Waiting on Wednesday!

Hey fellow book lovers! It's a posting of Waiting On Wednesday! Hosted by Breaking The Spine, this week's pre-publication is...

Dark Frost (Mythos Academy #3)

by Jennifer Estep

Expected Publication Date: May 29th 2012

I’ve seen so many freaky things since I started attending Mythos Academy last fall. I know I’m supposed to be a fearless warrior, but most of the time, I feel like I’m just waiting for the next Bad, Bad Thing to happen. Like someone trying to kill me — again.

Everyone at Mythos Academy knows me as Gwen Frost, the Gypsy girl who uses her psychometry magic to find lost objects — and who just may be dating Logan Quinn, the hottest guy in school. But I’m also the girl the Reapers of Chaos want dead in the worst way. The Reapers are the baddest of the bad, the people who murdered my mom. So why do they have it in for me? It turns out my mom hid a powerful artifact called the Helheim Dagger before she died. Now, the Reapers will do anything to get it back. They think I know where the dagger is hidden, but this is one thing I can’t use my magic to find. All I do know is that the Reapers are coming for me — and I’m in for the fight of my life.

--From Goodreads


I absolutely love this series! I love school settings, and where the underdog girl finally gets the guy she's been secretly crushing on. This is also one of those series where the author always has an OMG moment at the end of each book, and you can't wait for the next one. The paranormal world mixed with romance. What's not to love? Be sure to leave a link and let me know what pre-publication you are waiting for. 

Review: Carrier Of The Mark by Leigh Fallon

                                          Book: Carrier Of The Mark by Leigh Fallon
                                                    Pages: 342
                                                    Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal
                                                    Source: Library

Short Synopsis: Megan and her father move to Ireland and she finally feels like she belongs somewhere. She also manages to catch the eye of one of the most cutest guys in school, Adam DeRis. But she has no idea what's in store for her.

My Thoughts: It was an interesting read, but not really one of the best paranormal novels I've read.
Megan Rosenberg and her father just moved to Ireland. A new country, a new school, and on top of it all, uniforms to boot. Megan and her father have moved around all over the place, and isn't sure what to think of Ireland yet. On her first day of school, she manages to make a new friend, which is foreign territory for her, and manages to catch the eye of one of the cutest guys in school.
But not everyone is a fan of Megan's new love interest, Adam DeRis. Megan is constantly told to stay away from Adam, no matter how hot he is. Adam and his family has always been distant, and there has always been creepy stories that have been associated with the DeRis family.
But Megan can't seem to stay away from Adam, and neither can he. But as soon as Megan starts to get close to Adam, she soon finds out their fate was sealed long ago. Megan also finds out that she is tied to the DeRis family, carrying a magical power, that could ultimately mean the end of the relationship between Megan and Adam. Megan must learn to control her newly found powers, and find a way to survive with being in a relationship with Adam, without the world coming to an end. 

It was pretty interesting at first. I loved how the story line was going. I love school settings, especially with a foreign country, and how the main character catches the eye of a desired male attention. I actually loved reading everything about this novel, until it hit a paranormal angle.

Sometimes I wish the author would add more of a back story to the novel, and sometimes I wish there was less. This was one of the novels that I wish there was less of an explanation. Maybe it was just me, but I found the explanations to be very confusing, making me want to skip most of it.

I also felt that the relationship between Adam and Megan grew too quickly. I kind of wished that Fallon spent a little more time developing their relationship, than rushing through it. I also felt that Megan abandoned her friend once she became involved with Adam, and wasn't being a very good friend, and was too absorbed with her relationship. Overall, it still kept me interesting, but not sure if I would continue on with this story, if there is a sequel.

Would I recommend this book: Eh

Rating: I give this book a 3/5.

Review: On A Dark Wing by Jordan Dane

                                                     Book: On A Dark Wing by Jordan Dane
                                                     Pages 312
                                                     Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal
                                                     Source: Sent from Harlequin Teen

Short Synopsis: Ever since the accident and her mother's death, Abbey has always felt like she's cheated death. Years later, she finds that Death has come looking for her yet again.

My Thoughts: An interesting take on the Grim Reaper, but the characters kind of fell short for me.
After the accident and death of her mother, Abbey has never felt the same. She feels like she has cheated death, after surviving a horrific car accident. Years later, Abbey remains solemn and still feels like her mother's death is not real.And though she's not known as the most popular girl in school, she has only one real friend that she can turn to, who has always stuck by her, named Tanner. Through her trials of putting up with her arch nemesis and her long time crush, Tanner has always been her loyal friend. And when her father decides that it's time they take a vacation in honor of her mother's birthday, Abbey runs to Tanner, furious at her father. Tanner decides that taking a trip might be a wise decision when Tanner tells her that he has uncovered a website that has doctored pictures of the two of them in compromising situations. Shocked by the photos, Abbey decides to leave with her father on the vacation. However, Abbey's vacation is short lived when strange birds start to appear. She also meets her long time crush, named Nate, and the two immediately have a strong attraction. But not everything is as it seems, when Abbey learns that Death, has taken over Nate's body, and has come back for Abbey. And though Abbey feels sorrow for Death and what he has to go through, Abbey must try to save Nate's life before it's too late.

