Want Want Want Wednesday (27)

Princesses of Iowa By M.Molly Backes

"What does it mean to do wrong, when no one punishes you? A smart and unflinching look at friendship, the nature of entitlement, and growing up in the heartland.
Paige Sheridan has the perfect life. She's pretty, rich, and popular, and her spot on the homecoming court is practically guaranteed. But when a night of partying ends in an it-could-have-been-so-much worse crash , everything changes. Her best friends start ignoring her, her boyfriend grows cold and distant, and her once-adoring younger sister now views her with contempt. The only bright spot isher creative writing class, led by a charismatic new teacher who encourages students to be true to themselves. But who is Paige, if not the homecoming princess everyone expects her to be? In this arresting and witty debut, a girl who was once high-school royalty must face a truth that money and status can't fix, and choose between living the privileged life of a princess, or owning up to her mistakes and giving up everything she once held dear."

Ok, to be honest... I don't even care what this book is about. It is called Princesses of Iowa... IOWA! I love love love Iowa! My Grand Parents on my Dad's side grew up on in a small town there and my fiance's Grandparents on his Mom's side grew up there, as well. Both towns were SO small that they never heard of each others towns even though they were an hour drive away from each other..Point is anything involving Iowa is a must have in my book.

The Future of Us  By Jay Asher and Carolyn Mackler

"It's 1996, and less than half of all American high school students have ever used the Internet.
Emma just got her first computer and an America Online CD-ROM.
Josh is her best friend. They power up and log on--and discover themselves on Facebook, fifteen years in the future.
Everybody wonders what their Destiny will be. Josh and Emma are about to find out."

Although, I enjoyed Jay Asher's 13 Reasons Why, I wasn't sold on this book at 1st. Yes, they concept sounds intriguing but Idk... it just didn't grab me. However! Due to awesome reviews, I gave decided to give this book a chance.

Harry Potter a l'Ecole Des Sociers (Harry Potter and The Sorcerers Stone) By JK Rowling

You guys should already know the plot of this book, anyways.. I have read the series and this book several times in English.. but, now I want the French version.. Why? You Ask.. Well I took French back in High School and I want to learn the language better. I have that reading a book you already know well in your language (English) and reading it in the language you want to learn ( French) helps you. I am not too worried either because my reading and writing comprehension of French is WAY stronger then my verbal and listening.

Top Ten Tuesday : Books on My TBR for Winter

Hosted By The Broke and The Bookish

1. Dearly Departed By Lia Habel

2. Misguided Angel By Melissa De La Cruz

3. Don't Judge A Girl By Her Cover By Ally Carter

4. The Summer We Read Gatsby By Danielle Ganek

5. Pride and Prejudice and Zombies By Jane Austen and Seth Grahame-Smith

6. Someday My Prince Will Come: True Adventures of a Wannabe Princess By Jerramy Fine

7. Secrets of the Tudor Court: Between Two Queens By Kate Emerson

8. Brava, Valentine By Adriana Trigiani

9. The Lucky One By Nicholas Sparks

10. The Postmistress By Sarah Blake

Sweet Little Lies (Book 2 L.A.Candy)

Summary:

"How Sweet it is?Jane Roberts was the average girl next door until she and her best friend, Scarlett Harp, landed their own reality show, L.A. Candy. Now the girls have an all-access pass to Hollywood's hottest everything. But there's more to life on camera than just parties and shopping. . . .When racy photos of Jane are leaked to the press, she finds herself at the center of a tabloid scandal. She turns to her co-star Madison Parker for help, unaware that Madison is scheming behind the scenes. She might be Jane's shoulder to cry on, but does Madison really have Jane's back?Scarlett's working on a scandal of her own. She's fallen for someone who's strictly off-limits—which means Scarlett has a big secret to keep . . . from the L.A. Candy cameras, the paparazzi staking out her apartment, even from her best friend.Of course, nothing stays secret for long for the stars of the newest hit TV series, and all this drama couldn't be better for ratings. But can Jane survive another season in the spotlight?"

