US vs UK (#33)

Welcome to Book Passion for Life's 33rd 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.

The Scores so far are: 

US: 9  UK: 13  Draw: 9

US vs UK Round 33

The Vampire Stalker by Allison van Diepen

VS 

Jess's thoughts: I like both of these. They both give off that creepy stalker effect which is a good thing. So yeah, it's a tie for me this week.

Donna's thoughts: I have to say I actually I like both. The US cover gives that movie type feel to it but then then UK cover draws me in more. If I had to choose, I'd pick the UK cover. I like how the girl is on the cover, she's quite pretty too and then with the guy in the background. But I love how creepy looking the cover is and even the red font is stunning. 

Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead

VS  

Jess's thoughts: I'm going with the UK on this one. I love these red editions. I love the silver font, I love the black flower, and I love the blood leaking over the cover. Everything about it is beautiful. I don't like the US version, because that isn't how I picture Rose, and that model looks like Angelina Jolie, and I hate Angelina Jolie. 

Donna's thoughts: I really like both covers for VA but I guess I'm picking the UK cover. I just love it. It's  simple and designed beautifully. I love the rose and how its in black and I love the silver font but what I love most, is the blood dripping from the corner of the book. Honestly, I wish they'd release the UK cover in hardback so I could buy them all. 

Which do you prefer?

__________________

Okay guys, this weeks US vs UK goes to....UK with four votes

Come back next week for more US vs UK! :) 

Cover Reveal for Oynx (Lux #2) by Jennifer L Armentrout

You know how much I loved Obsidian right? Well....I found out this week that part of my review was actually published in the actual book of Obsidian.....frigging awesome! I screamed so much....total girlie moment from me. LOL. Anyway.......I'm super excited to be taking part of the cover reveal for Jennifer's second book in the series Onyx....but first, here's some details on book one. 

Obsidian (Book 1 in the Lux series) releases on December 6,2011.

Starting over sucks. 

When we moved to West Virginia right before my senior year, I’d pretty much resigned myself to thick accents, dodgy internet access, and a whole lot of boring…. until I spotted my hot neighbor, with his looming height and eerie green eyes. Things were looking up. 

And then he opened his mouth. 

Daemon is infuriating. Arrogant. Stab-worthy. We do not get along. At all. But when a stranger attacks me and Daemon literally freezes time with a wave of his hand, well, something…unexpected happens. 

The hot alien living next door marks me. 

You heard me. Alien. Turns out Daemon and his sister have a galaxy of enemies wanting to steal their abilities, and Daemon’s touch has me lit up like the Vegas Strip. The only way I’m getting out of this alive is by sticking close to Daemon until my alien mojo fades. 

If I don’t kill him first, that is.

If you'd like to purchase Obisidan, here are the links; 

Amazon.com

Barnes and Noble.com

The Book Depository.com

So you've seen Obsidian and if you haven't bought it....GO BUY IT, but now it's time for Oynx......

*DRUMROLL PLEASE*

No one is who they seem. And not everyone will survive the lies…

Donna's thoughts: Woooooo! What do you all think? Personally, I LOVE IT! Daemon is such a hottie!  The cover is fantastic. I love the how the colour blue has been used but what I love most is the rock in the background. It totally reminds me of Roswell (I love that programme) so this is a win for me! 

A huge thank you to Jennifer L Armentrout and Entangled publishings for allowing us to be apart of this cover reveal. 

In My Mailbox (#34)

In My Mailbox 

Donna's IMM hosted by The Story Siren 

For Review:

Fated by Sarah Alderson

The Faerie Ring by Kiki Hamilton

Night School by CJ Daughterty

Gifts:

Rogue (Shifters #2) by Rachel Vincent 

Pride (Shifters #3) by Rachel Vincent

Prey (Shifters #4) by Rachel Vincent

Swaps: 

Destined (House of Night #9) by PC & Kristin Cast 

Possession by Elena Johnson

Purchased:

The Vampire Stalker by Allison van Diepen

Thank you to Misty, Amy, Lindsey, Kiki Hamilton, Simon & Schuster UK & Atom! 

