Book Review: SHATTERED SOULS by Mary Lindsey

Shattered Souls (Souls #1)

Author: Mary Lindsey

Published: December 8th 2011

Publisher: Philomel/Penguin

Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal Romance

Summary | Add to TBR

A thrilling debut story of death, love, destiny and danger

Lenzi hears voices and has visions - gravestones, floods, a boy with steel gray eyes. Her boyfriend, Zak, can't help, and everything keeps getting louder and more intense. Then Lenzi meets Alden, the boy from her dreams, who reveals that she's a reincarnated Speaker - someone who can talk to and help lost souls - and that he has been her Protector for centuries.

Now Lenzi must choose between her life with Zak and the life she is destined to lead with Alden. But time is running out: a malevolent spirit is out to destroy Lenzi, and he will kill her if she doesn't make a decision soon.

My Thoughts:

Lenzi can hear and feel the ghosts. She's trying to avoid them to the point of taking medicines to stop the hissing. Her boyfriend has been supportive to her eversince but even him couldn't understand and help her. It seems that only Alden, the mysterious boy he first saw at the cemetery is the only one that can truly help her. This created complications and ended up in a not so pretty situation with her boyfriend.

This book had been on my shelf for quite a while now and I'm glad that I finally knocked it off my shelf. It wasn't a super enjoyable read for me but over all it's still good. I just had too much expectations from the book so I was a bit disappointed when I ended up not loving it much. But as I said, this book is enjoyable and still good. The only thing that was off for me is the heroine--Lenzi Rose. From the beginning Lenzi didn't feel like a strong character for me. It was a little disappointing that I can't get myself to like her as much as I want to. For a reader like me, it is a great deal to be able to find myself connecting with the main characters and in this book sadly, it wasn't the case. When I finally meet Alden, it wasn't the super thrilling, extra-exciting kind of moment either. He is hot. Gorgeous. I get that. But the moment when they first meet didn't do it for me. It was ok, but not the memorable kind of thing for me. While I read the book I was hoping that Lenzi will come out of her shell and be the tough heroine I'm waiting to see. Alden is hot enough so I just need the female protagonist to compliment Alden's strong points. It didn't happen in this book and that disappoint me a little. I guess that's my only problem about this book. Nevertheless, the plot is intriguing, the pacing is ok, the setting is good. I still enjoyed it and I still liked it. Not a favorite book of mine but good enough.

My Rating:

Blog Tour | Review and Giveaway: DUST by Devon Ashley

I welcome you to the Official Book Blog Tour of DUST by Author Devon Ashley. This tour will last until September 21 with exciting giveaways along different tour stops. Be sure to visit the rest of the participating blogs. I also want to take this opportunity to thank the lovely author of DUST for making me a part of this wonderful tour. THANK YOU SO MUCH Miss Devon!

As part of the tour, I did a book review of Dust, and somewhere in this post is a giveaway, too! Be sure to enter! Good luck and enjoy the tour!

DUST (Of Dust and Darkness #1)
Author: Devon Ashley
Publication Date: September 18th 2012
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy

Summary | Add to TBR

4. The number of times my delicate wings have been broken and clamped behind my back. 

68. The number inked upon my skin, marking me the sixty-eighth pixie to be stolen.

87. The number of days I’ve been wrongfully imprisoned.

88. The first day the faeries will regret stealing me.

Healthy. Cheery. Vivacious. All traits Rosalie has before becoming enslaved by the faeries to make an endless supply of pixie dust. Now that Rosalie has been traumatized by slave labor, extreme desolate conditions and multiple deaths, this hardened pixie is anything but. When this rebellious teenager attempts an escape, she’s isolated in cramped quarters until she learns her place. Just as she begins to let go of all that hope, she finds an unlikely friend in Jack, the faerie assigned to guard her. Interspecies dating is forbidden in the fae world, so their growing attraction is unacceptable. And even if Jack can find a way to free her, they know the prison is the only place they can truly be together.

My Thoughts:

My name is Rosalie. I may be smaller, I may be weaker, but I was born free, should die free. You will not take this from me.

I don't normally judge a book by its cover, but the gorgeous look of DUST made me want to read it. I'm not a fan of faeries or pixies whatsoever, but the summary of this book was so enticing that at the moment I wanted to grab a copy and devour it.

DUST reminds me Tinkerbell and the Pixie Hallow. It reminds me of those cute and adorable Disney fairies which I loved and enjoyed watching. Though this book isn't entirely about fairy tales and happy endings, I think it's beautiful and inspiring.

Before the Spriggans captured Rosalie, she was living with her roommate Poppy in their Hollow. She was an adventurous, free-spirited little pixie who finds happiness and comfort in her humble little tree-house. Now, she's living in a pit away from home with fellow slaves who have broken wings and deteriorating bodies. They are forced to work long hours making magic dusts--deprived of food and most of all, freedom. This isn't that Rosalie wish for and she will do her best to get her freedom back and save the other pixies from forced labor and near death. But in her attempt to escape, she was caught and put back into prison for torture and breaking of her wings. She prepared herself for the worst, but what she didn't expect was to become friends with the suddenly nice, gorgeous faerie who is assigned to guard her. 

The story is interesting and might as well unique since I haven't read any stories like this one before. I'd say though, that the first half of the book was a little slow for me and I was fighting the urge to skip a few lines just to get to the part where the action and romance will happen. During the first part of the story, I felt mixture of emotions, most of them sadness and pity for those poor pixies that were deprived of their freedom and soon die without hope. It was a bit emotional for me too, especially when it comes to the characters I began to care for. I just think that it could have been more exciting if we could see more than just glimpses of the other characters in the story. I can see big potentials for some of those minor characters  and I'm looking forward to seeing them again in the next installments. 

Even though the first half was a little slow for me, I'd say that my favorite part happened in the second half of the book. When I pictured Jack descending from the top of the prison down to the hole where Rosalie was, I finally see myself smiling and dreaming for that love story that I was waiting for since the beginning of the book. It wasn't love at first sight but their chemistry has been obvious to me ever since. I know that some may find their romantic relationship a bit rushed but I still enjoy it and the fact that these two characters finally found each other made me giddy and excited. I know there are more to anticipate in their relationship and I want to see how everything will work out for the two of them. 

