Teaser Tuesday (#12)

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should be Reading

Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

1) Grab your current read

2) Open to a random page

3) Share one (1) OR two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

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

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

Donna's Teaser Tuesday 

Matched by Ally Condie

1) "Every minute you spend with someone gives them a part of your life and takes part of theirs." 

2) "Is falling in love with someone's story the same thing as falling in love with the person himself?"

Jess's Teaser Tuesday

Dreamfever by Karen Marie Moning 

Note: Mine come from a character called Dani in the series. I'm using these two, because a) they're funny and b) it shows how incredibly sexy both Barrons and V'lane are. :)

1)"The raw sex they're throwing off blasts me, but its not like V'lane, who I'm gonna give my virginity to one day.

2) "Barrons sees me. He really sees me! When he picks up Mac and turns away, I swallow a dreamy sigh. I'm gonna give Barrons my virginity one day."

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What's your Teaser Tuesday? 

Leave us a comment below or link to your blog. 

US vs UK (#8)

Welcome to Book Passion for Life's eighth US vs UK book cover battle. We've seen this posted on a few other blogs, and thought we'd jump on the band wagon!

The idea of this battle is once a week we'll post 2 sets of books of our choice, one US cover and one UK cover, and we'll just give our opinion on which one we love the most. Which cover captures the story, which one would catch our eye if we saw it on the shelf in a shop. The US cover will be on the left, and the UK cover will be on the right.

Yep! As you can tell we've had another day change....We will now be posting US vs UK on a Monday as we can take part in My Book Boyfriend on a Wednesday. 

The Scores so far are: 

US: 2 Wins UK: 1 Wins Draw: 4 Wins 

US vs UK Round 8

Forgive my Fins by Tera Lynn Childs 

 vs  

Jess says: Ah Forgive my Fins. I have this sitting on my shelf at the moment. It'll be my next read as I need to review it for the blog tour. Back to the covers. I like them both, but I think I find myself leaning more towards the US cover for this one. I love the colours, I love the font. I pretty much love it all. I do like that the UK has kept consistent with the colours as well, but when this book was published, I was drawn more towards the US cover.

Donna says: I love this book. I really can't wait for Jess to read it so we can see her review for the Forgive my Fins blog tour. Anyway, I used to really like the US cover but since the UK cover has been released, its tops it! The girl on the cover looks like someone I know actually, which is pretty freaky but I just love the UK cover. I love the style of writing, I love the little bubbles that have been added....I just love it. I do plan on buying this series on hardback but I'll 100% wait for the UK one.

Which do you prefer?

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Succubus Blues by Richelle Mead 

 vs   

Jess says: I love this series, its one of my favourite by Richelle Mead. But in this case, I prefer the UK cover to the US. I find that the UK cover is full of excitement. It just draws me in a lot more. However, I do feel that the US cover model is a 'slightly' better model for Georgina Kincaid than the UK model. Just sayin'. 

Donna says: There's really no question about it with these covers. The US cover is sooo....boring. It doesn't really attract my attention. Its so dark and yep, boring! The UK cover still isn't that much better but least there is a bit of colour on it and you see the alot more detail on it. UK wins for me. 

Which do you prefer?

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Okay guys, this weeks US vs UK goes to UK with three votes! 

Tune in next week for more :) 

Cupcake and a Latte plus I Swim for Ocean Giveaway & Embody Release Party

 

Hey Guys, 

Cupcake and a Latte Blogspot are hosting a few great giveaways that we wanted to share with you. 

The first one is their Splash into Summer Giveaway were you can win a choice of three packs depending on where you live. Ends on May 31st. Click the link above to enter. 

and finally, the one I'm super excited about is the Everlasting Giveaway

1 x  paperback copy of Evermore by Alyson Noel

1 x paperback copy of Bluemoon by Alyson Noel
1 x  Bloodspell carry bag by Amalie Howard
2 x  signed items by Jana Oliver
2 x signed Bloodspell bookmarks by Amalie Howard

to

1 x lucky winner.

and its INTERNATIONAL!

Want to enter? Click on either of the buttons above. 

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I Swim for Oceans are doing a fab giveaway where one lucky winner can win a copy of Forever by Maggie Stiefvater's.This giveaway ends at exactly midnight on June 11, 2011, and it's open internationally.

Want to enter? Click the I Swim for Oceans button above to be re-directed. 
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EMBODY RELEASE PARTY! 


