In My Mailbox (43)

Hosted By The Story Siren
Gifts The Diviners By Libba Bray The Casual Vacancy By JK Rowling Dearly, Beloved By Lia Habel Seraphina By Rachel Hartman
Barnes and Noble Great Gatsby Shopping Tote

VLog Review: Vampire Academy Series Books, 1-3

Sloppy Firsts

Summary:

"“My parents suck ass. Banning me from the phone and restricting my computer privileges are the most tyrannical parental gestures I can think of. Don’t they realize that Hope’s the only one who keeps me sane? . . . I don’t see how things could get any worse.”
When her best friend, Hope Weaver, moves away from Pineville, New Jersey, hyperobservant sixteen-year-old Jessica Darling is devastated. A fish out of water at school and a stranger at home, Jessica feels more lost than ever now that the only person with whom she could really communicate has gone. How is she supposed to deal with the boy- and shopping-crazy girls at school, her dad’s obsession with her track meets, her mother salivating over big sister Bethany’s lavish wedding, and her nonexistent love life?
A fresh, funny, utterly compelling fiction debut by first-time novelist Megan McCafferty, Sloppy Firsts is an insightful, true-to-life look at Jessica’s predicament as she embarks on another year of teenage torment--from the dark days of Hope’s departure through her months as a type-A personality turned insomniac to her completely mixed-up feelings about Marcus Flutie, the intelligent and mysterious “Dreg” who works his way into her heart. Like a John Hughes for the twenty-first century, Megan McCafferty taps into the inherent humor and drama of the teen experience. This poignant, hilarious novel is sure to appeal to readers who are still going through it, as well as those who are grateful that they don’t have to go back and grow up all over again."

Plot: The story started off slow in the beginning for me and maybe that was also because it begins in January. Which isn't nesicarily odd, but that means the story actual begins in the middle of the school year for Jessica. Though, by doing this McCafferty adds depth to Jessica's story. Which is a very contemporary and character based one. My only complaint with the plot is, I wish we had personally known Hope better, that way we could connect with Jessica missing her and we could connect with the e-mails Jessica was writing to her.

Characters: Oh, Jessica Darling, I was skeptical of you. Everyone said you were awesome and at first I couldn't see why. Then I saw some familiar qualities in you and you brash sarcasm was killer. Everyone else was really secondary to you. And Marcus Flutie, I am not sold on you yet. But man, did you break my heart.

Final Thoughts: Sloppy Firsts is the more realistic and teenager version of The Princess Diaries. As Jessica writes her thoughts and feelings in a journal, she doesn't hold back on the sexual jokes and adult topics that can sometimes be smoothed over in Young Adult books. As the story progressed, I somehow found myself more invested in the story and was really impressed with how much emotion I stored up in, once the book came to end. I can see why people are hooked. Cause once I stopped reading Sloppy Firsts, I knew I needed to read the rest of the series and I needed to read it A-SAP.

Top Ten Tuesday: Series I Haven't Finished

Hosted By The Broke and The Bookish

1. The Pretty Little Liars Series

I read the first 4 books, which at the time was the amount that the series was suppose to have total. Although, the ending of 4 ended with a cliff hanger. I didn't think much about it, until I started seeing new PLL books out. I have had every intention of reading the rest of the series, but my libraries don't have the new books. 

2. The Temperance Brennan Novels

Mainly, this has to do with I just haven't bought the rest of the books. Having only read 1 and 2. This also being because although I LIKE the series, I don't love it, so I find other books to buy instead on the series.

3. The Millenium Trilogy

I own and have read the 1st two books, but book 3 only came out in hardcover for the longest time and both my books are in paperback. Now, that is in paperback; I own a copy but it has been sitting in my TBR pile.

4. LA Candy Series

I own the 1st two books and enjoyed them and for some reason although, the third book is available for me to read at the library, I don't want to read it until I own it. 

And that is all I can think of... Mainly, cause I have recently caught myself up on a lot of series. 

