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BrownTBR Challenge 2013TLC Book ToursTenTennisTeresa MummertTessa BaileyTessa GrattonThe Bane ChroniclesTracey Garvis GravesTracy Garvis GravesTreasure HuntTrue StoriesVLC ProductionsVMafiaVeronica RossiVerse NovelsVikingsWendy SparrowWorld Castle PublishingXpresso DesignYoung AdultBook Loving MeYA book reviews and other random thingshttp://www.booklovingme.com/noreply@blogger.com (Amy)Blogger1224125BookLovingMomhttps://feedburner.google.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2048857059156435544.post-7785657179791955056Tue, 04 Nov 2014 11:00:00 +00002014-11-04T06:00:01.280-05:00Random StuffThe Ending of Book Loving Me... But Exciting Other News!!!<div style="text-align: center;">Hello my lovely blog readers and followers!! As you have probably figured out from the title of this post, I am no longer going to be blogging here. I have loved having my blog, and love all of you. I still love reading and blogging, but will not be posting for much longer here. I will keep my blog running for a little while with some older reviews that still need to post, and other posts I have already agreed to. I will still keep it and may occasionally post here, but...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I'm joining <a href="http://www.xpressoreads.com/" target="_blank">Xpresso Reads</a>!!!!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">That's right! I will be blogging on Xpresso Reads starting this week!! I am so excited to be teaming up with Giselle. We both started blogging a little over 3 years ago, and she was one of the first blogs I followed, and one of the first friends that I made in this community. Not only does she have a fantastic blog that I am now going to be a part of, but she is an amazing person and I couldn't be happier about joining her.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">So, you don't have to worry about me going away. (You really might not care since I have been such a slacker here lately.) I will still be blogging, just doing it with the most awesomesauce Giselle!! I will miss blogging on Book Loving Me, but with a full time job, and kiddo in school, it's not easy to keep up with a whole blog on my own. I am so thrilled that Giselle wants me to blog with her! Come visit us at Xpresso Reads!!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Much love! *smooches*</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/BookLovingMom/~4/faP9OszQheM" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/BookLovingMom/~3/faP9OszQheM/the-ending-of-book-loving-me-but.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Amy)59http://www.booklovingme.com/2014/11/the-ending-of-book-loving-me-but.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2048857059156435544.post-3174695296130822487Tue, 04 Nov 2014 05:00:00 +00002014-11-04T00:00:07.635-05:00ARCAvon BooksBook ReviewsC.J. KyleMysteryReview: Silent Night by C.J. Kyle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O9ija_a-iFM/VFUQjzaUhHI/AAAAAAAAMyI/x5OBrg9OXII/s1600/Silent%2BNight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O9ija_a-iFM/VFUQjzaUhHI/AAAAAAAAMyI/x5OBrg9OXII/s1600/Silent%2BNight.jpg" height="320" width="198" /></a></div><ul id="yui_3_8_1_1_1414860869361_1053"><li id="yui_3_8_1_1_1414860869361_1398"><span id="yui_3_8_1_1_1414860869361_1397">Publisher:&nbsp; </span>Avon Books (Imprint of HarperCollins Publishers)</li><li id="yui_3_8_1_1_1414860869361_1395"><span id="yui_3_8_1_1_1414860869361_1396">Publication date: </span>10/28/2014</li><li id="yui_3_8_1_1_1414860869361_1395">Source: eARC provided by the publisher for review</li></ul>Purchase: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0062079670/ref=x_gr_w_bb?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=httpwwwgoodco-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=0062079670&amp;SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2" target="_blank">Amazon</a> | <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/silent-night-cj-kyle/1118481570?ean=9780062079671&amp;itm=1&amp;usri=9780062079671&amp;cm_mmc=AFFILIATES-_-Linkshare-_-GwEz7vxblVU-_-10:1&amp;r=1,%201" target="_blank">B&amp;N</a> | <a href="http://www.bookdepository.com/Silent-Night-Kyle/9780062079671" target="_blank">The Book Depository</a><br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span class="elementTwo" id="freeText8817268262762247049"><i>Christmas, Tennessee, is a town where no one locks their doors and the worst crime is a stolen bicycle. Until the night blood is found . . . but there's no body.</i><br /><br />Police Chief Tucker Ambrose hopes it's just a prank, but his years as a cop in Chicago tell him different. Then a body is discovered in the middle of the woods, staged with a bible, a crucifix, and a rosary . . . and Tucker knows something dark and sinister has arrived in his town.<br /><br />Miranda Harley knows exactly what's going on. In fact, she's been tracking this serial killer, hoping to gather enough evidence to convict him. Trouble is, no one will believe her, not even the sexy police chief whose heated gazes promise nights of sin. But when Miranda falls into the crosshairs of a psychopath, Tucker must put aside his doubts and race to stop the killer from striking again.</span></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20765972-silent-night" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20765972-silent-night" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uhJPvgs5QOE/UfGG76hNNXI/AAAAAAAALgw/8a65mL-tRpc/s1600/goodreads-badge-add-plus.png" /></a></div><br /><br /><i><b><u><span class="elementTwo" id="freeText8817268262762247049">My Thoughts</span></u></b></i><br /><span class="elementTwo" id="freeText8817268262762247049">&nbsp;</span> <br />I always love a good mystery so of course this book caught my eye. And a town called Christmas with a serial killer? Totally upped the fun factor. The characters were a bit flimsy for me, but overall it was a decent story and kept me guessing for at least a little while. I think that I would have liked it better if the main character hadn't made me want to rip my head off at times. I also would have liked to feel the town a bit more. There were only a few points in the story where I really felt that I could imagine the setting at that time. My praise goes to a well woven story though. The way me figuring out the killer was just out of grasp for a good part of it was fantastic. <br /><br data-mce-bogus="1" />Miranda was one of those characters who drove me nuts, but all the while I still was hoping that she could get to the bottom of things. She is a bit on the unstable side due to her obsession with the killer, and being convinced that she is right about who it is<i>. </i>I am all about girl power and all that, but she was stubborn, pig-headed, and though smart, made a lot of stupid choices. She actually wasn't even as tough as she seemed. she fell apart easily, and when in real danger, she was pretty useless to help herself.&nbsp; She also spent so much time wanting Tucker, but not giving into it. Then she would want him to leave or whatever, and then wish he wouldn't. It was enough to make my head start spinning like in <i>The Exorcist</i>. Besides her behaviors that drove me nuts, she really was perceptive, smart, and would do anything for the people she loves. She has a good heart, but gets too hung up on the murders that she loses sight of everything else. I did like her even though it seems like I didn't. <span class="elementTwo" id="freeText8817268262762247049"><i></i></span><br /><br data-mce-bogus="1" />The romance was like a ping-pong match. They would get close, then wouldn't act on anything. Tucker would want her, then be furious with her. She wanted him the whole time, but pushed away. They really are a great pair for each other, but I never felt the strong chemistry that they supposedly had. I wanted to get that giddy feeling when they were so close to finally being together, but it was just never there. Speaking of the romance, there is a bit of steaminess, but it's very small.<br /><br />This was an enjoyable book, but nothing that blew me away. The murder scenes were great, and the mystery of catching the killer was done pretty well. I love it when I am not quite sure of whether I am right or not and this one kept me thinking that for a lot of the book. The character interactions were where it fell flat for me. I just didn't feel anything for them. It's hard to really get into the characters when you feel no connection to them at all. I guess this was just an average read for me. I don't have any strong feelings one way or the other towards it, thus the average rating. I do think it's a book that a lot of people will really like though.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bspFmtGwoYE/Uf7nOnwKpYI/AAAAAAAALlA/rSS1Rsu4teI/s1600/3StarsAmy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bspFmtGwoYE/Uf7nOnwKpYI/AAAAAAAALlA/rSS1Rsu4teI/s1600/3StarsAmy.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">*An advanced copy of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I did not receive any compensation.</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/BookLovingMom/~4/S08kwHOhpOE" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/BookLovingMom/~3/S08kwHOhpOE/review-silent-night-by-cj-kyle.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Amy)40http://www.booklovingme.com/2014/11/review-silent-night-by-cj-kyle.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2048857059156435544.post-3693651199909309745Mon, 03 Nov 2014 05:01:00 +00002014-11-03T06:45:38.715-05:00Book TrailersGina DamicoHoughton Mifflin HarcourtBook Trailer Reveal: Hellhole by Gina Damico <div style="text-align: center;">Hey everyone!! Today I have a trailer reveal for Hellhole by Gina Damico! This book sounds awesome and I can't wait to read it. See the book description below as well as the trailer. Don't forget to check out <a href="http://www.ginadami.co/" target="_blank">Gina Damico's website</a>!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vbcYTYiqhAg/VFbKTELiRCI/AAAAAAAAMyY/_bKgQdPLt94/s1600/Hellhole.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vbcYTYiqhAg/VFbKTELiRCI/AAAAAAAAMyY/_bKgQdPLt94/s1600/Hellhole.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div><ul id="yui_3_8_1_1_1414973955868_726"><li id="yui_3_8_1_1_1414973955868_728"><span id="yui_3_8_1_1_1414973955868_731">Publisher: </span>Houghton Mifflin Harcourt</li><li id="yui_3_8_1_1_1414973955868_729"><span id="yui_3_8_1_1_1414973955868_730">Publication date: </span>1/6/2015</li><li id="yui_3_8_1_1_1414973955868_732">Pages: 368</li></ul>Pre-order: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HK3F4WE/ref=x_gr_w_bb?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=httpwwwgoodco-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=B00HK3F4WE&amp;SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2" target="_blank">Amazon</a> | <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/hellhole-gina-damico/1117827237?ean=9780544307100" target="_blank">B&amp;N</a> | <a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9780544307100" target="_blank">IndieBound</a><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">&nbsp;<span class="elementTwo" id="freeText18206541992353258971">There was a time when geeky, squeaky-clean Max Kilgore would never lie or steal or even think about murder.<br /><br />Then he accidentally unearths a devil, and Max’s choices are no longer his own. The big red guy has a penchant for couch-surfing and junk food—and you should never underestimate evil on a sugar high. With the help of Lore, a former goth girl who knows a thing or two about the dark side, Max is racing against the clock to get rid of the houseguest from hell before time—and all the Flamin’ Hot Cheetos this side of the fiery abyss—run out. Gina Damico, author of the Croak series, once again delivers all the horror, hilarity, and high-stakes drama that any kid in high school or hell could ever handle.</span></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17997245-hellhole?ac=1" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17997245-hellhole?ac=1" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iOu_1S-aMR0/Ue8Vdc3vKnI/AAAAAAAALf8/vHzu1Cmf9A0/s1600/add%2Bto%2Bgoodreads%2Bblack.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">And now for the awesome book trailer!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dM6SpsVn2eg" width="480"></iframe></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/BookLovingMom/~4/0QyfHOFMivM" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/BookLovingMom/~3/0QyfHOFMivM/book-trailer-reveal-hellhole-by-gina.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Amy)43http://www.booklovingme.com/2014/11/book-trailer-reveal-hellhole-by-gina.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2048857059156435544.post-8813373407932336935Thu, 30 Oct 2014 04:00:00 +00002014-10-30T00:00:02.487-04:00Event Recap and Giveaway!!<div style="text-align: center;">Hi everyone!! So sorry I have been so absent lately. With the kiddo in school and working later days sometimes, it's been tough to find the time to write blog posts. I am going to try to get the next week scheduled each weekend so that way I don't get too behind again. I have quite a few reviews to write, so hopefully I will get them all up soon.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Anyways, the point of this post is to show that I still love all of you and do a giveaway!! I recently went to a book signing and I have a signed book set for one of you! Since it's too expensive to ship outside the US, this will be US only. Sorry to my International peeps.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The book signing had four amazing authors and I have read all of the books except for one. I also happened to go in full costume since I was going to a Halloween Party right after. I have put some pic below for your viewing pleasure. I was Sally from The Nightmare Before Christmas and it was awesome!! It took over two hours to get ready, but it was well worth it with how it came out!!&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cfQsNJAh7Qk/VFFr744WlYI/AAAAAAAAMwo/SvcB1lkaGdM/s1600/IMAG0613.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cfQsNJAh7Qk/VFFr744WlYI/AAAAAAAAMwo/SvcB1lkaGdM/s1600/IMAG0613.jpg" height="226" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;Right after I finished getting into costume.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_72WMEFTuRo/VFFr_X3jzHI/AAAAAAAAMww/mUrqdtivAwA/s1600/IMAG0614.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_72WMEFTuRo/VFFr_X3jzHI/AAAAAAAAMww/mUrqdtivAwA/s1600/IMAG0614.jpg" height="226" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;My hubs took a pic of me outside when I dropped off the kiddo at a friends house.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iXWiK5fnnlw/VFFsLedpDZI/AAAAAAAAMxA/MpE3OZgjOZ8/s1600/IMAG0616.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iXWiK5fnnlw/VFFsLedpDZI/AAAAAAAAMxA/MpE3OZgjOZ8/s1600/IMAG0616.jpg" height="400" width="226" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-59MXB9BUmGo/VFFsIT0SF8I/AAAAAAAAMw4/ysnHr6aElsA/s1600/IMAG0615.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-59MXB9BUmGo/VFFsIT0SF8I/AAAAAAAAMw4/ysnHr6aElsA/s1600/IMAG0615.jpg" height="400" width="226" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">A few pics with the super awesome Hillary Monahan, author of Mary: The Summoning. I highly recommend reading this book. It's fantastic!! I really liked her and it was so great to meet her.</div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YT4I3kIGL7Q/VFFsO6GrFVI/AAAAAAAAMxI/xTgBPlxfcYU/s1600/IMAG0617.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YT4I3kIGL7Q/VFFsO6GrFVI/AAAAAAAAMxI/xTgBPlxfcYU/s1600/IMAG0617.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The super funny Jeff Hart, author of Eat, Brains, Love and Undead with Benefits. I have read the first one and it is a romantic, zomb-com. I have not read the second book yet. I got both signed to give away to one lucky winner. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7sllaoq_0AE/VFFsS524izI/AAAAAAAAMxQ/0j3uk65_aF0/s1600/IMAG0618.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7sllaoq_0AE/VFFsS524izI/AAAAAAAAMxQ/0j3uk65_aF0/s1600/IMAG0618.jpg" height="226" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;This is the wonderful Laurie Faria Stolarz, author of Welcome to the Dark House. She is really sweet and nice. I have yet to read this book, but since I bought myself a signed copy I will be getting to it soon. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NM4vxmWPDL4/VFFsWyhZsgI/AAAAAAAAMxY/5twf1RdA730/s1600/IMAG0619.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NM4vxmWPDL4/VFFsWyhZsgI/AAAAAAAAMxY/5twf1RdA730/s1600/IMAG0619.jpg" height="226" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">And this is the fabulous Micol Ostow, author of Amity. She had some great stories to tell and she was super nice as well. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S2675QyEPZ4/VFFsZQDc0nI/AAAAAAAAMxg/yA1faj_7OME/s1600/IMAG0621.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S2675QyEPZ4/VFFsZQDc0nI/AAAAAAAAMxg/yA1faj_7OME/s1600/IMAG0621.jpg" height="400" width="226" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Last, but certainly not least, Hannah!! She is one of the coolest chicks ever. She is the YA book seller at Odyssey and she does such a great job at organizing the events that take place there. I look forward to going to the book signings because I get a chance to chat with her.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">It was a fun event and I was so excited to meet all four of the amazing authors! I will be going to another four author book signing on November 8th so I will have another great post for that and most likely another signed book giveaway!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><b><u>Giveaway</u></b><br /><br />Signed copy of Eat, Brains Love and Undead With Benefits by Jeff Hart<br />US Only<br />Must be 13 or older, or have parent/guardian permission<br />I do not save any information after the giveaway is over. All personal information given will be deleted.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/06ddeda852/" id="rc-06ddeda852" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><script src="//widget.rafflecopter.com/load.js"></script><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/BookLovingMom/~4/WCI38__tYrI" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/BookLovingMom/~3/WCI38__tYrI/event-recap-and-giveaway.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Amy)38http://www.booklovingme.com/2014/10/event-recap-and-giveaway.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2048857059156435544.post-6703789457474414454Mon, 20 Oct 2014 04:00:00 +00002014-10-20T00:00:01.323-04:00Blog ToursBook ReviewsGiveawaysJeyn RobertsKnopf Books For Young ReadersRandom HouseBlog Tour - The Bodies We Wear by Review and Giveaway<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YTlE7hD-8iY/VDmjv_d-J0I/AAAAAAAAMv4/bov_uUgWc-o/s1600/The%2BBodies%2BWe%2BWear.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YTlE7hD-8iY/VDmjv_d-J0I/AAAAAAAAMv4/bov_uUgWc-o/s1600/The%2BBodies%2BWe%2BWear.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></div><ul id="yui_3_8_1_1_1413063492039_1330"><li id="yui_3_8_1_1_1413063492039_1332"><span id="yui_3_8_1_1_1413063492039_1333">Publisher: </span>Random House Children's Books</li><li id="yui_3_8_1_1_1413063492039_1334"><span id="yui_3_8_1_1_1413063492039_1335">Publication date: </span>9/23/2014</li><li id="yui_3_8_1_1_1413063492039_1334">Source: Copy provided by the publisher for review</li></ul>Purchase: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0385754124/ref=x_gr_w_bb?