In My Mailbox is an amazing weekly meme hosted by Kristi from The Story Siren that features the books we have received during the week. It's so much fun because we get to see what our fellow bloggers stumbled upon this week and add even more to our piles of books! Without further ado, this week I received the following books:

Nightshade - (Gift from Lindsi) - Calla Tor has always known her destiny: After graduating from the Mountain School, she'll be the mate of sexy alpha wolf Ren Laroche and fight with him, side by side, ruling their pack and guarding sacred sites for the Keepers. But when she violates her masters' laws by saving a beautiful human boy out for a hike, Calla begins to question her fate, her existence, and the very essence of the world she has known. By following her heart, she might lose everything--including her own life. Is forbidden love worth the ultimate sacrifice?

A Kiss in Time - (Bought) - Talia fell under a spell . . . . Jack broke the curse. Think you have dating issues? Try locking lips with a snoozing stunner who turns out to be 316 years old. Can a kiss transcend all—even time?

Peeled - (Bought) - Hildy Biddle dreams of being a journalist. A reporter for her high school newspaper, The Core, she's just waiting for a chance to prove herself. Not content to just cover school issues, Hildy's drawn to the town's big story the haunted old Ludlow house. On the surface, Banesville, USA, seems like such a happy place, but lately, eerie happenings and ghostly sightings are making Hildy take a deeper look.

What's in your mailbox this week? Leave me a link, and I'll be sure to check it out!

His eyes. His touch. His kiss. Dante was unlike anyone Abby had ever met. Now he’s gone, and Abby will do anything to get him back…

The hourglass door has closed behind Dante, sending him back in time to hunt down Zo, Tony, and V. Abby knows that Dante, as a Master of Time, is the only one who can stop them from destroying time itself. She also knows that he will need her help. But almost immediately, things start to change and Abby’s worst fears are realized when Zo begins targeting her past specifically.
Taken from GoodReads.

The Golden Spiral is the second book in The Hourglass Door trilogy, following Abby's life in the wake of losing Dante to the mysteries of time. Sent back to find Zo, Tony, and V, Dante must desperately work to stop the destruction of time and restore the balance in the fluidity of time. Abby has two choices - she can roll over and accept that she's lost the guy she truly loves, or she can discover, accept, and utilize her own unique gifts to help save the days.

I was actually really impressed with The Golden Spiral. I remember feeling that parts of The Hourglass Door were a bit too formulaic, but I was overall pleased with the fact that the teenagers in the book were realistic. In a sea of YA books where teens are always binge drinking, throwing down and doing it, and generally being raucous, I enjoyed that this series presented teens who were normal despite the paranormal elements in the story. Furthermore, I really enjoy Lisa Mangum's writing style. It's clear, fluid, and flows really well, keeping the pace up and the story line going throughout.

I think my favourite aspect of The Golden Spiral is Abby's reaction to losing Dante. Rather than curling up in a ball and spiraling into depression like another female MC you might have heard mentioned (cough...Bella...cough), Abby springs into action. Determined not to accept defeat, she finds another route to saving the boy she loves. The Golden Spiral essentially created a strong female protagonist, giving me someone to cheer for and empathize with. While Abby continues to lose people she knows through The Golden Spiral, she stays strong and steadfast. The only thing I really disliked about this book was the abrupt ending, but I think it will set the third and final installment up well.

All in all, I really enjoyed The Golden Spiral - far more even than its predecessor. I think it a very strong 4 out of 5, and I would recommend it to all YA fans of paranormal and sci-fi books. The third installment, The Forgotten Locket, is due out in Summer 2011.

The Friday Fix is a takeover of my Friday blog post by other bloggers who have volunteered their time and energy to "star" in their very own guest post on Friday. Only one mandatory rule (you can't get out of it!) - you must answer five of the most random questions I throw your way. The rest is up to you. Remember, if you'd like to be featured on the Friday Fix, send me an email, and let me know! So, without further ado, here is Brooke from Cupcake Queen Book Reviews!

The Most Random Questions in the World...

1. Why is there an "s" in the word "lisp"...doesn't that defeat the purpose?

It definitely defeats the purpose and I've always wondered that. I think it's kind of ironic whoever came up with that word.

2. How are there self-help groups?

It actually took me awhile to understand this question, and realized "self" and "group". I think that by having others opinions, you can learn to help yourself.

3. If our knees bent the other way, what would a chair look like?

Uhhmmm... It's so hard to picture this. Would we be sitting upside down? or would the chair be all twisted? I have no idea!

4. Why are there flotation devices under plane seats...shouldn't there be parachutes?

here really should. Everytime I get on a plane and they talk about the flotation devices, I think well what if we're not going to land in water?

5. What would happen to us if there were no hypothetical questions? Hypothetically, of course...

Then this questions would definitely not have been asked! lol



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Brooke, thank you so much for dropping by my blog to answer these absurd questions! Please take the time to check out Cupcake Queen Book Reviews because her blog is so much fun, and so is she! Remember, if you are interested in being featured - my email is on my contact page (if you couldn't figure that out)...please feel free to send a message my way!

Some schools have honor codes.
Others have handbooks.
Themis Academy has the Mockingbirds.

Themis Academy is a quiet boarding school with an exceptional student body that the administration trusts to always behave the honorable way--the Themis Way. So when Alex is date raped during her junior year, she has two options: stay silent and hope someone helps her, or enlist the Mockingbirds--a secret society of students dedicated to righting the wrongs of their fellow peers.
Taken from GoodReads.

The Mockingbirds is the story of teenage musician, Alex, who attends the prestigious and progressive Themis Academy. The boarding school is run on a sort of honor code with a hierarchy, giving the older students more privileges and allowing them more free time. However, when the free time backfires and Alex is date-raped, she has to decide whether to be the victim, or whether she wants justice. If she decides on the latter, she'll have to enlist the help of the Mockingbirds to bring her rapist to justice.

