Dusty Reads (#14)

Dusty Reads is a weekly meme, hosted by Xpresso Reads featuring a book that has been sitting unread on our shelves for some time. To participate and more information, click here.

Jess's Dusty Read

Wicked Lovely
by Melissa Marr

Rule #3: Don't stare at invisible faeries. Aislinn has always seen faeries. Powerful and dangerous, they walk hidden in mortal world. Aislinn fears their cruelty—especially if they learn of her Sight—and wishes she were as blind to their presence as other teens.

Rule #2: Don't speak to invisible faeries. Now faeries are stalking her. One of them, Keenan, who is equal parts terrifying and alluring, is trying to talk to her, asking questions Aislinn is afraid to answer.

Rule #1: Don't ever attract their attention. But it's too late. Keenan is the Summer King who has sought his queen for nine centuries. Without her, summer itself will perish. He is determined that Aislinn will become the Summer Queen at any cost—regardless of her plans or desires. Suddenly none of the rules that have kept Aislinn safe are working anymore, and everything is on the line: her freedom; her best friend, Seth; her life; everything. Faerie intrigue, mortal love, and the clash of ancient rules and modern expectations swirl together in Melissa Marr's stunning 21 st century faery tale.

Jess's thoughts: Yep, this was a RAK and it's been on my shelf for ages. I'm not sure why I haven't picked it up yet. I love Fae stories and I've heard good things about this series, on and off. Some of them are good some not so good. Hopefully I'll get around to reading it soon. I have book 2 as well so I won't need to wait a long time. I love these covers as well, they are just gorgeous.

 Donna's Dusty Read

Bad Taste in Boys

by Carrie Harris 

Someone's been a very bad zombie.

Kate Grable is horrified to find out that the football coach has given the team steroids. Worse yet, the steriods are having an unexpected effect, turning hot gridiron hunks into mindless flesh-eating zombies. No one is safe--not her cute crush Aaron, not her dorky brother, Jonah . . . not even Kate! She's got to find an antidote--before her entire high school ends up eating each other. So Kate, her best girlfriend, Rocky, and Aaron stage a frantic battle to save their town  . . . and stay hormonally human.

Donna's thoughts:  So, Zombies! I have to admit I've been wanting to read this book for a while but I'm still put off because it's about Zombies. I just haven't been able to find a Zombie book that has blown my away so I'm hoping this may be the one because, I really want to love them. 

So that's our Dusty Read's for this week! Don't forget to leave us your thoughts below. 

Happy Reading!

US vs UK (#43)

Welcome to Book Passion for Life's 43rd US vs UK book cover battle. 

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.

US vs UK Round 43

Shattered Dreams by Ellie James

VS  

Jess says: Both of these are beautiful. I really like them. But if I was buying based on the cover alone, I'd pick the UK. It's just far more intriguing and really gets your eye.

Donna says:  This is a tough one for me because I really like both and I'd be happy with either of them on the shelf BUT the UK has so much more detail and the colours and everything...I really like it so UK! 

Add it to your Goodreads TBR list:

Graveminder by Melissa Marr

 VS  

Jess says: This is really hard. I really like both of them. I haven't heard of this book, but I heard Melissa is a good writer and I've yet to read anything by her. But again, if I was going on covers alone, I'd pick the US. I like everything about it.

Donna says:  I don't really know what the UK publishers were thinking with there cover because compared to the US it's really plain and boring...so I think. I really like the US cover. I love the poppies on the edge of the book and I love the colours they've used for the background. So US for me. 

Add it to your Goodreads TBR list:

Which do you prefer? Leave us your comments below!! =) 

__________________

Okay guys, this weeks US vs UK goes to.......Draw 2 each!

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

In My Mailbox (#47)

Hey guys! 

So we're back after no In My Mailbox last week and have we got some awesome books to show you from the last two weeks. So let's get started. 

