The Sunday Salon- July 31, 2011

The Sunday Salon

This week was pretty relaxed.  It was the first real break I've had all summer.  But it's going by so fast!  Only 2 weeks left!

I finished and reviewed the following books in the past week:

Dead and Gone by Charlaine Harris

Finger Lickin' Fifteen by Janet Evanovich

Sizzling Sixteen by Janet Evanovich

Wolfsbane by Andrea Cremer

Bloodlines by Richelle Mead

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I fulfilled items in the following challenges in the past week:

Sookie Stackhouse Reading Challenge: Dead and Gone

2011 100+ Reading Challenge: 62, 63, 64, 65, 66

What's in a Name? 4 Challenge: Number
 2011 ARC Reading Challenge: 51, 52

2011 Young Adult Reading Challenge: 49, 50

I am currently reading A Beautiful by Jocelyn Davies and up next is Fateful by Claudia Gray.

Book Review- Bloodlines

I just finished reading Bloodlines by Richelle Mead for an Around the World ARC Tour.

From Goodreads:

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 read somewhere that this series is spinoff of Richelle Mead's Vampire Academy series.  I've never read that series (I have all the books, just haven't gotten around to reading it yet) but it didn't seem to matter. 

This was interesting vampire world with two different sets of vampires.  I'm not sure I've read a book yet where that was the case.  That being said, the Moroi vampires were my favorite in this book.  Jilly was so sweet and seemed the most normal, and Adrian and Eddie seemed like great guys.  Sydney, an Alchemist was kick-butt, but I found her to be cold.  I think she was supposed to be this way, trained to be this way since she was a kid.  But it didn't make me like her very much. 

There was one thing I had an issue with: Sydney's weight.  There's this scene where she's trying on her new uniform and is devastated because she thinks she's a size zero, but is a size two those clothes.  I mean, really?  Yes, there were several times where Adrian told her she needed to gain weight, but I don't think Sydney's view of her weight is really the right signal to be sending to girls reading the book.

That being said, I enjoyed the book.  It was interesting, and different (to me anyways) and caught my attention.  It was a little too science-y and distant for me to LOVE it, but I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series, The Golden Lily.

I gave this book a rating of 3.5/5.

Bloodlines will be released on August 23, 2011.

This book fulfills items in the following challenges:
2011 100+ Reading Challenge: 66
2011 ARC Reading Challenge: 52
2011 Young Adult Reading Challenge: 50

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

Friday Finds- July 29, 2011

Friday Finds

Trial by Fire (Raised by Wolves #2)- Jennifer Lynn Barnes

There can only be one alpha.

Bryn is finally settling into her position as alpha of the Cedar Ridge Pack—or at least, her own version of what it means to be alpha when you’re a human leading a band of werewolves. Then she finds a teenage boy bleeding on her front porch. Before collapsing, he tells her his name is Lucas, he’s a Were, and Bryn’s protection is his only hope.

But Lucas isn’t part of Bryn’s pack, and she has no right to claim another alpha’s Were. With threats—old and new—looming, and danger closing in from all sides, Bryn will have to accept what her guardian Callum knew all along. To be alpha, she will have to give in to her own animal instincts and become less human. And, she’s going to have to do it alone.

Bryn faces both the costs, and the rewards, of love and loyalty, in this thrilling sequel to Raised by Wolves. (From Goodreads)

Drink Slay Love- Sarah Beth Durst

Pearl is a sixteen-year-old vampire, fond of blood, allergic to sunlight, and mostly evil... until the night a sparkly unicorn stabs her through the heart with his horn. Oops.

Her family thinks she was attacked by a vampire hunter (because, obviously, unicorns don't exist). They're shocked she survived. They're even more shocked when Pearl discovers she can now withstand the sun. But they quickly find a way to make use of her new talent. The Vampire King of New England has chosen Pearl's family to host his feast. If Pearl enrolls in high school, she can make lots of human friends and lure them to the king's feast -- as the entrees.