Plot: It is a bubblegum plot. Meaning it it cute,girly,cheeky but nothing mindblowing. The plot begins where book 1 left off and dives write into the story. There isn't really any major major drama in this book and read almost like you were watching an episode of a reality TV show.

Characters: The characters each have their distinctive personalities and seem to be more of a jumble of characteristics from The Hills stars, as opposed to being based on each specific person. 

Pros: Mindless Chick Lit, Cute, fun, guilty pleasure..

Cons: There is nothing I disliked about this book, but that doesn't mean it was SO good, there couldn't be anything wrong with it.

Final Thoughts: I enjoyed reading Sweet Little Lies. I read it while I was up North helping my Mom move, we were only there for 2 nights so I read the book in less then 24 hours. It was quick, it was interesting enough, and Although I know the book isn't purely based on The Hills, I will still look for connections. It is a series I enjoy reading, but I am not going out of my way to finish. 

The Surgeon

Summary:

"In her most masterful novel of medical suspense, New York Times bestselling author Tess Gerritsen creates a villain of unforgettable evil--and the one woman who can catch him before he kills again.
He slips into their homes at night and walks silently into bedrooms where women lie sleeping, unaware of the horrors they soon will endure. The precision of the killer's methods suggests he is a deranged man of medicine, propelling the Boston newspapers and the frightened public to name him "The Surgeon."
The cops' only clue rests with another surgeon, the victim of a nearly identical crime. Two years ago, Dr. Catherine Cordell fought back and killed her attacker before he could complete his assault. Now she hides her fears of intimacy behind a cool and elegant exterior and a well-earned reputation as a top trauma surgeon. 
Cordell's careful facade is about to crack as this new killer recreates, with chilling accuracy, the details of Cordell's own ordeal. With every new murder he seems to be taunting her, cutting ever closer, from her hospital to her home. Her only comfort comes from Thomas Moore, the detective assigned to the case. But even Moore cannot protect Cordell from a brilliant hunter who somehow understands--and savors--the secret fears of every woman he kills.
Filled with the authentic detail that is the trademark of this doctor turned author . . . and peopled with rich and complex characters--from the ER to the squad room to the city morgue--here is a thriller of unprecedented depth and suspense. Exposing the shocking link between those who kill and cure, punish and protect, The Surgeon is Tess Gerritsen's most exciting accomplishment yet."

Plot: The plot is a pretty typical crime novel, there is a serial killer and you have to find them and catch them. The difference between these and others though it this one is written so well and made easy to follow. (at least  for someone like me)
Characters: The main characters are Detectives Thomas Moore and Jane Rizzoli, Dr. Catherine Cordell and of course our unsub The Surgeon. For being a main character I would say Moore is actually a pretty under written main character. I mean you know who he is and you understand it, but there isn't a lot more to him. Rizzoli's character actually kind of annoys me in this book. Again, it is hard to transition from knowing the TV character and then the book character. Although, played very similar to each others characters book Rizzoli seems more bitter and angry then TV Rizzoli who comes of as tough and edgy.
Pros: easy to follow, captivating read, would definitely continue with the series.
Cons: I found the romance between two of the characters to be uncomfortable and a few relationships to be useless to the story line
Final Thoughts: I am a big fan of the Rizzoli and Isle's TV Series, so when I discovered it was based on a book series I jumped at my chance to read them. Although, this is not a Rizzoli and Isles book it has Detective Jane Rizzoli and it builds up her character for the series. The TV series has a lot to do with this book, since the 1st episode of the series begins where this book ends. Also, the book is seen in this season's finale, since it has a lot to do with the series. And although I have seen some differences already between the TV and Book. I have over all enjoyed it. I really liked to book and it was one of the first Crime Fictions that really got down on my level. It is definitely a good book to read for a YA reader who wants to read a Crime Fiction novel, but can't find a great transitional series. This book is adult, while still appealing to a younger group.

