In My Mailbox (#8) - Big Load

Hosted by Kristi from The Story Siren

I haven't done this in forever, so I'm going to just share all the books I got in the last week or two! So here we go!

 Twice as Hot by Gena Showalter

Tiger's Curse by Colleen Houck

The Vampire's Bride by Gena Showalter

Spells by Aprilynne Pike

The Iron Queen by Julia Kagawa

Haven by Kristi Cook

Untamed by P.C Cast & Kristen Cast

Deadly Vows by Brenda Joyce

Twice Bitten by Chloe Neill

Matched by Ally Condie

The Summoning by Kelly Armstrong

That's a lot of books. Its not even half of what I have checked out at the moment. I've been really good with my reading lately, must be all the awesome books I'm checking out keeping me in "shape". I'm really excited to read Untamed and Twice Bitten. 

Also, I think all of those books have amazing covers! Esp. Tiger's Curse and Twice as Hot.

I did already check out Spells and The Iron Queen once before but I was so lazy then and couldn't keep up with the load I had checked out, that they went returned, untouched.

That's it for Tuesday. I'm going to take a peak at some other people's IMM for this week!!

Teaser Tuesday: Delirium by Lauren Oliver (#11)

Hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading.

Whew! I'm so behind in book blogging. I've been reading, I swear! I finished Hate List by Jennifer Brown (which I loved!!) and Chosen by P.C. Cast & Kristen Cast (also amazing!).

I'm about half way through Delirium. Its really good I must say. Its a little different from anything I read. Love being a disease is just so strange, but when I started reading it, I was trapped for a good hour or two. ^^

"I'm trying to think straight, but my head is full of the ocean's wordless roaring. It is growing louder and louder by the second. And now, faintly, it's as though I can hear screaming as well--" (pg 34)

I'll leave it at that ;)

Update

I'm a little behind in everything. Last week I went out of town to go visit my oldest sister with my other sister, no time to read or anything...even during the 8 hours in the car. My sister didn't want to sit in silent car while I entertained myself and she drove the 8 hours there and back. So yeah, no reading was accomplished during my visit to my sister's house. I was hoping my sister brought her laptop but she left it home on purpose to make it a no computer event.

I'm really behind schedule with reading. I wonder since I'm being such a control freak and failing and thus reading like a maniac on the night before the books are due that I'm not really enjoying reading. Honestly, I hate setting myself a goal and failing. And seeing how I'm 8 books behind and March is almost over, I'm starting to panic and go crazy and to make insane day plans of what book to read etc etc. Like each day has a book title listed to it, I honestly don't think I even thought about reviewing books at all. Just completing the challenge would be something. So reminder to myself when 2012 is coming, no big book challenge, sure genre reading challenges, but enormous book challenges, nope nope nope. I don't want to ruin reading for me, like how I already see this going for me.

Its basically 4 am right now and I haven't gone to bed...why? Last minute reading of Friday Night Bites by Chloe Neill to return it to the library tomorrow. I can't wait for the third book in the series.

Speaking about the books I need to return tomorrow, I decided to go through my giant stack of books and really decide if I'm going to force myself to read em, read them for enjoyment, or return them. About 2-3 got a forced to read vote, a lot got stuffed in my book bag and are ready to be returned, while a ton I couldn't part with. So maybe I'll push out a few book reviews about them in the future.

I'll get back on track with the meme's tomorrow. So night night!

Waiting On Wednesday (#2)

WoW is hosted by Jill from Breaking the Spine. WoW is weekly meme, where you post about the books your eagerly looking forward to.

The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter 
April 19th 2011
From Goodreads:
Every girl who has taken the test has died.

Now it's Kate's turn.

It's always been just Kate and her mom--and now her mother is dying. Her last wish? To move back to her childhood home. So Kate's going to start at a new school with no friends, no other family and the fear her mother won't live past the fall.

Then she meets Henry. Dark. Tortured. And mesmerizing. He claims to be Hades, god of the Underworld--and if she accepts his bargain, he'll keep her mother alive while Kate tries to pass seven tests.