Some books know how to make their readers hanging by the end of the story, and this book did it BIG time! I wasn't expecting something like that. And I wasn't prepared for such a cliffhanger ending. This book surprised me! After the ending I was left open-mouthed. I didn't know how to react at first. It wasn't something I expected but I believe it's good that the readers have something more to anticipate in the coming sequel.

If you're looking for a fast and enjoyable read that will touch your imagination as well as your heart, read this book. It has a promising plot, interesting storyline, and likable characters. I enjoyed it and I'm looking forward for the next book.

My Rating:

About the Author

Devon Ashley has always had an active imagination, and found herself daydreaming her childhood away. She became interested in creative writing as a teenager and used writing as a stress-reliever - and a way to escape the real world for a few hours. It wasn't until a judge in a screenwriting competition suggested she turn her world into a fiction series that she actually began writing novels.

Find her at The Crazy Dream Blog | Dark Horse Books | Facebook | Goodreads

And now for the giveaway, below is the picture of what you can WIN. Isn't it awesome? Just enter in the Rafflecopter to join!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Review: STAY WITH ME by Paul Griffin

Stay With Me
Author: Paul Griffin
Published: Dial
Publisher: September 8th 2011
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary Romance

Summary | Add to TBR

An urban romance that will capture your soul, break your heart, and restore your faith in the human spirit

Fifteen-year-olds Cece and Mack didn't expect to fall in love. She's a sensitive A student; he's a high school dropout. But soon they're spending every moment together, bonding over a rescued dog, telling their secrets, making plans for the future. Everything is perfect. Until. Until. Mack makes a horrible mistake, and in just a few minutes, the future they'd planned becomes impossible. In this stark new reality, both of them must find meaning and hope in the memories of what they had, to survive when the person they love can't stay.

From award-winning writer Paul Griffin, Stay with Me is both heartbreaking and uplifting, filled with characters (both dog and human) that will forever change the way you look at the world.

My Thoughts:

It happens all the time. And it does. Until it happens to you. Then it's something different all right, especially when you're left to wander the wreckage.

I thought that this book was going to be a depressing one... I just felt it and I thought that I wouldn't be able to finish it soon enough. I know that I wasn't in the mood for a lot of drama but there's something about this book that captured my interest and I didn't want to put it down.

The story is about a boy who has learning disabilities but is good-hearted and gifted. But there was something about him than just his reading problem... he heard hissing whenever he get mad or angry or feel bad, and sometimes it was difficult to control. Until he met his bestfriend's sister, Cece. They didn't plan to fall in love but it just happened and Cece is the only person who was able to calm Macky. But Macky did something that changes everything between them and forced them to acknowledge the fact that it is now impossible for the two of them to have a life together.

I think that the author developed the characters very well. They have depth, they have feelings, they have unique personalities that made each of them remarkable. You'll know by reading the book that these characters--major and minor ones--weren't created as a filler. They were there because they need to be there... to make the story complete, to create sense and meaning in the story. 

I'm so excited being alive, I can't  stop smiling... I'm lit up just like the sky. Lighting falls all across it like God brushed a wirehaired jackal and pulled the dross from the comb and just tossed it down on us. - Macky

Macky is a complicated character and reading his mind is sad and heartbreaking. He is kind, compassionate, humble, and good but the circumstances made it hard and unbearable for him. He isn't the strongest character out there, but he is one of the remarkable characters I've ever met. I wish that the circumstances were different for him so he can have a good future but life isn't like that for everyone. Though I couldn't say anything about Cece, since I didn't relate to her much, I think she was a nice character to read about and sometimes her thoughts were funny and entertaining that it made the book a bit lighter to read. But among all the characters, Anthony is the one I liked the most. He has so much faith in Macky and I think that he could never be a much better friend than what he already is.

I think this'll be a defining moment for you. You just have to go through it, kid. When you're ready to stop hurting, you'll move on. But that won't change the fact that you'll always have a part of him with you... It's okay to keep loving him... it's never easy, but it's always great. - Anthony

The story seemed to be progressing really well until I reached the middle part of the book. The story began to pace real slow for me and I wondered where the story was heading. I skipped a few words, even lines, just to hurry up my reading. It's a little frustrating but I still wanted to continue and see how it will end. By the time I reached the ending, I was left open-mouthed. The ending just didn't do it for me and I was left hanging. I don't know if there's even a future for Cece and Mack to be together and it just broke my heart. I guess it just showed that life isn't always a happy ending, and life doesn't always work out as we planned. But no matter how I try to accept it, I still felt heartbroken.

I also think that this book will appeal better on readers who love, love dogs. In my opinion, this book focused a little too much on them, not that I didn't liked it, but it overpowered the story especially the romance flavor. Maybe that's the reason why I was left unsatisfied. Don't get me wrong cos I also love dogs BUT I love a good romance too and I didn't get the happy ending I wanted. I didn't mean it to be a bad thing and it was wonderful to see how they were given so much credit in the story. I just want a happy ending, that's all.

Well, considering how this book made me feel, I'd say that even though there are parts that were slow and that the ending was a bit disappointing for me, I couldn't say that this book isn't good and not worthy of my time. Because honestly, even after days of finishing the book, I still think about it and the characters, wondering the could-have-beens, their present that they have to deal with and the future that awaits them. It made me think about people and how our relationships with our friends and families can make us or even break us. It is touching, sad, bittersweet, and very realistic. Give this book a chance, you might really enjoy it.

My Rating:

Book Review: DARK FROST by Jennifer Estep

Dark Frost (Mythos Academy #3)
Author: Jennifer Estep
Published: May 29th 2012
Publisher: Kensington
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy

Summary | Add to TBR

I’ve seen so many freaky things since I started attending Mythos Academy last fall. I know I’m supposed to be a fearless warrior, but most of the time, I feel like I’m just waiting for the next Bad, Bad Thing to happen. Like someone trying to kill me—again.