How many of you guys know of Insight by Jamie Magee? Well at the moment she is celebrating her release of her second novel Embody and there are several blogs taking part and if you want to win some swag plus a copy of the  new novel. Here is the link:  Book Reader Addicts

Good Luck Everyone!  

A review for Love Story by Jennifer Echols

Posted by Donna

Expected Published: Date: July 19th, 2011
Finished Date: May 25th, 2011
The Blurb: From popular author Jennifer Echols comes a provocative, dramatic story of teen romance, set against the bustling world of a New York City university.
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The Review: After only being introduced to Jennifer's Echols work a few weeks ago, I was super excited to find out this was up for grabs on Galley Grab. Of course, I downloaded it straight away.
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Love Story follows Erin who is studying at New York University to become a romance writer. When Erin has to write a story for her class, she decides to write it about a stable boy that lived on her Grandma's horse farm when she was younger....a guy who also stole her inheritance. What Erin doesn't expect is for the stable boy to transfer into her writing class and will soon realise that he is the stable boy in her sexy story. With two writers, two stories and one undeniable attraction, there are soon sparks flying all over the place. 
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The first chapter of this book starts with a short story written by Erin the main character, but let me say this, it did not have my attention what's so ever. I just couldn't understand why it was there but I soon quickly realised that was my BIG mistake not giving it my full attention. When I finally started getting into the book I had to go and re-read it and it finally made sense. This book does follow Erin's life but during that time Jennifer also adds short stories that both Erin & Hunter have written. Both characters have managed to bring their attraction for one another into their stories which takes you on an incredible journey and it really was amazing to read. 
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What I enjoyed most about this book was the characters. Erin & Hunter were both two strong and independent people but also so stubborn at times. Hunter for me was my favourite of course. He's sweet and caring and you really do feel how he feels about Erin. Jennifer Echols has created these characters to have this amazing talent for writing but it also shows you just how talented Jennifer really is. She's fast becoming one of my favourite authors. 
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The only reason I didn't rate this book 5 stars was because I was left a little disappointed with the ending. The happy ending was there but I guess I was just expecting a massive reunion. I just didn't feel it was really there but maybe it was just me, I'm not sure. 
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I really do think this is another great addition to Jennifer's work. If you haven't read her work I suggest you do, I promise you will not be disappointed. I wasn't! :) 
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Thank you to Simon & Schuster Galley Grab for giving me the opportunity to review this book.

Weekly Updates/IMM (#11)

Hey Everyone! 

Yep! Its that time again. Don't you think the week goes so quick? I guess we all have to much fun ;) 

Okay, so just to re-cap on last week we did posted a few reviews. If you missed them, here they are: 

Moonlight (Dark Guardians #1)  | Dark Heart Rising (Dark Heart Forever #2) | Faefever (Fever #3) | Spellbound
The review for Love Story by Jennifer Echols will be coming later today or Monday :) 

Both of our current giveaways end May 31st. So if you haven't entered, here's your chance:

Die for Me Giveaway (UK/EU)

Splash into Summer Giveaway (International)

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Donna's In My Mailbox

hosted by Kristi @ The Story Siren

For Review: 

Past Perfect by Lelia Sales | Passion (Fallen #3) by Lauren Kate

Past Perfect is my current reading at the moment. I've heard so many good things about it :) 

Passion. I had been waiting like a little kid on Christmas waiting for this, I screamed when it arrived. Lo l. I've actually already read. There's no review at the moment until June (publishers wishes) so as soon as June comes, I'll post it for you all....and I'll say....it was so good! :) 

Thank you to S&S Galley Grab & Random House. 

Swapped Books

Oh My Gods by Tera Lynn Childs | Forbidden by Tabitha Suzuma | Just Listen by Sarah Dessent

Some great swaps this week. Two were from Read It Swap It and another from UK Swap Shop. Looking forward to cracking into all three of them. 

Kindle Books

Endless Summer by Jennifer Echols | The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han | The Boys Next Door by Jennifer Echols 

I got these of my of my friends. I'm really starting to get into this genre of books, to be honest I never thought I would like them but what can I say? I'm a sucker for romance! ;) 

Thank you Lindsey! 