Kate is sure he's crazy--until she sees him bring a girl back from the dead. Now saving her mother seems crazily possible. If she succeeds, she'll become Henry's future bride, and a goddess.

If she fails...

Found out about this book from others WoW last week! I absolutely can't wait for it to come out. Its almost April, so the wait shouldn't be too long. I also, absolutely adore the cover. The colors, the font and texture is just amazing. Def. a best cover for 2011!!

The Fallen: Raziel by Kristina Douglas

Already Released

From Goodreads:

She was just an ordinary mortal . . .

“You’re dead” is so not what Allie Watson wants to hear. Unfortunately, it explains a lot. Like the dark, angelically handsome man who ferried her to this strange, hidden land. The last thing she remembers is stepping off a curb in front of a crosstown bus. Now she’s surrounded by gorgeous fallen angels with an unsettling taste for blood—and they really don’t want her around. Not exactly how she pictured heaven.

. . . until death catapulted her into a seductive world she never imagined.

Raziel is unsure why he rescued Allie from hellfire against Uriel’s orders, but she stirs in him a longing he hasn't felt in centuries. Now the Fallen are bracing for the divine wrath brought by his disobedience, and they blame Allie for the ferocious Nephilim clawing at the kingdom’s shrouded gates. Facing impossible odds at every turn, the two must work together to survive. Raziel will do anything to defend his spirited lover against the forces of darkness—because Allie may be the Fallen’s only salvation.

I can't wait for this one. I'm already on the waiting list at the library but I believe they just ordered the book, so no telling when the book will actually come in. So that counts as waiting. 

I'm not going to lie, I don't like the cover. It's the stance the guy is in, I hate it. Other than his stance, his abs and pecks are nice. Oh I just looked closer, I can see his veins, that always kinda creeps me out.

Time to see what others are waiting for. 

Teaser Tuesday: Friday Night Bites by Chloe Neill (#10)

Teaser Tuesday is hosted by the awesome MizB from Should Be Reading.

I'm a little behind in reading of course. I took my cats to the vet yesterday and then I cleaned my room to the point that I can see the surface of my desk, dresser, and side tables!!! Its amazing, to have space to put things or to find something fast.

The vet said my babies have a bad cold and eye infection that can be contagious to the other cats. So I'm keeping the two inside for a week, until they get better. The visit to the vet was a little disastrous. Both of them snapped at the vet. One of them peed in the cage. And Grey cried the whole way there and back, even in the waiting room. Yet, the cutest thing happened after the vet tech weighed them. I put Fluffy on the ground and she ran to the corner Grey was hiding in....and literally got on top of Grey. It was so cute! I took a picture with my camera, its not the best quality.

Anyways, here is my teaser from Friday Night Bites by Chloe Neill.

"The rain slowed, then dissipated, mist clouding the neighborhood. I pushed the wet hair from my eyes and was preparing to turn back for the House when I heard it."

"Click."

"Click."

"Click."

"Click."

(pg. 318)

Review: Entice by Carrie Jones & Nevermore by Kelly Creagh (Short Reviews)

No time to really do a book review for each single book, so I'll do two books per post. I put the day on which I'll do a post on the books.

Here are the books that didn't get reviews from me:

• Entice by Carrie Jones (Sunday)
• Nevermore by Kelly Creagh (Sunday)
• Gone by Lisa McMann (Monday)
• Nightshade by Andrea Cremer (Monday)
• Strange Bedperons by Jennifer Cruise (Tuesday)
• Manhunting by Jennifer Cruise (Tuesday)
• Maybe This Time by Jennifer Cruise (Tuesday)

I guess, I'll go in order.

Entice by Carrie Jones: (Spoilers below) 4/5 Stars

Entice is the third book in the Need Series. The cover of the book is absolutely stunning. The pixie dust coming out or going into her mouth is amazing. The girl also has perfect skin, courtesy of photoshop but still its lovely, and it contrasts beautifully with the black background, which I think is the woods. She also has nice eyebrows, saying that makes me a weirdo, doesn't it? But truthfully I can never get my eyebrows the right shape or look. I usually over pluck to the point one eyebrow is missing a big chunk. Tehehe.