I've been dying to read The Mockingbirds for a while now, and I was so excited to get my paws on it and crack it open. In some ways, I was extremely pleased with it, but in other ways, I'm a bit on the fence. First, I must say that Daisy Whitney has an exceptional writing voice. Clear, concise, and fluid, she perfectly captures the conversational tone of the story, allowing the reader to move at a quick and steady pace. Furthermore, she has taken some very delicate subject matter (and a topic that many would shy away from) and made it into a story that's poignant, believable, and relevant.

I'll start with what I really enjoyed about The Mockingbirds. The story starts in the aftermath of the actual event, letting is quickly get into Alex's head. I was really pleased that the story got going right off, but I had a bit of a problem with the backstory muddled into the mix of the first three chapters, almost as if to just get it in there. I felt that pulled me out of the story, and that sucks. Once the story got going again for me though (around page 80), the pacing was steady and nice. My next issue was not so much with the book as it was with the punishment Alex's rapist received. In my own humble opinion, I don't think that it was harsh enough, and I was truly hoping that The Mockingbirds would impart a much more vengeful sort of justice, but colour me crazy.

In the end though, I think that The Mockingbirds is a brilliant story. Well-written, delicately balanced, and only a few flaws (in my opinion) scattered throughout, I think it's a story that needs to be read. I give The Mockingbirds a 3.5 out of 5, and I would recommend it to an upper YA audience due to sexual content and language, as well as adults, and fans of contemporary fiction.

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Alright, now for the three winners of the FOUR ARCs, generously provided by Hachette Book Group, random.org has chosen:

Ivy Hawthorn, Jan von Harz, and Deepali

Congratulations, ladies! You have 48 hours to send me an email to my address on my contact page, and I'll get your info off to the publisher. To those who didn't win this time - never fear! I'll be holding another international giveaway soon - a big one!

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill from Breaking the Spine, and specifically spotlights upcoming novels we can't wait to read. As always, there are some amazing upcoming books, but this week I'm particularly excited for...

Title: The Betrayal of Maggie Blair
Author: Elizabeth Laird
Release Date: April 18, 2011

In seventeenth-century Scotland, saying the wrong thing can lead to banishment - or worse. Accused of being a witch, sixteen-year-old Maggie Blair is sentenced to be hanged. She escapes, but instead of finding shelter with her principled, patriotic uncle, she brings disaster to his door. Betrayed by one of her own accusers, Maggie must try to save her uncle and his family from the King's men, even if she has to risk her own life in the process.
Taken from Goodreads.

You know what I think it is about The Betrayal of Maggie Blair that makes me so excited? It kind of loosely reminds me of The Witch of Blackbird Pond, which I absolutely adored when I was younger. I love stories that blend rich history, especially those like the tales of witch trials. Plus, the setting and time period add to the set-up, making it sound rich and intriguing. I don't think the cover is the most extraordinary thing I've ever seen, but there's something about it that I love...dark, shades of blue, with just a lone figure. What do you think, and what are you waiting on this week?

Teaser Tuesday is hosted by MizB at Should Be Reading. Here are the rules: Grab your current read. Open to a random page. Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page, and BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) Share the title & author, too, so that other Teaser Tuesday participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

The vein in my forehead beats so hard I'm afraid everyone can hear it. I'm convinced it's going to burst, explode in a shower of blood in class, and everyone will turn around and say, "For a good time, call Alex."
The Mockingbirds by Daisy Whitney

And now, for my Tuesday Teaser...For those of you who don't know, I do my Tuesday Teasers differently (and yes, I add this disclaimer every time). Each week, I feature two sentences (or more) of something I've written, leave it up all day, then remove it around 11 PM. You're welcome to comment on it, love it, hate it, or simply read it at your leisure...if you'd like, of course. This week's teaser is from my current WIP, RACE.

The air is clearer up here, and I can see the moon for the first time since, well, ever. Even though the night is inky, the air is biting, and the pain stacks up from my skin to my core, I've never been happier to be invisible.

Quincie Morris has never felt more alone. Her parents are dead, and her hybrid-werewolf first love is threatening to embark on a rite of passage that will separate them forever. Then, as she and her uncle are about to unveil their hot vampire-themed restaurant, a brutal murder leaves them scrambling for a chef.

Can Quincie transform their new hire into a culinary Dark Lord before opening night? Can he wow the crowd in his fake fangs, cheap cape, and red contact lenses — or is there more to this earnest face than meets the eye? As human and preternatural forces clash, a deadly love triangle forms, and the line between predator and prey begins to blur. Who’s playing whom? And how long can Quincie play along before she loses everything?
Taken from GoodReads.

Tantalize details the story of Quincie, a teenager living in the heart of Texas and a world inundated with werewolves and vampires. It's the aftermath of her parents' death, and she's surrounded by a world of strange, losing her first love to the werewolf curse, trying to balance her life working at a vampire restaurant, and desperately trying maintain a semblance of normalcy in her crazy world. Will she be able to find her stride, or will she lose everything in the process?

I actually won Tantalize a long time ago, but I never got around to reading it. To be honest, I was really wary of yet another story merging the lore of werewolves and vampires, so I figured I'd wait until I had a lull in my reading schedule to really focus on the heart of the story. Written by author Cynthia Leitich Smith, Tantalize works on the premise that the main character lives in a world where werewolves and vampires are known entities, rather than hidden ones. Written in a clear voice with a definite unique writing style, Tantalize is clearly an effort to expand upon the original lore of such stories and invent a new type of life for vampires, werewolves, and humans coexisting. In that way, this book succeeded.

However, I'm going to be brutally honest...I really didn't enjoy Tantalize all that much. I felt that a lot of the prose was dumbed down - something that bugs me about some YA books because I truly don't believe YA literature has to be dumb, or plain, or any less than adult novels. Rife with stereotypes and overt name-dropping of Texas landmarks, more often than not, the plot line of Tantalize was disrupted by these oddly placed details. Furthermore, I felt that the plot had a lot of promise, and it truly had the potential to be compelling, but the climax was really anticlimactic for me, and I doubt that was supposed to happen. I also had an extremely hard time relating to Quincie as an MC. In fact, I rarely, if ever, felt anything for her.