Everyone at Mythos Academy knows me as Gwen Frost, the Gypsy girl who uses her psychometry magic to find lost objects—and who just may be dating Logan Quinn, the hottest guy in school. But I’m also the girl the Reapers of Chaos want dead in the worst way. The Reapers are the baddest of the bad, the people who murdered my mom. So why do they have it in for me?

It turns out my mom hid a powerful artifact called the Helheim Dagger before she died. Now, the Reapers will do anything to get it back. They think I know where the dagger is hidden, but this is one thing I can’t use my magic to find. All I do know is that the Reapers are coming for me—and I’m in for the fight of my life.

My Thoughts:

This series is one of those that aren't in my top favorites, but it's one of those that I am anxiously waiting for. I'm not sure what captures me the most about this book--maybe the on and off romance of the lead characters that is so frustrating and exciting at the same time--or maybe just the story and the fantasy flavor. But one thing I'm sure of, I will continue to read this series.

I liked the first two books, especially the last, "Kiss of Frost". Since I am a sucker for good and sweet romance, I enjoyed this book a lot. I think it's the best of the three books. I was actually expecting more from "Dark Frost", but I got bit disappointed. I skipped reading most of the parts, because of too much repetition. Seriously, I've been reminded too much of the things I already know. I think that if you remove all the unnecessary explanations, you could wrapped up the entire story in just half of the book. It's frustrating. If you've read the first two books, you'll understand what I'm talking about. I also hope that Gwen learned to be more perceptive to the people and her surroundings. The Helheim Dagger which she was looking for was obviously been there, and it took her a while before she realized it. I hope she was more creative in her ways than just researching for the written words all the time. Gwen has improved from the first book up to this, but I hope that she'll be more kick-ass next time and learned how to appreciate herself and her powers.

Overall, the story is good. I enjoyed it though there were some downfall for me. I really liked Kiss of Frost the most, and I hope the next book will be even better than the rest of first books in the series. I guess I'm one of the VERY FEW who didn't liked it much, so better read more reviews before deciding to read it or not. People loved this book more than the first two so I think it's worth giving a shot.

My Rating:

Book Review: DAUGHTER OF SMOKE AND BONE by Laini Taylor

Daughter of Smoke and Bone (Daughter of Smoke and Bone #1)

Author: Laini Taylor

Published Date: September 27th 2011

Publisher: Little, Brown & Co.
Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal Romance

Summary | Add to TBR

Around the world, black handprints are appearing on doorways, scorched there by winged strangers who have crept through a slit in the sky.

In a dark and dusty shop, a devil's supply of human teeth grows dangerously low.

And in the tangled lanes of Prague, a young art student is about to be caught up in a brutal otherwordly war.

Meet Karou. She fills her sketchbooks with monsters that may or may not be real; she's prone to disappearing on mysterious "errands"; she speaks many languages—not all of them human; and her bright blue hair actually grows out of her head that color. Who is she? That is the question that haunts her, and she's about to find out.

When one of the strangers—beautiful, haunted Akiva—fixes his fire-colored eyes on her in an alley in Marrakesh, the result is blood and starlight, secrets unveiled, and a star-crossed love whose roots drink deep of a violent past. But will Karou live to regret learning the truth about herself?

My Thoughts:

Hope can be a powerful force. Maybe there's no actual magic in it, but when you know what you hope for most and hold it like a light within you, you can make things happen, almost like magic.

I know there are lots of you who have read and loved and adored this book. So, please don't take it against me when I say that I didn't like this book "THAT" much. I enjoyed it somehow, though maybe not as much as you did. I know, I know... maybe it's just me, but here's what I really think about the book:

The story started really slow for me up to the middle part. The first half was so confusing--the setting and even the style of writing. First, I didn't know that Prague is actually a city in Czech. I thought it was something that the author created and a result of her creative imagination (Really, I'm sorry. I'm not that smart to know everything.) Second, I couldn't relate with the characters. And it's the first thing I look forward to in any books. I need to like them, I need to feel a connection. Unfortunately, no matter how I tried, I couldn't connect with Karou the same way that I couldn't feel her relationship with Akiva. It was like Karou and Madrigal were two different people entirely.

BUT. The second half of the book is a different case. This time, the story picked up. Just when I thought that I would be bored to death, the surprises started to arise, and the secrets began to unfold. I started to understand things, letting me enjoy the rest of the story. Honestly, I didn't expect it to catch up anymore but I was surprised when I reached the other half of the book. Suddenly, everything makes sense!

I can't say that I'm excited for the next installment, but I can't deny either that I still want to read it and see what will happen to the characters. The ending wasn't at all cliffie for me and maybe it's because I wasn't that invested in the characters which is kinda bad since characters matters to me a lot--BIG TIME. The setting is interesting (but like I said, confusing) and the plot is unique, so over-all, this book is good enough, but not something I look forward to reading again.

BUT. Please don't base your decision in my review alone. People actually, truly enjoyed this book and I'm just one of the few who didn't love it enough. Read more reviews and who knows, you might actually enjoy it. Every book is something, right? Maybe not just for everyone, but they are certainly worth other people's time. Go and give it a shot.


My Rating:

Book Review: WHISPERING HILLS by Taryn Browning

Whispering Hills (Whispering Hills #1)

Author: Taryn Browning

Publication Date: March 19th 2012

Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal Romance

Summary | Add to TBR

Life and death, love and hate, friends and enemies...

For as long as she can remember, 17-year-old Alexis Forbes can hear the thoughts of others. Most recently, she is disturbed by the dark, unfamiliar voice of a frightening killer: callous, cunning, charismatic…and dead.

She hears his every sinister thought. But she can’t tell anyone. No one would believe her. Alexis is suddenly being haunted by a terrifying past she doesn’t remember, and a ghost with a serious score to settle. Even Chance, the gorgeous new guy she’s falling for, has his own ghostly secret. He’s definitely not like any guy she’s ever met. Alexis soon discovers she has a connection to the dead and it runs much deeper than she could ever imagine. And if the sociopathic entity has his way, she’ll finally be sentenced to the fate she escaped thirteen years ago.