It is Thanksgiving!!!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!

I was originally going to write a whole giants blog post, but that wasn't turning out right and then I was going to do a Vlog (which I LOVE doing) but I am being too lazy. So I am going to settle for a for simple post.

Happy Thanksgiving to You,Your Family and Your Friends.  I am Thankful for many things this year, Such as My Family, Friends and Future In Laws. BUT I am also Thankful for My Blog and The Blogging Community, as well as YOU my followers and commenters. Thank You for Making my blog, fun and possible. = )

Want Want Want Wednesday (26)

Will Grayson,Will Grayson by John Greene

"One cold night, in a most unlikely corner of Chicago, Will Grayson crosses paths with . . . Will Grayson. Two teens with the same name, running in two very different circles, suddenly find their lives going in new and unexpected directions, and culminating in epic turns-of-heart and the most fabulous musical ever to grace the high school stage. Told in alternating voices from two YA superstars, this collaborative novel features a double helping of the heart and humor that have won them both legions of fans."

Ok, I will admit I have never read a book by John Green. Yet I have heard a lot of how AMAZING he is and since this is the most recent book of his that everyone has been raving about.. I thought why not?

Top Ten Tuesday : Authors I Would Have At My Thanksgiving

Hosted By The Broke and The Bookish

1. Libba Bray - 

Cause She Is An AWESOME writer and hilarious too. I mean, have you seen the cow costume pic? If not here it is again!

2. JK Rowling -

Although, it might be weird, since she is British and it is an American Holiday...

3. Hilary Duff-

Ok, this is more cause of her celebrity, and more plausible since she wouldn't have to travel far. But I think she would be fun, We could talk baby stuff, and my fiance and her husband can talk hockey. 

4. Meg Cabot - 

I mean she was the author who intoduced me to the YA genre. I totally remember nights at my Dads house reading her books

5. Beatrix Potter -

Yup, I know she is a curve ball in here.. But this is pure nostalgia. I grew up on Peter Rabbit and all her little critters. Reminds Me of My Grandma too.

6. Maureen Johnson -
She seems pretty funny

7. Karen McQuestion - 
I Love her books and she was also the 1st author to approach me and and give me 2 of her books to review. So , it would be cool to meet her in person!

In My Mailbox (22)

Hosted By The Story Siren

This Has been a crazy busy week, so with that a result I am too exhausted and ugly ; ) to do a video today. However, I DID get a book in my mailbox...

For Review

Unforsaken by Sophie Little Feild

(BIG Thanks to Random House)

Brother/Sister

Summary:

"Will and Asheley have a troubled past. Their father left them when they were little, and their mother has just been carted off to an alcohol treatment center. Now, they have the house to themselves, and an endless California summer stretching out before them. Through alternating perspectives, they tell the story of how and why their lives spun violently out of control - right up to the impossibly shocking conclusion you'll have to read for yourself to believe."

Plot: The plot is quite straight forward, the story altars between Will and Asheley's story and is told as if they are talking to you. It is a Semi psychological thriller and the ending is unexpected.
Characters: Will and Asheley are siblings, who have a close relationship. They are written very distinctly. Asheley the nice, sweet girl and Will the misunderstood, struggling man of the house.
Pros: quick read, very straight forward plot, and a little creepy. (but you expect that with this book)
Cons: There may have been some inaccuracies on minor details.
Final Thoughts:  I originally thought this book was about incest, but it isn't although there is a slighty inappropriate relationship going on. When I think about the events and personalities of and in the characters lives, it makes sense to me why some of these things happened. Although, I was shocked at some of them Epsecially the ending. I would LOVE to talk to someone who has read the book about the ending. Overall, there are not too many YA Psychological Thrillers out there, that are age appropriate. I mean this is like mini psychological  thriller, but still., an entertaining read.

My Book Boyfriend (11)

Where we swoon over the men of literature and fight over which one is really "ours".

