Swoon Thursdays (45)

The ladies at YA Bound have created a hot and fun new meme called SWOON #YABound. If you want to join in here's what you need to do.

All you need to do is pick up the book you are currently reading or just finished reading. Find what made you SWOON. What got your heart pounding and your skin tingling, and your stomach fluttering. Then shout it out on Twitter with the hashtag  #YABound, post in the comments, or grab the awesome button from YA Bound (above) and share it on your blog!

This week I'm still swooning over Bound by C.K. Bryant. Enjoy!

"Threading his fingers through her hair, he drew her closer, pressing his lips to hers. The warmth of it swelled within her as he scooped her into his arms. He pulled his lips away, but held there, so close she felt his warm breath rush down her neck. Their eyes met and she could see the heat of passion in them. She wondered if hers revealed the same feelings to him." SWOON #YABound

What made you swoon this week? 

Review of "Blood Moon" by Alyxandra Harvey

Blood Moon ( Drake Chronicles #5)

Alyxandra Harvey

Publication Date: June 19, 2012

Publisher: Walker Books

Paperback: 320 pgs

Summary:

     It's almost time for the Blood Moon ceremonies to begin. But the Drakes are having some issues. Solange hasn't been the same since her change. She's become distant and at times nearly feral. Lucy is training at her new school, a Helios Ra Academy. She's transitioning from free spirited to military style which is a huge change. Her relationship with Solange has become strained as the two hardly see each other.  Danger is approaching for the Drakes, will they be able to figure out who is after them before it's too late?

Review:

     Blood Moon is told from three POV's: Solange, Lucy, and Nicholas. I was a little skeptical at first about reading from three POV's but once I started reading I didn't mind the POV shifts. I felt the voices were distinct and I was able to tell the three apart. I also thought that Blood Moon was darker than the first few books in the series. Which allows readers to see that there is more danger surrounding the Drakes than ever before.

     Solange is struggling to deal with the dark feelings that have been overwhelming her lately. I'm not going to lie, Solange is not one of my favorite characters. And in recent books she's become a little annoying. She just seems selfish. Instead of turning to her family for help she instead decides to trust a mysterious stranger. Which of course is never smart.

     Lucy and Nicholas on the other hand are two of my favorites. Lucy has decided that in order to survive in the world she has chosen she needs to be better prepared. I really like how Lucy choose to go to the Helios Ra Academy. It's not a path I would've foreseen for her but I like how I was completely surprised by her choice. Lucy is feisty as ever and refuses to change just because she's now at the academy. Nicholas is busy trying to keep his family safe from the many assassins that have been threatening them. Even though Solange is being difficult, Nicholas proves he will always be on her side. He'll protect her no matter what. 

     I was a little shocked at the ending of Blood Moon, I did not see it coming. Which of course has me super eager to get my hands on the final book in the Drake Chronicles, Blood Prophecy. This series as I mentioned above has gotten darker and I can't wait to see what happens next. 

Cover:

     I'm a fan of this cover. I really like the blue chosen for the title as well as the design around the edges. I also like the pose the couple is in, very steamy. Though I was not too happy with the first few covers in this series. I'm happy with the re-designs. 

Teaser Tuesday (25)

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme hosted by MizB at Should be Reading. Anyone can join in. Here's what you need to do.

♥Grab your current read.

♥Open to a random page.

♥Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page.

♥Be careful not to include spoilers! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away. You don’t want to ruin the book for others.)

♥Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

"There's something back there, and it's something that's still breathing, which makes me uneasy. The dead have simple motives: hate, pain, and confusion. They kill you because it's the only thing they have left to do. The living have needs, and whoever is following me wants something of me or mine. That makes me nervous."

Kendare Blake, Anna Dressed in Blood (Anna #1), pg 47

That's what I have this week. If you have a tease leave a link so I can visit.

Most Anticipated (1)

I decided to start highlighting the book I am most looking forward to each week. It's a way for me to find out what's releasing each week as well as find out what everyone else wants to read each week.

This week my Most Anticipated Release of the Week is: The Iron Legends by Julie Kagawa. I love this series! I have read most of the novellas already but I'd like to get them in paperback and then of course there is Iron's Prophecy which I can't wait to read.

What is your Most Anticipated Release this week?

WHY (19)

I haven't post a WHY for awhile. My WHY of the Week is just a way for me to discuss some of the questions I think about while reading. Feel free to leave your thoughts on the subject.

This week the question I've been thinking about is: WHY I don't mind cliffhangers...at least most of the time.

Recently, I read a book that had a mild cliffhanger. Which got me thinking about cliffhangers in general. Do I like a book more or less if it has one. I'd say it doesn't really matter if the book has a cliffhanger or not. It depends on how much the story drew me in and how much I liked the characters. I won't dislike a book just because it leaves me hanging. 