My Thoughts:

When I started this book, I didn't quite know exactly what to expect. There's a girl who can hear people's thoughts, a mysterious boy who dress like he was from different generation, a gothic friend with unique abilities, and some mysterious ghost that gave me creeps. The characters are interesting enough that you would want to read more about them. There are also lots of mysteries to unravel and and you wouldn't truly understand unless you read the story up to the end. It will keep you guessing all through out the book and you can not just put it down without knowing what will happen next. It was suspenseful and thrilling and sometimes creepy. 

I guess the only problem I had is the relationship between Alexis and Chance. It felt a bit rushed to me and I just couldn't feel their connection. There were also times that I was bothered by Alexis' attitude toward Chance. I was looking for something deeper between the two main characters and I hope that the next book will deliver what I felt was lacking in the first book. The supporting characters however gave this book a little more spice with their snarky and badass personalities. Overall, this book is an enjoyable read--interesting and original.

My Rating:

Also by Taryn Browning: Seeker Series

Read Summary & Add to TBR

Read my review

Read the Summary & Add to TBR

Read the Summary & Add to TBR

Blog Tour (Interview, Review, Giveaway): Meeting Destiny by Nancy Straight

Welcome to Meeting Destiny Blog Tour!

Today you'll have the opportunity to win a Signed Copy of Meeting Destiny! But before that, let me introduce to you the lovely author herself--Nancy Straight. I had the privilege to ask her some fun questions which I am excited to share with you! Here is Ms. Nancy Straight...

Author's Bio:

Nancy was born in Sioux City Iowa, left the cold of the Midwest in 1991 and only returns to see family in the summer time. She spent ten years traveling the world as a US Marine and settled in rural SC with her husband, two children and three dogs. She enjoys RVing with her family, writing Paranormal Romance / Urban Fantasy and reading all types of Paranormal and Young Adult literature.

Facebook | Twitter | Blog | Goodreads 

Tell us a bit about yourself. 

Let me see if I can give you something more than the standard answer that will give you some real insight into me.

I LOVE Starbucks’ White Mocha Latte and Mountain Dew, (but not together). I have a lead foot so I set cruise control when I drive, even in 25 MPH zones. I almost never win when I play Angry Birds, but have my 7 year old close, so he can clear the hard levels for me. I grew up on a farm and am opposed to eating fresh chicken. I am a huge fan of the show, Big Bang Theory, on CBS. I have a stray cat that I feed every night and morning but she’s never let me get closer than within 3 feet of her – I keep thinking eventually I’ll wear her down. I share my life with two fantastic sons, three rotten dogs and a husband that I adore.

Have you always wanted to be a writer? 

I’ve always been an avid reader, and I thought writing would be fun, but until recently I never pictured myself as an actual writer.

 

What's the best part of being a writer? 

The best part is by far the people that read my novels and contact me afterwards. I can’t tell you how excited I get when I read a great review, receive a message on Goodreads or a tweet from someone that just finished one of my books! It’s a real adrenaline rush to know that a story I made up moved someone to tears, made them laugh out loud after their husband was already sleeping or kept them guessing on what would happen next into the wee hours of the morning. 

What's the worst part? 

I don’t believe I’ve run across a part that I don’t like.  There is a stigma attached to being a self-published author, that the work isn’t good enough for traditional publishing.  I find this a little offensive, but I think self-publishing is such a new phenomena that this stigma will dissolve in the not too distant future.  Although I don’t begrudge any author that chooses to publish the traditional way, there are things that make self-publishing much more attractive, for me.  I don’t have an agent or a publicist representing me, absolutely every reader that contacts me, gets a response - from me.  I feel connected to the friends I’ve made that enjoy my books and they are an exceptional source of motivation on the days when I’d rather park myself in front of the television and goof off.  I have full control over my books, I can change covers, I can change text, I can even give a whole bunch of them away and no one can stop me (Meeting Destiny’s e-book is FREE right now).    

How did you come up with the story of Meeting Destiny? 

I’m a hopeless romantic, believing that there really is someone out there for everyone.  If by some chance you don’t connect with them the first time, fate will find a way to reintroduce you until you click.  I liked this idea and took it a step further, that a couple truly devoted to one another could share multiple lifetimes together.

What was the hardest part of writing the book? 

Editing is a labor of love.  The story itself was written in three months, but the editing took an additional six.  I can’t tell you how many times I said out loud, “this is really the last edit,” only to have the story edited several more times after.  

What was the easiest?

The whole Destiny Series was a story in my head that was screaming to get out.  The very first chapter in the book was by far the easiest to write, when I decided to write the book I knew exactly how I wanted it to begin.

Do you see yourself in any of your characters?

If so, who's character you can totally relate with? One of the small characters in the story is a mouthy physical therapist, Gretchen.  Although I’ve never done anything remotely medically related, her personality and some of the comments she says to motivate Lauren are things I could see myself saying in the same situation.  

Where do you get your inspiration? 

Readers, reviews posted by readers, other authors, bloggers and other books that have captured my heart.  I don’t know if people realize how much of an impact their kind words have on authors.  But a note from someone that says, “I read until 2 am.” or “I couldn’t put it down.” are really an adrenaline rush and inspire me more than any other factor.    

What kind of music do you listen to when you write?

It depends on what I’m writing.  Anyone that has read the Destiny Series will tell you there is a good bit of action, suspense and some swoony romance.  The music tends to mimic the emotion of the scenes I’m writing.  My iPod has around 500 songs so I just keep hitting “next” until I find one I like, then sometimes I loop it while I’m writing.  I have a diverse pallet for music: Adelle, Norah Jones, Keesha, and old EMINEM songs as well as much of the popular country songs are all favorites. 

Aside from being a writer, is there anything else you wanted to be? 

I’ve been fortunate to realize many dreams.  I wanted to travel the world, so I joined and spent ten years doing just that in the US Marine Corps.  I wanted to improve some of the technology available to war-fighters so I worked as a Civil Servant managing some pretty cool programs for the Department of Defense.  When I was younger I would have liked to work for the CIA – but I’m sure that was a result of watching the “Bourne” movies too many times.  LOL!  At this stage in my life (early 40s) I’m able to draw from so many experiences that writing is both a joy and a passion.   

Do you have a favorite or inspirational quote that you want to share with us?

The idea of soul-mates have been around for a VERY long time.  “Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies.” - Aristotle

MORE FUN STUFF:

What's your biggest dream?  

