February 28, 2014

Epic Recs Review: Insignia by S.J. Kincaid

Feature created by Amber and Judith, Graphic created by Judith
So Lisa and I picked books for each other at the beginning of this month and, now, at the end of this month, we present you with our thoughts on the books we Epically Rec'd to each other. To check out Lisa's thoughts on my pick for her (Where She Went by Gayle Forman), click HERE.

Give Me That Book. Give it to Me Now.

Fact: I don't like coffee. I just like saying Coffee Clutch in my best and deepest New York accent. Considering I'm a New Yorker, I'm pretty freaking good at it. So I've got my tea and I hope you have your heated beverage of choice, because it's time to gab the day away.

The other day I was on Twitter and Rachel (who blogs over at As Told By Rachel) tweeted about how much she missed the good ol' days, before the Harry Potter series wrapped up. Y'know, back when she would get so excited for a new release with the pre-orders and the sweet anticipation for that next book in the series that you would absolutely devour the second you got your hands on it... well, you guys know what I mean. 

February 24, 2014

Review: Roar and Liv + Brooke by Veronica Rossi


Title: Roar and Liv (Under the Never Sky 0.5)
Author: Veronica Rossi
Release Date: October 30th, 2012
Publisher: HarperCollins
Page Count: 68
Source: Purchased
First Reaction: Aaaaand my heart is broken.
Before Perry and Aria, there was Roar and Liv.

After a childhood spent wandering the borderlands, Roar finally feels like he has a home with the Tides. His best friend Perry is like a brother to him, and Perry's sister, Liv, is the love of his life. But Perry and Liv's unpredictable older brother, Vale, is the Blood Lord of the Tides, and he has never looked kindly on Roar and Liv's union. Normally, Roar couldn't care less about Vale's opinion. But with food running low and conditions worsening every day, Vale's leadership is more vital—and more brutal—than ever. Desperate to protect his tribe, Vale makes a decision that will shatter the life Roar knew and change the fate of the Tides forever.

[Summary Source: Goodreads]

February 23, 2014

Review: Something Like Normal by Trish Doller


Title:
Something Like Normal
Author: Trish Doller
Release Date: June 19th, 2012
Publisher: Bloomsbury Childrens
Page Count: 224
Source: Purchased
First Reaction: Heartbreaking and fantastic.
When Travis returns home from a stint in Afghanistan, his parents are splitting up, his brother’s stolen his girlfriend and his car, and he’s haunted by nightmares of his best friend’s death. It’s not until Travis runs into Harper, a girl he’s had a rocky relationship with since middle school, that life actually starts looking up. And as he and Harper see more of each other, he begins to pick his way through the minefield of family problems and post-traumatic stress to the possibility of a life that might resemble normal again. Travis’s dry sense of humor, and incredible sense of honor, make him an irresistible and eminently lovable hero.

[Summary Source: Goodreads]

February 20, 2014

Veronica Mars Watch-Along Week 31

[Graphic designed by the lovely Judith of Paper Riot]
So, how does this work, super sleuths? Go check out the Watch-Along kick off post for the skinny. I'll give you a second just in case...

All caught up? Good.

In case you already know the basics and just forgot what episodes are up today, here's the list:
  • "Papa's Cabin"
  • "Un-American Graffiti"
And for NEXT WEEK:
  • "Debasement Tapes"
  • "I Know What You'll Do Next Summer"

I have GOT to stop with this laziness. Next Watch-Along post marks the insertion of THE LAST DISC WITH EPISODES into my computer. THE END IS NIGH. I WILL ACTUALLY FINISH THIS BEFORE THE MOVIE COMES OUT (something I was always scheduled to but, well, laziness).

So I better stop rambling and let you read words related to the Watch-Along, shouldn't I?


What Should I Buy? (4)


Hi Darlings!!

I don't have a coupon, but my friend, Estelle, who blogs over at Rather Be Reading, does and she need some book buying advice. Since she knows about "What Should I Buy?" she asked if she could write up a guest post in order to seek said advising from all of you! I obviously said yes because I wanna help and because I love this feature and feel bad whenever I use a coupon impulsively and forget to put it to a vote. So please, advise away!

What Should I Buy? (Hi It’s Estelle)

February 19, 2014

Cover Reveal + Giveaway: Mortal Heart by Robin LaFevers

I don't know if you guys remember that time I read GRAVE MERCY by Robin LaFevers because Lisa Epic Rec'd it to me. It's also worth noting that I freaking loved it. So I couldn't help but be beyond excited when Shae asked me if I'd be apart of the MORTAL HEART cover reveal and ARC giveaway.

I know, I know, I've mentioned book 1 and book 3 of the His Fair Assassin series in this last paragraph, but not book 2. That's because I'm only just ABOUT to read book 2. But, you guys, I know I'm gonna love it. You might doubt this, but I know and you're just going to have to trust me and my worthiness on this one.

Now, I bet you're all thinking (or maybe shouting out loud) "SO SHOW ME THE COVER ALREADY, WOULD YOU?" The thing is: I like a little drama. Which is why I've made you wait three whole paragraphs for the goods. I'm also going to make you scroll through some dashes and caps locks, just to make sure you really want to be here and really want to see this cover (and to really build up that drama).

