Elizabeth:Struggle For The Throne

This will be a quick and easy review, because there isn't much to say about this book. If you are interested in a History, and an accurate account of History, but don't want to read a typical Historical book, then this is the book for you. I personally already knew a lot about Elizabeth's time before she was Queen, so most of this book was not news to me, although I did learn some new facts. However, I wish there was more on when she was Queen, since this is something I don't really know about her. Overall, Starkey does a great job at writing a historically accurate story.

Want Want want Wednesday (30)

Of Poseidon By Anna Banks 

"Galen is the prince of the Syrena, sent to land to find a girl he’s heard can communicate with fish. Emma is on vacation at the beach. When she runs into Galen—literally, ouch!—both teens sense a connection. But it will take several encounters, including a deadly one with a shark, for Galen to be convinced of Emma’s gifts. Now, if he can only convince Emma that she holds the key to his kingdom . . . 
Told from both Emma and Galen’s points of view, here is a fish-out-of-water story that sparkles with intrigue, humor, and waves of romance"

Because It Just Seems Freaking Awesome!!

Vampire Academy By Richelle Mead

"St. Vladimir’s Academy isn’t just any boarding school—it’s a hidden place where vampires are educated in the ways of magic and half-human teens train to protect them. Rose Hathaway is a Dhampir, a bodyguard for her best friend Lissa, a Moroi Vampire Princess. They’ve been on the run, but now they’re being dragged back to St. Vladimir’s—the very place where they’re most in danger... 
Rose and Lissa become enmeshed in forbidden romance, the Academy’s ruthless social scene, and unspeakable nighttime rituals. But they must be careful lest the Strigoi—the world’s fiercest and most dangerous vampires—make Lissa one of them forever."

Well, I am not tired of Vampires yet. and People have been telling me this is a series, that should not be missed!


Enchanted By Alethea Kontis

"It isn’t easy being the rather overlooked and unhappy youngest sibling to sisters named for the other six days of the week. Sunday’s only comfort is writing stories, although what she writes has a terrible tendency to come true.When Sunday meets an enchanted frog who asks about her stories, the two become friends. Soon that friendship deepens into something magical. One night Sunday kisses her frog goodbye and leaves, not realizing that her love has transformed him back into Rumbold, the crown prince of Arilland—and a man Sunday’s family despises.The prince returns to his castle, intent on making Sunday fall in love with him as the man he is, not the frog he was. But Sunday is not so easy to woo. How can she feel such a strange, strong attraction for this prince she barely knows? And what twisted secrets lie hidden in his past—and hers?"

Not only does the plot sound intriguing but the cover is so magical!

Top Ten Tuesday : Books I'd Play Hooky With

Hosted By The Broke and The Bookish

I am going to interpret this has books I don't own and have yet to read, but if I did get my hands on them, I would totally skip work, to read them!

1.

Born Wicked By Jessica Spotswood

2.

50 Shades of Grey By EL James

3.

The Girl in the Clockwork Collar By Kady Cross

4.

Any of The Agency Books by Y.S. Lee

5.

The Fault in Our Stars By John Green

or Really Anything By John Green

6.

Lost In Time By Melissa De La Cruz

7.

Graffiti Moon By Cath Crowley

8.

The Night Circus By Erin Morgenstern

9.

Wuthering Heights By Emily Bronte

10.

Spell Bound By Rachel Hawkins

VLog Review - Celia and The Fairies

This Review doesn't even do justice, to how much I Adored this book! My Sleep deprivation got the best of me..