For my boys to think I’m cool, even when they’re teenagers.

What's the thing that scares you the most? 

It’s a toss-up between spiders and snakes – I’m not fond of either.  I had a close encounter with a Cobra in Thailand and there are Brown Recluses throughout the area I live in South Carolina.  Choosing which one I fear more is like being given the option of a punch in the head or a kick in the belly.  

What are the top five things you can never live without? 

Family, friends, books, DirecTV and Mountain Dew.

What is your favorite book?

I just finished Rachel Higginson’s Star-crossed Series – I’m DEEPLY in love with it and will probably read it a second time very soon.  Shelly Crane’s Significance Series, Charlotte Abel’s Channie Series and Shannon Dermott’s Beg for Mercy are all big favorites as well.

How about your favorite food?  

Anything that I don’t have to cook! (That’s my family’s favorite food, too!)

Are you a science geek or a math geek?

I’m a nerd, or at least my son tells me I am, but I struggle helping him with his Algebra homework, so I think that means: no.

Any talent? (Aside from writing of course). 

I am an exceptional shot with a rifle, I can shoot a target from 500 yards without aid of a scope.  I can usually find a funny story to make others laugh.  I’m a good listener.  Not sure if any of the three qualify as talents, but I’m proud of all three!

Meeting Destiny (Destiny #1)

Author: Nancy Straight

Publication Date: June 26th 2012

Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal Romance

Buy Links:

Amazon (Paperback | E-book)
Barnes & Noble

Summary | Add to TBR

Lauren is visited in her dreams for years by a stranger claiming to be her destiny. Destiny becomes reality when paths cross during a failed robbery attempt. Lauren and the stranger experience chemistry like no other and now her doubt over her long time relationship with her high school sweetheart is not her only secret…someone else knows about her keen intuition and sixth sense. A mysterious clairvoyant seeks Lauren out and tells her not only of her life now but what the future may hold. Soon Lauren is in the middle of a murder investigation and a questionable friendship with the key suspect. Law enforcement, friends and family are concerned for Lauren but unfortunately they are unaware of the true danger… Sinister forces are at work and will stop at nothing to destroy Lauren’s abilities.

My Thoughts:

Even before I learned about the blog tour, I already picked up this book for my Kindle. So when I was invited to join the tour, I was beyond thrilled. I think Meeting Destiny is one of those books that will always remind me of the word "soulmates" and of course the word "destiny".

Lauren and Max are destined to be together. Lauren had always dreamed of him for years and when she finally meet him, she's certain that he's the only one for her. She broke up with her bestfriend and sort-of-boyfriend Seth to pursue Max and make him remember everything he said in her dreams. But meeting Max didn't make her life less complicated since Lauren isn't just an ordinary girl. She has the ability to sense danger around her and other people.

Max is a dreamy kind of guy--gorgeous, strong, dependable and a gentleman. There seems to be more about him to discover in the next installment. I want to know everything about Max and how he and Lauren will fulfill their purpose and their destinies together. Lauren is independent and strong-willed, though I think she should be more open with Max about things and her decisions. But then, that made her who she is. 

The story is full of suspense and never-ending mystery. It will keep you guessing up to the last page. And the ending? What a cliffhanger! Does it have to end like that? Oh my Max. This will certainly make you anxious to read the next book.

Overall, the story is good, entertaining and gripping. The mysteries that surrounds Lauren and her abilities, Max and his purpose, and their stories together that are waiting to be told makes this book a very good start for a compelling saga that you might not want to miss.

My Rating:

P.S. One reader told me via Amazon that my review somehow confused her. I gave this book a rating of 3/5 but when you read my review, it seems like I really liked it. Maybe, I didn't explained it much in my review, but I think I owe it to my readers and followers. I don't want to change my original stand/thoughts once I already posted. I only give my honest opinion because I believe in integrity. So, I've decided to just further explain my thoughts on why I give it a 3/5 instead of a higher one. 

I honestly liked Meeting Destiny and I'm still looking forward to read the next books in the series. A rating of 3 out of 5 doesn't mean a "negative" review for me. It was actually ok. In Goodreads, it means "I liked it", and in Amazon it means "It's OK." Here in my blog, I mean it as "A Good Read". The only thing that I've forgotten to mentioned (which probably caused the confusion) is the reason why 3? I've been too busy babbling on the good stuffs that I forgot to mention what I didn't like. Well, honestly, there's nothing hated about the book. It's just that the relationship of Max and Lauren didn't do it for me that much... I'm still waiting for something deeper... something strong that will make my heart tingles, and my body tense when I read about them. Something that is more than what they have in the book. Nevertheless, this book is good. I meant it and I still do. :)

And now, for the GIVEAWAY, you can win One (1) Signed Copy of Meeting Destiny. This is open for U.S. Residents only (sorry to my international readers/followers, but don't worry 'cos you can still own an E-BOOK of Meeting Destiny at Amazon Kindle cos it's still FREE! 

To enter in the giveaway, simply fill up the Rafflecopter below. It ends on April 30th 2012.

GOOD LUCK!

Book Review: MY SOUL TO KEEP by Rachel Vincent

My Soul To Keep (Soul Screamers #3)
Author: Rachel Vincent
Publication Date: June 1st 2010
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Genre: Young Adult, Urban Fantasy/Paranormal

Summary | Add to TBR

Kaylee has one addiction: her very hot, very popular boyfriend, Nash. A banshee like Kaylee, Nash understands her like no one else. Nothing can come between them.Until something does.Demon breath. No, not the toothpaste-challenged kind. The Netherworld kind. The kind that reallycan kill you. Somehow the super-addictive substance has made its way to the human world. But how? Kaylee and Nash have to cut off the source and protect their friends—one of whom is already hooked.And so is someone else…

My Thoughts:

At first, I didn't expect that I would be able to enjoy this book after reading My Soul To Save (book 2), which happened to be a bit of a let down for me. But honestly, I'd enjoyed this book better than book 2. Among the first three books, I'd say My Soul To Keep was the saddest. Because I saw how the relationship of Kaylee and Nash twist and turned into something unhealthy and probably the worst. It may not still be the best moment for Kaylee to shine, because honestly, she still get on my nerves from time to time. I have a feeling that I will still need to endure Kaylee's need to save people even if it means risking her own life which usually end up risking her love ones too. If you will ask me, part of what happened to Nash was Kaylee's fault after all. Though of course, Nash should have been careful and smart. I really felt devastated for him, for what he's going through and for everything that happened between them and Kaylee. I still want them to be together but I know that I should start to learn how to let go of Nash. Soon. So I won't end up broken hearted. Oh well, Nash... I thought you were smarter and stronger than that... *sigh... how will you ever make it all up to Kaylee, huh? :'(

The Netherworld seems to be all time present now and in the future books, so expect to see and experience more of the Netherworld--though I know that it's a place we don't want to experience at all. Avari, the demon of greed won't stop hunting Kaylee until he gets her soul, and thus the story is becoming more and more complicated. 