The only problem? Pearl's starting to feel the twinges of a conscience. How can she serve up her new friends -- especially the cute guy who makes her fangs ache -- to be slaughtered? Then again, she's definitely dead if she lets down her family. What's a sunlight-loving vamp to do? From Sarah Beth Durst's website)

Book Review- Wolfsbane

I just finished reading Wolfsbane by Andrea Cremer for an Around the World ARC Tour.

From Goodreads:

You're an alpha, a leader. That's what we need. It's what we've always needed. When Calla Tor wakes up in the lair of the Searchers, her sworn enemies, she's certain her days are numbered. Then the Searchers make her an offer, one that gives her the chance to destroy her former masters and save her pack ? and the boy ? she left behind.Is Ren worth the price of her freedom? Will Shay stand by her side no matter what?Now in control of her destiny, Calla must decide which battles are worth fighting and how many trials love can endure.

I read Nightshade, the previous book, last summer.  Everyone had hyped up the book, but it just didn't do it for me.  I found myself confused for most of the book.  But I knew I wanted to try the sequel to see if it was any better.  And it was, but only a little.  I still found myself confused at the beginning of the book.  There were so many different people and groups to remember, and then the history of the groups came in to play.  And blah.  But once I got through all that, it was better.

The last book was definitely more action driven, where I found this one to be more character driven.  Which is probably why I liked this one better.  There were definitely some action scenes, but a lot of it just had to do with the characters. 

I like Calla.  She's definitely a kick-butt girl.  But the whole Ren vs. Shay thing tends to get a little old.  We get a lot of Shay in this book but not too much Ren.  Although we do find out a surprise about him (which I pegged early on).  I really liked the new characters we meet, especially Connor.  I liked his personality and sense of humor. 

There is definitely another book coming up.  The ending is a definite cliffhanger and while these books aren't my favorite, I will read the next one! 

I gave this book a rating of 3.5/5.

This book fulfills items in the following challenges:
2011 100+ Reading Challenge: 65
2011 ARC Reading Challenge: 51
2011 Young Adult Reading Challenge: 49

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

Waiting on Wednesday- July 27, 2011

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

Away (The Line #2)
by Teri Hall
Publication Release Date: September 15, 2011

From Teri Hall's website:

When Rachel crosses The Line she leaves behind everything she has ever known and enters a strange new world: Away. Life there is hard, and survival is never guaranteed. Bizarre, wild creatures roam the forests, and people—the same people she’s always been told are dangerous and untrustworthy—have gifts she’s never thought possible.

Rachel has to rely on Pathik, the boy she risked her own life for, to help her navigate the strange customs. He’s exasperating, but she thinks she can trust him, and she hopes he’ll lead her to answers about her father. As it turns out, he leads her to more than she bargained for, and Rachel finds herself on an adventure filled with life and death choices, dark conspiracies, and unthinkable sacrifice.

In a place with no technology, no electricity, no medicine, and very little hope, Rachel discovers that only one thing makes life worth living. If only it’s not too late.

Book Review- Sizzling Sixteen

I just finished reading Sizzling Sixteen by Janet Evanovich.

From Goodreads:

Trenton, New Jersey, bounty hunter Stephanie Plum has inherited a “lucky” bottle from her Uncle Pip. Problem is, Uncle Pip didn’t specify if the bottle brought good luck or bad luck. . . .

BAD LUCK:
Vinnie, of Vincent Plum Bail Bonds, has run up a gambling debt of $786,000 with mobster Bobby Sunflower and is being held until the cash can be produced. Nobody else will pay to get Vinnie back, leaving it up to Stephanie, office manager Connie, and file clerk Lula to raise the money if they want to save their jobs.

GOOD LUCK:
Being in the business of tracking down people, Stephanie, Lula, and Connie have an advantage in finding Vinnie. If they can rescue him, it will buy them some time to raise the cash.