Donna's In My Mailbox

For Review: 

Red Glove by Holly Black 

The Hunt by Andrew Fukuda

A Million Suns by Beth Revis

Earthseed by Pamela Sargent

The Promise by Jessica Sorensen (*Forgot to include)

Graffiti Moon by Cat Crowley

Insurgent by Veronica Roth

Partials by Dan Wells

Between the Lines by Jodi Picoult

Vampire, Interrupted by Lynsay Sands

Dark Heart Surrender by Lee Monroe

Won of off Book Angel Booktopia: 

Ditched: A Love Story by Robin Mellom

Gifted: 

Stay with Me by Paul Girffin 

A huge thank you to Natalie! You're so awesome and I can't wait to read it. =)

eBooks for Review:

(Click on the book covers to be taken to Goodreads/reviews)

   

    

Awesome Swag for a Giveaway inc signed bookmarks & book plates and flower tattoos.

Eternal Starling by Angela Corbett

 

A huge thank you to Angela Corbett, Hachette UK, HarperCollins UK, Simon & Schuster, Gonallcz, Puffin, Entangled Publishing, NetGalley, Edelweiss, Natalie & Book Angel Bookopia. 

Jess's In My Mailbox

Bought: 

Switched by Amanda Hocking

Torn by Amanda Hocking

Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L James

For Review:

Fateful by Claudia Grey

Fallen by Laurey Falter

Books Borrowed: 

Beautiful Chaos by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohol

eBooks for Review:

(Click on the book covers to be taken to Goodreads) 

   

eBooks Bought

(Click on the book covers to be taken to Goodreads) 

    

Haha, so many naughty books. Well that's me! Thanks for MIRA for accepting me on NetGalley for New Girl. Very excited about this one as I'm familiar with the original 'Rebecca' story. 

A Review for Puppet Parade by Zeinab Alayan

Posted by Guest Reviewer Melanie
Published Date: April 12th, 2012
Finished Date: April 5th, 2012
Source: From Author For Review
Format: Kindle
Pages: 480
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The Blurb from Goodreads: The life of a puppet master is never ordinary. Oliver Deere knew this when he ran away from home to take up the trade of puppetry, but he had no idea just how much his life would change. After his puppets come to life and flee town, Oliver meets up with a masked girl who hides a mysterious past. As they travel together in search for Oliver's lost puppets, they find that the line between puppet and master is becoming much less clear - and much more deadly. When Oliver and his companion enter the strange world of The Parade, they begin to realise that their journey will lead them to discover the truth behind a dangerous villain's path, and in the end, discover more about each other.

