Cover Reveal: Forty Days by Stephanie Parent!!

 

Cover Reveal: Forty Days (Neima’s Ark, Book One) by Stephanie Parent!

Forty Days (Neima’s Ark, Book One)

By Stephanie Parent

Release Date: 02/12/13

Genre: YA

Cover Artist: Najla Qamber</ a>

Summary from Goodreads:

The entire village knows Neima’s grandfather is a madman.  For years the old man has prophesied that a great flood is coming, a flood disastrous enough to blot out the entire earth.  He’s even built an enormous ark that he claims will allow his family to survive the deluge.  But no one believes the ravings of a lunatic…

…until the rain starts.  And doesn’t stop. 

Soon sixteen-year-old Neima finds her entire world transformed, her life and those of the people she loves in peril.  Trapped on the ark with her grandfather Noah, the rest of her family, and a noisy, filthy, and hungry assortment of wild animals, will Neima find a way to survive?

With lions, tigers, and bears oh my, elephants and flamingos too, along with rivalries and betrayals, a mysterious stowaway, and perhaps even an unexpected romance, Forty Days is not your grandfather’s Noah’s Ark story.

Forty Days is approximately 45000 words, the length of a shorter novel, and is the first installment in a two-part epic story.  It does contain a cliffhanger ending.

Readers looking for a traditional, religiously oriented version of the Noah’s Ark story should be warned that Forty Days may not appeal to them.  The novel will, however, appeal to lovers of apocalyptic fiction, historical fiction, and romance, as well as anyone who’s ever dreamed of having a baby elephant as a pet.

About the Author:

Stephanie Parent is a graduate of the Master of Professional Writing program at USC and attended the Baltimore School for the Arts as a piano major. She moved to Los Angeles because of Francesca Lia Block's WEETZIE BAT books, which might give you some idea of how much books mean to her. She also loves dogs, books about dogs, and sugary coffee drinks both hot and cold.

Author Links:

Blog / Goodreads  / Twitter

THOUGHTS?!?!

Personally, I flipping ADORE this cover. This is clearly a story I want to read. Meeep! Plus, aha, it's releasing on my birthday. IS THAT COOL OR WHAT?!?!?!

So, friendy friends. What do YOU think of this cover? Do you love it to pieces like me? Do you...not? Why? Let me know!!

♥Jessica(:

Blog Tour: In the Band by Jean Haus (Review!)

In the Band by Jean Haus
Release Date: October 19, 2012
Format: ebook, 306 pages
Source: Author for blog tour!

Description from Goodreads:
When family problems push Riley Middleton into giving up a percussion scholarship in another state and attending college from home, her friends push her to try out for a local rock band. Of course, Riley makes the band. She rules at the drums.

Riley soon finds out rock bands have a different dynamic than marching bands, especially when each of her male band mates has a major ego and is a major player. Two of them relentlessly flirt with her. The other—a dark, sexy rock god she can’t help being attracted to— is a total jerk and pushes her to quit. She becomes determined to ignore his rudeness and his hotness. Even if she was interested in jerks, a hook up would probably get her booted out of the ego-ridden band, and playing keeps her sane. Behind the drums, the world and its troubles evaporate.

If she wants to stay in the band, Riley needs to ignore the growing sparks between her and her band enemy. But as she gets to know the man behind the stage persona, ignoring him proves to be more difficult than flowing through a time sig shift.

*New Adult/Mature YA for language and sexual situations.

First of all, I want us all to look at that cover. LOOK AT IT. Gorgeous, right? I love it. And it is sooooo perfect. Just so we all know. It has now been established. Okay? Okay.

Moving on...This book is an NA contemprary romance. NA. I love NA. Contemporary. Some of the coolest books are contemp. Romance. COME ON, guys. You should know this one by now. I'm a swooner. So this book? Was set up in my mind to be fantabulous. And, of course, this book did not disappoint. At all. Ahhhh, I loved it!

I loved the way the story started off as something completely simple. I mean, there were issues, obviously, but it was nothing too huge. But then we met more characters and situations changed and got bigger and the story turned into something riveting. Honest to goodness, I lost some sleep over this book because I could not stop reading. The banter between Riley and Romeo was so amusing, I can't even. AHHH, love.

Character Rundown:
Riley: Riley's character actually wasn't TOO bad. There were things about her that got on my nerves--like resisting Romeo, for instance. HOW she could do that, I have no flipping idea. Other than that, she was great to her little sister, which I respect, and I understand her frustration when it came to her mind. Were I her, I'd be the exact same way toward my mother. I guess I just get her. Well, all except the Romeo thing.

Romeo: This boy shocked me. So. Much. He seems so agressive and mysterious at first, but then he changes and we find out secrets and just...goodness, guys. This boy. This boy this boy this boy. I heart him so hard, guys. If I were to know him in person, he'd be one of the few people I hug every time I see them. (There SERIOUSLY aren't that many people I do that to.) And his name? Justin Romeo. Perfect.

Plot. This book has issues up the yin-yang. And it kept my eyes locked to this book for looong periods of time. This is NOT one of those contemps that have the possibility of boring people (ahem, ME) to tears. Thank goodness for that.

Aww, Romeo. All the sweetness in this book comes from this wonderful boy. I mean, the bandmates have a moment or two of their own, but Romeo runs the show. He and Riley...well, Romeo wanted it to happen, so I did, too. He was good for her. And she was good for him. Plus, Riley sort of deserved something more happy in her life. So Team Romeo&Riley it is/ ;)

The ending. Ahhh, smiles. That's all I must say for this. Smiles. And Romeo. <3

Overall, In the Band is a riveting NA contemporary romance that made me smile and even made me tear up once or twice. Maybe three times. Oh, and, ha, there may have been a gasp at a certain spot or three. If you like amazing NA books, you should give this book a go, no doubt about it.

♥Jessica(:

Young Adult Giveaway Hop!

