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Monday, 30 April 2012

A Review for The Summer I Turned Pretty, It's Not Summer Without You & We'll Always Have Summer by Jenny Han

The Summer I Turned Pretty (Summer, #1)Posted by Donna
Release Date: January 10th, 2010
Finished Date: April 25th, 2012
Publishers: Puffin
Source: For Review - 2012 TBR Reading Challenge
Format: Paperback 
Pages: 276
Buy : Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo

Some summers are just destined to be pretty. Belly measures her life in summers. Everything good, everything magical happens between the months of June and August. Winters are simply a time to count the weeks until the next summer, a place away from the beach house, away from Susannah, and most importantly, away from Jeremiah and Conrad. They are the boys that Belly has known since her very first summer -- they have been her brother figures, her crushes, and everything in between. But one summer, one wonderful and terrible summer, the more everything changes, the more it all ends up just the way it should have been all along.
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I had wanted to try this series for a while because all I’ve heard is how good it is and when I got it for review, of course I dived in straight away and it really doesn’t disappoint. It’s one of them perfect beach reads that all girls should read but you will automatically love it.

The Summer I Turned Pretty really was a fun read and I also wish I had been sitting on a beach reading this book because it would have made it that much more real. It’s full of laughs, quirky moments, happy moments and yes sad moments but what I loved about it was how connected to the book and characters I really got.

Belly was a great narrator and she was really easy to like. You could really feel her struggles and I loved who she turned into the kind of girl the boys took notice off. Belly has always been in love with Conrad but with him being a little bit older than her, he’s never really given her more than just friendship. She can feel things changing but Conrad is such a complex character – he’s moody, he’s sullen and he’s quiet and he’s never been that way before. He’s hiding something and it really make you as a reader want to unravel him as a character. And Jeramiah was a great friend, one who can make you laugh and make you feel better. I really loved the relationships between the three because there is so much tension, your dying for something to happen between them. My only problem is they don’t really interact all that much during the book other than in the flash backs. You mainly hear Belly talking about the boys and when they do interact, I was left slightly annoyed. I wanted to get to know these characters more but together….not watching from the side lines. So I’m hoping for a little more in the next book.

Now the ending – where the hell did that come from? Talk about emotional. The last 50 pages everything just seemed to happen and it did feel a little rushed but it was still good nonetheless. And as I’m writing this review, I’m reaching for the next book. =)
It's Not Summer Without You

Posted by Donna
Release Date: May 1st, 2011
Finished Date: April 26th, 2012
Publishers: Puffin
Source: For Review - 2012 TBR Reading Challenge
Format: Paperback 
Pages: 288
Buy : Amazon UK / Amazon US The Book Depo

Can summer be truly summer without Cousins Beach?It used to be that Belly counted the days until summer, until she was back at Cousins Beach with Conrad and Jeremiah. But not this year. Not after Susannah got sick again and Conrad stopped caring. Everything that was right and good has fallen apart, leaving Belly wishing summer would never come.But when Jeremiah calls saying Conrad has disappeared, Belly knows what she must do to make things right again. And it can only happen back at the beach house, the three of them together, the way things used to be. If this summer really and truly is the last summer, it should end the way it started--at Cousins Beach.

After finishing The Summer I Turned Pretty, I immediately picked up book two in the series It’s Not Summer Without You and I have to say I wasn’t sure where the story was going to go with how things ended but what I got from It’s Not Summer Without You was so an emotional rollercoaster – one that you really need to kept a hold of your emotions because otherwise they will be flying all over the place. I cried, I laughed and I love that a young adult novel can make me feel so emotional. 

All the characters are struggling with losing someone they loved very much and each character has their own way to deal with it. Some drink, some block everything out and some struggle. Conrad seems to be taking it the hardest and Jeremiah and Belly are determined to try and help him. I really love each of these characters but I found myself getting frustrated with them during this book. They do rash and silly things and run away from their problems and it just makes the situation worse. Conrad is as closed off as ever leading to Belly feeling like Jeremiah is her rock. So to see Jeremiah and Belly become that much closer, really wasn’t a surprise to me. However, I thought Belly was just hiding behind her feeling too and Jeremiah was an escape to get Conrad off of her mind. 

