Pages

Wednesday 29 February 2012

TBR Reading Challenge 2012 - February Wrap Up


Hey Guys!
Just a quick post from me today. I wanted to tell you what books I managed to read for the month of February and a few notes about the challenge.

If you are taking part in the challenge, this month  Nicole from All I Ever Read -
Nicole's theme is Un-requited Love/Love Gone Wrong + Advice Column Challenge. So remember to head on over to Nicole's blog by clicking THIS LINK and linking up your reviews and entering the run challenge/giveaway.

So now I'm going to show you what books I read this month - I didn't read some of the books I showed you last month but and in total, I managed to read 9 books, but I'm only actually going to link up 6 of them because well, I'm feeling lazy and can't be bother to write another three reviews. lol.

So here are the books I read for February;
(Click the book cover to see each review)
Divergent (Divergent, #1) The Vincent Boys (The Vincent Boys, #1) Beautiful Disaster
Hex Hall: Raising Demons Fifty Shades of Grey (Fifty Shades, #1) Fifty Shades Darker (Fifty Shades, #2)

*I will also be linking up my four books from last month too because I was January's host.

For the month of March I will be challenging myself to read the following books;
The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer (Mara Dyer, #1) The Summer I Turned Pretty (Summer, #1) Destined (House of Night, #9) Heart On A Chain

So that's my plan for March. No doubt I will probably change my mind when it comes to it but that's the plan so far!

Happy Reading!!

Waiting on Wednesday (#9)


"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating. 
Jess's WoW
A Fractured Light (A Beautiful Dark #2) by Jocelyn Davies
Release date: September 25th, 2012


When she wakes up in unfamiliar surroundings, Skye knows something terrible has happened to her. But it’s not until she hears Asher, the dark, rebellious angel she fell in love with, that the memories of Devin and his shocking betrayal come flooding back.

Skye returns home, but with the knowledge of who she really is, nothing can ever be the same. As she tests the limits of her newfound powers, Skye discovers that she’s capable of far more than anyone could have imagined. Both the Order and the Rebellion want her for their side as war between the factions looms. She can’t forgive the Order for nearly killing her, but something holds her back from embracing the Rebellion.

A Fractured Light picks up right after A Beautiful Dark‘s shocking cliffhanger ending and is perfect for fans of Lauren Kate’s Fallen and Becca Fitzpatrick’s Hush, Hush saga.


Donna's WoW
Destined (Wings #4) by Aprilynne Pike
Release date: May 1st, 2012


Laurel now knows the truth: Yuki is a rare Winter faerie, the most powerful—and deadly—of all, and she is working with Klea to conquer and destroy Avalon. With Tamani, David, and Chelsea by her side, Laurel prepares for a fight she never thought she would have to face.

Filled with heart-pounding action, sweeping romance, and higher stakes at every turn, Destined is the series conclusion that readers have been clamoring for—with a twist that will leave them breathless.

Tamani looked at her gravely, and reached up to touch her hair behind her ear. He hesitated for an instant, then his hands found the sides of her face, pulling her to him. He didn't kiss her, just held her face to his, their foreheads resting together, their noses almost touching.

She hated how much it felt like good-bye.


What's your "waiting on" pick this week?

Want to participate? Grab the logo, post your own WoW entry on your blog, and leave your link at Breaking the Spine. 

Happy Reading!



Tuesday 28 February 2012

Dusty Reads (#8)


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

Jess's Dusty Read
Starcrossed
by Josephine Angelini

Set on the island of Nantucket, STARCROSSED tells the tale of Helen Hamilton, a young woman whose destiny is forever altered when she meets Lucas Delos and tries to kill him in front of her entire high school. Which is terribly inconvenient, not only because Lucas is the most beautiful boy on the island, but also because Helen is so achingly shy she suffers physical pain whenever she is given too much attention.

Making matters worse, Helen is beginning to suspect she’s going crazy. Whenever she’s near Lucas or any member of his family she sees the ghostly apparitions of three women weeping bloody tears, and suffers the burden of an intense and irrational hate. She soon learns that she and Lucas are destined to play the leading roles in a Greek tragedy that the Three Fates insist on repeating over and over again throughout history. Like her namesake, Helen of Troy, she’s destined to start a war by falling in love. But even though Lucas and Helen can see their own star-crossed destiny, they’re still powerfully attracted to each other. Will they give up their personal happiness for the greater good, or risk it all to be together?