BAD LUCK:
Finding a safe place to hide Vinnie turns out to be harder than raising $786,000. Vinnie’s messing up Mooner’s vibe, running up pay-per-view porn charges in Ranger’s apartment, and making Stephanie question genetics.

GOOD LUCK:
Between a bonds office yard sale that has the entire Burg turning out, Mooner’s Hobbit-Con charity event, and Uncle Pip’s lucky bottle, they just might raise enough money to save the business, and Vinnie, from ruin.

BAD LUCK:
Saving Vincent Plum Bail Bonds means Stephanie can keep being a bounty hunter. In Trenton, this involves hunting down a man wanted for polygamy, a turnpike toilet paper bandit, and a drug dealer with a pet alligator named Mr. Jingles.

GOOD LUCK:
The job of bounty hunter comes with perks in the guise of Trenton’s hottest cop, Joe Morelli, and the dark and dangerous security expert, Ranger. With any luck at all, Uncle Pip’s lucky bottle will have Stephanie getting lucky---the only question is . . . with whom?

Sizzling Sixteen . . . so hot, the pages might spontaneously combust!
 
Another fun Stephanie Plum book!  I just love these!  We've got the same Stephanie situations going on...the whole Ranger vs Morelli debate, trying to be a bounty hunter but always getting herself into trouble, and having fun sidekicks like Lula, Connie, and Grandma Mazur. 
 
I do have say, the whole  hobbit plot in this book kind of annoyed me.  Too hippie and weird for me.  But I love the whole Ranger/Morelli thing.  And although it goes against Ranger's style, I would love to see Stephanie and Ranger in a relationship.  Don't get me wrong; I love Morelli too, but we've already seen that relationship.
 
Anyways, I can't wait to read Smokin' Seventeen!
 
I gave this book a rating of 3.5/5.
 
This book fulfills items in the following challenges:
2011 100+ Reading Challenge: 64

*FTC Disclosure:  I received this book for free by trading with a friend.

Mailbox Monday- July 25, 2011

Mailbox Monday: Here's what came in my mailbox this week

MONDAY

To the Moon and Back- Jill Mansell--for review from publisher

Out of Breath- Blair Richmond -for review from publisher

TUESDAY

Don’t Breathe a Word- Holly Cupala--review for an Around the World ARC Tour

Peter and the Secret of Rundoon (#3)- Dave Barry & Ridley Pearson--PaperbackSwap

THURSDAY

How to Flirt with a Naked Werewolf (Naked Werewolf#1)- Molly Harper--PaperbackSwap

FRIDAY

The Carrie Diaries- Candace Bushnell--PaperbackSwap

SATURDAY

This Side of the Grave (Night Huntress #5)- Jeaniene Frost--PaperbackSwap

Book Review- Finger Lickin' Fifteen

Early this morning I finished reading Finger Lickin' Fifteen by Janet Evanovich.

From Goodreads:

"Unbuckle your belt and pull up a chair. It's the spiciest, sauciest, most rib-sticking plum yet." "Recipe for disaster: Celebrity chef Stanley Chipotle comes to Trenton to participate in a barbecue cook-off and loses his head - literally." "Throw in some spice: Bail bonds office worker Lula is witness to the crime, and the only one she'll talk to is Trenton cop Joe Morelli." "Pump up the heat: Chipotle's sponsor is offering a million-dollar reward to anyone who can provide information leading to the capture of the killers." "Stir the pot: Lula recruits bounty hunter Stephanie Plum to help her find the killers and collect the moolah." "Add a secret ingredient: Stephanie Plum's Grandma Mazur. Enough said." "Bring to a boil: Stephanie Plum is working overtime tracking felons for the bonds office at night and snooping for security expert Carlos Manoso, aka Ranger, during the day. Can Stephanie hunt down two killers, a traitor, and five skips, keep her grandmother out of the sauce, and solve Ranger's problems and not jump his bones?" Warning: Habanero hot. So good you'll want seconds.

Reading a Stephanie Plum novel is like riding a bicycle.  Even if it's been a couple of years, its easy to pick up again.  I read Fearless Fourteen 3 years ago so I was a little worried if I would be able to get back into Stephanie's world again easily.  But I shouldn't have worried.  It was like catching up with an old friend.  I had forgotten how much I laughed out loud while reading these books.  No, there's nothing amazing about them but they're comforting.  And fun.  And funny.  And I love them! 

I had forgotten how easily I got caught up in the Morelli vs Ranger dilemna (Yum to both of them!)  And how much I loved Grandma Mazur and Lula!  Both of them are kick-butt! 

These books really are the perfect summer reads and I can't wait to dive into Sizzling Sixteen!

I gave this book a rating of 4.5/5.

This book fulfills items in the following challenges:
2011 100+ Reading Challenge: 63
What's in a Name? 4 Challenge: Number

*FTC Disclosure:  I received this book for free by trading with a friend.

Book Review- Dead and Gone

I just finished reading Dead and Gone, the 9th Sookie Stackhouse novel, by Charlaine Harris.

From Goodreads:

Except for Sookie Stackhouse, folks in Bon Temps, Louisiana, know little about vamps-and nothing about weres.

Until now. The weres and shifters have finally decided to reveal their existence to the ordinary world. At first all goes well. Then the mutilated body of a were-panther is found near the bar where Sookie works-and she feels compelled to discover who, human or otherwise, did it.

But there's a far greater danger threatening Bon Temps. A race of unhuman beings-older, more powerful, and more secretive than vampires or werewolves-is preparing for war. And Sookie finds herself an all-too human pawn in their battle.
 
I enjoyed this book a little bit more than the previous book in the series.  And I feel like it was darker too, especially the ending.  I don't feel like there was a lot of growth in the whole romance department.  I keep waiting to see just who Sookie will end up with (and I can't decide who I want her to be with...Bill? Eric? Sam?).  But nothing was given away in this installment.  The weres coming out was interesting and I think more could have been written about that.  Instead, we mostly read about the evil faeries.  There were some very gruesome scenes that unfortunately I could see all too well in my head (but I guess thats the job of a good writer).  Looking forward to diving into the next book in the series, Dead in the Family.
 
I gave this book a rating of 3.5/5.
 
This book fulfills items in the following challenges:
Sookie Stackhouse Reading Challenge: Dead and Gone 
2011 100+ Reading Challenge: 62
 
*FTC Disclosure:  I received this book for free by trading with a friend.

The Sunday Salon- July 24, 2011

The Sunday Salon


Friday night I was in one of my friends wedding as a bridesmaid (she was just a bridesmaid in my wedding last month so it was so fun to plan together).  It was a lot of fun and so much easier to be on the bridesmaid end instead of the bride end.  Although it made me nostalgic for my wedding.  We both had the same color scheme (victorian lilac and silver) and while my flowers got messed up and looked more pink, hers were the perfect purple.  So I was a little jealous. We met some great new friends. And its fun to now have another "married couple" to hang out with!

I finished and reviewed the following books in the past week:

Dark Souls by Paula Morris

Eternity by Heather Terrell

Don't Breathe a Word by Holly Cupala


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
I fulfilled items in the following challenges in the past week:
2011 100+ Reading Challenge: 59, 60, 61
2011 ARC Reading Challenge: 49, 50
2011 Young Adult Reading Challenge: 46, 47, 48
2011 YA Contemporary Challenge: 10

I am currently reading Finger Lickin' Fifteen and up next is Sizzling Sixteen, both by Janet Evanovich.

Book Review- Don't Breathe a Word

I just finished Don't Breathe a Word by Holly Cupala for an Around the World ARC Tour.

From Goodreads:

Joy Delamere is suffocating.

From asthma, which has nearly claimed her life. From her parents, who will do anything to keep that from happening. From delectably dangerous Asher, who is smothering her from the inside out.

Joy can take his words—tender words, cruel words—until the night they go too far.