A fast paced, interesting plot. I loved reading about the supernatural aspect of the novel, and how Dane incorporated The Grim Reaper into the novel. I also liked how Dane shows that there's a lot of jealousy in the world, but even though there are haters, it doesn't bring people down. I liked how Tanner was able to fight back without calling them out or insulting the person in question. 

There was only one thing that I wasn't too fond of in the novel. I felt that Abbey was too free with her feelings. She first kisses Nate, but then has feelings for Death? And on top of it all, kisses Tanner too? In the end of the novel, I felt that there was unresolved issues with Abbey and Nate, and felt bad for Tanner, and felt like she was stringing him along. 

I was a bit disappointed with the ending, because it sounds like there might be a sequel, which hopefully there will be. Overall, this novel is still an interesting read, and I look forward to reading more of Dane's novels.

Would I recommend this book: Yes

Rating: I give this book a 4/5.

In My Mailbox!

Hey fellow readers! It's another posting of In My Mailbox! Hosted by The Story Siren, this week I got for review...

Books Mentioned:

For Review:

How To Date An Alien -- Megan Vernon (e-book)

Zombie Love: The Outbreak -- Eric J. Sobolik

Stirring Up Trouble -- Juli Alexander

Forbidden -- Syrie James & Ryan M. James (Thanks to Harper Teen!)

From Library: 

Bloodrose -- Andrea Creamer 

Gimme A Call -- Sarah Mylnowski

Envy -- Gregg Olsen

The Juliet Club -- Suzanne Harper

Deadly Little Voices -- Laurie Faria Stolarz

Elixir -- Hilary Duff

Review: Drink Deep by Chloe Neill

                                    Book: Drink Deep by Chloe Neill
                                    Pages: 336
                                    Genre: Fiction, Paranormal
                                    Source: Library
                                    * May Contain Spoilers

Short Synopsis: It's been two months since Ethan's death, and Cadogan house is under scrutiny and watch of the GP. There is also something very strange going on in Chicago, and Merit must get to the bottom of things before it's too late.

My Thoughts: I love this series and can't wait to read the next installment, but the flow was excruciatingly slow for me.

After the death of her Master and lover, Merit is still grieving over the loss of Ethan. But before she can properly mourn, the GP has decided to evaluate the Cadogan house and its vampires. The leading GP member in charge of the evaluation, Frank, has taken drastic measures to the house.
Frank decides to ban Cadogan vampires from drinking human blood from the source, and is rationing blood in take, and banning unhealthy food in the house. He is also administering strength tests to the vampires guarding Cadogan house and those who fail will be stripped of their position.
And if things weren't bad enough for Merit, the human population fears that there may be an apocalypse on the rise. First the lake and rivers are black, and have stopped flowing, thus harming the powers of other supernaturals, like the siren of the lake, and the river nymphs, and Merit must intervene before the supernaturals start attacking one another. Then if things still weren't bad enough, the sky starts bleeding red. The supernaturals don't know what to make of it and are pointing fingers, and the humans are starting to blame the vampires, since they are the only supernaturals that the humans know of. Can Merit get to the bottom of things before it's too late?

I absolutely love Chloe Neill novels! I love the drama, the supernatural aspects, and the relationships that go along with it. If you've been following along with this series, there is A LOT going on in this novel, and is definitely not one to miss. 

There unfortunately were a couple things that I did not agree with, however. First off, the pace was really slow through out the novel, except in the climax at the end. I couldn't believe that Neill killed off Ethan and was furious at her for that, and was completely shocked at the end of this novel. I was also totally shocked by who the actual culprit was, and what their reason for doing it as well.

I enjoyed reading the chemistry between Jonah and Merit and was kind of sad to see it end, towards the end of the novel. There was a lot of finger pointing and accusations in this novel, towards the situations that were going on in Chicago. I didn't like how Mallory was so distant and not understanding to what Merit was going through. Overall, this novel was a complete surprise and I can't wait for the next one! 

Would I recommend this book: Yes!

Rating: I give this book a 4/5. 

Follow Friday!

Hey readers! It's an edition of Follow Friday! Hosted by Parajunkee and Alison Can Read, This week's question is...



Q: Which book genre do you avoid at all costs and why?


A: I avoid Historical novels and Non fiction books. Though I've always gotten pretty decent grades in history, I have never been a fan of the past, even though I know it's important to learn about the past, historical novels always tend to make me fall asleep. I also hate any dealings with novels that are set in the past, and books that have a lot of dates. lol. As for non fiction books, I always tend to find fiction books more adventurous than real life situations and fiction novels allows you more freedom to imagine what things could be like.