This story becomes so much more complex because again Jenny Han leaves me speechless with an ending like that. And I adored the little chapters from Jeremiah's point of view. It helped me understand his situation that much more. So, I’m so glad I had book three ready and waiting for me because I need to know what happens and I’m praying that Belly picks the right brother. 
We'll Always Have Summer (Summer, #3)Posted by Donna
Release Date: May 3rd, 2012
Finished Date: April 27th, 2012
Publishers: Puffin
Source: For Review
Format: Paperback 
Pages: 304
Buy : Amazon UK / Amazon US The Book Depo

One girl.
Two brothers.
The biggest decision of her life . . .
Just when she thought she had all the answers . . . Isabel has only ever loved two boys, Conrad and Jeremiah Fisher.

One broke her heart; the other made her happier than she ever thought she'd be. But each brother is keeping a secret, and this summer Isabel must choose between the Fisher boys, once and for all. Which brother will it be?
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Wow, what to say with We’ll Always Have Summer. I have to admit I had my doubts. Doubts that Belly wouldn’t end up with the guy I was rooting for because this is just one series you just cannot predict and when I started reading this book, I honestly had to do a double take. Not in a million years did I expect the pure-awesomeness that came from this book and while I was initially shocked with the route that Jenny Han took this book, it just fits so well into the story. It made it all the more real and it very intense.  

Two years have passed and Belly is now happily dating Jeremiah. I know shocking! But she’s happy and that’s all anyone ever wanted for her but can she really forget her first love Conrad? No! So when things finally come to a head, they are truly explosive. What I loved about this book more than the others was getting to know Conrad more. In the previous book’s he’s been so closed off and moody but this time around, we really get to see him and why he struggled so much-. He’s trying to do his best by Jeremiah because it was his mother’s wishes but doing best by his brother leaves him unhappy. You can really see his inner struggles. He’s watched Belly from afar for so many years, missing out on her happy time and he really will do anything for her. The chapters from his point of view made this book for me and I loved it! I only wish I had more time with him nearer the end. 
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Belly struggles more than anything and yes, it’s about which Fisher brother to pick but I think deep down she has always known which one her heart belongs to. She’s grown so much over the past few years. She’s now in college and working part time and even though I still think she makes rash decisions, I also still admire her. I’m glad she finally goes after who she wanted and I’m glad she’s finally with the right person. 
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All in all, this series is about finding that one love and it may not have been a smooth ride but it was sure worth it in the end. Highly recommended for contemporary romance fans – ideal summer read! 
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A huge thank you Puffin for giving me the opportunity to review this series. 

Sunday, 29 April 2012

Showcase Sunday (#1)


Showcase Sunday is a new weekly meme hosted by Vicky @ Books Biscuits and Tea. We will now be taking part in Showcase Sunday instead of In My Mailbox. If you'd like to join see HERE for more details.

Donna's Showcase Sunday
 
For Review:
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern 
Deadly Hemlock by Kathleen Peacock
The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa (2nd copy) 

Bought: 
Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L James
Fifty Shades Darker by E.L James
Fifty Shades Freed by E.L James 

eBooks bought off of Amazon
(Click on the book covers to be taken to Goodreads) 
Shifting Perigee Moon Bared to You (Crossfire, #1) 

eBooks for Review
(Click on the book covers to be taken to Goodreads) 
Glitch (Glitch, #1) Let Me In Behind Closed Doors (Daniels Brothers, #1) Wings of Arian (Wings of Arian, #1 )

A huge thank you to Puffin, Simon & Schuster, Random House, Mira, NetGalley, Devri Walls!!! =) 

Jess's Showcase Sunday
 
Books Gifted from Donna
Graffiti Moon by Cat Crowley
Need by Carrie Jones
Captivate by Carrie Jones
Entice by Carrie Jones
Endure by Carrie Jones
Fury by Elizabeth Miles
Frenzy by Francesca Block
Struck by Jennifer Bosworth 
My Soul to Steal by Rachel Vincent 
Life Eternal by Yvonne Woon

For Review:
Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake
Until I Die by Amy Plum 
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

Won:
Play Fling by Amber Scott

eBooks for Review:
(Click on the bookcover to be taken to Goodreads)
Let Me In Any Love But Mine My Vampire Summer

Thank you to NetGalley, Debbie Davis, Elle Casey, Hachette, Atom, Random House & Donna.