I hate giving bad reviews. My followers know this, but I have to be honest, or I have zero integrity as a book blogger. So, in all honesty, Tantalize just didn't work for me. I give it a 2 out of 5, and though I'm sure there is an audience for this book, I wasn't the right one. I will, however, recommend it to more of a MG audience, and I would say that fans of fantasy novels probably have a decent chance of enjoying it. Have any of you read Tantalize? What did you think?

In My Mailbox is an amazing weekly meme hosted by Kristi from The Story Siren that features the books we have received during the week. It's so much fun because we get to see what our fellow bloggers stumbled upon this week and add even more to our piles of books! Without further ado, this week I received the following books:

The Mockingbirds - (ARC Gift from YA Book Queen) - Themis Academy is a quiet boarding school with an exceptional student body that the administration trusts to always behave the honorable way--the Themis Way. So when Alex is date raped during her junior year, she has two options: stay silent and hope someone helps her, or enlist the Mockingbirds--a secret society of students dedicated to righting the wrongs of their fellow peers.

The Golden Spiral - (ARC Gift from YA Book Queen) - The hourglass door has closed behind Dante, sending him back in time to hunt down Zo, Tony, and V. Abby knows that Dante, as a Master of Time, is the only one who can stop them from destroying time itself. She also knows that he will need her help. But almost immediately, things start to change and Abby’s worst fears are realized when Zo begins targeting her past specifically.

Crescendo - (Bought) - Nora should have known her life was far from perfect. Despite starting a relationship with her guardian angel, Patch (who, title aside, can be described as anything but angelic), and surviving an attempt on her life, things are not looking up. Patch is starting to pull away, and Nora can't figure out if it's for her best interest or if his interest has shifted to her arch-enemy Marcie Millar. Not to mention that Nora is haunted by images of her father and she becomes obsessed with finding out what really happened to him that night he left for Portland and never came home.

The Lost Hero - (Bought) - Jason has a problem. He doesn’t remember anything before waking up on a school bus holding hands with a girl. Apparently he has a girlfriend named Piper (who is hiding a secret). His best friend is a kid named Leo (who has a way with tools), and they’re all students in the Wilderness School, a boarding school for “bad kids”, as Leo puts it. What he did to end up here, Jason has no idea — except that everything seems very wrong.

If you're interested, I'm hosting a Spooktacular Halloween ARC giveaway for THREE lucky winners, who will each win FOUR books...want to know more? Click here!

Seventeen-year-old Olivia peters has long dreamed of becoming a writer. So she's absolutely over the moon when her literary idol, the celebrated novelist and much-adored local priest Mark D. Brendan, selects her from hundreds of other applicants as the winner of the Emerging Writers High School Fiction Prize. Now she gets to spend her summer evenings in a college fiction seminar at the nearby university, where dreamy college boys abound and Father Mark acts as her personal mentor.

But when Father Mark's enthusiasm for Olivia's writing develops into something more, Olivia quickly finds her emotions shifting from wonder to confusion to despair. And as her wide-eyed innocence deteriorates, Olivia can't help but ask - exactly what game is Father Mark playing, and how on earth can she get out of it?
Taken from GoodReads.

This Gorgeous Game follows the story of teenage Olivia, an aspiring author whose life is becoming the stuff of dreams when she wins the chance to work and spend time her literary idol, Father Mark. She learns new tips and tricks, becomes confident in her skills, and believes she is the luckiest girl in the world to win this sort of one-on-one tutelage from the literary master. Then things start becoming odd...Father Mark starts to pay a lot of attention to her, calling at all hours, wanting to see her, and sending her presents. Olivia doesn't know where the attention turned into obsession, but she's trapped, and she needs to understand his game.

I had a WoW for This Gorgeous Game way back when, and I don't know why, but I never seemed to find the time to get my paws on this one, but I'm truly glad that I did. Donna Freitas is a master storyteller, weaving intricate characters, a haunting story line, and brilliant prose into a story that will send shivers down your spine and make you think for hours after finishing it. This Gorgeous Game is definitely a book that will stick with me.

I'd be lying if I said there were a few things that troubled me about This Gorgeous Game. First of all, I felt that at times, the characters' cluelessness was a little...off, shall we say. It also took me a little while to connect with Olivia because her character was a bit bland until the story got going. After some time though, she redeemed herself, and her character became raw and real and someone I could believe and feel for. The ending also redeemed the minor plot lags and satisfied my storytelling appetite.

Honestly, I think that This Gorgeous Game was a wonderful read. Eerie and a bit dark, blending a chilling tale with a coming-of-age story, it has the ability to resonate with multiple generations of readers. I give This Gorgeous Game a very strong 4 out of 5, and I'd recommend it to fans of YA fiction, as well as fans of contemp fiction.

The Friday Fix is a takeover of my Friday blog post by other bloggers who have volunteered their time and energy to "star" in their very own guest post on Friday. Only one mandatory rule (you can't get out of it!) - you must answer five of the most random questions I throw your way. The rest is up to you. Remember, if you'd like to be featured on the Friday Fix, send me an email, and let me know! So, without further ado, here is Naomi from Supernatural Bookworm!

The Most Random Questions in the World...

1. How much deeper would oceans be if sponges didn't grow in them?

Hmm well to work that one out you would have to work out how much water each sponge holds and then add then spread that out over the current ocean depth and presto...the true depth of the ocean lol I would most definitely need a calculator for that one, my brain doesn't do very well with big numbers lol But my last attempt is..double? LOL

2. What happens if you get scared half to death twice?

Right you can never be scared to death even if you are scared half to death twice because;

1st time scared 1/2 to death = Half of 1 = 0.5
2nd time scared 1/2 to death = Half of 0.5 is = 0.25
3rd time scared 1/2 to death = Half of 0.25 = 0.125
4th time scared 1/2 to death = Half od 0.125 = 0.0625
5th time scared 1/2 to death = Half of 0.0625 = 0.03125
6th time scared 1/2 to death = Half of 0.03125 = 0.015625

So on and so forth so basically each time you are scared half to death, it only takes half away from what you have left which then halves it again and again. Only time you can be scared into death is if you are scared totally to death =)

3. What do sign-makers put on their signs when they go on strike?

Um...weightless status giving the 'V' sign? LOL That's what I would do haha!