 

 

A giveaway hop! Yay! What shall I give away this time? Hmmm...

 

I'm seriously deciding this on the spot right now.

 

I'm thinking...

 

THIS BOOK:

 

Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry

 

Because I love this book.

 

And it's YA.

 

So it kinda sort fits the bill.

 

If you have not seen my review for this book, you can take a look by clicking HERE.

 

Okay, read on for the deets of this giveaway!

 

Detaaaaails!:

- ONE winner shall win ONE copy of the book listed above

- This giveaway is totally international

- Make sure you've read my giveaway policies because they 100% apply to this giveaway

- Fill out the Rafflecopter below to enter!

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

And now, hop on, good people!



♥Jessica(:

Review: Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry

Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry
Release Date: July 31, 2012
Format: ARC, 392 pages
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Source: Gifted from Anna at Literary Exploration!

Description from Goodreads:
No one knows what happened the night Echo Emerson went from popular girl with jock boyfriend to gossiped-about outsider with "freaky" scars on her arms. Even Echo can't remember the whole truth of that horrible night. All she knows is that she wants everything to go back to normal.But when Noah Hutchins, the smoking-hot, girl-using loner in the black leather jacket, explodes into her life with his tough attitude and surprising understanding, Echo's world shifts in ways she could never have imagined. They should have nothing in common. And with the secrets they both keep, being together is pretty much impossible.

Yet the crazy attraction between them refuses to go away. And Echo has to ask herself just how far they can push the limits and what she'll risk for the one guy who might teach her how to love again.

I've heard talk about Pushing the Limits for a super long time now. And I've wanted to read it since the moment I heard about it. So, obviously, I've wanted to read this for a super long time now. So when I got it, there was a lot of happy dancing. Seriously. A lot. And it was all for good cause. Because this book made me all kinds of happy!

This book honestly had me from page one, which does not happen all that often for me with contemporary books. Normally, I have to read a bit of the book to actually get into it and start having fun with it. But with this book, I started on page one and just DID NOT want to stop. Goodness, this book has my heart.

Character Rundown:
Echo: Ahhh, Echo. I love her name. And the story of her name. Her character wasn't too bad. Her POV was amusing and held my attention, though I did like Noah's better. She was selfless and kind. I guess the thing about her that got to me was that she was all self-sacrificing. But not in a way that I see as noble. More like in a way that's trying too hard. I don't even know. She was NOT a bad character. She just wasn't my favrite. Still, this didn't take anything away from the book or how much I love it.

Noah: Awwww, Noah. He was so amazing. I love how he was so determined to get his brothers back, and then help Echo. And then there was the fact that he was so loyal to his foster siblings all the time. I loved THAT relationship. Those three...ha. Can't wait to see more in Dare You To. Anyway, Noah's a sweetheart who sometimes looks like a bad boy. But really, he's not a bad boy, he's just done some bad things. Or...seemingly bad things. Either way, he's good at heart and I adore him to no end.

Aires: Okay, so I'm aware that he's not actually, you know, ALIVE in this book, but I heart him. And most of the tears that were shed for this book were shed for him. I mean, I didn't ball my eyes out or anything, but still. This boy made me smile. I'm so sad he's gone. And the thing that Echo did with his car...well, that is one of the things I DID like a lot about her. I admire that she did that. Goodness knows that if I were in her shoes, I would have done the same exact thing. So...ahhh, Aires.

Plot. This book had me. In between Echo working out her memories and Noah trying and trying and trying to get his brothers back, I was caught up in the story that was Noah & Echo. There was always something happening to keep me reading. This is one of those books that I couldn't help but read during class because I just could NOt bring myself to close the book and not find out what was happening.

Noah & Echo. They were such a great couple! I have no complaints about them, whatsoever. These two were just awesome. Noah's a sweetie and he cares so, so much. And then Echo, well...Echo's a good person. There's no doubt about that. Seeing them getting used to each other and actually grow together had me grinning like a fool. I love these two!

The ending. I can't see how this book could have ended any better. It was just right for the characters. I felt it in my heart a little, but I was happy. heck, this book IN GENERAL just gave me an overall happy feeling.

Overall, Katie McGarry has written a superb debut novel that sent me through so many emotions but ultimately left me smiling. I couldn't be more excited for the next book, Dare You To, if I tried! I just KNOW Katie's going to make Beth's story just as fantastic as Noah and Echo's story was. Ahhh, so much love here!!!

♥Jessica(:

Cinder Audiobook

Hey, y'all! So, you may or may not remember, but I posted a review for a wonderful book called Cinder by Marissa Meyer. If you have not read it, I strongly suggest you do.

Anyway, if you have not read my review, click HERE and see what I thought. I say loads of good things and whine about one or two things that made me feel whiny. Overall, though, the book is marvelous.

Aaaaaaaaaaaand, in case you did not know, it's available as an audiobook from Macmillan Audio.

Really?

Yes, really. I would not lie to you, friends.

Wanna see? Click on the cover below and you get to hear a sample clip!

(If that link doesn't work, because blogger is being rude to me today, click HERE to hear the clip!)

 

♥Jessica(:

What I Got #23 ♥ TIGER!!

What I Got is weekly meme hosted by Monica over at Cover Analysis :)

 

Did I really just say "Tiger" in the title of this?

 

Why yes. Yes I did. With good reason. Which you'll see if you read on...

 

For Review:

Wounded by Jasinda Wilder

I'm on the blog tour for this and OMG I can't wait to read this.

 

The Nightmare Affair by Mindee Arnett

I actually got this last week and forgot to include it. Either way, this book looks so cool! I'm on the blog tour for this, as well.