Be sure to add a link to let me know what book genre you avoid as well. Happy Friday! :)

Blogging Blues

So. I've had my first piece of "hate" mail yesterday and today. I reviewed a book a while back, and posted it on Amazon. A lot of people liked it apparently, and I was the only one that disagreed with everyone. It was getting a lot of "dislikes" on Amazon. But this reader decided to add her two cents worth about me not liking the book. When I'm not satisfied with a work, I usually try not to bash the author or the book. I simply state why it didn't work for me.
On Amazon, they usually have a button you can click if the review was helpful or not. Usually people just click the button and move on. I was surprised to receive a comment on one of my reviews. She was basically trying to get me to re-read the book again, and trying to explain the book to me. I'm like, everyone has their own opinions. Just because you felt strongly about the book, doesn't mean I'm going to. Why waste your time, trying to convince me to re-read the book?
She practically wrote six paragraphs trying to justify her opinion of why the book was so great and shooting down all the reasons why I felt the book didn't work for me. After her last reply, I decided to not reply back again, even though I know for a fact that she clicked on the button that claimed the review was not helpful, because Amazon shows the number of people who agreed with this review or not, when she insists that she did. If I reply back, it will just add more fuel to the fire. I guess its every bloggers right of passage to receive their first hate mail. Oh, well.

Review: How To Date An Alien by Magan Vernon

E-Book: How To Date An Alien by Magan Vernon

Pages: 127

Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal

Source: Sent from author

Short Synopsis: High school senior, Alex Bianchi's life is about to be turned upside down when she agrees to work at an internship at her father's military base, in order to amp up her college applications.

My Thoughts: I'm usually not a fan of the alien genre, but this novel was a pleasantly surprising fast paced, entertaining read.

Alex Bianchi's life is about to fall apart if she doesn't add any extra curricular activities to her college applications, and fears she will not be able to get into her dream school. She decides to take up an internship at her father's military base at Circe Operations Center. Before she even sets foot into orientation, Alex is attacked by a huge foreign monster.

Alex soon learns that Circe is not your normal military base. It is in fact a place that combines both humans and aliens from other planets, working together. Alex must learn the ropes of what is considered acceptable and not acceptable in the alien world before she gets hurt once again.

As Alex is thrust into the world of aliens, the internship places Alex in security. Alex meets a boy named Ace, and together they have an immediate strong attraction. Alex gets to know Ace better and starts to think of him as more than just a co-worker. But everyone soon finds out, and Ace and Alex is caught in a battle of staying together for love, and causes a rift between two worlds. Can Alex and Ace survive their relationship without causing a war?

At first I was a little skeptical about this book because I am not a big fan of the alien genre. But as I started reading, I really enjoyed the novel. There were a lot of interesting characters, and I loved how open Alex seemed to the situation and how she wasn't quick to judge anyone.

I really enjoyed reading the chemistry between Alex and Ace and was sympathetic towards what they were going through. Vernon does an excellent job of disliking the characters Gavin and Riley. The drama was interesting and kept me engrossed through out the whole novel. 

There were a couple questions I had with the novel however. The first thing that kind of bugged me was the first alien attack that Alex had, when the alien called her a traitor and wasn't really explained why. I also didn't get why Alex went through all that trouble to save Ace, but wasn't too keen on marrying him. There were a lot of interesting twists to the novel, and I can't wait to find out what crazy ideas Vernon comes up with next. Overall, a really enjoyable read, and I can't wait to read the next installment.

Would I recommend this book: Yes

Rating: I give this book a 4/5. 

Need help/advice on your blog design?

Hey fellow readers! As many of you know, I've been trying forever to find the right design to my liking for this blog. I was fortunate enough to find a fellow blogger named Laine to help tweak my whole blog for me. If you like what you see on my blog, Laine would be more than happy to accommodate your needs. I am quite thrilled with how my blog turned out, and hopefully she will be able to do the same for you. She will also give you helpful hints on how to improve your blog as well. If you want to contact her, her e-mail is: ficbookreviews@hotmail.com, or you can also contact her at her blog: Ficbookreviews.com. 

Waiting on Wednesday!

Hey guys! It's another posting of Waiting On Wednesday. Hosted by Breaking The Spine, this week's pre-publication is...

Sweet Evil

By Wendy Higgins

Expected Publication Date: May 1st, 2012

What if there were teens whose lives literally depended on being bad influences? This is life for sons and daughters of fallen angels in Sweet Evil.

Anna, a tender-hearted southern girl, was born with the sixth sense to see and feel emotions of other people. She’s aware of a struggle within herself, an inexplicable pull toward danger, but it isn’t until she turns sixteen and meets the alluring Kaidan Rowe that she discovers her terrifying heritage, and her will-power is put to the test. He’s the boy your daddy warned you about. If only someone had warned Anna.

A cross-country trip forces Anna and Kai to face the reality that hope and love are not options for their kind. When it's time for Anna to confront her demons, will she choose to embrace her halo or her horns?

--From Goodreads.

This novel seems to have a bit of dystopian mixed with the paranormal world. The description doesn't give you much to go on, but I'm curious to see how this novel will turn out. Not too thrilled with the weird name, but the cover looks pretty awesome to me. Be sure to leave a link and let me know what pre-publication you are waiting on.