Dearly, Beloved (Book 2)

Summary:

"Can the living coexist with the living dead? 
That’s the question that has New Victorian society fiercely divided ever since the mysterious plague known as “The Laz” hit the city of New London and turned thousands into walking corpses. But while some of these zombies are mindless monsters, hungry for human flesh, others can still think, speak, reason, and control their ravenous new appetites.
Just ask Nora Dearly, the young lady of means who was nearly kidnapped by a band of sinister zombies but valiantly rescued by a dashing young man . . . of the dead variety.
Nora and her savior, the young zombie soldier Bram Griswold, fell hopelessly in love. But others feel only fear and loathing for the reanimated dead. Now, as tensions grow between pro- and anti-zombie factions, battle lines are being drawn in the streets. And though Bram is no longer in the New Victorian army, he and his ex-commando zombie comrades are determined to help keep the peace. That means taking a dangerous stand between The Changed, a radical group of sentient zombies fighting for survival, and The Murder, a masked squad of urban guerrillas hellbent on destroying the living dead. But zombies aren’t the only ones in danger: Their living allies are also in The Murder’s crosshairs, and for one vengeful zealot, Nora Dearly is the number one target.
As paranoia, prejudice, and terrorist attacks threaten to plunge the city into full-scale war, Nora’s scientist father and his team continue their desperate race to unlock the secrets of “The Laz” and find a cure. But their efforts may be doomed when a mysterious zombie appears bearing an entirely new strain of the virus—and the nation of New Victoria braces for a new wave of the apocalypse.
Lia Habel’s spellbinding, suspenseful sequel to Dearly, Departed takes her imaginative mash-up of period romance, futuristic thriller, and zombie drama to a whole new level of innovative and irresistible storytelling."

Plot: Talk about going darker. Habel couldn't have written a better sequel. When book one ended I wasn't sure what she was going to do with the story to make it better and man, did she write a story with so much depth and the perfect mix of creepy, mystery and love.

Characters: I was SO happy to see Nora and Bram again. However, there was a whole bunch going on. I enjoyed Pam's character, cause her evolution is a practical and logical one, as well her families and I applaud Habel for doing that, instead of taking the easy way out. I like the introduce of Edmund Lopez and Laura. Laura being a truly unique character, who has something sweet and young about her, while being morbid in her own way. I like seeing growth also in Vespertine and learning a new plot line for her. I would have enjoyed more Chas and I kept getting the Doctors mixed up. Also, Coalhouse's role in the book was unexpected and I went on an emotional roller coaster with him for sure and even shortly, with Mr. Delgado.

Pros: Great Sequel, Awesome writing, pure awesome!

Cons: NONE!

Final Thoughts: I stayed up till 5am to finish reading Dearly, Beloved and when I finished I was elated! There was SO much going on and it was SO worth it. Nora and Bram's relationship makes me all giddy inside and I just adore them as a couple. I have also just fallen in love with Bram. Which is weird, cause normally the whole Zombie thing would be hard for me to get past but Habel does such a good job and humanizing him. As I mentioned before this book is darker. That took me by surprise, once we started transitioning to Michael's character, I was so creeped out by him and his plot. I would just say that Beloved, makes Departed look like fluff when compared. Overall, I cannot WAIT for the third book! There is going to be a third book right?! I might die, if there isn't one! Also, I HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend this book and series. I thought I loved Dearly, Departed but Dearly, Beloved opened up a whole new set of emotions for me.

In My Mailbox (42)

Hosted By The Story Siren

For Review (e-galley)

Princess of the Silver Woods By Jessica Day George

Edgewood By Karen McQuestion

Library

Frostbite By Richelle Mead

Shadow Kiss By Richelle Mead

Project Princess By Meg Cabot

Princess In Training By Meg Cabot

The Princess Present By Meg Cabot

Party Princess By Meg Cabot

Second Helpings By Megan McCafferty

Spell Bound By Rachel Hawkins

City of Fallen Angels By Cassandra Clare

Scarlet By A.C. Gaughen 

"Bought" 

Through Random Buzzers

Torment By Lauren Kate

Scarlett Fever (Book 2)

Summary:

"Ever since Mrs. Amberson, the former-aspiring-actress-turned-agent, entered Scarlett Martin's life, nothing has been the same. 
She's still in charge of the Empire Suite in her family's hotel, but she's now also Mrs. Amberson's assistant, running around town for her star client, Chelsea - a Broadway star Scarlett's age with a knack for making her feel insignificant. 

Scarlett's also trying to juggle sophomore year classes, her lab partner who is being just a little TOO nice, and getting over the boy who broke her heart. 
In the midst of all this, her parents drop a bombshell that threatens to change her New York life forever..."