 

Bruised by Sarag Skilton

I just noticed that the cover had a broken trophy on it. Seriously, right now as I write this, I am JUST noticing. Whoa. Anyhoo, this book caught my eye, so I obviously HAD to request it on Netgalley. And now you know how that turned out ;)

 

Won:

The Lives We Lost by Megan Crewe

I won this. And Megan sent it to me. And have I mentioned that Megan is SO. NICE. ? Because she is. Also, I got a t-shirt since I'm on the Fallen World Street Team and some other swaggish things (including a magnet. which is awesome because I LOVE them!). I do not have a picture of these things. Sorry! Either way, I got them.

 

Borrowed:

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

DO NOT THROW THINGS AT ME. I have not read any book by John Green before. So this is going to be my first. I'm actually super excited about reading this book. I've heard nothing but amazing things. So, thanks to my friend Ana for being super cool and remembering (finally) to bring this into class so I can borrow!!

 

 

Tiger's Quest, Tiger's Voyage, Tiger's Destiny by Colleen Houck

I'm currently reading Tiger's Quest and oh, man. Ohmanohmanohman. That is all I have to say on that matter. Goodness, I have such a soft spot for these books. And I just cannot choose a team for some reason! Ren or Kishan. I have no clue. BLAH. Either way, I'm so excited to read these! Thank you so, so, SO much to Jasmine for sending me these to borrow!!

 

And...I believe that is all I got this week. :)

 

What did YOU get this week?!

 

♥Jessica(:

Blog Tour: The Reluctant Wife by Bronwen Evans (Review)

The Reluctant Wife by Bronwen Evans
Release date: December 20, 2012
Format: eARC, 170 pages
Publisher: Entangled Publishing
Source: Publisher for blog tour

Description from Goodreads:
Abby Taylor walked out on her irresistible husband three years ago. Now she has no choice but to return to Italy to ask him for a favor. To pay for her grandmother's heart operation she needs his money, but it comes with strings attached.

Conte Dante Lombardi has it all—an Italian villa, a successful family business, and a noble title. But he needs a child to carry on his legacy and time is running out. He also hopes to satisfy the desire Abby rouses in him.

As Abby uncovers why he’s in such a hurry for a child, she falls in love with him again … just as she realizes it might be impossible to keep her end of the deal.

Awwww, I loved this book! I don't read adult contemporary that often, but when it catches my eye, I just can't help myself. The Reluctant Wife was DEFINITELY a pleasant discovery for me in this genre. This book made me so happy! It set my heart all aflutter and everything.

There were oh, so many things I adored about this book. First of all, I loved how the characters went through problems that are not exactly approached in other books. Not taboo subjects or anything, but simply problems that aren't that common in the books I read. Another thing I loveloveloved about this book was Bronwen's writing. I felt it all, guys. ALL OF IT. Oh, happiness. As far as my absolute favorite thing about this book, I'd have to say it's the characters!

Character Rundown:
Abby: I actually liked her. She was at first portrayed as a fickle girl who had a lot to learn. Throughout the story, she grew into a woman that did not irritate me (which is SUCH a good thing, thank goodness) and could actually stand up for herself without looking like she had no clue what she was talking about. And I liked her even when she WASN'T with Dante. Usually, I need the guy around to make things interesting. That was not the case here. So, yeah, I liked her character. I respect it, too.

Dante: Well, first, y'all need to give me a minute to freak out over the fact that HIS NAME IS DANTE. That alone made him hot, if I'm being completely honest. But then add to that the fact that he's, of course, attractive, charming, and sooooo stubborn. I love this guy! He's so sweet and he cares a lot, but he DIDN'T show it that much. And that is so different from what I usually see. I enjoyed watching him change from cold-hearted businessman to sweetheart swoon-worthy guy. I mean, he was always swoon-worthy, but I love the second, sweeter version of him SO much better.

Plot. As I said, the characters face issues that aren't typically addressed in many stories. So that was a definite plus. This was also a very quick read. I read it in one sitting and everything. Fun fact: I don't care how fast y'all think I read, if I read something in one sitting it was probably freaking AMAZING. I also had a nice time watching how the characters worked through the issues. And argued about them. Because let's be honest, guys. How many people DON'T love a good argument every now and then? Especially in a book? FUN, right?

Dante + Abby. Oh, these two. They are so sadly misguided in their feelings for each other. I rooted for them from page one, but it took them longer than that to come to their senses. They so clearly would go to the ends of the world for each other. I find it kind of funny how in these situations, everyone realizes this except the people involved. This was especially fun to see in The Reluctant Wife. Ha, "reluctant." Really? Either way, these two are so great and I think they make a terrific couple. AHHHHHHHH, I HEART THEM.

The ending. So, at first with this ending, I was all distraught. But then I read on and was like "OHHHHH, AWWWWW!" So...yeah. A beautiful ending to a marvelous story. It planted a smile on my dimple face, that's for sure.

Overall, The Reluctant Wife was a fantastic story that was centered around things I don't read about every day while still featuring characters that made me so happy. Honestly, they made my tummy all tingly and happy feeling. That is never a bad thing, my friends. ;)

♥Jessica(:

The First Review of THE COLLECTOR!

Hey, y'all! How's it goin'?

This week has been a SUPER big week for The Collector. Why? Because the first ARCs were sent out! The bloggers/reviewers who recieved them were chosen randomly, and no. I was not in that bunch, sadly. All is well, though. Because my super awesome Lux-loving best friend WAS! Jana from The Book Goddess got and eARC, read the book in, like, a day, and then posted a review.

Soooooooooo...

To see the very first blogger review of The Collector by Victoria Scott, click HERE!!

(I just felt like randomly adding this. Because DANTE IS MINE.)

 

♥Jessica(:

Review: Entangled Dreams by Carmen DeSousa

Entangled Dreams by Carmen DeSousa
Release Date: November 14, 2013
Format: Paperback, 266 pages
Publisher: 5 Prince Publishing
Source: Author

Description from Goodreads:
When Alexandra Nicole was eight, she thought she was a princess in a fairytale. But after a tragic accident shatters her magical life, she finds herself in a cold and heartless reality.