Review: The Green by Karly Kirkpatrick

E-book: The Green by Karly Kirkpatrick

Pages: 214

Genre: Young Adult

Source: Sent from author

Short Synopsis: Ariceli is not your average student. As a member of the Cheerleading squad, on the National Honor Society, and Editor of the Newspaper, and also manages to add drug dealer on the list as well?

My Thoughts: I absolutely LOVED this novel! I read it in one sitting and enjoyed everything!

Ariceli Pisa is a senior at Cambridge High School. She's on the cheerleading team, the editor of her school's newspaper, and French Club, and is on the National Honor Society. It may seem like her life is perfect on the outside, but in reality, it is far from it.

Her mother had to take on two jobs so Ari can live in the same area as one of the best high schools in Chicago, and is practically non existent. Her brother is a slob and sits at home all day doing nothing. Ari can only dream of graduating and getting into her dream university, Columbia.

But that all starts to change one day, when her brother decides to up and leave after a drug deal gone bad. Ari finds out that her brother's drug dealing money was helping to pay the rent, and Ari and her mother will be kicked out of the apartment and her school, unless Ari can come up with a plan. She decides to take up her brother old position in the drug dealing business, so she can stay at her school. But as soon as Ari starts to get a hang of things, her drug dealing business is starting to get in the way of her life, and Ari is soon in over her head, as it becomes a matter of life and death.

A seriously great read. An original plot, that had me greedily devouring the novel. I loved the main character, Ari, and how she showed that not everyone, is who they say they are. This book also defies the stereotypical world in high school.

I loved the characters and the trials that they had to overcome. I enjoyed reading about the relationship between Ari and James, and the chemistry that they shared. Normally, I tend to find a couple faults or something that I didn't quite enjoy, etc. But I really enjoyed everything about this novel. The characters were great, the plot kept me engrossed, and the writing style and ideas of this novel was unique. If you love young adult novels, this is definitely one not to miss. I definitely look forward to more of Kirkpatrick's novels.

Would I recommend this book: Definitely.

Rating: I give this book a 5/5.

Review: Shattered Souls by Mary Lindsey

Book: Shattered Souls by Mary Lindsey

Pages: 326

Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal

Source: Library

Short Synopsis: Lenzi hears voices. Just like her suicidal father. But she doesn't want to end up like him. She meets a boy named Alden who claims that she is not crazy, and tries to help and explain what she is really going through.

My Thoughts: A great story plot that had me hooked, but the characters kind of fell short for me.

Lenzi just recently loss her father from suicide. She doesn't know how to deal with loss, and nothing makes sense anymore for Lenzi. She also hears voices like her father, and doesn't want to end up like him. She pops pills to make the voices go away, and the only one who understands her is her boyfriend Zak.

While visiting her father's grave on her birthday one night, Lenzi meets a boy named Alden. He claims that Lenzi is not going crazy and that she is in fact a Speaker. She is someone who is able to communicate with ghosts and help them pass on. Alden is her Protecter, who helps Lenzi with the ghosts, other wise known as The Hindered. He also explains that there are demons who can do more damage, called The Malevolent.

As if things weren't bad enough, Alden also explains that Lenzi is a reincarnation of a very old soul named Rose. Alden explains that Speakers and Protectors have cycles within every generation, to help the lost souls move on. Lenzi doesn't know what to believe, but as the voices become stronger, Lenzi must learn to survive in this new and strange world, and find out who she can trust.

A very interesting plot that had me hooked on the first page. I practically read this novel in one day. I loved the paranormal aspect to the novel, and the interesting twist of reincarnation added to the mix.

I enjoyed reading about the relationship between Alden and Lenzi and was dying to find out more about their past and how they worked as a team. The only character that was really annoying to me was Zak. He seemed really inconsiderate of Lenzi and what she was going through.

The way that Lenzi communicated with the ghosts was interesting as well, but it didn't really make sense how Alden was able to "share" his soul with Lenzi also, seeing as how he was still living. I was a bit disappointed with the ending, because it sounds as if there will be a sequel, but hopefully there will be. All in all, a fast paced entertaining read, that you can't get enough of.

Would I recommend this book: Yes

Rating: I give this book a 3.5/5.

Fellow Blogger Giveaway!

Hey readers! It's been a while since I've posted about a giveaway, but this one was too hard to pass up! Anna at Literary Exploration is having an 800 follower giveaway. Check out her latest prize giveaways:






Grand Prize Winner:
A mystery box of books and swag!
UPDATE: Upon reaching 900 followers I announced ONE item that will be in the box - A SIGNED copy of Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi!!!
UPDATE: When I reached 950 followers I announced another item that will be in the box - A SIGNED copy of Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi!!!

2nd Place Winner:
UPDATE: I managed to reach 1,000 followers so thank you so much to everyone, and hello new followers!!! Because of this, someone else will win a little something! It won't be a big mystery box like the grand prize winner, but it will be some swag and maybe a couple books! YOU SHALL SEE :)

To stop by and enter, please go to her website at: Literary Exploration. Good Luck!

In My Mailbox!

Hey all! It's another posting of In My Mailbox! Hosted by The Story Siren, this week in my stash I got..

