Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Monthly Round Up: January 2012

For the month of January I had challenged myself to read at least 1 more book than I did last January (6), including...

A. Read 1 book that has been sitting on my shelf/Kindle

B. Read 1 book I recently got

C. Read 1 book from a genre I don't usually read

D. Read 1 vampire book

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☑ Read at least 1 more book than I did last January (which was 6).....11 total books read

  




Stake That (Blood Coven #2) by Mari Mancusi
Girls That Growl (Blood Coven #3) by Mari Mancusi
The Fate of the Muse (Marina's Tales #3) by Derrolyn Anderson
Kiss of Frost (Mythos Academy #2) by Jennifer Estep
Every Other Day by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
The Juliet Spell by Douglas Rees
Croak (Croak #1) by Gina Damico
My Lunatic Life (Lunatic Life #1) by Sharon Sala
Malice by Griffin Hayes
Invasion (C.H.A.O.S. #1) by Jon S. Lewis
Greek Mythology by Simone Payment

☑ Read 1 book that has been sitting on my shelf/Kindle: Every Other Day by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

☑ Read 1 book I recently got: The Fate of the Muse (Marina's Tales #3) by Derrolyn Anderson

☑ Read 1 book from a genre I don't usually read: The Juliet Spell by Douglas Rees

☑ Read 1 vampire book: Stake That (Blood Coven #2) by Mari Mancusi

*My favorite book from this month is.......oooh, that's a tough one! I'm gonna have to say that its a tie between Kiss of Frost and The Fate of the Muse. I loved them both and the mythology behind them!

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Books reviewed this month:

Every Other Day by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
The Juliet Spell by Douglas Rees

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In February I'm challenging myself to read at least 1 more book than I did last February (which was 9), including...

A. At least 5 mythology books
B. A Book with LOVE in the title
C. A Book about a Werewolf
D. A Book with Red on the cover
E. A Contemporary Romance Book
F. Between 5-10 review books
G. And at least 1 "Just for fun" book


*Make sure you check out Melanie's Monthly Reflections post!


Monday, January 30, 2012

It's Monday! What are you Reading? (#5)


It's Monday! What Are You Reading? is a weekly meme hosted by Book Journey.

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This past week I finished reading:



My Lunatic Life (Lunatic Life #1) by Sharon Sala
Malice by Griffin Hayes
Invasion (C.H.A.O.S. #1) by Jon S. Lewis

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Right now I'm reading:


Alienation (C.H.A.O.S. #2) by Jon S. Lewis

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And up next will be:


Hallowed (Unearthly #2) Cynthia Hand

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What are you reading this week?

Thursday, January 26, 2012

Review:The Fate of the Muse (Marina's Tales #3) by Derrolyn Anderson

The Fate of the Muse (Marina's Tales, #3)
Title: The Fate of the Muse

Series: Marina's Tales #3

Previous book in this series: Between the Land and the Sea (#1) | The Moon and the Tide (#2)

Author: Derrolyn Anderson

Publication date: September 2011

Published by: Derrolyn Anderson

Source: Review copy from the author (Thanks!)

Add it to your Goodreads shelf

Buy it: Amazon| Smashwords

Synopsis:

Trouble is stalking Marina. She’s already escaped the clutches of her formidable foe once, but fate has even more trials in store for her. There are evil plans in the works– plans that threaten both her and her newly found family.

As she struggles to come to grips with her unwanted powers, outside forces threaten to tear Marina and Ethan apart, making her doubt their vision of an idyllic future together. Can first love be true love?

My rating: ★★★★★

Marina’s near exposure in Greece caught the attention of the Council of hybrid mermaids. Yes, half-human half-mermaid hybrids have councils too. But this is not necessarily a good thing for Marina. In fact, because of the accident that led Marina to turning into a mermaid in order to save the people from the accident (her father included), she accidentally exposed herself as a mermaid. This, of course, got the attention of the media, and also the Council.

