YABookNerd

If You Like Magical Realism

2012-01-30T08:42:00.002-05:00

If You Like… is a feature highlighting blogger recommendations for books, authors, TV shows, movies, and music based on the things you already know and love. This week’s post includes recommendations for stories featuring f you like...d.

Sunday Matinee: One for the Money

2012-01-29T08:12:00.006-05:00

I've been waiting forever to see this movie. I'm a HUGE fan of the books. They're an addicting mix of danger and humor (I often laugh until I cry). I was so excited to see it.

And I really enjoyed it.

Likes:

I liked Morelli - he was entertaining, amusing, and perfect for the role

I liked Heigl - when she was first announced as the lead, I wasn't sure. Then I watched the movie Killers and became convinced that she could play Plum. She was pretty good.

Dislikes:

I wasn't a huge Ranger fan - but he was ok. There wasn't much of him in the movie.

There wasn't enough Grandma Mazur - but she was great in the short snippets

There wasn't enough of Lulu. She's also hilarious in the book and she's quite funny in the movie, but she's barely in the movie.

I don't remember the ending of the book as I read it years ago, but is it the same? Somehow I thought there was more danger for Stephanie.

Overall: It was funny - with some action and some danger. I'm hoping the movie does well enough to make a few sequels. While the book was better (like most cases), the movie was pretty entertaining.

Did you see it? Did you like it?

Also there was an awesome trailer for Hunger Games!

Mysterious Saturday Review: Killer Crullers

2012-01-28T08:45:00.001-05:00

** This is book 6 - start with the first one - Glazed Murder**

One morning just before closing, a man comes into the shop asking for any donuts with lots of icing. Suzanne sells him crullers. He immediately heads for the shop next door and starts throwing the donuts at Gabby's shop.

Suzanne runs after him and hears him accusing Gabby of stealing money and a valuable brooch from the pockets of a coat she bought from his aunt. He threatens both Gabby and Suzanne when she tries to intervene.

The next morning he shows up dead. Gabby asks Suzanne to help investigate the murder - hoping to clear her name and stop the gossip buzzing around town.

Suzanne and Grace start searching for clues and turn a number of suspects.

My Thoughts: I adore this series- for the danger, the strong friendship between Suzanne and Grace, the romance between Jake and Suzanne, the relationship between Suzanne and Emma, the relationship between Suzanne and George, and the small town feel. I love the map in the beginning of the book. This series makes me crave donuts in the worse way.

Cover Thoughts: LOVE it! These are all adorable!

Source: My library

Up next: Drop Dead Chocolate - out April 24th

Review: Catching Jordan

2012-01-27T08:54:00.000-05:00

Jordan's the quarterback for her high school football team. She's awesome at her job. She loves being in charge of team and being one of the guys.

Jordan's nervous about next year. She wants to go play for the University of Alabama. She's counting on her dream coming true. She's doing everything in her power to make her dream come true.

Ty moves to town. He's a big time quarterback from Texas. Jordan's never been interested in dating any of the players on her team - until now.

She's also nervous that Ty might be trying to steal her job. Can she win the guy and still keep her dream alive?

My Thoughts: I LOVED this one - I love gutsy girls and sports book. I loved the twist with Jordan and her father. I loved her friendship with Henry. I wasn't crazy about Ty. I liked the mature themes that ran through this novel. I loved how Jordan rules her team and the jokes she had with the guys. I loved the humor. I can't wait to read more by this author - a smashing debut!

Cover Thoughts: LOVE it - check out Melissa Walker's Cover Story

Source: My Library

Similar Read: Dairy Queen and Shut Out

Up Next: Stealing Parker out October 2012

Review: Love and Leftovers

2012-01-26T08:47:00.000-05:00

Marcie's mom left her dad and moved halfway across the country. She thought it was just for the summer.

She was wrong. She's not returning home to her friends, to her boyfriend, to her school. Now she's forced to start a new school - where everything thinks she's stuck up because she wasn't friendly over the summer.

Marcie tries to cope with her life changing. She tries to cope with her mother's depression. She tries to move on with her life.

She meets a boy. He doesn't take the place of Linus her boyfriend, but he becomes something. She's not sure she knows what love is - and she desperately wants to find out. Who does she love? Who loves her? Can Marcie figure out her life?

My Thoughts: A debut novel - Love & Leftovers is a novel in verse. Marcie's confusion about life and love rings true. Her lost, her loneliness, and her feelings drive her actions. I enjoyed watching her figure out her new life and trying to blend it together with her old life. I'm looking forward to reading more by this author.