4. Why isn't "phonetic" spelled the way it sounds?

Because whoever created this word had it in mind that they brainier than everyone else and wanted to spell words a different way to trip others up. How nasty! LOL But don't you find that any word you look at and say it out loud, it begins to sound and look wrong?

5. Can there be such a thing as a one-way, dead-end street?

Great Question. I have always wondered this myself.

Haha I don't know but I think it would totally confuse me if I went down a one way dead end street. I think I would probably turn around and go back the way I came haha or stop the car and not move and leave my car there until I figured out a way around it.



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Naomi, thank you so much for dropping by my blog to answer these absurd questions! Please take the time to check out Supernatural Bookworm because her blog is so much fun, and so is she! Remember, if you are interested in being featured - my email is on my contact page (if you couldn't figure that out)...please feel free to send a message my way!

As a reminder to all you lovelies - I have a much-too-awesome Spooktacular Halloween ARC giveaway going on for THREE lucky winners, who will each win FOUR books...want to know more? Click here!

A benevolent King; ...his sword of power; ...a ruthless traitor bent on revenge; ...and the faithful son who stands in his way with the woman destined to share his throne. Who shall emerge as the victor in this epic struggle between good and evil to govern the lives of hapless men?
Taken from GoodReads.

The Victor follows the story of Eloth, King of Ellioth, Lucius, and the crown prince, Eloth's son, Joshua. Essentially paralleled with the God-head, the characters can be directly related to God, satan, and Jesus, respectively. Merging a medieval fantasy tale with Biblical allegories and the struggle between good and evil, right and wrong, and the pure and the wicked, The Victor leads you on an exciting journey of life, Judgment, and the human condition.

To be honest, I'd never heard of The Victor before I won it from the lovely ladies at I'd So Rather Be Reading. However, their review raved about the beauty and accuracy of this Christian, historical fantasy novel, which pretty much blends every genre I love. Now, I'll admit that Christian fiction tends to rub people the wrong way because it has a reputation of being rather preachy, but The Victor manages to portray the beautiful story of Lucifer being cast from heaven without inundating you with religious idealism. Both as a Catholic and a YA fantasy fan, I was able to connect with the rich imagery and detail provided by the talents of author Marlayne Giron.

That said, it took me almost three full chapters to get into The Victor. I think the amount of detail and historical set-up (though fantastic) made for a bit of a slow start. Determined to stick it out though, I'm truly glad I did. The story picks up, the beautiful time period and attention to both accuracy and detail amps up the story line and leads you on a fun, profound, and meaningful journey. And when I say meaningful, I mean - there's a legitimate theme and moral to this entire story.

I am pleased to say that I truly enjoyed this book, and I give The Victor a very strong 4 out 5, only dropped because of the slow start. I recommend it to fans of Christian fiction, fantasy, YA, and allegorical stories.

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Now, I'm super super excited to tell you all that I have a fantastic giveaway in which I will have three (3) winners...I know, awesome, right?! A big thanks and shout-out goes to Hachette Book Group for making all of this possible! Ready to hear the prizes?! Three lucky winners will win ARCs of four spooktacular Halloween-themed books, namely:

Dark Song by Gail Giles
Bloodthirsty by Flynn Meaney
The Witches' Kitchen by L. Williams
The Saga of Larten Crepsley - Birth of a Killer by Darren Shan

Time for the rules: US only, as the publisher will be mailing the prizes. You MUST be a follower of this blog. You get one extra point for spreading the word, but you MUST provide a link! To enter, simply leave your email in a comment below, and feel free to spread the word! This giveaway closes at 8:00 PM on October 27th.

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill from Breaking the Spine, and specifically spotlights upcoming novels we can't wait to read. As always, there are some amazing upcoming books, but this week I'm particularly excited for...

Title: Threads and Flames
Author: Esther Friesner
Release Date: November 25, 2010

It's 1910, and thirteen-year-old Raisa has just traveled alone from a small Polish shtetl all the way to New York City. It's overwhelming, awe-inspiring, and even dangerous, especially when she discovers that her sister has disappeared and she must now fend for herself. She finds work in the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory sewing bodices on the popular shirtwaists. Raisa makes friends and even dare she admit it...falls in love. But then 1911 dawns, and one March day a spark ignites in the factory. One of the city's most harrowing tragedies unfolds, and Raisa's life is forever changed. . . .

One hundred years after the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire, this moving young adult novel gives life to the tragedy and hope of this transformative event in American history.
Taken from Amazon.

I've recently started on an historical fiction kick, and this sounds like the perfect blend of history, fiction, and a compelling, imaginative tale. The character, though young, seems like she could be relatable, and I think the premise has a lot of promise for drama and intrigue. As for the cover, while it doesn't immediately kick me in the face with its amazingness, I think the simple white with stark lettering is profound and perfect for the title. What do you think...and what are you waiting on this week?

Teaser Tuesday is hosted by MizB at Should Be Reading. Here are the rules: Grab your current read. Open to a random page. Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page, and BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) Share the title & author, too, so that other Teaser Tuesday participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

The following day, Penloth was practically hemorrhaging with curiosity. Joshua could feel his eyes upon him throughout the day as he trained, wondering when the Captain would finally break down and ask him what happened.
The Victor by Marlayne Giron

And now, for my Tuesday Teaser...For those of you who don't know, I do my Tuesday Teasers differently (and yes, I add this disclaimer every time). Each week, I feature two sentences (or more) of something I've written, leave it up all day, then remove it around 11 PM. You're welcome to comment on it, love it, hate it, or simply read it at your leisure...if you'd like, of course. This week's teaser is from my current WIP, RACE.

