2012 Mammoth Book Challenge--Completed!

2012 Mammoth Book Challenge

Here are the challenge details:
1. This challenge will run from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2012.
2. You can join the challenge at any time. All books read in 2012 count for the challenge, regardless of when you sign up.
3. This challenge can cross-over to your other reading challenges.
4. You do not need a blog to participate! If you are not a blogger, you can post your reviews at Goodreads, Shelfari, or LibraryThing and link them up here.
5. All formats of books are acceptable: Bound copies, e-books, and audiobooks as long as they meet the guidelines of Point #6 below!
6. IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT E-BOOKS AND AUDIOBOOKS: If you are using an e-book or audiobook for the challenge, the bound format equivalent must be a minimum of 450 pages. Only unabridged audiobooks will count!
7. Both adult and children's literature are allowed: As long as it meets the minimum page count of 450 pages.
8. About LARGE-PRINT BOOKS: Same rules apply as noted in Point #6. As long as the regular-bound format equivalent is a minimum of 450 pages, this format will count.
9. No anthologies, short story collections, or poetry: Just novels.
10. There are four levels for the challenge:
a. Level 1: Read 2 mammoth-sized books.
b. Level 2: Read 4 mammoth-sized books.
c. Level 3: Read 6 mammoth-sized books.
d. Level 4: Read 8 or more mammoth-sized books.
11. When you write your sign-up post, you must choose your level. You can go up, but you cannot go down!
12. There will be link-ups for your reviews on a quarterly basis, which will be posted on THIS page.
13. There will be a link for your wrap-up post at the end of the year.
14. Create a sign-up post and link back to this post. Sign up with Mister Linky below! Be sure to use the direct url to your sign-up post and not the url to your blog.

*Bumping this up to a level 4
**Completed on 10/31

1.  Wings of the Wicked (Angelfire #2) by Courtney Allison Moulton
2.  Illuminate by Aimee Agresti
3.  The Savage Grace by Bree Despain
4. Happily Ever After by Harriet Evans
5. Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James
6. Dearly, Beloved by Lia Habel
7. Fifty Shades Darker by E.L. James
8. Fifty Shades Freed by E.L. James
9. Scarlet by Marissa Meyer
10. Unravel Me (Shatter Me #2) by Tahereh Mafi
11. The Evolution of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

Book Review- The Evolution of Mara Dyer

Last night, I finished reading The Evolution of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin.

From Goodreads:

Mara Dyer once believed she could run from her past.

She can’t.

She used to think her problems were all in her head.

They aren’t.

She couldn’t imagine that after everything she’s been through, the boy she loves would still be keeping secrets.

She’s wrong.

In this gripping sequel to The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer, the truth evolves and choices prove deadly. What will become of Mara Dyer next?

I didn't remember too much about the first book in this series except that the main character had been in a mental hospital.  So I went to a blog that recaps books including stories to help remember what happened and to understand the next book in the series.  I didn't really remember any of what was in the recap so it was really helpful to read it and I was immediately absorbed back into the story.

According to my review of the first book, I loved Noah.  But in this book he was just okay for me.  I feel like there's something sketchy about him that I can't figure out.  I did enjoy Mara once again though. 

I do have to say that some of the books left me not really understanding what was going on.  I didn't really get the flashbacks.  I can't decide if they're memories from Mara's grandmother that are somehow being sent to her, or if they're her memories from a past life, or what.  And the end completely baffled me.  I don't want to give anything away, but if someone understands what happened, please let me know!

That being said, being confused left me wanting to read more.  So I'll definitely be picking up the next book when it comes out!

I gave this book a rating of 3.5/5.

This book fulfills items in the following challenges:
2012 Reading Challenge 150+: 90
2012 Young Adult Reading Challenge: 78
2012 Sophomore Reading Challenge: 9
2012 Mammoth Book Challenge: 11

*FTC Disclosure: I traded this book with a friend.

Book Review- Unravel Me

I finished reading Unravel Me by Tahereh Mafi last night for an Around the World ARC Tour.

From Goodreads:

tick, tick, tick, tick, tick
it's almost
time for war.

Juliette has escaped to Omega Point. It is a place for people like her—people with gifts—and it is also the headquarters of the rebel resistance.

She's finally free from The Reestablishment, free from their plan to use her as a weapon, and free to love Adam. But Juliette will never be free from her lethal touch.

Or from Warner, who wants Juliette more than she ever thought possible.

In this exhilarating sequel to Shatter Me, Juliette has to make life-changing decisions between what she wants and what she thinks is right. Decisions that might involve choosing between her heart—and Adam's life.

Unfortunately, I am horrible about remembering what has happened in previous books in a series.  So when I get the chance to review them close together, I always feel more relieved.  And luckily, I was able to do that with the first 2 books in the Shatter Me series.

Since I had just read Shatter Me less than a month ago, I remembered how unusual the writing was and was able to get absorbed into it right away.  And I loved it just as much this time around.

For some reason, this book reminds me of the X-Men.  Except I don't like that movie and I love these books!  I love how all of these superpowers are coming into play.  It has me on the edge of my seat.  And there are definitely some surprise twists and turns.  Especially with Juliette and Adam and his power. 