As an adult, she once again faces harsh truths and decides to take control of her life. Unfortunately, choices have a way of entangling her dreams and pushing her down a dark and dismal path.

Alexandra must trust her instincts to escape danger, but be able to surrender all to find her happily ever after. Knowing how to decipher the difference, will be her toughest challenge.

Carmen DeSousa is one of my favorite authors. So of course I was incredibly happy when I got this book in the mail. Having loved Carmen's first two books (they are truly terrific), I was so ecstatic to jump into this one. And I expected to love it. Which I did.

I love this book so much. It just may be my favorite book by Carmen DeSousa. I'm not sure. If it's not, then it's definitely tied with Land of the Noonday Sun. Either way, this book was great. It's different from Carmen's usual stories, but still portrays her wonderful writing style and loads of sweet moments that make me feel happy inside.

Character Rundown:
Alexandra: This girl knows what's up. She doesn't sit around and whine or look to others to solve her problem. No, sir. She handles them herself. This said, she also knows when to ask for help. When there truly is no better option. I admire this trait in her character.

Cameron: I love him! He does what he has to do, but doesn't go looking for trouble. He's strong and stable and such a great person. A complete sweetheart, this guy. <3 He's also not perfect. And he has secrets. I liked the fact that he was mysterious without being stereotypical mysterious. He comes across as such an open book at first. ;)

Romance. Cameron is so perfect for Alexandra, it only makes sense that they would be the adorable couple that they are. Goodness, they are not perfect people, but when all is said and done, they are perfect for each other. I was rooting for them from the moment they met!

Plot. Not a big twisted mystery like Carmen usually writes, but a darn great love story and I enjoyed every second of it. The surprise in this book lies more in the secrets we uncover than the who-done-it. Personally, I am okay with that. Heck, I am more than okay with that. Have I MENTIONED that I love this book?

The ending. Well, you see, first there was just a lot of ohmygosh ohmygsoh ohmygosh. Then were was a big, huge AWWWWWWWWWW! No cliffhanger or anything and everything wrapped up in a way that made me grin so wide.

Overall, yet another AMAZING book by Carmen DeSousa. A beautiful love story that I never wanted to end. I seriously cannot wait for Carmen's next book!!

♥Jessica(:

Blog Tour: Nobody But Us by Kristin Halbrook (Review + Giveaway)

Nobody But Us by Kristin Halbrook
Release Date: January 29, 2013
Format: eARC, 272 pages
Publisher: HarperTeen
Source: Publisher for blog tour!
On Amazon!

Description from Goodreads:
Bonnie and Clyde meets IF I STAY in this addictively heart-wrenching story of two desperate teenagers on the run from their pasts.

They’re young. They’re in love. They’re on the run.

Zoe wants to save Will as much as Will wants to save Zoe. When Will turns eighteen, they decide to run away together. But they never expected their escape to be so fraught with danger....

When the whole world is after you, sometimes it seems like you can’t run fast enough.

Nobody But Us, told in alternating perspectives from Will and Zoe, is an unflinching novel, in turns heartbreaking and hopeful, about survival, choices, and love...and how having love doesn’t always mean that you get a happy ending. Described as “beautiful, heartbreaking, and exhilarating” by Kody Keplinger, author of The DUFF, Nobody But Us will prove irresistible to fans of Nina Lacour, Jenny Han, and Sara Zarr.

Nobody But Us.

That title alone was enough to make me completely spaz over this book. It's so sweet. And then the cover? So much sweetness.

They're young. They're in love. They're on the run.

That tag line got me, too. Young and in love would appeal to me in and of itself, but then on the run? Heck to the yes.

So I was excited going into this book. COMPLETELY. And you know what? I love this book to pieces. It was good and it made me feel so, so much and it was what I expected and more. There were the sweet moments I was expecting, but then there were also a bunch of moments that just...they just had me. Killed me, hurt me. Surprised me. This book was a beautiful debut from Kristin Halbrook.

Character Rundown:
Zoe: I. Do. Not. Like. Zoe. At all. Okay, so she was 15. Right? I get that. But still, her...unintelligence just ticked me off time and time again. Another thing: she cried. A LOT. Seriously, pretty much every one of her arguments with Will ended in Zoe balling her whiny little eyes out. And she makes horrible decisions. The only decision she ever made that I wholeheartedly agreed with was her choice to stay with Will. I'd stay with this boy.

Will: THIS BOY. MY boy. I heart him so hard. His character just got me. He really, really did. He cares so much, and he tries so hard to be good, and protect Zoe, and I just AH. My heart aches for him. It truly does. All in all, he's an amazing guy. If only he'd been thrown into better circumstances, everything could have been so different. So much better for him. Goodness, I wish so hard.

Plot. The description/tagline pretty much tell it all. Or, well, most of it. There are other little elements thrown in that were not expected. This is a story about more than just two kid on the run. It runs deeper than that. I felt that. And then there were little surprised weaved in here in there. But the overall story? Pretty much expected. Except for the ending.

Will & Zoe. I don't like having to put those two names together because I adore Will and do not like Zoe. But there is no doubt in my mind that they care for each other more than anything. Honestly, they are a completely adorable couple. And I feel for them, too. Though I didn't like Zoe, I wanted things to work out for them so bad.

The ending. And this was just soooo frustrating. Don't get me wrong, there was a tear or two, but then I was just so mad. Angry. AHH. Why, goodness, why? And that is all I'm going to say. Because I refuse to spoil and I know y'all are probably trying to guess what I'm so upset about. Why my heart hurts so flipping much. But I'm going to tell you right now--YOU'RE WRONG. Trust me.

Overall, I love this book to pieces. It was beautiful and emotional and a gorgeous debut from Kristin Halbrook. I am so looking forward to reading more from her in the future!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Kristin Halbrook is a Seattleite who loves good coffee, good food, good music, good sports, good causes, and good reads. She’s both intense and a goofball, introverted and gregarious. Nobody But Us is her debut novel.

Find Kristin on:
Her website!
Goodreads!
Twitter!

 

GIVEAWAY:

Enter the tour-wide giveaway with the Rafflecopter below!

**I am not running this givewaway, therefore my policy does not apply. I am not responsible for the prize or entries.**

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

♥Jessica(:

Waiting on Wednesday #18 ♥ Dare You To by Katie McGarry

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine!

 

It's been forever and a day since the last time I did a WoW post, but hey. Better late than never, right? Plus, I am seriously dying for the book I'm featuring this week!

 

Dare You To by Katie McGarry

Expected Publication: May 28, 2013

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Series: Pushing the Limits #2

 

Description from Goodreads:

"I dare you..."

If anyone knew the truth about Beth Risk's home life, they'd send her mother to jail and seventeen-year-old Beth who knows where. So she protects her mom at all costs. Until the day her uncle swoops in and forces Beth to choose between her mom's freedom and her own happiness. That's how Beth finds herself living with an aunt who doesn't want her and going to a school that doesn't understand her. At all. Except for the one guy who shouldn't get her, but does....

Ryan Stone is the town golden boy, a popular baseball star jock-with secrets he can't tell anyone. Not even the friends he shares everything with, including the constant dares to do crazy things. The craziest? Asking out the Skater girl who couldn't be less interested in him.

But what begins as a dare becomes an intense attraction neither Ryan nor Beth expected. Suddenly, the boy with the flawless image risks his dreams-and his life-for the girl he loves, and the girl who won't let anyone get too close is daring herself to want it all....

 

Why I cannot wait! Have you read Pushing the Limits? If your answer with no, you must do it now. NOW. Seriously. After that awesomeness, of course I'm excited for some more! Plus, some super cool blogger friends I know already read it. Um, yeah. And they said it was BETTER THAN THE FIRST. How that's even possible, I have no clue, but it just makes me drool over this book that much more!

 

What are YOU waiting on this week?

 

♥Jessica(:

What I Got #22 ♥ Happy Things!!

What I Got is a weekly meme hosted by Monica over at Cover Analysis :)

 

This si going to be two weeks worth of books, because last week I HAD to post my review for The Darkest Minds. That book was just too amazing to wait. So, yeah. What I got for the last two weeks!

 

For Review:

Dracian Legacy by Priya Kanaparti

I JUST finished this last night (Friday night). I had so much fun reading it and I adore the characters! My review will be posted (along with a character interview) on Febryary 16th as part of the blog tour!

 

 

The Essence by Kimberly Derting

I got this for review for my post on the blog tour, last Saturday, but I couldn't read it in time, so now I'm going to review it just regular, on the blog! I have not started it yet, but I'm sort of kind of TOTALLY excited about it. Thank you to Simon & Schuster!

 

Breaking Waves by Danielle Sibarium

I got the first book, Heart Waves, in my last What I Got. I'm currently reading that one, and then I'll read this one, and then I'll be reviewing them both for the blog tour! Thank you to Danielle for sending me this book!! (And the first, as well. Loving it so far!)

 

Apollyon  by Jennifer L. Armentrout

YESYESYESYESYESYESYES, I got this! This was the book I was upset I didn't get last What I Got. But now I have it and I am soooooo happy. I can't wait to read it! Thank you so, so, SO much to SHP for sending me this book for review!

 

Gifted!

I got a bunch of gifted stuff this week, so I'm going to break it down by person!

 

From Dolly, my wonderful best friend from Creative Writing class:

Cursed by Jennifer L. Armentrout

This was on so many of my lists. For Christmas, for what I NEED to read in 2013, and so on. So I was SO FLIPPING ECSTATIC when my dear friend Dolly randomly showed up to Creative Writing with this book for me. Apparently, her blog stalking skills are spot-on. Thank you so much, Dolly! I'm so excited to read it!!

 

From Perez, my big baby of a Physics best friend:

The Original Illustrated Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle

I have not read anything Sherlock Holmes. EVER. So I'm seriously excited to actually become a cool kid and and read this! Eeeeeeeep! Thaaaaanks, Perez. YOU CAN NEVER GO WRONG WITH GIFTS OF THE BOOKISH VARIETY.

 

From Anna, my super awesome blogging idol who runs Literary Exploration:

Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry

I've been wanting to read this since it came out last summer. So Anna was nice enough to give me her ARC!! I already read this and it was amazing. There shall be a review sometime ;)

 

Asunder by Jodi Meadows

Anna is a wonderful person for giving me her ARC of this. I was being whiny on Twitter about how it looked so nice and then she was all like "I'll send it to you." I spazzed. And am still spazzing. Yay!

 

The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken

I love this book. I love this book I love this book I love this book. My favorite book out of the eight I've read this year and my favorite non-JLA book, EVER. It is so amazing and I love it so, so, SO much. I cannot wait for the next book. I already posted my review last week, and just...wow. I heart Anna so. Much. For surprising me with this book.

 

Thanks a million to Anna for these three books (I've read two and they were great!) and for being so awesome and ahhhhh, so much happiness. :)

 

From my dear author friend, Priya, who may or may not be one of my favorite people:

Accordance by Shelly Crane

Book 2 in the Significance series! I am incedibly happy and excited to get into this one. I'm just starting it today (Saturday) and I'm all smiley about it!

 

Defiance by Shelly Crane

Book 3! AHHH! And, this goes for the cover of Accordance, too--Pepe and Sztella! Love.

 

Independence by Shelly Crane

And book 4. I now own the whole series! Yay! I can't wait to just sit and reeeeeeeead them all! And now I won't have to die at the end of any of them! Hehe.

 

Losing It by Cora Carmack

I've been in love with this cover for ages. For some reason, it just makes me happy! I think it's the top half of the cover. Anyways, there was that, and then the fact that the description looks like this book is going to be great. Top that all off with the fact that JLA said this was her favorite book of 2012...I wanted this book. And now I have it!! I can't wait to read this one, either.

