a fresh start, Mallory is sent to Monroe, a fancy prep school where no one knows her . . . or anything about her past.But the feeling follows her, as do her secrets. Then, one of her new classmates turns up dead. As suspicion falls on Mallory, she must find a way to remember the details of both deadly nights so she can prove her innocence-to herself and others.

In another riveting tale of life and death, Megan Miranda's masterful storytelling brings readers along for a ride to the edge of sanity and back again.

 Review:
 I have yet to read Megan Miranda's first book but I had heard good things about it so I was excited to read Hysteria. 

Now I am a big wimp. I don't watch horror movies or read books that are marketed as horror so I was nervous about how scary Hysteria was going to be and I am happy to say it was not too scary. Yes I was freaked out but not too much that I could not enjoy the book.

That being said Hysteria is not really a horror book. It is more of a thriller and thrilling it was. I mean the main character KILLED her boyfriend. This is not one of those books where the main character might have killed someone. We know from the very beginning that she did it. But we have to learn along with Mallory why she did it.

The new prep school is so creepy. You could not pay me to go there. And it gets even worse when some kid shows up dead. Of course everyone thinks it was Mallory, but Mallory is not sure. Everyone is creepy and I did not know who Mallory should trust.

Overall Hysteria is a great psychological thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat trying to figure out what on earth is going on. And if you are like me you will be surprised by the ending.

Going Vintage by Lindsey Leavitt

Title:Going Vintage
Author: Lindsey Leavitt
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Release Date: March 26, 2013
Received From: Netgalley in return for a honest review

Synopsis: When Mallory’s boyfriend, Jeremy, cheats on her with an online girlfriend, Mallory decides the best way to de-Jeremy her life is to de-modernize things too. Inspired by a list of goals her grandmother made in1962, Mallory swears off technology and returns to a simpler time (when boyfriends couldn’t cheat with computer avatars). The List:
1. Run for pep club secretary
2. Host a fancy dinner party/soiree
3. Sew a dress for Homecoming
4. Find a steady
5. Do something dangerous
But simple proves to be crazy-complicated, and the details of the past begin to change Mallory’s present. Add in a too-busy grandmother, a sassy sister, and the cute pep-club president–who just happens to be her ex’s cousin–and soon Mallory begins to wonder if going vintage is going too far.

Review:
I really liked the premise of Going Vintage. I mean who doesn't want to give up technology for a few days? Especially after a big breakup? But Mallory takes it to the next step, she decides to live like she lives in the 60's.

I personally thought Mallory took it too far to the extreme. She put herself at risk a couple of times and I felt she should have made exceptions at those times. But overall I really liked Going Vintage.

Mallory grew a lot throughout the course of the book. She learned about the past and how things are not all ways as they seem. She also learned a lot about herself. I think many of us would benefit from taking a break from technology just maybe not as drastic a break as Mallory.

The secondary characters and their story lines make this book. Mallory's sister pushes Mallory to commit fully which I could totally see a little sister doing. And her grandmother and mother have some secrets of their own that really play into the family dynamic.

At times Going Vintage was a little slow but other than that it was a great read!

Less Than a Gentleman by Kerrelyn Sparks

Title: Less Than a Gentleman
Author: Kerrelyn Sparks
Publisher: Avon Impulse
Release Date: July 2, 2013 (pbk August 6, 2013)
Received From: Publisher in return for an honest review

Synopsis:In this never-before-published historical romance, New York Times bestselling author Kerrelyn Sparks returns to the 18th century, where the fight for freedom is as dangerous as the fight for love.

Between searching for the missing Munro sisters and South Carolina being all but lost to the British, Captain Matthais Thomas has more important things to worry about than finding a bride. But his mother has other ideas. When Matthais finds a beautiful woman in his bed who claims to be his betrothed, he is suspicious of her identity…and determined to discover the truth.

Caroline Munro had few options. The British burned down her home, and now, traveling with her very pregnant sister, Caroline is pretending to be someone she’s not so they can have a safe place to rest. But she didn’t count on a matchmaking matron or her rogue of a son…and certainly never dreamed she would fall in love with a spy.

Review:
 I don't know about you but when I think of romantic time periods I don't usually think about the Revolutionary War; but maybe that's just me... After reading Less than a Gentleman that opinion has been changed because the Revolutionary War can be romantic and action packed.