Borrowed Books

Blood Magic by Tessa Gratton

Firstly, I can not wait to read this book. My fellow swappy from UK Swap borrowed it me but you guys will know her as Lesley @ My Keeper Shelf . So thank you Lesley :) 

That's it for me this week guys. I've got quiet a bit to show you next week too :) 

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Jessica's In My Mailbox

hosted by Kristi @ The Story Siren

Brought Books:

Shadowfever (Fever #5) by Karen Marie Moning

Finally got all the books to this series now and I can not wait to find out what happens. *Sigh* Barrons! 

What's in you Mailbox this week? 

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UK and EU Summer Hop 

You all know that us and Jodie from Books for Company are hosting our first summer hop in August. We've now got 27 blogs taking part and as you know its coming around pretty quickly. We're so excited, we hope you all love it. At the moment we're currently looking for any donations. Here's our donation page so you can check out what were looking for. Donations. 

If there are any bloggers that haven't signed up yet but would like to take part, then you email us as bookpassion11@gmail.com

Wanna check out the website? Here's the link. UK and EU Summer Hop

That's it for this week guys. We've got some great reviews coming your way along with a fab author interview and giveaway coming up in June, so make sure you stop by :) 

Winners of the Shimmspell Giveaway are......

Angelie Oro & Natalie Richards. 

Congrats! Emails have been sent to both of you. Please reply within 48 hours otherwise new winners will be picked. Enjoy! 

We'd like to thank Kimberly Spencer for donating the two e-books and of course, we'd like to thank everyone who entered. 

A review for Spellbound by Cara Lynn Shultz

Posted by Donna 
Expected Published Date: June 28th, 2011
Finished Date: May 28th, 2011


The Blurb from Goodreads: What's a girl to do when meeting The One means she's cursed to die a horrible death? 
Life hasn't been easy on sixteen-year-old Emma Conner, so a new start in New York may be just the change she needs. But the posh Upper East Side prep school she has to attend? Not so much. Friendly faces are few and far between, except for one that she's irresistibly drawn to—Brendan Salinger, the guy with the rock-star good looks and the richest kid in school, who might just be her very own white knight. But even when Brendan inexplicably turns cold, Emma can't stop staring. Ever since she laid eyes on him, strange things have been happening. Street lamps go out wherever she walks, and Emma's been having the oddest dreams: visions of herself in past lives—visions that warn her to stay away from Brendan. Or else.
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The Review: I honestly don't know where to start with this review but here goes. I'd had this book for a while to review and honestly, I'd been putting it off. But as usual, when I finally do start it....I'm completely blown away by it. 
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Spellbound follows the life of Emma Conner, a 16 year old girl whose life is hell. She loses her twin brother at the age of 14 and then loses her mother at the age of 15. Emma is left with her alcoholic and abusive step-father who nearly kills her by crashing his car while driving drunk. Thats the final straw for Emma who decides to move to New York to live with her Aunt. This leads to Emma starting a new school, falling for the hottest guy in school named Brendan and finally, finding out what the necklace her brother gave her really means. 
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Yes! I'll say it again, this book blew me away. I loved it!  A long lost love, two soul mates and one very hot guy is right up my street. From chapter one I knew I was going to like this book but I can't believe how much. Emma was a fantastic character and although I did feel sorry for her at times and despite what she had been through, she was always loveable, upbeat and funny. I really enjoyed her character and also the relationships she had with other people. I especially liked Ashley, Cisco & of course, her Aunt Christine...what a cool aunt to have. 
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Now lets move on to Brendan......Wow! Wow! Wow! This guy has everything and I mean everything. Good looks, money, he's romantic, funny, broody....everything! The connection that Emma had with him was just amazing. The author managed to tie this incredible story into the necklace that bounds both Emma & Brendan together which was completely unique. I mean come on, we have all read stories about soul mates right? but this was something completely new for me...almost like a fairy tale come true. But, what I loved most about this book was, as far as I'm aware its a stand alone novel from Emma's point of view and I really wish it stays that way. Its been so long that I've read a book that hasn't been apart of series that I've actually been longing for one. The fact that Emma's romance with Brendan is completely tied up in this story made me enjoy it that much more and the ending for them was perfect. Don't get me wrong though, I'm more than happy to read a story from another character's point of view but I want it focus on their lives and not Emma's. 
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Overall, Cara Lynn Shultz has created an amazing story, one that keep me captivated me all the way through. This is definitely a must read for 2011 and  I will look forward to reading more of her work.
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Thank you NetGalley & Harlequin Teen for giving me the opportunity to read this amazing book.