For Review:

Freshman Year And Other Unnatural Disasters-- Meredith Zeitlin (e-book from G.P. Putnam)

Transcendent -- Multiple Authors 

From Library:

Shattered Souls -- Mary Lindsey

Carrier Of The Mark -- Leigh Fallon

The Duff -- Kody Keplinger

Drink Deep -- Chloe Neill

 

Shadow Hills -- Anastasia Hopcus

That's all the books that I got this week. Be sure to leave a link and let me know what you got. Have a great weekend! 

Review: Freshman Year And Other Unnatural Disasters by Meredith Zeitlin

E-book: Freshman Year and Other Unnatural Disasters by Meredith Zeitlin 

Pages: 286

Genre: Young Adult

Source: Sent from G. P. Putnam 

Expected Publication Date: March, 2012

*May contain spoilers

Short Synopsis: Kelsey Finklestein is about to enter the world of high school, as a freshman. She wants to make some changes and get noticed. Starting off with getting the position she's always wanted in soccer. But Kelsey soon learns that not everything can go according to plan.

My Thoughts: A little bit too juvenile for my taste, but a cute, entertaining read about growing up.

Kelsey Finklestein and her friends are about to start high school, and is super excited and can't wait. She decides that this is the year to make her mark. She's always been good at soccer, and without her arch nemesis, Jemma Bradley around, Kelsey decides to try out to get her position on being left wing. But one wrong move, and Kelsey has already made an enemy on the soccer team, named Julie, who is a junior. 

Aside from her soccer horror fiasco, which seems to be following Kelsey every time Julie is involved, Kelsey thinks she's finally starting to get noticed by her long time crush, Jordan Rothman when he finally asks her and her friends to a party. And if things weren't bad enough, Kelsey keeps getting photographed in the school's paper, in the most embarrassing ways. And don't forget her number one fan and stalker, Keith Mayhew to look out for. Things don't turn out the way Kelsey hoped it would, when Jordan decides to get involved with one of Kelsey's friends, Cassidy. Can Kelsey and her friends survive freshman year with all these other unnatural disasters? 

Entertaining characters, with great plot twits. It was a little juvenile for my tastes, and took a while to get into, but once I kept reading, I was pretty hooked. Kelsey's life is like a journey through a roller coaster. The most unexpected things happen, which Kelsey has no control over.

She has two great supportive friends, Emily and Jojo that helps her through all her drama and ups and downs. Zeitlin does an excellent job of disliking the characters, Julie, and Jordan. I really disliked Cassidy throughout most of the novel, but was glad that they were able to sort things out, but I also felt like she should have been the bigger person and apologized to Kelsey as soon as she found out that Jordan was cheating on her.

I enjoyed reading the playful banter that Kelsey and Ben had, and loved the chemistry between the two, and was a bit disappointed that their relationship did not escalate a little further. I kind of felt like the novel ended in a weird way, like there should have been a little more to the story, or at least a 'To Be Continued' at the end, if this is a series. Overall, an entertaining read, that will leave you wanting more.

Would I recommend this book: Yes

Rating: I give this book a 3.5/5

Cleaning Out My Closet Winner!

Hey fellow readers! Just wanted to announce the winner of the cleaning out my closet giveaway! There was a lot of entries and I wanted to thank all of those who entered. So, without further ado, the winner is...




a Rafflecopter giveaway




Congratulations! You will be e-mailed shortly and have 48 hours to respond or I will be forced to pick a new winner.

Review: Frost by Marianna Baer

Review: Frost by Maarianna Baer

Pages: 396

Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal

Source: Bought

Short Synopsis: It's senior year at Barcroft, and Leena is excited to move into a quaint little dorm named Frost House. But Leena's plans go awry when an unexpected student named Celeste is forced to move in with Leena and her friends.

My Thoughts: Wasn't what I expected it to be, and was a bit disappointed on how it turned out.

It's Leena's senior year, at Barcroft, a boarding school, and Leena is excited to move into a cute little dorm she found on campus, which houses four people. But as the school year starts, things start off at a rocky start.

The Dean of the school moves in another student, named Celeste, whose leg was recently broken, due to an accident. The Dean explains that with Celeste staying at the Frost house, she might be able to recover better, with less commotion, since Frost house is a more isolated dorm than most. Leena reluctantly agrees, even though Celeste and Leena's relationship has been rocky in the past.

However, one good thing coming out of living with Celeste, is the fact that she gets to see Celeste's hot brother, David. But as Leena, Celeste, and Leena's friends, Vivian and Abbey start to stay at Frost house, weird things start to happen, and people start getting hurt. Can Leena and her friends survive Frost house before it tears them apart?

I must admit, the first thing that drew me in was the cover. I loved the creepy look to it, and couldn't wait to find out more. And then I read the summary plot to it, and it completely sold me into the story. I love boarding school settings, mixed with a bit of paranormal, especially the ghost genre. What could go wrong?