I think this book was good... heartbreaking and devastating especially if you're rooting for Nash like me. Thank goodness, there's Tod and I'd say watch out. I can't wait to see how their lives will be more tangled and complicated as the story unfolds. Oh my, Tod, will you come out of the shell now and enlighten me? I need to know what's beneath those blue eyes... 

I can't wait to read the rest of the books, and I tell you, if you haven't read the Soul Screamers, I think you should consider getting a copy now. My Soul to Keep may not be the best book in the series, but I think this was a great turning point in the lives of the characters. I'm excited to see what will happen next. I need the next book now.

My Rating:

Book Review: PURE by Julianna Baggott

Pure (Pure #1)
Author: Julianna Baggott
Publication Date: February 8th 2012
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Genre: Young Adult, Dystopian/Scifi

Summary | Add to TBR

We know you are here, our brothers and sisters . . .

Pressia barely remembers the Detonations or much about life during the Before. In her sleeping cabinet behind the rubble of an old barbershop where she lives with her grandfather, she thinks about what is lost-how the world went from amusement parks, movie theaters, birthday parties, fathers and mothers . . . to ash and dust, scars, permanent burns, and fused, damaged bodies. And now, at an age when everyone is required to turn themselves over to the militia to either be trained as a soldier or, if they are too damaged and weak, to be used as live targets, Pressia can no longer pretend to be small. Pressia is on the run.

Burn a Pure and Breathe the Ash . . .

There are those who escaped the apocalypse unmarked. Pures. They are tucked safely inside the Dome that protects their healthy, superior bodies. Yet Partridge, whose father is one of the most influential men in the Dome, feels isolated and lonely. Different. He thinks about loss-maybe just because his family is broken; his father is emotionally distant; his brother killed himself; and his mother never made it inside their shelter. Or maybe it's his claustrophobia: his feeling that this Dome has become a swaddling of intensely rigid order. So when a slipped phrase suggests his mother might still be alive, Partridge risks his life to leave the Dome to find her.

When Pressia meets Partridge, their worlds shatter all over again.

My Thoughts:

In the world of Pure, there are two kinds of people. The Pure and the wretches. The Pures are people who made it inside the Dome before the Detonations, and the wretches are those who were left behind. The Pures are unscarred, living in a very controlled environment where they are kept healthy, fit, and perfect. While the wretches, those who are outside the Dome, are living with deformed bodies, scarred--strangely fused with something--either a machine, an animal, or even another human being. Pressia lives among the wretches. She has a hand that is made up of a doll's head which became her fist, and she has a burn scar on one side of her face. Partridge, on the other hand, lives among the Pures. He used to be inside the Dome until he escaped to find her mother whom he believed is still alive and living outside the Dome. So when Pressia hit 16, the time when she needs to surrender herself to either serve or become a living bait to the OSR (Operations Sacred Revolution), she escaped and she had no choice but to find Bradwell--the leader of the Resistance who seemed to know more about the Before, the life before the Detonations. Along the way, she met Partridge and together they seek Bradwell's help.

The story was a bit slow for me in the beginning of the book and I need to reread some of the passages to understand what they were talking about. There are terms and things that were not explained fully and it made me confused most of the time during the first half of the book. Halfway through, the story became interesting and I got the answers that I was looking for. It made me even more eager to know what will happen next especially to the characters that I loved.

"I remember how the ugliness is what makes the beautiful things beautiful." - Partridge

I've read a lot of dystopian books before but nothing delivers a world as eery and as frightening as the world in Pure. The world was startling, overwhelming, and horrible. If you have a vivid imagination and a weak stomach, then you might find yourself wincing while reading this book. The writing was effective and the images were so vivid that I can actually picture them in my mind. Imagine humans fused with animals, metals or plastics. Some are fused with machines, toys, and even another human being. Everything is mutated and death is everywhere. It's a dangerous world, and it's like survival of the fittest.

I find this book a bit different from other dystopian books I've read. I can't describe how my stomach felt while I read this book, but I remember eagerly turning the page to see what will happen next. I stopped reading many times just to let the everything sink in before I continue with the next scene. There were exciting and surprising twists that made this book even more engaging. And not only that, this book is full of heart stopping actions that will keep you rooted in your seat until the last page.

But you might ask, why only 3/5? Well, it's actually 3.5/5 though. And as I've mentioned on the first part of my review, it took me halfway through before I completely pulled into the story. The first half of the book was a bit slow and confusing and I needed to reread some parts to get it. Maybe I'm a bit slow, too *wink. But anyway, I could have given it a much higher rating if not for the slow part.

So do I still recommend it? Absolutely.

Pure is blended with alive characters, intriguing story line and unexpected surprises. If you like dystopian novels then you might as well grab a copy of this one. It's good and unique on it's own way. It's very intense, breathtaking and most of all frightening. It might be a little disturbing due to the images that you'll get while reading it, but the story itself was fascinating.

"It's all a game now," El Capitan says, unlocking the trap. "You lose and you're dead. Winning means you just keep playing. Sometimes I wish I'd lose. Tired. I get tired, that's all..."