The Tuesday Teaser is down! Check back next week for more :)

In My Mailbox is an amazing weekly meme hosted by Kristi from The Story Siren that features the books we have received during the week. It's so much fun because we get to see what our fellow bloggers stumbled upon this week and add even more to our piles of books! Without further ado, this week I received the following books:

The Victor - (Won from I'd So Rather Be Reading) - A benevolent King; ...his sword of power; ...a ruthless traitor bent on revenge; ...and the faithful son who stands in his way with the woman destined to share his throne. Who shall emerge as the victor in this epic struggle between good and evil to govern the lives of hapless men?

Rae - (Won from YA Book Queen) - Rae is beyond socially awkward. Since she was a little girl, Rae Swiggett knew something was different about her. The sound of planes flying overhead could spark a panic attack. Being called on in class was enough to push her over the edge. She feared the unknown, life, death, people . . . even fear itself. By the time she reached ninth grade, Rae was muddling through life in relative silence, convinced everyone was mocking her, judging her, picking her apart, bit by little bit.

Alexis - (Won from YA Book Queen) - After a rocky junior year of high school, Alexis Singer was lonely, stressed out, and vulnerable--the ideal target for an older man with bad intentions. When a message popped up on her computer screen one night from a message board acquaintance, she could never have known that by responding she was making a choice that would change her forever. By posing as a friend and confidant, the man gave Alexis the attention she desperately craved and weaseled his way into her life in an unimaginable way.

Hannah - (Won from YA Book Queen) - Hannah Westberg has gone through more trauma in her eighteen years than many people will experience in a lifetime. Stemming from her depression and recently diagnosed borderline personality disorder, Hannah has engaged in dangerous behavior and has paid a high price. By the time she was in eighth grade, Hannah was cutting, popping pills, skipping class, and drinking. The following summer, she tried to commit suicide for the first time.

Annnnnndddd that's my puppy! I picked her up in Iowa on the epically long roadtrip from Utah to my new home in New Hampshire. She's a nine-week-old baby chow chow, and yes, she's real haha she most certainly not a stuffed animal haha

What did you receive this week? Leave me a link, and I'll be sure to check it out!

For years, Jacob Reckless has been secretly disappearing to another world, a world behind a mirror, a world for which his father abandoned his family. The mirror world is Jacob's escape from reality. It's a place for treasure hunts and magnificent quests. A world where witches haunt the forests and giants and dwarfs roam. A world locked in a deadly war.

Jacob's secret seems safe, until one day his younger brother Will follows him, with disastrous consequence. Faced with a curse that is quickly turning Will to stone, the Reckless brothers are thrust into a race against time to find a cure before Will is lost forever.Taken from GoodReads.

Reckless follows the story of teenage Jacob who regularly escapes into an unknown world for which his father once sacrificed his life and future with his family. Though he's certain it's his own secret, his younger brother finds the mirror, too, and journeys into the dangerous world, leaving not only Jacob's secret in peril, but the life and future of Will, plagued by a dangerous curse meant to destroy his future.

I'm going to have to admit that I bought Reckless almost solely based on the cover because, let's be honest, it's amazingly dark and haunting. Written by veteran author, Cornelia Funke, Reckless is loosely based upon the life and works of The Brothers Grimm. Alive with eerie and haunting descriptions, lyrical prose, and a story with a mind of it's own, I'd be lying if I said I didn't love the world created within Reckless. Perfectly merging fantasy and reality, it's a story that appeals to cross-genre audiences.

All that said though, allow me to be a bit nit-picky about Reckless for a moment. I had a hard time getting into the book for about the first 60 pages or so. The world is so complete with funky names and fantasy/sci-fi details that I'll admit I was a little lost. Once the story got going though, it definitely didn't stop. It also took me a while to empathize for Jacob. I wanted to feel for him, but his character was kind of flat for a while as he pursued life as a treasure-hunter in Mirrorland. His humanity didn't really appear to me until Will was cursed to become a Goyl, though perhaps that was meant to show the transition in his character. I will say that the eventual switch was well done, and I began to like Jacob more and more.

All in all, Reckless is an entertaining read. I enjoyed it after a while, but I will say that for some, I'm sure the premise and idea will be more interesting than the story, itself. I give Reckless a strong 3.5 out of 5, and I'd recommend it to YA fans of fantasy, sci-fi, and dark tales, especially those fond of The Brothers Grimm.

The Friday Fix is a takeover of my Friday blog post by other bloggers who have volunteered their time and energy to "star" in their very own guest post on Friday. Only one mandatory rule (you can't get out of it!) - you must answer five of the most random questions I throw your way. The rest is up to you. Remember, if you'd like to be featured on the Friday Fix, send me an email, and let me know! So, without further ado, here is Kate from A Reader's Review!

The Most Random Questions in the World...

1. Did Adam and Eve have bellybuttons?

I would say No. Bellybuttons are essentially a scar showing where the umbilical cord was detached from a newborn baby. Adam and Eve were born (created) as adults, so therefore no baby scars.

2. Why do people say things that supposedly "go without saying"?

Because people like to hear the sound of their own voice, so they/we have a tendency to say a lot of stupid, pointless stuff.

3. Are all shifts at a cemetery called graveyard shifts?

I think maybe yes, because I think you'd need a sense of humor to work at a cemetary. And if you didn't, you would be too scary to ask this question to anyways...

4. Why is it that those who talk to God are praying, but those God talks to are insane?

I didn't know that qualified for insanity, but I suppose if sanity is a healthy, "normal" mind and insanity is the opposite, then maybe those that hear from God are insane, because they are abnormal, in the shallowest of definitions. And maybe, we should all want to be more insane, then.... at least in that area. :)

5. Why do bars have parking lots if it's illegal to drink and drive?

Great Question. I have always wondered this myself.

I think it comes down to the cities wanting income through fines, taxes or however else they can get it. They allow bars to have parking lots, because as a business, of course a bar would want it to be convenient to their customers. The city wants the taxes from the business and to convince people to stop in their city, and then they love to be able to fine you for breaking their law. Maybe its cynical, but I don't think they really care about the lives they are risking as a result. At least you should have to give over your keys and not be allowed to get them back until you take a breathilizer test and are appropriately sober or something.



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Kate, thank you so much for dropping by my blog to answer such silly questions! Please take the time to check out A Reader's Review because her blog is so much fun, and so is she! Remember, if you are interested in being featured - my email is on my contact page (if you couldn't figure that out)...please feel free to send a message my way!