I didn't want to put this book down and I don't know how I'm going to wait until the third book comes out.  I did just discover that there is an e-book set between the first two books, Destroy Me, so I'll be downloading that one right away!

I gave this book a rating of 4.5/5.

Unravel Me will be released on February 5, 2013.

This book fulfills items in the following challenges:
2012 Reading Challenge 150+: 89
 2012 ARC Reading Challenge: 72
2012 Young Adult Reading Challenge: 77
2012 Mammoth Book Challenge: 10

*FTC Disclosure: I was given this book for free for an honest review as part of the Around the World Tours.

Book Review- Scarlet

I finished reading Scarlet on Tuesday night for an Around the World ARC Tour.

From Goodreads:

Cinder returns in the second thrilling installment of the New York Times-bestselling Lunar Chronicles. She’s trying to break out of prison—even though if she succeeds, she’ll be the Commonwealth’s most wanted fugitive.

Halfway around the world, Scarlet Benoit’s grandmother is missing. It turns out there are many things Scarlet doesn’t know about her grandmother and the grave danger she has lived in her whole life. When Scarlet encounters Wolf, a street fighter who may have information as to her grandmother’s whereabouts, she has no choice but to trust him, though he clearly has a few dark secrets of his own.

As Scarlet and Wolf work to unravel one mystery, they find another when they cross paths with Cinder. Together, they must stay one step ahead of the vicious Lunar Queen who will do anything to make Prince Kai her husband, her king, her prisoner.

I remember reading Cinder, the first book in the series, and loved it because it was a take on the Cinderella fairy tales and we all know how much I love my fairy tales.  I thought this would be a continuation of that fairy tale.  Instead, it took me a while to figure it out (I don't know why since the quotes at the beginning of some sections should have given it away) but it was based on Little Red Riding Hood.  And yes, the title and cover should have given it away too.  Looking back, I really can't see why it took me so long to figure it out!

Anyways, this book didn't hook me as much as Cinder did.  I certainly liked the characters well enough but I think it was a little too sci-fi for me.  Or maybe it was the switching of the story being told between characters so I never really completely into one character or the other.

But I liked how Cinder's world tied in to Scarlet's world.  I figured it out about halfway through and liked seeing how it all turned out.  I believe the third book is called Cress and will include a Rapunzel character and the fourth book is called Winter and will involve Snow White.

I gave this book a rating of 3/5.

Scarlet will be released on February 5, 2013.

This book fulfills items in the following challenges:
2012 Reading Challenge 150+: 88
2012 ARC Reading Challenge: 71
2012 Young Adult Reading Challenge: 76
2012 Mammoth Book Challenge: 9

*FTC Disclosure: I was given this book for free for an honest review as part of the Around the World Tours.

2012 Mammoth Book Challenge- December Update

2012 Mammoth Book Challenge

Here are the challenge details:
1. This challenge will run from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2012.
2. You can join the challenge at any time. All books read in 2012 count for the challenge, regardless of when you sign up.
3. This challenge can cross-over to your other reading challenges.
4. You do not need a blog to participate! If you are not a blogger, you can post your reviews at Goodreads, Shelfari, or LibraryThing and link them up here.
5. All formats of books are acceptable: Bound copies, e-books, and audiobooks as long as they meet the guidelines of Point #6 below!
6. IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT E-BOOKS AND AUDIOBOOKS: If you are using an e-book or audiobook for the challenge, the bound format equivalent must be a minimum of 450 pages. Only unabridged audiobooks will count!
7. Both adult and children's literature are allowed: As long as it meets the minimum page count of 450 pages.
8. About LARGE-PRINT BOOKS: Same rules apply as noted in Point #6. As long as the regular-bound format equivalent is a minimum of 450 pages, this format will count.
9. No anthologies, short story collections, or poetry: Just novels.
10. There are four levels for the challenge:
a. Level 1: Read 2 mammoth-sized books.
b. Level 2: Read 4 mammoth-sized books.
c. Level 3: Read 6 mammoth-sized books.
d. Level 4: Read 8 or more mammoth-sized books.
11. When you write your sign-up post, you must choose your level. You can go up, but you cannot go down!
12. There will be link-ups for your reviews on a quarterly basis, which will be posted on THIS page.
13. There will be a link for your wrap-up post at the end of the year.
14. Create a sign-up post and link back to this post. Sign up with Mister Linky below! Be sure to use the direct url to your sign-up post and not the url to your blog.