3.5 Coffee Cups!

My Rating:

Book Review: TOUCH by Jus Accardo

Touch (Denazen #1)

Author: Jus Accardo
Publication Date: October 9th 2011
Publisher:Entangled Publishing
Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal

Summary:

When a strange boy tumbles down a river embankment and lands at her feet, seventeen-year-old adrenaline junkie Deznee Cross snatches the opportunity to piss off her father by bringing the mysterious hottie with ice blue eyes home.

Except there’s something off with Kale. He wears her shoes in the shower, is overly fascinated with things like DVDs and vases, and acts like she’ll turn to dust if he touches her. It’s not until Dez’s father shows up, wielding a gun and knowing more about Kale than he should, that Dez realizes there’s more to this boy—and her father’s “law firm”—than she realized.

Kale has been a prisoner of Denazen Corporation—an organization devoted to collecting “special” kids known as Sixes and using them as weapons—his entire life. And, oh yeah, his touch? It kills. The two team up with a group of rogue Sixes hellbent on taking down Denazen before they’re caught and her father discovers the biggest secret of all. A secret Dez has spent her life keeping safe. Add to TBR.

My Thoughts:

I've been wanting to read this book for a long time now since it's released last year. Pre-ordered it until it came just this February. So was it worth the wait then? Let me tell you.

The setting: Good.
The characters: Good.
The story: Good.

So yeah, overall it was a good read for me. I actually enjoyed it though there were times that I felt I was fighting to finish the book. It reminds me of Shatter Me by Tehereh Mafi and X-Men because of the super powers that the characters possess. It wasn't a let down but I admit that it didn't reached up to the potential I was hoping for. I expected a lot from this book and I anticipated for something incredible and outstanding and remarkable to happen, sadly it wasn't like that for me. It's good but not good enough for me to really want the next book.

People with awesome abilities are called "sixes". The Denazen corporation where Deznee's dad worked, kidnaps kids who have unique abilities and trained them and used them to kill people. They become assassins and that's what Kale was until he escaped from Denazen and found Dez. 

I loved Kale. He's hot, gorgeous and dangerous, too. It's interesting to see how he adapts to the world he barely knew and remains strong and smart despite of his innocence and lack of knowledge about the life outside of Denazen. He might not be the strongest character or the most swoon-worthy type of guy (I think), because honestly, I like male characters to be strong and dependable, all-knowing and snarky and sometimes mysterious. I didn't find him like that, but he is definitely a guy to root for. Maybe if he catch up fully with the world, he'll be one perfect hero. The heroine--Dez, is a strong, bad-ass heroine. She likes the adrenaline when she do something wild and adventurous, she's snarky, stubborn, a rebel and a fighter. The rest of the characters are good enough and likable, and the powers which these characters have are impressive. The touch that could kill, the power to stop a human heart, the ability to mimic things and even a person, and the soul jumper (which intrigued me the most). They may not be unique but it's actually amazing how the author crafted such ideas and put them in a story like Touch. I may not have enjoyed it as much as other readers did, but I still recommend this book. I honestly think that there will be more exciting things that awaits for us in the next installment. So don't let my review stop you from buying this book. It's good and it's worth reading.

With all the hype and the high ratings of this book, I know that I'm one of the very few who didn't rate it with 5 stars. It's just my opinion anyway (don't shoot me).

3.5 coffee cups!

My Rating:

Book Review: MY SOUL TO SAVE by Rachel Vincent

My Soul To Save (Soul Screamers #2)

Author: Rachel Vincent

Publication Date: December 29th 2009

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Genre: Young Adult, Urban Fantasy/Paranormal

Summary | Add to TBR
When Kaylee Cavanaugh screams, someone dies. So when teen pop star Eden croaks onstage and Kaylee doesn't wail, she knows something is dead wrong. She can't cry for someone who has no soul. The last thing Kaylee needs right now is to be skipping school, breaking her dad's ironclad curfew and putting her too-hot-to-be-real boyfriend's loyalty to the test. But starry-eyed teens are trading their souls: a flickering lifetime of fame and fortune in exchange for eternity in the Netherworld—a consequence they can't possibly understand. Kaylee can't let that happen, even if trying to save their souls means putting her own at risk….

My Thoughts:

Good but not as good as the first book. 

The story started at Eden's concert, where Kaylee, Nash and Tod saw Eden fell and die. They learned that Addison Paige--Tod's ex-girlfriend also sold her soul to a hellion and is now next on the list. Tod will do everything to save Addison's soul and once again, Kaylee became so concerned of helping Addison and Tod. Nash couldn't let Kaylee go to the Netherworld without him so he agreed to help his brother and Kaylee save Addison's soul from the hellion.

In book two, readers will finally see what the Netherworld really look like. The setting and the world building is really good and Rachel Vincent nailed it. I liked the idea of the Netherworld, because it was different from what I'd expected. Not just a barren land but an actual place or city just like ours but it was the horrible and dangerous side of it. It was interesting and scary to read about. The writing is still good, the concept is ok. And it was nice to see how Nash and Kaylee's relationship develops though I wish there was more to see about Nash. Tod was always present but I liked him more in My Soul To Save. I was a bit irritated with him for putting Kaylee at risk just to save Addison. It wasn't also Kaylee's strongest point in the series because there were times when I want to hit her in the head. I don't like her messing with things she's not actually involved with, and I hate it when she's being so stubborn especially with her dad.

I wish this book has something more than saving Addison's and Regan's souls from the hellion. There's just something missing or lacking in the story that made it less entertaining for me. I admit, there are times that I almost give up and thought of picking up another book to read, but then I really wanted to see how the story will shape the characters and prepare them for the next books in the series. Many times I struggled to finish the book but I'm glad that I did. 

Don't hesitate to pick up My Soul to Save if you enjoyed and loved My Soul To Take. It's still good, just not the best in the series, I think.

3.5 coffee cups!