So that's it for our very first Showcase Sunday. 
What books did you get this week?

Saturday, 28 April 2012

Blog Tour: A Review for The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa



The Immortal Rules (Blood of Eden, #1)Posted by Donna
Published Date: April 24th, 2012
Finished Date: April 5th, 2012 
Publishers: Mira Ink 
Source: ARC, For Review
Format: Paperback
Pages: 512 
In a future world, Vampires reign. Humans are blood cattle. And one girl will search for the key to save humanity. Allison Sekemoto survives in the Fringe, the outermost circle of a vampire city. By day, she and her crew scavenge for food. By night, any one of them could be eaten. Some days, all that drives Allie is her hatred of them. The vampires who keep humans as blood cattle. Until the night Allie herself is attacked—and given the ultimate choice. Die… or become one of the monsters. Faced with her own mortality, Allie becomes what she despises most. To survive, she must learn the rules of being immortal, including the most important: go long enough without human blood, and you will go mad. Then Allie is forced to flee into the unknown, outside her city walls. There she joins a ragged band of humans who are seeking a legend—a possible cure to the disease that killed off most of humankind and created the rabids, the mindless creatures who threaten humans and vampires alike. But it isn't easy to pass for human. Especially not around Zeke, who might see past the monster inside her. And Allie soon must decide what—and who—is worth dying for.
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The Review: “I wasn't thinking of his blood, rushing just below the skin. I wasn't thinking of his heartbeat or his touch or the pulse at his throat. Right now, all I was thinking of was Zeke.”
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Julie Kagawa has been a favourite author of mine ever since I read her Iron Fey series, so it was a given that I’ll read anything that she writes in the future. When I first heard about The Immortal Rules, I have to admit, I had my doubts but Julie Kagawa really does know how to a write good story and The Immortal Rules just proves how good of a writer she really is because it really is GOOD!

I have to say this book really wasn’t what I expected. For some reason I thought it would be something like the film Blade starring Wesley Snipes, LOL! I know, I don’t know why I even thought that but what I got from this book was so much more. Julie really lets us get to know Allison as a character before she is attacked and because of this, I felt that connected to her that I felt everything she went through. I felt her struggles and at times they were very heart-breaking but most of all I felt when she was getting stronger and I couldn’t wait for the vampire in her to come out and save the day. I also think that Julie did a fantastic job creating a world so vivid that I could imagine myself there. It’s definitely NOTHING like the Iron Fey series because The Immortal Rules is so dark but Julie really pulled it off and created something so unique that was completely captivating. 
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Allison and Zeke were both stand out characters for me. Both of them bought certain qualities to the book that made this a great read. They are both very loyal, dedicated and loving and watching their romance grow was really beautiful. It's safe to say Zeke captured my heart and with that ending, I need to find out what happens next. 
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Now despite me really enjoying this book, I have to say I did think it was a little longer than it needed to be. I felt it could have been cut down quite a bit and really I don't think Allison does much searching for the cure herself. She's more of a tag along so really but despite this I'll definitely be reaching for the next book in the series when it’s released. 
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All in all, The Immortal Rules was edgy, fresh and thrilling and if you like dark and dank books this is the book for you. It doesn't quite live up to The Iron Fey series but still good nonetheless. 

A huge thank you to Mira Ink for giving me the opportunity to review this book.

Friday, 27 April 2012

A Review for Destined (Wings #4) by Aprilynne Pike

Destined (Wings, #4) Posted by Donna
Expected Release Date:  May 1st, 2012
Finished Date: April 18th, 2012
Publishers: HarperTeen
Source: eGalley For Review
Format: Kindle
Pages: 320
Buy Destined: Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo
Laurel now knows the truth: Yuki is a rare Winter faerie, the most powerful—and deadly—of all, and she is working with Klea to conquer and destroy Avalon. With Tamani, David, and Chelsea by her side, Laurel prepares for a fight she never thought she would have to face. 
Filled with heart-pounding action, sweeping romance, and higher stakes at every turn, Destined is the series conclusion that readers have been clamoring for—with a twist that will leave them breathless. 
"Tamani looked at her gravely, and reached up to touch her hair behind her ear. He hesitated for an instant, then his hands found the sides of her face, pulling her to him. He didn't kiss her, just held her face to his, their foreheads resting together, their noses almost touching. She hated how much it felt like good-bye."

The Review: I’ll admit, I’ve had my up’s and down’s with this series because I’ve always just felt it was an just okay series, but for some reason I kept me going back for more and now after reading Destined; the fourth and final book – I have to say it is definitely the best book out of the series, and Aprilynne Pike definitely pulled out all the stops to make is a mind-blowing finale.
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Destined is definitely different from all the other books and the author did a fantastic job with it. This book is set over two days and honestly it was a non-stop battle. From page one the characters are thrown into dangerous and scary situations and they really do go through the ringer. It had everything from suspense, action and sorrow to joy and love and it really had me going through a whirlwind of emotions while reading it.
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The characters are stronger than ever and I’m glad to see they all stuck together. And yes, I have to say I’m so, so pleased that Laurel finally made her choice! Yay! I’m not going to give it away as to whom she chooses, but I am very happy.
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The Last Words;
What to say about this. Aprilynne Pike does warn you not to read this chapter if you want a happy ending and although this chapter doesn’t have anything to do with Laurel, it does affect David and I have to say it was a very bittersweet moment for him. I’m never been a huge fan of David and although I enjoyed his role in Destined much more than the previous books, I’m still sad with his ending but, I totally understand that the author wanted something realist for him and didn’t want to sugar-coat things. Not everyone can deal with life changing moments and I guess this was just David’s way of dealing….at least he’s happily eventually.
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Overall, Aprilynne Pike has created a magical and spell-binding series – one that I’m sad to see end but I’m so glad it went on a high note. 
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A huge thank you to HarperTeen and Edelweiss for giving me the opportunity to review this book.

Blog Tour: A Review for Eternal Youth by Julie Crane & Nolia McCarty + eBook Giveaway.

Eternal Youth Posted by Donna
Release Date: April 4th 2012
Finished Date: April 17th, 2012
Publishers: Self-Published
Source: For Review
Format: Kindle
Pages: Unknown
Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US 

The six years following the abrupt death of her father were the worst of Calista Bishoff's life. Frightened by her own mortality, Callie’s mom threw herself into a search for the Fountain of Youth—and dragged Callie along with her. Callie should have loved traveling, but instead she hated every minute. When one more failed search sends her mother into depression, they finally return home to California. Sixteen-year-old Callie is ready to hang with her friends and be normal for as long as she can. But, an unplanned trip to Bermuda with her grandmother throws Callie’s plans awry, and there’s more in store for Callie and her mom than just a simple beach vacation. Callie’s life is turned inside out as she finds herself in a very different world than the one she knows— Where things exist that she never dreamed were real.