Cover Thoughts: Cute - love the sneakers and how it works with the book.

Source: My library

Review: Missed Connections

2012-01-25T08:56:00.000-05:00

Reason for Reading: Saw it on GreenBeanTeenQueen blog and thought it looked super cute

My Thoughts: Messages from people who saw someone who looked cute, did something nice, or made a difference in their lives. Many messages hoped they would meet again. As I read them, I hoped they met again too. I hope there are more of these books coming soon. The art work was unusual, eye catching, and colorful.

I loved how each message was it's own little story.

Fun Fact: I got this poster from BEA last year because I LOVED it. It's promoting the book, which was wonderful, creative, and fun to flip through. The photo isn't in the book, but isn't it grand?

Tween Tuesday Review: Double Feature

2012-01-24T08:58:00.000-05:00

Payton and Emma have returned triumphant from New York City. They're both looking forward to things returning to normal when they're called into the guidance counselor's office.

They discover their names have been put forward to appear in a teen shampoo commercial. They leave for Hollywood the next morning.

Payton can't believe her good luck. It takes Emma a little while longer to get over missing the Geobee, but soon she's also excited about the trip.

When they get there, they realize there's more to shooting a commercial than they thought. First, one of them must have greasy hair and dress in comfortable clothes while the other dresses in cute clothes with shiny hair. Second, there are mean girls (including Ashlynn) in Hollywood who want to tear people down. Third, no one gets everything perfect while acting and sometimes taking directions proves too be difficult - especially when you're trying to pretend your someone else. Fourth, rumors are spread in Hollywood and in middle school.

Will Emma and Payton conquer Hollywood?

My Thoughts: The 4th book in this twin-tastic series is charming. I love the twins - and how they are both sisters and best friends. They stand up for each other. They support each other. They switch places to help each other. I loved their time in Hollywood- learning about the business, helping fellow actresses, meeting famous actors, and having the time of their lives. I love how the twins frustrate each other with their quirks. Just a fabulous series full of friendships, school issues, first crushes on boys, and drama.

Cover Thoughts: Adorable!

Source: My library

Tween Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted here at GreenBeanTeenQueen to highlight great reads for tweens. Join the fun

Book Review: Why We Broke Up

2012-01-23T09:31:00.002-05:00

Min isn't the type of girl that catches Ed Slaterton's eye. He's a basketball star while she's not interested in sports. Min loves watching old movies, talking with her friends over coffee, and going on adventures.

One night, two months ago, they clicked. Their relationship lasts two months. Their friends didn't understand their relationship. While Min and Ed acknowledge their relationship doesn't make sense, the heart doesn't always care.

When they break up, Min dumps a box on Ed's doorstep. The box is filled of objects with memories of their moments together. She writes letters to correspond with each object.

My Thoughts: I LOVE the uniqueness of this book. I love the letters explaining the significance of each object. I really liked this book, but I didn't love it. I couldn't really connect with Min. I could feel the frustration with her letters, but she didn't really voice her opinions to Ed. I felt like she lost herself in him, which resonates truthfully with relationships. While I was intrigued by the book, there was something missing from keeping me from loving it. Still, I needed to find out why they really did break up and that kept me turning the pages.

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: From the publisher - Little Brown

** Why We Broke Up is a Printz Honor book (announced just this morning)

Adult Review: Goodnight Tweetheart

2012-01-22T08:52:00.000-05:00

Abby's debut novel gained her instant fame. She hasn't been able to get past chapter five on her sophomore novel. Since she hasn't delivered her novel, her editor drops her from the list.

Abby's not sure what to do. When she gets an email from her publicist advising her to join twitter. There she "meets" Mark. Her shows her the twitter ropes.

Soon the two of them begin chatting almost daily. She learns that he's on sabbatical trying to write a novel -in Europe. They chat about their lives, pop culture, their fears, and what they are wearing.

After a few "dates", Abby's hooked. She's addicted to twitter and to Mark. She learns more about herself and her writer's block while talking with him. Then he drops the truth on her - he's not in Europe. He's not writing a book.

Abby doesn't know what to do, what to believe, or what to think. Can she untangle the web of lies he's told her and uncover the truth?