Ready?

February 18, 2014

Review: Hung Up by Kristen Tracy




Title: Hung Up
Author: Kristen Tracy
Release Date: March 4th, 2014
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Page Count: 288
Source: ARC borrowed from Work
First Reaction: Absolutely adorable, but the structure made it fall kinda flat.
Can you fall in love with a voice? This witty romance, told entirely through phone calls, chronicles the tale of a wrong number gone right.

It all started with a wrong number. The voicemails Lucy left on James’s phone were meant for someone else—someone who used to have James’s digits. But then when James finally answers and the two start to talk, a unique bond forms between the two teens.

Gradually Lucy and James begin to understand each other on a deeper level than anyone else in their lives. But when James wants to meet in person, Lucy is strangely resistant. And when her secret is revealed, he’ll understand why…

[Summary Source: Goodreads]

February 16, 2014

Review: Ignite Me by Tahereh Mafi


Title:
Ignite Me (Shatter Me #3)
Author: Tahereh Mafi
Release Date: February 4th, 2014
Publisher: HarperCollins
Page Count: 416 
Source: Purchased
First Reaction: Oh this ending. Oh. I love it so much.
One day I might break

One day I might break free

Nothing will ever be the same.

The fate of Omega Point is unknown. Everyone Juliette has ever cared about could be dead. The war could be over before it ever really began.

Juliette is the only one standing in The Reestablishment's way. She knows that if she's going to survive, The Reestablishment cannot.

But to take down The Reestablishment and the man who very nearly killed her, Juliette will need the help of the one person she never thought she could trust: Warner. And as they work together to bring down their enemy, Juliette will discover that everything she thought she knew—about Warner, her abilities, and even Adam—was wrong.

[Summary Source: Barnes & Noble]

February 14, 2014

Cupid Strikes!

Happy Valentines Day My Dearest Darlings!

I hope everyone is having a chocolate-filled day, whether they have a boyfriend or not. I'm also hoping you're reading a particularly swoony book on this love-filled day (especially if you don't have a boyfriend and need a dose of romance in your life).

Now, in the event that you're not quite sure which swoony book you want to read this Valentines Day, you might find this cute little feature, CUPID STRIKES particularly helpful. What I've done, with some help (read: actually a lot of help, this post would have never gotten done with out her) from Gillian over at Writer of Wrongs is make up a list of date descriptions we thought our favorite swoony YA boys would take their Valentines on. So, read through, pick your favorite date(s), match up your number(s), and voila! just like that you'll know which book boyfriend you'll need to (re)visit this Valentines Day!

February 13, 2014

Review: Into the Still Blue by Veronica Rossi


Title:
Into the Still Blue (Under the Never Sky #3)
Author: Veronica Rossi
Release Date: January 28th, 2014
Publisher: HarperCollins
Page Count: 400
Source: ARC borrowed from work
First Reaction: The perfect end for my perfect babies.
Their love and their leadership have been tested. Now it's time for Perry and Aria to unite the Dwellers and the Outsiders in one last desperate attempt to bring balance to their world.

The race to the Still Blue has reached a stalemate. Aria and Perry are determined to find this last safe-haven from the Aether storms before Sable and Hess do-and they are just as determined to stay together.

Meanwhile, time is running out to rescue Cinder, who was abducted by Hess and Sable for his unique abilities. And when Roar returns to camp, he is so furious with Perry that he won't even look at him, and Perry begins to feel like they have already lost.

Out of options, Perry and Aria assemble a team to mount an impossible rescue mission-because Cinder isn't just the key to unlocking the Still Blue and their only hope for survival, he's also their friend. And in a dying world, the bonds between people are what matter most.

In this final book in her stunning Under the Never Sky trilogy, Veronica Rossi raises the stakes to their absolute limit and brings her epic love story to an unforgettable close.

[Summary Source: Goodreads]

February 12, 2014

Blog Tour + Giveaway: Something Real by Heather Demetrios

Hi guys. You remember that little book, SOMETHING REAL by Heather Demetrios? I've only talked about it a little bit and maybe mentioned it on my blog a few times...

February 11, 2014

Top Ten Books That Made Me Swoon (45)

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly feature hosted by The Broke and the Bookish
I liked what I did last week with the covers that linked to Goodreads and no text. My reasons for why books made me swoon (like with the crying) are very personal and individual to me and and, well, trying to verbalize and share them will probably turn me into an incoherent mess and no one wants to see that. Also, I'd had to put any spoilers out there in the world, and crying and swoons are two categories where spoilers could accidentally fall out of my mouth and into the world and I do not want that. It is bad for blogging business. So here are ten books I absolutely loved that made me swoon. And I hope that you haven't read all of them so you can pick one of them up this Valentines Day, read it, swoon, and totally get where I'm coming from!

February 9, 2014

The REALEST Launch Event This Girl Has Ever Attended

Today I'm going to tell you all about my night last night and how utterly brilliant it was.

February 7, 2014

I Totally Saw That Coming and That's OKAY

Fact: I don't like coffee. I just like saying Coffee Clutch in my best and deepest New York accent. Considering I'm a New Yorker, I'm pretty freaking good at it. So I've got my tea and I hope you have your heated beverage of choice, because it's time to gab the day away.

So you know when you guys are reading a book and things start to happen and it hits you:

"OH. I know what the big twist is gonna be. Like, I see the clues and feel the build up and this is clearly what's going to happen, I just know it. She's gonna stab him in the back or he's gonna turn out to be evil or they're secretly related. That's what's going to happen, yes, I know."

Review: Lady Thief by A.C. Gaughen


Title:
Lady Thief (Scarlet #2)
Author: A.C. Gaughen
Release Date: February 11th, 2014
Publisher: Walker Childrens
Page Count: 304
Source: ARC from publisher
First Reaction: O.O ... someone hold me this book brought all the feels and now I don't know what to dooooo.
Scarlet’s true identity has been revealed, but her future is uncertain. Her forced marriage to Lord Gisbourne threatens Robin and Scarlet’s love, and as the royal court descends upon Nottingham for the appointment of a new Sheriff, the people of Nottingham hope that Prince John will appoint their beloved Robin Hood. But Prince John has different plans for Nottingham that revolve around a fateful secret from Scarlet’s past even she isn’t yet aware of. Forced to participate at court alongside her ruthless husband, Scarlet must bide her time and act the part of a noblewoman—a worthy sacrifice if it means helping Robin’s cause and a chance at a future with the man she loves. With a fresh line of intrigue and as much passion as ever, the next chapter in Scarlet’s tale will have readers talking once again.

[Summary Source: Goodreads]

February 5, 2014

World of Books: Charl + Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, United Kingdom

Everyone has their neighborhood bookstore or their local library they call home. Maybe both even. I know I do - in TWO different cities. World of Books if a bi-weekly feature that allows me - and any of YOU - to share the bookstores and libraries you love so much. If you want to be featured on World of Books too, make sure to go HERE and fill out the contact form!

Moss Books – Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, United Kingdom

February 4, 2014

Epic Recs: February

Feature created by Amber and Judith, Graphic created by Judith
January's Epic Recs went fantastically. You can see proof of such fantastic-ness in my review of GRAVE MERCY by Robin LaFevers and in Lisa's review of SCARLET by A.C. Gaughen. Now, Lisa and I had so much fun working together that we're going to continue with Epic Recs. So I bet you're all wondering what we've picked for each other, huh? WONDER NO LONGER.


I recommended WHERE SHE WENT by Gayle Forman to Lisa. If you're wondering why, you should check out Lisa's blog (spoilers: I did it because I'm a crazy selfish chick). And if you're wondering why Lisa recommended INSIGNIA by S.J. Kincaid to me, you should probably keep reading (spoilers: she was really thinking of me and what I like - who's the better friends here, I wonder?). 

"Gaby's list of things she likes in books included military, sci-fi, and character driven books. INSIGNIA by S.J. Kincaid is DEFINITELY ticking off those boxes! It's also one of those books that I really adore but can't recommend to everyone, so when I saw Gaby was into those types of elements in books, I was like OH YES PLZ. I am so happy Gaby is my people! Anyway, INSIGNIA features an awkward yet rad kid named Tom who gets drafted to a military boarding school to virtually fight WWIII but of course all is not as it seems which makes for great plotting. Also, I know that Gaby will LOVE reading the about the characters at the military academy!"

So have you read INSIGNIA? Will I like it? And how about WHERE SHE WENT? How selfish do you guys think I'm being, considering Lisa isn't big on realistic fiction? Be sure to comment here and then head over to Lisa's Feburary Epic Recs post

Top Ten Books That Made Me Cry (44)

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly feature hosted by The Broke and the Bookish
I think for this week's post I'm just going to throw up 10 book covers and that's it. I don't really want to get into the reasons why each of these books lead to the crying and the sads and what have you. Like, even if you can't see why said book would make me cry, just accept it and move on. Because explaining might make me cry again and I just can't. Also, I acknowledge the The Fault in Our Stars by John Green will be on everyone's lists and I'm okay with that. Also, also, I cheated, this list is four more than ten. I'm okay with that too.

(PS: You should be able to reach the Goodreads page for each of these books by clicking the images. Please keep in mind that many of these books are not the first, or even the last, in their series. And furthermore, some of these books aren't out yet - Strange and Ever After doesn't come out until the summer! So consider this hype.)

February 2, 2014

Veronica Mars Watch-Along Week 30

[Graphic designed by the lovely Judith of Paper Riot]
So, how does this work, super sleuths? Go check out the Watch-Along kick off post for the skinny. I'll give you a second just in case...

All caught up? Good.

In case you already know the basics and just forgot what episodes are up today, here's the list:
  • "Postgame Mortem"
  • "Mars Bars"
And for NEXT WEEK:
  • "Papa's Cabin"
  • "Un-American Graffiti"

So after a brief hiatus, WE'RE BACK TO THE GOOD STUFF.