*Bumping this up to a level 4
**Completed on 10/31

1.  Wings of the Wicked (Angelfire #2) by Courtney Allison Moulton
2.  Illuminate by Aimee Agresti
3.  The Savage Grace by Bree Despain
4. Happily Ever After by Harriet Evans
5. Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James
6. Dearly, Beloved by Lia Habel
7. Fifty Shades Darker by E.L. James
8. Fifty Shades Freed by E.L. James

2012 Mammoth Book Challenge

2012 Mammoth Book Challenge

Here are the challenge details:
1. This challenge will run from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2012.
2. You can join the challenge at any time. All books read in 2012 count for the challenge, regardless of when you sign up.
3. This challenge can cross-over to your other reading challenges.
4. You do not need a blog to participate! If you are not a blogger, you can post your reviews at Goodreads, Shelfari, or LibraryThing and link them up here.
5. All formats of books are acceptable: Bound copies, e-books, and audiobooks as long as they meet the guidelines of Point #6 below!
6. IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT E-BOOKS AND AUDIOBOOKS: If you are using an e-book or audiobook for the challenge, the bound format equivalent must be a minimum of 450 pages. Only unabridged audiobooks will count!
7. Both adult and children's literature are allowed: As long as it meets the minimum page count of 450 pages.
8. About LARGE-PRINT BOOKS: Same rules apply as noted in Point #6. As long as the regular-bound format equivalent is a minimum of 450 pages, this format will count.
9. No anthologies, short story collections, or poetry: Just novels.
10. There are four levels for the challenge:
a. Level 1: Read 2 mammoth-sized books.
b. Level 2: Read 4 mammoth-sized books.
c. Level 3: Read 6 mammoth-sized books.
d. Level 4: Read 8 or more mammoth-sized books.
11. When you write your sign-up post, you must choose your level. You can go up, but you cannot go down!
12. There will be link-ups for your reviews on a quarterly basis, which will be posted on THIS page.
13. There will be a link for your wrap-up post at the end of the year.
14. Create a sign-up post and link back to this post. Sign up with Mister Linky below! Be sure to use the direct url to your sign-up post and not the url to your blog.

*Bumping this up to a level 4
**Completed on 10/31

1.  Wings of the Wicked (Angelfire #2) by Courtney Allison Moulton
2.  Illuminate by Aimee Agresti
3.  The Savage Grace by Bree Despain
4. Happily Ever After by Harriet Evans
5. Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James
6. Dearly, Beloved by Lia Habel
7. Fifty Shades Darker by E.L. James
8. Fifty Shades Freed by E.L. James

Book Review- Fifty Shades Freed

I just finished reading Fifty Shades Freed by E.L. James.

From Goodreads:

When unworldly student Ana Steele first encountered the driven, damaged young entrepreneur Christian Grey, it sparked a sensual affair that changed both their lives irrevocably. Shocked, intrigued, and ultimately repelled by Christian's singular sexual tastes, Ana demanded a deeper commitment; determined to keep her, Christian agreed. Now, together, they have more-love, passion, intimacy, wealth, and a world of infinite possibilities. But Ana always knew that loving her Fifty Shades would not be easy and being together poses challenges neither of them ever anticipated. Ana must somehow learn to share Christian's opulent lifestyle without sacrificing her own integrity, identity, or independence; Christian must somehow overcome his compulsion to control and lay to rest the horrors that blighted his past and haunt his present. Just when it seems that together their love can conquer any obstacle, tragedy, malice and fate combine to make Ana's worst nightmares come true.

I really enjoyed the first two book in this series and couldn't wait to read this one.  I had heard several people say this was the worst of the three but I went in with an open mind.  Unfortunately, I have to agree with them.

In the first two books, I was immediately engrossed in the story.  But in this book, there are a couple of flashbacks which I think just threw the book off.  And I never completely got into it.  Another thing I had heard people complain about was that Ana was so repetitive with all of her thoughts.  I never really was bothered by them until this book.  If I had to read one more "oh my poor Fifty", I might have screamed. 

A lot happened in this book.  I felt like the author was trying to cram a bunch of things in and wrap up the trilogy all in one.  Now don't get my wrong.  I still enjoyed reading the story.  But just nowhere as much as the other ones. 

I gave this book a rating of 3.5/5.

This book fulfills items in the following challenges:
2012 Reading Challenge 150+: 78
Completely Contemp Challenge 2012: 2011-4
2012 Mammoth Book Challenge: 8

*FTC Disclosure: I bought this book.

Book Review- Fifty Shades Darker

I finished reading Fifty Shades Darker by E.L. James last night.

From Goodreads:

Daunted by the singular sexual tastes and dark secrets of the beautiful, tormented young entrepreneur Christian Grey, Anastasia Steele has broken off their relationship to start a new career with a Seattle publishing house. But desire for Christian still dominates her every waking thought, and when he proposes a new arrangement, Anastasia cannot resist. They rekindle their searing sensual affair, and Anastasia learns more about the harrowing past of her damaged, driven, and demanding Fifty Shades. While Christian wrestles with his inner demons, Anastasia must confront her anger and envy of the women who came before her and make the most important decision of her life. Erotic, sparkling and suspenseful, Fifty Shades Darker is the irresistibly addictive second part of the Fifty Shades trilogy.

For some reason, I find myself expecting to disklike the books in this series.  And not wanting to like them so much.  But at the same time, I couldn't wait to get a break from tour books just so I could indulge in this guilty pleasure.  And once again, I found myself surprised by how much I enjoyed the book.