Hosted By The Unread Reader

Ladies and Gents! I have been sadly, deprived of posting a My Book Boyfriend for SO long cause I hadn't read a book with a male character; that inspired me to fall in love... UNTIL! I read Ruby Red! 

So My Boyfriend for the past few weeks is Gideon !!!

Why He Is Swoon-worthy...

-He is British 

- He Speaks Multiple Languages

-He Can Dance

- He Can Fence

-Shoulder Length Hair

-Knows His History

-Plays The Violin

- Can Time Travel

My Choice for Gideon is...

Actor Ben Barnes

Daughter of Smoke and Bone

Summary:

"Around the world, black handprints are appearing on doorways, scorched there by winged strangers who have crept through a slit in the sky.
In a dark and dusty shop, a devil's supply of human teeth grown dangerously low.
And in the tangled lanes of Prague, a young art student is about to be caught up in a brutal otherwordly war.
Meet Karou. She fills her sketchbooks with monsters that may or may not be real; she's prone to disappearing on mysterious "errands"; she speaks many languages--not all of them human; and her bright blue hair actually grows out of her head that color. Who is she? That is the question that haunts her, and she's about to find out.
When one of the strangers--beautiful, haunted Akiva--fixes his fire-colored eyes on her in an alley in Marrakesh, the result is blood and starlight, secrets unveiled, and a star-crossed love whose roots drink deep of a violent past. But will Karou live to regret learning the truth about herself?"

Plot: Uhm, can this book receive the MOST Unique Book Plot of 2011 Award?!  Enough Said. 

Characters: I absolutely adored Karou's Character, and Madrigal's grew on me and I just liked Akiva. I did and I didn't understand Zuzana's Character though (she is Karou's best friend) Unless, in the next book.. (there will be a next book right?) she is like Madrigal's sister Chiro. That is  a thought that just hit me. Brimstone and the other Chimeara are written well, that you feel the same way towards them as Karou does.. you like them, there is this sense of home and family, but you know there is secrets and darkness too.

Pros: beyond unique plot, fast chapters

Cons: For me I felt a lack of connection between Karou and Akiva.. I just couldn't BELIEVE it. 

Final Thoughts:  I began reading Daughter of Smoke and Bone and I was a little disappointed cause I wasn't as sucked in as everyone has been claiming to be with this book, but the books chapters are so short and story moves along so quickly that soon I was caught up in Karou's Story. Which is why when it switches to Madrigal's story I was a little thrown off, I wanted more of Karou. Madrigal's story gets more intriguing and hearing her story is absolute key to the story, but I think it was a combo of me only getting to read her story in bits and pieces since I have been busy and just wanting Karou's Story. Over all though, I beyond enjoyed the book, especially the last 20 pages! This is a must read for the YA community. It isn't your normal paranormal.. I can't even say it is Paranormal... it is almost fantasy. Oh, I don't know.. it is just plain AWESOME. I guarantee you haven't read this story yet.

Modelland Giveaway Winners

CONGRATS to Belle and Megan!!!

Please E-mail Me, So I can Send You Your Books!!!

In My Mailbox (21)

Hosted By The Story Siren

For Review

Laughing At Wall Street By Chris Camillo

(Thank You Andrea Mueller)

Ruby Red

Summary:

"Gwyneth Shepherd's sophisticated, beautiful cousin Charlotte has been prepared her entire life for traveling through time. But unexpectedly, it is Gwyneth, who in the middle of class takes a sudden spin to a different era!Gwyneth must now unearth the mystery of why her mother would lie about her birth date to ward off suspicion about her ability, brush up on her history, and work with Gideon--the time traveler from a similarly gifted family that passes the gene through its male line, and whose presence becomes, in time, less insufferable and more essential. Together, Gwyneth and Gideon journey through time to discover who, in the 18th century and in contemporary London, they can trust."