*SPOILERS INCLUDED BELOW - DON'T READ IF YOU HAVEN'T READ NEED & CAPTIVATE*

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Anyways, Entice is about Zara's adventure to Valhalla to save Nick. Because...well Nick sort of left this planet and was taken to the world of the gods because he is a warrior and died a warriors death. Now he gets to fight for the gods in their war, yada yada. Zara goes on this adventure with her king, Astley. Oh lets not forget she is a pixie now. She became one in order to save Nick, but she didn't know what all that would come with it; her friends become wary of her, her mother hating her, not knowing if Nick would still love her and her new connection with Astley and all these pixies at her service. But for Nick she would do anything. She already became a pixie, the next step is getting to the place the gods live.

********************************************************************************

I really enjoyed the book.

There was very little that I didn't enjoy. Though I really didn't like that her friends kept judging her decision and thinking she was going to suddenly attack them...or you know become an evil pixie. I did find myself become very in favor of Astley and Zara. I know there is a love triangle already, even if Zara doesn't know it yet. Who knows how Nick will even react to her being a pixie in the next book. But Entice really had me pulling for them together, they are now connected, so why not? Or why can't she have both? Fly off into the sky with Astley and go to school with Nick? I know, shame on me!

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Nevermore by Kelly Creagh 

4/5 stars.

I don't even know where or how to put this book into words. I really don't even think I could attempt to. So, I'll just give my opinion about the characters, cover and story line.

This book was huge. I'm pretty sure the night I was reading it, I had to return it the next day. That's usually the case with most books I read. I pull an all nighter and then drop dead into bed and sleep most of the day. I'm working on fixing that little habit of mine.

I'm not going to lie, this book was huge. The size of it put me off for so long; even though I love to read when I see a big book and know its due back tomorrow..I usually give into defeat and put it in my book bag. Though I think with this book I started it a few nights before and just didn't touch it for awhile. Yet, just reading a little bit the book pulled me and didn't let go when I sat down it again.

The story line was intense and at some points...confusing. I still don't know what really happened or what didn't happen. I hate when I don't understand whats happening in a book! There should be something at the end of the book explaining things that happened. Now that definitely needs to be put in the back of Fallen, that book lost me so much that I'm not sure if I'll read the next books in the series. I don't like being confused, though with this book, I accepted the fact that I was confused because the main character was also lost.

Besides being seriously confused, I got scared at moments. Esp. when Isobel was running home that one night. I was totally freaked out. It was scary in a good way, kind of like suspense. Will she make it home or whatever the hell was chasing her get her? 

The characters of the book were either really likable or scum. Isobel and Varen were both very likable. Though I hated how hot and cold Varen was to Isobel; even if its understandable since he is living a nightmare. Pun intended. Isobel's boyfriend, Brad was a total jerk and got what he deserved is all I have to say. Seriously, who picks on their girlfriends partner for a major project/grade? I'm pretty sure that doesn't happen in reality. 

I'm starting to ramble, I need to wrap this book up. So lastly, the cover. I do love the cover, I like the girl that portrays, Isobel, is really pretty; the pink top she is wearing really goes with Varen's outfit. But, Varen doesn't do much for me. Yeah, he has that dark and mysterious look but on the hot scale, not up there for me. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying he isn't bad looking, just not my type.

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Update - Cat & Stress = No Reviews

So I'd like to explain why I haven't put any reviews or anything up besides weekly meme's. I've been reading, which is a good thing but either my mind is elsewhere when I finished the book or not coming up with something to type up about the book; even though I have plenty to say about the books I've finished.

I've got two of my outdoor cats inside because they've both come down with something. And when my cats are sick, I'm extremely stressed and trying not panic and think the worst of the situation. I have a vet appointment for both of them tomorrow, which I have no idea how I'm going to do. Both of them are considered "feral" to other humans but to me, they are tamed in a sense.