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=httpwwwgoodco-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=0385754124&amp;SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2" target="_blank">Amazon</a> | <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-bodies-we-wear-jeyn-roberts/1117906485?ean=9780385754125&amp;itm=1&amp;usri=9780385754125&amp;cm_mmc=AFFILIATES-_-Linkshare-_-GwEz7vxblVU-_-10:1&amp;r=1,%201" target="_blank">B&amp;N</a> | <a href="http://www.bookdepository.com/Bodies-We-Wear-Jeyn-Roberts/9780385754125" target="_blank">The Book Depository</a><br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span id="freeText5539733012810401283"><b>A streetwise girl trains to take on a gang of drug dealers and avenge her best friend’s death in this thriller for fans of Scott Westerfeld and Robin Wasserman. </b><br /><br />People say when you take Heam, your body momentarily dies and you catch a glimpse of heaven. Faye was only eleven when dealers forced Heam on her and her best friend, Christian. But Faye didn’t glimpse heaven—she saw hell. And Christian died. <br /><br />Now Faye spends her days hiding her secret from the kids at school, and her nights training to take revenge on the men who destroyed her life and murdered her best friend. But life never goes the way we think it will. When a mysterious young man named Chael appears, Faye's plan suddenly gets a lot more complicated. Chael seems to know everything about her, including her past. But too many secrets start tearing her world apart: trouble at school, with the police, and with the people she thought might be her friends. Even Gazer, her guardian, fears she's become too obsessed with vengeance. Love and death. Will Faye overcome her desires, or will her quest for revenge consume her?</span> </blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20342549-the-bodies-we-wear?ac=1" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20342549-the-bodies-we-wear?ac=1" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iOu_1S-aMR0/Ue8Vdc3vKnI/AAAAAAAALf8/vHzu1Cmf9A0/s1600/add%2Bto%2Bgoodreads%2Bblack.jpg" /></a></div><br /><b><i><u>My Thoughts</u></i></b><br /><br />This book was quite a surprise with it's depth and subject matter. Yes, from the blurb it is obvious that it is about addiction, but this was so much more than that. This was a great story with a touch of paranormal that was gritty and dark. The main character was a bit difficult to like, but impossible not to. She has had a crap hand in life and is still living the nightmare. What she doesn't realize is that she doesn't have to. She struggles with hate and revenge, but also fights off her will to live a life that she can be happy in. All of it due to one horrible night when she was still just a child. The secondary characters add so much to this book as well.<br /><br />I will start with Faye since she is the MC. She is so consumed with getting revenge on the people who forced Heam on her and killed her best friend that that is the only thing she really lives for. She trains hard and is set on destroying those who destroyed her. She lives in a time where Heam addicts are the scum of the earth. Once an addict, always an addict right? No matter how hard she tries to prove herself, she thinks that this will be her life until she dies. No future to look forward to. All she wants is to be normal, but she thinks with her scars and history there is no way that is possible. It hurt to see her with such a grim outlook, but it was easy to understand why. I felt bad for her and I wanted her to see what she was worth.<br /><br />Then we have Chael. He is mysterious and a it creepy. I mean like stalker creepy. Also the fact that he knows everything about Faye. It didn't take long to figure out his secret, but once it's actually revealed, I loved how he helped Faye learn to let go a little bit. He irritated me at times, but his intentions were always good, so I can let it slide. He was a major factor in the story in how things end up in the end and I loved the story arc between him and Faye.<br /><br />This book was fantastic at giving a good background on things without it being a total info dump. We learn things in pieces woven into the storyline. I loved how at the end of the book it's not just an easy finish either. Things aren't rushed and the outcome isn't completely resolved, but it's satisfying. There was plenty of action, some humor, and underlying emotion to keep me interested from start to finish. The character development was fantastic and the story itself is deep. This book may have a touch of romance, but it's very somber for the most part. The subject matter is serious so the tone was perfect for this. I really enjoyed this book and hope that many people pick this up.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K9ipKPVPPzM/UfGcGLyrtkI/AAAAAAAALhA/lvLlBkOKLQM/s1600/4StarsAmy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K9ipKPVPPzM/UfGcGLyrtkI/AAAAAAAALhA/lvLlBkOKLQM/s1600/4StarsAmy.png" height="79" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">*A copy of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I did not receive any compensation.<br /><br /><b><span style="background: white; font-family: &quot;Sylfaen&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;;">JEYN ROBERTS</span></b><span style="background: white; font-family: &quot;Sylfaen&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;;"> is the author of&nbsp;<i>Dark Inside</i>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<i>Rage Within</i><i>.</i> Her first story was published in a middle-grade anthology called<i>&nbsp;</i><i>Let Me Tell You</i>&nbsp;when she was sixteen. She graduated from the University of British Columbia with a degree in writing and psychology and received her MA from the prestigious creative-writing graduate course at Bath Spa University. Jeyn is a former singer, songwriter, actress, bicycle courier, and tree planter. Her favorite authors include Betty Smith, J. K. Rowling, Ernest Hemingway, Douglas Coupland, and Jonathan Stroud, and her five favorite books of all time are&nbsp;<i>A Tree Grows in Brooklyn</i><i>,</i>&nbsp;<i>Girlfriend in a Coma</i><i>,</i><i>Memoirs of a Geisha</i><i>,</i>&nbsp;<i>What’s Eating Gilbert Grape</i><i>,</i> and&nbsp;<i>Harry Potter.&nbsp;</i>Jeyn lives in Canada. Visit her at </span><a href="http://www.jeynroberts.com/" target="_blank"><span style="background: white; font-family: &quot;Sylfaen&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;;">www.jeynroberts.com</span></a><span style="background: white; font-family: &quot;Sylfaen&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;;"> or follow her on twitter at @JeynRoberts.&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Giveaway</b></u></span><br /><br />2 copies of The Bodies We Wear <br />US/Canada only<br />These books will be sent to you by the publisher. I will only use your information to pass onto them and will then delete it.<br /><br /><a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/06ddeda850/" id="rc-06ddeda850" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><script src="//widget.rafflecopter.com/load.js"></script></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/BookLovingMom/~4/LSWR0BZQwjk" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/BookLovingMom/~3/LSWR0BZQwjk/blog-tour-bodies-we-wear-by-review-and.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Amy)38http://www.booklovingme.com/2014/10/blog-tour-bodies-we-wear-by-review-and.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2048857059156435544.post-6613852823589532252Mon, 13 Oct 2014 04:00:00 +00002014-10-13T00:00:04.267-04:00ARCBook ReviewsIssue BooksSimon PulseReview: Bleed Like Me by C. Desir<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wt_xqpVps5M/VDmp6gJS73I/AAAAAAAAMwI/RdMzgcZfQqU/s1600/Bleed%2BLike%2BMe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wt_xqpVps5M/VDmp6gJS73I/AAAAAAAAMwI/RdMzgcZfQqU/s1600/Bleed%2BLike%2BMe.jpg" height="320" width="211" /></a></div><ul id="yui_3_8_1_1_1413065274043_1159"><li id="yui_3_8_1_1_1413065274043_1158"><span id="yui_3_8_1_1_1413065274043_1501">Publisher: </span>Simon Pulse</li><li id="yui_3_8_1_1_1413065274043_1163"><span id="yui_3_8_1_1_1413065274043_1304">Publication date: </span>10/7/2014</li><li id="yui_3_8_1_1_1413065274043_1163">Source: eArc provided by the publisher for review</li></ul>Purchase: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BSAOJAI/ref=x_gr_w_bb?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=httpwwwgoodco-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=B00BSAOJAI&amp;SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2" target="_blank">Amazon</a> | <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/bleed-like-me-c-desir/1114818767?ean=9781442498907" target="_blank">B&amp;N</a> | <a href="http://www.bookdepository.com/Bleed-Like-Me-Christa-Desir/9781442498907" target="_blank">The Book Depository</a><br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span id="freeText6903468432307718068">From the author of <i>Fault Line</i> comes an edgy and heartbreaking novel about two self-destructive teens in a Sid and Nancy-like romance full of passion, chaos, and dyed hair.<br /><br />Seventeen-year-old Amelia Gannon (just "Gannon" to her friends) is invisible to almost everyone in her life. To her parents, to her teachers-even her best friend, who is more interested in bumming cigarettes than bonding. Some days the only way Gannon knows she is real is by carving bloody lines into the flesh of her stomach.<br /><br />Then she meets Michael Brooks, and for the first time, she feels like she is being seen to the core of her being. Obnoxious, controlling, damaged, and addictive, he inserts himself into her life until all her scars are exposed. Each moment together is a passionate, painful relief.<br /><br />But as the relationship deepens, Gannon starts to feel as if she's standing at the foot of a dam about to burst. She's given up everything and everyone in her life for him, but somehow nothing is enough for Brooks-until he poses the ultimate test.<br /><br /><i>Bleed Like Me</i> is a piercing, intimate portrayal of the danger of a love so obsessive it becomes its own biggest threat.</span> </blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17335930-bleed-like-me?ac=1" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17335930-bleed-like-me?ac=1" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uhJPvgs5QOE/UfGG76hNNXI/AAAAAAAALgw/8a65mL-tRpc/s1600/goodreads-badge-add-plus.png" /></a></div><br />My Thoughts<br /><br />I will start off by saying that this book was a bit disturbing. In a sad way. It's obvious that this book is about self destructive behavior, but it run deep. I found myself so angry with Gannon's parents because honestly, to me, most of the fault of the things that happen fall on them. I hurt for Gannon. I really did feel bad for Gannon, but I couldn't make myself like him. He was totally creepy no matter how sweet he could be at times. I will get back to that when I talk about their relationship though. I despised her parents because they really pretty much failed at being good parents. Harsh I know, but if you read it I think you will agree. &nbsp; <br /><br />Gannon is a very hurt girl. She lives in chaos and tries to be invisible. Her parents are to frazzled and busy with her three adopted brothers so she gets ignored or is expected to do more than she should have to. To escape the pain of not feeling loved, and the pressures of her family, she cuts to feel something. Relief or a release of stress. She knows it's wrong, but it's one of the only things that makes her feel better. When she meets Brooks, she quickly becomes obsessed with how she feels with him. It's sad that she is down such a destructive path, but there is nobody there to help her, to hear her, to treat her the way she deserves. Not that Brooks doesn't care, but he is even worse off than she is. Okay, so she does have a few people who care, but they want what is best for her and she doesn't see that. She feels like they are intruding and have no right to.<br /><br />The relationship between her and Brooks is like nails on a chalkboard. Right away before they even know each other he acts possessive of her. Then when they do actually become an item, it's even worse. He is sweet to her, but in a creepy and controlling way. He is just as obsessed with her as she is with him, &nbsp;probably more. He makes her feel bad if he doesn't come first to her at all times, but then will apologize and say he gets like that because he loves her and needs her. It's a very unhealthy relationship. They both know that they can't continue the way things are, but keep holding on to the thought that all they need is each other.<br /><br />This book is tragic in so many ways. The lack of parenting, the downward spiral the characters are on, and the way things end up. This is not a story with a happily ever after. It's a realistic story about issues that many people go through. The ending shows that there is still a long road ahead. This was hard to read at times because of the situations that happen. I never felt a character connection, but I was still able to get the emotional impact from the story. If you like gritty issue books, this is definitely one to read.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bspFmtGwoYE/Uf7nOnwKpYI/AAAAAAAALlA/rSS1Rsu4teI/s1600/3StarsAmy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bspFmtGwoYE/Uf7nOnwKpYI/AAAAAAAALlA/rSS1Rsu4teI/s1600/3StarsAmy.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">* An advanced copy of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I did not receive any compensation.</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/BookLovingMom/~4/x40N8dJg7ys" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/BookLovingMom/~3/x40N8dJg7ys/review-bleed-like-me-by-c-desir.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Amy)37http://www.booklovingme.com/2014/10/review-bleed-like-me-by-c-desir.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2048857059156435544.post-1646276551621834641Mon, 29 Sep 2014 04:00:00 +00002014-09-29T00:00:09.648-04:00ARCBook ReviewsHorrorPermuted PressRhiannon FraterReview: The Mesmerized by Rhiannon Frater<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k5YAY3KrwhU/VCiIpfQWZ6I/AAAAAAAAMvU/aDO4KvP0rgA/s1600/The%2BMesmerized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k5YAY3KrwhU/VCiIpfQWZ6I/AAAAAAAAMvU/aDO4KvP0rgA/s1600/The%2BMesmerized.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div><ul id="yui_3_8_1_1_1411942518465_941"><li id="yui_3_8_1_1_1411942518465_940"><span id="yui_3_8_1_1_1411942518465_939">Publisher: </span>Permuted Platinum</li><li id="yui_3_8_1_1_1411942518465_1017"><span id="yui_3_8_1_1_1411942518465_1019">Publication date: </span>9/30/2014</li><li id="yui_3_8_1_1_1411942518465_1017">Source: eARC provided by the author for Beta read/review</li></ul>Purchase: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00NA3TKT6/ref=x_gr_w_bb?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=httpwwwgoodco-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=B00NA3TKT6&amp;SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2" target="_blank">Amazon</a> | <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-mesmerized-rhiannon-frater/1120220806?ean=9781618685001" target="_blank">B&amp;N</a><br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span id="freeText13687036402025715735">It is silence, not screams of terror, which proclaims the end of the world…<br /><br />Minji Nordim is vacationing in Las Vegas with her small family when she witnesses the beginning of a terrifying apocalypse. When humanity is transformed into mindless drones by a terrifying supernatural event only Minji appears to be immune.<br /><br />Thousands die instantly, but the other affected people are drawn to the Nevada desert. Nothing stands in the way of the mesmerized. Not fire, not heights, not rubble. As the bodies pile in the streets and the relentless wave of the mesmerized plods into the deadly desert, Minji is trapped in a burning city attempting to rescue her affected family.<br />Can one woman save her family and the world?</span> </blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20348749-the-mesmerized?from_search=true" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20348749-the-mesmerized?from_search=true" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iOu_1S-aMR0/Ue8Vdc3vKnI/AAAAAAAALf8/vHzu1Cmf9A0/s1600/add%2Bto%2Bgoodreads%2Bblack.jpg" /></a></div><br /><b><i><u>My Thoughts</u></i></b><br /><br />This book was unique and amazing!! Rhiannon Frater never fails to give me the chills and an engaging story that is impossible to put down. When I first started the book, I was so confused at what was going on, but in a good way. Was it zombies? Aliens? Government conspiracy? All of those things? Seriously, I was totally intrigued from the first few pages and it was an exciting and at times terrifying adventure through to the last page. I admit, I read this a while back so I don't remember a lot of the details, but it is a story that will stick with you and I remember all of the important things that make this book super awesome! <br /><br />Minji is on a family vacation in Vegas when this crazy apocalypse hits. Her husband and child are all of the sudden in some sort of trance and she doesn't know what to do or how to save them. She just knows that she has to do something. But first, she needs to keep herself alive. It's terrifying seeing hordes of people just mindlessly walking towards something, not caring about balconies or walls, or anything that is in their path. She comes across a few other immune people, but most are scared and unhelpful. She is tough and strong and goes through way more than most people could handle. I really loved her character.<br /><br />This is full of suspense and tension that keeps you needing to read on to see what is going to happen next. The whole atmosphere is so creepy and chilling. Especially The Mesmerized as they are called. The behaviors of them, as well as the immune people sent shivers up my spine. You could feel the desperation of everyone and everything. As things unfold it just makes it more intense. I can't really say much more without spoiling anything. This was such an amazing read that I recommend to everyone! It is not a YA, but I believe people of all ages will really enjoy this book. Of course, beware of language and violence. It is a horror novel.&nbsp; Books like this cement my love for Rhiannon Frater and are the reason I keep coming back for more and more. <br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BKu9IaBPKpo/Uex3bMfG5FI/AAAAAAAALfA/Mhiibmu1Uqk/s1600/5StarsAmy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BKu9IaBPKpo/Uex3bMfG5FI/AAAAAAAALfA/Mhiibmu1Uqk/s1600/5StarsAmy.png" height="64" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">*An advanced copy of this book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. I did not receive any compensation.</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/BookLovingMom/~4/YtY0p_sO2HM" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/BookLovingMom/~3/YtY0p_sO2HM/review-mesmerized-by-rhiannon-frater.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Amy)36http://www.booklovingme.com/2014/09/review-mesmerized-by-rhiannon-frater.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2048857059156435544.post-5214002856097551630Thu, 25 Sep 2014 04:00:00 +00002014-09-25T00:00:06.291-04:00Ann M. MartinARCBook ReviewsFeiwel and FriendsIssue BooksMacmillanMiddle GradeReview: Rain Reign by Ann M. Martin<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eq61c9Bgb0E/VAyP7q8tWOI/AAAAAAAAMt0/q3mj8DZxK9k/s1600/Rain%2BReign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eq61c9Bgb0E/VAyP7q8tWOI/AAAAAAAAMt0/q3mj8DZxK9k/s1600/Rain%2BReign.jpg" height="320" width="214" /></a></div><ul id="yui_3_8_1_1_1410109325624_1146"><li id="yui_3_8_1_1_1410109325624_1145"><span id="yui_3_8_1_1_1410109325624_1144">Publisher: </span>Feiwel &amp; Friends</li><li id="yui_3_8_1_1_1410109325624_1148"><span id="yui_3_8_1_1_1410109325624_1150">Publication date: </span>10/7/2014</li><li id="yui_3_8_1_1_1410109325624_1149">Pages: 240</li><li id="yui_3_8_1_1_1410109325624_1149">Source: ARC provided by the publisher for review</li></ul>Purchase: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0312643004/ref=x_gr_w_bb?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=httpwwwgoodco-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=0312643004&amp;SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2" target="_blank">Amazon</a> | <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/rain-reign-ann-m-martin/1118139042?ean=9780312643003&amp;itm=1&amp;usri=0312643004" target="_blank">B&amp;N</a> | <a href="http://www.bookdepository.com/Rain-Reign-Ann-Martin/9780312643003" target="_blank">The Book Depository</a><br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span id="freeText4317000127704073751"><b>In her most powerful novel yet, Newbery Honor author Ann M. Martin tells the story of girl with mental/emotional challenges and the dog she loves.</b><br /><br />Rose Howard has OCD, Asperger’s syndrome, and an obsession with homonyms (even her name is a homonym). She gave her dog Rain a name with two homonyms (Reign, Rein), which, according to Rose’s rules of homonyms, is very special. Rain was a lost dog Rose’s father brought home. Rose and Rain are practically inseparable. And they are often home alone, as Rose’s father spends most evenings at a bar, and doesn’t have much patience for his special-needs daughter.<br />Just as a storm hits town, Rain goes missing. Rose’s father shouldn’t have let Rain out. Now Rose has to find her dog, even if it means leaving her routines and safe places to search. Rose will find Rain, but so will Rain’s original owners.<br /><br />Hearts will break and spirits will soar for this powerful story, brilliantly told from Rose’s point of view.</span> </blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20575434-rain-reign?ac=1" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20575434-rain-reign?ac=1" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iOu_1S-aMR0/Ue8Vdc3vKnI/AAAAAAAALf8/vHzu1Cmf9A0/s1600/add%2Bto%2Bgoodreads%2Bblack.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><b><i><u>My Thoughts</u></i></b><br /><br />This book was so sad, but very touching at the same time. I loved Rose, Rain, and her Uncle. I wanted to hug Rose and let her know how special and wonderful she was. I wanted to tell her Uncle that he was the best. I loved how Rain was such a positive part of her life that was so lonely and hard. This book explores how misunderstood Autism is, and how children in general are misunderstood. This is an eye opening, heartbreaking story about a little girl who has a huge heart, and a large amount of courage.<br /><br />Rose has Asperger's which makes her different from the other kids in her class. She has always had trouble in school because of her outbursts and behavioral issues. She is very smart, and has a big heart, but she always feels alone. The kids in her class don't really talk to her, but she doesn't really talk to them either. She struggles with basic conversation. At home, her father is either working or at the bar. She does all of the cooking and cleaning, and she takes super good care of Rain, the dog her dad brought home for her one night. When Rain goes missing, the only thing that kept her happy and occupied is gone. While trying to find her dearest friend, she discovers that Rain actually belongs to someone else.<br /><br />This was such an uplifting story, even while being heart breaking. It was focused on Rose and Rain, but it also dives into her everyday life, living with mental disorders, and what caring and family really is all about. This young girl, who is not normal or average, confronts things that most people would have a hard time with head on. She is brave, thoughtful, and very special. She may get easily overwhelmed, or have meltdowns, but she is just the same as every person inside. Actually, better than most. She will do what is right, even if it seems like it's horrible or hurts at the moment. This book shows that just because you are different, doesn't make you any less of a person. This story really touched me, and I think it's a must read for all young people, and older people too.&nbsp; <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K9ipKPVPPzM/UfGcGLyrtkI/AAAAAAAALhA/lvLlBkOKLQM/s1600/4StarsAmy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K9ipKPVPPzM/UfGcGLyrtkI/AAAAAAAALhA/lvLlBkOKLQM/s1600/4StarsAmy.png" height="79" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">*An advanced copy of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I did not receive any compensation.</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/BookLovingMom/~4/zNGZTqIfCsA" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/BookLovingMom/~3/zNGZTqIfCsA/review-rain-reign-by-ann-m-martin.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Amy)14http://www.booklovingme.com/2014/09/review-rain-reign-by-ann-m-martin.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2048857059156435544.post-8118001268539839989Wed, 24 Sep 2014 04:00:00 +00002014-09-24T00:00:04.839-04:00ARCBook ReviewsHarperTeenIssue BooksRachel M WilsonReview: Don't Touch by Rachel M. Wilson<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pLkH6pRe37c/VAyKy2haw1I/AAAAAAAAMtk/6M_cU2Zi6wk/s1600/Don%27t%2BTouch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pLkH6pRe37c/VAyKy2haw1I/AAAAAAAAMtk/6M_cU2Zi6wk/s1600/Don't%2BTouch.jpg" height="320" width="211" /></a></div><ul id="yui_3_8_1_1_1410107991674_1503"><li id="yui_3_8_1_1_1410107991674_1502"><span id="yui_3_8_1_1_1410107991674_1501">Publisher: </span>HarperTeen</li><li id="yui_3_8_1_1_1410107991674_1505"><span id="yui_3_8_1_1_1410107991674_1507">Publication date: </span>9/2/2014</li><li id="yui_3_8_1_1_1410107991674_1506">Pages: 432</li><li id="yui_3_8_1_1_1410107991674_1506">Source: eARC provided by the publisher&nbsp; </li></ul>Purchase: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Dont-Touch-Rachel-M-Wilson/dp/0062220934/ref=tmm_hrd_title_0?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1410108038&amp;sr=8-1" target="_blank">Amazon</a> | <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dont-touch-rachel-m-wilson/1117657300?ean=9780062220936" target="_blank">B&amp;N</a> | <a href="http://www.bookdepository.com/Dont-Touch-Rachel-Wilson/9780062220936" target="_blank">The Book Depository</a><br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span id="freeText10816676449539963739"><b>A powerful story of a girl who is afraid to touch another person’s skin, until the boy auditioning for Hamlet opposite her Ophelia gives her a reason to overcome her fears.</b><br /><br /><i>Step on a crack, break your mother’s back. Touch another person’s skin, and Dad’s gone for good.</i><br /><br />Caddie can’t stop thinking that if she keeps from touching another person’s skin, her parents might get back together... which is why she wears full-length gloves to school and covers every inch of her skin.<br /><br />It seems harmless at first, but Caddie’s obsession soon threatens her ambitions as an actress. She desperately wants to play Ophelia in her school’s production of Hamlet. But that would mean touching Peter, who’s auditioning for the title role—and kissing him. Part of Caddie would love nothing more than to kiss Peter—but the other part isn't sure she's brave enough to let herself fall.<br /><br />Perfect for fans of Laurie Halse Anderson, this debut novel from Rachel M. Wilson is a moving story of a talented girl who's fighting an increasingly severe anxiety disorder, and the friends and family who stand by her.</span></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22605745-don-t-touch" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22605745-don-t-touch" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uhJPvgs5QOE/UfGG76hNNXI/AAAAAAAALgw/8a65mL-tRpc/s1600/goodreads-badge-add-plus.png" /></a></div><br /><b><i><u>My Thoughts</u></i></b><br /><br />This book!! I loved it. There are a lot of books out there that tackle different types of mental illness, but the way this one was done was so incredible. It's actually a bit scary to think about, but I saw myself in a lot of the things that Caddie would think or do. I am such a germaphobe that I sometimes realize that it really affects things that I should be able to enjoy. I get a little too overprotective with my daughter with things she touches, and with sanitizing and washing her hands. Unlike Caddie though, I can stop it... for the most part. Caddie isn't afraid of touch because of a germ phobia like me though. She has made up this thing in her head that her dad will come back if she doesn't touch, or let herself be touched. She even adds to the "rules" she has made for herself so she won't fail. It was really heartbreaking to read how her whole entire life has been affected by this.<br /><br />Caddie, like you read above can't let herself be touched or touch anyone else. She thinks that if she lets someone touch her skin, her father will never come back. Her own rules she has made up in her mind are like superstitions times a million. She has been accepted into this great school for the arts, and she is making friends and fitting in pretty well. She thinks that she is hiding her phobia okay, but it's obvious that people around her notice it. There is also the fact that she has gotten the leading role in the school play and she is supposed to kiss Peter, who is playing Hamlet. She goes out of her way to find a way to alter the play so they will not have to touch, but she secretly wishes that it would just happen. She doesn't want it to be her fault if her dad doesn't come back, but then she won't have to worry about the no touching thing anymore.&nbsp;<br /><br />The romance was really great in this. Since Caddie is so has her no touching thing, it makes it interesting. Her and Peter and so great, and he is just awesome with her. He may not understand things at first, but he knows something is off. He is willing to give her the time that she needs. He is a bit hot and cold, but that's understandable. The vibes she throws off are quite confusing. I really loved how it all comes together though, and I thought the chemistry between them was amazing.<br /><br />This book was hard to read at times. Not because it was slow or bad, but because of the torment that Caddie is going through. Yes, it's self inflicted, but mentally she can't help it. It made me feel so awful that it was so hard for her, and that she was afraid to get help. Afraid to let anyone in or get too close. She has a lot of fear swimming around in her brain and it was sad at times. I really felt for her. I do think that the ending came a little too easily, but it wasn't a bad thing. I felt like after everything that it was just a bit too simple is all. Not that it was a tidy package tied up with a bow either. I really enjoyed this book, and I love that more and more books are tackling different types of mental illnesses and issues. These are the types of books that are great for kids in school to be reading. And of course any other book lover. I am eager to read more of this authors work in the future.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wP9rbu_eAFU/UgLLkil04NI/AAAAAAAALnQ/fCdl4xvhVD4/s1600/4halfStarsAmy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wP9rbu_eAFU/UgLLkil04NI/AAAAAAAALnQ/fCdl4xvhVD4/s1600/4halfStarsAmy.png" height="70" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">*An advanced copy of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I did not receive any compensation.</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/BookLovingMom/~4/sySnedBTFNA" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/BookLovingMom/~3/sySnedBTFNA/review-dont-touch-by-rachel-m-wilson.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Amy)11http://www.booklovingme.com/2014/09/review-dont-touch-by-rachel-m-wilson.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2048857059156435544.post-219796380647668222Tue, 23 Sep 2014 04:00:00 +00002014-09-23T00:00:01.924-04:00ARCBlog ToursBook ReviewsGiveawaysHarperCollinsMelissa MarrXpresso Book ToursBlog Tour: Made for You by Melissa Marr - Review and Tour Giveaway<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://xpressobooktours.com/2014/07/14/tour-sign-up-made-for-you-by-melissa-marr/" target="_blank"><img alt="http://xpressobooktours.com/2014/07/14/tour-sign-up-made-for-you-by-melissa-marr/" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5PVvl_b_Goo/VB8MfQMeLHI/AAAAAAAAMuk/zNSG-wGvpfE/s1600/MadeForYouTourBanner.png" height="147" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Hello!! Welcome to my stop on the Made for You Blog Tour! I have my review and tour giveaway for you. This tour was organized by the awesome Xpresso Book Tours. For the full tour schedule, click on the banner above to be taken to the tour page.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RkOWs2ggBmM/VB8N63Uyy_I/AAAAAAAAMuw/n1AXHZ8dtWg/s1600/MadeForYou.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RkOWs2ggBmM/VB8N63Uyy_I/AAAAAAAAMuw/n1AXHZ8dtWg/s1600/MadeForYou.jpg" /></a></div><ul id="yui_3_8_1_1_1411321368897_1118"><li id="yui_3_8_1_1_1411321368897_1117"><span id="yui_3_8_1_1_1411321368897_1116">Publisher: </span>HarperCollins Publishers</li><li id="yui_3_8_1_1_1411321368897_1137">Publication date: 9/16/2014</li><li id="yui_3_8_1_1_1411321368897_1137">Source: eARC provided by Xpresso Book Tours via publisher for review/tour</li></ul>Purchase: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Made-You-Melissa-Marr/dp/0062011197/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1405354327&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=made+for+you+Melissa" target="_blank">Amazon</a> | <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/made-for-you-melissa-marr/1118198937?ean=9780062011190" target="_blank">B&amp;N</a> | <a href="http://store.kobobooks.com/en-CA/ebook/made-for-you-3" target="_blank">Kobo </a>| <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/made-for-you/id790429269?mt=11" target="_blank">iTunes </a>| <a href="http://www.bookdepository.com/Made-for-You-Melissa-Marr/9780062011190" target="_blank">The Book Depository</a><br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span id="freeText5105790428383299605"><b>Bestselling author of the Wicked Lovely books Melissa Marr’s first contemporary YA novel is a twisted southern gothic tale of obsession, romance, and murder. A killer is obsessed with Eva Tilling. Can she stop him, or will he claim her?</b><br /><br />When Eva Tilling wakes up in the hospital, she’s confused—who in her sleepy little North Carolina town could have hit her with their car? And why? But before she can consider the question, she finds that she’s awoken with a strange new skill: the ability to foresee people’s deaths when they touch her. While she is recovering from the hit-and-run, Nate, an old flame, reappears, and the two must traverse their rocky past as they figure out how to use Eva’s power to keep her friends—and themselves—alive. But while Eva and Nate grow closer, the killer grows increasingly frantic in his attempt to get to Eva.<br /><br />For the first time, New York Times bestselling author Melissa Marr has applied her extraordinary talent to contemporary realism. Chilling twists, unrequited obsession, and high-stakes romance drive this Gothic, racy thriller—a story of small-town oppression and salvation. Melissa’s fans, and every YA reader, will find its wild ride enthralling.</span> </blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20419003-made-for-you?ac=1" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20419003-made-for-you?ac=1" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uhJPvgs5QOE/UfGG76hNNXI/AAAAAAAALgw/8a65mL-tRpc/s1600/goodreads-badge-add-plus.png" /></a></div><br /><b><i><u>My Thoughts</u></i></b><br /><br />This book was a mix of obsession, mystery, and romance, as the book description states. What you don't get from the synopsis is, it's rooted in mental illness. It never actually talks about that, but really, there is something majorly wrong with the killers mind, and that is what causes all of the killings and crazy antics in this book. This is definitely a thriller novel, but I didn't find the mystery too hard to figure out. It's revealed quite early anyways, but it didn't take much sleuthing to discover it first on my own. Even with knowing, it was still an enjoyable story.<br /><br />Eva lives in a small town where social status and family pedigree still means pretty much everything. If you are from a well known, well off family, you should only associate with people of the same status. When it comes to dating, it's pretty much almost like going back to the days of arranged marriages. Of course, with all of that, there is also the way the town is. People don't get murdered. It's a safe and quiet town where mannerisms are one of the most important things.<br /><br />Eva is one of the Elite crowd. One of the important people of the town by her heritage. She is dating one of the acceptable guys and things are pretty good. That is until she almost gets killed when she's hit by a car. Now she is a broken mangled mess, and on top of that, it's no accident that she was hit.Oh, and the fact that she can see people's deaths before they happen. Now, there is someone after her friends too and she needs to find out who. I really liked Eva because even though she is one of the top families in town, she's not stuck up or thinks she's better than anyone. Sadly, I don't think that she would have actually done some of the things she did if she hadn't had her accident, but we'll ignore that fact. She is a good person, and really cares about others. She will do anything she can to make sure nobody else gets hurt or killed. Even at risk to herself.<br /><br />There is romance in this, but I did like it. I thought that it was sweet and fit into the story perfectly. It also gives more to the storyline of the crazy person who is taking people out trying to send Eva a message. I thought that Eva and Nate were a great couple, and even though they had their issues in the past, I was glad to see them move past it. In fact, Nate was one of my favorite parts of this book.<br /><br />There is a lot of religion in this, but not in a preachy way. The murderer thinks that God is the one showing them the way. To them, it's what God wants, and everything that he does is teaching a lesson to Eva so that she can see the truth. It was all very creepy and gave me chills at how deep the obsession and delusions were.&nbsp; <br /><br />I really enjoyed this book. It was a great story and it was paced perfectly. It didn't rush through things, but it was fast enough to keep my wandering mind interested. I wouldn't call it southern gothic as the synopsis suggests, but it was a great thriller with a dose of sweet romance and creep factor. I have not read any of Marr's other books, but after reading this, I really want to check out more of her books.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r1DGyXyfcyk/UfAfoTaPkLI/AAAAAAAALgM/Ijk2K49qz08/s1600/3HalfStarsAmy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r1DGyXyfcyk/UfAfoTaPkLI/AAAAAAAALgM/Ijk2K49qz08/s1600/3HalfStarsAmy.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">*An advanced copy of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I did not receive any compensation. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">AUTHOR BIO</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TQfSXBI4mqI/VB8UhGPnbLI/AAAAAAAAMvA/oXWp7PGLaCQ/s1600/Melissa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TQfSXBI4mqI/VB8UhGPnbLI/AAAAAAAAMvA/oXWp7PGLaCQ/s1600/Melissa.jpg" /></a>Hmm, I’m never good at the bio bit. I used to teach college &amp; bartend, now I write novels. I love to meet new people, to hear their stories, to walk through new streets and see new vistas. I enjoy art in all its guises–graffiti, surrealist paintings, classic sculptures, tattoos, interesting buildings, Renoir, photography . . . Art &amp; nature, they feed my soul &amp; thus my muse.</div><div><br /></div><div><div>Author links:</div><div><a href="http://www.melissamarrbooks.com/" target="_blank">http://www.melissamarrbooks.<wbr></wbr>com/</a></div><div><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/175855.Melissa_Marr" target="_blank">https://www.goodreads.com/<wbr></wbr>author/show/175855.Melissa_<wbr></wbr>Marr</a></div><div><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Melissa-Marr/122745987781031" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/<wbr></wbr>pages/Melissa-Marr/<wbr></wbr>122745987781031</a></div><div><a href="https://twitter.com/melissa_marr" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/melissa_<wbr></wbr>marr</a></div><div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><u><b>Tour Giveaway</b></u></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div><ul><li>All 5 of Melissa's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/series/41971-wicked-lovely" target="_blank">Wicked Lovely</a>&nbsp;books (paperback),&nbsp;</li><li>The Desert Tale - Wicked Lovely companion book (paperback), &nbsp;</li><li>A hardcover copy of Made For You</li></ul></div><div><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div></div><a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/d0425123542/" id="rc-d0425123542" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><br /><br /><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This post is brought to you by Xpresso Book Tours</div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp; <script src="//widget.rafflecopter.com/load.js"></script></div><div align="center"><a href="http://xpressobooktours.com/" title="Xpresso Book Tours"><img alt="Xpresso Book Tours" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-siV-ttxJcIg/VA3uN4vsSuI/AAAAAAAAyEU/dSXvlsRoqXE/s1600/ButtonXBT.png" style="border: none;" /></a></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/BookLovingMom/~4/SifxMnIAHPY" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/BookLovingMom/~3/SifxMnIAHPY/blog-tour-made-for-you-by-melissa-marr.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Amy)12http://www.booklovingme.com/2014/09/blog-tour-made-for-you-by-melissa-marr.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2048857059156435544.post-2594185018993068384Mon, 22 Sep 2014 04:00:00 +00002014-09-22T00:00:05.047-04:00Amulet BooksARCBook ReviewsKate A. BoormanReview: Winterkill by Kate A. Boorman<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1fUhNPz2giY/U-_Hc7t-tBI/AAAAAAAAMqM/HCTKTF5Gn-8/s1600/Winterkill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1fUhNPz2giY/U-_Hc7t-tBI/AAAAAAAAMqM/HCTKTF5Gn-8/s1600/Winterkill.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></div><ul id="yui_3_8_1_1_1408223032415_812"><li id="yui_3_8_1_1_1408223032415_818"><span id="yui_3_8_1_1_1408223032415_819">Publisher: </span>Amulet Books</li><li id="yui_3_8_1_1_1408223032415_817"><span id="yui_3_8_1_1_1408223032415_816">Publication date: </span>9/9/2014</li><li id="yui_3_8_1_1_1408223032415_817">Source: eARC provided by the publisher for review</li></ul>&nbsp;Purchase: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1419712357/ref=x_gr_w_bb?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=httpwwwgoodco-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=1419712357&amp;SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2" target="_blank">Amazon</a> | <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/winterkill-kate-boorman/1118470667?ean=9781419712357&amp;itm=1&amp;usri=9781419712357&amp;cm_mmc=AFFILIATES-_-Linkshare-_-GwEz7vxblVU-_-10:1&amp;r=1,%201" target="_blank">B&amp;N</a> | <a href="http://www.bookdepository.com/Winterkill-Kate-Boorman/9781419712357" target="_blank">The Book Depository</a><br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span id="freeText12997760147965209185">Emmeline knows she’s not supposed to explore the woods outside her settlement. The enemy that wiped out half her people lurks there, attacking at night and keeping them isolated in an unfamiliar land with merciless winters. Living with the shame of her grandmother’s insubordination, Emmeline has learned to keep her head down and her quick tongue silent.<br /><br />When the settlement leader asks for her hand in marriage, it’s an opportunity for Emmeline to wash the family slate clean—even if she has eyes for another. But before she’s forced into an impossible decision, her dreams urge her into the woods, where she uncovers a path she can’t help but follow. The trail leads to a secret that someone in the village will kill to protect. Her grandmother followed the same path and paid the price. If Emmeline isn’t careful, she will be next.</span> </blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20702025-winterkill?ac=1" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20702025-winterkill?ac=1" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uhJPvgs5QOE/UfGG76hNNXI/AAAAAAAALgw/8a65mL-tRpc/s1600/goodreads-badge-add-plus.png" /></a></div><br /><b><i><u>My Thoughts</u></i></b><br /><br />This book reminds me a lot of the movie The Village. A group of people living inside a settlement, fearing the creature outside the walls that killed half of them off generations ago.They must all follow the rules of The Settlement or they will face punishment. Emmeline comes from a family that has a history of Waywardness and she is known as Stained. She is now of age so she is eligible for Binding. She has a history of Waywardness herself, and she can't seem to stop herself from breaking the rules. She knows that there is something else going on and is determined to find out what, but she fears the only way to do that is to accept marriage to the leader. She is in love with another, but her plan is too important, and she knows that it's her only chance.<br /><br />Emmaline is a tough and smart girl. She loves exploring and collecting items that were left behind by The Lost Ones. She doesn't try to break the rules of the settlement, but her curiosity gets the best of her. She wants to know what is beyond, and what secrets are being kept. She helps the village healer with collecting herbs and other needed supplies, and that gives her a good opportunity to explore. When she catches the eye of Kane, things get more complicated. She is falling for him, but has agreed to Bind with the settlement leader. I wouldn't really call it a love triangle, since she is obviously not interested in the leader. I thought that she made some really bad choices, but her heart was in the right place with discovering what was really going on.<br /><br />This was a pretty slow moving story, and it really focused on the feel of the story. We get to see the way they are used to living, and how tight the rules are to "keep everyone safe". It's all an elaborate hoax to keep those living there in fear of leaving and trying to see if there is anything else out there. Anyone who gets too close to finding the truth is in danger from within, not from any outside source.&nbsp; I would have liked a bit more history about how the village came to be, but that's okay. <br /><br />I enjoyed this book overall, but I thought that there was too much focus on the romance and it took away from the story a bit. I understand that it tied certain things together, but I don't think we needed so much time with it. I also wish we had gotten to know the society as a whole a little bit better than we did. We get the general idea, but it's more just snippets. I think that a little more focus on that, and on interactions between people would have rounded out the story much better. The idea of this was not original, but I thought that it was a good book, and executed pretty well. I think it's a book that many will enjoy. &nbsp; <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bspFmtGwoYE/Uf7nOnwKpYI/AAAAAAAALlA/rSS1Rsu4teI/s1600/3StarsAmy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bspFmtGwoYE/Uf7nOnwKpYI/AAAAAAAALlA/rSS1Rsu4teI/s1600/3StarsAmy.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">*An advanced copy of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I did not receive any compensation.</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/BookLovingMom/~4/Iiy82QNeW2I" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/BookLovingMom/~3/Iiy82QNeW2I/review-winterkill-by-kate-boorman.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Amy)12http://www.booklovingme.com/2014/09/review-winterkill-by-kate-boorman.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2048857059156435544.post-3031646612687880165Fri, 12 Sep 2014 04:01:00 +00002014-09-12T00:01:00.032-04:00Cover RevealsFantasyXpresso Book ToursYoung AdultCover Reveal: To Make A Witch by Heather Hamilton-Senter<div style="text-align: center;">Hello everyone!! Today I am participating in the cover reveal for To Make a Witch by Heather Hamilton-Senter. This cover reveal was organized by Xpresso Book Tours.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">To Make a Witch&nbsp;by&nbsp;Heather Hamilton-Senter<br />(Sword of Elements #1.5)<br />Publication date:&nbsp;<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_2115029539" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">October 1st 2014</span></span><br />Genres:&nbsp;Fantasy,&nbsp;Young Adult<br /><br /><b>Synopsis</b>:<br />At her old school, Lacey&nbsp;found herself on the wrong side of a conflict between Celtic gods.&nbsp;Making a new start in an exclusive boarding school in New&nbsp;Orleans, she&nbsp;hopes to forget that she was once on the verge of becoming a powerful&nbsp;witch—and everything she has lost since then.<br /><br />When a gruesome murder occurs in the very heart of Westover Academy,&nbsp;Lacey senses a connection between it and the desecration of the tomb of&nbsp;Marie Laveau, the Voodoo queen. Haunted by a trauma in her past and the&nbsp;resulting OCD, Lacey must solve the mystery before she becomes the&nbsp;killer’s&nbsp;next target.<br /><br />Circumstances beyond her control may once again make Lacey McInnis—cheerleader, scholar, and all-around good girl—a witch.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RVg9srOHZXo/VBIxZyyUktI/AAAAAAAAMuM/PrRYx0aa8b0/s1600/to%2Bmake%2Ba%2Bwitch%2Bcover%2Breveal%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RVg9srOHZXo/VBIxZyyUktI/AAAAAAAAMuM/PrRYx0aa8b0/s1600/to%2Bmake%2Ba%2Bwitch%2Bcover%2Breveal%2Bcopy.jpg" height="640" width="425" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23157847-to-make-a-witch" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23157847-to-make-a-witch" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uhJPvgs5QOE/UfGG76hNNXI/AAAAAAAALgw/8a65mL-tRpc/s1600/goodreads-badge-add-plus.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">AUTHOR BIO:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div><span><span><br /></span></span></div><div><span><span>Heather grew up in a family where books of myth and legend were used to teach the ABCs and Irish uncles still believed in fairies. Raised with tall tales, she has always told stories too- first as an actor and singer, then as a photographer, and now as a writer.<br /><br />Heather lives in rural Ontario, Canada happily raising three children ranging in age from 6 to 18 with her biggest fan, her husband Steve.</span><br /><br />Author links:&nbsp;</span></div><div><a href="http://www.heatherhamiltonsenter.com/" target="_blank">http://www.<wbr></wbr>heatherhamiltonsenter.com/</a></div><div><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Heather-Hamilton-Senter-author/317288951753170" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/<wbr></wbr>pages/Heather-Hamilton-Senter-<wbr></wbr>author/317288951753170</a></div><div><a href="https://twitter.com/HeatherSenter" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/<wbr></wbr>HeatherSenter</a><br /><span style="color: #4787ff;"><u><a href="http://www.heatherhamiltonsenter.com/" target="_blank">www.heatherhamiltonsenter.com</a></u></span></div></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">This post brought to you by Xpresso Book Tours</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.xpressobooktours.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="http://www.xpressobooktours.com/" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1iwPJmOrIcA/UoAje4pI4bI/AAAAAAAAL9E/X_ACpa6NGsA/s1600/XpressoBannerTours.png" height="81" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/BookLovingMom/~4/KmwiqOiylnI" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/BookLovingMom/~3/KmwiqOiylnI/cover-reveal-to-make-witch-by-heather.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Amy)10http://www.booklovingme.com/2014/09/cover-reveal-to-make-witch-by-heather.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2048857059156435544.post-4500597328307084063Wed, 10 Sep 2014 04:00:00 +00002014-09-10T00:00:08.124-04:00ARCBook ReviewsContemporaryFeiwel and FriendsMacmillanRomanceSandy HallReview: A Little Something Different by Sandy Hall<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JGCZCc9Ltk0/VAySutGdo9I/AAAAAAAAMt4/R2HLzMocwzg/s1600/A%2Blittle%2BSomething%2BDifferent.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JGCZCc9Ltk0/VAySutGdo9I/AAAAAAAAMt4/R2HLzMocwzg/s1600/A%2Blittle%2BSomething%2BDifferent.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div><ul id="yui_3_8_1_1_1410109984174_1084"><li id="yui_3_8_1_1_1410109984174_1414"><span id="yui_3_8_1_1_1410109984174_1413">Publisher: </span>Feiwel &amp; Friends</li><li id="yui_3_8_1_1_1410109984174_1083"><span id="yui_3_8_1_1_1410109984174_1082">Publication date: </span>8/26/2014</li><li id="yui_3_8_1_1_1410109984174_1436">Pages: 272</li><li id="yui_3_8_1_1_1410109984174_1436">Source: ARC Provided by the publisher for review</li></ul>Purchase: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Little-Something-Different-Sandy-Hall-ebook/dp/B00IEPECT8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1410110099&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=A+Little+Something+Different" target="_blank">Amazo</a>n | <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-little-something-different-sandy-hall/1118624564?ean=9781250061775&amp;itm=1&amp;usri=1250061776" target="_blank">B&amp;N</a> | <a href="http://www.bookdepository.com/Little-Something-Different-Sandy-Hall/9781447273837" target="_blank">The Book Depository</a><br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span id="freeText12208076509497703604">The creative writing teacher, the delivery guy, the local Starbucks baristas, his best friend, her roommate, and the squirrel in the park all have one thing in common—they believe that Gabe and Lea should get together.&nbsp;Lea and Gabe are in the same creative writing class. They get the same pop culture references, order the same Chinese food, and hang out in the same places. Unfortunately, Lea is reserved, Gabe has issues, and despite their initial mutual crush, it looks like they are never going to work things out. &nbsp;But somehow even when nothing is going on, <u>something</u> is happening between them, and <i>everyone</i> can see it. Their creative writing teacher pushes them together. The baristas at Starbucks watch their relationship like a TV&nbsp;show. Their bus driver tells his wife about them. The waitress at the diner automatically seats them together. Even the squirrel who lives on the college green believes in their relationship. <br /><br />Surely Gabe and Lea will figure out that they are meant to be together....</span> </blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20801166-a-little-something-different?ac=1" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20801166-a-little-something-different?ac=1" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uhJPvgs5QOE/UfGG76hNNXI/AAAAAAAALgw/8a65mL-tRpc/s1600/goodreads-badge-add-plus.png" /></a></div><br /><b><i><u>My Thoughts</u></i></b><br /><br />This book was all sorts of adorable!! Like all of the different people watching the characters, I was falling in love with the idea of Gabe and Lea as a couple too. I loved the format of this. It was so fun to see these two falling in love through other peoples eyes. There are even the POV's of a squirrel, and a bench which are super fun to read. Reading this book felt like I was getting to know them, right along with them getting to know each other. I was shipping them hard and I was hoping they would finally be able to see what everyone else was seeing. Even with this being told in so many POV's, I felt like I really got to know Gabe and Lea well and I adored them both. They are so awkward and cute with each other that it was hard not to totally love them, and the idea of them being in love.<br /><br />Lea is a sweet girl who is a little awkward, and not sure how to go about her crush on Gabe. She is getting mixed signals on whether he is interested or not, at least as far as she sees. I loved her innocence and how absolutely adorable she was trying to make conversation with him, even though he didn't say much. She gets irrationally upset when she thinks he is playing games with her, but it's not annoying like this type of misunderstanding usually would be. It's all so sweet and cute and misinterpreted that I couldn't help but want her to know what was going on with him so she wouldn't give up on him.&nbsp; <br /><br />Gabe is having a hard time with things because of something that happened to him. He likes Lea, but he is too afraid to get close and have to tell her about his past. He has trouble hearing out of one ear, and that makes things even harder for him. He is embarrassed and ashamed, and doesn't want to let people in. He feels like he has gone from having so much, to losing a lot, but feels guilty for not being thankful for what he still does have. He doesn't purposefully ignore Lea, but he doesn't want to tell her about his hearing, so she takes it as him not liking her. He also sees her with her friend, and thinks that she has a boyfriend. He feels the mixed signals as much as she does.<br /><br />What is so great about this, is it's told from outside perspectives. People around them who see their chemistry and want them to be together. It's so cute to see all these people so invested in a relationship forming between these two people. Then we have the squirrel who just wants some food and occasional company, and a bench who is bitter about ungrateful butts sitting on it. Some of the people are friends and family, and some are strangers who work places where they happen to go. I don't remember the last time I read something that was so cute and made me smile so much. This was fantastic and I would recommend it to anyone who loves cute romance with a dose of humor.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K9ipKPVPPzM/UfGcGLyrtkI/AAAAAAAALhA/lvLlBkOKLQM/s1600/4StarsAmy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K9ipKPVPPzM/UfGcGLyrtkI/AAAAAAAALhA/lvLlBkOKLQM/s1600/4StarsAmy.png" height="79" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">*An advanced copy of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I did not receive any compensation.</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/BookLovingMom/~4/_WfgrON8HMM" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/BookLovingMom/~3/_WfgrON8HMM/review-little-something-different-by.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Amy)10http://www.booklovingme.com/2014/09/review-little-something-different-by.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2048857059156435544.post-423439066267799275Tue, 09 Sep 2014 04:00:00 +00002014-09-09T00:00:02.178-04:00ARCBook ReviewsCarla SpradberyHodder Children's BooksMysteryThrillerReview: The 100 Society by Carla Spradbery<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QelyWqzK4iI/VAyGfIT38KI/AAAAAAAAMtc/jxTaMgMG8CU/s1600/The%2B100%2BSociety.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QelyWqzK4iI/VAyGfIT38KI/AAAAAAAAMtc/jxTaMgMG8CU/s1600/The%2B100%2BSociety.jpg" height="320" width="208" /></a></div><ul><li>Publisher: Hodder Children's Books</li><li>Publish Date: September 4th 2014</li><li>Source: eARC Provided by the publisher for review</li></ul>Purchase: <a href="http://www.bookdepository.com/100-Society-Carla-Spradbery/9781444920086" target="_blank">The Book Depository</a> (couldn't find any other links)<br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span id="freeText3290650866840812138">For sixth-form student Grace Becker, The 100 Society is more than just a game; it's an obsession. Having convinced her five friends at Clifton Academy to see it through to the end, Grace will stop at nothing to carry out the rules of the game: tagging 100 locations around the city. With each step closer to the 100-mark they get, the higher the stakes become. But when the group catches the attention of a menacing stalker - the Reaper - he seems intent on exposing their illegal game, tormenting Grace with anonymous threats and branding their dormitory doors with his ominous tag.<br /><br />As the once tight-knit group slowly unravels, torn apart by doubt and the death of a student, they no longer know who to trust.<br /><br />With time running out, Grace must unmask the Reaper before he destroys everything she cares about for ever...</span></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18461109-the-100-society" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18461109-the-100-society" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iOu_1S-aMR0/Ue8Vdc3vKnI/AAAAAAAALf8/vHzu1Cmf9A0/s1600/add%2Bto%2Bgoodreads%2Bblack.jpg" /></a></div><br /><b><i><u>My Thoughts</u></i></b><br /><br />After reading this synopsis, I was intrigued and couldn't wait to read this. It was an interesting book, but the mystery aspect was a bit easy for me to figure out. I didn't figure it out right away, but I did figure it out quite early. The other thing was, I never really got the whole 100 society thing. It's not like they get anything for it, or anyone can even know they are the ones doing it since it's illegal. So they are doing these tags, at risk of getting caught, and amidst the danger of some psycho, just to do it? I just couldn't wrap my head around it. That being said, I did find the story to be pretty good. I liked some of the characters, while others drove me nuts, but it held my interest and I thought that it was worth the read.<br /><br />Grace comes from a family with high expectations. Her father and brother are super successful and she feels like she can't live up to what her dad wants. She just wants him to be proud of her. Her and her friends take up the challenge of The 100 Society and are doing really well. That is until there is someone who is threatening to expose them. Not only that, but her friends are being harmed. She is still determined to finish the tags, even if it is more dangerous than ever. She is also stuck in a really awkward love triangle of sorts, which is tearing apart their group. She was a bit stupid and that bothered me. She makes some really dumb choices, and she does ridiculous things. I wanted to jump in the book and be like, "Dude, what the hell is wrong with you?!". I liked her, but she wasn't a super great character to read.<br /><br />There was a lot of action in this book with the attacks and such, but there was also a lot wrong that didn't add up for me. Like when certain things happen, how the police aren't right there. Or how the students could even do half of the things that they did when things got towards the end. Even with those little irritants, I did enjoy reading this book. I thought that how it all came together at the end with the Reaper was great. If the mystery had lasted longer I may have enjoyed it more, but that's what I get for being so perceptive I guess. Overall it was a good book and I think a lot of people will enjoy it.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bspFmtGwoYE/Uf7nOnwKpYI/AAAAAAAALlA/rSS1Rsu4teI/s1600/3StarsAmy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bspFmtGwoYE/Uf7nOnwKpYI/AAAAAAAALlA/rSS1Rsu4teI/s1600/3StarsAmy.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">*An advanced copy of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I did not receive any compensation.</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/BookLovingMom/~4/C2-aK7OvOwQ" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/BookLovingMom/~3/C2-aK7OvOwQ/review-100-society-by-carla-spradbery.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Amy)8http://www.booklovingme.com/2014/09/review-100-society-by-carla-spradbery.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2048857059156435544.post-6174132755054169852Mon, 08 Sep 2014 04:00:00 +00002014-09-08T00:00:05.470-04:00ARCBook ReviewsHillary MonahanHorrorHyperionReview: Mary: The Summoning by Hillary Monohan<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wA5Mlt9_ej0/U-_B9IUUVoI/AAAAAAAAMp0/umAepBDWLXg/s1600/Mary%2BThe%2BSummoning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wA5Mlt9_ej0/U-_B9IUUVoI/AAAAAAAAMp0/umAepBDWLXg/s1600/Mary%2BThe%2BSummoning.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div><ul id="yui_3_8_1_1_1408221528247_947"><li id="yui_3_8_1_1_1408221528247_951"><span id="yui_3_8_1_1_1408221528247_950">Publisher: </span>Disney-Hyperion</li><li id="yui_3_8_1_1_1408221528247_952"><span id="yui_3_8_1_1_1408221528247_955">Publication date: </span>9/2/2014</li><li id="yui_3_8_1_1_1408221528247_953"> Series: <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/?series_id=984120" id="yui_3_8_1_1_1408221528247_954">Bloody Mary Series&nbsp;</a></li><li id="yui_3_8_1_1_1408221528247_953">Source: eARC provided by the publisher for review</li></ul>Purchase: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1423185196/ref=x_gr_w_bb?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=httpwwwgoodco-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=1423185196&amp;SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2" target="_blank">Amazon</a> | <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/mary-hillary-monahan/1118919953?ean=9781423185192&amp;itm=1&amp;usri=9781423185192&amp;cm_mmc=AFFILIATES-_-Linkshare-_-GwEz7vxblVU-_-10:1&amp;r=1,%201" target="_blank">B&amp;N</a> | <a href="http://www.bookdepository.com/Bloody-Mary-Book-1-Mary-Hillary-Monahan/9781423185192" target="_blank">The Book Depository</a><br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span id="freeText2353490111573723684">There is a right way and a wrong way to summon her. <br /><br />Jess had done the research. Success requires precision: a dark room, a mirror, a candle, salt, and four teenage girls. Each of them--Jess, Shauna, Kitty, and Anna--must link hands, follow the rules . . . and never let go. <br /><br />A thrilling fear spins around the room the first time Jess calls her name: "Bloody Mary. Bloody Mary. BLOODY MARY." A ripple of terror follows when a shadowy silhouette emerges through the fog, a specter trapped behind the mirror. <br /><br />Once is not enough, though--at least not for Jess. Mary is called again. And again. But when their summoning circle is broken, Bloody Mary slips through the glass with a taste for revenge on her lips. As the girls struggle to escape Mary's wrath, loyalties are questioned, friendships are torn apart, and lives are forever altered.<br /><br />A haunting trail of clues leads Shauna on a desperate search to uncover the legacy of Mary Worth. What she finds will change everything, but will it be enough to stop Mary--and Jess--before it's too late?</span> </blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17661402-mary" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17661402-mary" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iOu_1S-aMR0/Ue8Vdc3vKnI/AAAAAAAALf8/vHzu1Cmf9A0/s1600/add%2Bto%2Bgoodreads%2Bblack.jpg" /></a></div><br /><b><i><u>My Thoughts</u></i></b><br /><br />You've all heard of Bloody Mary, probably even played it yourself as a kid right? I was always super creeped out by it, and still don't like to look into mirrors in the dark out of that stupid irrational fear that something might be there.This book was very creepy. I could imagine this creepy being in the mirror, I could feel the characters fear. I was totally drawn into the story and it gave me goosebumps.Though Jess is the one who has the obsession with Bloody Mary, Shauna is really the main character in this and I loved (and hated) going through this scary adventure with her.<br /><br />This story is told by Shauna. Her and her friends go along with Jess to call Bloody Mary. It terrifies them all, but with Jess wanting to try it again, they go along with it. Mary gets out and latches onto Shauna and haunts her in any reflective surface she comes across. Shauna seeks help from someone who has been haunted herself by this evil spirit, but it seems the only way to get rid of Mary is to get her to haunt someone else. It's more than haunting though, she wants the person who's blood she has tasted. She will stop at nothing and is relentless. Shauna wouldn't wish that upon anyone else, but Jess is determined to ensure the safety of Shauna and will pawn Mary off on unsuspecting people if she can.<br /><br />This was a very visual book for me. The description were perfect and I could imagine all the creepy, scary scenes unfolding. I hated Jess, and felt bad for all the other characters. Including Mary. She may be evil, but the the things that led her to be an evil spirit made me want to feel bad for her. I would have if she wasn't so freaking scary! I really enjoyed how well rounded the characters were. Their personalities were so different and it was so easy to fall into the story and care what happened to everyone. I love a good horror story, and this one was done really well. I can't wait to read more from this author!!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K9ipKPVPPzM/UfGcGLyrtkI/AAAAAAAALhA/lvLlBkOKLQM/s1600/4StarsAmy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K9ipKPVPPzM/UfGcGLyrtkI/AAAAAAAALhA/lvLlBkOKLQM/s1600/4StarsAmy.png" height="79" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">*An advanced copy of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I did not receive any compensation.</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/BookLovingMom/~4/CaJqxBkPE9c" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/BookLovingMom/~3/CaJqxBkPE9c/review-mary-summoning-by-hillary-monohan.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Amy)10http://www.booklovingme.com/2014/09/review-mary-summoning-by-hillary-monohan.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2048857059156435544.post-6433574978002868599Wed, 27 Aug 2014 04:00:00 +00002014-08-27T00:00:00.223-04:00Book BlitzExcerptsGiveawaysRhiannon FraterXpresso Book ToursZombiesBook Blitz: The Last Mission of the Living by Rhiannon Frater<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WGV6eq5sclA/U_0KsMMhaAI/AAAAAAAAMrc/w_zxSENcY2Y/s1600/TheLastMissionoftheLivingBlitzBanner.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WGV6eq5sclA/U_0KsMMhaAI/AAAAAAAAMrc/w_zxSENcY2Y/s1600/TheLastMissionoftheLivingBlitzBanner.png" height="147" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Hi everyone!! Today I am taking part in the Book Blitz for Rhiannon Frater's book The Last Mission of the Living. I am so excited about this book! I have read part of it and let me tell you, it's awesome! I can't wait to buy it and read the whole thing. This blitz was organized by <a href="http://xpressobooktours.com/" target="_blank">Xpresso Book Tours</a>. Keep reading for an excerpt from the book and a great Blitz giveaway!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JywmXCIMq7k/U_0MePyh_uI/AAAAAAAAMro/isygs4rccmI/s1600/LastMission.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JywmXCIMq7k/U_0MePyh_uI/AAAAAAAAMro/isygs4rccmI/s1600/LastMission.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><ul><li>The Last Mission of the Living&nbsp;by&nbsp;Rhiannon Frater</li><li>Publication date: <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_827787962" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">August 28th 2014</span></span></li><li><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_827787962" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Genres:&nbsp;Adult,&nbsp;Horror,&nbsp;Post-</span></span>Apocalyptic,&nbsp;Zombies<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_827787962" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ"></span></span><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_827787962" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">&nbsp;</span></span></li></ul><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_827787962" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">&nbsp;Purchase: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&amp;field-keywords=The+Last+Mission+of+the+Living+Rhiannon+Frater&amp;rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3AThe+Last+Mission+of+the+Living+Rhiannon+Frater" target="_blank">Amazon</a> (link will work on release day)</span></span><br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_827787962" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Humanity teeters on the brink of extinction…<br /><br />Vanguard Lindsay Rooney has faced the undead hordes of Inferi Scourge&nbsp;and lived to tell the tale, but she has also suffered horrible losses.&nbsp;Like&nbsp;millions of other civilians, she had hoped that The Bastion would&nbsp;recover after a team of modified soldiers eradicated the undead hordes&nbsp;of Inferi&nbsp;Scourge that infested their valley. Yet the city still&nbsp;crumbles around them, along with any chance of survival.<br /><br />Lindsey’s growing friendship with Torran MacDonald, an officer with&nbsp;the Science Warfare division, is her only solace as the decline of the&nbsp;city&nbsp;continues. When food riots fill the streets, martial law is&nbsp;enacted, and the upper echelons of government battle for control of the&nbsp;city, Lindsey is&nbsp;conscripted by her superiors to embark on a dangerous&nbsp;mission into the dead world beyond The Bastion. To add even more&nbsp;complications, Torran&nbsp;and the SWD join the squad.<br /><br />Soon, Lindsey realizes that her mission is more than what it seems,&nbsp;and there are secrets that could both destroy The Bastion and take her&nbsp;life.&nbsp;</span></span></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22535323-the-last-mission-of-the-living?ac=1" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22535323-the-last-mission-of-the-living?ac=1" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iOu_1S-aMR0/Ue8Vdc3vKnI/AAAAAAAALf8/vHzu1Cmf9A0/s1600/add%2Bto%2Bgoodreads%2Bblack.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">EXCERPT</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">“Sir!” Goodwin breathed.<br /><br />“I see the readout.” It was impossible to conceive that the others were gone. Opening the <br /><br />comm to the soldiers in the building, Torran said briskly, “Everyone report. Respond now!”<br /><br />Strange guttural noises were his only answer. <br /><br />Torran hit his wristlet, again switching the comm to contact Rosario’s group. “Smyth, report.”<br /><br />As the other half of the squad was added to his helmet visual, he sucked in a deep breath. <br /><br />They were also reported as Killed In Action. Stunned, he swallowed the hard lump forming in <br /><br />his throat. What was going on?<br /><br />“Sir?” Jonas queried his voice unsteady. <br /><br />“Watch that door! Smyth, if you can hear me respond now!” <br /><br />Through the static came the sound of someone choking. <br /><br />The line hissed and buzzed for a long second, then a woman’s voice that was not Rosario’s <br /><br />said, “Don’t worry. She’ll come for you.”<br /><br />A wave of horror washed over Torran and plunged him into the blackest depths of despair. <br /><br />They were all dead. Just like before outside the wall when the expanding perimeter fence had <br /><br />failed and the Inferi Scourge had swarmed the soldiers.<br /><br />“Sir?” <br /><br />The sound of Goodwin’s voice tugged Torran’s attention back to the present. Staring at the <br /><br />empty doorway shimmering in an ominous pale gray in the night vision filter, Torran gathered <br /><br />his thoughts, and then switched the comm again. “Base, I have lost all communication with my <br /><br />squad and they’re being reported as KIA. We are under attack from the abnormal Inferi Scourge. <br /><br />We need immediate backup to this location.”<br /><br />The popping and static echoing through his helmet sent a surge of adrenaline through his <br /><br />system. For several seconds, he feared there wasn’t going to be a response, but then a voice said, <br /><br />“Master Seeker, you’re to hold position until we can send a tiltrotor with reinforcements. All <br /><br />units are all presently engaged.”<br /><br />“We can’t hold this position,” Torran answered curtly. If the rest of the squad was dead, <br /><br />then he had to save Goodwin and Jonas as well as himself. He’d been a sole survivor of a squad <br /><br />before and the burden of that label still weighed on his soul.<br /><br />“You have your orders to secure and hold that area,” came the reply. <br /><br />“We’re dealing with a pocket of the Abscrags--”<br /><br />“You have your--”<br /><br />There were footsteps in the hallway.<br /><br />“--and we are about to be overrun!”</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-60p2gs_7YXo/U_0OpXtJzaI/AAAAAAAAMrw/xm9f_kfiGY4/s1600/RhiannonFrater(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-60p2gs_7YXo/U_0OpXtJzaI/AAAAAAAAMrw/xm9f_kfiGY4/s1600/RhiannonFrater(1).jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><u>About the Author</u></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div>Rhiannon Frater is the award-winning author of over a dozen books, including the&nbsp;As the World Dies&nbsp;zombie trilogy (Tor), as well as independent works such as The Last Bastion of the Living (declared the #1&nbsp;Zombie Release of 2012 by Explorations Fantasy Blog and the #1 Zombie Novel of the Decade by B&amp;N Book Blog), and other horror novels. In 2014, her newest horror novel,&nbsp;The Mesmerized, will be released by&nbsp;Permuted Press.&nbsp;Dead Spots&nbsp;will be published in 2015 by Tor.&nbsp;She was born and raised a Texan and presently lives in Austin, Texas with her husband and furry children (a.k.a pets).&nbsp;&nbsp;She loves&nbsp;scary movies, sci-fi and horror shows, playing video games, cooking, dyeing her hair weird colors, and shopping for Betsey Johnson purses and shoes.<br /><br />You can find her online at:Website:&nbsp;<a href="http://rhiannonfrater.com/" target="_blank">rhiannonfrater.com</a><wbr></wbr><br />Facebook:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.facebook.com/astheworlddies" target="_blank">http://www.facebook.<wbr></wbr>com/astheworlddies</a><br />Twitter:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="http://twitter.com/rhiannonfrater" target="_blank">twitter.com/<wbr></wbr>rhiannonfrater</a><br />Blog:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="http://rhianonfrater.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">rhianonfrater.blogspot.<wbr></wbr>com</a><br />Pinterest:&nbsp;<a href="http://pinterest.com/rhiannonfrater/" target="_blank">http://pinterest.<wbr></wbr>com/rhiannonfrater/</a><br />Email: rhiannonfrater at&nbsp;<a href="http://gmail.com/" target="_blank">gmail.com</a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">You don't have to read the first book, The Last Bastion of the Living, to read this one, but I highly suggest it. You can purchase it at the following links.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Last-Bastion-Living-Futuristic-ebook/dp/B008A3SS1W/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&amp;sr=1-4&amp;qid=1378672660" target="_blank">Amazon</a> | <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-last-bastion-of-the-living-rhiannon-frater/1111510106?ean=9781475206319" target="_blank">B&amp;N</a> | <a href="http://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/books/the-last-bastion-of-the-living-a-futuristic-zombie-novel/XRgQTCEXUkaE7G2242IRPw?MixID=XRgQTCEXUkaE7G2242IRPw&amp;PageNumber=1" target="_blank">Kobo</a> | <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/last-bastion-living-futuristic/id539018755?mt=11" target="_blank">iTunes</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u>Blitz Giveaway</u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/d0425123519/" id="rc-d0425123519" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><script src="//widget.rafflecopter.com/load.js"></script><br /><div style="text-align: center;">This post brought to you by Xpresso Book Tours</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div align="center"><a href="http://www.xpressobooktours.com/" title="Xpresso Book Tours"><img alt="Xpresso Book Tours" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-12m5zO1UQSM/Uct5ELoi77I/AAAAAAAAwGs/wvMgtGpRdMw/s1600/XBTHostButton2.png" style="border: none;" /></a></div></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/BookLovingMom/~4/mlelh2q-fSU" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/BookLovingMom/~3/mlelh2q-fSU/book-blitz-last-mission-of-living-by.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Amy)13http://www.booklovingme.com/2014/08/book-blitz-last-mission-of-living-by.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2048857059156435544.post-7104782194753574449Mon, 25 Aug 2014 04:00:00 +00002014-08-25T00:00:01.691-04:00ARCBook ReviewsFeiwel and FriendsJosephine AngeliniMacmillanWitchesReview: Trial by Fire by Josephine Angelini <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uauqsp6t3sA/U_J939rmR3I/AAAAAAAAMqc/oMHVQM6atrQ/s1600/Trial%2Bby%2BFire.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uauqsp6t3sA/U_J939rmR3I/AAAAAAAAMqc/oMHVQM6atrQ/s1600/Trial%2Bby%2BFire.jpg" height="320" width="210" /></a></div><ul id="yui_3_8_1_1_1408400803288_1033"><li id="yui_3_8_1_1_1408400803288_1039"><span id="yui_3_8_1_1_1408400803288_1038">Publisher: </span>Feiwel &amp; Friends</li><li id="yui_3_8_1_1_1408400803288_1040"><span id="yui_3_8_1_1_1408400803288_1042">Publication date: </span>9/2/2014</li><li id="yui_3_8_1_1_1408400803288_1041"> Series: <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/?series_id=991165">Worldwalker Series </a>, #1&nbsp;</li><li id="yui_3_8_1_1_1408400803288_1041">Source: ARC provided by the publisher for review</li></ul>&nbsp;Purchase: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/125005088X/ref=x_gr_w_bb?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=httpwwwgoodco-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=125005088X&amp;SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2" target="_blank">Amazon</a> | <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/trial-by-fire-josephine-angelini/1118958946?ean=9781250050885&amp;itm=1&amp;usri=9781250050885&amp;cm_mmc=AFFILIATES-_-Linkshare-_-GwEz7vxblVU-_-10:1&amp;r=1,%201" target="_blank">B&amp;N</a> | <a href="http://www.bookdepository.com/Trial-by-Fire-Josephine-Angelini/9781250050885" target="_blank">The Book Depository</a><br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span id="freeText2762201768714019656">This world is trying to kill Lily Proctor. Her life-threatening allergies keep her from enjoying experiences that others in her hometown of Salem take for granted, which is why she is determined to enjoy her first high school party with her best friend and longtime crush, Tristan. But after a humiliating incident in front of half her graduating class, Lily wishes she could just disappear.<br /><br />Suddenly, Lily is in a different Salem—one overrun with horrifying creatures and ruled by powerful women called Crucibles. Strongest and cruelest of them all is Lillian . . . Lily's other self in this alternate universe.<br /><br />What makes Lily weak at home is what makes her extraordinary in New Salem. In this confusing world, Lily is torn between responsibilities she can't hope to shoulder alone and a love she never expected.</span> </blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20613491-trial-by-fire?ac=1" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20613491-trial-by-fire?ac=1" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iOu_1S-aMR0/Ue8Vdc3vKnI/AAAAAAAALf8/vHzu1Cmf9A0/s1600/add%2Bto%2Bgoodreads%2Bblack.jpg" /></a></div><br /><b><i><u>My Thoughts</u></i></b><br /><br />This book was awesome! It had witchcraft, alternate universes, and a fantastic romance. Full of suspense and some great action, it was a really fun book to read. I really liked the characters and the way the story unfolded. I thought the descriptiveness was done well and could imagine things very clearly. It was really easy to fall into this story and get lost in the world. It was so cool seeing how different, but also the same Lily was in each of the worlds and the same with the other characters. The romance was awesome too. It was done really well with no insta-love going on.<br /><br />Lily was a fabulous character. She is physically week in her world. She doesn't know about magic or any of that. She has been in love with Tristan forever and is finally getting a chance with him. That is until he cheats on her and she is broken. She then gets transported to another world that is similar to hers, but obviously not. She knows that she needs to find a way back home, and she finds help in the Tristan of that world, and Rowan who was not someone who was in her world. She learns that all the things she suffered in her world are preventable in this one. With help, she learns magic and discovers what she has to do in order to return to her life back in her world.<br /><br />The romance was so good!! Rowan seems to despise her, but that is because the Lily in his world is evil and he has grown to hate her. He needs to learn that this Lily is not the same. She is not power hungry and controlling like the Lily he knows. He keeps himself at a distance, but you can feel the tension and the romance building. He is very caring and perceptive to her needs. Even though they have just met, he knows everything about her because she is Lily, just a different version of her. He can anticipate her needs before she even knows that she needs something. As he gets to know this Lily, he starts to fall for her and is afraid of it. It's all very slow and steady and I really loved that.<br /><br />There was a whole lot going on in this with the magical elements and a large cast of characters, but I never felt like it was too much at once. The "bad guys" were really bad, but in a good way. I loved the whole good and evil thing and how the lines can be blurred. What is evil from one perspective, when looked at in a different way isn't all that awful. It just depends on what side you are on. I felt like I was on such a fun and dangerous adventure while reading this. The ending made me ache for more and I can't wait to continue this series. A fantastic start to what is sure to be an epic series!!!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K9ipKPVPPzM/UfGcGLyrtkI/AAAAAAAALhA/lvLlBkOKLQM/s1600/4StarsAmy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K9ipKPVPPzM/UfGcGLyrtkI/AAAAAAAALhA/lvLlBkOKLQM/s1600/4StarsAmy.png" height="79" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">*An advanced copy of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I did not receive any compensation.</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/BookLovingMom/~4/AKB52OhKnL4" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/BookLovingMom/~3/AKB52OhKnL4/review-trial-by-fire-by-josephine.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Amy)7http://www.booklovingme.com/2014/08/review-trial-by-fire-by-josephine.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2048857059156435544.post-8994133563214288453Sun, 24 Aug 2014 04:00:00 +00002014-08-24T00:00:03.261-04:00Book TalkStacking The ShelvesVlogsWeekly MemesWeekly RecapWeekly Recap \ Stacking the Shelves (99)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fWwIWKWHN6w/UfPV0J2nYJI/AAAAAAAALhc/kctDp4uiNDA/s1600/WeeklyRecapAmy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fWwIWKWHN6w/UfPV0J2nYJI/AAAAAAAALhc/kctDp4uiNDA/s1600/WeeklyRecapAmy.png" height="155" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>*Stacking the Shelves is hosted by <a href="http://www.tyngasreviews.com/" target="_blank">Team Tynga's Reviews</a></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Hi loves!! Sorry I have been so absent. I have been super unmotivated lately and haven't been blogging much. My work schedule is going through changes, and I haven't been sleeping well so I've been really tired. It's been forever since I have done a StS post, so instead of putting everything I've gotten in the past month, I will just put the most recent. I want to spare you all from a ridiculously long post. Also, if you haven't noticed, I finally changed my blog name!! I need a new recap banner though because it still has my old blog name. Oops!! Also, I think that something is wrong with my laptop because it was being really weird trying to upload my video to YouTube. Anyways, moving on.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><iframe allowFullScreen='true' webkitallowfullscreen='true' mozallowfullscreen='true' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/WmsZ09gO3XA?feature=player_embedded' FRAMEBORDER='0' /></div><br /><br /><b><u>Books Mentioned</u></b><br /><br /><b>Review</b><br /><ul><li><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20801166-a-little-something-different?ac=1" target="_blank">A Little Something Different</a> by Sandy Hall</li><li><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20525621-all-broke-down?ac=1" target="_blank">All Broke Down</a> by Cora Carmack </li><li><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20419003-made-for-you?ac=1" target="_blank">Made for You</a> by Melissa Marr</li></ul>&nbsp;<b>Bought</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><ul><li><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4374400-if-i-stay?ac=1" target="_blank">If I Stay</a> by Gayle Forman (I can't believe I haven't read this yet)</li><li><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13644055-opposition?ac=1" target="_blank">Opposition</a> by Jennifer L. Armentrout (Loved this!)</li><li><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13597181-the-midnight-spell?ac=1" target="_blank">The Midnight Spell</a> by Rhiannon Frater and Kody Boye (signed copy) </li></ul>Thank you to Macmillan, HarperCollins, and Edelweiss. And a big thank you to Rhiannon and Kody for signing The Midnight Spell and including some awesome signed bookmarks! :)&nbsp; <br /><br />Weekly Recap<br /><br />I actually had quite a few posts go up this week. It's been a while since I have been consistent, and I am going to try to make sure I keep up on things for now on.<br /><br />Reviews<br /><ul><li>Audiobook Review of <a href="http://www.booklovingme.com/2014/08/audiobook-review-city-of-heavenly-fire.html" target="_blank">City of Heavenly Fire</a> by Cassandra Clare</li><li>&nbsp;<a href="http://www.booklovingme.com/2014/08/review-amity-by-micol-ostow.html" target="_blank">Amity</a> by Micol Ostow</li><li><a href="http://www.booklovingme.com/2014/08/review-swap-by-megan-shull.html" target="_blank">The Swap</a> by Megan Shull</li><li><a href="http://www.booklovingme.com/2014/08/review-breaking-butterflies-by-m.html" target="_blank">Breaking Butterflies </a>by M. Anjelais</li></ul>I hope you have all had a fabulous week, and I am finally starting to be able to manage my time a little better so I should be posting more often again. Also, I am making sure I comment on blogs more since I have been slacking on that lately as well. I love all of you and I have missed being present in the blogging community. </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/BookLovingMom/~4/8doDk2E8em4" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/BookLovingMom/~3/8doDk2E8em4/weekly-recap-stacking-shelves-99.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Amy)5http://www.booklovingme.com/2014/08/weekly-recap-stacking-shelves-99.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2048857059156435544.post-7459396910937955629Thu, 21 Aug 2014 04:00:00 +00002014-08-21T00:00:02.602-04:00ARCBook ReviewsM. AnjelaisScholasticReview: Breaking Butterflies by M. Anjelais<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h93CBq8wTI0/U---D0TzW7I/AAAAAAAAMpo/3m-IlTQ-Pdo/s1600/Breaking%2BButterflies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h93CBq8wTI0/U---D0TzW7I/AAAAAAAAMpo/3m-IlTQ-Pdo/s1600/Breaking%2BButterflies.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div><ul id="yui_3_8_1_1_1408220580907_1473"><li id="yui_3_8_1_1_1408220580907_1481"><span id="yui_3_8_1_1_1408220580907_1480">Publisher: </span>Scholastic, Inc.</li><li id="yui_3_8_1_1_1408220580907_1479"><span id="yui_3_8_1_1_1408220580907_1478">Publication date: </span>8/26/2014</li><li id="yui_3_8_1_1_1408220580907_1479">Source: eARC provided by the publisher for review</li></ul>Purchase: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Breaking-Butterflies-M-Anjelais-ebook/dp/B00I5T2MN6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1408220557&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=Breaking+Butterflies" target="_blank">Amazon</a> | <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/breaking-butterflies-m-anjelais/1118327611?ean=9780545667661" target="_blank">B&amp;N</a> | <a href="http://www.bookdepository.com/Breaking-Butterflies-Anjelais/9780545667661" target="_blank">The Book Depository</a><br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span id="freeText6220178961605170115"><b>The closest he will ever come to happiness is when he's hurting her. Will she let him? A beautiful and twisted story of first love and innocence lost--written when the author was just eighteen. </b><br /><br />Sphinxie and Cadence. Promised to each other in childhood. Drawn together again as teens. Sphinxie is sweet, compassionate, and plain. Cadence is brilliant, charismatic. Damaged. And diseased. When they were kids, he scarred her with a knife. Now, as his illness progresses, he becomes increasingly demanding. She wants to be loyal--but fears for her life. Only the ultimate sacrifice will give this love an ending.</span> </blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18523137-breaking-butterflies?ac=1" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18523137-breaking-butterflies?ac=1" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uhJPvgs5QOE/UfGG76hNNXI/AAAAAAAALgw/8a65mL-tRpc/s1600/goodreads-badge-add-plus.png" /></a></div><br /><b><i><u>My Thoughts</u></i></b><br /><br />Talk about a disturbing story. I wasn't really into this book, but the writing was just really great and had me needing to keep going. That, and as much as I didn't care for the characters, I really did want to know how it all would end. So now you're probably all thinking "If you couldn't put it down and the writing was great, why didn't you like it?". Well, the thing is, even though I kept reading, it was more that I was hoping that something would change. That the characters would grab me, that the story would somehow not be so wrong and disturbing to me. I didn't like the characters. Any of them. Sphinxie was just stupid, and Cadence is just a soulless monster. Then the parents just irritated me as well. The idea behind the story is great, but the way it all happened just didn't have the impact I think it was meant to.<br /><br />Sphinxie starts off the story by telling us about how it all started. Her mom met her BFF and they planned out their whole lives. Everything that they planned has happened, staying friends, their careers, where they live, even the genders of the children they each have and what they name them. What they didn't account for was something going wrong. Sphinxie and Cadence are friends, but there is something dark in him, and he's very controlling and sometimes mean to her. After he cuts her, he and his mom move away and Sphinxie starts to move on with her life. When they find out that he is ill and dying, she knows that she needs to go be with him. Even though she is scared of him, even though she doesn't really want to. She just knows it's the right thing to do.<br /><br />I never really liked her much. She was so stupid. She kept letting him push her around and do horrible things. She thought that she could bring out the good in him. She kept thinking that she saw some type of compassion or feeling that wasn't ever there. I get that she so badly wants the dream life that her mom and his planned to come true. She wants to see the plan through as much as possible, even though she knows the ending is impossible with Cadence literally counting his last days. She really does lose herself and I think that was supposed to make me feel for her, but it just wasn't there for me. I wanted so much to be emotionally attached to her and the story, I just never got to that point.<br /><br />Cadence was someone I strongly disliked from the beginning. Yes, he's supposed to be charming, smart, pretty much perfect, but he was always a monster. It was obvious that something was wrong with him from the start. He thrives on other peoples pain and suffering. That is the only time he seems truly happy. If things aren't his way, he becomes impossible. He was just a horrible person that I never had any hope for and never thought that he would change, even in his last days of life.<br /><br />What bothered me the most was the horrible parenting. Okay, maybe not horrible, but lack of sense from the parents. Cadence gets away with things first because his mother just kind of gives up on him changing, then when he is ill, because she feels bad punishing him or letting him know his behavior is wrong. Then Sphynxie's mom just lets her stay in another country, in the middle of a school year to be with this boy who she hadn't even talked to in years. I get that she is kind of fighting it, but she is the parent and she just thinks it's an okay idea. Even after she gets hurt at the hands of Cadence again. Her dad is not all about it, but apparently mom wins.<br /><br />I am not really sure what the point of this story is. I mean, I know a lot of books don't really have a point, they just are, but this one was a bit disturbing and at the end I was thinking, "What did I just read?". I think that some people might get that emotional attachment that I was looking for and it might turn out to be a really great book for them. I think the lack of connection at all really was the thing that didn't make this book fantastic for me. The writing was really fabulous though, and that in itself gives it another star. I really enjoyed the writing and would definitely read more from this author. This book just didn't wow me like I wanted.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bspFmtGwoYE/Uf7nOnwKpYI/AAAAAAAALlA/rSS1Rsu4teI/s1600/3StarsAmy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bspFmtGwoYE/Uf7nOnwKpYI/AAAAAAAALlA/rSS1Rsu4teI/s1600/3StarsAmy.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">*An advanced copy of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I did not receive any compensation.</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/BookLovingMom/~4/E9eKYsStiLk" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/BookLovingMom/~3/E9eKYsStiLk/review-breaking-butterflies-by-m.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Amy)10http://www.booklovingme.com/2014/08/review-breaking-butterflies-by-m.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2048857059156435544.post-8729447636511303156Wed, 20 Aug 2014 04:00:00 +00002014-08-20T00:00:02.888-04:00ARCBook ReviewsHarperCollinsKatherine Tegen BooksMegan ShullMiddle GradeReview: The Swap by Megan Shull<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0UiQyvBuuA8/U-_E2MrfrbI/AAAAAAAAMqA/TWQ_kc0_eyE/s1600/The%2BSwap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0UiQyvBuuA8/U-_E2MrfrbI/AAAAAAAAMqA/TWQ_kc0_eyE/s1600/The%2BSwap.jpg" height="320" width="211" /></a></div><ul id="yui_3_8_1_1_1408222344165_825"><li id="yui_3_8_1_1_1408222344165_828"><span id="yui_3_8_1_1_1408222344165_827">Publisher: </span>Katherine Tegen Books</li><li id="yui_3_8_1_1_1408222344165_846">Publication date: 8/26/2014</li><li id="yui_3_8_1_1_1408222344165_846">eARC provided by the publisher for review</li></ul>Purchase: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0062311697/ref=x_gr_w_bb?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=httpwwwgoodco-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=0062311697&amp;SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2" target="_blank">Amazon</a> | <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-swap-megan-shull/1117542223?ean=9780062311696&amp;itm=1&amp;usri=9780062311696&amp;cm_mmc=AFFILIATES-_-Linkshare-_-GwEz7vxblVU-_-10:1&amp;r=1,%201" target="_blank">B&amp;N</a> | <a href="http://www.bookdepository.com/Swap-Megan-Shull/9780062311696" target="_blank">The Book Depository</a><br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span id="freeText10848467410272576651">“YOU BE ME...AND I'LL BE YOU.”<br /><br />ELLIE spent the summer before seventh grade getting dropped by her best friend since forever. JACK spent it training in “The Cage” with his tough-as-nails brothers and hard-to-please dad. By the time middle school starts, they’re both ready for a change. And just as Jack’s thinking girls have it so easy, Ellie’s wishing she could be anyone but herself.<br /><br />Then, BAM! They swap lives—and bodies!<br /><br />Now Jack’s fending off mean girls at sleepover parties while Ellie’s reigning as the Prince of Thatcher Middle School. As their crazy weekend races on—and their feelings for each other grow—Ellie and Jack begin to realize that maybe the best way to learn how to be yourself is to spend a little time being someone else.</span> </blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19321449-the-swap?ac=1" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19321449-the-swap?ac=1" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uhJPvgs5QOE/UfGG76hNNXI/AAAAAAAALgw/8a65mL-tRpc/s1600/goodreads-badge-add-plus.png" /></a></div><br /><b><i><u>My Thoughts</u></i></b><br /><br />This book was so entertaining and cute. It was just the type of book I was looking for to just lose myself in and put a smile on my face. It wasn't just cute and fun though, it was very thoughtful and did cover some deeper issues. It had some of the harder things at it's core, but in the end it was really just a wonderful story about growing up and learning life things along the way. &nbsp;<br /><br />Ellie is a bit of a pushover. She has no confidence in herself and after being dumped by her BFF (who was really mean by the way) she goes into her first day of school feeling horrible. To make it worse, Sassy (said ex BFF) is being a total jerk. She is purposefully loud and mean saying things and laughing at Ellie. Of course Sassy is super pretty and popular. When Ellie and Jack end up in each others bodies, things get a whole lot more interesting... and awkward. Ellie really does an awesome job at playing him though. She never imagined that being a boy would be so hard. Or that she would learn so much from it. Not only about herself, but deeper life things as well. I really like who she grows to be by the end of the book.<br /><br />Jack has had a tough life. Sure, from anyone else he looks like he's got a great life. He's super awesome at hockey, gorgeous, and popular. No one knows how hard his dad pushes him to be perfect, or that he is hurting from his mothers death. To him, it's like he can never be good enough or actually enjoy himself besides playing hockey. When he ends up as Ellie, he is in a whole new world. He is smothered by love by her mom, but also dealing with Sassy and her crew that are super mean girls. He won't take it though, and he won't let them treat him (Ellie) like that. He learns a lot about himself with the help of Summer, who is Ellie's mom. He also finds that Ellie is an amazing person and he has made a great friend.<br /><br />Both Ellie and Jack have their own issues they are dealing with, and they are very different at handling situations. Without even knowing it, they are helping each other by letting the real them come through while being stuck as the other. This was an uplifting story that made me feel good. Though I was so irritated at Sassy and Aspen, it didn't ruin the book for me. I also love how it's so realistic to how kids that age talk and interact. It was very age appropriate and believable. If you are looking for a fun quick read that will give you all the happy feelings, this is the book for you.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K9ipKPVPPzM/UfGcGLyrtkI/AAAAAAAALhA/lvLlBkOKLQM/s1600/4StarsAmy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K9ipKPVPPzM/UfGcGLyrtkI/AAAAAAAALhA/lvLlBkOKLQM/s1600/4StarsAmy.png" height="79" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">*An advanced copy of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I did not receive any compensation.</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/BookLovingMom/~4/4lla-IdHUhY" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/BookLovingMom/~3/4lla-IdHUhY/review-swap-by-megan-shull.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Amy)16http://www.booklovingme.com/2014/08/review-swap-by-megan-shull.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2048857059156435544.post-1407169247426444964Tue, 19 Aug 2014 04:00:00 +00002014-08-19T00:00:06.181-04:00ARCBook ReviewsEgmontHorrorMicol OstowReview: Amity by Micol Ostow<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WQlC3VF_doM/U--3YpyAv3I/AAAAAAAAMpY/ZM5gr6rEHVY/s1600/Amity.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WQlC3VF_doM/U--3YpyAv3I/AAAAAAAAMpY/ZM5gr6rEHVY/s1600/Amity.jpg" height="320" width="211" /></a></div><ul id="yui_3_8_1_1_1408218964248_888"><li id="yui_3_8_1_1_1408218964248_906"><span id="yui_3_8_1_1_1408218964248_907">Publisher: </span>EgmontUSA</li><li id="yui_3_8_1_1_1408218964248_892"><span id="yui_3_8_1_1_1408218964248_891">Publication date: </span>8/26/2014</li><li id="yui_3_8_1_1_1408218964248_892">Source: eARC Provided by the publisher for review</li></ul>&nbsp;Purchase: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1606841564/ref=x_gr_w_bb?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=httpwwwgoodco-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=1606841564&amp;SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2" target="_blank">Amazon</a> | <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/amity-micol-ostow/1117542003?ean=9781606841563&amp;itm=1&amp;usri=9781606841563&amp;cm_mmc=AFFILIATES-_-Linkshare-_-GwEz7vxblVU-_-10:1&amp;r=1,%201" target="_blank">B&amp;N</a> | <a href="http://www.bookdepository.com/Amity-Micol-Ostow/9781606841563" target="_blank">The Book Depository</a><br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span id="freeText11538445102676760503">For fans of Stephen King and American Horror Story, a gruesome thriller suggested by the events of the Amityville Horror.<br /><br />Connor's family moves to Amity to escape shady business deals. Ten years later, Gwen's family moves to Amity for a fresh start after she's recovered from a psychotic break.<br /><br />But something is not right about this secluded house. Connor's nights are plagued with gore-filled dreams of demons and destruction. Dreams he kind of likes. Gwen has lurid visions of corpses that aren't there and bleeding blisters that disappear in the blink of an eye. She knows Amity is evil and she must get her family out, but who would ever believe her?<br /><br />Amity isn't just a house. She is a living force, bent on manipulating her inhabitants to her twisted will. She will use Connor and Gwen to bring about a bloody end as she's done before. As she'll do again.<br /><br />Alternating between parallel narratives, Amity is a tense and terrifying tale suggested by true-crime events that will satisfy even the most demanding horror fan.</span> </blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19141361-amity?ac=1" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19141361-amity?ac=1" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iOu_1S-aMR0/Ue8Vdc3vKnI/AAAAAAAALf8/vHzu1Cmf9A0/s1600/add%2Bto%2Bgoodreads%2Bblack.jpg" /></a></div><br /><i><b><u>My Thoughts</u></b></i><br /><br />Being a fan of horror I was excited for this one. I really thought it would be kind of a retelling of Amityville horror, but unfortunately it wasn't. Yes, it has a lot of similarities, but it's a completely different story. This takes place in Massachusetts on the Concord River, where Amityville takes place in New York on the south shore of Long Island. I know that isn't a big deal, but it kept really bothering me. (Who knows, it could be about legal rights and all that jazz) It still has the similarities of the house, the boathouse, the time 3:15am holding significance, some of the events that happened, and the "red room" as it's called in this. I did like it, but I wanted more creepiness. The way it was told never really gave me the chills or made me want to hide under my blanket or turn on the lights. I liked that it was told in the "then" and "now" perspectives of different families living there. The "then" is 10 years previous and told by Connor, and the "now" is told by Gwen. Both have history of mental issues and have been seen by psychiatrists and such. <br /><br />I will start off with Gwen. Her family has moved to Amity (which is what they call the house) with hopes that it will be good for Gwen. No one wants to say that she's crazy, but they all think it. They think she is fragile and that it's easy for her to get crazy ideas in her head. Her brother Luke has always been the one to stand by her. I wasn't sure if she was actually crazy or not. It was possible it was the house, and also possible that this was just a total mind f*&amp;%. I liked that feeling of not really knowing, though I was convinced that it was totally the house.<br /><br />Then we have Connor. He is possibly a sociopath. He's sweet and caring toward his sister, at least until Amity gets to him. I really liked his POV because it was entertaining to read. He is brutally honest and I loved the way he thought about things and explained things. I liked that he seems very detached from things, but is slowly being taken over by Amity. Or maybe not? Same as with Gwen, it's hard to tell whether the house is really at fault, or his mental issues.<br /><br />Both stories follow the same pattern of the brother slowly getting taken over by the house. Having an obsession with the boathouse and the basement. Becoming someone else. The difference is that in Connors case, he is the one who is doing the bidding of Amity, and in Gwen's it is her brother Luke who begins acting weird and becoming mean. The two timelines are happening at the same time with it alternating back and forth as things happen. Both only being 28 days as the real Amityville was.<br /><br />I was really hoping for creepy, but this just didn't do it for me. The story didn't come to life and jump off of the pages at me. It was just words on a page. I didn't feel the fear and emotion that I wanted. I was hoping for more violence and gore, but it just wasn't there. This was more psychological which isn't a bad thing, but you know how it is when you go in hoping for one thing and get another. I know that the real Amityville horror was psychological too, but it was scary where this one wasn't. This was a good solid story though. It just didn't wow me.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bspFmtGwoYE/Uf7nOnwKpYI/AAAAAAAALlA/rSS1Rsu4teI/s1600/3StarsAmy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bspFmtGwoYE/Uf7nOnwKpYI/AAAAAAAALlA/rSS1Rsu4teI/s1600/3StarsAmy.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">*An advanced copy of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I did not receive any compensation.</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/BookLovingMom/~4/j58obnml3mY" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/BookLovingMom/~3/j58obnml3mY/review-amity-by-micol-ostow.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Amy)8http://www.booklovingme.com/2014/08/review-amity-by-micol-ostow.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2048857059156435544.post-313799549591701899Mon, 18 Aug 2014 04:00:00 +00002014-08-18T00:00:05.362-04:00Audio BooksBook ReviewsCassandra ClareSimon and Schuster AudioThe Mortal InstrumentsAudiobook Review: City of Heavenly Fire by Cassandra Clare<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0ucp-LHCflA/U9PNvvrZCmI/AAAAAAAAMnk/Wq-4s187UYE/s1600/COHF.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0ucp-LHCflA/U9PNvvrZCmI/AAAAAAAAMnk/Wq-4s187UYE/s1600/COHF.jpg" height="320" width="211" /></a></div><ul id="yui_3_8_1_1_1406389629968_1628"><li id="yui_3_8_1_1_1406389725148_1446"><span id="yui_3_8_1_1_1406389725148_1447">Publisher: </span>Simon &amp; Schuster Audio</li><li id="yui_3_8_1_1_1406389725148_1445"><span id="yui_3_8_1_1_1406389725148_1444">Publication date: </span>5/27/2014</li><li id="yui_3_8_1_1_1406389725148_1443"> <span id="yui_3_8_1_1_1406389725148_1442">Series:</span> <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/?series_id=369243" id="yui_3_8_1_1_1406389725148_1647">Mortal Instruments Series </a>, #6 </li><li id="yui_3_8_1_1_1406389629968_1973">Format: Audiobook</li><li id="yui_3_8_1_1_1406389629968_1973">Read By: <span class="adbl-prod-author"> Jason Dohring and Sophie Turner </span></li><li id="yui_3_8_1_1_1406389629968_1973">Length: 20 hours and 38 minutes</li></ul>Purchase: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/City-Heavenly-Fire-Mortal-Instruments/dp/B00HRA1YD8/ref=tmm_aud_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&amp;sr=&amp;qid=" target="_blank">Amazon</a> | <a href="http://www.audible.com/pd/Teens/City-of-Heavenly-Fire-Audiobook/B00HRAXSKK/ref=a_search_c4_1_1_srTtl?qid=1406389816&amp;sr=1-1" target="_blank">Audible</a> | <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/city-of-heavenly-fire-cassandra-clare/1116394309?ean=9781442349773" target="_blank">B&amp;N</a> | <a href="http://www.bookdepository.com/City-Heavenly-Fire-Cassandra-Clare/9781442372870" target="_blank">The Book Depository</a><br /><br /><span style="color: #990000;"><b>*This is the final book of the series. While my review will be spoiler free for this installment, there will be spoilers from the previous books. Continue at your own risk. </b></span><br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">Sophie Turner of <i>Game of Thrones</i> and Jason Dohring of <i>Veronica Mars</i> read the long-awaited conclusion to the Mortal Instruments series!<br /><br />Darkness has descended on the Shadowhunter world. Chaos and destruction overwhelm the Nephilim as Clary, Jace, Simon, and their friends band together to fight the greatest evil they have ever faced: Clary's own brother. Sebastian Morgenstern is on the move, systematically turning Shadowhunter against Shadowhunter. Bearing the Infernal Cup, he transforms Shadowhunters into creatures of nightmare, tearing apart families and lovers as the ranks of his Endarkened army swell. Nothing in this world can defeat Sebastian, but if they journey to the realm of demons, they just might have a chance. Lives will be lost, love sacrificed, and the whole world will change.<br /><br />Who will survive the explosive sixth and final installment of the Mortal Instruments series? </blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20523868-city-of-heavenly-fire" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20523868-city-of-heavenly-fire" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uhJPvgs5QOE/UfGG76hNNXI/AAAAAAAALgw/8a65mL-tRpc/s1600/goodreads-badge-add-plus.png" /></a></div><br /><b><i><u>My Thoughts</u></i></b><br /><br />This has been a series that I have really enjoyed, so I was excited to read this final installment. This was probably my least favorite of the series. I did enjoy it, but I felt like it was overly long, and could have been much more condensed. I listened to the audio of it and really enjoyed the narrators, but being that it's a very long book, the audiobook seemed to last forever. Good thing that the narrators did a great job because that's a lot of listening time. Things weren't as intense as I would have thought, but there was plenty of action and coming together of events to make it good. I have waited a long time to write this review, but it's because I am not really sure what to say. Being the 6th book in a series, it is hard to review.<br /><br />I won't go into individual characters since by now we all know them well. Clary and Jace are all happy together with the exception of not being able to really embrace their relationship. With Jace having the Heavenly Fire burning inside of him, and not knowing how to control it, it makes things a little too hot when they do get a bit carried away. I love how strong their relationship is though, and they have definitely been through a lot. They know that things are going to get extremely tough with trying to take down Sebastian and knowing that it's probably nearly impossible. Especially with his Endarkened army protecting him, as well as killing off Shadowhunters. The only thing that Sebastian wants is Clary ruling by his side. <br /><br />Of course I went through this book hoping for a Magnus and Alec reunion as well, and for Simon and Izzy to finally really get together. Whether either of those things happen I can't say, but there is a lot of mixed feelings and things going on. With everything else going on it's not really the first thing on their minds, but it's always there and it's done well with realistic emotional issues keeping things interesting.<br /><br />There is death in this book as you would expect too. Some of it a bit heartbreaking, but not surprising since they are facing off against an incredible force known as Sebastian and his army. What makes Sebastian so scary is that he is smart. He knows how to go about things and get what he wants. The only thing he doesn't account for is not really knowing the true power of love. He thinks he can force it, make it happen. He doesn't know that love is more powerful than anything he could ever do.<br /><br />The audio version of this is great. I loved both of the narrators. They both really brought the story to life. They put the emotion into the story that you don't always feel when you read it yourself. I felt like they each did the characters very well and they really made each their own. I really liked that there were two narrators for this too, even though it wasn't necessary since it's not a dual narration. It broke it up and that's a good thing with how long this is. Before things get all crazy, each has a certain set of people and scenes they are reading for. After a while I didn't notice it so much though.&nbsp; <br /><br />I have grown to love and hate the characters through this series and as much as a series coming to an end is sad sometimes, I was ready for this one to. I felt that the story has been told enough and it was time to wrap things up. I thought it ended well. We have a definite ending for the current things that are happening, but it's still left open to ponder what comes next. (Which I am assuming will be whatever events occur in The Dark Artifices) I was not moved to tears from this, but I did enjoy it and think that overall this was a great series and a great final installment.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r1DGyXyfcyk/UfAfoTaPkLI/AAAAAAAALgM/Ijk2K49qz08/s1600/3HalfStarsAmy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r1DGyXyfcyk/UfAfoTaPkLI/AAAAAAAALgM/Ijk2K49qz08/s1600/3HalfStarsAmy.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">*An audiobook copy of this was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I did not receive any compensation.</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/BookLovingMom/~4/D37M5JvYu10" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/BookLovingMom/~3/D37M5JvYu10/audiobook-review-city-of-heavenly-fire.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Amy)9http://www.booklovingme.com/2014/08/audiobook-review-city-of-heavenly-fire.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2048857059156435544.post-2135302798282259499Thu, 07 Aug 2014 04:00:00 +00002014-08-07T00:00:03.315-04:00ARCBlog ToursBook ReviewsGiveawaysJ.L. SpelbringRockstar Book ToursSpencer Hill PressBlog Tour: Flawed by J.L. Spelbring - Review and Tour Giveaway<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.rockstarbooktours.com/2014/07/tour-schedule-flawed-by-jl-spelbring.html" target="_blank"><img alt="http://www.rockstarbooktours.com/2014/07/tour-schedule-flawed-by-jl-spelbring.html" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DAUE69POZtQ/U-ISkZNhsnI/AAAAAAAAMoM/FQTj8yvgtfg/s1600/FLAWED_banner(1).jpg" height="200" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Hello!! Welcome to my stop on the Flawed Blog Tour. I really liked the first book, so I was excited to be chosen to take part in this blog tour. I have my review for you today. If you want to see my review of the previous book, Perfection, you can find it <a href="http://www.booklovingme.com/2013/07/blog-tour-perfection-by-jl-spelbring.html" target="_blank">here</a>. There is also a great giveaway on this blog tour, so don't forget to stop by the other tour stops on each day for more chances to win. For the tour schedule, click on the banner above to be taken to the tour page on <a href="http://www.rockstarbooktours.com/" target="_blank">Rockstar Book Tours</a>. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eI9E1FmnEn0/U-ITuOfNi5I/AAAAAAAAMoU/rthLpgB0HyE/s1600/FLAWED_cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eI9E1FmnEn0/U-ITuOfNi5I/AAAAAAAAMoU/rthLpgB0HyE/s1600/FLAWED_cover.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div><ul id="yui_3_8_1_1_1407325119504_820"><li id="yui_3_8_1_1_1407325119504_835"><span id="yui_3_8_1_1_1407325119504_834">Publisher: </span>Spencer Hill Press</li><li id="yui_3_8_1_1_1407325119504_929">Publication date: 8/12/2014</li><li id="yui_3_8_1_1_1407325119504_930"> Series: <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/?series_id=854188">Perfection </a>, #2&nbsp;</li><li id="yui_3_8_1_1_1407325119504_930">Source: eARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review</li></ul>&nbsp;Purchase: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1939392187/ref=x_gr_w_bb?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=httpwwwgoodco-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=1939392187&amp;SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2" target="_blank">Amazon</a> | <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/flawed-jl-spelbring/1118717644?ean=9781939392183&amp;itm=1&amp;usri=9781939392183&amp;cm_mmc=AFFILIATES-_-Linkshare-_-GwEz7vxblVU-_-10:1&amp;r=1,%201" target="_blank">B&amp;N</a> | <a href="http://www.bookdepository.com/Flawed-Spelbring/9781939392183" target="_blank">The Book Depository</a><br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span id="freeText15650941728993120411">In a world where Hitler won the The War, and perfection is constantly sought, Ellyssa has broken free from her austere life and has found another meaning for her existence. <br /><br />Family, friendship, and love. <br /><br />But her happiness is short lived. Ellyssa finds herself on the run, again. Her father's work didn't die with him, but lives on in her siblings, Aalexis and Xaver, and they are determined to complete his unfinished dream.</span> </blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20823207-flawed?ac=1" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20823207-flawed?ac=1" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iOu_1S-aMR0/Ue8Vdc3vKnI/AAAAAAAALf8/vHzu1Cmf9A0/s1600/add+to+goodreads+black.jpg" /></a></div><br /><b><i><u>My Thoughts</u></i></b><br /><br />I enjoyed the first book in this series, so of course I was curious about what would happen next. This book was great! I really loved how things went in it and where we were left at the end. There are bits of action in this, but not a lot. It's more of a waiting game and meeting new people. There is a sense of desperation with the Resistance trying to find and save any of their group, and plotting from Aalexis and Xaver to get Ellyssa back with them to complete their dead fathers work.<br /><br />Ellyssa, Rein, and Woody are on the search for their Resistance group. They come across a massive amount of carnage, but do find one of the members. They end up sheltered with a very nice couple who helps them on their course. They then become captured by yet another Resistance group and from there will embark on a rescue mission. Ellyssa finds herself using her hidden power quite a bit, when she had been trying to not use it. She also is finding it harder to keep herself in control and she keeps reverting to perfect soldier mode. She discovers that she has another power as well. Controlling emotions of others. It comes in very handy. As her love for Rein grows, so does the danger of the things that they will face. I really love her character because she is done so well. We can still see how feeling emotions is very different for her, but also that she is more used to it. When she goes back to the unfeeling soldier it seems very believable.<br /><br />Aalexis and Xaver are also starting to feel emotions. They have always been taught that emotions make you weak, as was Ellyssa, but they soon learn that it's not always the truth. Aalexis fights it much more than Xaver, but they do eventually let the emotions just come and not fight them so hard. They are a scary set. Aalexis is brutal and her power can torture even the strongest of people. Their main goal is to build a better army than what their father had. They are more power hungry, and much smarter which makes them even better villains than their father.<br /><br />The romance is very sweet in this. Though there isn't a lot of time for romantic times, Ellyssa and Rein do find the time whether it be with a simple touch, whispered words, or a few stolen moments. You can feel the love they have for each other. They love each other for who they are, they don't care how different, or if the other is perfect or not. Their relationship is really great and it's realistic.<br /><br />This series so far is great. I love the progression, and the storyline is awesome. The idea of these perfect, intelligent young people being such a powerhouse is creepy and fun. They are ruthless and determined. Though there wasn't a ton of action, the spots we do get are great fun to read. It ends on a bit of a cliffhanger, but I loved how it ended. It makes me even more excited for the next book in this series.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K9ipKPVPPzM/UfGcGLyrtkI/AAAAAAAALhA/lvLlBkOKLQM/s1600/4StarsAmy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K9ipKPVPPzM/UfGcGLyrtkI/AAAAAAAALhA/lvLlBkOKLQM/s1600/4StarsAmy.png" height="79" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">*An advanced copy of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I did not receive any compensation.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4vw-p0WMe9M/U-KeVKFV1WI/AAAAAAAAMog/6NCE3YjxAZo/s1600/JL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4vw-p0WMe9M/U-KeVKFV1WI/AAAAAAAAMog/6NCE3YjxAZo/s1600/JL.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a> <b><u>About the Author:</u></b><br /><br />J.L. Spelbring lives in Texas, where she wanders out in the middle of the night to look at the big and <br /><br />bright stars. Besides knocking imaginary bad guys in the head with a keyboard, she enjoys being swept <br /><br />away between the pages of a book, running amuck inside in her own head, pretending she is into <br /><br />running, and hanging out with her kids, who are way too cool for her.<br /><br />Her novel, Perfection, released in July, 2013 and the sequel Flawed releases August, 2014.<br /><br />To contact J.L, try: <br /><br /><a href="http://jlspelbring.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Website</a> | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/jlspelbring?fref=ts&amp;ref=br_tf" target="_blank">Facebook</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/jlspelbring" target="_blank">Twitter</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5774905.J_L_Spelbring" target="_blank">Goodreads</a><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kc2-SPpmhoY/U-Kfe2aqQbI/AAAAAAAAMos/7O0-wcRpuo0/s1600/flawed_teaser1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kc2-SPpmhoY/U-Kfe2aqQbI/AAAAAAAAMos/7O0-wcRpuo0/s1600/flawed_teaser1.png" height="320" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u>Giveaway:&nbsp;</u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">1 Butterfly Necklace US Only.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 finished copy of FLAWED US Only.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kh2HNEdFAO8/U-KfogtXiJI/AAAAAAAAMo0/z1RFhqQkln0/s1600/Butterfly+Necklace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kh2HNEdFAO8/U-KfogtXiJI/AAAAAAAAMo0/z1RFhqQkln0/s1600/Butterfly+Necklace.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/e2389ba2196/" id="rc-e2389ba2196" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a> <script src="//widget.rafflecopter.com/load.js"></script><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">This post brought to you by Rockstar Book Tours </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.rockstarbooktours.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="http://www.rockstarbooktours.com/" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k5HBLXQP9R4/U-KgHl05hYI/AAAAAAAAMo8/VMGx7md-N-w/s1600/Rockstar+BT.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/BookLovingMom/~4/tC0fthWxzk0" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/BookLovingMom/~3/tC0fthWxzk0/blog-tour-flawed-by-jl-spelbring-review.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Amy)12http://www.booklovingme.com/2014/08/blog-tour-flawed-by-jl-spelbring-review.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2048857059156435544.post-5915431641276400700Tue, 05 Aug 2014 04:00:00 +00002014-08-05T00:00:03.332-04:00ARCBook ReviewsHarperTeenHolly SchindlerPsychologicalThrillerReview: Feral by Holly Schindler <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p1pAN3cdIq4/U-AEFsLLcGI/AAAAAAAAMn4/F5HGp3W25es/s1600/Feral.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p1pAN3cdIq4/U-AEFsLLcGI/AAAAAAAAMn4/F5HGp3W25es/s1600/Feral.jpg" height="320" width="211" /></a></div><ul id="yui_3_8_1_1_1407189919541_870"><li id="yui_3_8_1_1_1407189919541_875"><span id="yui_3_8_1_1_1407189919541_874">Publisher: </span>HarperTeen</li><li id="yui_3_8_1_1_1407189919541_869"><span id="yui_3_8_1_1_1407189919541_868">Publication date: </span>8/26/2014</li><li id="yui_3_8_1_1_1407189919541_869">Source: eARC provided by the publisher via Edelweiss</li></ul>&nbsp;Purchase: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Feral-Holly-Schindler/dp/0062220209/ref=tmm_hrd_title_0" target="_blank">Amazon</a> | <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/feral-holly-schindler/1117542287?ean=9780062220202" target="_blank">B&amp;N</a> | <a href="http://www.bookdepository.com/Feral-Holly-Schindler/9780062220202" target="_blank">The Book Depository</a><br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span id="freeText17907210665613864597"><strong>The Lovely Bones meets Black Swan in this haunting psychological thriller with twists and turns that will make you question everything you think you know.</strong><br /><br />It’s too late for you. You’re dead. Those words continue to haunt Claire Cain months after she barely survived a brutal beating in Chicago. So when her father is offered a job in another state, Claire is hopeful that getting out will offer her a way to start anew.<br /><br />But when she arrives in Peculiar, Missouri, Claire feels an overwhelming sense of danger, and her fears are confirmed when she discovers the body of a popular high school student in the icy woods behind the school, surrounded by the town’s feral cats. While everyone is quick to say it was an accident, Claire knows there’s more to it, and vows to learn the truth about what happened. <br /><br />But the closer she gets to uncovering the mystery, the closer she also gets to realizing a frightening reality about herself and the damage she truly sustained in that Chicago alley….<br /><br />Holly Schindler’s gripping story is filled with heart-stopping twists and turns that will keep readers guessing until the very last page.</span> </blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15782742-feral?ac=1" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15782742-feral?ac=1" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iOu_1S-aMR0/Ue8Vdc3vKnI/AAAAAAAALf8/vHzu1Cmf9A0/s1600/add+to+goodreads+black.jpg" /></a></div><br /><b><i><u>My Thoughts</u></i></b><br /><br />I love psychological thrillers. I am a big fan of books that mess with your head and keep you second guessing. This book was disturbing and creepy. I didn't really like the main character very much, but I did like going through the story in her head. She had a past trauma that lingers, and it is a big part of how she goes about things in a new place with new friends. Of course there is a dead girl who she happens to find pretty much right after she gets to the new place, and that sets things in motion. The girl reminds her a lot of her situation, and she feels like she needs to know more and find out exactly what happened. The only thing is she keeps having flashbacks of her attack and seeing really odd things that she can't really explain. <br /><br />Claire is a very smart, pretty girl. She is a great journalist and has won awards. One especially significant publishing was to help her friend out. When a boy tries to frame her for drugs, Claire blows the whole thing up. She never expected that it could get her into trouble, and never considered her life could be at risk. So fast forward to after she was attacked and she is in a new town with her dad. She is ignoring her best friend because she doesn't want to be treated as if she's broken. First thing she encounters are feral cats once they get to town. She also encounters a few teenagers who are looking for their missing friend. The one she happens to find dead in the woods. She starts seeing things and going into flashbacks of her own beating. Slowly she is falling apart and knows she needs to find out what really happened to Serena. It was hard to tell what was in her head and what was real.<br /><br />The other characters didn't really do much for me. They were there, they were all part of the story, but I never really cared about getting to know them better. I didn't like Serena's BFF who I can't remember the name of now. She always seemed to have her own agenda, and acted like she was the center of the universe. Yes, she was sad that Serena was gone, but she was more sad that she never treated her the way a real friend should. The other guy across the street who I also am blanking on the name was okay. He was there for Claire when she needed him, and was truly a good friend to her.<br /><br />This book does mess with your head. Since I hadn't read the synopsis since forever ago, I didn't know if this was laced with paranormal or not, so I wasn't sure what was in Claire's head and what wasn't. It was apparent that she was not okay, and that she was mentally damaged from her attack, but I didn't know what was brought on from that and what was actually happening. Either way, it was creepy. I think that the mental illness aspect is scarier than any paranormal thing could be. The mind is a fragile thing, and can easily break. Though I really enjoyed this book, I didn't love it. I thought the writing was good and I loved how everything all came together in the end. It's a book I would recommend to fans of this type of read.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bspFmtGwoYE/Uf7nOnwKpYI/AAAAAAAALlA/rSS1Rsu4teI/s1600/3StarsAmy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bspFmtGwoYE/Uf7nOnwKpYI/AAAAAAAALlA/rSS1Rsu4teI/s1600/3StarsAmy.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">*An advanced copy of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I did not receive any compensation.</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/BookLovingMom/~4/ta9ADQ4bDo0" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/BookLovingMom/~3/ta9ADQ4bDo0/review-feral-by-holly-schindler.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Amy)7http://www.booklovingme.com/2014/08/review-feral-by-holly-schindler.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2048857059156435544.post-3063109542998806343Mon, 28 Jul 2014 04:00:00 +00002014-07-28T00:00:06.444-04:00ARCBook ReviewsHorrorSourcebooksReview: The Girl from the Well by Rin Chupeco<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XqY4ukDXi_A/U9PGZzEwqFI/AAAAAAAAMnU/iEKI5h4HGPg/s1600/TGftW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XqY4ukDXi_A/U9PGZzEwqFI/AAAAAAAAMnU/iEKI5h4HGPg/s1600/TGftW.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div><ul id="yui_3_8_1_1_1406387891200_921"><li id="yui_3_8_1_1_1406387891200_923"><span id="yui_3_8_1_1_1406387891200_924">Publisher: </span>Sourcebooks</li><li id="yui_3_8_1_1_1406387891200_1196"><span id="yui_3_8_1_1_1406387891200_1198">Publication date: </span>8/5/2014</li><li id="yui_3_8_1_1_1406387891200_1197"><span>Pages: </span>272</li><li id="yui_3_8_1_1_1406387891200_1197">Source: eARC provided by the publisher for review</li></ul>&nbsp;Purchase: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Girl-Well-Rin-Chupeco-ebook/dp/B00IJEVNCS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1406387841&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=The+Girl+from+the+Well" target="_blank">Amazon</a> |<a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/girl-from-the-well-rin-chupeco/1116882567?ean=9781402292187" target="_blank"> B&amp;N</a> | <a href="http://www.bookdepository.com/Girl-from-Well-Rin-Chupeco/9781402292187" target="_blank">The Book Depository</a><br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span id="freeText3281759951653949911"><em>You may think me biased, being murdered myself. But my state of being has nothing to do with the curiosity toward my own species, if we can be called such. We do not go gentle, as your poet encourages, into that good night.</em> <br /><br />A dead girl walks the streets.<br /><br />She hunts murderers. Child killers, much like the man who threw her body down a well three hundred years ago.<br /><br />And when a strange boy bearing stranger tattoos moves into the neighborhood so, she discovers, does something else. And soon both will be drawn into the world of eerie doll rituals and dark Shinto exorcisms that will take them from American suburbia to the remote valleys and shrines of Aomori, Japan.<br /><br />Because the boy has a terrifying secret - one that would just <em>kill</em> to get out. <br /><br /><em>The Girl from the Well</em> is A YA Horror novel pitched as "Dexter" meets "The Grudge", based on a well-loved Japanese ghost story.</span> </blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18509623-the-girl-from-the-well" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18509623-the-girl-from-the-well" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iOu_1S-aMR0/Ue8Vdc3vKnI/AAAAAAAALf8/vHzu1Cmf9A0/s1600/add+to+goodreads+black.jpg" /></a></div><br /><b><i><u>My Thoughts</u></i></b><br /><br />I am always up for a good creepy story. I love them. While this was a bit creepy. It was hard to get into. I liked the second half much better than the first. I felt like the beginning of the book was kind of all over the place. We are going through the book in eyes of the ghost. She goes from one thing or person to the other for a while and it's a bit hard to really grasp things. Once things end up back in Japan, it was much more enjoyable. We get more streamlined in the story to focus on the root of things. I didn't feel like the character development was very great either since we are just kind of watching others through Okiku, which is the ghosts name.<br /><br />Though this is told from the voice of the ghost, I felt it was really the story of Tark. He has an evil spirit trapped in his body from an odd ritual when he was a boy. This is what catches Okiku's attention. She wants to know more about this other spirit who is with him. He can see her, but he is not afraid. He knows that Okiku is not there to hurt him, and he even forms a weird friendship with her. Okiku is not as nice a spirit as we think though. She murders people. Though, the purpose is for good because they are people who have murdered innocent young people. Anyways, she follows Tark around, and wants to keep him safe. She knows that the evil spirit in him may very well kill him, and she refuses to let that happen.<br /><br />This is a really hard book to review in a way that makes sense. Kind of like the book, I feel like I am a bit all over the place. I didn't enjoy the style it was written in at all, but I did like the imagery that I got from it. I could imagine the spirits and what was happening. A certain scene in Japan gave particularly creepy mental images. I just didn't connect with any of the characters, and by the time the story actually wasn't all over the place, my brain had already decided that it didn't care much anymore how it ended up. For a short book, it felt like it was never ending. I really wish I had liked this more. It had a lot of potential, but in the end, the writing was not a type that I enjoyed all that much.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-chCIGzX_EQw/UlXytKkudwI/AAAAAAAAL28/KZ-HD5C5V0A/s1600/2HalfStarsAmy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-chCIGzX_EQw/UlXytKkudwI/AAAAAAAAL28/KZ-HD5C5V0A/s1600/2HalfStarsAmy.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">*An advanced copy of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I did not receive any compensation. </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/BookLovingMom/~4/ZrLtgQs_SOo" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/BookLovingMom/~3/ZrLtgQs_SOo/review-girl-from-well-by-rin-chupeco.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Amy)7http://www.booklovingme.com/2014/07/review-girl-from-well-by-rin-chupeco.html
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