The Review: I really, really liked this book, it was just awesome. . .
Sophie- locked away for ten years from the age of nine because she caught an illness and became so hideously ugly that her step mother had no choice but to keep her prisoner to ‘protect’ her from the outside world.
Oliver – A talented puppeteer who has created himself a family, a family of puppets that he can’t bear to share and so leads a solitary life making his special puppets from time to time using the wood from ‘the tree of life’.
Both Sophie & Oliver alone and lonely, see a shooting star and wish upon it at the same time. With Oliver wishing that his puppet family could be alive, they become just that but they resent him for keeping them prisoner in his shop and after tying him up, they escape and run away. At the same time Sophie wishes for freedom from her prison and her wish comes true also, so she grabs a mask- to protect others from her ugliness- and in her escape stumbles upon the escaped puppets and a trussed up Oliver giving chase. After helping Oliver out of his binds and with no idea what to do next she decides to help him locate his puppets. That is when the real adventure begins, as they hop on a train and travel through mysterious towns in search of Oliver’s puppets. As they travel from town to town however, they begin to realise that everything is not as it appears to be and something more sinister may be at work. What they really want to do is find the puppets and get the hell out but will that be possible once they join ‘the parade’ and just who is running the show?
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What a wonderful book this was, I can’t even categorise it but here goes - it was a bit fantasy, a whole lot of adventure with a sprinkling of romance all wrapped up in a lovely package. .
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Sophie and Oliver were really sweet, likeable characters. Sophie- with no self-confidence, hiding behind her mask because of her ugliness, totally unsure of herself but willing and brave enough to help Oliver in his search. Oliver- determined to get his puppets back, showing a parental side to him with regards to the puppets and even though they have rejected him, he still has their safety and best interests at heart. They learn through each other as they travel and through Sophie, Oliver begins to learn that maybe he didn’t do the right thing by keeping his puppets isolated. The puppets themselves were really fun and imaginative; they each have a title and a fitting personality to match which corresponds to how they might be found. So, I’m not going to mention them in detail, it will be better to discover them for your-selves but know that these aren’t your run of the mill puppets.
The plot was great – as they travel from town to town we are introduced to some really unique places. There are no two alike and they are filled with unique people, highly imaginative writing at play here and I can honestly say that I haven’t read anything like this before. I loved how it became more sinister as the plot went along but that it was counter balanced with a blossoming love and affection and sense of togetherness. The pacing was also great for me because there was always something happening and places, people and discoveries to be found as they travelled – so no lulls in the book, it flowed really well. I also loved that as it was concluding, some of the more difficult pieces to the puzzle were explained clearly and definitively rather than being left vague. So you are left in no doubt as to what has really occurred.
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I just have one more to rant about it and then I’m done . . . . really.
I was 75% through this book when it suddenly hit me – This book would make a PERFECT Tim Burton movie, seriously. . .I want him to read this and make it because in my opinion he is the only man to do it justice by bringing to life this fantastical world that the author has created which is so imaginative and stunning that it deserves some visualisation. It reminds me of a modern day Alice in Wonderland or Wizard of Oz – books that take you to whole new world and immerses you in an adventure as they try to make it back home. I know for definite that I would watch it. So, if you like the sound of that get reading it! You will not be disappointed.
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PS. If I had a way of contacting Tim Burton, he would sooooo be getting bombarded with requests to read this. 4.5 stars! 

A Review for Dreamless (Starcrossed #2) by Josphine Angelini

Posted by Donna
Expected Published Date: May 29th, 2012
Finished Date: April 10th, 2012
Publishers: HarperTeen
Source: ARC, For Review
Format: Kindle
Pages: 487
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The Blurb from Goodreads: As the only Scion that can enter Hades at will, Helen descends to the Underworld in search of a way to overcome the Furies and end the cycle of revenge that has cursed the Scions. But she’s running out of time. Each descent weakens her both in mind and spirit. A mysterious stranger might be her only salvation, but the price may be her love for Lucas Delos. As an unforgettable love triangle emerges, Josephine Angelini’s compelling saga becomes ever more intricate and spellbinding. The eagerly awaited sequel to the internationally bestselling Starcrossed, Dreamless delivers with a huge emotional impact that will leave readers satisfied—and longing for more.
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The Review: Dreamless was one of my most anticipated books of this year, so when I found it was available for review I jumped at the chance to read it. And now…..after reading I’m so disappointed with it and here’s why.

When Helen discovers she’s the only Scion that can enter the Underworld at will, she is fast to take on the journey to try and stop the Furies from collecting any more blood debts from the other Scion’s. But taking on the task isn’t easy for Helen because she is literally going through hell and back. Every night she enters the Underworld and she comes back that little bit weaker…it’s safe to say her family and friends are starting to worry about her. One night while in the Underworld, Helen comes across a boy, a boy called Orion who is ready to defend her against the evils that try to cause her harm. Soon Helen and Orion take on the task together and try and defeat the Furies one and for all.

Last year when I read Starcrossed I was left speechless because I completely fell in love with it, so I was really excited to see where the author took Dreamless but you know I’m disappointed. Now, I cannot knock the author’s fantastic style of writing, which is very descriptive and places and events are so easy to imagine, but there are definitely things which I didn’t like.