Mackie Doyle seems like everyone else in the perfect little town of Gentry, but he is living with a fatal secret - he is a Replacement, left in the crib of a human baby sixteen years ago. Now the creatures under the hill want him back, and Mackie must decide where he really belongs and what he really wants.

A month ago, Mackie might have told them to buzz off. But now, with a budding relationship with tough, wounded, beautiful Tate, Mackie has too much to lose. Will love finally make him worthy of the human world?Taken from GoodReads.

The Replacement follows the story of Mackie Doyle. A teen in the sleepy town of Gentry, Mackie struggles to fit in every single day of his life. In a town rife with superstition, disappearances, and fear, Mackie is the epitome of everything the townsfolk fear. Switched with the Doyle's own baby when he was a baby himself, Mackie has lived as part of the family ever since, though he's struggling to survive with his painful aversion to iron, blood, and consecrated ground - compounded only by the fact that his father is a pastor. Somehow, Mackie must find a way to survive in this world, or realize his true self.

I have to say that The Replacement is probably one of the most original supernatural stories I have come across in a long time. Though it revolves around a familiar creature in supernatural story lines, this was the most original and best interpretation of the classic story that I've seen in a while. Brenna Yovanoff uses her distinct writing voice, alternating beautiful descriptions with short, halted sentences to accentuate the theme and voice of the novel. It paces well, and I was involved in the story in no time. I will, however, admit that I was expecting one thing from a horror story (based solely on the premise above) and got something completely different.

Even in a book as original as The Replacement though, I will admit there were a few things I'm not sure I truly understood in the story. For one, I had trouble believing just how accepting Mackie's friend, Roswell, was of all his unique issues associated with his "condition," shall we say. He sort of just turned a blind eye despite the fact it was very clear Mackie stood out from the rest of the town. I think that was my biggest issue though. I thought the town was believable; aware of the disappearances but committed to pretending nothing was wrong. The characters also drove the story. I empathized with Mackie's struggle to fit in, loved his sister, Emma, driven to do anything to save her brother, and cheered for Tate, a heroine who couldn't be less wispy and whiny of she tried. They drove the story, and though the end wrapped up a little too neatly for my taste, I still liked how The Replacement played out.

All in all, I loved The Replacement. Eerie, haunting, dark, and just satisfying enough to satiate my appetite for riveting stories, The Replacement will definitely stick with me. I give it a very strong 4 out 5, and I would recommend it to all YA fans, especially those who enjoy supernatural stories and horror.

"Hello, David. My name is Rose. It’s a pleasure to meet you. We are now entering minute two of our friendship. According to my Intimacy Clock, a handshake is now appropriate…"

David and Charlie are opposites. David has a million friends, online and off. Charlie is a soulful outsider, off the grid completely. But neither feels close to anybody. When David’s parents present him with a hot Companion bot to encourage healthy bonds and treat "dissociative disorder," he can’t get enough of luscious red-headed Rose — and he can’t get it soon. Companions come with strict intimacy protocols, and whenever he tries anything, David gets an electric shock. Severed from the boy she was built to love, Rose turns to Charlie, who finds he can open up, knowing Rose isn’t real. With Charlie’s help, the ideal "companion" is about to become her own best friend.
Taken from GoodReads.

Girl Parts is the story of two boys who couldn't be more different if they tried. David is Mr. Popularity with not a care in the world, plus all the money he could ever need or want from his technologically-advanced father. Charlie, in stark contrast, is most comfortable when he's alone. His school counselors decide he must be depressed, though he disagrees...he's just a loner. Ultimately and inevitably connected by David's Companion Bot, Rose, Charlie and David are about to set off on a winding road to self-discovery.

To be honest, I'm really not completely sure how to start reviewing Girl Parts. I think the premise is interesting, and it sounds humourous, without sounding completely absurd. Girl Parts sounds like the perfect blend of futuristic technology, relatable characters, and a touch of humour to emphasize the moral of the story. That said, I honestly think the premise was better than the story, itself. Now, that's not to say that the author, John M. Cusick doesn't have a distinctive writing style. The prose flows well, and he has a very clear writing voice - simple and succinct.

All that aside though, I had an extremely difficult time connecting with the characters. In theory, David and Charlie should have been easy to relate to and understand, but I just couldn't get inside their heads. I will admit that Rose's humanity was the highlight of Girl Parts for me. Though designed to love David, she discovers herself through the story. Ultimately though, the process evolved so quickly, I barely had time to understand what was happening before it was over. Girl Parts took (at most) 4 hours to read, and then it was just done...I wasn't left with a meaning, or questions, or really anything. I will also admit that I had a hard time connecting with the crass dialogue at times, but that's just personal taste.

Girl Parts is not a bad read, and I don't like giving bad reviews, but I just don't think it was the book for me. I give it a 2.5 out of 5, and I'd recommend it to YA and upper MG fans - particularly those who want a touch of humour, and I think it would be great for boys.

I received this book free of charge from the publisher, Candlewick Press, in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

The book blogger hop is hosted by the one and only Jennifer at Crazy-for-Books. It's an awesome way for bloggers to mingle and meet one another once a week, and to spread the word and name of your blog. If this is your first time hopping, just click on the link, add your blog to the ever-growing list, post the logo and info about the hop, and adventure around the blogosphere!

The question of the week is: What is your favourite beverage while reading or blogging?
My answer: I'll admit, I'm addicted to caffeine...it's terrible, eh? I usually blog with a mug of coffee, then I'll down at least one sugarfree red bull, or a diet coke during the day (plus another coffee at night). I blame it on my European parents.

Ok, this is my first time actually posting the hop, but never fear - the Friday Fix will return next week! Please bear with me in the upcoming week if I don't post too many return comments to you all. I'm beginning my 2,600 mile move across the country this coming Tuesday, so life will be pretty chaotic, you know? Anyhoo, if this is your first time hopping over to my blog, feel free to look around and leave me a link to come visit you as well! Happy Friday!