Anyways, I have to get two "feral" cats to the vet tomorrow and try not to break down emotionally in there. I always cry at my vets office, not many good memories there. So not only will the cats be freaking out, I'll be freaking out too, which I'm sure they will be able to tell and think since Mom is freaking out we might as well be too.

Once the vet situation is out of the way and my cats are recovering and looking like their usual selves, I'll put individual book reviews up.Though for the books before that, I'll just do one big post about them and give my 2 cents about 'em.

To lighten this thread up, I'll post some pictures of the two cats I'm taking tomorrow. Oh, I should mention their names, they aren't really original but don't judge! I was like 8-10 when I named 'em!!!

Grey & Fluffy. Now I'm sure I don't have to explain who is who. ^^

In My Mailbox (#7)

Hosted by the lovely Kristi from The Story Siren.

I did it again. I got lost in the library. I now have a total of 29 books checked out. Eeek! Really now...I need some control or someone to keep me in check when I go into the library. The little self check out machine should start saying things like "Have you finished the other 19 you have at home?" or "Rejected! Rejected! Too many checked out when you have plenty at home to read!!!!"

The Luxe by Anna Godberson

She's No Faerie Princess by Christine Warren

Nightseer by Laurell K. Hamilton

Lament by Maggie Stiefvater

Hexbound by Chloe Neill

This Side of the Grave by Jeaniene Frost (Bought)

Paranormalcy by Kiersten White

Never Cry Werewolf by Heather Davis

Numbers by Rachel Ward

Kiss Me Kill Me by Lauren Henderson

Pegasus by Robin McKinley

I, also got The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan. Oh and after I left the library another one of my books came in! One I really wanted, Archangel's Consort by Nalini Singh...I have some time before I have to pick it up, so I'll leave there so I won't be tempted to read it ahead of all the others.

I'm not going to lie, I think the cover for Lament by Maggie Stiefvater is horrible.Its neither attractive or eye catching at all. The other covers are either amazing or nice. I love the cover for Pegasus and The Luxe; I would definitely wear a dress like that, but I don't think I could ever imagine walking in it or breathing for that matter!

I think I need to stop checking out books for a long time and sit back and read the ones I got. I also need to get to reviewing the books I've read. I really wouldn't mind checking out a ton of books if I also returned some books or the equal amount I check out. Instead of piling my stack of books so high, that I can't keep up.

Hope I don't hit a reading speed bump and fall out of reading for a week or two. That would be absolutely horrible! Esp. with all these books I have.

So, what did you get this week?

Waiting On Wednesday (#1)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill from Breaking the Spine. This is my first Waiting on Wednesday! Basically you post about the books your waiting to be released every Wednesday.

So here are mine:



Book: Wolfsbane
Author: Andrea Cremer
Series: Nightshade #2
Release Date: July 26th 2011

From Goodreads: 
This thrilling sequel to the much-talked-about Nightshade begins just where it ended.Calla Tor wakes up in the lair of the Searchers, her sworn enemy, and she's certain her days are numbered. But then the Searchers make her an offer,one that gives her the chance to destroy her former masters and save the pack and the man she left behind. Is Ren worth the price of her freedom? And will Shay stand by her side no matter what? Now in control of her own destiny, Calla must decide which battles are worth fighting and how many trials true love can endure and still survive.

Book: Iron Crowed

Author: Richelle Mead

Series: Dark Swan #3

Release Date: March 31st 2011

From Goodreads:

Shaman-for-hire Eugenie Markham is the best at banishing entities trespassing in the mortal realm. But as the Thorn Land’s queen, she’s fast running out of ways to end the brutal war devastating her kingdom. Her only hope: the Iron Crown, a legendary object even the most powerful gentry fear…

Who Eugenie can trust is the hardest part. Fairy king Dorian has his own agenda for aiding her search. And Kiyo, her shape-shifter ex-boyfriend, has every reason to betray her along the way. To control the Crown’s ever-consuming powers, Eugenie will have to confront an unimaginable temptation--one that will put her soul and the fate of two worlds in mortal peril…

Book: The Power of Six

Author: Pittacus Lore

Series: Lorien Legacies

Release Date: August 23rd 2011

From Goodreads:

I've seen him on the news. Followed the stories about what happened in Ohio. John Smith, out there, on the run. To the world, he's a mystery. But to me . . . he's one of us.

Nine of us came here, but sometimes I wonder if time has changed us—if we all still believe in our mission. How can I know? There are six of us left. We're hiding, blending in, avoiding contact with one another . . . but our Legacies are developing, and soon we'll be equipped to fight. Is John Number Four, and is his appearance the sign I've been waiting for? And what about Number Five and Six? Could one of them be the raven-haired girl with the stormy eyes from my dreams? The girl with powers that are beyond anything I could ever imagine? The girl who may be strong enough to bring the six of us together?

They caught Number One in Malaysia.
Number Two in England.
And Number Three in Kenya.
They tried to catch Number Four in Ohio—and failed.

I am Number Seven. One of six still alive.

And I'm ready to fight.

I'm so excited for these three books! What are you waiting for?

Off to see what others are waiting for and to make my to read list, even bigger!

Top Ten Tuesday:I Just Had To Buy...But Are Still On My Bookshelf (#3)

It's been awhile since I've done a Top Ten Tuesday, which is hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. Usually the top ten question is something I don't have even a top five of, so I put off doing them until I actually had ten or more than five.

So this Tuesday's Top Ten is : Books you couldn't wait to buy but are still sitting on your shelf collecting dust.

Immediately when I read this weeks question tons of books popped into my head. The books I absolutely die for usually go unread unless I'm extremely bad and don't read the library books I have checked out.

1. Dead in the Family by Charlaine Harris - My brother's ex fiancée bought me this book the day it came out, since we were both big fans of the book. It still goes untouched.

2. Last Sacrifice by Richelle Mead - I've had this book since Christmas time, was a lovely gift from my little brother. I want to read it, I do...I swear. I just don't want it to end.

3-7. The Vampire Diaries 1-5 by L.J Smith - Begged my older sister to lend me her copies, that was about um like a year ago? xD She keeps asking for them back and I keep refusing. Her argument: "You're never going to read them!" Me: "Yes I will!!!!"

8. The Truth About Diamonds by Nicole Richie - Okay, okay. I went through a Nicole Richie is my idol phase, and sought out her book at every bookstore and had no luck finding one. So I just bought one online and put it in my book box and never touched it ever again.

9. Eragon by Christopher Paolini - I really enjoyed the movie, so when I had my first job...I went...a little crazy and bought a ton of books. This happened to be one of the books, which I ended up never reading. And that crazy shopping spree happened YEARS ago!!! Or maybe secretly, deep down I'm waiting for a sequel and don't want to read the book until the movies are all released. A girl can dream can't she?

10. Anita Blake Series by Laurell K. Hamilton - I read book 1 back in September 2009 and went on a mad hunt for the other books at my used book store. Every time I would pop in there, I would find another in the section, and run and buy it. I think I bought like 2-6 and still haven't gotten to book 2. Hehe.

All the drama we cause just to have that book we must have. Right then and now. Not a week later or the next day, the day it comes out or the day you discover it at a book store. I don't know why I must have these books and never read them when I desperately want to. One day I'll discover why! One day!!!

Teaser Tuesday: Nightshade by Andrea Cremer (#9)

Teaser Tuesday is hosted by MizB of Should be Reading.

How to play along:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share 2 teaser sentences from anywhere on the page
• Do NOT include spoilers
• Share the title and author

I'm really excited about this TT because mine is from Nightshade by Andrea Cremer. I just finished the book last night and absolutely loved it! I also read a sneak peak of chapter one for book #2, which I'm dying already to get my hands on!! I thought I'd share two teaser for this book. 

"My eyelids dropped low, lashes brushing my cheeks. I let the vibration of the floor flow up the muscles of my legs, guiding my hips in circles and dips as the music wrapped around me. I gasped when hands came from behind to encircle my waist." 

(pg 77)

"My lips parted and the misty veil slipped between them, playing along my tongue. The taste of flower buds about to burst into bloom filled my mouth." (pg 77)