Oh Marina, you are in soooo much trouble!

Marina now has to present herself to the Council and explain why the heck she would transform in public. But what they’re more interested in is how Marina was able to transform. You see, Marina is a hybrid of many talents, talents which even some other hybrids don't even possess! Marina’s plan: lie her butt off!

But if only the problems would stop there...

Because of these many talents that Marina possess she was kidnapped in the last book. Remember that? She and Lorelei being trapped then put into a big mansion? Some guy wanting to use their muse powers for evil? Another mermaid being pregnant?? I’m sure this all rings a bell. Well guess what...they’re back for more! That’s right, Marina is still in danger and someone really wants her...desperately. The problem is, the people after her will be the least ones she expects.

On top of all that, Ethan and Marina are being driven apart. *sigh* All this mermaid stuff, Marina’s powers, the kidnappers, the ex-girlfriend, the jealousy...it’s like all this stuff doesn't want Marina and Ethan to be together.

Marina’s fate seems to be a dark one. But the question is, will Marina be strong enough to overcome these obstacles?

I’ve got one word for you my readers: Uh-MAZE-ing! Marina’s Tales just keep getting better and better! This book had endless amounts of surprises and suspense (you will never guess what happened to Nerissa and the baby she was carrying!) There was so much action throughout the whole book that I found it hard to put down the book! The plot was crazy (in a good way) and there has been noticeable character development for most of the characters across the three books. And as I said in previous reviews, Marina is a very likable character. I especially like that she is very humble.

Ooh! Mythology! I absolutely LOVED that little touch of mythology when they were in the museum! That painting with the nine Greek (or Roman, I guess) Muses, the mermaid in the near-by body of water, and and and....my favorite Greek god, Apollo (although that is also his Roman name)! :D Just when I thought the book couldn't get better the author goes and puts this in...Awesome :)

And guess what...I totally get the "That's what she said" joke now! I thought it was some inside joke between the characters, but it turns out a lot of people know about this. Sadly enough, my 13 year cousin had to explain it to me! 13 years old! Man, what are they teaching kids nowadays *shakes head* Anyway, since I found out what the joke meant I went back through all the books to find those jokes...it’s so much more funny now that I get it! :D I could tell you what it means, but I try to keep my reviews to a PG-13 rating ;)

I could go on and on and on talking about this totally awesome book, but how about you just go and read this series yourself ;) Recommended to those who love a good mermaid story!

I absolutely loved this book, definitely one of my favorites, and I cant wait for book 4!


Have you read this book? If so, what did you think about it? If not, what do you think? Does it sound like something you might want to read? Leave me a comment! :)

Review: The Juliet Spell by Douglas Rees

The Juliet Spell
Title: The Juliet Spell

Author: Douglas Rees

Publication date: September 27, 2011

Published by: Harlequin Teen

Source: the publishers via Netgalley

Add it to your Goodreads shelf

Buy it: Amazon | Book Depository

Synopsis:

I wanted the role of Juliet more than anything. I studied hard. I gave a great reading for it—even with Bobby checking me out the whole time. I deserved the part.

I didn't get it. So I decided to level the playing field, though I actually might have leveled the whole play. You see, since there aren't any Success in Getting to Be Juliet in Your High School Play spells, I thought I'd cast the next best—a Fame spell. Good idea, right?

Yeah. Instead of bringing me a little fame, it brought me someone a little famous. Shakespeare. Well, Edmund Shakespeare. William's younger brother.

Good thing he's sweet and enthusiastic about helping me with the play...and—ahem—maybe a little bit hot. But he's from the past. Way past. Cars amaze him—cars! And cell phones? Ugh.

Still, there's something about him that's making my eyes go star-crossed...

My rating: ★★★★☆

All Miranda wanted was to be cast as Juliet. So after tryouts, just to be sure that she would get the part in the famous Romeo and Juliet play, she did a little spell. The spell was supposed to be a harmless. It was supposed to get Miri the role of Juliet. It was not supposed bring William Shakespeare's younger brother Edmund back from the past! But it did. Now Edmund is stuck in a future with weird contraptions like the car, TV, and cellphone...yes, these things amaze him, which I find pretty hilarious!

Review: Every Other Day by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Every Other Day
Title: Every Other Day

Author: Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Publication date: December 27, 2011

Published by: Egmont USA

Source: The publishers via Netgalley

Add it to your Goodreads shelf

Buy it: Amazon| Book Depository

Synopsis:

Every other day, Kali D'Angelo is a normal sixteen-year-old girl. She goes to public high school. She attends pep rallies. She's human.

And then every day in between . . . She's something else entirely.

Though she still looks like herself, every twenty-four hours predatory instincts take over and Kali becomes a feared demon-hunter with the undeniable urge to hunt, trap, and kill zombies, hellhounds, and other supernatural creatures. Kali has no idea why she is the way she is, but she gives in to instinct anyway. Even though the government considers it environmental terrorism.

When Kali notices a mark on the lower back of a popular girl at school, she knows instantly that the girl is marked for death by one of these creatures. Kali has twenty-four hours to save her and, unfortunately, she'll have to do it as a human. With the help of a few new friends.

My rating: ★★★★★

Kali is a normal human girl...every other day. Every day in between she's a demon hunter, a demon hunter hungry for bloodshed and virtually untouchable. Kali doesn't know why this happens to her, but whether she likes it or not, she must give in.

Review: Beyond the Grave (Past Midnight #3) by Mara Purnhagen

Beyond the Grave (Past Midnight, #3)
Title: Beyond the Grave

Series: Past Midnight #3

Previous books in this series: Past Midnight (#1) | Raising the Dead (#1.5) | One Hundred Candles (#2) | Haunting the Night (#2.5)

Author: Mara Purnhagen

Publication date: August 30, 2011

Published by: HarlequinTeen

Source: The publishers via Netgalley

Add it to your Goodreads shelf

Buy it: Amazon | Book Depository

Synopsis:

I can’t move forward with my life until I know my demons are confined to the past...

Being Charlotte Silver, the daughter of famous paranormal investigators, means my life isn’t like that of other teenage girls. Especially after what happened to my parents. Things changed. I missed prom and deferred my big college plans. But I still have my boyfriend, Noah. He’s everything I could want—if I can figure out what’s up with him. Suddenly Noah is secretive.

I fear it has something to do with what happened to us three months ago. The bruise Noah suffered during a paranormal attack has never completely faded. Now I’ve learned Noah is researching demons. And when he disappears, it’s up to me to find him—before something else does.

My rating: ★★★★★

Three months ago a demon-like entity attacked Charlotte’s family and friends, leaving them all injured. Her boyfriend Noah came out of the deal with an unfading bruise that, to this day, reminds Charlotte of the attack, making her feel guilty all over again. Charlotte’s scar on the palm of her hand is slowly fading. And although both her parents were also hurt, her mother got the worst of it. Still in a coma from the severe head injury, they moved Charlotte’s mother from the hospital to a long-term care facility.

Review: Haunting the Night (Past Midnight #2.5) by Mara Purnhagen

Haunting the Night (Past Midnight, #2.5)
Title: Haunting the Night

Series: Past Midnight #2.5

Previous books in this series: Past Midnight (#1) | Raising the Dead (#1.5) | One Hundred Candles (#2)

Author: Mara Purnhagen

Publication date: August 2011

Published by: HarlequinTeen

Source: Own e-book

Add it to your Goodreads shelf

Buy it: Amazon

Synopsis:

Charlotte Silver has been through hell.