My Rating:

Book Review: FIRST DATE by Krista McGee

First Date

Author: Krista McGee

Published Date: January 10th 2012

Published By: Thomas Nelson

Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Religious/Inspirational

Summary from Goodreads:

Addy Davidson discovers God's unexpected plans for her life when a reality TV show turns her quiet existence on its head. The orphaned daughter of missionaries, Addy is quite content to stay in the shadows and never draw attention to herself. But when she's selected for a reality TV show to try to become the President son's prom date-a show she didn't audition for-she's suddenly in America's spotlight. The lights, the make-up, the competitions, and the blogs discussing every move she makes all make Addy incredibly uncomfortable. But through her time at The Mansion, Addy comes to realize that first impressions aren't always right, that hiding out may not be what God had planned for her life, and that her faith should affect everything she does. It may just be that her selection wasn't random at all and that she's on this show "for such a time as this." Add to TBR

Note: This book is provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

My Thoughts:

[God] You are why I'm here.

What will you do when you were chosen to represent your school in a reality TV show to win the heart of the President's handsome son and be his date on the prom? Most girls would jump up with the idea but Addy was different. She preferred studying and reading her books over life in the spotlight. She's a quiet girl contented with her simple life. She's also a Christian and God has a bigger, much better plan.

The story of Addy is a modern retelling of the story of Esther in the Bible--the good, wise and very beautiful Israelite who became Queen and wife of King Xerxes of Persia. In this modern retelling of the story, the author has written an inspiring novel that will grab hold of your heart. It will make you happy and sad at the same time. There is no dragging parts and the characters are nice to read about. The moments Addy stepped into the spotlight, you'll find yourself wanting to know what will happen to her and her relationship with Jonathon. I just wish there was more of Jonathon in the story because I enjoyed every part when they were together. I wish those moments were a lot longer. 

Mean girls are just mean. I hate them. But the story tells us to love our enemies more. Addy were surrounded by people who seemed to hate her even more everyday, but yet she managed to survive and do what God asked her to do. There are moments when I find myself in her shoes, because just like her,  I experience those times when I feel like God is talking to me, but it's just isn't the right time for me (that's what I thought) and I try to ignore Him. Maybe you are like me, or like Addy but this book will inspire you. I think that people will enjoy this story and somehow they will be able to relate with Addy or with some other character that the author created. Though others may find it a bit preachy in some parts, I don't doubt that it will somehow capture not only the hearts of Christian teenagers but also the hearts of those who are just looking for a light and refreshing read. 

The message of this book is clear: we may have to risk the things that are important to us when we speak up for what is right and for what God asks us to do in order to fulfill His plan. It will take a lot of courage to do that, but it will always be worth it in the end. God has a greater plan for each of us and we just need to trust Him and believe in His promises.

My Rating:

Book Review: ADDISON BLAKELY: CONFESSIONS OF A PK by Betsy St. Amant

Addison Blakely: Confessions of A PK
Author: Betsy St. Amant
Published Date: January 1, 2012
Published By: Barbour Publishing, Inc.
Genre: Young Adult, Family, Religious/Inspirational

Summary from Goodreads:

Sixteen-year-old Addison Blakely has tireless played the role of PK—preacher’s kid—her entire life. But after Wes Keegan revs his motorcycle into town and into her heart, Addison begins to wonder how much of her faith is her own and how much has been handed to her. She isn’t so sure she wants to be the good girl anymore. Join Addison Blakely as she attempts to separate love from lust, facts from faith, and keep her head above water in her murky, fishbowl existence.

Thank you to lovely Author Betsy St. Amant and NetGalley for the e-arc of this book.

My Thoughts:

How does it feels like to be preacher's's kid? I basically grew up in a Christian environment and it's true that when you're a Christian, people expect you to be nicer and better and they tend to notice all the negative things about your life that doesn't fit in the word "good" and "proper". This book gave me a glimpse of what it's like for a Pastor's kid, living in what she calls life in a fishbowl.

"I didn't ask to be a PK. I didn't ask for a life that meant living like a teenage saint. I didn't ask for any of it, yet it was asked of me everyday."

It has always been Addison and his Pastor Dad since her mom died when she was little. She lives in their home doing her homework after school, sitting in the third pew at the church every Sunday, trying to live a life that is expected of her... everyday. She was never late for school, never missed one assignment, and always a perfect A student.

But then there is Wes Keegan--tattooed--his motorcycle and black leather jacket perfectly match his bad boy image. Addison is magnetically drawn to him, and she can't figure out why. Her life that revolves around her father, the church, and God is now suddenly turning vague... she's confused and her life is more complicated than ever. Everything in her life add up to her dilemma--God. Her dad. Her English teacher, Ms. Hawthorne. Her ex-bestfriend Claire. Luke. Wes and his Lemon Drop Girlfriend. Everything seems to be out of control. She started to think about her faith and questioned her relationship with God. The only thing that Addison wants now is to escape the rules and for once, be able to experience the joy of being outside the fishbowl. She tried to be a lemon drop.

"Forget the rules. Forget black and white. I wanted to hug gray. I wanted to ride the line between responsibility and fun and not worry about falling off the wrong side. "

"
I stared at my reflection in the bathroom mirror and tried to look assured. Confident. Independent. Sour. You. Are. A. Lemon. Drop. But my pink polka-dotted pj top pretty much said the opposite. I rested my forehead against the mirror with a groan. Who was I kidding? I was a gummi bear through and through..."

The story is good and what I really liked about it is the truth it implies about the importance of a person's relationship with God above everything else. I appreciate how the author wrote a well-written story about a person's journey in discovering what she really wants and what her relationship with God is all about without getting preachy. Addison's confessions are honest, they made me laugh and mad at the same time. Sometimes she's difficult to understand and it feels like she's exaggerating, but then I tried put myself in her shoes and I wonder what it is like to be Addison. I'm not a preacher's kid and maybe I won't ever understand what its like to be one. But I'm sure that each of us can somehow relate to Addison's struggles with her feelings toward Wes and the difficult task of choosing what's right from what's wrong.

Over all, this book is good and I enjoyed reading Addison's story except for some slow and dragging parts. Addison's life is simple yet complicated, funny and ironic too. You'll sympathize with her, laugh with her, and even get mad at her sometimes. But she's nice and sweet as Gummi Bear too. You'll like Wes even though he's too hard to figure out. There's something about him that will make you doubt him and care for him at the same time. This book made me a little crazy but in a good way, and I started asking myself "Am I a gummi bear or a lemon drop candy?" Maybe I'm a gummi bear... Hey, gummi bears are yummy!

My Rating: