My Thoughts: A Beautiful Dark by Jocelyn Davies

On the night of Skye’s seventeenth birthday, she meets two enigmatic strangers. Complete opposites—like fire and ice—Asher is dark and wild, while Devin is fair and aloof. Their sudden appearance sends Skye’s life into a tailspin. She has no idea what they want, or why they seem to follow her every move—only that their presence coincides with a flurry of strange events. Soon she begins to doubt not just the identity of the two boys, but also the truth about her own past.
 
In the dead of a bitingly cold Colorado winter, Skye finds herself coming to terms with the impossible secret that threatens to shatter her world. Torn between Asher, who she can’t help falling for, and Devin, who she can’t stay away from, the consequences of Skye’s choice will reach further than the three of them could ever imagine.

Thanks to HarperCollins and NetGalley for this one.


Let me start by saying that I am not a fan of angel books. They have frequently let me down. So when I found out that A Beautiful Dark was about angels I was less then enthused. However I had already committed myself to reading it and I thought I would give it a try. I am pleased and relieved to announce that I really enjoyed this story. There have been few angel stories that I have liked, and I discuss this in depth here. So Jocelyn Davies, congratulations. This one was a win!

Many are saying that A Beautiful Dark is been there done that kind of book. Perhaps this is true to some extent. But no one has done it like Jocelyn Davies has. There is a teenage girl, Skye, who is enamored by the two new mysterious boys in town- Asher and Devin. Davies has taken the typical love triangle story and given it a spin that is well worth the read. Two boys-angels- vying for the attention of one girl. But why?

What I liked the most about this story was the suspense/mystery of the whole thing. I could kind of guess what was going on, but I was never for sure about the whole thing. Sometimes in paranormal YA, the mystery is revealed to soon, and then the story goes down hill. A Beautiful Dark had a perfect pace for me. on the other hand, I sometimes felt like things were a bit rushed in terms of description. I would sometimes wish for a little more explanation. specifically in areas where Skye and Asher would be having a conversation, they would often go by so quickly, and I would have no idea what Skye was feeling during this time, or have any sense of their surroundings. Davies is a great writer and this was her first novel, so I feel as she grows as a writer this will improve.

The characters were definitely my favourite. I loved Asher, he was funny and cocky, but he also wasn't a BSer. I appreciated that. In turn, I wasn't a huge fan of Devin, he was far to docile for me. I enjoyed reading Skye's interactions with Asher, they were the most fun. Skye as a protagonist was pretty cool, she's not hugely memorable. But she wasn't incredibly annoying either. What I really liked about Skye was that she wasn't a push over. She didn't let Asher or Devin order/push her around. She had a mind of her own. She knew what was important to her, and nothing was going to change that.

Overall, this was a pretty good read. If you're like me and have been disappointed with angel books lately, give this one a try, because it's unlike those out there.

~Happy Reading Everyone!

Teaser Tuesday #22

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

•Grab your current read

•Open to a random page

•Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

•BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

•Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!


** Today I bring to you a VERY special Teaser**

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

"A current travelled from my fingertips through to the hollow where my stomach used to be. And just like that, I was completely, utterly, and entirely, His."

(P.170)






This comes out today, and so far it's AMAZING! You should go check it out! I've posted the trailer below because it's epic, and totally worth watching!

In My Mailbox #12 (Vlog #4)

It's that time again! In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi over at The Story Siren.

I obviously forgot who I was in the video so please excuse the uhh, and the constant shifting!

Books Mentioned

The Taker by Alma Katsu (My Thoughts)

Bought:

Spin by Catherine McKenzie 

Juliet, Naked by Nick Hornby 

Opportunity Rings by Sheryl Steinberg  

Click the image for more info on the Fall Book Exchange!

My Thoughts: The Summer of Skinny Dipping by Amanda Howells

Sometimes I still wake up shivering in the early hours of the morning, drowning in dreams of being out there in the ocean that summer, of looking up at the moon and feeling as invisible and free as a fish. But I'm jumping ahead, and to tell the story right I have to go back to the very beginning. To a place called Indigo Beach. To a boy with pale skin that glowed against the dark waves. To the start of something neither of us could have predicted, and which would mark us forever, making everything that came after and before seem like it belonged to another life.
 