My Thoughts: I picked this book up on a whim. I had nothing to read for my lunch break because the book I'd been expecting to arrive didn't. I'm really glad it didn't! Most of this book is told in tweets - which makes for a fast addictive read. I LOVED the pop culture references - especially the Veronica Mars ones. I laughed several times over the tweet banter. I loved the idea of the twitter dates. A very cute story that I've already recommended to my co-worker.

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: My Library

Mysterious Saturday Review: Affiars of Steak

2012-01-21T08:45:00.000-05:00

In a joint effort with Peter Sargeant, Olivia begins work on a birthday party for the Secretary of State. The First Lady has high hopes that the party will smooth over relations between the two political parties.

Things take a wrong turn when upon checking out the party venues, Olivia and Peter come across two bodies. Both have been murdered and both have connections to the White House.

Olivia heads home, but immediately becomes suspicious of two individuals. Before she knows it, she's swept into more drama. She's happy to get home and relax.

However, she won't be relaxing for long. With the murder of the First Lady's staff, Olivia and Peter become the official party planners. They must coordinate everything while dealing with suspicious family members, meddling co-workers, a chatty self-absorbed usher, and White House politics.

Will the murders ruin the party?

My Thoughts: I adore this series! I love the glimpse of the inner workings of the White House. I love the cooking and the food prep in the kitchen. I liked the potential romance between Olivia and Gav. I thought her dealings with Tom were amusing. I found Peter both highly annoying and amusing. I can't wait to see all these relationships develop more. This is one of my favorite mystery series and I can't wait to devour more!

Cover Thoughts: Cute, I love the shadow

Source: Purchased

Review: The Statistical Probability of Falling in Love At First Sight

2012-01-20T09:03:00.000-05:00

Hadley rushes all day - but through a series of circumstances misses her flight to London by four minutes. She has no idea how much those four minutes will change her life.

As she waits for a new flight, she meets a boy. He helps her out of a situation and the two start talking. He sits next to her on the plane.

The two talk through the flight. About Hadley's father's wedding, about school, about family, and about random things.

Hadley's not freaking out so much because Oliver keeps her calm. She opens up with him even though they've known each other such a short amount of time. She feels like she's known him forever.

She doesn't want to think about what will happen when the plane lands and they go their separate ways.

My Thoughts: I love the idea of this book taking place in 24 hours! I really loved this book - it pulled all kinds of emotional heartstrings. I laughed. I cried. I loved how they chatted about anything and everything on the plane. I loved the one liners and the jokes between them. I really loved how those four minutes changed their lives forever! A magnificent book!!

Cover Thoughts: Awesome! I love how blurry it is except for the couple.

Source: ARC from the publisher -Thanks Little Brown Young Readers

Books I'm Dying to Read: March edition

2012-01-19T08:45:00.001-05:00

Here are some March reads that I simply can't wait to get my hands on....
Perception: I simple adored Clarity. I can't wait to find out what happens next to Clare. Goodreads - out March 1st

Spell Bound: I'm on the edge of my seat waiting to read what happens next after Demon Glass. But while I can't wait, I don't want to story to end either. Goodreads - out March 13th

Out of Sight, Out of Time: I love the Gallagher Girls series. I'm sad this is the end of the series, but I can't wait to uncover all the answers from Cammie's past. Goodreads - out March 13th

Pretty Crooked: I'm actually reading this one right now thanks to Netgalley and it's awesome. Willa's attending a private school for the first time and she turns into a modern day Robin Hood by taking items from the rich students and giving them to the scholarship students. It's also the first in a new series. Goodreads - out March 13th

The Dead of Night: I'm addicted to the spin-off series of Cahill vs Vespers - The Vespers have made impossible demands and now in addition to the kidnapped family members, they've taken Dan's young friend hostage as well. Goodreads - out March 6th

Storm Runners: Eruption - This is the 3rd book in this fast paced trilogy with lots of adventure, danger, and survival from weather related disasters by any means necessary. Goodreads - out March 1st
Buried: a spin-off of The Seer featuring Thorn - the goth girl with powers to locate lost items. Add in one huge secret, a hot boy, and a potential murder. Goodreads - out March 8th.