Rescued from the gallows in 1850s London, young orphan (and thief) Mary Quinn is surprised to be offered a singular education, instruction in fine manners — and an unusual vocation. Miss Scrimshaw’s Academy for Girls is a cover for an all-female investigative unit called The Agency, and at seventeen, Mary is about to put her training to the test.
Assuming the guise of a lady’s companion, she must infiltrate a rich merchant’s home in hopes of tracing his missing cargo ships. But the household is full of dangerous deceptions, and there is no one to trust — or is there? Packed with action and suspense, banter and romance, and evoking the gritty backstreets of Victorian London, this breezy mystery debuts a daring young detective who lives by her wits while uncovering secrets — including those of her own past.
Taken from GoodReads.

A Spy in the House follows the story of teenage Mary Quinn, a young lady offered an elite position of an all-women's investigative league - a complete turnaround from her difficult life and upbringing. Mary is given a singular task to blend in and enmesh herself in her first assignment, gaining her employers' trusts so she can discover the truth of the mystery she's assigned to. However, things don't always go as she plans, and Mary needs to learn to be a quick-thinker, and come to terms with her difficult past.

I hadn't heard too much about The Agency series before I received the sequel for review, but I decided to give the series a go. Written in fantastic prose, an easy-to-read tone, and alive details of the time period, author Y.S. Lee managed to beautifully prepare the setup for this series through A Spy in the House. The author has a clear and succinct voice, letting the characters (both main and secondary) tell the story and set the pace, which I particularly loved. The rich imagery of Victorian England was also extremely tangible - a strength not every author gets right.

A bit like Nancy Drew for a new generation, A Spy in the House has created a lovable heroine in Mary Quinn. She's a strong protagonist with morals, a past, and a clear purpose in life. I can't think of a better MC to delve into the world of investigative mystery with. Furthermore, I really enjoyed James Easton. The dynamic between he and Mary radiated chemistry and kept the pace of the story flowing steadily. I will say that it took me a chapter or two to get into the book, which was my only qualm. However, once the book got going, I couldn't set it down.

Overall, I really enjoyed A Spy in the House. It's not a particularly difficult read, but it is a series that I'm excited to continue. The next book, A Body at the Tower is waiting on my desk for me now. I give this book a 4.5 out of 5, and I would recommend it particularly to YA and adult fans of mystery and historical fiction.

P.S. I'm featured on Missie's (The Unread Reader) blog today! Check it out if you get a chance!

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill from Breaking the Spine, and specifically spotlights upcoming novels we can't wait to read. As always, there are some amazing upcoming books, but this week I'm particularly excited for...

Title: The Latte Rebellion
Author: Sarah Jamila Stevenson
Release Date: January 1, 2011

"Our philosophy is simple: Promote a latte-colored world!" — from the Latte Rebellion Manifesto

When high school senior Asha Jamison gets called a "towel head" at a pool party, the racist insult gives Asha and her best friend Carey a great money-making idea for a post-graduation trip. They'll sell T-shirts promoting the Latte Rebellion, a club that raises awareness of mixed-race students.

Seemingly overnight, their "cause" goes viral and the T-shirts become a nationwide fad. As new chapters spring up from coast to coast, Asha realizes that her simple marketing plan has taken on a life of its own-and it's starting to ruin hers. Asha's once-stellar grades begin to slip, threatening her Ivy League dreams, and her friendship with Carey is hanging by a thread. And when the peaceful underground movement turns militant, Asha's school launches a disciplinary hearing.Facing expulsion, Asha must decide how much she's willing to risk for something she truly believes in.
Taken from GoodReads.

Usually I like to read paranormal, sci-fi, and dystopian stories because I like to lose myself in their worlds when I'm reading. I don't always love reading about real life in books because, well...frankly, I get a healthy dose of real life daily. That said, I really like the sound of The Latte Rebellion. In a sea of absolutely ordinary YA books featuring protagonists starting clubs to support causes (*cough* The Lonely Hearts Club *cough* ), I think it will be nice to read a book geared towards the younger audience with a real message within the quirky prose. Basically, I think this book sounds poignant, relevant, and fun enough to keep me hooked. What do you think...and what are you waiting on this week?

Teaser Tuesday is hosted by MizB at Should Be Reading. Here are the rules: Grab your current read. Open to a random page. Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page, and BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) Share the title & author, too, so that other Teaser Tuesday participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Mary clutched her pillow tighter and let the note resound through her weary brain, refusing to analyze the sound, unwilling to connect it with any sort of meaning. There were always bells ringing at the Academy.
The Agency: A Spy in the House by Y.S. Lee

And now, for my Tuesday Teaser...For those of you who don't know, I do my Tuesday Teasers differently (and yes, I add this disclaimer every time). Each week, I feature two sentences (or more) of something I've written, leave it up all day, then remove it around 11 PM. You're welcome to comment on it, love it, hate it, or simply read it at your leisure...if you'd like, of course. This week's teaser is from my current WIP, RACE.

The Tuesday Teaser is down! Check back next week for more!

The only daughter of supermodel Katia Summers, witty and thoughtful Lizzie Summers likes to stick to the sidelines. The sole heir to Metronome Media and daughter of billionaire Karl Jurgensen, outspoken Carina Jurgensen would rather climb mountains than social ladders. Daughter of chart-topping pop icon Holla Jones, stylish and sensitive Hudson Jones is on the brink of her own music breakthrough.
When New York City fourteen-year-old Carina impulsively reveals incriminating information about her multi-billionaire father, he replaces her unlimited funds with an antiquated cell phone, a Metrocard, and a twenty-dollar weekly allowance.
Taken from GoodReads.

The Daughters Break the Rules follows the story of three best friends and New York elite, Carina, Lizzie, and Hudson as they weave their way through teenage life in the spotlight. Carina, though the daughter of a billionaire, was cut off after a little snafu involving details about her father and his personal business. Though she's crafty, and she knows how to bend the rules to her will, she finds that without her father's name and contacts, the real world is a lot harder than she imagined. Can she pool her own resources and pull off the ultimate Silver Snowflake Ball, or will she be stuck admitting that she's been downgraded to part of the masses?