In My Mailbox 

Jess's IMM hosted by The Story Siren 

For Review:

The Flappers: Vixen by Jillian Larkin

All These Things I've Done by Gabrrielle Zevin

From Donna:

My Soul to Keep (Soul Screamers #3) b Rachel Vincent 

Unleashed (Wolf Springs Chronicles #1) by Nancy Holder

Undead by Kirsty McKay

Thank you to Random House, Macmilliam & Donna! 

What's in your mailbox this week? 

A Review for Poughkeepsie by Debra Anastasia

Posted by Jess
Published Date: November 22nd, 2011
Finished Date: December 2nd, 2011
Publishers: Omniphic Publishing
Source: For Review
Format: E-book
Pages: Unkown


The blurb from Goodreads: He counts her smiles every day and night at the train station. And morning and evening, the beautiful commuter acknowledges him—just like she does everyone else on the platform. But Blake Hartt is not like the others . . . he’s homeless. Memories of a broken childhood have robbed him of peace and twisted delusions into his soul. He stays secluded from the sun, sure the world would run from him in the harsh light of day. 

Each day, Livia McHugh smiles politely and acknowledges her fellow commuters as she waits for the train to the city. She dismisses this kindness as nothing special, just like her. She’s the same as a million other girls—certainly no one to be cherished. But special or not, she smiles every day, never imagining that someone would rely on the simple gesture as if it were air to breathe. 

When the moment comes that Livia must do more than smile, without hesitation she steps into the fray to defend the homeless man. And she's surprised to discover an inexplicable connection with her new friend. After danger subsides, their smiles become conversation. Their words usher in a friendship, which awakens something in each of them. But it’s not long before their bond must prove its strength. Entanglements from the past challenge both their love and their lives. Blake’s heart beats for Livia’s, even if her hands have to keep its rhythm. Love is patient. Love is kind. Love never fails. Love never fails, right? 

The review: You know I'm not even sure what to write. What I do know, is that I love Debra, and I love her writing. I was so excited when Debra sent me a copy of Poughkeepsie so that I wouldn't miss out on the chance of reading it. I'm so glad she did, because I loved it. I loved every minute of this book. I was on a pretty emotional roller coaster during. 

I loved the whole concept of this story. A seemingly normal girl, Livia, befriends a known homeless man who counts her smiles everyday. What starts as a friendship (and not a charity case), slowly leads into a love more powerful than anything in the book itself. I loved every interaction between Blake and Livia. Blake, although homeless, is handsome, charming, and smart in his own right. Livia is insanely kick-ass and you see this through out the entire novel. From the moment she helps save Blake from a group of teenagers, to the moment to tries to save Blake's life in the woods. She remains strong, she remains true to the love she has for Blake, and ultimately she brings Blake back to life where he can finally accept who he is, and that he can be a good person.

Every character in this book jumps out at you from the page. Beckett, Blake's foster brother is a mobster with a heart. Seriously it may be slightly evil in places but he cares more about Blake and his future than he cares about himself, and I loved that. I loved seeing Beckett be himself, but still be a older brother to BOTH of his brothers. Cole, who is training to be a priest, is wonderful. I don't have much to say about him in all honesty. You'll have to read it because he jumps off the page with all his wisdom and knowledge, and a little bit of riddles. I finished the book last night, and this morning I'm still thinking about Blake, Cole and Beckett, that's how intensely powerful these three boys. This is the kind of effect they have on you when reading. And that the fact they are all absolutely frickin' gorgeous has nothing to do with it...I don't think =/ maybe...

I don't think there is anything that I disliked about this book. Like some of the other bloggers, Debra and I get on really well, and if you've spoken to her or followed her blog posts like I do, then you'll know the type of personality she has. And her ENTIRE personality just shines through in this book. From being funny, to being kick ass, to being sexy (seriously sexy). Everything Debra is, is in this book and that's what makes it a great read. I couldn't get enough. I wanted to be there experiencing everything Livia, her sister Kyle, Blake, Cole, Beckett and Eve go through, I wanted to be there to comfort them, love them, and just be there. 

Anyway, I am totally rambling on and this review probably makes no sense what so ever. But I'm telling you Debra Anastasia has become one of my favourite indie authors of 2011, and I'm know that whatever else she releases in the New Year, will be just as good, just as funny and just as sexy as Crushed Seraphim and Poughkeepsie. 

I highly suggest you pick this book up. I will only recommend this to older YA from 17+ due to scenes of intense violence and some pretty steamy sex scenes from all three brothers. But definitely, definitely read this!! Go, little readers, Go! 

A Review for Catching Jordan by Miranda Kenneally

Posted by Donna
Published Date: Decemeber 1st, 2011
Finished Date: November 27th, 2011
Publishers: Sourcebooks Fire
Source: ARC, For Review
Format: E-Galley
Pages: 288
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The Blurb from Goodreads: What girl doesn't want to be surrounded by gorgeous jocks day in and day out? Jordan Woods isn't just surrounded by hot guys, though-she leads them as the captain and quarterback of her high school football team. They all see her as one of the guys, and that's just fine. As long as she gets her athletic scholarship to a powerhouse university. But now there's a new guy in town who threatens her starting position... suddenly she's hoping he'll see her as more than just a teammate.
<

The Review: 

“I love you…” “I love you too,” I blurt 

He smiles, but it’s not a happy smile-it’s like a resigned smile. “I really do love you, Woods, but I like what we have now. And if we go off to different colleges, it’ll be horrible. We’d be apart all the time. I couldn’t handle that. I’m already dreading it.” 

***Possible Spoilers*** 

Catching Jordan is one of them books that I knew I had to get my hands on ever since I first heard about it! I definitely glad I did because this book is YA at its best. 

Jordan Woods is the captain of her school football team; the only thing is she’s the only female on the team. What girl wouldn’t love that? But she’s treated like one of the guys and she loves it. Her best friends are all males and she like to take the mick out of the cheerleaders. When new guy Ty moves to town, he makes the team and could possibly threaten Jordan’s position, however when Ty shows that he’s not interested into taking Jordan’s position but in Jordan herself…..Jordan starts going through things she never expected to feel. She’s starting to feel like an actual girl. 

I loved Jordan! She’s one of them kick ass girls that you always want to read about. She’s very focused, she’s determined and she doesn’t let anyone push her around. I have to say, there were times when I thought I was reading this book from a boys point of view rather than a girls because Jordan being a tom boy almost thinks like a boy. She acts like a boy; she talks like a boy….well…..that is until Ty comes into the picture. Ty brings out Jordan’s girly side and it was great getting to read about her getting nervous about what to wear at school, what underwear to wear and of course, how to kiss. Ty is one of them characters that you love straight away, he’s gorgeous and there’s definitely something about him. He had a hard life and is trying to provide for his family but I loved how he opened up with Jordan. Did I think their relationship was perfect? Ermmm…..probably not. I loved watching the attraction grow but I felt something was missing and I definitely didn’t like how Jordan jumped into bed with Ty within 5 minutes. 

Now, the love triangle! I have got to say I wasn’t even expecting it and I can’t believe I missed all the signs from the start. When Henry was being funny with Jordan and sleeping around with all the girls, I was half expecting to announce he was gay but boy was I shocked when it was revealed….he’s in love with Jordan! Henry was definitely a swoon worthy character and I probably don’t agree with how he treated Jordan while she was dating Ty but he sure does make up for it. Jordan + Henry = Perfect Match in my opinion. 

Overall, Catching Jordan was my first book my author Miranda Kenneally and it definitely won’t be my last. It’s was witty, romantic and funny and I guarantee your will love it….so try it! 

Thank you to NetGalley & Sourcebooks Fire  for giving me the opportunity to review this book.