Mastermind Plot: The 2nd book after The Midnight Tunnel where Zanna gets to go to Boston to visit. Her Uncle - who solves mysteries, isn't happy to have her there. Will Zanna stick her nose into his current case? Goodreads - Out March 1st

Temptation of Angels: I read and adored is about a girl who wakes up in the middle of the night to have her entire world changed. Her parents die. Her house burns down. She's alone and headed for a stranger's house. There she uncovers the truth about her life and the training she's been undergoing without realizing it. Goodreads -out March 20th

Soul Bound: the latest in the Blood Coven series that puts Rayne against her twin sister Sunny. Goodreads - out March 6th

Seeing Cinderella: a tween read about a girl who must get glasses. She's unhappy to have them until she discovers she can read people's minds with them. Can she use the glasses to change her life? Goodreads - out March 20th

Walled Flower: The 2nd in the Victorian Square mystery series. Kate's late husband invested all their money into a different project. She can only watch as another couple buys the bed and breakfast she longed to own. When they discover a skeleton in the wall, maybe it's for the best. Goodreads - (oops this one is out in February)

Buried in Buttercream: The last Savannah Reid mystery ended on a sweet note after a VERY serious incident. I'm dying to see how that changes the series. Just as a wedding day arrives, so does the murder of the hated wedding planner. Goodreads - out March 31st

Cinnamon Roll Murder: I adore this series. Murder at the weekend's Jazz festival - but Hannah's on the case. Goodreads - out March 1st

Rainshadow Road: I can't wait for this trilogy! I'm a huge fan of Lisa Kleypas. I really loved the first introduction to Friday Harbor with Christmas Eve at Friday Harbor. I can't wait to go back and read more! Lucy's boyfriend dumps her for her younger sister, but he also tries to play matchmaker for Lucy. Could that be trouble? Goodreads - out February 28th (close enough)

A Rogue by Any Other Name: I can't wait for the 1st of this new series. I adore Sarah Maclean's other novels. Penelope's new husband might be just the thing to shake up he quiet little life. Goodreads - out February 28th (close enough)

STOP SOPA

2012-01-18T07:24:00.003-05:00

I interrupt our regularly scheduled postings for today. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to find out about SOPA. Check out the guide to understanding SOPA here. And if you're inclined, sing the petition here.

Oh, and spread the word!

There are sites blacked out today in reaction to this bill - like Wikipedia.

Tween Tuesday Review: Initiation

2012-01-17T09:20:00.000-05:00

Lauren was so excited at being accepted into Canterwood Crest - now that she's here, she's nervous about fitting in. She has doubts the moment she meets her new roommate.

Quickly, she learns that her roommate's first words were an act. Khloe quickly becomes her new BFF and tour guide. She helps Lauren navigate through the buildings and more importantly the stables.

Soon, Lauren's meeting new friends. While she loves the social aspect of Canterwood, she still has her placement test to take.

One girl, Lauren meets, keeps trying to intimate her. Lauren's not falling for Riley's mind games. She's sooner not hang out with Riley at all, but she doesn't have much choice. Lauren's not about to become a doormat. She's not going to change. She's not ready to share her secret.

Can Lauren survive at Canterwood - with all the classes and homework, the riding lessons, and friendship drama. Will the pressure become too much for her to handle?

My Thoughts: I love Lauren's first few days at Canterwood! I loved getting to a whole new group of girls. I love the fashion and room descriptions. Canterwood seems like a cozy school - it makes me want to apply. I love how this new set of girls is so different than Sasha Silver's friends. I love how this new chapter continues and I can't wait to read more about Lauren Towers, especially after the cliff hanger ending!

Cover Thoughts: Cute!

Source: My Library

Fun Fact: Check the post here about my surprise inside the book!

Up Next: Popular - out May 1st - Luckily it's not long to wait until this one comes out

Golden Globes Fashion

2012-01-16T14:30:00.001-05:00

I really love the color of this dress - it stands out so much!

Michelle Williams looks classy and comfortable.

I don't love the dress, but I love how she looks

Same here, for Mila Kunis, I'm not in the love with the dress itself, but she rocks it.

Kate W. always looks like old Hollywood Royalty

Love the Jane Austen inspired look of this dress

I really like this dress - she looks like a princess

Jane Lynch looks great in this dress

I really like this dress - but I think it would have popped more with a different color

Love this one!

Love the bold color and even though it's a simple dress, it looks great

I love this dress and she looked beautiful!

Loved this dress - she looks amazing

They looked great together - it;s hard to judge the men because they all look so similar, but George always looks dashing

The dog was so cute doing tricks

They look great!