But as I started reading, the pace was extremely slow, and none of the characters seemed promising, except maybe David. First off, Celeste moving in, didn't seem to be a real reasonable situation, because Frost house was isolated from everything else. And Celeste was a jerk and really annoying, ninety percent of the time.

Another thing that really bugged me was Leena's "pet" Cubby. What is it? How come it has a special compartment that holds her meds? Why does it look like it's always 'watching' people? And with Leena being in high school, and having a "pet" like Cubby, doesn't it seem like the character is such a loner?

And didn't anyone realize that the house was drawing everyone apart from Leena? The character I actually disliked the most was in fact Leena. She seemed so ignorant of the fact that the house was evil, even till the end, she couldn't believe it. I also disliked the fact that her friends clearly couldn't see how the house was effecting Leena, and help try to get her out of the situation. I also kind of wished that there was more of a backstory of why Leena felt such a connection to the house, and maybe it's just me, but it also seemed like Cubby was also connected to the house as well. I could go on and on about what I didn't like, but I think everyone gets my point right about now. Overall, it was okay, but could have had more potential.

Would I recommend this book: Eh.

Rating: I give this book a 2/5.

Interview with author Dana Michelle Burnett

Hey fellow readers, today, I am happy to host author, Dana Michelle Burnett, on the blog, as she gives us some insight on her latest novel, Spiritus, Book 1.

1) Tell us a little bit about the book :

Spiritus is about Becca and the ghost that loves her. When Becca's dad moves them to his ancestoral home in Corydon, Indiana, Becca expects to just have to tolorate it until she goes off to college, but then she accidently summons up the ghostly spirit of Alastor. Alastor believes that Becca is his wife reincarnated and he's desperate to be near her. The problem? His wife shot and killed him. So, is he after Becca because he loves her or because he wants revenge for his murder over a century ago?

2) what made you decide to write about ghosts and reincarnation?

I don't live that far from Corydon, so I pass the old mansions almost daily and I've been out to the Battle of Corydon site. Everywhere you look there is something historical which brings to mind ghost stories. I even heard a few times the story that one of my characters recounts to Becca, so perhaps that was the start of my inspiration. As far as reincarnation, I've always been facinated by the idea of coming back again and again until to get things right.

3) In the novel, Becca's house is haunted. Have you ever had any ghoslt encounters? I had quite a few experiences at my mom and dad's old house.

Actually, I think everyone in the family did. My daughter has been talking about speaking to ghosts since she was able to talk. I wouldn't think much about it, but there have been a few things that are just completely unexplainable that makes me believe that she IS actually seeing something. As she gets older, she talks about it less and less, but whenever something really strange happens (television coming on by itself) she'll say something like, "I hate it when they do that."

4) what was one of the most difficult things to write about a unique relationship such as Becca's and Alistor's?

The fact that they couldn't actually touch just seemed impossible to get around. Finally, I decided that the more that Becca directs her attention on Alastor the stronger he gets, but it does drain him. I tried to make that longing for physical contact go deeper than just a sexual desire, it crossed over to simple things like just touching her face. I like the final product overall.

5) I noticed that Spiritus is part of a series. How many will there be total in the series?

There will be three books total in the series. The next book, Haunted, will be out within the next few months with any luck. It's a little darker than Spiritus, but it would have to be as the characters have aged and the things that they want have changed.

6) what made you decide to add the character Jonah in the mix of the relationship?

The first scene I wrote for Spiritus was the dance scene. Jonah was just there. It took some thinking to figure out exactly what I wanted his role to be. While he's mostly just eye candy in Spiritus, watch out for him in Haunted!

7) Was the writing process difficult or did it come naturally to you?/ was there a lot of research involved?

Spiritus was actually pretty easy to write since I was already surrounded by the backstory. Most of the places and events mentioned in the book are real, so there wasn't much research other than getting a few dates right. Haunted on the other hand has been a research nightmare!

8) Who will Becca end up with...???

I can't give away all my secrets, but I can say that there is a marriage in Haunted and a little voodoo.

9) Do you have any future works planned besides the Spiritus series?

I do have a few ideas that are bouncing around in the back of my head. They are mostly based on Greek mythology and again a touch of reincarnation. I've always loved Greek mythology and now I find myself going back to those stories.

And if any one is interested in looking at my review of the novel, it can be viewed HERE.

Review: Spiritus by Dana Michelle Burnett

E-book: Spiritus by Dana Michelle Burnett

Pages: 212

Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal

Source: Sent from author

Short Synopsis: Becca moves to a new place in Indiana to make a new start. She never counted on her house being haunted, or catching the eye of one of the most popular boys in school.

My Thoughts: Not what I was expecting, but a refreshing take in the ghost world and reincarnation.

Becca McAllister and her father move to Indiana for a fresh new start. She hasn't always been with the in crowd, and has a chance to make a change. On the first day of school, she makes friends with two girls, Ally and Billie. One of the girls decide to have a seance at Becca's house, after hearing that Becca's house was supposedly haunted.

The girls decide to do a seance, but things don't go exactly as they planned. Nothing really seems to happen and the girls are disappointed. But as Becca continues throughout the week. She discovers that her house really is haunted. She meets a man in his twenties named Alistor, who claims that they were once married in a past life.