Caroline is not to be trifled with. She is a strong-willed and courageous woman who does what she has to do keep her family safe. Even lying about being someone else to get shelter. I mean a girl has gotta do what a girl has gotta do. Granted she does feel terrible about it.

Speaking of lying there is quite a bit of lying in Less Than a Gentleman. Most of it is well founded and understandable. But at one point I was yelling at a character to just tell the truth already. Of course they didn't listen to me, not that I honestly thought they would.

The romantic scenes were HOT, obviously because this is a romance novel. But they were not too over the top so if you are not into the explicit this book is for you.

One thing that I was really surprised about was how much action there was in Less Than a Gentleman. This is not a romance that takes place in drawing rooms and stately mansions. Though there are drawing rooms and a plantation this book mostly takes place in mills, secret passageways, swamps, and docks. And don't you think for a moment that Caroline is going to let the boys have all the fun. She can hold her own against the British.

Even though I enjoyed the whole book my favorite part was the secondary characters. From Dottie and Becky to Charlotte and Jacob all the characters added so much to this story and really fleshed it out. There are no characters that are gratuitous, and they will make you fall in love with them.

Basically if you are a fan of historical romance or romance in general you should read Less Than a Gentleman.

Prophecy by Ellen Oh

Title: Prophecy (The Dragon King Chronicles #1)
Author: Ellen Oh
Publisher: HarperTeen
Release Date: January 2, 2013
Received From: Library

Synopsis: The greatest warrior in all of the Seven Kingdoms... is a girl with yellow eyes.

Kira’s the only female in the king’s army, and the prince’s bodyguard. She’s a demon slayer and an outcast, hated by nearly everyone in her home city of Hansong. And, she’s their only hope...

Murdered kings and discovered traitors point to a demon invasion, sending Kira on the run with the young prince. He may be the savior predicted in the Dragon King Prophecy, but the missing treasure of myth may be the true key. With only the guidance of the cryptic prophecy, Kira must battle demon soldiers, evil shaman, and the Demon Lord himself to find what was once lost and raise a prince into a king.

Intrigue and mystery, ancient lore and action-packed fantasy come together in this heart-stopping first book in a trilogy.

Review:
I love fantasy books, give me a stack of fantasy novels and I am set. So I was super excited to read Prophesy which is a fantasy inspired by Korean myths.

One of my favorite Asian inspired fantasies is Silver Phoenix by Cindy Pon, so while I was letting Prophesy stand on its own I wanted it to be just as good as Silver Phoenix. Unfortunately while I liked Prophesy, it had no where near the magic of Silver Phoenix. 

Kira is a very, very strong female lead. She kicks ass and takes names all while being hated by everyone in the city, because her uncle the king won't allow them to know what she does. But when the city gets attacked only she can protect the prince.

I loved the ancient lore that we learn throughout the book. If you have read my blog for long you know that that is one of my favorite parts of fantasy novels and Prophesy was no exception. Though I do wish that the Monks had been a little less vague. The kind of acted like they did not really know what was going on either which was frustrating for both Kira and I.

There is a hit of romance in this book but not so much that it took away from the plot which I really appreciated.

The only real problem I had with Prophesy was that I found it predictable. Not all of it but the major plot points I guessed right away. I still enjoyed the book but it took a little of the magic out of the story.

Overall Prophesy was a captivating read and a great addition to the YA fantasy genre.

Check out my review of Silver Phoenix by Cindy Pon here

Top Ten Tuesday- Movie Adaptations

So I have decided to start participating in Top Ten Tuesdays hosted by the Broke and the Bookish

This week’s topic is Top Ten Best/Worst Movie Adaptations

1. The Hunger Games- I actually enjoyed the Hunger Games movie more than the book. I liked how it was in 3rd person and I think it added a lot to the material in the book.
2. The Wizard of Oz- This movie came out forever ago and is still amazing. 
3. To Kill a Mockingbird- Watching this movie as a child impacted me more than reading the book alone.
4. A Series of Unfortunate Events-Was it completely accurate? No. But was it still fun and good? Yes.
5. One for the Money-I have not read the books but the movie was fun and made me want to read them!

What are your favorite movie adaptations?