Top Ten Tuesday : Spring TBR List

Hosted By The Broke and The Bookish

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I'm So Happy For You

Summary:

"What if your best friend, whom you've always counted on to flounder in life and love (making your own modest accomplishments look not so bad), suddenly starts to surpass you in every way? 
Wendy's best friend, Daphne, has always been dependably prone to catastrophe. And Wendy has always been there to help. If Daphne veers from suicidal to madly in love, Wendy offers encouragement. But when Daphne is suddenly engaged, pregnant, and decorating a fabulous town house in no time at all, Wendy is...not so happy for her. Caught between wanting to be the best friend she prides herself on being and crippling jealousy of flighty Daphne, Wendy takes things to the extreme, waging a full-scale attack on her best friend-all the while wearing her best, I'm-so-happy-for-you smile-and ends up in way over her head. 
Rosenfeld has a knack for exposing the not-always-pretty side of being best friends--in writing that is glittering and diamond-sharp. I'M SO HAPPY FOR YOU is a smart, darkly humorous, and uncannily dead-on novel about female friendship. "

Plot: I think the plot was suppose to be sarcastic, but really it was petty and annoying.
Characters: The main character Wendy is an aggravating main character, I could find no redeeming qualities in her, and the other characters are not any better, I feel they were made in an attempt to make Wendy not look as bad, which didn't work.
Pros: None
Cons: Too Many
Final Thoughts: I would LOVE to say something nice about this book, but I can't find anything nice to say about it. I was hoping for a funny interpretation on friendship and this was just BAD. I mean why would anyone be friends with someone like that? The things Wendy does are ridiculously childish and not even close to being justified. I couldn't even feel bad for her, when bad things happened to her, because she was that obnoxious of a character. This book had so much potential and did not deliver at all. I was also annoyed for the unnecessary political discussions.

The Hunger Games

Summary:

"In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV. 
Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister Primrose, regards it as a death sentence when she steps forward to take her sister's place in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before — and survival, for her, is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that will weigh survival against humanity and life against love"

Plot: Well, I can see why this book is a best seller, the plot is dark,creepy and slightly surprising. I would say this plot is more on the Adult side of Young Adult, due to some of the darker elements. Overall, the plot is a great and unique, major props to Suzanne Collins, for being able to create such a wonderful story.

Characters: We really on focus on Katniss. Who is a very serious and masculine, girl. Although, she still maintains femininity. Peeta is so easy to like too, because he is genuinely a nice guy.

Pros: The whole book is just well written.

Cons: CREEPY

Final Thoughts:  I held back on reading The Hunger Games, besides it being a best seller, it just wasn't my style I don't really do well with Post Apocalyptic, Dystopian type books. And there were some moments that definitely reminded me why, I don't like them. Moments, that really creeped me out and made me thankful, that we don't live in that world. Overall, though I am glad I read the book, it isn't something I have read before, and the writing really moves you. I want to read the rest of the series, but due to how freaked out some parts made me, I won't be rushing to read them.

Want Want Want Wednesday (29)

Born Wicked By Jessica Spotswood

"Everybody knows Cate Cahill and her sisters are eccentric. Too pretty, too reclusive, and far too educated for their own good. But the truth is even worse: they're witches. And if their secret is discovered by the priests of the Brotherhood, it would mean an asylum, a prison ship--or an early grave. 
Before her mother died, Cate promised to protect her sisters. But with six months to choose between marriage and the Sisterhood, she might not be able to keep her word... especially after she finds her mother's diary, uncovering a secret that could spell her family's destruction. Desperate to find alternatives to their fate, Cate stars scouring banned books and questioning rebellious new friends, all while juggling tea parties, shocking marriage proposals, and a forbidden romance with the completely unsuitable Finn Belastra. 
If what her mother wrote is true, the Cahill girls aren't safe. Not from the Brotherhood, the Sisterhood -- not even from each other."

First Off, I am TOTALLY in love with the cover and second, the summary of this book is beyond amazing. Right up my ally, and from what everyone is telling me, this book lives up to what the cover promises!

The Girl In The Clockwork Collar  By Kady Cross

"In New York City, 1897, life has never been more thrilling - or dangerous. 
Sixteen-year-old Finley Jayne and her "straynge band of mysfits" have journeyed from London to America to rescue their friend Jasper, hauled off by bounty hunters. But Jasper is in the clutches of a devious former friend demanding a trade-the dangerous device Jasper stole from him...for the life of the girl Jasper loves. 
One false move from Jasper and the strange clockwork collar around Mei's neck tightens. And tightens. "

I finish reading The Girl in the Steel Corset only a few weeks ago, and fell in love with it! By far, one of my favorite reads and was hoping I wouldn't have to wait long to reading Book Two in the series. Low and Behold, Book Two was right around the corner and now all I want to do is get my grubby little hands on it!!!