Now, Joy will leave everything behind to find the one who has offered his help, a homeless boy called Creed. She will become someone else. She will learn to survive. She will breathe…if only she can get to Creed before it’s too late.

Set against the gritty backdrop of Seattle’s streets and a cast of characters with secrets of their own, Holly Cupala’s powerful new novel explores the subtleties of abuse, the meaning of love, and how far a girl will go to discover her own strength.
 
Wow.  This book seemed so real.  Almost like it was a first hand account of living on the streets instead a fictional piece of work.  I would love to know if the author did research before writing the book or if its just an incredible piece simply written from her imagination.
 
Poor Joy.  I felt so bad for the world that she was trapped in.  Yes, she had a loving and supportive family, but was trapped by her asthma (I can't even imagine what it would feel like to not be able to breathe) and by an abusive boyfriend.  But I can't imagine how horrible it must have been for her to have wanted to escape to the streets.  (see, even as I write this, I feel as if I'm writing about a real person).  There was no sugar coating on the life in the streets.  It was gritty and real. 
 
**************SPOILER************
The only thing I didn't like was how everything seemed to wrap up so nicely at the end in an almost happily-ever-after way.  Not sure how real that is.  But I tend to like happily-ever-afters better anyways.
**************************************
 
I definitely think this is one of the books that people are going to be raving about, so if you're a fan of contemporary YA fiction, then don't miss out on it!
 
I gave this book a rating of 4/5.
 
Don't Breathe a Word will be released on January 3, 2012.
 
This book fulfills items in the following challenges:
2011 100+ Reading Challenge: 61
2011 ARC Reading Challenge: 50
2011 Young Adult Reading Challenge: 48
2011 YA Contemporary 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- Eternity

I just finished reading Eternity by Heather Terrell for a Teen Book Scene blog tour.

From Goodreads:

The end . . . or a new beginning?

As Ellie comes to grips with her destiny as the Elect One, her relationship with Michael grows tense. When she meets a mys­terious boy named Rafe, things get even more complicated.

Yet the time has come for the Elect One to stand against the group of evil fallen angels who are bent on destroying the world. In order to face the immeasurable malevolence heading her way, Ellie tries to put her personal life aside. But she soon learns that whoever holds her heart also holds the key to mankind’s salvation—or destruction. As the end days approach, Ellie is faced with an epic decision. Who does her heart really belong to? And is her love strong enough to save the world?

Drama, drama, and more drama.  That was all that was in this book.  Everything was so dramatic and cheesy.  Ellie's relationship with Michael is constantly dramatic.  Michael and Ellie's attempts to save the world are so dramatic.  Even trying to be a normal teen is dramatic.  And then you throw in all the religious stuff.  I know this was in the first book, but for some reason it bothered me in this one.  And the ending was so anti-climactic.  And predictable.  I completely pegged what was going to happen.

Michael and Ellie got on my nerves in this book.   Michael, once again, got distracted by something and flaked on Ellie.  And Ellie once again got swept up in a new guy, quickly, although not seriously.  So my fav characters this time around were Rafe and Ruth.  I loved how Ruth was so understanding of the strange life she was suddenly thrown into and was so eager and willing to help out, even though it might put her in danger.  And I liked the sound of Rafe.  Of his looks and sense of humor and intensity.

This review makes me sounds grumpy and like I didn't enjoy the book, which isn't the case.  Broken down, things bugged me about it but overall, I flew through the book and enjoyed it while I was reading it.

I gave this book a rating of 3/5.

This book fulfills items in the following challenges:
2011 100+ Reading Challenge: 60
2011 Young Adult Reading Challenge: 47

*FTC Disclosure: I was given this book for free for an honest review as part of the Teen Book Scene.

Book Review- Dark Souls

Early this morning I finished reading Dark Souls by Paula Morris for an Around the World ARC Tour.

From Goodreads:

Welcome to York, England.

Mist lingers in the streets.

Narrow buildings cast long shadows.

This is the most haunted city in the world. . . .