I really like this one and I like the color

The picture doesn't do the color justice - I loved this purple dress

Charming

Loved the dress and her shoes - she looked great

What I didn't like: The feathery dresses, the fishtail dresses, and the muted colors

Review: Kiss of Frost

2012-01-16T09:06:00.000-05:00

*2nd book in series - read my review for Touch of Frost*

Gwen's still reeling from the attack in the library. She knows that Jasmine's family wants revenge. They don't care about the details surrounding her death - they still blame Gwen.

Gwen can't be sure, but she thinks that the person who tried to run her over on the street by her grandmother's house and the person who shot an arrow at her in the library might be taking their revenge.

Gwen's not able to confide in her teacher, only her best friend. When the school takes part in a Winter Carnival celebration weekend at a ski resort, Gwen's forced to tag along.

At first she hopes that the weekend will be a welcome distraction. She even met a cute boy. But strange things keep happening to her. Is it a coincidence or is she being targeted?

My Thoughts: I loved this new edition to this mythology series. I love the library and the collection (although the librarian isn't the nicest). I love Gram and her baked goodies. They make me want to bake my own goodies and gobble hers up too! I loved the village and the winter setting. I loved the moments between Logan and Gwen - Swoon! I love the combat scenes, the action, and all the danger.

Cover Thoughts: Great! I love the sword and the snowflakes

Source: My Library

Up Next: Dark Frost - out June 1st. I can't WAIT to read this one! And I love how the cover ties in to the end of the 2nd book!

Review: Every Other Day

2012-01-13T08:56:00.000-05:00

Kali is your average 16 year old girl - every other day. She goes to school, deals with a father she doesn't know how to talk to, and tries to stay invisible.

At a pep rally, she's befriended by Skyler. Her entire life changes because of that one meeting. She joins Skyler at lunch, meeting her brother and his girlfriend Bethany. Bethany's a cheerleader and scoffs at Kali. Kali gives her plenty of snark and attitude in return.

Things change when Kali spies a mark on Bethany. She knows the mark means that Bethany will soon die. She knows because on the days when she's not human, Kali hunts demon creatures.

So she does what any normal demon-hunting person would do. She coaxes the chupacabra to transfer itself into her body, hoping to live until dawn when she's not quite human again and her body can kill it.

However, things don't go exactly to plan. Both Bethany and Skyler become involved. The plan becomes more than just trying to stay alive. It becomes trying to figure out how Bethany became infected. It becomes a plan to bring justice, thwart rogue scientists, and maybe make a friend or two in the process.

My Thoughts: This book was so addictive, I was grumpy every time I had to put it down and do something else. I loved the danger, the snark, the three girls butting into each other's lives, the voice in Kali's head, Skyler and her brothers, and the toughness of Kali. I loved the Darwin twist.I was a bit squeamish reading the demon hunting scenes. The ending killed me. I wish this wasn't a stand alone novel.

I adore Jennifer Lynn Barnes: she's sweet, funny, and write amazing books. I love how all her books have a tough feisty female lead. I love how the main character always battles something supernatural and something internal.

Cover Thoughts: It's pretty cool

Source: My Library.
GoodReads

Review: Temptation of Angels

2012-01-12T09:04:00.000-05:00

Helen's night takes a strange turn when her mother enters her bedchamber and begins packing her things. She quickly ushers Helen into a hidden passageway with strict instructions not to come out. She tells Helen how to escape the house and where to go.

Helen arrives on the doorstep of two brothers in her bare feet and nightgown. She has no idea why she's been told to come here. She has no idea that her life is about to change forever. She has no idea she's part of a secret society.

A society she's been training for her whole life without realizing it. A society responsible for protecting the world. Helen is a Keeper.

There are dangerous beings who want to access the past, so they can change it, and they will stop at nothing to accomplish their goal.

Together can Helen and the brothers stop them from eliminating all the Keepers and taking control of the world?

My Thoughts: I loved this one! I'm a huge fan of Michelle Zink. This was my first read of the new year and it wowed me! I loved how the events unfolded. I loved unraveling the truth to Helen's life with her. I loved the strange quirks of the secret society: the jumping through lights, the necklaces, and the secret weapons. I loved the brothers - each different, but each significant. Although I do like Griffin a bit better. I loved Anna. I loved the romance, the danger, the adrenaline rushes, and the end of the world drama.

I think (I HOPE), this is the start of a trilogy or series! I can't wait to read more.