Out of Sight Out of Time By Ally Carter

"The last thing Cammie Morgan remembers is leaving the Gallagher Academy to protect her friends and family from the Circle of Cavan--an ancient terrorist organization that has been hunting her for over a year. But when Cammie wakes up in an alpine convent and discovers months have passed, she must face the fact that her memory is now a black hole. The only traces left of Cammie’s summer vacation are the bruises on her body and the dirt under her nails, and all she wants is to go home. 
Once she returns to school, however, Cammie realizes that even the Gallagher Academy now holds more questions than answers. Cammie, her friends, and mysterious spy-guy Zach must face their most difficult challenge yet as they travel to the other side of the world, hoping to piece together the clues that Cammie left behind. It’s a race against time. The Circle is hot on their trail and willing stop at nothing to prevent Cammie from remembering what she did last summer. "

I have yet to read Book Four in this Series "Only The Good Spy Young". However, this is a series I adore and have so far loved all of Ally Carter's work. I was hoping to be able to go to a book signing she is having in the Bay Area this coming week but it didn't work out.

Top Ten Tuesdays: Historical Fiction Genre Books

Hosted By The Broke and The Bookish

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The Whole Young Royals Series

8.

The Whole Gemma Doyle Trilogy

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10.

The Girl In The Park

Summary:

"When Wendy Geller's body is found in Central Park after the night of a rager, newspaper headlines scream,"Death in the Park: Party Girl Found Strangled." But shy Rain, once Wendy's best friend, knows there was more to Wendy than just "party girl." As she struggles to separate the friend she knew from the tangle of gossip and headlines, Rain becomes determined to discover the truth about the murder. Written in a voice at once immediate, riveting, and utterly convincing, Mariah Frederick's mystery brilliantly exposes the cracks in this exclusive New York City world and the teenagers that move within it."

Plot: I enjoyed this plot a lot, although it in general isn't a new one, the way the plot was written and told was so beautiful and interesting. It reminded me of a lifetime movie.

Characters: Rain was such a well written character and her internalized feelings, just added to her. Overall, almost every character was distinctive and brought something to the table to make the book that much better, the only character in the end who didn't really belong was Rain's Grandmother. And personally, I imagined Wendy as Blonde.

Pros: Unique writing and griping story.

Cons: The only thing I really disliked about the book, was just the cover. I feel the cover will keep people from  enjoying the books greatness.

Final Thoughts:  I could really relate to this book. I once was friends with a Wendy, although our friendship was short like Wendy and Rains relationship I totally understood it. I also, understood Rain's internal thoughts and struggles, since it is something I myself do often. I enjoyed Frederick's ability to tell a story in the present and the past and mixing Rain's internal thoughts in there. It made a story that has been told before, unique and different. Usually, I am really good at pinpointing the killer, and although I was correct in the end, I was never 100% sure. I highly recommend this book to people who love contemporary murder mysteries. Also, I liked how Frederick's drew from her own life experiences.

The Girl In The Park is available April 12th. 

Thank You VERY Much to Random House and Random Buzzers for the opportunity to read and review this book!

In My Mailbox (30)

Bought
Artemis Fowl: Arctic Incident By Eoin Colfer
As Simple As Snow By Geoffrey Galloway
A Foreign Affair By Caro Peacock
You Have Seven Messages By Stewart Lewis
Ingenue By Jillian Larkin

VLog Review - Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side

Click Here for More Info on KONY

My Book Boyfriend (15)

Where Every Wednesday we swoon over our fictional lovers.

This week is the other swoon - worthy man of The Girl In The Steel Corset, Jack Dandy...

Jack is ...

• A Criminal Warlord
• Has a Cockney Accent, even though he can speak in a normal British Accent
• Sauve
• Went to a fancy British School and is rumored to have a well connected father
• Has Long Dark Hair (although I prefer imagining is shorter)

“I like a little fight in my girls." 

She grinned at him,causing blood to dribble down her chin. 