Jess's thoughts: Rah. I've had this on my shelf forever! It's not even the cover, I have an ARC version with a white cover, I plan on changing that. But yeah, it's been sat on my shelf for almost a year now, and I haven't even touched it yet! I'm probably the only person in the world that hasn't started this yet. Fail.



Donna's Dusty Read

Need
by Carrie Jones
<
Zara White suspects there's a freaky guy semi-stalking her. She's also obsessed with phobias. And it's true, she hasn't exactly been herself since her stepfather died. But exiling her to shivery Maine to live with her grandmother? That seems a bit extreme. The move is supposed to help her stay sane...but Zara's pretty sure her mom just can't deal with her right now.

She couldn't be more wrong. Turns out the semi-stalker is not a figment of Zara's overactive imagination. In fact, he's still following her, leaving behind an eerie trail of gold dust. There's something not right - not human - in this sleepy Maine town, and all signs point to Zara.

In this creepy, compelling breakout novel, Carrie Jones delivers romance, suspense, and a creature you never thought you'd have to fear.

Donna's thoughts: I've had this book on my shelf for ages...and I mean ages probably like nearly 2 years. I've also go the next two books for review which I still haven't managed to get too. Thing is I'm not to sure why I haven't picked them up. So....I will one day but I'm not quite sure when that will be. 



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

Monday 27 February 2012

US vs UK (#40)


Welcome to Book Passion for Life's 40th US vs UK book cover battle. We've seen this posted on a few other blogs, and thought we'd jump on the band wagon!

The idea of this battle is once a week we'll post 2 sets of books of our choice, one US cover and one UK cover, and we'll just give our opinion on which one we love the most. Which cover captures the story, which one would catch our eye if we saw it on the shelf in a shop. The US cover will be on the left, and the UK cover will be on the right.

US vs UK Round 40

Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson 

VS   

Jess says: Ooh this is a tough one. I really like both. I think I like the UK slightly better, it's more fun and kicky! Makes you want to pick it up.


Donna says:  I adore the UK covers for this author. Her other book Amy and Roger's Epic Detour cover was just brilliant so to see another awesome cover from the UK publishers is great. Although I do like the US cover I think the UK covers are more fun and bright and it makes you want to pick it up straight away. I cannot wait for this release! 

Unraveling by Elizabeth Norris 

VS  

Jess says: Rah! This is a hard one again. I really like both of them, but I think I prefer the UK just because of the countdown on the cover. The US is good, but it just reminds me more of a TV Show poster than a book cover? You know what I mean?


Donna says:  Umm....this is a hard one for me because I actually like both. They both look awesome but if I was to pick it for my shelf then I'd go with the UK cover. I love the countdown on the cover and the fonts. It makes the book stand out that much more. 

Which do you prefer?
__________________

Okay guys, this weeks US vs UK goes to.......UK

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

Cover Reveal for Luminosity by Stephanie Thomas

It's another Monday morning here in the UK and we have some very exciting new from Entangled Publishing. They've asked us to take part in the cover and blurb reveal of Lumionsity by Stephanie Thomas which will be released in September 11th, 2012! 
Exciting huh? We are because we think this book sounds awesome! 

So let's get started! 
*Drumroll please*



The Blurb:
"My name is Beatrice. When I was born, I was blessed with the Sight. I was
immediately removed from my parents and enrolled in the Institution. At
the age of twelve, I had my first true vision, earning my raven’s wings.
And when I turned seventeen, one of my visions came true. Things haven’t
been the same since.

The Institution depends on me to keep the City safe from our enemy, the
Dreamcatchers, but I’m finding it harder to do while keeping a secret from
everyone, including my best friend Gabe. It is a secret that could put us
all in danger. A secret that could kill me and everyone close to me.

But the enemy has been coming to me in my dreams, and I think I’m falling
in love with him. He says they’re coming. He says they’re angry. And I
think I’ve already helped them win."


Want to pre-order your copy today? Click this link for amazon.com OR amazon.uk
Don't forget to leave us your thoughts below. 

Sunday 26 February 2012

In My Mailbox (#42)


Hey all! 
So we have two weeks worth of books to show you this week. We were feeling a bit lazy last week as we were both in a our Fifty Shades bubble, but we're back now...so let's get started. 