The Review: Following the death of Callie’s father when she was 10 years old, her mother decides she must find ‘The Fountain of Youth’ and for 6 years that has been Callie’s life – one journey after another, chasing leads to the far ends of the earth without success. Callie has had enough, she hates it and just wants to lead a normal teenage life where she can hang with her friends and possibly get a boyfriend, if only her mother would listen. So Callie is less than pleased when her mother- Emma decides they will join her Gran for a proper vacation to Bermuda when all she wants is to relax at home with her friend Avery. Yet again Callie is forced to leave her life behind to follow her mother’s whims only this time they are in for an adventure that no one saw coming and as discoveries are made she must decide where she really belongs.
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I liked this book, it was quite sweet and heart-warming – every one of the characters were likable, I don’t think I came across one I didn’t like. . . well maybe Emma (in the beginning) but only because I thought she was a bit selfish trying to accomplish her goal while forsaking her daughters childhood. Callie and Alaric were the best characters though and I enjoyed reading of their blossoming relationship especially since they were both from different places in time. I enjoyed getting the extra glimpse into Callies’ mind set through her journal entries at different points in her life, what started with enthusiasm turned into frustration at each failed mission. It helped to feel her frustration of living her life for her mothers’ quest when all she wanted to do was be a normal teenager – going to school, hanging with friends, getting a boyfriend and a life basically. I would have liked to have read some on island entries though, particularly when she had just met Alaric because her feelings would have been so new to her and in her entries you actually get that she is just a teenager whereas it is easy to forget that throughout the book where she seems older than her years. I liked the dilemma they were all faced with and how the circumstances and meaning were something different to each person and that they were each in charge of their own destiny.
I liked the whole scenario and while the plot wasn’t something I have read before I couldn’t help but think about the TV series ’Lost’ not that there were a lot of similarities – there weren’t- but it just kept popping into my head for some reason. I was very curious about the island and felt it could have had a greater part to play in the book – we got a bit of the powers that be with-holding information that could have been expanded on. Plus there is the history and mysteriousness of the island itself, not to mention the fountain which again could have been explored and expanded upon because what we did get, I did like – I just wanted a bit more. It was rather slow paced, it didn’t really bother me apart from the fact that it didn’t really pick up until halfway and then again at the ending. I do like more of a fast paced adventure but I admit it wasn’t needed to get the story across any better. So this was a nice sweet adventure/love story and for all I wanted more from it, I was satisfied with what I got and that’s why I’m giving it a 3 out of 5. 

Thursday, 26 April 2012

Blog Tour for Untouched by Jus Accardo - Author Interview + International Giveaway

Untouched (Denazen, #1.5)Untouched ( A Denazen Novella 1.5)
By  Jus Accardo 
Release Date:  March 28th, 2012
Publishers: Entangled Publishing
Read Donna's Review: Here
Buy Untouched: Amazon UK / Amazon US
Until he met Dez, Kale’s days were filled with violence and death. He was used as a weapon of destruction by the power hungry men of Denazen. He’s a Six. A person with an abnormal ability. Some people call them gifts, but not Kale. Kale’s touch means instant death.
But now there’s Dez, the girl he can touch, and they’re hunting down Sixes and warning them about Denazen. Kale is learning about the world outside captivity and trying to put his dark past behind him. But they underestimated how badly Denazen wanted him back. 
When Dez sacrifices herself to save the new Six they’d rescued from falling into the corp’s hands, Kale is lost. Denazen has brought out its best to get the job done. Samsen, a nightmare from Kale’s past—the only person he’s ever truly feared—has come for them, and it soon becomes obvious he has his own twisted agenda. 
Kale will need all his training to get Dez back and ensure they make it out, free—and alive. But will it be enough? 

1) Hi Jus! Thank you so much for joining us today. We’re so pleased you wrote Untouched because we loved it. What made you decide to write it?
Really, it was a spur of the moment thing. It wasn’t something I’d ever really considered. My agent suggested it, and my editor loved the idea, so was like, sure. Why not? And it was so much fun to write. I’m glad I did!

2)  Can you tell us how you went about choosing his name? 
I’m a sucker for out-of-the-box names. Contrary to what a friend of mine thinks—that I named him Kale because it’s my favorite food—I just liked the name. I’d heard it somewhere a few weeks before and thought, Oh. I need a character with this name.
And really…if I was going to name a character after a food type item on purpose… we all know it’d be coffee.

3) How much involvement did you have with the cover for Untouched? Is that how you picture Kale? 
I pretty much saw it when it was done. But really, as long as it had those baby blues on it, I wasn’t going to care, lol. The image of Kale in my head when writing TOUCH was a little different (think a young Ben Barnes), but once I saw the cover, this was Kale. He’s perfect.

4) I adore Kale because of how brave and loving he is. What are your favourite traits about him?
I love the way he sees the world. All the things that everyone else takes for granted, Kale can see—and appreciate. He’s so unjaded, and I totally envy him for it!

5) What’s your favourite quote from Untouched?
Oh, wow… So many… But my top fave has to be the clown bit… 
"What do we have here? Is my super-hot assassin boyfriend freaked out by clowns?"

6) Can you give us a teaser from Toxic? *Pretty please* 
Twist my arm ;)
She stopped in the middle of the room, plastic cup filled with the usual red liquid—fruit punch—in hand, and smiled. “I have a gift for you, Kale.”
The redheaded girl strolled out from behind Ginger, head held high. Her eyes immediately found Kale. And stayed there.
I didn’t like her.
“This is Jade,” Ginger said, nudging the girl forward. She pointed to me and said, “This is Deznee Cross, Sue’s daughter. And this,” she said nodding to Kale as he rose from his chair, “is Kale. He’s the reason you’re here.”
“Okay, stomp the breaks and back the hell up. You’re giving my boyfriend a redhead as a gift? That’s uncool—not to mention illegal.”

Woohoo! Awesome answers - thank you so much for joining us Jus! 
Toxic (Denazen, #2)Touch (Denazen, #1)Followers don't forget! 
Touch, the first novel in the Denazen series, is set to re-release in mass market on June 12th (Complete with additional scenes from Kale’s POV!). 
You can pre-order your copy here.
Toxic (Denazen 2) hits shelves on September 11th 2012. As a thank you to those who pre-order, Jus is giving away a book plate and magnet of choice (Touch, Untouched, or Toxic) Get the details here.
Giveaway: One lucky winner can win an eBook copy of Touch or Untouched, if you want to enter details are below and it's international! 

Author Bio
Jus Accardo is the author of YA paranormal romance and urban fantasy fiction. A native New Yorker, she lives in the middle of nowhere with her husband, three dogs, and sometimes guard bear, Oswald. Her first book, Touch, is available now from Entangled Publishing. She is represented by Kevan Lyon of Marsal Lyon Literary Agency.
Give Jus a yell on Twitter, or visit her on Facebook, and her website

Wednesday, 25 April 2012

Author Interview with Aimee Carter


Aimee Carter
Today we have the amazing Aimee Carter on the blog. She is the author of The Goddess Test, The Goddess Hunt, Goddess Interrupted and her final book Goddess Inheritance will be released next year. She's here today to answer a few of our questions.
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1) Hi Aimee, Can you tell me why you decided to write about Greek Mythology? 
I’ve been a huge fan of Greek Mythology since I first learned how to read. It was never really a conscious decision to write specifically about mythology – rather, I had an idea about a girl making a deal with Hades, and it all snowballed from there.

2) Do you get emotionally attached to the characters when writing?
Definitely, though not enough to go easy on them! I figure if I don’t like them much, the reader won’t either, so there has to be some kind of emotional connection for me there, even if they aren’t positive emotions.

3) Which character do you think grows the most in Goddess Interrupted? 
Kate, for sure. She’s thousands of years younger than just about every character in the book, and she still has a lot to figure out. Who she is, what she wants, what she’s willing to sacrifice to get it, etc.  By the end of it, she isn’t quite all the way there, but that’s what the third book (The Goddess Inheritance) is for.

4) Was it a hard decision to bring Persephone back or had you planned it all along?
It was a natural progression in the story for me. Henry is still in love with her, and it was a complication that had to be addressed sooner rather than later. Not just for Henry’s sake, but for Kate’s as well. And, in a way, Persephone’s.

5) Who's you're favourite Greek God?
I don’t really have a favourite, so to say, but I always did like Iris and Athena quite a lot. Hades would round out my top three.

Awesome answers Aimee and thank you so much for joining us today! 

If you want more details on Aimee's work click on the bookcovers below to be taken to Goodreads and don't forgot we are giving away a copy of Goddess Interrupted to one lucky UK/IRE/EU person. Click HERE to enter.
The Goddess Test (Goddess Test, #1) The Goddess Hunt (Goddess Test, #1.5) Goddess Interrupted (Goddess Test, #2) 

Waiting on Wednesday (#14)

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating. 

Jess's WoW
Waiting
by Carol Lynch Williams
Release date: May 1st, 2012

After her brother’s death, a teen struggles to rediscover love and find redemption in this gripping novel.

Growing up in Africa and Latin America as the children of missionaries, London and Zach were as close as could be. And then Zach dies, and the family is gutted. London’s father is distant. Her mother won’t speak. The days are filled with what-ifs and whispers: Did Zach take his own life? Was it London’s fault?

Alone and adrift, London finds herself torn between her brother’s best friend and the handsome new boy in town as she struggles to find herself—and ultimately redemption—in this authentic and affecting novel from award-winning novelist Carol Lynch Williams.

Donna's WoW
Touching the Surface Touching the Surface
by Kimberley Sabatini
Release date: October 30th, 2012 


Life altering mistakes are meant to alter lives…
When Elliot dies for the third time, she knows this is her last shot. There are no fourth-timers in this afterlife, so one more chance is all she has to get things right. But before she can move on to her next life, Elliot will be forced to face her past and delve into the painful memories she’d rather keep buried. Memories of people she’s hurt, people she’s betrayed… and people she’s killed. 
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As she pieces together the mistakes of her past, Elliot must earn the forgiveness of her best friend and reveal the truth about herself to the two boys she loves…even if it means losing them both forever.


What's your "waiting on" pick this week?
Want to participate? 
Grab the logo, post your own WoW entry on your blog, and leave your link at Breaking the Spine. 

Happy Reading!

Tuesday, 24 April 2012

A Review for Half-Blood and Pure (Covenant #1 & 2) by Jennifer Armentrout


Posted by Jess
Published Date for Half-Blood: October 18th, 2011 
Published Date for Pure: April 3rd, 2012
Finished Date for Half Blood: April 15th, 2012
Finished Date for Pure: 17th April, 2012 
Publishers: Spencer Hill Press
Source: Bought
Format: eBook



The Review: Awesome. There, that's my review. Lol. No okay, in all seriousness. I'm not even sure why it took me so long to start this series! Donna kept bugging me forever saying I needed to read and finally I did. And I loved them both. I didn't want to do individual reviews so I'm joining them and giving you and overall in the series so far.

Overall I loved every minute of both of these. Book 1 started out awesome and although there were a few similarities to Vampire Academy, Jennifer still managed to suck into her writing and the world that she created. I couldn't put them down I loved them both so much, and the story just grew stronger in Pure, leading away from similarities to VA. 

Alex is super kick ass, I loved her. She doesn't take an crap from anyone and she dishes it out just as good as getting it. Aiden is completely swoon worthy, and from the moment he walked into the scene to save Alex, I loved him. The romance between these two was well done. Sadly it very much reminded me of the romance between Rose and Dimitri, the forbidden love, the training sessions, the sexual tension, the forbidden kisses, the electric touches that make your toes curl. It had everything and it gradually develops, but both try not to succumb to their passion as ultimately it would end in Alex being sent into servitude for loving a Pure-Blood. Enter Seth, ah Seth, he's the equivalent of Adrian Ivashkov. The easy choice for Alex, this is very much a love/hate relationship between the two and Jennifer manages to portray both side of the relationships with Alex and Aiden and Alex and Seth. It's all nicely written and leaves you swooning and laughing out loud.

I don't know Jennifer personally, but I do get a sense of her humour over Facebook. And her sense of humour and personality shines through in her writing, especially in Alex and anything sarcastic that might said. For books such as these to work, I believe the author needs to put their whole heart and sole into writing and telling the story they want to tell. And this is told extremely well, with a hint of VA and some Greek Mythology  these series so far has worked out wonderfully. And I'm not mad at the similarities between this and Vampire Academy, I just hope that Jennifer realises that she is a wonderful author and a talented story teller that she will then lead it away from similarities and make it completely her own. The story itself and characters within have potential to be amazing. During Pure it became clear that this series was going to epic, and with everything that happened in books 1 & 2 I look forward to more from them and story in Deity. 

I do recommend this series, I really do. If you haven't read Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead and you decide to pick Half-Blood up first, you definitely won't be disappointed. But for Vampire Academy fans, try to look past all the similarities because other than being similar Half-Blood and Pure are completely their own and are absolutely mesmerising. Books that I'm going to treasure forever.

4 flowers for Half-Blood 

5 flowers for Pure
 
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