Plot: I LOVE this plot! I love  the unique-ness, the time traveling, the history! I just love it, and this was just a build up plot, yet it managed to still be slightly thrilling. While leaving SO much up to the next books in the series! Obsessed!
Characters: I really like these characters a lot. Gwenyth comes of as a normal girl, who has some special qualities about her, but other then that she is typical, then she has he best friend Lesley, whose personalities compliment each other well. Gideon is slighty older and completely swoon-worthy, with a touch of arrogance to him, but not that makes you dislike him in the slightest.
Pros: Time Traveling!, Hard To Put Down, mysterious,
Cons: Wish it was just a tad bit longer, but I understand why it ended where it did.
Final Thoughts: I was surprised with how little action this book had, but being able to still keep me enthralled in the story. I just can't even begin where to start on this book. It would make a great movie/movies. Gier writes in a total relate-able fashion, that had me laughing and just wanting to know more about the mystery. I did like that this was the build up book. Usually, authors will put a lot of effort into the 1st book to make it action packed and thrilling, so that you will want to read the series and then they make the next books in the series the slower paced books, that explain why all the action happened in the first book and will be happening in the next books. I call them build up books. But this book, took the time to explain all that now, while still remaining entertaining.  I am interested in seeing if some of the things Gier mentioned in the book were irrelevant to the story or will be brought back up in the series. She seems to me to be someone who would make every detail count... I would recommend this book to the mystery,history, time travel lover. It is that perfect different book.

In My Mailbox (20)

Hosted By The Story Siren

Bought

Don't Judge a Girl By Her Cover By Ally Carter

Misguided Angel By Melissa De La Cruz

Secrets of the Tudor Court: Between Two Queens By Kate Emerson

The Lucky One By Nicholas Sparks

Someday My Prince Will Come By Jerramy Fine

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies By Janes Austen and Seth Grahame-Smith

The Postmistress By Sarah Blake

The Summer We Read Gatsby By Danielle Ganek

Very, Valentine By Adriana Trigiani

Brava, Valentine By Adriana Trigiani

Modelland Giveaway

Random House sent me an Advanced Reader Copy of Modelland to Giveaway.

Rules

- 1 winner

- Must be +13 and Older

- Open To US,Canada,UK and Australia

- Must Be A Follower

-Contest ENDS Nov. 12th

To Enter

-Comment Below with Just Your Name and Country

- Tweet about the Contest 

(@TheLBReports) to earn an extra entry

Devoted

Summary:

"Since Sage was kidnapped, Clea has no way of knowing if he is alive or dead. And even though she has only just discovered they were soulmates, she feels like a part of her is lost forever. What’s worse, she can’t even turn to her best friend Ben—because every time she looks at him, all she sees is his betrayal.But waiting for something to happen is not an option, so Clea is ready for action. Suffering through dreams of seeing Sage with another woman, she makes an uneasy alliance with Sage’s enemies and sets out to be reunited with Sage...in this life or the next."

Plot: You know this wasn't exactly my favorite plot. It began REALLY slow and didn't become addicting until  the very end. Even though it's ending was very WTF?! But I imagine, this was another build up book. A book that explains what is going on, gives you a little drama here and there and a huge cliff hanger so you will read the next book.
Characters: The addition of the orginal Elixir family was indeed interesting and having the story told through Clea and the little girl Amelia was refreshing. However, I wanted Amelia to not talk as much and I want more of Clea and the other characters. Clea is Clea, she is a very generally likeable charcter. I liked that we see a change in Ben's personality, although a little frustrating  at times, deep down he is still the old Ben.
Pros: Major Cliffhanger, quick read, unique storyline, romance
Cons: Slower Plot, not as well written.
Final Thoughts: Until the last 100 pages, I didn't really like the sequel to Elixir. Which for me was sad, given HOW much I LOVED Elixir. Something about the plot and writing seemed more thrown together then well thought through. But that could just be me, cause technically the twists have to be thought out. The ending though was insane and honestly, I don't know how I feel about this at all! I will have to see where this goes for the next book. Which I have a feeling is where Clea's best friends character Rayna will have a stronger role. Besides that the book is a decently nice read and shouldn't keep you from enjoying the series.