The main part of the problem was the LOVE TRIANGLE! I can’t count how many times I’ve read a second book and the author introduces a new guy and I’m seriously starting to pull my hair out with this storyline. I need and want something more from a second book and don’t get me wrong, in some cases I do like a love triangle but this time I didn’t. There are certain events that happen in Starcrossed that lead to a big change to Helen and Lucas’s relationship, and even though it was a shock, I was still excited to see how they would overcome this problem. I was really hoping for them to go on some mission to try and prove it wrong. BUT it was like everyone had moved on and just agreed with everything they’d been told. It’s hard for Helen and Lucas to be around each other and because of this Helen and Lucas didn’t spend a lot of time together and this is what I missed most.  I fell in love with Starcrossed because of the relationship they had and I missed it, pined for it and really just wanted to skip the whole of the book and have book three ready and waiting for me so I could see them together (because you know it will all work out in the end, it always does) So yes, I’m disappointed but anyway, let’s move on.

The characters become so much stronger during the course of this book - especially Helen. She goes through so many trials and she’s determined to defeat the Furies. She really goes through a lot and you can’t help be proud of her. And Lucas, I feel for him. He takes things the hardest and it really changes him. He really does become a whole new person but he still goes out of his way to help Helen and I loved that about him. He’s still so protective of her and loves her no matter what. Now Orion, I did like him and I liked him as a character but I would have preferred his relationship with Helen to stay as friends because that’s how it starts but it is what it is, so yeah I liked it him despite everything else.

Now one of my favourite things about this book was how we meet so many different Greek Gods – ones that I’ve never read about before EVER and I think the author did a fantastic job introducing each and everyone one of them.

Overall, I am disappointed with Dreamless but don’t let my feelings stop you from reading this book. It’s still a good book and I will definitely be picking up the final book in the series – just to see how everything plays out.

A huge thank you to HarperTeen and Edelweiss for giving me the opportunity to review this book.

A Review for Chosen Ones (The Lost Souls #1) by Tiffany Truitt

Posted by Donna
Expected Published Date: June 12th, 2012
Finished Date: April 3rd, 2012
Publishers: Entangled Publishing
Source: ARC, For Review
Format: Kindle
Pages: 260
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The Blurb from Goodreads:What if you were mankind’s last chance at survival? Sixteen-year-old Tess lives in a compound in what was once the Western United States, now decimated after a devastating fourth World War. But long before that, life as we knew it had been irrevocably changed, as women mysteriously lost the ability to bring forth life. Faced with the extinction of the human race, the government began the Council of Creators, meant to search out alternative methods of creating life. The resulting artificial human beings, or Chosen Ones, were extraordinarily beautiful, unbelievably strong, and unabashedly deadly. Life is bleak, but uncomplicated for Tess as she follows the rigid rules of her dystopian society, until the day she begins work at Templeton, the training facility for newly created Chosen Ones. There, she meets James, a Chosen One whose odd love of music and reading rivals only her own. The attraction between the two is immediate in its intensity—and overwhelming in its danger. But there is more to the goings-on at Templeton than Tess ever knew, and as the veil is lifted from her eyes, she uncovers a dark underground movement bent not on taking down the Chosen Ones, but the Council itself. Will Tess be able to stand up to those who would oppress her, even if it means giving up the only happiness in her life?
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The Review: Chosen Ones is a story about a young girl named Tess who lives in a hard world after the fourth World War has hit. She lives in a compound where there are Naturals and Chosen Ones. Natural’s are born but Chosen Ones are created. Chosen Ones were created to carry on the world after Natural’s start becoming extinction because most natural women are unable to bring fourth life and die during child birth. When Tess starts working amongst the Chosen Ones, it is there she meets James – a Chosen One, who goes against everything he has been trained to believe and feel. It is with him that Tess feels like she really belongs but how can they really be together when there are bigger forces at work that are trying to keep them apart?

Tiffany Truitt has created a very unique and interesting read with Chosen Ones – one that definitely stands out from all the other dystopian novel’s  I’ve read for it’s uniqueness. From page one it was easy to imagine the world that Tess lived in because it was so descriptive and the narrative was so good.  It is such a hard, cold and harsh world that you really couldn’t help but feel for the characters. Not only that but it was very easy to connect to the characters because they are so likable.