Her mom’ s in a coma. She may have caused the death of a young man. And now her friend Avery wants her to tackle going to Prom? Not going to happen, even if she is dying to spend some alone time with her boyfriend, Noah. Instead, Charlotte needs to find some answers to a few nagging questions—why was her family attacked? Will her mother survive? And is there a creature from the Other Side coming for her? Soon enough, Charlotte's search for the truth becomes a race against time. But she may just find the sign she's been looking for all along....

An ebook exclusive Past Midnight series novella.

My rating: ★★★★☆

In this short story, after the attack of the Watcher through the body of Marcus, Charlotte starts seeing a humanoid shadow. This happens each night, and she sees the shadow right across the street from her house! Charlotte is sure that this ominous, creepy shadow has to something to do with the now-dead Marcus, and perhaps, the Watcher himself. Charlotte tries to figure out what the shadow wants. She wants to appease it and get rid of it before someone gets hurt again.

Monday, January 23, 2012

It's Monday! What are you Reading? (#4)


It's Monday! What Are You Reading? is a weekly meme hosted by Book Journey.

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I finished reading:


The Juliet Spell by Douglas Rees
Croak (Croak #1) by Gina Damico

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I'm not sure what I want to read next...perhaps one or all of the following:



Malice by Griffin Hayes
Stork (Stork #1) by Wendy Delsol
Lies Beneath by Anne Greenwood Brown

Any suggestions???

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What are you reading?

Sunday, January 22, 2012

In My Mailbox (#3)

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren.

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From Netgalley I received the following:



Croak (Croak #1) by Gina Damico
Trick or Treat by Richie Tankersley Cusick
Invasion (C.H.A.O.S. #1) by Jon S. Lewis

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And from the author herself (thanks!) I got:


Energy Book 1: Jasmine by Sabrina Sumsion

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What did you get in your mailbox this week??

Monday, January 16, 2012

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? (#3)


It's Monday! What Are You Reading? is a weekly meme hosted by Book Journey.

Finished reading:



The Fate of the Muse (Marina's Tales #3) by Derrolyn Anderson
Kiss of Frost (Mythos Academy #2) by Jennifer Estep
Every Other Day by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

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Up next:


The Juliet Spell by Douglas Rees

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What are you reading??

Sunday, January 15, 2012

In My Mailbox (#2)


In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren.

This past week I got a few ARCs from Netgalley:



What did you get in your mailbox this week??

Sunday, January 1, 2012

Review: Stake That (Blood Coven Vampire #2) by Mari Mancusi

Stake That (Blood Coven Vampire, #2)
Title: Stake That

Series: Blood Coven Vampire #2

Previous book in this series: Boys that Bite

Author: Mari Mancusi

Publication date: December 2006

Published by: Berkley Trade

Source: Borrowed from the public library

Add it to your Goodreads shelf

Buy it: Amazon| Book Depository

Synopsis:

Two sisters—as different as the sun and the rain. For one, getting into the Blood Cover is to die for, but it seems destiny has something else in mind...
 
Rayne McDonald had it all figured out. Get turned into a vampire, become the mate of the Blood Coven leader, and live the high-life for all eternity. Too bad the head vamp took a bite out of her twin sister by mistake. Now, not only is Rayne still not a vampire, but she learns she's a slayer instead—destined to destroy vamps gone bad.
 
After being recruited by a secret organization, Rayne is given her first mission: infiltrate a seedy bar downtown and expose its vampire owner, Maverick, for purposely spreading a nasty blood virus. Luckily the Blood Coven sends some help—in the form of sexy vampire Jareth. Will vampire and slayer be able to settle their differences and work together to bring down the evil Maverick? Or will they find their own hearts on the line?

My rating: ★★★★★

Oh. My. Gods. Rayne, the goth girl who has always wanted to be a vampire turns out to be a vampire slayer! Seriously! I was in such a shock in the last book that I seriously could not think straight! I mean, a slayer?! But its not all bad, I guess, since Rayne gets to kill only the badies.