Miranda Tennant arrives in York with a terrible, tragic secret. She is eager to lose herself amid the quaint cobblestones, hoping she won’t run into the countless ghosts who supposedly roam the city. . . .

Then she meets Nick, an intense, dark-eyed boy who knows all of York’s hidden places and histories. Miranda wonders if Nick is falling for her, but she is distracted by another boy — one even more handsome and mysterious than Nick. He lives in the house across from Miranda and seems desperate to send her some sort of message. Could this boy be one of York’s haunted souls?

Soon, Miranda realizes that something dangerous — and deadly — is being planned. And she may have to face the darkest part of herself in order to unravel the mystery — and find redemption.

Dark Souls is a ghost story meets mystery story type of book.  I knew that there was something "off" about Nick but I couldn't decide what it was.  And what the mystery turned out to be definitely never popped into my mind.

Miranda was an okay character for me.  I definitely didn't dislike her.  But she wasn't my favorite either.  She was kinda just there.  She did have some funny thoughts and sayings though.  Her brother Rob was kind of annoying though.  It was told that Miranda and Rob were closer after the accident but he seemed kinda mean to her and was all about himself.

As for the plot, it definitely had some twists and turns.  It kept me guessing the whole time.  Its not the type of book that I could speed through.  I had to think *gasp* while I was reading it, just because I wanted to try to figure out the mystery.

I gave this book a rating of 3.5/5.

Dark Souls will be released on August 1, 2011.

This book fulfills items in the following challenges:
2011 100+ Reading Challenge: 59
2011 ARC Reading Challenge: 49
2011 Young Adult Reading Challenge: 46

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

Mailbox Monday- July 18, 2011

Mailbox Monday: Here's what came in my mailbox this week

MONDAY

Misguided Angel (Blue Bloods #5)- Melissa De La Cruz--PaperbackSwap

TUESDAY

Web of Lies (Elemental Assassin #2)- Jennifer Estep--PaperbackSwap

Haunted (Dreaming Anastasia #2)- Joy Preble--PaperbackSwap

One Flight Up- Susan Fales-Hill--for review from publisher

WEDNESDAY

Forever- Maggie Stiefvater--bought from fellow blogger

Abandon- Meg Cabot--bought from fellow blogger

Winter Town- Steve Emond--review for an Around the World ARC Tour

FRIDAY

Dark Souls- Paula Morris--review for an Around the World ARC Tour

SATURDAY

Sucker for Love (Dead End Dating #5)- Kimberly Raye--PaperbackSwap

The Sunday Salon- July 17, 2011

The Sunday Salon

So not much going on this week.  We celebrated hubby's 33rd birthday.   He likes to say he is now a third of a century years old.  I found out another one of close friends is pregnant and so everyone is saying its our turn.  I told them to give us a break since we just got married.  Plus my friends and I are travelling around Asia next summer so I want to wait until after then!

I finished and reviewed the following books in the past week:

Shut Out by Kody Keplinger

Between by Jessica Warman

Bad Taste in Boys by Carrie Harris

Winter Town by Stephen Emond











I fulfilled items in the following challenges in the past week:
2011 100+ Reading Challenge: 20, 56, 57, 58 
2011 ARC Reading Challenge: 18, 46, 47, 48
2011 Young Adult Reading Challenge: 16, 43, 44, 45
2011 YA Contemporary Challenge: 8, 9
2011 Debut Author Challenge: 6
2011 A to Z Challenge: E

I am currently reading Dark Souls by Paula Morris and up next is Eternity by Heather Terrell.

Book Review- WinterTown

Early this morning I finished reading Winter Town by Stephen Emond for an Around the World ARC Tour.

From Goodreads:

Every winter, straight-laced, Ivy League bound Evan looks forward to a visit from Lucy, a childhood pal who moved away after her parent's divorce. But when Lucy arrives this year, she's changed. The former "girl next door" now has chopped dyed black hair, a nose stud, and a scowl. But Evan knows that somewhere beneath the Goth, "Old Lucy" still exists, and he's determined to find her... even if it means pissing her off.