My name is Mia Gordon: I was sixteen years old, and I remember everything.







I had heard nothing of The Summer of Skinny Dipping By Amanda Howells before this summer, even though the book had been out since June of last year. I have seen it featured on a few blogs this summer and I was curious to see why so many people were saying this was a must read.  I have to admit that when I started reading this book, I was initially comparing it to Jenny Han's The Summer I Turned Pretty. It had a similar feel for me. A summer house located on the beach, friends, family, summer love. It screamed Pretty. But as I continued to read, I began to discover the differences. Where both The Summer of Skinny Dipping and The Summer I Turned Pretty took place at the beach and involved a girl with big expectations for the summer, that is where the similarities ended. The Summer I Turned Pretty is a pretty blatantly obvious love story, The Summer of Skinny Dipping, is more subtle in the romance area. The Story is way less feel good than Pretty.

Mia, the protagonist, is a 16 year old girl who goes to The Hamptons for the summer to visit her cousin. However when she gets there, she discovers that her cousin has changed and that her aunt and uncle are going through some things. So, her ideal summer may turn out to be not so ideal. However, Mia soon meets Simon and well, yeah.

I didn't enjoy this book as much as other's did. I thought it was an ok read. What didn't really work for me was the fact that it was trying to deal with serious issues (drug and alcohol use, infidelity and such), but at the same time it was also attempting to be a light coming of age summer read. I find that those are two very different tones, and the switching back and forth made it difficult for me to relate to the novel. If Howell would have stuck with a more serious coming of age tone, the novel would have been more enjoyable. 

I am not going to spoil, but I do need to say that the end of this novel was far to dramatic and completely unnecessary for me. I thought it was so gimmicky, and I couldn't see the point. I don't like when an author adds something for dramatic effect, and the end of this book was exactly that. Or maybe the way that it was done. It felt very random to me. I think the method used could have been different.

I also noticed that there is a sequel- The Summer of Sneaking Out-I had originally thought it was going to be a continuation of this story but it appears to simply be a companion novel. I will probably read it, however, I couldn't find when it was to be released.

Overall, this was an ok read, but not my favourite. There were things that could have been done better. The relationship between Mia and Simon was pretty cute, and I enjoyed reading about how their relationship grew. But that was about all I liked in the book.

~Happy Reading Everyone!

Teaser Tuesday #21

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

•Grab your current read

•Open to a random page

•Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

•BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

•Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

A Beautiful Dark by Jocelyn Davies

'" Sometimes I have this insane thought that if I concentrated hard enough I could fly to wherever they are." I hesitated, wondering if I should have said anything. "Which I know is ridiculous, because all I'd do is fall flat on the ground below... but still. Here I just feel this sense of...lightness."

He ws Staring at me."

(P.55 of eARC version)


** I have also done a vlog style teaser for a different book that I am also reading. Check it out here.**

In My Mailbox #11 (Vlog #3)

Here's to another IMM. This week I have a handful of books to show you.  I hope you enjoy.  In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi over at The Story Siren.

Books Mentioned-All links lead to the Goodreads pages.

Bought:

Envy by JR Ward

From Where I Stand by Tabitha Suzuma

Library:

Shade by Jeri Smith-Ready

Spoiled by Heather Cox and Jessica Morgan

Dead Until Dark by Charlene Harris

~Happy Reading Everyone!

Teaser Tuesday #20

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

•Grab your current read

•Open to a random page

•Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

•BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

•Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

The Summer of Skinny Dipping by Amanda Howells

"Even if I could explain all of my misgivings to Simon, I wasn't sure he'd be receptive to them. I didn't want to tell him I had my doubts about why he wanted to be friends with me. Or that I had doubts about who "me" even was anymore."

(P.131)

In My Mailbox #10 (Vlog #2)

It's that time again. More IMM. I have a few books to share with you this week. I hope you enjoy.  IMM is hosted by Kristi over at The Story Siren.



Books Mentioned

Library:

• The Summer of Skinny Dipping by Amanda Howells

Bought:

• Speak by Lori Halse Anderson
• We'll Always Have Summer by Jenny Han
• Saving Francesca by Melina Marchetta
• Forbidden by Tabitha Suzuma

That's it for this week guys. I hope this inspires you to go out and spend lots of money. Don't forget to link your IMMs below.

~Happy Reading!



Top 100 YA Books

I think lists are so much fun. So when I saw The Top 100 YA Books list over at Bella's blog (Cheezyfeet Books), I really wanted to grab it, and share with you the book from the list that I have read. Those in Bold and Italic are the books from the list that I have read. Those underlined are books that I have on my wish list. Those found in red I have on my bookshelf but haven't read.


1. Alex Finn – Beastly2. Alice Sebold – The Lovely Bones
3. Ally Carter – Gallagher Girls (1, 2, 3, 4)
4. Ally Condie – Matched5. Alyson Noel – The Immortals (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
6. Anastasia Hopcus – Shadow Hills
7. Angie Sage – Septimus Heap (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
8. Ann Brashares – The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (1, 2, 3, 4)
9. Anna Godbersen – Luxe (1, 2, 3, 4)
10. Anthony Horowitz – Alex Rider (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
11. Aprilynne Pike – Wings (1, 2, 3)
12. Becca Fitzpatrick – Hush, Hush (1, 2)
13. Brandon Mull – Fablehaven (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
14. Brian Selznick – The Invention of Hugo Cabret
15. Cassandra Clare – The Mortal Instruments (1, 2, 3, 4)
16. Carrie Jones – Need (1, 2, 3)17. Carrie Ryan – The Forest of Hands and Teeth (1, 2, 3)
18. Christopher Paolini - Inheritance (1, 2, 3, 4)
19. Cinda Williams Chima – The Heir Chronicles (1, 2, 3)
20. Colleen Houck – Tigers Saga (1, 2)
21. Cornelia Funke – Inkheart (1, 2, 3)
22. Ellen Hopkins – Impulse23. Eoin Colfer – Artemis Fowl (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
24. Faraaz Kazi – Truly, Madly, Deeply
25. Frank Beddor – The Looking Glass Wars (1, 2, 3)
26. Gabrielle Zevin – Elsewhere
27. Gail Carson Levine – Fairest
28. Holly Black – Tithe (1, 2, 3)
29. J.K. Rowling – Harry Potter (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)30. James Dashner – The Maze Runner (1, 2)
31. James Patterson – Maximum Ride (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
32. Jay Asher – Thirteen Reasons Why33. Jeanne DuPrau – Books of Ember (1, 2, 3, 4)
34. Jeff Kinney – Diary of a Wimpy Kid (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
35. John Boyne – The Boy in the Striped Pajamas
36. John Green – An Abundance of Katherines
37. John Green – Looking for Alaska38. John Green – Paper Towns39. Jonathan Stroud – Bartimaeus (1, 2, 3, 4)
40. Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl – Caster Chronicles (1, 2)
41. Kelley Armstrong – Darkest Powers (1, 2, 3)
42. Kristin Cashore – The Seven Kingdoms (1, 2)
43. Lauren Kate – Fallen (1, 2, 3)
44. Lemony Snicket - Series of Unfortunate Events (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
45. Libba Bray – Gemma Doyle (1, 2, 3)
46. Lisa McMann – Dream Catcher (1, 2, 3)
47. Louise Rennison – Confessions of Georgia Nicolson (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
48. M.T. Anderson – Feed
49. Maggie Stiefvater – The Wolves of Mercy Falls (1, 2, 3)50. Margaret Peterson Haddix – Shadow Children (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
51. Maria V. Snyder – Study (1, 2, 3)
52. Markus Zusak - The Book Thief53. Markus Zusak – I am the Messenger
54. Mark Haddon – The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time
55. Mary Ting – Crossroads
56. Maureen Johnson – Little Blue Envelope (1, 2)
57. Meg Cabot – All-American Girl (1, 2)
58. Meg Cabot – The Mediator (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
59. Meg Cabot – The Princess Diaries (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
60. Meg Rosoff – How I live now
61. Megan McCafferty – Jessica Darling (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
62. Megan Whalen Turner – The Queen’s Thief (1, 2, 3, 4)
63. Melina Marchetta – On the Jellicoe Road64. Melissa de la Cruz – Blue Bloods (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
65. Melissa Marr – Wicked Lovely (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
66. Michael Grant – Gone (1, 2, 3, 4)
67. Nancy Farmer – The House of the Scorpion
68. Neal Shusterman – Unwind
69. Neil Gaiman – Coraline
70. Neil Gaiman – Stardust
71. Neil Gaiman – The Graveyard Book
72. P.C. Cast & Kristin Cast – House of Night (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 )
73. Philip Pullman – His Dark Materials (1, 2, 3)
74. Rachel Caine – The Morganville Vampires (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
75. Rachel Cohn & David Levithan – Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist
76. Richelle Mead – Vampire Academy (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
77. Rick Riordan – Percy Jackson and the Olympians (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
78. Rom LcO’Feer – Somewhere carnal over 40 winks
79. S.L. Naeole – Grace (1, 2, 3, 4)
80. Sabrina Bryan & Julia DeVillers – Princess of Gossip
81. Sarah Dessen – Along for the Ride82. Sarah Dessen – Lock and Key83. Sarah Dessen – The Truth about Forever
84. Sara Shepard – Pretty Little Liars (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
85. Scott Westerfeld - Leviathan (1, 2)
86. Scott Westerfeld - Uglies (1, 2, 3, 4)87. Shannon Hale – Books of a Thousand Days
88. Shannon Hale – Princess Academy
89. Shannon Hale – The Books of Bayern (1, 2, 3, 4)
90. Sherman Alexie & Ellen Forney – The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
91. Simone Elkeles – Perfect Chemistry (1, 2, 3)92. Stephenie Meyer – The Host
93. Stephenie Meyer – Twilight Saga (1, 2, 3, 4)94. Sue Monk Kidd – The Secret Life of Bees
95. Susan Beth Pfeffer – Last Survivors (1, 2, 3)
96. Suzanne Collins – Hunger Games (1, 2, 3)
97. Suzanne Collins – Underland Chronicles (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
98. Terry Pratchett – Tiffany Aching (1, 2, 3, 4)
99. Tonya Hurley – Ghost Girl (1, 2, 3)
100. Wendelin Van Draanen – Flipped
So it looks like I have only read 16 from this list. But, those with more then one book in a series I only counted once- If I hadn't I would have more then 16. Oh well. I'll get there.

Tell me how many you have read. Better yet, create your own post and link it below. I'd love to take a look.

~Happy Reading Everyone!

Blog Tour Special-My Thoughts: Bloodlines by Richelle Mead

When alchemist Sydney is ordered into hiding to protect the life of Moroi princess Jill Dragomir, the last place she expects to be sent is a human private school in Palm Springs, California. But at their new school, the drama is only just beginning.

Populated with new faces as well as familiar ones, Bloodlines explores all the friendship, romance, battles and betrayals that made the #1 New York Times bestselling Vampire Academy series so addictive - this time in a part-vampire, part-human setting where the stakes are even higher and everyone's out for blood.









I think I was one of about a handful of people who read Bloodlines having never read The Vampire Academy series. And I was a little apprehensive about reading Bloodlines, and being part of the Bloodlines blog tour. But I heard that it wasn't necessary to have read The VA series to read Bloodlines. I kind of liked the idea of reviewing this novel, because I had no preconceived notions about how it should be, and how the characters should be. Many VA fans were excited for this one, but they were also a little leery. VA was an epic sensation among YA readers, Richelle Mead created a world unlike any other with that series, and there were those who feared that she wouldn't be able to do it again. As a first time reader of hers, all I was concerned with, was her ability to draw my attention and keep me entertained throughout the whole of the book. And I feel like she did that. 

Because I wasn't a VA reader, I was new to the world of the Maroi, Strigoi, Dhampir, and the Alchemists. I wasn't sure if I would be able to enjoy Bloodlines because of this. However, Mead does a good job of reintroducing readers to the world of vampire. Part of the fun in reading this book was piecing things together. I knew enough about The VA series to figure out what was going on in Bloodlines.

What I enjoyed the most about this novel was the humour. I found myself laughing out loud numerous times. I found Ms. Terwilliger hilarious! She was probably one of the funniest characters. I also really liked Adrian. I know a lot of people do. But I probably liked him for different reasons (maybe). He was funny, he was also kind of sweet. If her were a real person I would have hated and loved him- He would have gotten on my nerves, and I would have loved every minute of it. I also kind of liked Sydney. I thought her thought processes were a little pathetic at times, and I found her far to legalistic when it came to her job and how she was supposed to feel about the vampires. But, I did like reading about how she changed her views on them, her attitude softened towards her Maroi and Dhampir friends. Seeing this transition was nice. 

What I hated (which is also a testimony of Mead's skill at writing great characters) was Keith. I really disliked him. He was a pompous ass. He was rude, and thought so highly of himself. It was annoying. Every time he would open his mouth I would want to scream. I would often wish that Sydney would stand up for herself. As I mentioned earlier I did not really understand her reasoning for doing things. However, Keith was truly terrible, and I can't imagine a worst villain.

The cliffhanger at the end wasn't much a cliffhanger for me. I did not have a "What. Just. Happened?" moment. I think that in order for that to happen you have to have been a VA reader. Which I thought was to bad. It was interesting though. I am curious about what's going to happen. However if this series turns into another six book saga. I will be terribly disappointed.

I must say that after reading Bloodlines I am in no rush to read The Vampire Academy series. Although I did enjoy Mead's story telling, I wasn't super crazy about the vampire politics, or the different class of vampire (Strigoi, Maroi, Dhampir). It was all a little confusing. It was hard for me to remember who was what.  Plus reading six books with the same characters doesn't appeal to me at all. 

Overall, Bloodlines was fun to read, and I look forward to reading about what comes next.

~Happy Reading Everyone!

**ARC received from Penguin Group Canada- Release Date for Bloodlines was Aug 23rd 2011.**

My Thoughts: Stolen by Lucy Christopher

Sixteen year old Gemma is kidnapped from Bangkok airport and taken to the Australian Outback. This wild and desolate landscape becomes almost a character in the book, so vividly is it described. Ty, her captor, is no stereotype. He is young, fit and completely gorgeous. This new life in the wilderness has been years in the planning. He loves only her, wants only her. Under the hot glare of the Australian sun, cut off from the world outside, can the force of his love make Gemma love him back? The story takes the form of a letter, written by Gemma to Ty, reflecting on those strange and disturbing months in the outback. Months when the lines between love and obsession, and love and dependency, blur until they don't exist - almost.






After I had read Forbidden by Tabitha Suzuma, I saw that is was often compared to Stolen by Lucy Christopher. I wasn't all that sure that there could possibly be another book like Forbidden.  And, although, Stolen was an intense read, full of confusion, misery, and bouts of fear, I don't think it compares to Forbidden at all. Stolen is about a girl (Gemma) who gets kidnapped from an airport in Bangkok, and taken to the back country of Australia. Where she is forced to live with her captor for an extended period of time. Where she ends up experiencing mixed feelings about him.

The whole concept of being kidnapped and taken to a country that isn't your own, from an airport, of knowing that no one had ANY idea where you were. Well, that totally freaks me out. The whole time I was reading this novel I was on the edge of my seat, thinking about how the heck she was going to get away. Gemma was stuck in the outback, and that freaked me out. She didn't handle it to well either. I mean being 16 and stuck in the dessert, I am sure any human being would be a basket case. Christopher did a fabulous job in describing how Gemma was feeling, her fear and panic. I was able to experience everything Gemma did. Christopher did such an amazing job. I even felt Gemma's switch in emotions when it came to her captor,  and her struggle with that switch.  It was a roller coaster for Gemma, and also for the reader.

I have to say, my favourite part of this book was Ty, Gemma's captor. I thought he was a fabulous character. He was clearly insane, however, he was also so passionate about what he believed it. It was incredible. He loved the land that they were living off of, and he really wanted to share that with Gemma, to bad he was also keeping her against his will. The way the Ty felt, and his desire to make Gemma happy was amazing. His insanity was amazing. I was amazed reading about it. 

This story was a good read, and I loved reading it from Gemma's perspective, and in a letter to Ty. I thought that aspect of the novel was interesting. I wasn't sure how I felt about the end, but after thinking about it, I believe Gemma was right in doing what she did.

Although, I did enjoy this novel. I would not compare it, in any way to Tabitha Suzuma's Forbidden. At the end of last year I read Megan Hart's Precious and Fragile Things, and Stolen is very much like that story, but I found Hart to be a much better writer. But Stolen was an enjoyable book.

~Happy Reading Everyone!

Teaser Tuesday #19

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

•Grab your current read

•Open to a random page

•Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

•BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

•Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Looking for Alaska by John Green

"'Oh, right. Alaska, this is Pudge. Pudge memorizes people's last words. Pudge, this is Alaska. She got her boob honked over the summer.'"

(P.15)











~Happy Reading.

Trailer-The Taker by Alma Katsu

True love can last an eternity . . . but immortality comes at a price. . . .  
On the midnight shift at a hospital in rural Maine, Dr. Luke Findley is expecting another quiet evening of frostbite and the occasional domestic dispute. But the minute Lanore McIlvrae—Lanny—walks into his ER, she changes his life forever. A mysterious woman with a past and plenty of dark secrets, Lanny is unlike anyone Luke has ever met. He is inexplicably drawn to her . . . despite the fact that she is a murder suspect with a police escort. And as she begins to tell her story, a story of enduring love and consummate betrayal that transcends time and mortality, Luke finds himself utterly captivated.


The Taker by Alma Katsu is due to hit the shelves tomorrow, and I am VERY excited. I read this book and few weeks ago, and it quickly lurched itself into one of the best books I have read this year.  If you want to know how much I liked it, you can check out my review here.

I am not a huge fan of book trailers. But this one I liked. I think it conveys the essence of the book perfectly.  It's mysterious and chilling all at once.

 So if you're in the mood to do some book shopping (and come on, let's me honest, we're always in the mood to do some book shopping), I would encourage you to pick up The Taker, it will not disappoint.

~Happy Reading Everyone! 

Many Book in a Year: August



Did I ever have a pathetic month. And I have no idea why it was so pathetic. I mean I had the last two weeks of the month off. I worked A LOT before that, but really. I have no excuses. I must have been in such a funk. What I did read though, was so amazingly awesome. So that sort of makes up for my pathetic-ness.  I read six books, which brings me to 60 this year (and I wanted to be at 70 by Sept 7th-yeah right, good luck with that).  I also found that I read more Adult Fiction this month. And, though I love Young Adult. I found that I needed a break from it. So, it was nice.

Anywho...

this is what I did read.

1) Entwined by Heather Dixon (My Thoughts)

2) Falling Under by Gwen Hayes (My Thoughts)

3) Halo by Alexandra Adornetto

4) The Taker by Alma Katsu (My Thoughts)

5) Dangerous Pleasure by Lora Leigh

6) Witchlanders by Lena Coakley (My Thoughts)

So that's what I read. I am back at school on Wednesday, So I will not be able to read as much (cause, you know, I've been reading so much already).  But I have goals (Which I will be posting later this week). 

RAK: August Wrap Up- September Sign up

I know that I said last month (August) was going to be my last month taking part in RAK hosted by the girls over at Book Soulmates. But I changed my mind. I can't not participate. It's to much fun, and I enjoy sending things out way to much.

SO... This month I received one book.

 from the lovely Katherine over at The Lady Critics Library:

An ARC of Forever by Maggie Stiefvater

I was pretty stoked to be getting this book. I haven't read it yet. But I will get to it soon.
Thanks so MUCH Katherine. You are a doll.

Really, my friends, you should all head over to her blog and follow, cause she' wicked awesome!



I sent out a few books in August.

To Ashley over at The Bookish Brunette I sent:

Rampant by Diana Peterfreund

To Katherine  at The Lady Critic's Library I sent:

Witchlanders by Lena Coakley (ARC)
Fury by Elizabeth Miles (ARC)

I attempted to send to Helena over at Helena's Bookshelf Epic Fail by Clair LeZebnik but The Book Depsitory messed up, so I will be resending that one soon.

Please link your wishlists below, so that I can take a look. It's one of my favourite pass times. If you want to see mine, here you go.

~Happy Reading Everyone!

Fall Book Exchange

This summer I took part in the Summer Book Exchange hosted by Ruby over at Ruby's Reads. It was a kinda of secret Santa event but in summer. I had a lot of fun participating in the exchange, and luckily Ruby along with a few others are hosting it again, but this time it's The Fall Book Exchange. 

I am excited to take part again, and have already signed up.  You can can find all the information that you need here. So go over and check it out. It is so totally worth it. And maybe it'll be one of you that I get to buy a book for.

~Happy Reading Everyone!