Plot: Johnson did a great job of really picking up the story where it ended in Suite Scarlett. Give or take a few months. Johnson took me right back to Scarlett's New York and all the feelings I had when I read the first book flooded back to me. I enjoyed watching Scarlett juggle her job, family, school and love life. Johnson did a good job creating interesting plot lines while being simple.

Characters: The characters pretty much stayed the same, although it was nice to get to know Scarlett's sisters Lola and Marlene better and the addition of Max into the mix. Although, honestly I didn't like him.

Final Thoughts: I did enjoy Scarlett Fever, however towards the end I was disappointed especially with Max and Scarlett's relationship. I felt no romantic connection between them, although I know there could of been. I do hope however, that there will be a 3rd book in the series. I enjoy this series and find it oddly refreshing.

Lost In Time (Blue Bloods Series, Book #6)

Summary:

"The stakes have never been higher for the young Blue Bloods of Manhattan. After their brief yet beautiful bonding ceremony in Italy, Schuyler Van Alen and Jack Force depart for Egypt, desperate to find the elusive Gate of Promise before Jack must face his twin, Mimi, for a blood trial. A blood trial that only one of them can survive. But everything Schuyler thought she knew about the gate turns out to be a lie, and they soon find themselves ensnared in a deadly battle against the demon-born. Schuyler and Jack take up arms, only to realize that there is a much graver threat simmering in the Kingdom of the Dead.
Meanwhile, determined to save the only vampire she still loves, Mimi has followed Kingsley Martin into Hell. With the help of her new human Conduit, Oliver Hazard-Perry, Mimi makes a bargain with the Queen of the Dead that she may soon regret. When the time comes to choose between love and revenge, both Mimi and Oliver will learn the true meaning of sacrifice.
confronted by danger, betrayal, and loss at every turn, the Blue Bloods must find the will to fight - and love - another day."

Plot: De La Cruz does it again, magically intertwining stories and dialouges seamlessly. Questions are answered, some remain to be answered and some new ones arise. But overall, Lost in Time does a good job at given the reader enough satisfying answers, while give jaw dropping page turning outcomes. 

Characters: I loved seeing Allegra and Ben in this and getting to know more of their story. Mimi's storyline showed both her best and worst qualities, there were times I would hate her, just as much as I did in book one and there were times I found more endearing then I had before. Schuyler and Jacks story was more low-key in this book, but was still so important to their whole story. And poor Oliver. How I hope things will get better for him.

Pros: Tons of answers, lots of action and an over all page turner.

Cons: Nothing really that stands out to me.

Final Thoughts: I should have read Bloody Valentine, which is why it took me so long to read Lost In Time; since I was waiting to Bloody Valentine. I read reviews saying it was a novella and could easily be skipped, but I know now that it would have added a lot to what I had read in Lost in Time.  As far as this book goes, I was very pleased with it. It sets up the final book in the series perfectly. As always.. I cannot recommend this series enough! 

Top Ten Tuesday: Bookish People I Would Like To Meet

Hosted By The Broke and The Bookish

This Topic Is Hard!!!!! So Many People I Would Like To Meet!

Authors

1.

Karen McQuestion-

I believe I have a pretty good author to blogger relationship with her and she is very, very nice.

So meeting her would be beyond awesome. 

2.

Maureen Johnson-

She Is HILARIOUS and her Books are AWESOME.

3.

Meg Cabot-

I love reading her books and her blog is beyond funny. Meeting her would definitely be a highlight of my reading "career".

4.

JK Rowling -

She is like the holy grail of living Authors

5.

Kady Cross-

I LOVE The Girl In The Steel Corset! And Anyone capable of Writing that Awesome-ness is worth meeting in my book.

Honorable Mentions

aka Authors I Have Seen In Person, Just Have Not Met.

David Levithan

Pete Hautman

John Green

 Bloggers

6.

Jen from Makeshift Bookmark

7.

Erica From The Book Cellar

8.

Kelsey From Slush Sleuth

9.

Jamie From The Perpetual Page-Turner

10.

EVERYONE!!! DUH

The Enchanted Truth

Summary:

" In this humorous and insightful tale, a modern day princess finds herself single and asking for magical intervention to change her sorry love life. Rather than casting a spell to bring Prince Charming to her rescue, a savvy fairy godmother gives the tenderhearted damsel an unexpected gift. By entrusting her true thoughts and desires to an unlikely confidant, the young royal soon discovers that the person who could make her life everything she dreamed it would be has been with her all along.
As author Kym Petrie herself realized, every woman needs a froggy friend and a secret journal—and enough adventures with the girls to keep her heart pounding and her mind racing. Life is meant to be about happy beginnings . . . you can never have enough of them."

The Enchanted Truth is a short story and the summary, really does some it up well. I breezed through this story with a huge smile on my face and a few giggles her and there. Definitely, a nice book to cleanse your palate in between books.

Princess In Waiting and Princess In Pink (Books 4&5)

Summary:

"Never before has the world seen such a princess.
Nor have her own subjects, for that matter. Mia's royal introduction to Genovia has mixed results: while her fashion sense is widely applauded, her position on the installation of public parking meters is met with resistance.
But the politics of bureaucracy are nothing next to Mia's real troubles. Between canceled dates with her long—sought—after royal consort, a second semester of the dreaded Algebra, more princess lessons from Grandmère as a result of the Genovian parking—meter thing, and the inability to stop gnawing on her fingernails, isn't there anything Mia is good at besides inheriting an unwanted royal title?"

Summary:

"Things are looking up for Mia: She's the newest staffer on the school paper, and her miraculous completion of freshman Algebra is just around the corner. Plus she's about to get a new baby brother or sister. Could things possibly get any better?
But in her heart of hearts, Mia has one wish: an evening spent with Michael in a tux and a corsage on her wrist -- in other words, the PROM. Michael, however, does not seem to share the dream that is the prom. Worse still, a service workers strike (with Grandmere and Lilly at the heart of it and on opposite sides) threatens the very existence of this year's prom.
Will the strike end in time? Can Michael be dissuaded from his anti-prom views? Most importantly, will Mia get to wear her pink prom dress?"

As this series progresses I am enjoying it more and more. Of course, I still have some issues with it, like I feel Mia should be a little older... Only a year or so, although her age explains her certain immature reactions. The only character here that I really don't like is Lily. She is a HORRIBLE friend and really Mia should get rid of her. I don't like Grandmere much which disappoints me since, I keep imagining her as Julie Andrews a la movie version of the book.  Michael and Mia's relationship is adorable as it progresses and the story lines were decent enough. I like the series now, I just don't think it is Cabot's best.

Top Ten Tuesday: Books That Make Me Think Of The World

Hosted By The Broke and The Bookish

1.

This Book ALWAYS Inspires Me and Reflect.

2.

Simply Because of this Quote...

"“Because horror on Earth is real and it is every day. It is like a flower or like the sun; it cannot be contained.” 

3.

Makes me think back on how things were handled and how history would be different if things were done differently.

4.

Friendships.

5.

Kind of like Eat Pray Love.

6.

Finding Your Dreams

7.

Same with Very,Valentine. How Families Can Be Dysfunctional and Loving All At The Same Time.

8.

What Would You Do If You Met Someone With The Same Name As You?!

I Think It Might Be Fun.

9.

So Poignant. 

10.

How The World Could Turn Out. 

Easily Amused

Summary:

"Twenty-nine year-old Lola Watson has two best friends, a dream job editing a parenting magazine, and a charming old house inherited from a great-aunt she barely knew. Life would be perfect if only she could avoid her intrusive neighbors. And for that matter, she also wouldn't mind being happily married like her friend Piper, or even engaged like her younger sister Mindy. 
Lola's peaceful existence is shattered when high school buddy Hubert moves in with her after a break-up, her sister changes her wedding date to Lola's thirtieth birthday, and the nosy neighbors take Hubert under their wing. Life gets more complicated when Piper sets Lola up with a good-looking stranger who turns out to be the talk of her neighborhood--the mystery man from across the street."

Plot: The plot itself is not that original, but it is strongly written and reads like a typical romantic comedy. I found myself going through the characters emotions and enjoying their journey.

Characters: I adored Lola, she honestly reminded me a lot of my mom. She prefers to keep to herself and has her close friends. So I could totally she where Lola was coming from. I liked the neighbors and how they each had their own part in the story. I would have liked to have seen more of that, as well as Lola's aunts story. Hubert was sweet, but honestly I didn't like him and I ended up really liking Ryan.. well you know.. till the predictable part. I would have liked of that part had changed.

Final Thoughts: This was by far one of my favorite books of McQuestion's and in my opinion her strongest written book yet. It is a great bedside book and it perfect for women of all ages. Rom-Com Chick Lit at its finest.