Garden State meets Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist in this funny and poignant illustrated novel about opposites who fall in love.
 
This book was just ehhh for me.  I usually find myself feeling this way about books either written about guys or by guys.  I don't know why.  And that was the case for this book.  I certainly didn't hate the book.  But I didn't really care about it either.  It was just...there.
 
Of the two characters, I definitely liked Evan more than Lucy.  Evan seemed like a sweet, slightly-nerdy guy who had a big heart and wanted to do the right thing.  While Lucy, she was just so negative.  About EVERYTHING!  I get that she's had some rough times.  But I knew kids with a lot harder lives than hers and they weren't nearly so negative.  And when we got to see things from Lucy's side and see how she kinda had a crush on Evan the whole time, I was kinda shocked.  I mean, she certainly didn't act like it at all. 
 
The graphics and drawings were a nice tough.  I usually stay away from graphic novels, but since this only had a few, it wasn't bad and broke up the story nicely.
 
I gave this book a rating of 3/5.
 
Winter Town will be released on December 5, 2011.
 
This book fulfills items in the following challenges:
2011 A to Z Challenge: E
2011 100+ Reading Challenge: 58
2011 ARC Reading Challenge: 48
2011 Young Adult Reading Challenge: 45
2011 YA Contemporary Challenge: 9

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

Friday Fill-In- July 15, 2011

Friday Fill-Ins

1. I hold my puppy in my lap a lot.

2. Meredith is someone I like to travel with because she and I like to travel to the same places and she's easy going.
3. That day, my wedding day, was the best day of my life.
4. It seems that tons of people (including me) are getting married this year.
5. Trust no one is my motto, unfortunately.
6. I don't like to be alone in the dark.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to catching up on tv shows with the hubby, tomorrow my plans include going shopping for a tie and shirt for hubby to match my bridesmaid dress and Sunday, I want to relax!

Friday Finds- July 15, 2011

Friday Finds

Werewolf in Manhattan- Vicki Lewis Thompson

Emma Gavin writes bestselling novels about werewolves, but that doesn't mean she believes in them -- and she certainly doesn't think she'll meet one. But that's exactly what happens when her books catch the attention of a rich and powerful pack of Manhattan Weres, who have kept their existence hidden for centuries. Alarmed by the accuracy of her novels, they're determined to find out if a renegade is acting as her informant.

Aidan Wallace, the pack leader's son and heir, knows he's the wolf for the job, but when he gets close to Emma, they are both surprised by an attraction too strong to deny. To surrender to it, Aidan will have to risk everything--- including the security of the pack he's sworn to protect... (From Vicki Lewis Thompson's website)

Witches of East End- Melissa de la Cruz

It’s the beginning of summer in North Hampton, and beautiful Freya Beauchamp is celebrating her engagement to wealthy Bran Gardiner, the heir to Fair Haven and Gardiners Island. But Freya is drawn to Bran’s gorgeous but unreliable brother Killian, and sparks fly when the two decide to play a dangerous game, following an ancient story of love, betrayal and tragedy that harks back to the days of Valhalla.

Witches of East End follows the Beauchamp family—the formidable matriarch Joanna and her daughters Freya and Ingrid. Freya, a sexy bartender, has a potion to cure every kind of heartache, while Ingrid, the local librarian, solves complicated domestic problems with her ability to tie magical knots. Joanna is the witch to see when modern medicine has no more answers; her powers can wake the dead. Everything seems to be going smoothly until a young girl, Molly Lancaster, goes missing after taking one of Freya’s irresistible cocktails. As more of the town’s residents begin disappearing, everyone seems to have the same suspects in mind: the Beauchamp women.

Fraught with love, small-town secrets, and witchcraft, Witches of East End will capture any reader who craves a page-turning, heart-stopping story of myth and magic from an author who knows how to deliver. (From Melissa de la Cruz's website)