Many of  the books I have read aren't recently published. It's easy enough to go out and get the next book that way I won't be on the edge of my seat wondering what's going to happen next. Even if the book is newly released most of the time I can deal with a cliffhanger. As long as I know there will be another book to look forward to and it will answer most of my questions.

But of course there are times when I'm reading a book that just came out and it has a cliffhanger and I just want to scream, seriously I have to wait a year to find out what happens next! Sometimes the wait is only six months but still the waiting is never fun. I tend to try and wait until a book has been out for awhile before reading it, that way the wait isn't too bad. But there are books that I just have to read as soon as they are released. Which means more waiting but I'm happy while reading. I'll deal with the consequences of reading a newly released book later. 

So, how do you feel about cliffhangers? Do they bother you are do they not even cross your mind? 

Review of "Ascend" by Amanda Hocking

Ascend (Trylle Trilogy #3)

Amanda Hocking

Publication Date: April 24, 2012

Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin

Paperback: 326 pgs

Summary:

     Ascend is the final book in the Trylle Trilogy. Wendy is all set to marry Tove and become queen of the Trylle. War with the Vittra is imminent and in order to save those she loves, Wendy will be forced to make a very difficult decision. Wendy will also have to choose between the two men she has fallen for. But will they have a chance at a Happy-Ending or will war with the Vittra destroy them all?

Review:

     Wendy has grown up a lot since coming to Forening, for the most part she's had no other choice. I like the way that Wendy has come into her own. She resisted at first but then she realized how important her role would be in protecting her people as well as her loved ones. Wendy also shows her strength by making some very difficult choices. She knows her choices will effect those around her and she tries to make the best decisions possible, even at the expense of her own happiness. We get to watch her become who she's meant to be.

One of my favorite characters is back, Loki. In Ascend we learn additional background information on his father. Wendy also spends more time with him and gets to know him better. He's charming and tends to downplay his goodness and I can't help but smile every time he's in a scene. On the other hand we don't read too much about Finn. He's off on an assignment and doesn't really have too many interactions with Wendy. Let's just say there is a reason Loki is my favorite. Fortunately, we do get a resolution to the love triangle that has plagued Wendy for quite some time. 

 For me, Ascend is a satisfying conclusion to the Trylle Trilogy. There is a bonus novella that gives added insight into how these characters lives turn out. I really loved reading about these characters and I'm a little sad that their story is over. 

Cover: 

     Though I like the cover of Ascend, it's not one of my favorites. The green is bold and makes this cover stand out. Plus, I really like the swirls around the title. I just think it's lacking something. 

Swoon Thursdays (44)

The ladies at YA Bound have created a hot and fun new meme called SWOON #YABound. If you want to join in here's what you need to do.

All you need to do is pick up the book you are currently reading or just finished reading. Find what made you SWOON. What got your heart pounding and your skin tingling, and your stomach fluttering. Then shout it out on Twitter with the hashtag  #YABound, post in the comments, or grab the awesome button from YA Bound (above) and share it on your blog!

This week I choose a Swoon from Bound by C.K. Bryant. Hope you enjoy!

"His kiss softened and she felt his heart racing alongside hers. She knew it was real. She slid one hand around the back of his neck and pulled him closer, as the heat of his passion rushed through her like fire, making her body melt into his. Her lips parted in invitation and her hand ran up under his vest to caress the warm flesh there." SWOON #YABound

What do you think? If you have a Swoon leave a link. I love getting Swooned. 

Teaser Tuesday (24)

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme hosted by MizB at Should be Reading. Anyone can join in. Here's what you need to do.

♥Grab your current read.

♥Open to a random page.

♥Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page.

♥Be careful not to include spoilers! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away. You don’t want to ruin the book for others.)

♥Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

This week I went with a darker teaser, hope you enjoy!

"The blonde casually tossed his knife from one hand to the other, as if terrorizing them brought him some kind of satisfaction. His hollow gray eyes held no mercy. Kira was close enough that she could see that now. Whatever the men meant to do was decided."

C.K. Bryant, Bound ( The Crystor #1), Kindle Edition 5%

That's my teaser. What do you think? If you have a teaser leave a link so I can check it out.

Review of "Into the Deep" by Lauryn April

Into the Deep

Lauryn April

Publication Date: August 10, 2012

Kindle Edition

Summary:

     Ivy Daniels is an average teen until the day she nearly drowns. After her accident she develops a new ability. Is she going crazy, did her accident cause brain damage, or is her ability actually real? Because of her new found ability Ivy "overhears" someones really dark thoughts. Ivy will have to use her ability as well as depend on others around her to help solve the mystery. If she doesn't figure out who the dangerous "voice" belongs to in time, her whole school could blow up with everyone in it.

Review:

     Into the Deep is the debut novel from author, Lauryn April. Into the Deep is one of those books that I found myself getting lost in. The main character, Ivy, is quite likable, easy to relate to, and I was able to get caught up in her life as she dealt with her new ability. Another aspect I enjoyed about Into the Deep were the sensory details, they weren't overwhelming but they did allow me to feel as though I could envision the scene being described. 

     One of my favorite parts of this novel were the characters. Ivy is a bit quiet and tends to be a follower. But after nearly drowning she begins to change. I liked the way that Ivy grew and developed as a character throughout the story. Her new found ability allowed her to discover who she wanted to be as well as who she wanted to be friends with. She was able to see past peoples exteriors to see what they were truly like. She soon learns that people are not always as the appear. Ivy also struggles to control what she can do. Sometimes her ability becomes overwhelming and at times she learns things she doesn't want to know. Ivy's distress made her seem more believable as a character. She just didn't accept what she could do. She fought it and then tried to learn to control it.

     Another character in Into the Deep is Brant. He is the type of guy who can be found smoking or skipping class, he's not known as being dependable. But as Ivy is coming to find out people aren't always as they appear. I liked Brant. He has a sad back-story and is completely misunderstood by most of his classmates. But we see that there is more to him than everyone thought. I found Brant to be very likable and I couldn't wait to read about him.

     Into the Deep has all of the things I look for in a novel a great story that's easy to get caught up in. Enjoyable characters that I can root for. It also has a little mystery, some paranormal aspects, and a touch of romance. I especially liked the epilogue and was quite satisfied with the ending of this novel. I felt as though everything was wrapped up quite nicely and I wasn't left with any lingering questions. I will definitely be on the lookout for more from author, Lauryn April. 

Cover:

     I really really like this cover. It's eye catching and relates to what the book is about. I love the way the bubbles are streaming from the girls mouth as well as the way her her hair is floating up. It's not filled with a ton of graphics. It has just enough detail to make me want to pick this book up to see what this book is all  about. Very stunning!! 

Swoon Thursdays(43)

The ladies at YA Bound have created a hot and fun new meme called SWOON #YABound. If you want to join in here's what you need to do.

All you need to do is pick up the book you are currently reading or just finished reading. Find what made you SWOON. What got your heart pounding and your skin tingling, and your stomach fluttering. Then shout it out on Twitter with the hashtag  #YABound, post in the comments, or grab the awesome button from YA Bound (above) and share it on your blog!

My Swoon this week is from Into the Deep by Lauryn April. I went with the extended version, it was just so good.

"I brought my lips back up to his, soft at first then I dove back into the way he was making me feel. His hands traveled down to the hem of my shirt and slowly one hand trailed up under the back of my top. The other hung there loosely with his thumb looped in the waistband of my jeans. I felt his rough, calloused palm on my fevered skin; his touch, the feeling of his skin on mine, sent shivers through me. He backed me up then, stepping slowly and moving me with him until he had me firmly pushed up against the wall. His hand twisted around, sliding across my back and moved to linger on the waist line of my jeans. The tips of his fingers lightly grazed the skin of my belly." SWOON#YABound

What did you think? If you have a Swoon leave a link so I can check out what made you Swoon this week.

Teaser Tuesday (23)

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme hosted by MizB at Should be Reading. Anyone can join in. Here's what you need to do.

♥Grab your current read.

♥Open to a random page.

♥Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page.

♥Be careful not to include spoilers! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away. You don’t want to ruin the book for others.)

♥Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Here are my  teasers for the week. I haven't read too much of this book yet but I hope to finish it today!

"I hit the water and for a moment everything slowed. It was as if time had been written on a piece of elastic and was stretched until every number, every minute, was pulled wide and contorted."

"I could hear my own sharp intake of breath. I could feel the rush of humid air past my skin. Then the cold water encased me, sucked me in and dragged me down. My hair swarmed out around my face. Like glowing strands of amber backlit by the moon, they spiraled into my view."

Lauryn April, Into the Deep, Kindle Edition (Prologue) 

Ivy Daniels is a high school junior still learning who she is. After almost drowning, Ivy finds herself with an ability she doesn’t want, an ability to uncover secrets which quickly begins to redefine what she thinks about the people around her as well as herself. Because of this ability, Ivy becomes the one thing that stands between an angry teen and the death of every student on campus. The only problem is she doesn’t know who wants everyone dead. Will she figure out whose secret is that they’re planning to blow up her school, or will she fail to find him in time?

Through her search to do the right thing, Ivy discovers that knowing the thoughts and secrets of those around her may just tear her apart. (summary from Goodreads)

What do you think? Feel free to leave a link to your teaser's:)