I really liked Ana once again.  Strong yet vulnerable and gives Christian a hard time when he's being unreasonable.  I found that her inner goddess and subconsious didn't make as much of an appearance in this book and I missed that (although I definitely enjoyed the times they did appear).  I was glad to see that Ana stuck to her beliefs about the whole Dom thing.

And I think Christian might starting to be growing on me.  I know, I know.  He's still fifty shades of messed up but I like how he changed his ways for the woman he loved.  And I like how we're shown that he does have a heart. 

I was once again sucked into the book and can't wait to get my  next break from tour books so I can dive into the third book of the trilogy!

I gave this book a rating of 4.5/5.

This book fulfills items in the following challenges:
2012 Reading Challenge 150+: 71
Completely Contemp Challenge 2012: 2011-3
2012 Mammoth Book Challenge: 7

*FTC Disclosure: I bought this book.

2012 Mammoth Book Challenge- October Update

2012 Mammoth Book Challenge

Here are the challenge details:
1. This challenge will run from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2012.
2. You can join the challenge at any time. All books read in 2012 count for the challenge, regardless of when you sign up.
3. This challenge can cross-over to your other reading challenges.
4. You do not need a blog to participate! If you are not a blogger, you can post your reviews at Goodreads, Shelfari, or LibraryThing and link them up here.
5. All formats of books are acceptable: Bound copies, e-books, and audiobooks as long as they meet the guidelines of Point #6 below!
6. IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT E-BOOKS AND AUDIOBOOKS: If you are using an e-book or audiobook for the challenge, the bound format equivalent must be a minimum of 450 pages. Only unabridged audiobooks will count!
7. Both adult and children's literature are allowed: As long as it meets the minimum page count of 450 pages.
8. About LARGE-PRINT BOOKS: Same rules apply as noted in Point #6. As long as the regular-bound format equivalent is a minimum of 450 pages, this format will count.
9. No anthologies, short story collections, or poetry: Just novels.
10. There are four levels for the challenge:
a. Level 1: Read 2 mammoth-sized books.
b. Level 2: Read 4 mammoth-sized books.
c. Level 3: Read 6 mammoth-sized books.
d. Level 4: Read 8 or more mammoth-sized books.
11. When you write your sign-up post, you must choose your level. You can go up, but you cannot go down!
12. There will be link-ups for your reviews on a quarterly basis, which will be posted on THIS page.
13. There will be a link for your wrap-up post at the end of the year.
14. Create a sign-up post and link back to this post. Sign up with Mister Linky below! Be sure to use the direct url to your sign-up post and not the url to your blog.

*Bumping this up to a level 4

1.  Wings of the Wicked (Angelfire #2) by Courtney Allison Moulton
2.  Illuminate by Aimee Agresti
3.  The Savage Grace by Bree Despain
4. Happily Ever After by Harriet Evans
5. Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James
6. Dearly, Beloved by Lia Habel

2012 Mammoth Book Challenge--September Update

2012 Mammoth Book Challenge

Here are the challenge details:
1. This challenge will run from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2012.
2. You can join the challenge at any time. All books read in 2012 count for the challenge, regardless of when you sign up.
3. This challenge can cross-over to your other reading challenges.
4. You do not need a blog to participate! If you are not a blogger, you can post your reviews at Goodreads, Shelfari, or LibraryThing and link them up here.
5. All formats of books are acceptable: Bound copies, e-books, and audiobooks as long as they meet the guidelines of Point #6 below!
6. IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT E-BOOKS AND AUDIOBOOKS: If you are using an e-book or audiobook for the challenge, the bound format equivalent must be a minimum of 450 pages. Only unabridged audiobooks will count!
7. Both adult and children's literature are allowed: As long as it meets the minimum page count of 450 pages.
8. About LARGE-PRINT BOOKS: Same rules apply as noted in Point #6. As long as the regular-bound format equivalent is a minimum of 450 pages, this format will count.
9. No anthologies, short story collections, or poetry: Just novels.
10. There are four levels for the challenge:
a. Level 1: Read 2 mammoth-sized books.
b. Level 2: Read 4 mammoth-sized books.
c. Level 3: Read 6 mammoth-sized books.
d. Level 4: Read 8 or more mammoth-sized books.
11. When you write your sign-up post, you must choose your level. You can go up, but you cannot go down!
12. There will be link-ups for your reviews on a quarterly basis, which will be posted on THIS page.
13. There will be a link for your wrap-up post at the end of the year.
14. Create a sign-up post and link back to this post. Sign up with Mister Linky below! Be sure to use the direct url to your sign-up post and not the url to your blog.

*Bumping this up to a level 4

1.  Wings of the Wicked (Angelfire #2) by Courtney Allison Moulton
2.  Illuminate by Aimee Agresti
3.  The Savage Grace by Bree Despain
4. Happily Ever After by Harriet Evans
5. Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James
6. Dearly, Beloved by Lia Habel

Book Review- Dearly, Beloved

I just finished reading Dearly, Beloved by Lia Habel for an Around the World ARC Tour.

From Goodreads:

Can the living coexist with the living dead?