 

Thank you so, so, SOSOSOSOSO much, P-Diddio! I'm still happy dancing over this. Mhmm. Yeah. STILL. Super amazing early birthday gifts!

 

And...I think that's all of What I Got for this week. Or two. Sorry if I forgot anything!

 

What did YOU get this week?!?! Have you read any of the books I got? Telll meeee!

 

♥Jessica(:

THE COLLECTOR Teasers ;)

 

For those of us who spend ginormous amounts of time on Twitter, you may have seen these already, but if you DON'T spend loads of time tweeting your life away, you may have missed these. Either way, I'm posting them here because, um, hello? I want them to be on my blog.

 

BECAUSE THEY'RE SO AMAZING.

 

So here are some of the teasers Liz Pelletier (V's editor) was tweeting from THE COLLECTOR.

 

"Some"?! Y'all are probably caught on that word, right? I know I would be.

 

Well, you see, Liz did some tweeting of Dante teasers TWICE. And first of all, I only caught one of these days. Second of all, I'm not actually taking these from Twitter. Ha, I'm too lazy for that, guys. So these are actually being taken from V's website where she posted about Liz being a tease!

 

Okay?

 

Are you ready for the teasers now?

 

GOOD.

 

“I’m playing my part on Team Hell like a heavyweight.” – Dante Walker, THE COLLECTOR


“If I don’t get an A in this class, my grandma will skin me alive and make it look like an accident.” – Charlie Cooper, THE COLLECTOR


“As Charlie is leaving, she somehow trips on the threshold and nearly face-plants. Out of all the souls on Planet Earth, how is this the soul I’ve come to collect?” – Dante Walker, THE COLLECTOR


“Man it feels good to seal souls. Like a little slice of bacon.” – Dante Walker, THE COLLECTOR


“Steal is an ugly word, Charlie. What we’re doing is letting loose.” – Dante Walker, THE COLLECTOR


“I stare at Charlie until a shining light engulfs her small frame. Then I point my finger and release a seal. It attached to her soul and stays there. And damn it if she doesn’t turn around at that very moment…and smile.” – Dante Walker, THE COLLECTOR


“I’m no doctor, but I’m fairly certain Grams is hopped up on enough meds to bring down a rhinoceros.” – Dante Walker, THE COLLECTOR


“I was sure a city with the name Peachville couldn’t have a rough part of town. I stand corrected.” – Dante Walker, THE COLLECTOR


“She’s getting drunk because of me. This fact is ninety-five percent pleasing, and five percent…something else.” – Dante Walker, THE COLLECTOR


“Behind her glasses, her eyes are red and swollen and so filled with hurt that I fear I will murder someone. That I will actually end someone’s life.” – Dante Walker, THE COLLECTOR


“Wait, is [Charlie's best friend] trying to intimidate me? Because if she is…it just might work. Bitch be scary.” – Dante Walker, THE COLLECTOR


“I lean in and whisper in Taylor’s ear, “You don’t know who you’re fucking with, princess. Ain’t no one do bad like I do.” – Dante Walker, THE COLLECTOR


“I’m sorry, Charlie,” I whisper. I’m not sure she hears me, and I’m definitely not sure I mean it. – Dante Walker, THE COLLECTOR

And that is it for the awesome teaser-sharing. Is it just me or is this book going to be soooo ah-maaaazing?!?! Goodness. I'm so sad that April is still SO. FAR. AWAY. Blaaah!

 

What do YOU think of the teasers? Are you as excited about this book as I am?!

 

♥Jessica(:

Review: Shadows in the Silence by Courtney Allison Moulton

Shadows in the Silence by Courtney Allison Moulton
Release Date: January 29, 2013
Format: ARC, 469
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Series: Angelfire #3
Source: ARC tour!

Description from Goodreads:
Your strength in heart and hand will fall. . . .
Ellie knows that the darkest moments are still to come, and she has everything to fight for:

She must fight for Will.
The demonic have resorted to their cruelest weapons to put Will in mortal danger, and Ellie makes an unlikely alliance to save him and to stop Lilith and Sammael, who seek to drown the world in blood and tear a hole into Heaven.

She must fight for humanity.
As the armies of Hell rise and gather for the looming End of Days, Ellie and her band of allies travel to the world’s darkest and most ancient regions in her quest to come into her full glory as the archangel Gabriel.

And Ellie must save herself.
Her humanity withers beneath the weight of her cold archangel power, but Ellie must hold tight to who she is and who she loves as she prepares for the ultimate battle for Heaven and Earth.

In this final installment in the Angelfire trilogy, Courtney Allison Moulton brings her dark world of epic battles and blistering romance to a blazing bright conclusion.

The Angelfire trilogy. It is so weird to see this one come to an end. I remember when the first book came out! Goodness. It was before I became a blogger, but after I decided I'd let books rule my life. Either way, I'd never given much though to this trilogy ending. No more Will, no more Ellie, no more...no more...no more CADAN. (I'm going to cry for days for that one, guys.)

Anyways, back to the point. This book. The ending of a very kickass trilogy. Well, if you MUST know...this was such an amazing way to end the trilogy!!!!!!!

Goodness gracious, this book was badass. I laughed (a lot), cried (why must people DIE?!?!), slapped things (I'd rather not specify WHAT, because then y'all may not like me anymore...hehehe--I'm totally kidding. Kind of.), punched things, threw things, yelled things (TEAM WAFFLES!), and so on. I think you get my point. This book was a bunch of feels. Because, you know, I may not have said this, but this was the ending to a trilogy. And it was badass. So yeah.

Courtney's writing makes me smile, just like always. I don't even know WHAT it is about her writing, but it just feels different to me, and I like it. A lot. Like, a lot a lot. Pulls me in and keeps me reading. Even if I don't want to. Yeah. THAT great. ;)

Character Rundown:
Ellie: Ellie's been through a lot in this trilogy, and I must say: I liked her more and more with each book and she grew into a character I could actually stand. Um, yeah, I wasn't her biggest fan in the beginning. But now, she's all right. Completely fierce. I suggest you watch yourself when in her presence.

Will: Awww, Will!!!! He is so incredinly sweet, I just want to hug the snap out of him. I love how stable and just plain supportive he was. If he were real, I'd totally be first in line to be his BFF. He's just so cute! Love this boy.

Cadan: While I love Will, Cadan is the boy that has me in this trilogy. Gosh, I ADORE this boy. He makes me laugh and he cares. He cares so much, I can't even. He is sooooo mine. I love how we've grown to trust him more and more throughout these books. We can depend on him now! Did you hear me? DEPEND on him. TRUST him. We can, we can! Ahhh, this boy <3

Plot. We were focused on what was going to happen, which I seriously liked because I actually KNEW what was going on! A lot of the time, I'm slow with figuring out just what the heck the characters are doing or trying to accomplish, but in this book? Not a problem. I get it, guys! WOOT! Another thing. This is a WAR. We all know what happens when at war, yes? The D word? Because it does happen, no matter how much we wish it wouldn't. In this very book. It happens. *sad face*

Sweets. Well, first and foremost (for me, anyway), we have Cadan. Who, as I said, CARES. And we see him caring and cooperating and I am so happy our relationship with him has grown to this point. And then there is Will. Oh, Will. I've already told y'all that will is so sweet. This guy is such a sweetheart. Him and Ellie together...it just works. So well. I can't imagine these two actually being with someone else. Just doesn't blend in my brain.

The ending. Ohhhh, guys, the feels. The feels the feels the feels. It's over! But I think Courtney gave us a darn good ending. I closed the book feeling all satisfied and a little teary-eyed. SO MUCH happened--in this book, in this TRILOGY--but Courtney wrapped it all up in such a wonderful way.

Overall, Courtney Allison Moulton did a supremely GREAT job on this book and therefore, she rocks. Seriously. She rocks my socks off. BARE FEET RIGHT NOW, Y'ALL. If you've read the first two books in this trilogy and are feeling kind of meh about the whole thing, I suggest you most definitely read the last installment. It's an ending worth reading. And if you read the first two books and think they're the best thing ever? I say the same thing. Most definitely a trilogy worth reading, right here.

GAH! I just can't believe it's over. AHHHHH!

But seriously. Read it.

♥Jessica(:

A Shade of Vampire by Bella Forrest ♥ Giveaway!!

 

Heeeeeeey, everybody. You may or may not remember my review of A Shade of Vampire I posted...um...let me think...on the 9th! If you want to see it, click HERE. But the big point was that I loved it and want the next book and just AHH.

 

So now, here I am, giving away the book.

 

Say whaaat?!?!!

 

You heard me. Today, we're giving away A Shade of Vampire! The author has very kindly offered up a SIGNED copy.

 

Yeah, I said. Signed. And personalized. And you can win it here!

 

Just fill out the Rafflecopter below and know that my giveaway policy? Yeah, it applies.

 

And yes! The giveaway is international. :)

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Wanna know more about the book? Check out the Goodreads HERE! 

 

♥Jessica(:

No Strings Attached Giveaway Hop!

 

So. A giveaway. WHAT could I be giving away? Well, if you've been hanging around my blog, you'll know that I have a new favorite book. Or, new favorite book that is not written by JLA. And I think EVERYONE should read it. So I'm giving away...

 

 

I just love that cover.

 

Anyway, yeah. The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Braken!

 

This book is so amazing, I can't even, you guys. AHH!

 

Now back to the part where I give one of you lovely people a copy of this marvelous book:

 

Details!

- This giveaway is INTERNATIONAL! Everyone deserves a chance to read this book, y'all.

- My giveaway policy DOES apply for this one. Make sure you've read it.

- One winner will be randomly chosen to recieve one copy of The Darkest Minds, the super awesome book by Alexandra Braken

- Fill out the Rafflecopter form below and good luck, you guys!

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

Hop on, good people! Enjoy the awesomeness!



♥Jessica(:

Hey, Bloggers! Entangled wants YOU! ♥

*Taken from THIS WEBSITE* Hehe.

Calling all bloggers!

Calling all bloggers!

Entangled needs you! *points at you*

::Me butting in::
Entangled is the amazing publisher behind my favorite series--the LUX series!--Flawed by Kate Avelynn, and the forthcoming The Collector I like to talk you ear off about! Needless to say, I love these guys. <3

Be part of The List.

Here's what you need to know:

One of my awesome publicists at Entangled is compiling a list of bloggers.

Here are the requirements:

Do you have a blog?
(I do)

Do you love to review books?
(I DO!)

Do you want access to books before they release?
(Oh, I wish)

If your answers to these questions is a resounding "YES" then you're the right blogger for the job.

We want you! Now's a great time to join The List.
Yes! There's a list! How do you get to it? Click HERE and then proceed as instructed ;)

♥Jessica(:

Review: The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken♥

The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken
Release Date: December 18, 2012
Format: ARC, 498 pages
Publisher: Disney Hyperion
Series: The Darkest Minds #1
Source: Gifted from Anna!!

Description from Goodreads:
When Ruby woke up on her tenth birthday, something about her had changed. Something alarming enough to make her parents lock her in the garage and call the police. Something that gets her sent to Thurmond, a brutal government “rehabilitation camp.” She might have survived the mysterious disease that’s killed most of America’s children, but she and the others have emerged with something far worse: frightening abilities they cannot control.

Now sixteen, Ruby is one of the dangerous ones.

When the truth comes out, Ruby barely escapes Thurmond with her life. Now she’s on the run, desperate to find the one safe haven left for kids like her—East River. She joins a group of kids who escaped their own camp. Liam, their brave leader, is falling hard for Ruby. But no matter how much she aches for him, Ruby can’t risk getting close. Not after what happened to her parents.