 

Keeper of the Lost Cities #1 by Shannon Messenger (MMGM)

Title: Keeper of the Lost Cities
Author:Shannon Messenger
Publisher: Aladdin
Release Date: October 2, 2012
Received From: Bought

Synopsis: Twelve-year-old Sophie Foster has a secret. She’s a Telepath—someone who hears the thoughts of everyone around her. It’s a talent she’s never known how to explain.

Everything changes the day she meets Fitz, a mysterious boy who appears out of nowhere and also reads minds. She discovers there’s a place she does belong, and that staying with her family will place her in grave danger. In the blink of an eye, Sophie is forced to leave behind everything and start a new life in a place that is vastly different from anything she has ever known.

Sophie has new rules to learn and new skills to master, and not everyone is thrilled that she has come “home.”
There are secrets buried deep in Sophie’s memory—secrets about who she really is and why she was hidden among humans—that other people desperately want. Would even kill for.

Review:
I actually read this book a few months ago and am kicking my self for A) not reading it sooner and B) not getting the review up until now.

I don't read too much middle grade and I really need to because there are some great things happening in that corner of the bookstore that I just cannot ignore. When I do read MG I tend to lean towards Fantasy, and so when I heard about Keeper of the Lost Cities I was in. And boy am I glad I picked it up!! I fell in love with both the plot and the characters.

Sophie is a great main character, she is both strong but she has just enough insecurity to be relatable. She also reacts to things in a similar way that I would think I would. Even though she is a lot stronger than I would be in her situation. All the secondary characters help bring this world to life.

The world that Shannon Messenger has created is so original and beautiful, if I could visit I totally would. And I hate to say this but the whole book had a very Harry Potter vibe. It is completely different but the magic was there like when I read Harry Potter.

This is a long book but younger readers should not be afraid because it just flies by, and by the end I was clamoring for the next book!

Siege and Storm by Leigh Bardugo

Title: Siege and Storm
Author: Leigh Bardugo
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co.
Release Date: June 4, 2013
Received From: Publisher in return for a honest review

Synopsis:
Darkness never dies.

Hunted across the True Sea, haunted by the lives she took on the Fold, Alina must try to make a life with Mal in an unfamiliar land. She finds starting new is not easy while keeping her identity as the Sun Summoner a secret. She can’t outrun her past or her destiny for long.

The Darkling has emerged from the Shadow Fold with a terrifying new power and a dangerous plan that will test the very boundaries of the natural world. With the help of a notorious privateer, Alina returns to the country she abandoned, determined to fight the forces gathering against Ravka. But as her power grows, Alina slips deeper into the Darkling’s game of forbidden magic, and farther away from Mal. Somehow, she will have to choose between her country, her power, and the love she always thought would guide her–or risk losing everything to the oncoming storm

Review:
I really liked Shadow and Bone. So I was very excited to read the second book in the trilogy Siege and Storm; though I was a little worried about there being a slump in this second book like there are in many other series. But I could not have been more wrong. Siege and Storm was even better than Shadow and Bone and was one of the best books I have read this year so far.

Siege and Storm starts off not to long after the ending of Shadow and Bone. And while I thought that we would have peace for a little while in the beginning I was wrong. The action starts pretty quickly after the beginning of the book and does not stop till the end.

There are some new characters introduced in Siege and Storm and I loved all of them! Especially Sturmhond. LET ME LOVE YOU. He was so snarky and awesome I adore him.

Mal kind of bugged me in Siege and Storm. He was very needy and was not very nice and supportive of Alina which was lame. Yes, Alina changes a lot from the beginning of Shadow and Bone and not all for the better but he still needed to support her and not be an ass.

The Darkling was barely in the book, but he is a shadow over the story. So if you are a big fan of the Darkling he is not in it as much but he is still a force to be reckoned with!

Basically I LOVED this book and cannot wait for the next one. You should totally read this series!!!

Check out my review of Shadow and Bone here

Georgetown Academy: Book Four by Alyssa Embree Schwartz and Jessica Koosed Etting

Title:Georgetown Academy: Book Four
Author:Alyssa Embree Schwartz, Jessica Koosed Etting
Publisher: Coliloquy LLC
Release Date: June 11, 2013
Recieved From: Publicist in return for an honest review

Summary:When the vice president resigns and Ellie and Taryn’s parents emerge as the frontrunners, the girls find themselves back in the spotlight.
Ellie could not care less about becoming the Second Daughter, but she knows how much the opportunity to make history means to her mother – and women everywhere. With her family taking center stage, Ellie must decide whether she can put her feelings for Gabe on hold - again.
Taryn, so used to captivating the hearts and minds of everyone she meets, is unbothered by the increased media scrutiny. But an inopportune screw-up has her beholden to an unlikely – and unfriendly – source for help.
Overnight, Evan has skyrocketed from social pariah to Miss Popular. As she and her reluctant parents adjust to her new lifestyle, the last thing she needs is a front-page scandal.
Brinley can’t stop thinking about her Stowe-bound hook-up…until her father’s intern, Patrick, starts flirting. Is it time to abandon her fling now that she has a more appropriate suitor?
With the second highest office in the land up for grabs, everyone is picking sides. But where does the heart lie when duty, truth, and love collide?

Review:
If you have not read the first three books there will be a couple of spoliers for them so beware.

I really like this series. They are fun, quick reads that give me the little bit of political drama I might be craving. The fourth book is no different.

I seem to connect to a different girl in each book. In this one it was Evan. While I liked the other storylines Evan's storyline was the saddest for me. I felt the most for her situation. Especailly how her parents were against her going out with Hunter all the time. And the other thing...

That being said I liked the vice-presidential race. It was interesting and caused a lot of drama. But I wished there had been more Brinley and Ellie converstaions. I really like thier friendship so I wish there was more of it in this book. But it did make sense for the book.

I personally was happy for the person who won the VP nomination. While I would have been happy regardless, I was excited when the winner was announced. Honestly I was mostly happy that they announced it. I was afraid they were going to make me wait for the next book. But they were nice and they didn't.

Overall a good addition to the series. I can't wait to find out how the winner's daughter's life changes not that she is Second Daughter. But the third book is still my favorite so far.

One by Leigh Ann Kopans

Title: One
Author: Leigh Ann Kopans
Publisher: Self
Release Date: June 11, 2013
Recieved From: Part of blog tour

Synopsis:  When having two powers makes you a Super and having none makes you a Normal, having only one makes you a sad half-superpowered freak.
It makes you a One.
Sixteen-year-old Merrin Grey would love to be able to fly – too bad all she can do is hover.
If she could just land an internship at the Biotech Hub, she might finally figure out how to fix herself. She busts her butt in AP Chem and salivates over the Hub’s research on the manifestation of superpowers, all in hopes of boosting her chances.
Then she meets Elias VanDyne, another One, and all her carefully crafted plans fly out the window. Literally. When the two of them touch, their Ones combine to make them fly, and when they’re not soaring over the Nebraska cornfields, they’re busy falling for each other.
Merrin's mad chemistry skills land her a spot on the Hub's internship short list, but as she gets closer to the life she always wanted, she discovers that the Hub’s purpose is more sinister than it has always seemed. Now it’s up to her to decide if it's more important to fly solo, or to save everything - and everyone - she loves.

Review: I do not read many self-published books but because I knew the publicist I decided to give this one a try.

I am a science geek. Not nearly as big of one as Merrin but a science geek none the less and so I liked the fictional scientific jargon and integration into the story. I liked seeing how the powers came to be and like Merrin I liked understanding them in a deeper way. The fact that there was an explination to the powers was really cool, it made the story more real rather than just having them magically have powers.

For the first half of the book I found Merrin to be kind of annoying, she is so into not being a one anymore. She's just magically so smart and thin though she lives on junk food, stuff like that. Nothing big. But once I got deeper into the story I became a bigger fan of her. Especially when her loyalty was put to the test.

I loved learning more about the Hub and what they were doing. So the last 1/4th of the book was my favorite. Probably a result of the science geek in me. Though I do have to say that the endig of the book seemed a little rushed and I think it would have been better a little more drawn out rather than the rest of the book which was a little too drawn out.

The beginning had a little too much info-dumping but besides that and the draw out first half of the book I really liked it.

But basically if you are looking to self-publish this is the way you should do it. With a quality book and quality cover.

To find out more:

Blog: http://leighannkopans.blogspot.com/

Website: http://www.leighannkopans.com/

Author Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LeighAnnKopansbooks

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/LeighAnnKopans

Novel Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17251203-one

Author Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6439443.LeighAnn_Kopans

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