Tess is a strong girl, one that will do her job without getting emotionally attached but while she tries to not get emotionally attached, she also doesn’t experience much about life. She’s almost naïve in how to act around people and how to act around boys but this is one of her charms because through out this book, we get to watch her grow.

James, in some sense is the same as Tess, they both have the same qualities but because he’s a Chosen One he has different views on the world. But to watch them come together over the simplest things as a piano or a book really was beautiful.

Now while I did enjoy this, I didn’t enjoy it as much as I would have hoped. I felt the story started off really strong but then slowed down towards the middle and I was kind of just waiting for something to happen. And the ending felt slightly rushed but despite this, I still enjoyed it and would definitely pick up book two in the series.

All in all, Chosen Ones is a unique and thrilling read – although not a favourite but still worth a read.

A huge thank you to the publishers for allowing me to review this book.

Waiting on Wednesday (#12)

"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

Breaking Beautiful 
by Jennifer Shaw Wolf
Release date: April 24th, 2012

Allie lost everything the night her boyfriend, Trip, died in a horrible car accident—including her memory of the event. As their small town mourns his death, Allie is afraid to remember because doing so means delving into what she’s kept hidden for so long: the horrible reality of their abusive relationship.

 When the police reopen the investigation, it casts suspicion on Allie and her best friend, Blake, especially as their budding romance raises eyebrows around town. Allie knows she must tell the truth. Can she reach deep enough to remember that night so she can finally break free? Debut writer Jennifer Shaw Wolf takes readers on an emotional ride through the murky waters of love, shame, and, ultimately, forgiveness.

Donna's WoW

 Auracle 
by Gina Rosati
Release date: August 7th, 2012
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16 year old Anna Rogan has a secret she's only shared with her best friend, Rei; she can astrally project out of her body, allowing her spirit to explore the world and the far reaches of the universe. 
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When there's a fatal accident and her classmate Taylor takes over Anna's body, what was an exhilarating distraction from her repressive home life threatens to become a permanent state. Faced with a future trapped in another dimension, Anna turns to Rei for help. Now the two of them must find a way to get Anna back into her body and stop Taylor from accusing an innocent friend of murder. Together Anna and Rei form a plan but it doesn't take into account the deeper feelings that are beginning to grow between them.

What's your "waiting on wednesday" 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!

A Review for Onyx (Lux #2) by Jennifer L.Armentrout

Posted by Donna
Expected Published Date: August 14th, 2012
Finished Date: April 8th, 2012
Publishers: Entangled Publishing
Source: ARC, For Review, Won
Format: e-Galley 
Pages: 416
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The Blurb from Goodreads: Being connected to Daemon Black sucks… Daemon’s determined to prove what he feels for me is more than a product of our bizarre connection. I’ve sworn him off even though he’s running more hot than cold these days. But against all common sense, I’m falling for him. Hard. Our relationship issues aren’t out biggest problem… The Department of Defense is here. If they ever find out what Daemon can do and that we’re linked, I’m a goner. So is he. And when a new boy shows up a school with a secret of his own, things get complicated fast. I need to choose between my own instincts and Daemon’s. But then everything changes… I’ve seen someone who shouldn’t be alive. Daemon’s never going to stop searching until gets the truth. What happened to his brother? Who betrayed him? And what does the DOD want from them—from me? No one is who they seem. And not everyone will survive the lies.
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The Review: Oh, holy alien babies everywhere......this book is AMAZING! 
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I'm running out of ways to tell you how amazing this author’s work really is because Onyx really does not disappoint. It’s thrilling, heart-pounding and just as explosive as Obsidian - if not even better and it will leave you wanting more and more!  

Onyx starts pretty much where Obsidian finishes. Katy is trying to move on with her life but it’s hard when she has Daemon Black trying to win her over at every turn. Katy is convinced that Daemon is only interested in her because of the connection they now share, so when new boy Blake turns up - showing his interest in Katy, she is happy with the attention she is getting from him but, can she really forget her feelings for Daemon?

Not only does Katy have to deal with boy drama but she also has to deal with the consequences from Daemon healing her and they are truly life changing for her. Struggling to deal, Katy tries to solve things on her own but is she only making things worse? And can she really protect the ones she loves? 
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Yes, it's safe to say I have fallen in love with another book by this author and she really does know how deliver a fantastic storyline that keeps you sitting on the edge of seat from excitement. It's action packed all the way through, with enough descriptions to make you really feel like your with the characters and this book is seriously HOT! The temperature goes up a whole new level and the scenes between Daemon and Katy do not disappointment. 
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The characters this time around grow so much. Katy becomes a lot stronger, even though she is still her funny and witty self, the changes that happen to her force her to become someone stronger. She trains hard and really tried her best to become Daemon's equal. Even though they aren't the perfect couple, Daemon really tries his hardest to win Katy over. You see a side of him that you have never seen before and it will seriously leave you girls wishing you had you're very own Daemon Black. He's even more swoon-worthy and totally steals the show. 
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All in all, Onyx is a fantastic sequel and the author has done a fantastic job by adding the right amount of excitement, romance and suspense to the story, and of course I can't forget to mention one VERY shocking part of the story that will leave you breathless. Jennifer has definitely raised the bar for Opal which will be released in December 2012 and I seriously cannot wait. 
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A huge thank you to Entangled Publishing for giving me the opportunity to review this book. 

Dusty Reads (#13)

Dusty Reads is a weekly meme, hosted by Xpresso Reads featuring a book that has been sitting unread on our shelves for some time. To participate and more information, click here.

Jess's Dusty Read

Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Darkside
by Beth Fantaskey

The undead can really screw up your senior year ...

Marrying a vampire definitely doesn’t fit into Jessica Packwood’s senior year “get-a-life” plan. But then a bizarre (and incredibly hot) new exchange student named Lucius Vladescu shows up, claiming that Jessica is a Romanian vampire princess by birth—and he’s her long-lost fiancé. Armed with newfound confidence and a copy of Growing Up Undead: A Teen Vampire’s Guide to Dating, Health, and Emotions, Jessica makes a dramatic transition from average American teenager to glam European vampire princess. But when a devious cheerleader sets her sights on Lucius, Jess finds herself fighting to win back her wayward prince, stop a global vampire war—and save Lucius’s soul from eternal destruction.

Jess's thoughts: This book was a gift to myself lol. I bought it last year, because I'd heard good things about it, and it attracted me because 1. It's about vampires. And 2. The heroine is called Jessica. And I still haven't read a book about a heroine called Jessica lol. I hope to get to it this year, knowing that book 2 is already released. Fingers crossed.

 Donna's Dusty Read

Anna Dressed in Blood
by Kendare Blake

Just your average boy-meets-girl, girl-kills-people story... 


Cas Lowood has inherited an unusual vocation: He kills the dead. 


So did his father before him, until his gruesome murder by a ghost he sought to kill. Now, armed with his father’s mysterious and deadly athame, Cas travels the country with his kitchen-witch mother and their spirit-sniffing cat. Together they follow legends and local lore, trying to keep up with the murderous dead—keeping pesky things like the future and friends at bay. 


When they arrive in a new town in search of a ghost the locals call Anna Dressed in Blood, Cas doesn’t expect anything outside of the ordinary: move, hunt, kill. What he finds instead is a girl entangled in curses and rage, a ghost like he’s never faced before. She still wears the dress she wore on the day of her brutal murder in 1958: once white, but now stained red and dripping blood. Since her death, Anna has killed any and every person who has dared to step into the deserted Victorian she used to call home. 


And she, for whatever reason, spares his life.

Donna's thoughts:  Why haven't I read this yet? My awesome BBF Haley from Ya-Aholic bought me this book and it's still sitting on my shelf unread and I've heard so many amazing things about it. I do want to try and read it this year!

So that's our Dusty Read's for this week! Don't forget to leave us your thoughts below. 

Happy Reading!