"Then you're going to love me.” 

“This is delicious,” she said, when she finally recovered enough to speak. 

Jack was watching her in a curious manner. “You could have ’em every morning if you want.” 

Actor Justin Theroux

Top Ten Tuesday : Favorite Book Covers

Hosted By The Broke and The Bookish

Well this is a good topic for me since I am the definition of Judging books by there covers, you may seem a theme, and I will only choose books I have actually read.

1. 

 The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson

2.

Ruby Red By Kerstin Gier

3.

The Girl in the Steel Corset By Kady Cross

4.

A Great and Terrible Beauty By Libba Bray

5.

Bright Young Things By Anna Godbersen

6.

Vixen By Jillian Larkin

7.

All Covers from The Luxe Series By Anna Godbersen

8.

All Emily Giffin Covers 

9.

The Girls of Murder City by Douglas Perry

10.

Madame Tussaud By Michelle Moran

The Name of the Star

Summary:

"The day Louisiana teenager Rory Deveaux arrives in London, it's the start of a new life at a boarding school. But for many, this will be remembered as the day a series of brutal murders broke out across the city, gruesome crimes mimicking the horrific Jack the Ripper events of more than a century ago."

Plot: I love the plot, it is paranormal, without being over done and whole Jack the Ripper concept is beyond brilliant. The plot stayed at a pretty steady pace with nice build up, there was nothing done too quickly and nothing drawn out and boring. It was creepy when it needed to be but funny at the the right moments. For this story it was the perfect balance.

Characters: I like Rory, she is basically average, they don't make her overly special. I didn't feel a big connection with her and Jerome though. There are a few characters who I wouldn't miss, if they don't come back in book 2, even though they may be mentioned a lot. Overall, though Johnson gave every character enough depth in the story.. very Rowling-esque.

Pros: Unique plot, like-able characters, nice pace, some funny quips that are very Maureen Johnson, generally like-able book.

Cons: Not any romance that I could connect to.

Final Thoughts: I find this book to be brilliant, and I cannot wait to read Book 2. Johnson did not disappoint at all. I have huge soft spots for Stephen and Alistair and hope to see them more. I loved that she didn't attempt to re-write history and made the explanations for things rather simple, while still being creative.  The only thing I didn't like was how Boo came in the middle,  I know it makes sense, but she really ruined the whole Jazza/Rory vibe. I love everything about the cover.. except I don't understand why the girl on the cover has red hair, besides it being more visually appealing and I TOTALLY think I can explain the ending.. But I won't in case it is a spoiler..

Lola and The Boy Next Door

Summary:

"Budding designer Lola Nolan doesn’t believe in fashion . . . she believes in costume. The more expressive the outfit -- more sparkly, more fun, more wild -- the better. But even though Lola’s style is outrageous, she’s a devoted daughter and friend with some big plans for the future. And everything is pretty perfect (right down to her hot rocker boyfriend) until the dreaded Bell twins, Calliope and Cricket, return to the neighborhood. 
When Cricket -- a gifted inventor -- steps out from his twin sister’s shadow and back into Lola’s life, she must finally reconcile a lifetime of feelings for the boy next door."

Plot: The plot was pretty standard, with a nice slow and genuine build up to romance.

Characters: I liked Lola a lot, although there were definitely times she pissed me off. Overall thought Lola was a a very unique and quirky character. I absolutely adored Cricket Bell and his oddball inventor like appearance. Both Memorable Characters for sure.

Pros: Fun and cute love story, realistic progression, quirky, and Anna and St. Clair both make a huge appearance in this book.

Cons: Nothing that is really a Con to the book besides Lola getting on my nerves at times.

Final Thoughts: Personally, I think I liked Lola and The Boy Next Door better then Anna and The French Kiss. I just felt Lola had a bigger personality that stood out. I think both books are great books especially for  summer time reading. On a side note though, I don't particularly find these books as special, as everyone else has. I wouldn't dissuade anyone from reading them, since they are entertaining for sure, but I won't go out of my way to recommend them either. The one thing I will say is as far as Fictional Crushes go, Cricket Bell is definitely Top 5.