A Review for Revenge is Sweet (Kali Sweet Series #1) by Misty Evans

Posted by Guest Reviewer Melanie
Published Date: November 11th, 2011
Finished Date: December 1st, 2011
Source: For Review from Author
Format: Kindle
Pages: Unknown
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The Blurb from Goodreads: Payback is a bitch and her name is Kali Sweet...I’m Kali Sweet, the best damn vengeance demon on Earth. I work for the supernatural world’s Justice Department and protect innocent humans from otherworldly creatures like me. While I can’t take revenge for myself, I make sure justice is done for others. But when my latest run-in with Chicago’s vampire king backfires, the fallout leaves me with three big problems: a powerful Undead enemy who wants my head, my boss looking over my shoulder, and three personal blood slaves jeopardizing my reputation. One of those slaves happens to be sexy rock star Radison Beaumont – the half-human, half-chaos demon who left me at the altar three hundred years ago. Even if he does need my blood now to survive, Rad and I will always be enemies. Especially since he’s joined an ancient society of demon killers—and I’m the number one demon on their most wanted list.
<
The Review: 4.5 out of 5: I am not going to write my own synopsis about the book because the above is perfect and describes it to a tee and I would only end up repeating it. Soooo . . . what did I think?
<

Well I REALLY liked it! Kali is an awesome character, a vengeance demon who works for the Bridge Council protecting humans from supernaturals who would do them harm and running her own ‘vengeance for hire’ business Sweet Investigations. She has a hard time trusting people due to her past history but deals with things in her own way but when she defends herself against a vampire king her life seems to spiral out of control and she is put in astounding situations. She is no ‘lie down and take it’ kind of girl though and rises to the challenge time and time again, affirming her place as a kick ass heroine with a great sense of humour. Then there is Rad, yummy Rad, rock star Rad, former fiancé Rad . . .  mmmm. Left her at the altar 300 years ago and suddenly back on the scene, you just know all of those repressed feelings are going to come back to bite them, but what has he been doing since then? Then we have Cole, Damon and Dru  . . . . . are you curious yet?

 I am a huge fan of books along these lines, a fast paced urban fantasy with a kick ass heroine, some hot love interest(s), enemies galore and paranormal with a good dose of humour. I love these kinds of books when I’m in a reading funk and need something light and funny. It’s a really easy read that keeps you interested throughout with multiple dramas coming together for a final showdown and even though most of the plot is concluded, it’s also got a couple of loose ends to run into a sequel and make you want more . . . . and I want more!

 I am definitely checking out Misty’s other books and they will be going on my TBR list, I also feel a visit to Amazon is coming on.

A Review for The Vision (Fallen Star #3) by Jessica Sorensen

Posted by Donna
Published Date: October 23rd, 2011
Finished Date: November 24th, 2011
Source: For Review from Author
Format: Paperback
Pages: 303
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The Blurb from Goodreads: Gemma thought she was trapped—that Stephan had finally won. But then time resets and she’s given another chance. 
The clock is ticking as Gemma tries to figure out how to change the vision that ends the world in ice. If she can, then maybe she can save the world from Stephan and give her and Alex a chance at a real future. But changing visions can be dangerous, and sometimes one small mistake can lead to disastrous results.

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The Review: "Don't cry." He leaned in, his lips a silver of air away. "It will be alright." "Will it?" I asked. He kissed me like I was everything. "It will." Tears dripped down my frost bitten cheeks. "How do you know?" "Because I'll save you," he whispered. "I'll always save you, Gemma." 
<
Jessica Sorensen has done it yet again. She has utterly blown me away and I can not wait to see what is next.

When Gemma became trapped by Stephan, she thought she would die but when help comes to her, Gemma  is more than shocked when she finally learns the identity of her father. Her father needs her to go back into history and change a mistake that he has done, that will result the end of the world. But when Gemma finally finds the vision, she realises that her and Alex will have to pay the ultimate sacrifice to save the world.

The Vision was one of them novels that once I started I couldn’t put it down. You know I’m a huge fan of this series because I think it’s totally unique and well it  honestly gets more and more unique with each book I read. Jessica has a way of writing explosive storylines that keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end and yes, she does some evil cliff-hangers but boy are they good!

I have to admit, I did look at a few reviews that had spoilers in it while I was waiting for this book to arrive but even though I kind of new the storyline, I wasn't actually prepared for the emotions that hit me during this book. The Vision was probably the most emotional book out of the series because we see Gemma's and Alex's relationship on a whole new level. Even though their trying to find a way to be together they are thrown a whole new line of obstacles that honestly leave you emotionally drained in a good way. They were a total shock and I even had tears at some scenes. I do have a love hate relationship with these twists but I'm super excited to find out how it all ends. I have hope that Jessica will do us readers proud.

Overall, The Vision was a fantastic third book to the series. It's a series that you can truly connect with and will be a favourite of mine for a long time. Seriously, if you haven't read this....read it! February 2012 can not come quick enough....I NEED BOOK FOUR NOW!!! 

Thank you to Jessica Sorensen for giving me the opportunity to review this novel.

A Review for Blood and Guitars by Heather Jensen

Posted by Guest Reviewer Melanie

Published Date: 1st May 2011

Finished Date: 29th November 2011

Source: For Review from Author

Format: Kindle

Pages: 358

The Blurb from Goodreads: When Aurora meets Trey, a famous singer and musician, she’s only hoping to get her fill of human blood for the week. The last thing Aurora expects is for Trey to make her feel alive for the first time since she was, well, alive. It begins with a casual painting lesson at her art studio, The Waking Moon, and quickly turns into a forbidden romance. Aurora is forced to hide her true identity from Trey, while keeping her relationship with the human a secret from other vampires in her Brood. Trey’s band is recording a new album and with Aurora as his muse, Trey is writing songs like never before. After being hired by their record label to paint the cover of the new album, Aurora has a legitimate reason for spending so much time with Trey and his band mates. Aurora can’t deny the unexpected connection she has with Trey, which is fueled by glimpses into his emotions every time they share a kiss. Caught between two worlds, Aurora must attend celebrity award shows and vampire rituals, find time to feed, and protect Trey from the dangers of the night, all while preserving her secrets.

The Review: Well, the above says it all really . . .  Aurora is a vampire, an artist. She is part of coven that is governed by an organisation called the Synod. She is quite happy with her life until she meets Trey in a bar one night. Trey is a super hot, talented singer and her first thought was that he would be her next meal but he intrigues her, she is drawn to him and feels like she wants to know him more but of course she can’t, because it’s against the rules. She puts all thoughts of him out of her head until he turns up unexpectedly and she finds herself agreeing to give him a painting lesson, things blossom from there as they inspire each other, bring out new creativity in each other and inevitably, fall in love. As Aurora tries to juggle both of her worlds, keep her identity safe from Trey and Trey safe from her world she finds that things don’t always go according to plan because they shouldn’t be together and the powers that be soon find out and give her the ultimatum, Leave Trey or he dies!

I must say I liked this book, it was a nice sweet love story with high stakes. Aurora and Trey were really nice characters both likable, nice individuals that came together to make a lovely couple. Aurora seemed to be plodding along quite happily in her own life, happy to own her own gallery that she personally stocked with art, that she made her living off selling. Her one vampire friend was male and had a thing for her but was happy just to be her companion and vice versa, until she met Trey. He brought out feelings that she hadn’t experienced for a while, made her remember what it was like to be a human again and gave her a fantastic opportunity to paint for his band. Trey had been suffering way to long with past relationship issues and writers block which could be disastrous for his band Catalyst as they begin work on the all-important second album, things seem to be getting to him until he meets Aurora. She inspires him and he starts writing again, working through his issues. Both making each other a better person/artist by falling in love and isn’t that what relationships are about? Being better people together than apart? It’s adorable and very sweet. Then we get a bit action in the form of the Synod, a vampire governing body that they fall on the wrong side of with devastating consequences, it was really quite sad and I teared up a bit (which happens rarely for me in a book).

I would have liked a bit more action throughout the whole of the book instead of just towards the end because I didn’t feel the threat until it was upon them, not a bad thing but it affected the pacing for me. I also felt that a couple of threats were set up but never acted on and thought they would have made for more mayhem. I don’t know if there is a sequel in the works but I would read it because there are lose ends for further story lines and I’m interested to learn what’s in store for them both and hoping for a bit more action now that the love connection has been made. Still, it was a good read with hopefully more to come.  

Confessions of a Guest Blogger (#5): Featuring Jess from She Known As Jess

Ok so welcome to Confessions of a Guest Blogger. This will be a monthly feature held here at Book Passion for Life; where we'll contact our fellow bloggers to see if they would like to do a guest post and confess a guilty pleasure, secret, secret crush, a crush on a certain celebrity that is oh so wrong but so right!


So today, for our guest post we have one of our good friends and blogger Jess from She Known as Jess blog and she is confessing to her crushes. So here she is with her confession:

A crush aye; well right now I am finding myself pining after a boy named cricket. No, a man named Cricket, although now I think about it, I am two years older than him so that throws a speedy arrow through my heart but hey, two years, with a guy like him, I am more than happy to ignore that fact. And the truth is; I have many, plenty of character crushes, I am like your every day go around while staying completely innocent (I remember this one time I was in class and I didn’t even realise the teacher was trying to talk to me because I was so absorbed by what I was reading. i.e. embarrassing moment when I looked up to find the whole class staring at me) honestly how can I not with the abundance of hotties thrown my way through the beautiful dialogue that creates the men of my dreams.  For example; Four from Divergent; all brooding and masculine, (excuse the drool) how can anyone walk past him without the eye glancing up and down, ‘you know the smouldering come and get me look’ and seriously, how can you not stare; look and ahem drool at the character of FOUR that is being conveyed through text ‘Come’on I know you’ve done it, no sense denying it!’ Or Peeta from the Hunger Games; the sweetness about him, the hardness that changes him and evolves his personality throughout the many life changing events played out in the novel, and somehow he still manages to hold onto the sweetness that makes you want to hold onto him and reassure him that they’ll never come for him again even if you don’t know it is true. And then who could forget Valek from The Study Series; ‘excuse me, while I throw myself at him’ man oh man; how can someone be so sexy and fierce at the same time. ‘tries to cool down by fanning face’ and lastly but not last but last on this paragraph. St Clair? You know him, well then you know that his name is all that needs to be said. British. Hot. Sarcastic. Charming. Well let me finish this statement with trying not to drool on my shoes. 

So the truth is I don’t think it is possible to have one crush, one man who makes your heart beat rapidly when it comes to the characters and chapters of a novel because there is going to be one that each of us will lunge after.

Unlike the real life of a love life; novels are easy, you can fall for the characters without hesitation; there is no confusion when it comes to choosing who you are keen to pine for, and there is no denying the attraction you feel. There is no way to decide exactly on one crush because there are so many fabulous crush worthy men in every new addition that is added to the YA genre that it isn’t easy to decide on just one.

As for my real-life crush; well my lips are sealed ;)  

Well Jess, all I can say is that I personally agree with you. I have yet to experience Four from Divergent, but I feel like I know him well already. As for Peeta and St. Clair? Those are total givens considering how amazing they both are. Thanks for confessing those, I'm pretty sure all our readers feel exactly the same way!.


Well guys, that's our first Christmas Guest Blogger Confession. I don't have anyone else lined up yet, but if you would like to take part   then you can contact us at bookpassion11@gmail.com Title the email as 'New Confession'. Leave your confession along with your blog name and your name (if we don't already know you) and we'll be sure to post your confession in the coming months :)


We hope you enjoyed today's confession.


Happy Holidays and Happy reading :)