The Daughters Break the Rules is the second book in The Daughters series written by Joanna Philbin, daughter of the one and only, Regis Philbin. Like the first book in the series, The Daughters Break the Rules has a clear, easy-to-read tone, and a very concise writing style. Often mirrored in the prose is the author's own insight into growing up in a privileged environment, though it shows how normal and grounded she is. Unlike series such as Gossip Girl, this series shows the humanity of the girls, rather than the glitzy, flashing lights they live in.

Now, that's not to say that that The Daughters Break the Rules isn't brimming with details of the lifestyles of the rich and the famous. Alternating between name-dropping high-end boutiques and rich descriptions of life in the vibrant city, the book explores Carina, Lizzie, and Hudson much more than its predecessor. The Daughters Break the Rules explores what makes each girl tick, and gives them a little more depth. The one thing, however, that I will say does continue to irk me is the text speak jumbled throughout the book. Colour me crazy, but I'm a texter in real life...I don't love reading it in books. That said, I will admit it fits within the genre.

All in all, The Daughters Break the Rules is a fast-paced, entertaining, and easy read. It's not incredibly deep, but it does satiate your appetite for fun, friendly prose and likable characters. I give this book a strong 4 out of 5, and I'd recommend it for both YA and MG audiences, as well as those who enjoy realistic fiction and fans of books like Shopaholic (for the younger set). This title releases on November 2, 2010...you should all look into purchasing it!

I received this advanced reader's copy free of charge from the publisher, Hachette Book Group, in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

In My Mailbox is an amazing weekly meme hosted by Kristi from The Story Siren that features the books we have received during the week. It's so much fun because we get to see what our fellow bloggers stumbled upon this week and add even more to our piles of books! Without further ado, this week I received the following books:

Reckless - (Bought) For years, Jacob Reckless has been secretly disappearing to another world, a world behind a mirror, a world for which his father abandoned his family. The mirror world is Jacob's escape from reality. It's a place for treasure hunts and magnificent quests. A world where witches haunt the forests and giants and dwarfs roam. A world locked in a deadly war. Jacob's secret seems safe, until one day his younger brother Will follows him, with disastrous consequence. Faced with a curse that is quickly turning Will to stone, the Reckless brothers are thrust into a race against time to find a cure before Will is lost forever.

Losing Faith - (Won - Signed Copy - Thank you, Elle!) When Brie's sister, Faith, dies suddenly, Brie's world falls apart. As she goes through the bizarre and devastating process of mourning the sister she never understood and barely even liked, everything in her life seems to spiral farther and farther off course. Her parents are a mess, her friends don't know how to treat her, and her perfect boyfriend suddenly seems anything but. As Brie settles into her new normal, she encounters more questions than closure. (See my review here)

Return to Paradise - (Bought) Maggie and Caleb just went through the worst year of their lives. Hit by a car and starting life over with a limp, Maggie never thought she would forgive Caleb. But she did—and fell in love. What they shared was real. But Caleb wanted to be free from the past—and a terrible secret: he wasn't the one who hit Maggie. So he left Paradise—and Maggie—forever. When Maggie and Caleb run into each other in a different town, they can't deny their true feelings. Will Maggie let Caleb get away again? Or will Caleb face the truth and return to Paradise?

What did you receive this week? Leave me a link, and I'll be sure to check it out!

A terrible secret. A terrible fate.

When Brie's sister, Faith, dies suddenly, Brie's world falls apart. As she goes through the bizarre and devastating process of mourning the sister she never understood and barely even liked, everything in her life seems to spiral farther and farther off course. Her parents are a mess, her friends don't know how to treat her, and her perfect boyfriend suddenly seems anything but.

As Brie settles into her new normal, she encounters more questions than closure: Certain facts about the way Faith died just don't line up. Brie soon uncovers a dark and twisted secret about Faith's final night...a secret that puts her own life in danger.
Taken from GoodReads.

Losing Faith is the story of teenage Brie and her sister Faith. Faith and Brie couldn't be more different. Brie is a bit shallow - she likes instant gratification, she likes her makeup and her hair, and she likes boys. Faith, on the other hand, is strictly religious. She's devout, she's the "good daughter," and she is extremely strong in her convictions. When Brie's world is ripped apart by her sister's sudden death though, her life beings to crumble and unravel around her. Plus, rather than finding closure, Brie seems to be finding more and more questions about the sister she barely knew.

I actually won Losing Faith from a blog buddy of mine (thank you, Elle!!), and that's pretty much the only reason I decided to push it to the top of my TBR pile. I heard a lot of iffy reviews about Losing Faith, hearing everything from "it's too religious," to "it's too preachy." Now, I'll add my disclaimer that while I'm a very religious Catholic, I would never think to force my views on others, so the topic unnerved me a wee bit. Nevertheless, I decided to give it ago. Denise Jaden handled the sensitive topic with skill, and she has a remarkable writing talent. Losing Faith was alive with a painful story of loss and discovery, but it was made all the better with rich detail that I could relate to.

Most of all though, I think Losing Faith had extremely well-written characters. Brie played the tempestuous teen well. She was perfectly aloof and inconsiderate until smacked with the reality of her sister's death. Her parents' grief was also extremely believable. Her mother spirals into a dark hole of depression, and her father forgets the will to partake in anything real. Faith, though a tedious character, was perfect. She wasn't overtly preachy. She was steadfast in her beliefs, and a her character made me want to have had the chance to help her. Plus, the secondary characters that enter - strong-willed Tessa, Reena, and a love interest for Brie (Alis) - heighten the story of Losing Faith and give it depth. The characters added to an already full-figured plot, weaving a delicate story of a painful loss, the existence of cults, the importance of the mourning process, and learning to live again.

I give Losing Faith a definite 4.5 out of 5, simply because I hoped the ending would be fleshed out a bit more. I urge readers not to let the topic of religion scare you off, as Losing Faith is truly not preachy. I recommend this to fans of YA, realistic fiction, and those who enjoy a sweet, rather than overpowering romance.