Cover Thoughts: I really like it - I think the model looks like a young Scarlett Johansson

Source: Thanks to Penguin Teen for the ARC

Release Date: March 20th
Goodreads

Review: Jane Austen a life revealed

2012-01-11T09:39:00.005-05:00

I'm a huge fan of Jane Austen. I even have a notebook full of research which I was going to use to write a book after college and before grad school. That never happened. I wish I wrote this one!

It's the first YA biography for Jane Austen.

This was a fun, but quick read for me. There wasn't too much that I didn't already know about her. However, if I read this as a teen, I would have adored it and it would have been eye opening for me.

I discovered Jane Austen in high school when someone wrote up a review of Clueless and mentioned that it was a modernized version of Emma.

I read Emma and then Pride and Prejudice. The I read her other works and fell completely in love.

I think this book is a great introduction to both her life and her novels.

Cover Thoughts: Cute!

Source: Inter-Library Loan

A Special Thank You

2012-01-10T11:39:00.006-05:00

goes out to Jessica Burkhart. She's the author of the Canterwood Crest series, which I adore. They're such addicting books and I'm so happy they come out every few months because it's hard waiting for the next installment.

Yesterday I opened my the book on my lunch break. Isn't the cover gorgeous? I adore these covers

It just came up from the processing department. As always, as soon as the book has been ordered and the record made, I placed a hold on it. That way it comes to me first!

I opened the book and read the acknowledgements. I don't always do this, but sometimes it's really fun to see who's thanked in putting a book together. Imagine my surprise when I saw:

THANK YOU JESSICA FOR MAKING MY DAY, YOU'RE SUPER SWEET!!!
And I hope that one day, we'll meet.

I'm still reading the book, but so far, it's Fabulous! Look for a review soonish

Tween Tuesday Review: King's Ransom

2012-01-10T09:08:00.000-05:00

Amy and Dan still need to jump to the tune of Vesper One - who has a hostage from their family and all the other Cahill family branches. Amy and Dan scramble to locate and uncover an ancient map. A map no one has seen in the last 50 years.

It doesn't matter that they just stole a priceless piece of art or that they found an impossible to find map. Vesper One certainly has an agenda. He's not afraid to hand out consequences if the siblings and their relatives don't complete the assigned tasks.

Now that they're on the scent of this map, time is running out. Vesper One is growing impatient and he's not afraid to start eliminating the hostages.

Does the map really exist and if so can Amy and Dan recover it in time to save their loved ones?

My Thoughts: I'm so addicted to this series for the adventure, the danger, the heists, the ancient artifacts, and for this family. I love Amy and Dan. The rest of the family is growing on me as well. I also love the publishing schedule of these books and how the next one comes out in March.

Cover Thoughts: Cool

Source: my Library

Up Next: Dead of Night

Cover Reveal: Sweet Shadows

2012-01-09T13:27:00.002-05:00

Did you see this new cover? It's book 2, following Sweet Venom

I love how it fits in nicely with the first book - the dark colors, the hair curls, and the tendrils of hair in the wind. I'm SUPER excited to read more about the triplets!!!!!

2012 Book Reviews

2012-01-09T13:02:00.001-05:00

I'm now caught up with books read in 2011 and starting on a new year of reviews!

Review: Darker Still

2012-01-09T09:06:00.000-05:00

Natalie's always been on the outskirts of society as she's deaf. People, including her father, can't talk to her. She's overjoyed when she meets Mrs. Evelyn Northe - a wealthy woman who knows sign-language.

She's on the verge of purchasing a very interesting painting - one that has the whole town talking. It's the portrait of Lord Denbury who's rumored to have committed suicide.

While looking at the painting, Natalie feels the painting watching her. She's sure she's imagining things, until the painting changes twice. Now she's curious and a little afraid.

Lord Denbury didn't commit suicide. He's stuck in the painting and he needs Natalie's help to break the curse. Natalie falls into the painting and discovers her voice, her determination, and a new chance at life.

My Thoughts: I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I loved the connection between Lord Denbury and Natalie. I loved Natalie meeting Mrs. Evelyn Northe. I loved Natalie venturing out into society and trying to become friends with Maggie. I loved the creepy factor, the danger, the mystery, and the romance. And I love that it's just the beginning, there's more Gothic romance to follow!!

Cover Thoughts: Stunning!

Book: 2011 Debut YA

Source: My Library

Mysterious Saturday Review: Cocoa Conspiracy

2012-01-07T09:15:00.000-05:00

Check out my review on the first book Sweet Revenge

Lady Arianna's searching for gift for her new husband. She comes across a beautiful book -a rare volume of botanical engravings. However, the book has caught someone else's eye as well. After a bit of scuffle, Lady Arianna escapes the shop victorious. However, she's quite surprised to the villain at a house party soon after.

She's even more surprised when upon the wrapping of the book, she discovers traitorous documents inside. The Countess of Saybrook alerts her husband to her discovery. The knowledge of a family member implicated makes matter much worse.

However, Saybrook's honor forces them to relate the matter to Lord Grentham, who harbors a personal grudge against the couple. In fact he just found Saybrook, wounded and standing over the body of a man with his throat cut open. Against their better judgement, the couple agrees to travel to Vienna under the guise of research during the peace talks that will hopefully stop a war. But someone is quite determined to start a war. They must discover who it is and stop him.

My Thoughts: I love this series! I love the bits of historical information pertaining to chocolate. I love Lady Arianna for her sharp tongue, her unusual past, her determination, and her strength. I love watching her relationship with Saybrook unfold. While their marriage was a matter of convenience, they care about each other. However, they're still working on trusting each other. The action, the danger, and the near death situations make for tense moments between the couple. I can't wait to read more of this duo!

Cover Thoughts: Charming

Source: Inter-Library Loaned

Contest: TINKER TAILOR SOLDIER SPY

2012-01-06T09:05:00.003-05:00

Are you excited for the movie TINKER TAILOR SOLDIER SPY?

I know that I am (and not just because I adore Colin Firth) I went through a HUGE spy book phase in high school. I read A LOT about the Cold War and Intrigue and Romance.

The movie hits theaters today:

And I'm lucky enough to be hosting a prize package:

Two (2) winners will receive:

Movie Tie-in Book
T-Shirt
Voice Recorder Pen
Post-it Note Cube

Prizing values: $43 per pack
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Adult Review: Drink Deep

2012-01-05T09:01:00.000-05:00

Something is destroying Chicago and the humans are blaming the vampires. Merit's still struggling with her personal grief, but it's time to put it aside as best she can and help out her house.

Lake Michigan turned black. It's become a magical void - all the energy is being sucked out of the area. She teams up with Jonah from the Gray House and her potential partner for the Red Guard to discover who's behind this latest magical attack.. As Merit and Jonah attempt to track down the culprit, things for Chicago get worse - much worse.

Merit's stuck playing politics with the city in trying to uncover the answer, but she's also playing politics within her house. Frank Cabot's out to determine the shape of the Cadogan House. Merit spends her night ducking his authority while trying to solve this magical mystery.

Can Merit perform her duty for her house while attempting to play by the rules?

My Thoughts: I was devastated at the end of the last book and was so curious to read more of this fantastic series. I must say while I liked half the ending, the other half devastated me. I adore this series. I love Merit for her strength, her snark, and her loyalty. I really liked watching the House politics play out - while being annoyed at Frank Cabot the whole time. I liked the magical elements changing the city. I liked the bigger role Lindsey played and can't wait to see more of their friendship. I felt this book brought Merit into her own, she's more confident in her abilities and she's not going to back down from a fight. She's going to be smart and maybe a little sneaky about her choices, but overall they are her choices. She's doing what's best for her house. Chloe Neill's taking a page out of GRRM's books and throwing her readers into emotional turmoil - which proves how deeply we care about her characters.

Cover Thoughts: Fierce

Source: My Library

Review: Little Women and Me

2012-01-04T08:47:00.000-05:00

When Emily's assigned to change one thing about a classic novel, she decides upon Little Women. Except she can't think of just one thing to change.

She'd save Beth (who wouldn't?). She'd make sure that Jo and Laurie end up together (that's where they belong). Before Emily can decide which major change to make, she's sucked into the novel.

She appears in the attic with the March sisters. Emily's the 5th March sister, and of course, still the middle sister. At first she's desperately unhappy, but she realizes that she can change the book from the inside.

She wouldn't mind kissing Laurie. She wants to keep Beth away from the Hummel family. She begins to desperately want to fit into the march family. Will Emily change the outcome too much? And how will she return to her own time?

My Thoughts: Loved the idea of this book. I'm a huge fan of Little Women and those two parts to the story always bugged me too. I like how closely it followed the book, but how things slightly changed with Emily's appearance. I LOVED the twist at the end. While I liked the book, there were times when I didn't like Emily. I think I just didn't connect with her. While I don't think you have to have read Little Women, it's much more enjoyable with knowledge of the story.

Cover Thoughts: I like how she's breaking out of the book.

Source: My Library

Tween Tuesday Reivew: My Fake Boyfriend's Better than Yours

2012-01-03T09:03:00.000-05:00

Tori's worried about the first day of 7th grade. Usually, she and her best friend Sienna have planned their outfit for ages. Tori's not even sure if her BFF is talking to her.

Sienna's family suddenly turn wealthy. They went away on vacation for the summer. Sienna started writing Tori emails, but all of sudden, the emails stopped.

Tori's hesitant to go talk to Sienna when she spies her at school. Sienna's talking to a bunch of popular girls. Tori heads over to join their group.

She finds a huge surprise. Sienna's talking about her wonderful vacation and her new cute boyfriend. As time goes on, Tori's tired of hearing about Sienna's boyfriend. Before she realizes what happened, Tori's made up a boyfriend of her own. A boyfriend that manages to top whatever cute thing Sienna's boyfriend just did.

There's just one problem. A dance is coming up - one that both boyfriends have been invited to attend. What will happen when Tori's "boyfriend" doesn't appear?

My Thoughts: A cute book about middle school, first boyfriends, and the dramas of friendships. I liked the secondary girl characters - whom Tori great to become friends with. I liked the relationship that Tori has with her father. I love how the two girls grow apart but find a way to talk about their differences.

Cover Thoughts: I like the toy look. it's pretty funny.

Source: Inter-Library Loan

If You Like...Stories About Amnesia

2012-01-02T12:28:00.000-05:00

If you like stories about amnesia, you might like…

End of the Year Survey 2011

2012-01-02T08:58:00.000-05:00

Best Book You Read In 2011?
Check out my post for my favorite reads

Most Disappointing Book/Book You Wish You Loved More Than You Did?
I don't finish the ones that I don't like because I don't want to waste the time reading something I don't like. That said, a new installment of an adult book series that I loved didn't hold my interest.

Book you recommended to people most in 2011?
Tons but Anna and the French Kiss, The Agency series, Divergent are the ones I've been talking about lately.

Best series you discovered in 2011?
Divergent and Legend

Book you most anticipated in 2011?
Lola and the Boy Next Door

Favorite cover of a book you read in 2011?
Check out my post here

Book Blogging/Reading Life in 2011

1. New favorite book blog you discovered in 2011?
Makeshift Bookmark

2. Favorite review that you wrote in 2010?
Way too many to think about.

3. Best discussion you had on your blog?
I don't really have many discussions

4. Most thought-provoking review or discussion you read on somebody else's blog?

I really liked Melina's post on Sexy Times in YA and of course all the #YAsaves moments

5. Best event that you participated in (author signings, festivals, virtual events, memes, etc.)?
BEA - I LOVE this event and finally meeting Tera Lynn Childs and meeting Maureen Johnson, Sara Shepard, and Sarah Mlynowsk Basically I LOVE meeting authors and bloggers and librarians and chatting about books

6. Best moment of book blogging in 2011?
Hearing from authors who are happy I liked their books

7. Most Popular Post This Year On Your Blog (whether it be by comments or views)?
Views: Adult Review - Cedar Cove Christmas (803)

8. Post You Wished Got A Little More Love?
I always love comments

9. Best bookish discover (book related sites, book stores, etc.)?
Goodreads Challenge - where you can challenge yourself to read X amount of books and it keeps track of them for you

10. Did you complete any reading challenges or goals that you had set for yourself at the beginning of this year?
Yes: My own challenge of 365 books this year - from all ages
My challenge of reading 10 Christmas books
2011 Historical Fiction Challenge
2011 Debut Author Challenge

Looking Ahead...

1. One Book You Didn't Get To In 2011 But Will Be Your Number 1 Priority in 2012?
There are so many books in my TBR pile, but I think Why We Broke Up will be the first.

2. Book You Are Most Anticipating For 2012?
Too many: Ilsa and the Happily Ever After, Insurgent, Out of Sight Out of Time, Bitter Blue, Taken by Storm, Spell Bound, and countless others

3. One Thing You Hope To Accomplish Or Do In Your Reading/Blogging In 2012?
Interact more with readers and leave more comments on other blogs. I've been starting to do this more lately, but I hope that I can keep it up!

I just realized that a lot of these questions were WAY too hard for me to answer. It's so hard to remember an entire year's worth of blogging/reading/memories