The Scorpio Races Giveaway Winners!!!

Big Thanks To Big Honcho Media and Scholastic!

Winners!

Alexa from AlexaLovesBooks

and

YA Reader!

Want Want Want Wednesday (25)

Want Want Want Wednesday is inspired by all the other memes and features about books that you would like. This is my version, but with no rules or limitations =) These 3 books I decided to add to my Wish List after yesterday's Top Ten Tuesday.

Graffiti Moon By Cathy Crowley 

 "Senior year is over, and Lucy has the perfect way to celebrate: tonight, she's going to find Shadow, the mysterious graffiti artist whose work appears all over the city. He's out there somewhere—spraying color, spraying birds and blue sky on the night—and Lucy knows a guy who paints like Shadow is someone she could fall for. Really fall for. Instead, Lucy's stuck at a party with Ed, the guy she's managed to avoid since the most awkward date of her life. But when Ed tells her he knows where to find Shadow, they're suddenly on an all-night search around the city. And what Lucy can't see is the one thing that's right before her eyes."

 Ok, this was on a few peoples Top Ten Tuesday's but for awhile I was seeing it also all over twitter, how awesome this book was.

Jellicoe Road By Melina Marchetta

'"What do you want from me?" he asks. What I want from every person in my life, I want to tell him. More.
Abandoned by her mother on Jellicoe Road when she was eleven, Taylor Markham, now seventeen, is finally being confronted with her past. But as the reluctant leader of her boarding school dorm, there isn't a lot of time for introspection. And while Hannah, the closest adult Taylor has to family, has disappeared, Jonah Griggs is back in town, moody stares and all.
In this absorbing story by Melina Marchetta, nothing is as it seems and every clue leads to more questions as Taylor tries to work out the connection between her mother dumping her, Hannah finding her then and her sudden departure now, a mysterious stranger who once whispered something in her ear, a boy in her dreams, five kids who lived on Jellicoe Road eighteen years ago, and the maddening and magnetic Jonah Griggs, who knows her better than she thinks he does. If Taylor can put together the pieces of her past, she might just be able to change her future."

I cannot remember who but someone said this was their absolute FAVORITE book, so I though well.. why not? Plus I like the title.

Never Eighteen By Megan Bostic

"Austin Parker is on a journey to bring truth, beauty, and meaning to his life.Austin Parker is never going to see his eighteenth birthday. At the rate he’s going, he probably won’t even see the end of the year. The doctors say his chances of surviving are slim to none even with treatment, so he’s decided it’s time to let go.But before he goes, Austin wants to mend the broken fences in his life. So with the help of his best friend, Kaylee, Austin visits every person in his life who touched him in a special way. He journeys to places he’s loved and those he’s never seen. And what starts as a way to say goodbye turns into a personal journey that brings love, acceptance, and meaning to Austin’s life."

I saw this book reviewed on Me,My Shelf and I's Blog and I was really intrigued about the book afterward, to me it sounds like a version of 13 Reasons Why but with cancer. I am sure I will cry my eyes out!

Top Ten Tuesday: Books I Had Strong Emotions About

The Broke and The Bookish

1. If I Stay By Gayle Forman

I Mean REALLY?! Who DIDN'T cry while reading this?

2. Mick Harte Was Here By Barbara Park

My 6th grade English teacher read this to our class and I would be lying if I said the whole class didn't cry.

3. The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo By Stieg Larsson

Animals being hurts ALWAYS,ALWAYS makes me angry and sad.

4. 1984 By George Orwell

I was assigned this book not once but twice in high school, and both times I absolutely abhor the book! 

5. Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows By JK Rowling

So MUCH emotion with this book, but come on if you are a HP fan and you weren't bawling your eyes out towards the end of the book then you are insane!


I know there are more books that I had STRONG Emotions to, but I can't think of anymore at the top of my head...