Becca has no clue what to make of this information, and tries to find out more about their past. All the while, at school, Becca also manages to catch the eyes of an extremely handsome and popular boy, named Jonah, whom she also has a secret crush as well. As Becca's relationship with Jonah continues to grow, Becca's relationship with Alistor intensifies as well. And though Alistor is a spirit, Becca must decide who she ultimately wants to be with.

I loved this novel. A new and refreshing twist to the ghost genre. It was interesting to read about Becca's past and to see how Alistor's relationship with Becca had progressed. It was also as equally entertaining to read about Becca's and Jonah's relationship and compare how the two were so different from each other, though they shared the same girl.

And though Alistor is a ghost, it felt like Alistor's and Becca's relationship seemed more real and convincing than Jonah's. I hated the fact that they couldn't touch, and hope that it will be remedied somehow. I also kind of wished that Jonah's and Becca's special night at the dance shouldn't have been spent with Jonah being drunk most of the time.

I was a bit disappointed that she didn't involve her friends, Ally and Billie with the situation and felt like she was hiding everything. It would have been interesting to read about Becca's situation from another point of view too. All in all, an entertaining read with characters that reel you into their world. Spiritus is definitely not a book to miss.

Would I recommend this book: Yes

Rating: I give this book a 4/5.

Waiting on Wednesday!

Hey readers! It's that time again. Hosted by Breaking The Spine, this week's pre-publication is...

Embrace

by Jessica Shirvington

Expected Publication: March 6, 2012

I slowly opened my eyes. The sun speared its first bright rays of golden orange into the sky and I leapt from the cliff, with the sorrowful knowledge that no matter what the outcome, at least part of me would die that day...

Violet Eden is dreading her seventeenth birthday dinner. After all, it’s hard to get too excited about the day that marks the anniversary of your mother’s death. The one bright spot is that Lincoln will be there. Sexy, mature and aloof, he is Violet’s idea of perfection. But why does he seem so reluctant to be anything more than a friend?

After he gives her the world’s most incredible kiss – and then abandons her on her front doorstep – Violet is determined to get some answers. But nothing could have prepared her for Lincoln’s explanation: he is Grigori – part angel and part human – and Violet is his eternal partner.

Without warning, Violet’s world is turned upside down. She never believed in God, let alone angels. But there’s no denying the strange changes in her body ... and her feelings for Lincoln. Suddenly, she can’t stand to be around him. Luckily, Phoenix, an exiled angel, has come into her life. He’s intense and enigmatic, but at least he never lied to her.

As Violet gets caught up in an ancient battle between dark and light, she must choose her path. The wrong choice could cost not only her life, but her eternity...

-- From Goodreads

I've seen this book around a bit, and I have to admit, it sounds pretty interesting. I'm starting to love the angel genre, and this one has a weird eerie paranormal feeling to it which I love as well. The cover also looks pretty awesome as well. Be sure to leave a link and let me know what pre-publication you are waiting for.

Review: Shut Out by Kody Keplinger

Book: Shut Out by Kody Keplinger

Pages: 273

Genre: Young Adult, Romance

Source: Library

Short Synopsis: Lissa Daniels is sick and tired of her school's rivalry between the football team and the soccer team. Lissa decides that it's up to her and the other players' girlfriends to put a stop to this madness once and for all.

My Thoughts: A cute and entertaining read about relationships and sticking together.

At hamilton High school, ever since Lissa could remember, there has always been a rivalry between the soccer players and football players. For the most part, it's always been a bunch of pranks that always seem harmless. But this year, things have gone too far. The pranks seem to be more dangerous, with people getting hurt and injured. And to top it off, Lissa's quarterback boyfriend, Randy, always seems to be ditching Lissa, to either get back at the soccer players, or to come up with a new scheme.

But Lissa has had enough. She decides that it's high and time to finally stop the stupid pranks once and for all, before someone else gets hurt. She decides to get a group of the other girlfriends' players together, and form their own resistance to the rivalry. Together, they come up with an idea to with hold any form of sex from their boyfriends, anytime one of the boys start to form a plan of getting back at the other team. It all becomes an all out war with boys against girls, but Lissa never dreamed that she'd be caught in the middle as well.

I loved the plot of this book. With a battle against the sexes, it was definitely an entertaining read. It was interesting to read both views of the boys and girls and how their minds worked as far as the issue of withholding sex goes.

In the beginning, the main character Lissa, seems a bit like the shy and quiet type. It was interesting to see how she transformed through out the process. Chloe, her best friend, had excellent view points of how women and men were treated with the issue of sex. But unfortunately, I also found her to be quite bossy and annoying at times. The main character that bugged me the most was Randy, when he expected everything to go back to the way they were, whenever he made a mistake. He was quite a jerk when he mistreated Lissa, and was still determined to be with her.

It was also kind of annoying that though the strike had been for a good cause to end the rivalry, Lissa had used its excuse in the end to make it all about her, and prolonged it as she did. All in all, a pretty interesting read about the battle of the sexes.

Would I recommend this book: Yes

Rating: I give this book a 3.5/5.

Spotlight Book: Pretty Girls Make Graves by Nicole Trilivas

Hey fellow readers. Today I am happy to introduce a recently published novel, Pretty Girls Make Graves by Nicole Trilivas. Here's a little more about the book:

*Warning: Sexual content involved.

Sparked by a break-up with her married lover, Justine trades in college to live abroad, and descends into a destructive reinvention with a backdrop of the underbelly of Scotland, Ireland, and Australia.

Acutely aware that she's not the first girl to experience these formative misadventures, Justine hijacks the vocal chords of archetypal characters from myths, fairy tales, literature, and pop culture such as Medusa, Rapunzel, and Catherine (of Brontë's Wuthering Heights). She echoes the voices that display her story--the violent exit from girlhood via a botched love life--better than her own.

She doesn't have to write another mistress's manifesto; Kalypso, one of the betrayed goddesses from Homer's Odyssey, has that one covered. She was never overtly cruel without justification; that's the job of a sadomasochistic Wicked Witch of fairy tale infamy. She doesn't have a penchant for picking the wrong guy over her soul mate; Catherine does.

PRETTY GIRLS MAKE GRAVES is a dark and stylized examination of the vicious things we do in the name of self-preservation, and questions the frantic necessity to tell our stories to establish human connection-however ugly they may be.

Where to buy the book:

This novel is available at www.amazon.com

In My Mailbox!

Hey fellow readers! It's that time once again, for a posting of In My Mailbox! Hosted by The Story Siren, this week I got...

For Review:

Under A Blood Moon -- Jean Haus (e-book)

Spiritus Book One -- Dana Michelle Burnett (e-book)

On A Dark Wing -- Jordan Dane, Thanks to Harlequin Teen!

From Library:

Shut Out -- Kody Keplinger

Bought:

Frost -- Marianna Baer.

That's all the books that I got this week. Be sure to leave a link and let me know what you got in your mailbox! Hope you all had a great weekend! :)

Review: Under A Blood Moon by Jean Haus

E-book: Under A Blood Moon

Pages: 237

Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal

Source: Sent from author

Short Synopsis: Margot and her mother move to her grandmother's for a fresh new start. Little does Margot know, that not everything is who they say they are.

My Thoughts: A fast paced entertaining read, with great characters.

Margot and her mother have always moved around, and have never stayed in one place for too long. So it didn't come to a shock when Margot's mother wakes her up in the middle of the night for yet another move. But what surprises Margot, is the destination. Her grandmother's house.

As Margot gets settled in and starts a whole new school, she becomes enthralled with a fellow student, who happens to be the star quarterback, and a bit of a player, named Ethan. At first what starts out as a bet between his friends, suddenly becomes love as Ethan tries to sway Margot with his charms.

But things aren't always great in Margot's world. Her erratic mother with weird mood swings, and going off on the deep end, doesn't seem to help Margot's situation. And if things weren't bad enough, there have also been reporting and attacks of wolfs in the area. Margot must survive through the situation with her mother until she turns eighteen, so she can do whatever she wants, and get to the bottom of these mysterious wolf attacks.

Great story plot. I loved the whole high school setting, with the girl getting the attention of the most popular guy in school. It was also an interesting twist with the insane mother. I loved reading about everything in the story, but wasn't too fond of the paranormal twist.

It was also interesting to read who Margot could trust, who was on her side, and who were the ones that actually betrayed her. I kind of wished that there a little more back story on the mother's point of view, and would have been an interesting comparison.

I enjoyed reading every minute of Ethan and Margot's relationship and to see how it progressed. Ethan didn't seem like your usual average male characters, especially with him loving nature. It was sweet to read how when things were at their worst, Ethan still stuck with Margot, no matter how far fetched the ideas seemed to be. Overall, a really great read, with an interesting take of the wolf genre.

Would I recommend this book: Yes

Rating: I give this book a 4/5.

Follow Friday!

Hey fellow readers! It's an edition of Follow Friday! Hosted by Alison Can Read and Parajunkee's View, This week's question is...

Question of the Week: Many readers/bloggers are also big music fans. Tell us about a few of your favorite bands/singers that we should listen to in 2012.

A. My gosh! There's so many to choose from! I LOVE all types of music. Some of my favorite singers that I look forward to hearing more of in 2012, is definitely Adele. Her song, Someone Like You has been stuck in my head forever, even now, and I can't wait to hear more of her bluesy type songs.

Another singer I can't wait to hear more of is Bruno Mars. I absolutely adored his recent song, It Will Rain. Towards the end of last year and still now, I couldn't get that song out of my mind.

Another great singer, I can't get enough of, is Lady Gaga. She makes awesome songs that just get stuck in your head. I enjoyed her song, You and I, and can't wait to hear more of her hits.

And a last singer that I enjoy listening to is Alicia Keys. She hasn't had too many hits last year, and hopefully will come out with a bang this year. There are so many other great singers that I would love to hear more of, but these are on my top list.