Donna's In My Mailbox

 
For Review: 
Black Moon (Silver Moon #2) by Rebecca A.Rogers (signed)
Pandemonium (Delirium #2) by Lauren Oliver 
Toxic Treacle by Echo Freer
Seraphina by Rachel Hartman
Struck by Jennifer Bosworth 
Poison Heart by S.B Hayes 

Gifted:
Switched by Amanda Hocking
Heaven by Christoph Marzi
Thank you Nat!! 

Also from a friend on facebook I got a lovely hand-made book mark with "Books Are My Passion" on with a little wolf too :)  Thanks Jessica! 

Sky Hawk by Gill Lewis (signed)
Jumping to Confusions by Liz Rettig (signed)
My Rocky Romance Diary by Liz Rettig (signed)
My Now or Never Diary by Liz Rettg (signed)

Swapped from UK Swap:
Waiting for You by Susane Colasanti

Free eBooks off of Amazon UK
(Click on the book covers to be taken to Goodreads)
Under the Stars  Evernight (Evernight, #1) The Willows: Haven (The Willows, #1)

* I have read Evernight but it was free on pre-order with free bonus material, so I couldn't say no.

Bought eBooks off of Amazon UK
(Click on the book covers to be taken to Goodreads)
  Blue Sky Days Winging It (The Dragon Diaries, #2) Dark of the Moon   Shadows (Lux, #0.5)
The Wood Queen (The Iron Witch, #2) The Catastrophic History of You and Me Before That Night

That's it for my IMM this week. Don't forget to leave your links below! 

What's in your mailbox this week?


Jess's In My Mailbox

Bought:
Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire
Cinder by Marrisa Meyer
Prey by Rachel Vincent
Shift by Rachel Vincent 
Alpha by Rachel Vincent

e-Books for Review:
(Click the book cover to be taken to Goodreads)
 

eBooks from Amazon
(Click the book cover to be taken to Goodreads)

Caged Moon was a free e-book from Amazon. As for The Reluctant Dom, after reading Fifty Shades I wanted something else in that genre and this was recommended to me by a GR friend. I have started it, but it's one I'm keeping in my private stash and reading as and when I can. 

That's it for my IMM Box this week. Don't forget to leave your links below :)

Happy Reading.

Saturday 25 February 2012

A Review Black Moon (Silver Moon #2) by Rebecca A.Rogers

Posted by Donna
Published Date: January 13th, 2012
Finished Date: February 23rd, 2012
Source: For Review
Format: Paperback
Pages: 224
<
The Blurb from Goodreads: As the rise in supernatural disturbances continually expands to more obvious locations, Candra’s family and friends are on a never-ending hunt to remove the region’s dark magic. Greater forces are at work, though, as an accidental link is formed between Candra and Ben, “marking” their souls and coupling them forever. They can now see each other’s thoughts and speak to one another telepathically—bad news for sworn enemies. Occults spreading across Hartford, along with Candra and Ben’s mishap, are part of a bigger plan, one that neither the Lowells nor the Conways ever saw coming. There is more than one Ancient in their midst, and these primordial beings are lying in wait until Candra inherits her power. A power which hasn’t been seen in over five hundred years. A power which balances one of her enemy’s. These two powers combined can change the course of history. In order to survive a battle with the Ancients and protect their abilities, the Lowell’s and Conway’s will have to work together. Can they rise above their feud, or will they lose everything?

The Review: Rebecca A.Rogers has really out done herself with Black Moon. I thought Silver Moon was good but boy-she sure does take this book to a new level and totally raises the bar for the final book, Blood Moon.

Black Moon starts one week prior to Candra’s eighteenth birthday. While her family and friend prepare for the inventible night Candra is trying to keep away from Ben. But as a result of her family keeping her in the dark, she and Ben accidently become marked to on another, making Ben to seal the deal by kissing Candra. Now joined as one, Candra and Ben take on the mission to try and save everyone from Alaric but as more secrets are revealed an alliance with the enemy is the only way to win this war. But can their really be peace?

Black Moon was a great sequel to Silver Moon and although the story is a little shorter than the previous book, it’s still awesome nonetheless. It was action packed from start to finish and of course, this time around we see more ROMANCE! Ben and Candra really come together in this book and it was nice to finally see them together. I loved how protective Ben is of Candra, even to his family he really stands up for her and I loved seeing him do it. Now, Candra was more head strong is this book. With the fate of her family and friends on her shoulders, she really takes control and stands up to her family. They are trying to protect her but if anything, there just putting her in more danger and I can understand why they are trying to do it, but if anything–it annoyed me, so I’m glad that Candra stands up for herself….finally.
I also loved that we got to explore the more magical side to the werewolves this time around. We find out more about their powers, what each person can do and also what the enemy can do. I loved this added extra into this story and it makes it even more unique than ever.

Now the big bad aka Alaric is more evil than ever. With his evil plans to take everything away from everyone for himself, things are really looking bleak so I’m dying to find out what happens in Blood Moon. I really expect big things from the next book and I have a sneaky feeling that the author has some mind-blowing events that won’t leave us disappointed!

So……to 2013…..bring on Blood Moon!  

Friday 24 February 2012

A Review for The Vincent Boys (The Vincent Boys #1) by Abbi Glines

Posted by Donna
Published Date: October 17th, 2011
Finished Date: February 24th, 2012
Source: Freebie off of Amazon - 2012 TBR Reading Challenge
Format: Kindle
Pages: 174
<
The Blurb from Goodreads:  Being the good girl isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Ashton Gray has grown weary of playing the part to please her parents, and to be worthy of the town’s prince charming, Sawyer Vincent. Maybe That’s why she’s found herself spending time with Sawyer’s cousin, Beau, while he’s away for the summer camping with his family. Beau is nothing like her perfect boyfriend. He’s the sexiest guy she’s ever seen, dangerous in ways she’s only day dreamed about, and the one guy she should stay away from.
<
Beau never envied Sawyer his loving parents, his big nice home, or his position as quarterback. He loves him like a brother. Which is why he's tried everything in his power to keep his distance from Sawyer’s girlfriend. Even if he has loved her since the age of five, Ashton is Sawyer’s girl, so therefore she’s off limits. But when Sawyer leaves for the summer, Ashton, the one girl Beau would move Heaven and Earth for, decides she wants to get into trouble. Stabbing the one person who’s always accepted him and stood by him in the back, is the cost of finally holding Ashton Gray in his arms. Is she worth losing his cousin over?.... Hell Yeah.
<
The Review: Can you believe I got this book for free off of Amazon UK? Honestly, this is why I love Amazon/Authors when they put up free kindle books because it gives me the opportunity to read books that I probably wouldn't have bought right away - due to my ever growing to-be-read pile. And yes, I'm seriously kicking myself for not having bought  this book before because honestly....it is pretty amazing and I'm dying to read what's next.

Since Ashton was a young girl, she has always had two best friends - Sawyer and Beau who are cousins. Beau and Ashton used to cause all the trouble and Sawyer used to get them out of trouble. The three of them together were always so close but when Ashton starts dating Sawyer that all changes and for some reason her and Beau no longer speak. As the years pass Ashton finds herself changing to be a good girl - acting how she should and always doing the right thing to please Sawyer but when Sawyer goes on vacation during the summer, Ashton soon finds herself re-kindly her friendship with Beau but is it becoming something more? And can they fight off their feelings for one another so they don't hurt Sawyer?

Wow, The Vincent Boys is a heart-pounding story - one that is about first love, betrayal, loss and hidden secrets. From start to finish Abbi Glines captivated me with her easy writing and her fun loving storyline that I'm left dying to try more of her work. I'll I have heard is how good her writing is and honestly, I'm glad I'm not disappointed!

Abbi has created some fantastic characters with Ashton and Sawyer but there was one that is a total stand out and of course that's Beau. Sigh! He's the bad boy of the town;  he lives in a trailer, his mother works in a bar, he drinks and he gets into fights and most of all he has a slutty girlfriend but despite all this, you still want him. He's portrayed as a bad boy but appearances aren't everything. Deep down he's such a lovable guy and I'm questioning how the hell do authors come up with characters that are like Beau? He's adorable, hot and sexy and I need a Beau! I adored his relationship with Ashton and mainly I loved finding out how they were friends when they were young children. They were thick as thieves back then - always the two getting into trouble but through-out every Beau always protects Ashton and I loved it!

Now most importantly....there's a book two...yay! I am so not ready to leave these characters behind. When I found out there is going to be another book I was uber excited so I'm seriously happy about that and June 2012 cannot come quick enough! 

Highly recommended for a contemporary romance fan! 
 
Design by Imagination Designs
Graphics by Octopus Artis