That’s the question that has New Victorian society fiercely divided ever since the mysterious plague known as “The Laz” hit the city of New London and turned thousands into walking corpses. But while some of these zombies are mindless monsters, hungry for human flesh, others can still think, speak, reason, and control their ravenous new appetites.

Just ask Nora Dearly, the young lady of means who was nearly kidnapped by a band of sinister zombies but valiantly rescued by a dashing young man . . . of the dead variety.

Nora and her savior, the young zombie soldier Bram Griswold, fell hopelessly in love. But others feel only fear and loathing for the reanimated dead. Now, as tensions grow between pro- and anti-zombie factions, battle lines are being drawn in the streets. And though Bram is no longer in the New Victorian army, he and his ex-commando zombie comrades are determined to help keep the peace. That means taking a dangerous stand between The Changed, a radical group of sentient zombies fighting for survival, and The Murder, a masked squad of urban guerrillas hellbent on destroying the living dead. But zombies aren’t the only ones in danger: Their living allies are also in The Murder’s crosshairs, and for one vengeful zealot, Nora Dearly is the number one target.

As paranoia, prejudice, and terrorist attacks threaten to plunge the city into full-scale war, Nora’s scientist father and his team continue their desperate race to unlock the secrets of “The Laz” and find a cure. But their efforts may be doomed when a mysterious zombie appears bearing an entirely new strain of the virus—and the nation of New Victoria braces for a new wave of the apocalypse.

Lia Habel’s spellbinding, suspenseful sequel to Dearly, Departed takes her imaginative mash-up of period romance, futuristic thriller, and zombie drama to a whole new level of innovative and irresistible storytelling.

Sometimes I get so excited for a sequel.  But since I read so many books, I often have a hard time remember what happened in the first book and need a little refresher in the next.  And I'm not sure we got that in this sequel.  I just felt confused a lot of the time.  I couldn't remember who was who and what was going on and why.

I had a hard time getting through this book.  The characters were all okay.  I think it was just the plot or the writing.  The story had several different narrators and it seemed kind of choppy.  And I had a hard time following each one.  And there was so much going on with different people and parties that I had a hard time keeping each thing straight.

I don't know.  I just couldn't get into this book.  If there is a third book, I'll have to really think about whether or not I'll pick it up to read.

I gave this book a rating of 3/5.

Dearly, Beloved will be released on September 25, 2012.

This book fulfills items in the following challenges:
 2012 Reading Challenge 150+: 60
2012 ARC Reading Challenge: 48
2012 Young Adult Reading Challenge: 51
2012 Sophomore Reading Challenge: 5
2012 Mammoth Book Challenge: 6

*FTC Disclosure: I was given this book for free for an honest review as part of the Around the World Tours.

Book Review- Fifty Shades of Grey

While on vacation in Hilton Head, my mom and I decided to go buy Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James to see what all of the hype was about.

From Goodreads:

When literature student Anastasia Steele goes to interview young entrepreneur Christian Grey, she encounters a man who is beautiful, brilliant, and intimidating. The unworldly, innocent Ana is startled to realize she wants this man and, despite his enigmatic reserve, finds she is desperate to get close to him. Unable to resist Ana’s quiet beauty, wit, and independent spirit, Grey admits he wants her, too—but on his own terms.

Shocked yet thrilled by Grey’s singular erotic tastes, Ana hesitates. For all the trappings of success—his multinational businesses, his vast wealth, his loving family—Grey is a man tormented by demons and consumed by the need to control. When the couple embarks on a daring, passionately physical affair, Ana discovers Christian Grey’s secrets and explores her own dark desires.

Erotic, amusing, and deeply moving, the Fifty Shades Trilogy is a tale that will obsess you, possess you, and stay with you forever.

This book is intended for mature audiences.

I had heard so much talk about this book but I wasn't sure I wanted to jump on the bandwagon to read it.  But while we were in Hilton Head, my mom and I were talking about it and we both decided to go that night and buy the first book.  And I'm so glad that we did.

I'm surprised by how much I enjoyed the book.  While I've never reviewed them, I've read some erotica before and they were always just kind of "ehh" for me and I thought this would be the same.  But I think that this book was a well put-together combination of sex and story.

That doesn't mean that I didn't have a HUGE problem with Christian Grey though.  I get that part of it is from the Dom culture but he was over the top controlling.  And the stalking freaked me out  To me, this all screamed "ABUSIVE"!  And I was never okay wit it.  But I'm glad that Ana was never really okay with it either.  That made it a little more real that she was okay with the pleasure part but not the pain part.

I really liked Ana.  I thought she was strong yet vulnerable at the same time.  She fell strongly for this guy but realized how wrong the relationship was.  And the constant commentary from her subconcious and her inner goddess cracked me up.

I find myself sad that I have other blog tour books to read because I have the next two books in the trilogy sitting here waiting for me to dive in to.  My new guilty pleasure.  Oh.  And I have no idea how they would make this into a movie unless it would be 18 & over only!

I gave this book a rating of 4/5.

This book fulfills items in the following challenges:
2012 Reading Challenge 150+: 57
Completely Contemp Challenge 2012: 2011-2
2012 Mammoth Book Challenge: 5

*FTC Disclosure: I bought this book.

Book Review- Happily Ever After

I finished reading Happily Ever After by Harriet Evans back in July for a Gallery Books blog tour.

From Goodreads:

At twenty-two, Eleanor Bee is sure about three things: she wants to move to London and become a literary superstar; she wants to be able to afford to buy a coffee and croissant every morning; and after seeing what divorce did to her parents—especially her mum—she doesn’t believe in happy endings. Elle moves to London. She gets a job at Bluebird Books, a charmingly old-fashioned publisher. She falls out of bars, wears too-short skirts, makes lots of mistakes, and feels like she’s learning nothing and everything at the same time. And then, out of the blue, she falls in love, and that’s when she realizes just how much growing up she has to do. Ten years on, Elle lives in New York, and you could say she has found success; certainly her life has changed in ways she could never have predicted. But no matter where you go and how much you try to run away, the past has a funny way of catching up with you. . . .

It took me a while to get into this book.  There was just something about Ella that annoyed me.  I could never really put my finger on what it was though.

But once Ella fell in love, I got more into it.  And when she got heartbroken, I could totally relate to her.  And I liked reading about how she grew through the years.

I also liked the "books" aspect of the story.  I found it interesting as I've always wondered if I should have been an editor.

I liked the ending.  Everything summed up nicely and its what I wanted to happen.

I gave this book a rating of 3/5.

This book fulfills items in the following challenges:
2012 Reading Challenge 150+: 54
Completely Contemp Challenge 2012: 2012-12
2012 Mammoth Book Challenge: 4

*FTC Disclosure: I was given this book for free Gallery and Pocket Book Blog Tours for an honest review.

2012 Mammoth Book Challenge- August Update

2012 Mammoth Book Challenge

Here are the challenge details:
1. This challenge will run from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2012.
2. You can join the challenge at any time. All books read in 2012 count for the challenge, regardless of when you sign up.
3. This challenge can cross-over to your other reading challenges.
4. You do not need a blog to participate! If you are not a blogger, you can post your reviews at Goodreads, Shelfari, or LibraryThing and link them up here.
5. All formats of books are acceptable: Bound copies, e-books, and audiobooks as long as they meet the guidelines of Point #6 below!
6. IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT E-BOOKS AND AUDIOBOOKS: If you are using an e-book or audiobook for the challenge, the bound format equivalent must be a minimum of 450 pages. Only unabridged audiobooks will count!
7. Both adult and children's literature are allowed: As long as it meets the minimum page count of 450 pages.
8. About LARGE-PRINT BOOKS: Same rules apply as noted in Point #6. As long as the regular-bound format equivalent is a minimum of 450 pages, this format will count.
9. No anthologies, short story collections, or poetry: Just novels.
10. There are four levels for the challenge:
a. Level 1: Read 2 mammoth-sized books.
b. Level 2: Read 4 mammoth-sized books.
c. Level 3: Read 6 mammoth-sized books.
d. Level 4: Read 8 or more mammoth-sized books.
11. When you write your sign-up post, you must choose your level. You can go up, but you cannot go down!
12. There will be link-ups for your reviews on a quarterly basis, which will be posted on THIS page.
13. There will be a link for your wrap-up post at the end of the year.
14. Create a sign-up post and link back to this post. Sign up with Mister Linky below! Be sure to use the direct url to your sign-up post and not the url to your blog.

*Bumping this up to a level 2

1.  Wings of the Wicked (Angelfire #2) by Courtney Allison Moulton
2.  Illuminate by Aimee Agresti
3.  The Savage Grace by Bree Despain

2012 Mammoth Book Challenge

2012 Mammoth Book Challenge

Here are the challenge details:
1. This challenge will run from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2012.
2. You can join the challenge at any time. All books read in 2012 count for the challenge, regardless of when you sign up.
3. This challenge can cross-over to your other reading challenges.
4. You do not need a blog to participate! If you are not a blogger, you can post your reviews at Goodreads, Shelfari, or LibraryThing and link them up here.
5. All formats of books are acceptable: Bound copies, e-books, and audiobooks as long as they meet the guidelines of Point #6 below!
6. IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT E-BOOKS AND AUDIOBOOKS: If you are using an e-book or audiobook for the challenge, the bound format equivalent must be a minimum of 450 pages. Only unabridged audiobooks will count!
7. Both adult and children's literature are allowed: As long as it meets the minimum page count of 450 pages.
8. About LARGE-PRINT BOOKS: Same rules apply as noted in Point #6. As long as the regular-bound format equivalent is a minimum of 450 pages, this format will count.
9. No anthologies, short story collections, or poetry: Just novels.
10. There are four levels for the challenge:
a. Level 1: Read 2 mammoth-sized books.
b. Level 2: Read 4 mammoth-sized books.
c. Level 3: Read 6 mammoth-sized books.
d. Level 4: Read 8 or more mammoth-sized books.
11. When you write your sign-up post, you must choose your level. You can go up, but you cannot go down!
12. There will be link-ups for your reviews on a quarterly basis, which will be posted on THIS page.
13. There will be a link for your wrap-up post at the end of the year.
14. Create a sign-up post and link back to this post. Sign up with Mister Linky below! Be sure to use the direct url to your sign-up post and not the url to your blog.

*Bumping this up to a level 2

1.  Wings of the Wicked (Angelfire #2) by Courtney Allison Moulton
2.  Illuminate by Aimee Agresti
3.  The Savage Grace by Bree Despain

2012 Mammoth Book Challenge- June Update

2012 Mammoth Book Challenge

Here are the challenge details:
1. This challenge will run from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2012.
2. You can join the challenge at any time. All books read in 2012 count for the challenge, regardless of when you sign up.
3. This challenge can cross-over to your other reading challenges.
4. You do not need a blog to participate! If you are not a blogger, you can post your reviews at Goodreads, Shelfari, or LibraryThing and link them up here.
5. All formats of books are acceptable: Bound copies, e-books, and audiobooks as long as they meet the guidelines of Point #6 below!
6. IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT E-BOOKS AND AUDIOBOOKS: If you are using an e-book or audiobook for the challenge, the bound format equivalent must be a minimum of 450 pages. Only unabridged audiobooks will count!
7. Both adult and children's literature are allowed: As long as it meets the minimum page count of 450 pages.
8. About LARGE-PRINT BOOKS: Same rules apply as noted in Point #6. As long as the regular-bound format equivalent is a minimum of 450 pages, this format will count.
9. No anthologies, short story collections, or poetry: Just novels.
10. There are four levels for the challenge:
a. Level 1: Read 2 mammoth-sized books.
b. Level 2: Read 4 mammoth-sized books.
c. Level 3: Read 6 mammoth-sized books.
d. Level 4: Read 8 or more mammoth-sized books.
11. When you write your sign-up post, you must choose your level. You can go up, but you cannot go down!
12. There will be link-ups for your reviews on a quarterly basis, which will be posted on THIS page.
13. There will be a link for your wrap-up post at the end of the year.
14. Create a sign-up post and link back to this post. Sign up with Mister Linky below! Be sure to use the direct url to your sign-up post and not the url to your blog.

*Bumping this up to a level 2

1.  Wings of the Wicked (Angelfire #2) by Courtney Allison Moulton
2.  Illuminate by Aimee Agresti
3.  The Savage Grace by Bree Despain

2012 Mammoth Book Challenge- May Update

2012 Mammoth Book Challenge

Here are the challenge details:
1. This challenge will run from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2012.
2. You can join the challenge at any time. All books read in 2012 count for the challenge, regardless of when you sign up.
3. This challenge can cross-over to your other reading challenges.
4. You do not need a blog to participate! If you are not a blogger, you can post your reviews at Goodreads, Shelfari, or LibraryThing and link them up here.
5. All formats of books are acceptable: Bound copies, e-books, and audiobooks as long as they meet the guidelines of Point #6 below!
6. IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT E-BOOKS AND AUDIOBOOKS: If you are using an e-book or audiobook for the challenge, the bound format equivalent must be a minimum of 450 pages. Only unabridged audiobooks will count!
7. Both adult and children's literature are allowed: As long as it meets the minimum page count of 450 pages.
8. About LARGE-PRINT BOOKS: Same rules apply as noted in Point #6. As long as the regular-bound format equivalent is a minimum of 450 pages, this format will count.
9. No anthologies, short story collections, or poetry: Just novels.
10. There are four levels for the challenge:
a. Level 1: Read 2 mammoth-sized books.
b. Level 2: Read 4 mammoth-sized books.
c. Level 3: Read 6 mammoth-sized books.
d. Level 4: Read 8 or more mammoth-sized books.
11. When you write your sign-up post, you must choose your level. You can go up, but you cannot go down!
12. There will be link-ups for your reviews on a quarterly basis, which will be posted on THIS page.
13. There will be a link for your wrap-up post at the end of the year.
14. Create a sign-up post and link back to this post. Sign up with Mister Linky below! Be sure to use the direct url to your sign-up post and not the url to your blog.

*Bumping this up to a level 2

1.  Wings of the Wicked (Angelfire #2) by Courtney Allison Moulton
2.  Illuminate by Aimee Agresti
3.  The Savage Grace by Bree Despain

2012 Mammoth Book Challenge-- April Update

2012 Mammoth Book Challenge

Here are the challenge details:
1. This challenge will run from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2012.
2. You can join the challenge at any time. All books read in 2012 count for the challenge, regardless of when you sign up.
3. This challenge can cross-over to your other reading challenges.
4. You do not need a blog to participate! If you are not a blogger, you can post your reviews at Goodreads, Shelfari, or LibraryThing and link them up here.
5. All formats of books are acceptable: Bound copies, e-books, and audiobooks as long as they meet the guidelines of Point #6 below!
6. IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT E-BOOKS AND AUDIOBOOKS: If you are using an e-book or audiobook for the challenge, the bound format equivalent must be a minimum of 450 pages. Only unabridged audiobooks will count!
7. Both adult and children's literature are allowed: As long as it meets the minimum page count of 450 pages.
8. About LARGE-PRINT BOOKS: Same rules apply as noted in Point #6. As long as the regular-bound format equivalent is a minimum of 450 pages, this format will count.
9. No anthologies, short story collections, or poetry: Just novels.
10. There are four levels for the challenge:
a. Level 1: Read 2 mammoth-sized books.
b. Level 2: Read 4 mammoth-sized books.
c. Level 3: Read 6 mammoth-sized books.
d. Level 4: Read 8 or more mammoth-sized books.
11. When you write your sign-up post, you must choose your level. You can go up, but you cannot go down!
12. There will be link-ups for your reviews on a quarterly basis, which will be posted on THIS page.
13. There will be a link for your wrap-up post at the end of the year.
14. Create a sign-up post and link back to this post. Sign up with Mister Linky below! Be sure to use the direct url to your sign-up post and not the url to your blog.

*Bumping this up to a level 2

1.  Wings of the Wicked (Angelfire #2) by Courtney Allison Moulton
2.  Illuminate by Aimee Agresti
3.  The Savage Grace by Bree Despain

Book Review and Giveaway!- The Savage Grace

I just finished reading The Savage Grace by Bree Despain.

From Goodreads:

A troubled soul. An impossible choice. A final battle.


Wrestling with the werewolf curse pulsing deep inside of her, Grace Divine was finally able to find her brother, but it nearly cost her everything.


With her boyfriend, Daniel, stuck in wolf form and Sirhan's death approaching, time is running out for Grace to stop Caleb Kalbi and his gang of demons. If she fails, her family and hometown will perish. Everything rests on Grace's shoulders.


The final installment in The Dark Divine trilogy brings Daniel and Grace's love story to a breathtaking conclusion.
 
I always have such a hard time remembering what happened in previous books in a series.  And at first, I couldn't remember what had happened in The Dark Divine and The Lost Saint, but it soon came back to me and I fell right back into Grace's world. 
 
I knew that this book was the last in the trilogy so I knew that everything would have to be wrapped up.  I just didn't know how.  And I have to say that I liked the way everything ended.  It stopped at a good place and I was happy with the ending.  I don't think there were any questions left unanswered, which I much appreciated!  (although I think there could be more with Talbot, things are okay with the way they were left.)
 
I still love Daniel and Grace together.  Their relationship is intense but innocent at the same time.  And I really liked the way that Jude was in this installment.  And the lost boys were so cute (and gotta love the Peter Pan connection!)
 
There were definitely some tears at the end.  But that's part of what made the book so enjoyable.  I love when books get the emotions going.  So while I will miss Grace and Daniel, it was a great ending to a fabulous series!  (Oh, and the cover is gorgeous once again!)
 
I gave this book a rating of 4/5.

This book fulfills items in the following challenges:
2012 Reading Challenge 150+: 28
2012 ARC Reading Challenge: 25
2012 Young Adult Reading Challenge: 25
2012 Mammoth Book Challenge: 3

*FTC Disclosure: This book was given to me for free by the publisher for a honest review.

2012 Mammoth Book Challenge-- March Update

2012 Mammoth Book Challenge

Here are the challenge details:
1. This challenge will run from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2012.
2. You can join the challenge at any time. All books read in 2012 count for the challenge, regardless of when you sign up.
3. This challenge can cross-over to your other reading challenges.
4. You do not need a blog to participate! If you are not a blogger, you can post your reviews at Goodreads, Shelfari, or LibraryThing and link them up here.
5. All formats of books are acceptable: Bound copies, e-books, and audiobooks as long as they meet the guidelines of Point #6 below!
6. IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT E-BOOKS AND AUDIOBOOKS: If you are using an e-book or audiobook for the challenge, the bound format equivalent must be a minimum of 450 pages. Only unabridged audiobooks will count!
7. Both adult and children's literature are allowed: As long as it meets the minimum page count of 450 pages.
8. About LARGE-PRINT BOOKS: Same rules apply as noted in Point #6. As long as the regular-bound format equivalent is a minimum of 450 pages, this format will count.
9. No anthologies, short story collections, or poetry: Just novels.
10. There are four levels for the challenge:
a. Level 1: Read 2 mammoth-sized books.
b. Level 2: Read 4 mammoth-sized books.
c. Level 3: Read 6 mammoth-sized books.
d. Level 4: Read 8 or more mammoth-sized books.
11. When you write your sign-up post, you must choose your level. You can go up, but you cannot go down!
12. There will be link-ups for your reviews on a quarterly basis, which will be posted on THIS page.
13. There will be a link for your wrap-up post at the end of the year.
14. Create a sign-up post and link back to this post. Sign up with Mister Linky below! Be sure to use the direct url to your sign-up post and not the url to your blog.

*Bumping this up to a level 2

1.  Wings of the Wicked (Angelfire #2) by Courtney Allison Moulton
2.  Illuminate by Aimee Agresti
3.