When they arrive at East River, nothing is as it seems, least of all its mysterious leader. But there are other forces at work, people who will stop at nothing to use Ruby in their fight against the government. Ruby will be faced with a terrible choice, one that may mean giving up her only chance at a life worth living.

Congratulations to The Darkest Minds for being the first book of 2013 to make me cry.

Even bigger congratulations for being my new favorite non-JLA book.

Yeah. I loved it that much. This book...this book was amazing. It's hard for me to even explain, but I'm going to try, and I'm not going to use a bunch of gifs to do it because this book...there is no easy way out in this book.

Let's think for a second. Let's go back to the crying thing. Now, I'm a big baby. A huge baby. When a book is sad, I tear up. Sometimes, if it's sad enough, I cry. But even though I am a big baby, I don't CRY LIKE A BABY all that much while reading books. That's just not how it usually goes. Sure, a tear or two here and there, but SOBBING? Not often.

I sobbed for this book.

As I said, doesn't happen often. From what I can remember, I've only cried a bunch for:
- Night by Elie Wiesel
- The Story of Us by Deb Caletti
- The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton
- Pure by Jennifer L. Armentrout
- Flawed by Kate Avelynn

And that's IT. Anything else I've cried for, was not that big of a deal, not really. I mean, I probably did hyperventilate like I said or something for those ones, but actually holy-crap-I-can't-stop-crying? Did not happen.

And, if we're being honest, The Darkest Minds caused me to cry like I have never cried for a book before. Just...wow.

Now, if it made me cry so much WHY is it my favorite? Why?

Well, first of all, Alexandra Bracken is a kickass writer. She can WRITE. I mean, obviously, if she can make me cry like that, but she made me laugh, too. And she made my jaw-drop, and she kept me reading when I might have given up on the book otherwise. The author did an AMAZING job with this book. The premise was magnificent and execution flawless. I admit, if this story had been told in any other way, I probably would have put it down. I normally don't go for this kind of thing. I mean, we don't even meet the other big main characters until 100 pages in. But Alexandra Bracken..well, she did her job so freaking well.

And then the characters...OH MY GOODNESS, the characters.

Character Rundown:
Ruby: For all intents and purposes, I should have hated Ruby. She lied, she did things I wanted to slap her for, and she wasn't open enough. But I love this chick. Why? Because she's logical. Stick a 10 year old girl in a camp like THAT for 6 years while she hides the secret of WHO SHE IS and then pull her out, and I have no doubt Ruby is what should come out. And goodness gracious, I understand her. I get the way she thinks, even though I wish she could be different sometimes. I get it and I know and I just...Ruby's a great character.

Liam: Awww, my little southern boy. I never failed to smile when he used the word "darlin'." Even at the end. He's such a purely GREAT person. Confident and sure of himself, but not in an arrogant way. More in a helpful, kind way. I love this boy. He's exacly what Ruby needs. Ohmyflippinggoodess, he is EXACTLY what she needs.

Chubs: Charles. Oh, man, Chubs was my favorite character in this book. He's so loyal and caring and determined. He knows what he wants and goes for it. He knows who he likes and takes care of them. And he...he knows what to do...and does it. He's smart. He's funny. He dreams about food a lot. Goodness, I can't even say much more. "My favorite character" should tell you how amazing he is.

Bad guy: So, yeah, there's a bad guy. I'm not going to tell you his name because that's part of the mystery! He could be anybody. ANYBODY. You might guess him, you might not. Personally, I DID guess him, but then changed my mind farther into the book. It just didn't add up at that point. Anyway, this bad guy. He toyed with my emotions a bit. I mean, not once did he really fool me--I was very suspicious around him--but I'm also one to care for characters I shouldn't. This guy was no exception. Now, I want to beat the crap out of this guy just like anyone else does. But he was a great villain. That's all I'm going to say. I'm trying SO HARD not to spoil for you guys.

Plot. A big chunk of the beginning was world building. As I said, we don't meet our awesome companions until about 100 pages in. That does not mean those first 100 pages were horrid, though. Those first 100 pages are the ones that would usually bore me to the point of giving up.

I didn't give up.

Which means they held my attention. I didn't even get bored. Again, as I already said: Alexandra Braken can WRITE. Very, very well. And then after we met Liam and Zu and Chubs...well, I loathed to put the book down. It was interesting and kept me on my toes and made me happy and sad and it was just a whirlwind of TERRIFIC.

Sweet things. There is romance. In that aspect, Liam's our boy. Sweet, and--as I said, because I just can't stop repeating myself--exactly what Ruby needs. And then there's Zu, the sweet little girl. And there is Chubs. Who did not like Ruby AT ALL at first, but grew to love her just as he did with Zu and Liam. That was my favorite growth in this book--how the four of them grew together. They're just super great friends and I loved it. So loyal to each other and willing to do anything...ANYTHING...for one another. I had fun with the Liam and Ruby relationship, too. Which I've already explained.

The ending. This is where I have no clue what to say. It was a GREAT ending. I want the next book now. Right this second. This is probably going to be one of my favorite trilogies ever, if not #1. But then again...it was so heartbreaking. It took me so long to read the last 20ish pages or so because I was just CRYING. Everything...it was just...it all falls apart. And then Ruby, she takes care of it! I swear, I can't imagine a different way for her to deal with that situation. But that doesn't make it any less sad.

Overall, one of my favorites EVER. Wonderful writing, badass characters, and so much emotion. I lovelovelove this book so much. If you ask me, YOU should definitely read it. I can't imagine NOT reading it. It's not very lighthearted, but it is definitely a magnificent story that will stick with you. I know it's sticking with me.

Thanks a million to Anna for giving me this book. There aren't enough words in the world to explain how grateful I am.

♥Jessica(: