In My Mailbox (31)

In My Mailbox was started by Kristi over at The Story Siren! In My Mailbox is a way to share the books you received each week.

This week I got:


For Review:
Dream Life by Lauren Mechling

Won:
Wish by Alexandra Bullen
A Match Made In High School by Kristin Walker + a tshirt, bookmarks, etc!

Bookmooch:
The Diamonds by Ted Michael

What'd you guys get?

Dream Life by Lauren Mechling

Dream Life
Lauren Mechling
Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers
Release Date: January 12, 2010
Pages: 336

Rating: 4.5 stars

Claire Voyante's first semester at Henry Hudson High School was eventful, to say the least. As she heads into her second semester, things are calming down a bit. But Claire has a few secrets that are getting harder to keep. Her biggest secret of all? The onyx and ivory cameo necklace her grandmother gave her for her 15th birthday. Ever since she started wearing it, her dreams have been coming to her in black and white and turning out to be oddly prophetic.

Becca’s been hanging out with her old prep school friends and never seems to have time for Claire anymore. And soon, Claire discovers why—there’s a secret group of society girls with a mysterious identity. And, turns out, a mysterious enemy who’s out to get them. The second she sniffs out trouble, Claire jumps on the case. But is it someone close to Claire who’s in danger again—or could it be Claire herself whose life is at stake?

As a sequel to Dream Girl, Dream Life does not disappoint readers one bit. I found myself really liking Dream Girl, but I absolutely LOVED Dream Life. It was wonderful visiting Claire's world again - it's a world I've fallen in love with.

Lauren Mechling delivers outstanding characters once again in Dream Life. Claire is a wonderfully written character - she's witty, snarky, smart, and always makes you laugh. Kiki is the coolest grandmother ever! You really can always count on Kiki for a good laugh. It simply amazes me how none of the characters blend into the wallpaper. They all stick out and are memorable.

Claire does some major sleuthing in Dream Life, and while the mystery aspect is a bit far-fetched and causes you to stretch your imagination, it's absolutely fascinating. I was so caught up in the story - I carried Dream Life with me everywhere I went. There were so many laugh out loud moments in the book. There was one scene at Kiki's birthday party that had me practically rolling!

Dream Life is an enjoyable read with a perfect balance of romance, a secret society, mystery, and everyday problems. This is definitely a read for anyone wanting a hilarious, page-turning, light mystery.

Valentine's Day Book Giveaway!

It seems 2010 had just begun, and it's already almost February, which means love is in the air! And what better way to celebrate Valentine's Day than with a giveaway?

What can you win?























Stupid Cupid by Rhonda Stapleton
What Would Emma Do by Eileen Cook
Perfect You by Elizabeth Scott
Kissed by An Angel by Elizabeth Chandler
Romantic Comedies: Perfect Shot by Debbie Rigaud

(Click on the pictures to go to the authors sites and learn more about the books!)

Since it IS almost Valentine's Day, to enter leave a comment with your FAVORITE YA Couple and your email!

+1 Link to this contest


There will be 5 winners. One for each book.


The contest will end February 14th, and winners will be picked via random numbers. *US Only*


***Thanks to Venessa at S&S for providing me with the books for this giveaway***

My Soul To Save by Rachel Vincent

My Soul to Save
Rachel Vincent
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Release Date: December 29, 2009
Pages: 279

Rating: 4 stars

“If she were going to die, I’d already be screaming. I’m a banshee. That’s what we do.”

The last thing Kaylee needs right now is to be skipping school, breaking her dad’s ironclad curfew and putting her boyfriend’s loyalty to the test. But starry-eyed teens are trading their souls for 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....

How I loved entering the wonderful world Rachel Vincent has created with the Soul Screamers again! My Soul To Save picks up Kaylee and Nash's story several weeks after where My Soul To Take left off, and draws you in just as quickly a book 1. My Soul To Save is a book filled with the fascinating lives of banshees/bean sidhes, romance and a bit of mystery.

Nash and Kaylee's relationship really grows in My Soul to Save. All those moments that seemed awkward in their relationship in book 1 are long gone. My Soul to Save wasn't as easy to connect with. I found myself connecting much more with all the characters in My Soul To Take, but I wasn't feeling for the popstars as much in My Soul to Save.

My Soul To Save really introduces you to more and more of the Bean Sidhe's power. That was simply fascinating. Along with learning about Bean Sidhe's power, you learn all about the world and Netherworld.

Overall, My Soul To Save is a wonderful continuation of My Soul To Save. It has me impatiently awaiting June, so My Soul to Keep can come out!

Waiting On Wednesday (38) - Mistwood by Leah Cypess

Waiting on Wednesday is a topic brought to life by Jill over at Breaking the Spine. With Waiting On Wednesday you get to introduce to everyone upcoming books you're excited about.

Mistwood
Leah Cypess
Release Date: April 27, 2010

The Shifter is an immortal creature bound by an ancient spell to protect the kings of Samorna. When the realm is peaceful, she retreats to the Mistwod.

But when she is needed she always comes.

Isabel remembers nothing. Nothing before the prince rode into her forest to take her back to the castle. Nothing about who she is supposed to be, or the powers she is supposed to have.

Prince Rokan needs Isabel to be his Shifter. He needs her ability to shift to animal form, to wind, to mist. He needs her lethal speed and superhuman strength. And he needs her loyalty--because without it, she may be his greatest threat.

Isabel knows that her prince is lying to her, but she can't help wanting to protect him from the dangers and intrigues of the court . . . until a deadly truth shatters the bond between them.

Now Isabel faces a choice that threatens her loyalty, her heart . . . and everything she thought she knew.

Gosh, this one sounds absolutely amazing! I can't wait for April!

My Soul to Take by Rachel Vincent

My Soul to Take
Rachel Vincent
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Release Date: August 1, 2009
Pages: 279

Rating: 4.5 stars

She doesn't see dead people, but…

She senses when someone near her is about to die. And when that happens, a force beyond her control compels her to scream bloody murder. Literally.

Kaylee just wants to enjoy having caught the attention of the hottest guy in school. But a normal date is hard to come by when Nash seems to know more about her need to scream than she does. And when classmates start dropping dead for no apparent reason, only Kaylee knows who'll be next…

I absolutely adored this book! I wasn't sure exactly where My Soul To Take was going to go, but wow was it great! I had never read a book about Banshees, but now I would love to read more about them. It was fascinating reading about their soul screaming and all it could do. My Soul to Take was a refreshing read, as it really stands out in the pool of paranormal.

The writing was superb. I was completely caught up in the story from page 1. All the characters were really well written. Kaylee was a really interesting character and was one you could relate to in some way. She had the same insecurities so many teens have. Nash, Kaylee's boyfriend, was 100% swoonworthy.

I loved Nash and Kaylee's relationship, but at first to me it seemed a bit awkward. It moved a bit too fast at first. Kaylee poured out her heart with her biggest secret almost right away, and you'd think you'd get to know someone better.

Rachel Vincent wrote a great book with the perfect mix of mystery, romance, and Banshees. I would definately pick this one up! Harlequin Teen continues to impress me with the books its publishing!

In My Mailbox (30)

In My Mailbox was started by Kristi over at The Story Siren! In My Mailbox is a way to share the books you received each week.

This week I got:`


Cool People Mentioned:
Kristen from Bookworming In the 21st Century
Chloe Neill
Khy from The Frenetic Reader

For Review:
Ginger High by Melissa Burmester
Merlin's Harp by Anne Eliot Crompton
Beautiful Dead by Eden Maguire

Trade with Kelsey:
Never Cry Werewolf by Heather Davis
Are We There Yet? by David Levithan

Trade with Zoe:
The Vinyl Princess by Yvonne Prinz

Won:
Leaving Gee's Bend by Irene Latham

Bought:
All Unquiet Things by Anna Jarzab
The Iron King by Julie Kagawa
My Soul To Save by Rachel Vincent
Firespell by Chloe Neill
Hearts At Stake by Alyxandra Harvey
The Explosionist by Jenny Davidson
The Luxe by Anna Godberson
Rumours by Anna Godberson
Confessions by Kate Brian
Invitation Only by Kate Brian
Untouchable by Kate Brian
It Had To Be You by Sabrina Jordan
Gone by Michael Grant
The Secret Circle: The Initiation and The Captive Part I by LJ Smith
The Reluctant Heiress by Eva Ibbotson
A Song For Summer by Eva Ibbotson
Forest Born by Shannon Hale
The Singing by Alison Croggon
Prey by Rachel Vincent
Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist by Rachel Cohn & David Levithan
First Kill (Then Tell): A Collection of True Lip-Locked Moments
The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks by E. Lockhart
Boy Crazy by Hailey Abbott
Soulless by Gail Carriger
The Au Pairs: Sun-Kissed by Melissa de la Cruz
Fade Out by Rachel Caine

Bookmooch:
The Rapture by Liz Jensen

What'd you guys get?

Freaksville by Kitty Keswick

Freaksville
Kitty Keswick
Publisher: Leap Books
Release Date: January 8th, 2010

Rating: 3.5 stars

High school is hard enough when you’re normal. There’s peer pressure, book reports, the in crowd and the enormous zit that has a life of its own. Having a family whose skeletons in the closet lean toward the paranormal is not a topper on anyone’s list. Sophomore Kasey Maxwell is busy juggling the typical teen angst. Add visions, ghosts and hairy four-legged monsters into the mix and you get FREAKSVILLE. It’s a wonder Kasey has survived.

Every woman in the Maxwell family has the gift of sight. A talent sixteen-year-old Kasey would gladly give up. All she wants is a normal life. Shopping and talking about boys with her best friend and long-time sidekick Gillie Godshall consume her days. Until Kasey has a vision about Josh Johnstone, the foreign exchange student from England. The vision leads her into new waters, a lead in a play, a haunted theater…and into the arms of the Josh. Yet, both Kasey and Josh have secrets lurking in dark corners. Can Kasey’s new romance survive FREAKSVILLE?

Freaksville was a unique twist on Romeo and Juliet! I never would have thought to take the story where Kitty Keswick did, and it worked 100%! You had an awesome plot, well written characters, and great writing.

There were 2 issues I had with Freaksville. Freaksville is written through Kasey's blog that is just open to the public. She posts about her sight and everything that happens, down to the little details. I found it hard to believe that anyone would post that much on their personal blog, and then the fact that people from her school knew about her blog. They all commented! It just made no sense to me. The other thing I wasn't crazy about in Freaksville is Josh's obsessive use of "love", I think Kasey gets called love or some combo of Kasey love, more than her actual name! That is one of my biggest pet peeves in books. Girls are not dogs - please call them their names!

Those things aside, Freaksville was a really great book. I loved the characters. Gillie, Kasey's best friend, was my favorite character. She was so sweet and bubbly all the time. Kasey was such a quirky character, and had such a lovely voice to narrate a story. Josh was a sweetheart, and I adored him. I loved all the British lingo he brought to the story!

The plot was really intriguing. Parts were rather predictable, but that made it all the better! The dialogue was really fast-paced, which was enjoyable. Freaksville has these really cool drawings throughout the book. Most people would think drawings are for children's books, but I thouoght these really enhanced the plot.

I would abso-bloody-lutely recommend this one! It's got a great storyline, snazzy pictures, and awesome characters. Oh and did I mention an awesome cover? I'd definately pick this one up!

Waiting On Wednesday (37) - Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins

Waiting on Wednesday is a topic brought to life by Jill over at Breaking the Spine. With Waiting On Wednesday you get to introduce to everyone upcoming books you're excited about.

Hex Hall
Rachel Hawkins
When Sophie Mercer turned thirteen, she discovered that she was a witch. It's gotten her into a few scrapes. Her non-Gifted mother has been as supportive as possible, consulting Sophie's estranged father--an elusive European warlock--only when necessary. But when Sophie attracts too much human attention for a prom-night spell gone horribly wrong, it's her dad who decides her punishment: exile to Hecate Hall, an isolated reform school for wayward prodigium, a.k.a. witches, fae, and shapeshifters. By the end of her first day among fellow freak-teens, Sophie has quite a scorecard. Three powerful enemies who look like supermodels; a futile crush on a gorgeous warlock; a creepy, tag-along ghost; and a new roommate, who happens to be the most-hated person and only vampire on campus. Sophie soon learns that a mysterious predator has been attacking students, and her friend Jenna is the number one suspect. Meanwhile, Sophie has a more personal shock to grapple with. Not only is her father the head of the prodigium council, he's the most powerful warlock in the world, and Sophie is his heir. As a series of blood-curdling mysteries starts to converge, Sophie prepares for the biggest threat of all: an ancient secret society determined to destroy all prodigium, especially her.

This book sounds simply amazing! PLUS it has a gorgeous cover!

Dream Life Blog Tour: Post with Claire Voyante

Today, the wonderful Claire Voyante from Dream Life and Dream Girl has stopped by with a wonderful guest post! I'll now turn over the blog to Claire :)

Greetings and salutations, book lovers! I’m Claire Voyante, the main character of Dream Life, Lauren Mechling’s rip-roaring detective novel (and no, it is not immodest to say that about a book you didn’t write but in which you star—I checked in one of my grandmother Kiki’s etiquette books).


Dream Life is all about what happened after I found out my best friend Becca had just joined a super-exclusive, centuries-old secret society called the Blue Moons. I figured out how to wiggle my way into the club, and, of course, much drama ensued. I warmly invite you to check Dream Life out—it’s available at a bookstore or Internet site near you.


When Dream Girl, the first book in the series, came out, my creator Lauren fielded questions from bloggers and journalists. Lauren is currently underground working on a secret project so I offered to step in and relief pitch. I’m taking a page from Ann Landers's book and writing an advice column. The questions came from fans of the series. The answers came from the heart.


(Warning: I don't have a degree in psychotherapy--use at your own risk!)







Dear Claire,



You seem like the consummate New Yorker. I’m actually going to New York for the first time in a couple of weeks, and I wonder if there are any hotspots you can recommend.

Thanks!

Girl Who’s Been Waiting To Get Out Of Delaware Her Entire Life



Dear GWBWTGOODHEL,



Congratulations on your forthcoming trip. New York is magical, and it’s even more so for those who don’t live here and get spoiled by having 24-hour delis and millionaire professional dog walkers on every corner (my parents’ friend quit her job because she said she was paying the dog walker more than she was making).

As for your question. Unfortunately my “hotspot” knowledge is likely no better than yours. I’ve heard of places thanks to an unhealthily hearty consumption of fashion magazines, but being fifteen and not having a fake ID or a face that makes me look older than twelve tends to get in the way of my raging nightlife.

However, I can offer this suggestion: a delicious combo meal within one block. On East 12thStreet, just east of 2nd Avenue is Angelika’s Kitchen, a vegetarian spot that appeals to crunchy yoga-mat-toting types. I know what you’re thinking but it’s actually totally cozy and delicious and you can order as much as your piggy heart desires and you will not feel the least bit overstuffed afterwards.

Which means you can head one block up 2nd Avenue, make a left on East 13th Street, and go hog wild on dessert. A few doors up the block from 2nd Avenue you will find heaven, AKA Momofuku Milk Bar, a “bakery” that is really just a dealer of my drug of choice: sugar. They sell the most buttery and sweet cookies with marshmallows and corn flakes and toffee and fudge in them. They also have crazy-flavored soft ice cream—I’ve had cereal milk and sweet and salty cucumber. Utterly delicious, both of them.

Bon appétit and L’amour Toujours!

Claire

Check out the wonderful trailer for Dream Life!

Dream Life by Lauren Mechling -- Trailer from Richie Williams on Vimeo.

Interview with Julie Kagawa

Julie Kagawa is the author of the 3 book series: The Iron Fae. Book 1, The Iron King, hits stores February 1st. Visit her on the web at: http://www.juliekagawa.com/

How did you go about writing Grimalkin? Was it harder to write him as a character, as he was not human?

Actually, Grimalkin was very easy. Originally, I just needed someone who was knowledgeable about Faeryland and could guide Meghan through, but Grimalkin sort of took on a life of his own and evolved into what he is today: a sarcastic, favor-collecting Cheshire Cat who says whatever he feels like and always looks out for Number One.

What was your favorite character to write in The Iron King?

Grimalkin was the most fun to write, I will admit. My favorite character is Ash, Queen Mab’s son, because I love dark stoic bad boys who can wield pointy objects.

What's your favorite aspect of faerie lore?

There are so many legends, I don’t know if I have a favorite. I like how most older faery stories have a darker edge to them; no one was granted wishes or married the handsome prince without a price. I find it intriguing that the glittery winged fairies of today are much different then the ancient, original faeries, who were feared by humans for good reason.

What has been your favorite thing on your road to publication?

Ummm … getting published! Lol, no there have been many awesome things along the road to publication. Like finding the YA blogosphere and getting to know the many awesome bloggers and YA lovers I didn’t even know existed before. I think that was the most surprising for me. Also, finding the Tenners; it’s so nice to be part of a group that knows exactly what you’re going through because they’re going through the same thing.

A genie comes and grants you 3 wishes - what do you wish for?

For The Iron King to do well, a chance to visit Japan, and a lifetime supply of Mt. Dew. (If there’s anything I’ve learned about granted wishes, it’s that the big ones never turn out how you expect.)

Can you tell us about your time living in Hawaii?

There were a lot of … bugs. Very large bugs. I’ve actually scared people away from vacationing in Hawaii with my stories of giant bugs, are you sure you want me talking about it? *Evil grin.* I do miss the ocean, though. Sure, I’ve been chased out of the water by sharks and stung by jellyfish and caught in riptides, but if you’ve never seen the ocean … you don’t really know what its like until you see it for yourself. Also, I’ve swam with a wild Green Sea Turtle, which was the most awesome experience in my life, let me tell you.

So I hear you've had the opportunity to meet Orlando Bloom? Could you tell us about this moment?

Lol, okay I’ll tell the story, though it’s not nearly as exciting as one would think. Orlando Bloom was in Louisville that month to shoot the movie Elizabethtown. My friend and I were taking my dog to the local dog park, when this person walked up and said: “What a cool-looking dog,” (My dog is an Australian Shepherd) and started playing with him. Yup, it was Orlando Bloom. I was very proud of myself that I didn’t fangirl squee all over him (though he’s even cuter in person then his is on screen), and we talked for several minutes while our dogs played with each other. Yes, my dog got to play with Orlando Bloom’s dog. Then Orlando and his dog left, and I returned to my house and taunted my roommate for not wanting to visit the park with me that afternoon. I doubt Mr. Bloom remembers me, but I may be one of the few who can say Orlando Bloom liked my dog. ;-)

Thanks so much for stopping by Julie! Don't forget to visit Julie on Twitter and *glomp* her!

**Also Julie's hosting a contest at her blog! It ends at the end of the month so go enter!**

The Author Hunt

The Author Hunt gives readers a glimpse of into the Author Events and Signings in their area. With the help of some amazing bloggers, we have gathered Events from all across the US. We hope this will help you in your search for some of your favorite authors. And remember, Wherever they go... we will find them.


If you are a Young Adult author that will be visiting Wisconsin, Missouri, Minnesota, Iowa, or Illinois in 2010 or aware of events that I may have missed, please contact me at thebookcellar@wi.rr.com with the event details so that the event may be featured.


Saturday, January 23rd:
Chloe Neill will be in Racine, Wisconsin at 1:00 PM (Barnes & Noble)
Chloe Neill will be in Greenfield, Wisconsin at 5:00 PM (Barnes & Noble)

Thursday February 4th:
Rebecca Stead will be in Naperville, Illinois at 7:00 PM (Anderson's)

Saturday, February 6th:
Rebecca Stead will be in Skokie, Illinois at 3:00 PM (Barnes & Noble)

Tuesday, February 9th:
Ally Carter will be in Oakbrook, Illinois at 7:00 PM (Borders)

Wednesday, February 10th:
Ally Carter will be in Naperville, Illinois at 7:00 PM (Anderson's)

Monday, February 22nd:
Lisa McMann will be in St. Louis, MO at 7:00 PM (St. Louis County Library)

For events in other states:
Frenetic Reader - California
The Story Siren - Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky and Michigan
The Neverending Shelf - the Southeast
YA Bliss - Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, Oklahoma and Kansas

***If anyone plans on going to any of these, drop me an email! There's a really good chance I'll be at a bunch of them and I'd love to meet up!

In My Mailbox (29)

In My Mailbox was started by Kristi over at The Story Siren! In My Mailbox is a way to share the books you received each week.

This week I got:

Review:
Freaksville by Kitty Keswick
High school is hard enough when you’re normal. There’s peer pressure, book reports, the in crowd and the enormous zit that has a life of its own. Having a family whose skeletons in the closet lean toward the paranormal is not a topper on anyone’s list. Sophomore Kasey Maxwell is busy juggling the typical teen angst. Add visions, ghosts and hairy four-legged monsters into the mix and you get FREAKSVILLE. It’s a wonder Kasey has survived.

Every woman in the Maxwell family has the gift of sight. A talent sixteen-year-old Kasey would gladly give up. All she wants is a normal life. Shopping and talking about boys with her best friend and long-time sidekick Gillie Godshall consume her days. Until Kasey has a vision about Josh Johnstone, the foreign exchange student from England. The vision leads her into new waters, a lead in a play, a haunted theater…and into the arms of the Josh. Yet, both Kasey and Josh have secrets lurking in dark corners. Can Kasey’s new romance survive FREAKSVILLE?

Won:
Duplikate by Cherry Cheva
Getting into Yale has been Kate Larson’s dream for years—and being overworked and under-rested is the price of admission. But when she opens her eyes after falling asleep on her keyboard one night, she comes face-to-face with, well, herself.

Meet Kate’s computer-generated twin. Kate doesn’t know why she’s here or how to put her back where she belongs, but she’s real. And she’s the last thing Kate has time to deal with right now. Unless. . .could having a double be the answer to Kate’s prayers?

In this hilarious second novel, Cherry Cheva introduces a character who has been granted the wish of every overscheduled teen everywhere—for there to be two of her. But as everyone knows, you should be careful what you wish for...it just might come true and wear all your clothes and steal your boyfriend.

Boys, Girls, and Other Hazardous Materials by Rosalind Wiseman
Looking for a new beginning after a terrible mean girl past, Charlie Healey realizes there’s no escaping high school drama

Charlie Healey thinks Harmony Falls is the beginning of a whole new life. Middle school was brutal. But high school is Charlie’s big chance to start over and stay out of drama, except that on her first day she runs into Will, her ex–best friend, who had moved away. Now a varsity athlete and hotter than Charlie
remembered, Will hangs with the crowd running the school. But Charlie doesn’t understand their power until an innocent delivery guy falls victim to a near-deadly hazing prank.

Torn between doing what’s right and her secret feelings for Will, Charlie must decide whether to turn in her very best friend or live with the guilt of knowing what he did.

Rosalind Wiseman’s first novel for young adults is a fresh, funny, and juicy read about friendship, betrayal, and how far some will go to be accepted.

Another Faust by Daniel and Dina Nayeri
One night, in cities all across Europe, five children vanish - only to appear, years later, at an exclusive New York party with a strange and
elegant governess. Rumor and mystery follow the Faust teenagers to the city’s most prestigious high school, where they soar to suspicious heights with the help of their benefactor’s extraordinary “gifts.”

But as the students claw their way up - reading minds, erasing scenes, stopping time, stealing power, seducing with artificial beauty - the side-effects of their own addictions. And as they make further deals with the devil, they uncover secrets more shocking than their most
unforgivable sins.

At once chilling and wickedly satirical, this contemporary reimagining of the Faustian bargain is a compelling tale of ambition, consequences, and ultimate redemption.

Random Buzzers:
Very LeFreak by Rachel Cohn
Very LeFreak has a problem: she’s a crazed technology addict. Very can’t get enough of her iPhone, laptop, IMs, text messages, whatever. If there’s any chance the incoming message, call, text, or photo might be from her supersecret online crush, she’s going to answer, no matter what. Nothing is too important: sleep, friends in mid-conversation, class, a meeting with the dean about academic probation. Soon enough, though, this obsession costs Very everything and everyone. Can she learn to block out the noise so she can finally hear her heart?

Rachel Cohn makes her Knopf solo debut with this funny, touching, and surely recognizable story about a girl and the technology habit that threatens everything.

Bought:
Some Girls Are by Courtney Summers
Climbing to the top of the social ladder is hard--falling from it is even harder. Regina Afton used to be a member of the Fearsome Fivesome, an all-girl clique both feared and revered by the students at Hallowell High... until vicious rumors about her and her best friend's boyfriend start going around.

Now Regina's been "frozen out" and her ex-best friends are out for revenge. If Regina was guilty, it would be one thing, but the rumors are far from the terrifying truth and the bullying is getting more intense by the day. She takes solace in the company of Michael Hayden, a misfit with a tragic past who she herself used to bully. Friendship doesn't come easily for these onetime enemies, and as Regina works hard to make amends for her past, she realizes Michael could be more than just a friend... if threats from the Fearsome Foursome don't break them both first.

Tensions grow and the abuse worsens as the final days of senior year march toward an explosive conclusion in this dark new tale from the author of Cracked Up To Be.

Personal Demons by Stacia Kane
Megan promises listeners to her new radio call-in show that she'll "slay their personal demons," and they believe her. So do the personal demons... although she doesn't know it, Megan is the only human without a demon on her shoulder! Megan and her allies - a demon lover who both protects and seduces her with devilish intensity, a witch with poor social skills, and three cockney guard demons - have to deal not only with the personal demons, but a soul-sucker, ghosts of Megan's past, and a reporter who threatens to destroy Megan's career!

What'd you guys get?

Dream Girl by Lauren Mechling

Dream Girl
Lauren Mechling
Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers
Release Date: July 22, 2008
Pages: 256

Rating: 4 stars

CLAIRE VOYANTE HAS been having strange visions ever since she can remember. But the similarity between her name and her talents is purely coincidental. The name is French, and unlike the psychics on TV, she can’t solve crimes or talk to the dead. Whenever Claire follows her hunches, she comes up empty—or ends up in pretty awkward situations.
But that all changes on Claire’s 15th birthday, when her grandmother, Kiki—former socialite, fashion icon, and permanent fixture at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel—gives her something a little more extraordinary than one of her old cocktail dresses: a strange black-and-white onyx cameo on a gold chain. It’s not long before Claire’s world becomes a whole lot clearer. And a whole lot more dangerous.

Dream Girl was a really cute book. I loved the story line, the mystery, and the characters. The writing was fantastic. Dream Girl is a light reading with everything going its way.

I loved what Lauren Mechling did with all the characters. Claire was such an enjoyable character. She had such a witty, great voice. There were a few characters had an attitude and were kind of snotty, but Lauren Mechling included these heart-to-heart moments that really made you connect with them, making them seem more human. Then you had Claire's parents, who were always doing something to make you laugh.

The story was light, and was one you drifted through. Towards the end, the mystery aspect of Dream Girl picked up a load and I found myself much more caught up in the story. The end left me begging to hear more to the fantastic story I got so caught up in! Thank goodness the sequel, Dream Life, came out this week!

Waiting On Wednesday (36) - 13 To Life by Shannon Delany

Waiting on Wednesday is a topic brought to life by Jill over at Breaking the Spine. With Waiting On Wednesday you get to introduce to everyone upcoming books you're excited about.

13 To Life: A Werewolf's Tale
Shannon Delany
Release Date: June 22nd, 2010

Something strange is stalking the small town of Junction…

When junior Jess Gillmansen gets called out of class by Guidance, she can only presume it’s for one of two reasons. Either they’ve finally figured out who wrote the scathing anti-jock editorial in the school newspaper or they’re hosting yet another intervention for her about her mom. Although far from expecting it, she’s relieved to discover Guidance just wants her to show a new student around—but he comes with issues of his own including a police escort.

The newest member of Junction High, Pietr Rusakova has secrets to hide--secrets that will bring big trouble to the small town of Junction—secrets including dramatic changes he’s undergoing that will surely end his life early.

I really like the sound of this one - it sounds awesome!

Book Tour: Calamity Jack by Shannon and Dean Hale

Calamity Jack is another graphic novel by the husband and wife team—Dean and Shannon Hale, and the illustrator is Nathan Hale (no relation). It came out January 5th, 2010 from Bloomsbury Publishing.

Jack thinks of himself as a criminal mastermind with an unfortunate amount of bad luck. A schemer, a trickster ...maybe even a thief? But, of course, he's not out for himself he's trying to take the burden off his hardworking mum's shoulders. She'd understand, right? He hopes she might even be proud. Then, one day, Jack chooses a target a little more ...'giant' than the usual, and as one little bean turns into a great big building-destroying beanstalk, his troubles really begin. But with help from Rapunzel and other eccentric friends, Jack just might out-swindle the evil giants and put his beloved city back in the hands of the people who live there ...whilst catapulting them and the reader into another fantastical adventure.

I was so excited to read more about Jack and Rapunzel as Book 1, Rapunzel's Revenge, was adorable and this book was no different! I'm not usually a fan of graphic novels, but I really enjoyed this one. It is jam packed with action, witty dialgoue and humor.

Calamity Jack had a great plot! It keeps you interested the entire time! You have Jack and Rapunzel off on more adventures, only this time they recruit some new help! The one thing I would've liked to see revisited a bit more was Jack and Rapunzel's friendship. You see it building much more in Rapunzel's Revenge, and I would've love to see a bit more of it in Calamity Jack. I felt as if the connection between them wasn't as apparant.

I absolutely love the pictures in Calamity Jack! The cover is gorgeous, and the drawings are just plain awesome! Calamity Jack is a great entertaining read that doesn't take a long time to read. It's cute, has action, and has pictures you could stare at all day!


Our featured authors/illustrator have really cool websites that I hope you'll take a few minutes to check out. Just look at the addresses and know that you are in for a treat!

Shannon’s: http://www.squeetus.com/stage/main.html

Dean’s: http://www.dreadcrumbs.com/

Nathan’s: http://spacestationnathan.blogspot.com/

Don't forget to check out the other people featuringing Calamity Jack this week on tour!
Whispers of Dawn, Reading is my Superpower, firesidemusings.blogspot.com, Through the Looking Glass Book Review , Booking Mama, Cafe of Dreams, Becky’s Book Reviews, The Hungry Readers, The Friendly Book Book, My Own Little Corner of the World, Book Blather, GreenBeanTeenQueen, Book Crumbs , Abby (the) Librarian, Dolce Bellezza, Homeschoolbuzz.com, The Book Cellar, Carrie’s YA Bookshelf, Bookshelf Monstrosity, Everyday Reading, Frenetic Reader, KidzBookBuzz.com, Maw Books

Bloggiesta Wrap Up Post!

My bloggiesta didn't go as well as I was hoping. Due to snow, things that were Thursday were rescheduled Friday, and I didn't get much done Friday. Saturday I was gone. Sunday I worked loads though. My total time was about 7 hours.

What I did complete:
•Schedule Waiting on Wednesday posts
•Send back emails I should've ions ago (I didn't finish - but got a good portion of it done)
•Finish picking winners for contests that are over
•Update Challenge posts (I'm so behind already on posts like the 2010 Debut Author Challenge)

Didn't finish:
•Complete mini-challenges (I only ended up doing a few. Even though Bloggiesta will be over, I planning on completing most of the challenges. They're such great ideas!)
•Finish Typing upcoming book reviews
•Reorganize Google Reader
•Label Posts (Did label a few, but didn't get real far)
•Update my About section


Mini Challenges!

Dead Links Challenge I went through most of my links, and I fixed one dead link.

Join The Bloggie Cult Mini Challenge I think this is such a great idea!

Flashback Mini Challenges:

Google Alert Mini Challenge I never knew how to set up a Google Alert - but now I have it set it! :)

I cannot wait for the next Bloggiesta! I will definately be participating (and hopefully a lot more!)

In My Mailbox (28)

In My Mailbox was started by Kristi over at The Story Siren! In My Mailbox is a way to share the books you received each week.

This week I got:


Won:
Sea by Heidi R Kling
Restoring Harmony by Joelle Anthony
Dear John by Nicolas Sparks

Around The World Tours:
Harmonic Feedback by Tara Kelley (Not in vlog)

Bought:
Captivate by Carrie Jones
If We Kiss by Rachel Vail
Gossip Girl: I Like It Like That by Cecily von Ziegesar
Gossip Girl: Because I'm Worth It by Cecily von Ziegesar
City of Glass by Cassandra Clare
Eighth Grade Bites by Heather Brewer
Swoon by Nina Malkin
After by Amy Efaw
Devilish by Maureen Johnson
Storm Born by Richelle Mead
Night Shift by Lilith Saintcrow
Ballad by Maggie Stiefvater

Christmas:
Devoured by Amanda Marrone
Fire by Kristin Cashore
Graceling by Kristin Cashore
Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles

From Sharon:
Me, My Elf, and I by Heather Swain
Undiscovered Gyrl by Allison Burnett
How To Ruin Your Boyfriend's Reputation by Simon Elkeles

What'd you guys get this week?

The Iron King by Julie Kagawa

The Iron King
Julia Kagawa
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Release Date: February 1, 2010
Pages: 368

Rating: 5 stars

Meghan Chase has never fit in at her small-town high school, and now, on the eve of her 16th birthday, she discovers why. When her half brother is kidnapped, Meghan is drawn into a fantastical world she never imagined--the world of Faery, where anything you see may try to eat you, and Meghan is the daughter of the summer faery king. Now she will journey into the depths of Faery to face an unknown enemy . . . and beg the help of a winter prince who might as soon kill her as let her touch his icy heart. The Iron King is the first book in the Iron Fey series.

I don't even know how to start this review. I loved this book so much it's not even funny! It had kick-ass characters, a spiffy cat, romance, action, and danger all wrapped up with amazing writing, Shakespearean inspiration and a promise of 2 more books to come - what more do you need?

I think I first must talk about Grimalkin, and how he is the coolest cat ever. Julie Kagawa manages to perfectly capture the spirit of a cat in Grimalkin (or at least what seems what a cat would be like to me). He had attitude, and was downright awesome. Then there was Puck and Ash. Puck was so much fun! Everything was always a joke, and things he did had me laughing so hard! Ash was more serious and cold, but the little things he did felt really heartwarming.

Now I must talk about Meghan. Major props to Julie Kagawa for making Meghan a strong and intelligent female protaganist who is so dedicated to whatever she does. She stands her ground for what she believes in in this world where pretty much everyone's trying to sway her to their side.

The romance in The Iron King was perfect in the setting. There was none of the gooey, love scenes which sometimes don't seem real. Romance in The Iron King had sparks flying off the page. There was so much anticipation, so many almost moments. I kept thinking they'd finally kiss, and then something else would happen.

The writing was excellent. From page 1, I felt as if I had been transported to Meghan's world and was there alongside her. The setting Julie Kagawa wrote is simply magical - magical and beautiful - all while having that edgy feeling that danger is lurking around every corner.

I was basically addicted to The Iron King. I started reading, and I couldn't put it down! I had to know what would happen next. Julie Kagawa nicely ties up the major story of The Iron King, while unfolding another tale for Meghan that has readers begging to know what'll happen.

Basically, this book is awesome and everyone should read it. If you're a fan of fairy books, you will definately want to read this one. If you've never tried fairy books before, read this. If you've read some fairy books before and weren't a fan, read this one anyways. You do not want to miss The Iron King! It is that amazing. I am eagerly awaiting book 2, The Iron Daughter, which is coming out in August. I want more Ash, Puck, Grimalkin and Meghan adventures!

Blogiesta!

Click on the picture of Pedro to learn more!

This is my first blogiesta! Natasha over at Maw Books Blog is the host!

So, my goals for this bloggiesta are as follows:

•Schedule Waiting on Wednesday posts
•Send back emails I should've ions ago
•Finish picking winners for contests that are over
•Update Challenge posts (I'm so behind already on posts like the 2010 Debut Author Challenge)
•Complete mini-challenges
•Finish Typing upcoming book reviews
•Reorganize Google Reader
•Label Posts
•Update my About section
•And much much more...

Lets see what I can get done...

Giveaway: The Secret Year by Jennifer Hubbard

So I posted my review of The Secret Year a few days ago, and I've decided to give away my ARC of The Secret Year. For those of you who don't know what it's about, here's a summary:

Seventeen-year-old Colt has been sneaking out at night to meet Julia, a girl from an upper-class neighborhood unlike his own. They’ve never told anyone else about their relationship: not their family or friends, and especially not Julia’s boyfriend.When Julia dies suddenly, Colt tries to cope with her death while pretending that he never even knew her. He discovers a journal she left behind. But he is not prepared for the truths he discovers about their intense relationship, nor to pay the price for the secrets he’s kept.

Here's how to enter:

(Please format your comment something like this if possible)
+1 Leave a comment AND email (required)
+2 Old Follower
+1 New Follower
+2 Linking (up to 3) (When tweeting please include @thebookcellarx)

Please put all your entries in one comment!

Contest will end January 28th. *US Only*

Traveling To Teens Tour: Guest Post with Kitty Keswick

Today, Kitty Keswick is here with a guest post about high school! Kitty Keswick is the author of Freaksville, which comes out tomorrow!

Here's a bit about Freaskville:
High school is hard enough when you’re normal. There’s peer pressure, book reports, the in crowd and the enormous zit that has a life of its own. Having a family whose skeletons in the closet lean toward the paranormal is not a topper on anyone’s list. Sophomore Kasey Maxwell is busy juggling the typical teen angst. Add visions, ghosts and hairy four-legged monsters into the mix and you get FREAKSVILLE. It’s a wonder Kasey has survived.

Every woman in the Maxwell family has the gift of sight. A talent sixteen-year-old Kasey would gladly give up. All she wants is a normal life. Shopping and talking about boys with her best friend and long-time sidekick Gillie Godshall consume her days. Until Kasey has a vision about Josh Johnstone, the foreign exchange student from England. The vision leads her into new waters, a lead in a play, a haunted theater…and into the arms of the Josh. Yet, both Kasey and Josh have secrets lurking in dark corners. Can Kasey’s new romance survive FREAKSVILLE?


High School equals Freaksville

It was the best of times; it was the worst of times… Hmm, I wonder if Charles Dickens was describing high school?

My teen years weren’t exactly a horror story…

I grew up in a small town in central California, where cows and fog were in the majority. The town has changed a lot. Now the cow-patty fields hold a Target, Kohl’s, and Borders books.

I was average, I think. I enjoyed some aspects of high school: yearbook and speech and debate. The cool thing about speech was the tournaments. We spent the weekend away from home in hotels and had a lot of fun. I plead the fifth on how a fake pink flamingo ended up in my possession.

I hated math class and counted the hours until it was over. Cried my eyes out over crushes gone bad. Thank God for Corey Hart on the boom box… Nope, we didn’t have iPods back in the dark ages.

I had a wonderful group of friends; some I’m still friends with. I think that’s what made high school bearable. Without them, well, I’d be in Freaksville.

Kasey Maxwell, my heroine in the novel Freaksville, has a great support system in her BFF Gillie Godshall. The two are cut from the same cloth in many ways—sparkly and fuchsia, maybe even trimmed with faux fur—even though Gillie towers over Kasey!

Friends make our lives richer. Without them our worlds would be a darker place. Kasey wouldn’t have as much inner strength without Gillie. Gillie is the researcher of the group, the one who provides Kasey with the info she needs to tackle the ghosts and the furry beasts…and even the British hottie who catches Kasey’s eye. When I wrote Freaksville, one of the first scenes that came to me was one where Gillie and Kasey were hanging out discussing how hot the guys from the TV show Supernatural are. It originally started out as a discussion of Spike vs. Angel from Buffy the Vampire Slayer, but to make it more up to date, I changed it to Supernatural.

The way the girls laughed and munched on Oreo cookies and a plethora of other junk food was so real, the scene solidified their friendship in my mind. I ended up trimming a lot of that scene down to the essence, but still it served as the backbone of Kasey and Gillie’s friendship.

I didn’t base Freaksville on real people or events, but I did draw from my life experiences, as all authors do. Ironically, I use to tell werewolf tales in high school. Some things never change.


Thank you so much for stopping by Kitty! You can visit her on the web at: http://www.kittykeswick.com/. Also, you can check out her blog Wolfy Chicks - which is a blog shared by her and Judith Graves (whose novel, Under My Skin, comes out in March).

Interview with The Secret Year's Colt!

Tuesday I had the opportunity to interview the author of The Secret Year, Jennifer Hubbard, and today I have an interview with the narrator of the book, Colt.

Where do you see yourself in the future? Do you see yourself going off to college like Tom? Staying near the flats?

I would like to go to college and see more of the world, but I wouldn’t mind at all coming back to live along the river.

What do you fear most in life?

Losing everything. Before Julia died, I didn’t really believe that could happen.

You seem pretty close to Syd and the guys, how did you meet them?

We all live in the same neighborhood. We went to school together. We’ve been around each other as long as I can remember.

Which of all the little places you go in the flats is your favorite, to just relax and forget the problems in your life?

I used to like the bridge a lot, but then that spot became all about Julia. There are a couple of other places along the river where you can sit on the rocks or a log, and nobody will bother you.

I know you're a huge fan of eating, so I must ask - what would you say your favorite food is?

My mother exaggerates that. What does she expect? You go to school all day and then work, or walk a few miles along the river, you get hungry. I like spaghetti, steak, pizza—pretty much anything. I’m not that picky about food.

Thanks Colt for stopping by, and answering a few questions! =)

The Secret Year by Jennifer Hubbard

The Secret Year
Jennifer Hubbard
Publisher: Viking
Release Date: January 7, 2010
Pages: 208

Rating: 4 stars

Seventeen-year-old Colt has been sneaking out at night to meet Julia, a girl from an upper-class neighborhood unlike his own. They’ve never told anyone else about their relationship: not their family or friends, and especially not Julia’s boyfriend.When Julia dies suddenly, Colt tries to cope with her death while pretending that he never even knew her. He discovers a journal she left behind. But he is not prepared for the truths he discovers about their intense relationship, nor to pay the price for the secrets he’s kept.

The Secret Year is a story that is fresh, new, and original. It's filled to the brim with emotion, and makes you think.

Jennifer Hubbard's writing really enhanced the emotion that is so present in the story and gets readers lost in Colt's life. The writing flowed very well, and got even better as the book progressed. Jennifer Hubbard did a wonderful job with all the characters. All the characters had some problem and flaw, and you could see that. It made all the characters seem more real.

The use of a journal for Colt to see what was happening in Julia's head was a really neat idea! As a reader, you were alongside Colt discovering things about Julia every step of the way. You say his every reaction about what Julia didn't tell him in life.

I loved Julia and Colt's relationship. It wasn't a relationship anyone would suspect, and both Julia and Colt in a way didn't expect it either, and it showed through a bit in their relationship. Their relationship wasn't the perfect perfect relationship that is portrayed in some stories, and because of that it seemed much more realistic.

Overall, I really enjoyed The Secret Year. It wasn't a book I absolutely loved, but still I really liked it. I would definately recommend reading it if you get the chance!

Call Me Book Club Sweepstakes

Are you a member of a Book Club? Then this is the sweepstakes for you!

The Call Me Book Club sweeps lets book clubs (classrooms count too!) enter to win up to 25 books for their group AND a follow-up call from one of the following participating authors: Lisa Schroeder, Lisa McMann, Kate Brian, Deb Caletti, Angela Johnson, and Elizabeth Scott. This way a group of readers can ask the authors anything they’d like after they’ve read their book!



The Unwritten Rule by Elizabeth Scott:
http://elizabethwrites.com/









Scandal by Kate Brian:
http://privatenovels.com/










The Six Rules of Maybe by Deb Caletti:
www.debcaletti.com/










Gone by Lisa McMann:
LisaMcMann.com








Chasing Brooklyn by Lisa Schroeder:
http://lisaschroederbooks.com/









Sweet, Hereafter by Angela Johnson:
http://authors.simonandschuster.net/Angela-Johnson/1263944








Click here to enter!

Waiting On Wednesday (35) - Whisper by Phoebe Kitanidis

Waiting on Wednesday is a topic brought to life by Jill over at Breaking the Spine. With Waiting On Wednesday you get to introduce to everyone upcoming books you're excited about.

Whisper
Phoebe Kitanidis
Release Date: April 27, 2010

I’d love a cup of coffee. I wish she knew how pretty she was. I wish I could drop this kid in the dryer sometimes. I just want her to be happy. I hope she didn’t find out what Ben said about her. I wish I knew how many calories were in a bite of muffin…

Joy is used to hearing Whispers. She’s used to walking down the street and instantly knowing people’s deepest, darkest desires. She uses this talent for good, to make people happy and give them what they want. But for her older sister, Jessica, the family gift is a curse, and she uses it to make people’s lives—especially Joy’s—miserable. Still, when Joy Hears Jessica whisper: I want to kill my Hearing dead, and kill me too if that’s what it takes, she knows she has to save her sister, even if it means deserting her friends, stealing a car and running away with a boy she barely knows—a boy who may have a dark secret of his own.

The Girl With the Mermaid Hair by Delia Ephron

The Girl With the Mermaid Hair
Delia Ephron
Publisher: HarperTeen
Release Date: January 5, 2010
Pages: 320

Rating: 4 stars

Sukie Jamieson is obsessed with her appearance. She checks her reflection in windows, spoons, car chrome—anything available. So when her mother gives her a full-length mirror that once belonged to her grandmother, Sukie is thrilled. So thrilled that she doesn’t listen to her mother’s warning: "This mirror will be your best friend and worst enemy.” Because mirrors, as Sukie discovers, show not only the faraway truth but the truth close up. And finding out that close-up truth changes people. Often forever.

The Girl With the Mermaid Hair was a really great read. It wasn't real action packed or anything, but you just kind of drifted through the book, enjoying it. The plot wasn't super involved, so you didn't have to think a lot about what was happening in the book. This doesn't mean you didn't feel emotions for the characters, as I found myself feeling for all the characters in some way, Sukie the most.

The first few chapters I wasn't feeling for Sukie at all. In fact, I didn't think I'd like her. She really softens and becomes more likeable, more and more so as the book goes on. Sukie's little brother, Mikey, was my favorite character of the book. He was just so fun loving, and did so many funny things throughout the book.

I do wish the beginning had had a bit more going on. There just wasn't a lot but hearing from Sukie in the first portion. Later there was more involvement on all the characters parts, and I found myself much more caught up reading.

I'd definitely suggest this one, especially if you're looking for an enjoyable book that you can easily drift through

Interview with Jennifer Hubbard

I am excited to welcome Jennifer Hubbard today! She is the author of The Secret Year, which comes out this Thursday, the 7th. Jennifer R. Hubbard lives and writes near Philadelphia. You can find Jennifer on the web at: www.jenniferhubbard.com



What would you say your favorite thing along the road to publication was?

Getting my cover was a real high point. I think Sam Kim, the designer, caught the spirit of the book perfectly.

If The Secret Year was made into a movie, who would you see as Colt and the other characters?

People ask me this a lot, but the truth is that I don’t see a lot of TV or movies, and I have no idea. It’s probably just as well, because I don’t think authors get a lot of input into movie casting!

I noticed you like to hike, is there a place you'd love to travel to someday just for the purpose of hiking?

My husband and I do this every year, on our vacations. We especially like the national parks in the Western US; Mount Rainier is probably my favorite.

I haven't had the opportunity to go to Mount Rainier, but Wyoming and Colorado are gorgeous! Now, what would you say your favorite punctuation mark is?

The question mark. Not only is the curlicue attractive, but the question mark leads to such interesting possibilities. It’s open-ended; it’s curious.

When you're writing do you have any rituals you have to follow?

I don’t have to, but I prefer to, switch on my music and have a bite of chocolate at the start of a writing session.

As you were writing The Secret Year, did you have a favorite character to write? On the same note, was there a character that was harder for you to write than the others?

Colt’s voice came naturally, which is good because the book is written from his point of view. Kirby and Michael were the hardest for me to grasp. I had to make sure I understood their motivations at all times. And when they had internal conflicts, I had to be sure I knew which side of them was prevailing, and why, at any given moment.

Thanks so much Jennifer! Visit Jennifer on the web at her blog and also on Twitter!

Check back all week for more The Secret Year posts and fun!

Chat with Richelle Mead!

I just had to let you know about this! There is going to be an online chat with Richelle Mead this Thursday, January 7th, at 8:00 PM Eastern time. It's taking place over at Publisher’s Office Watercooler at Penguin. I already signed up for an email reminder so I wouldn't forget that night.

Here's the link: http://us.penguingroup.com/static/pages/publishersoffice/subcontent/watercooler.html
or just click here

I'm so excited for it! I LOVE the Vampire Academy series.

In My Mailbox (27)

In My Mailbox was started by Kristi over at The Story Siren! In My Mailbox is a way to share the books you received each week.

This week I got:



Secret Santa:
Frostbite by Richelle Mead
A 2010 Planner
Snowflake Ornament

Bought:
Stake That! by Mari Mancusi
Girls That Growl by Mari Mancusi
Falcondance by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes
A Brief Chapter in my Impossible Life by Dana Reinhardt
The Thrall's Tale by Judith Lindbergh
Bridge of Souls by Fiona McIntosh
The Singer's Crown by Elaine Isaak
The Lays of Beleriand by JRR Tolkien

The Won:
Bewitching Season by Marissa Doyle
Betraying Season by Marissa Doyle
My Soul To Take by Rachel Vincent

What'd you guys get this week?

250 Followers Contest Winners!

First off, sorry I took so long to post the winners. But without further ado here are the winners of the 250 Followers Contest. There were 309 total entries by 49 people.

1st Place Winner: Karla I never heard back from Karla - so the new winner is Mandy (Wins 3 books from the list below)
2nd Place Winner: WilowRaven(Wins 2 books from the list below)
3rd Place Winner: Jill (Wins 1 book from the list below)
Swag Pack Winner: Brooke

I'll be emailing Karla, and the other winners as they previous winners pick which books they want! :)

The Everafter by Amy Huntley (ARC)
TTYL by Lauren Myracle (PB)
WTF by Peter Lerangis (ARC)
The Amanda Project: Invisible I by Stella Lennon (ARC)
The Chosen One by Carol Lynch Williams (HC)
Hold Still by Nina LaCour (ARC)
Catalyst by Laurie Halse Anderson (HC)
Lipstick Apology by Jennifer Jabaley (ARC)
Talent by Zoey Dean (PB)
The Treasure Map of Boys by E. Lockhart (ARC)
Bratfest at Tiffany's by Lisi Harrison (PB)

Goals for 2010

So now that 2010 is officially here, I've set some blogging goals for the new year.

1. Read 150 books
2. Comment more - I've gotten so bad about commenting lately with how busy I've been, but I'm determined to comment much more!
3. Complete at least 3 reading challenges
4. Post everyday. For the most part I post daily, but my goal is to post everyday
5. Stop procrastinating - I procrastinate SO much, and it needs to stop

What goals have you guys set for this year?

Most Anticipated in 2010

This is just SOME of the books I cannot wait to read. If I listed them all, we'd be here all day :)

Books I cannot wait to read:
The Unwritten Rule by Elizabeth Scott
Something Like Fate by Susane Colasanti
Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins
Forget Her Nots by Amy Brecount White
The Mark by Jen Nadol
Everlasting by Angie Frazier
The Iron King by Julie Kagawa
Other by Karen Kincy
The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting
Some Girls Are by Courtney Summers
Sea by Heidi R. Kling

Sequels I'm absolutely dying to read:
Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick
The Reckoning by Kelley Armstrong
Hourglass by Claudia Gray
Jealousy by Lili St. Crow
Spirit Bound by Richelle Mead

What books are you guys looking forward to?

2009 Reading

So I'm looking back over this past year. Pretty successful.

I read 124 books, not counting rereads:

(Oh and this list is most definately not in order of when I read them)

1. Two Way Street - Lauren Barnholdt
2. The One - Ed Decter
3. Fat Cat - Robin Brande
4. Brisingr - Christopher Paolini
5. Ghostgirl - Tonya Hurley
6. Ghostgirl: Homecoming - Tonya Hurley
7. Confessions of a Not It Girl - Melissa Kantor
8. Don't Judge A Girl By Her Cover - Ally Carter
9. Waiting For You - Susane Colasanti
10. Going Too Far - Jennifer Echols
11. The Chosen One - Carol Lynch Williams
12. Nailed - Jennifer Laurens
13. Stargazer - Claudia Gray
14. Fairy Tale - Cyn Balog
15. Strange Angels - Lili St. Crow
16. The Treasure Map Of Boys - E. Lockheart
17. The Awakening - Kelley Armstrong
18. Evermore - Alyson Noel
19. Castration Celebration - Jake Wizner
20. How To Buy A Love of Reading - Tonya Egan Gibson
21. Kisses and Lies - Lauren Henderson
22. I Know Its Over - C. K. Kelly Martin
23. Kiss Me, Kill Me - Lauren Henderson
24. Cruel Summer - Alyson Noel
25. Boys That Bite - Mari Mancusi
26. Vampire Academy - Richelle Mead
27. Ambition - Kate Brian
28. Revelation - Kate Brian
29. Agnus, Thongs, and Full Frontal Snogging - Louise Rennison
30. The Princess Diaries - Meg Cabot
31. On The Bright Side, I'm Now The Girlfriend of a Sex God - Louise Rennison
32. Princess in the Spotlight - Meg Cabot
33. Princess in Love - Meg Cabpt
34. Summer Boys - Hailey Abbott
35. Next Summer - Hailey Abbott
36. After Summer - Hailey Abbott
37. Last Summer - Hailey Abbott
38. The Dating Game
39. Paradise Lost - Kate Brian
40. Privelege - Kate Brian
41. In the Forests of the Night - Amelia Atwater-Rhodes
42. Frostbite - Richelle Mead
43. Shadow Kiss - Richelle Mead
44. Cross My Heart and Hope To Spy - Ally Carter
44. Beautiful Disaster - Kate Brian
45. Blue Moon - Alyson Noel
46. Kiss and Blog - Alyson Noel
47. Leaving Home - Stephanie Doyon
48. Buying Time - Stephanie Doyon
49. Taking Chances- Stephanie Doyon
50. Making Waves- Stephanie Doyon
51. The Boys Next Door - Jennifer Echols
52. Last Christmas - Kate Brian
53. Doing It - Melvin Burgess
54. Pretty Little Liars - Sara Shepard
55. A Novel Idea - Aimee Friedman
56. Do-Over - Nikki Burnham
57. Royally Jacked - Nikki Burnham
58. Spin Control - Nikki Burnham
59. Scary Beautiful - Nikki Burnham
60. Sticky Fingers - Nikki Burnham
61. South Beach Sizzle - Susane Weyn
62. Knocked Out By My Nunga-Nungas - Louise Rennison
63. Twenty Boy Summer - Sarah Ockler
64. Troy High - Shana Norris
65. Graceling - Kristin Cashore
66. Fire - Kristin Cashore
67. Hush, Hush - Becca Fitzpatrick
68. Diving In - Kate Cann
69. Cycler - Lauren McLaughlin
70. Behind Every Illusion - Christina Harner
71. Boy Toy - Barry Lyga
72. Candor - Pam Bachorz
73. Invisible I: The Amanda Project - Stella Lennon
74. Willow - Julia Hoban
75. The Elite - Jennifer Banash
76. In Too Deep - Jennifer Banash
77. Simply Irresistible - Jennier Banash
78. Never Cry Werewolf - Heather Davis
79. Inexcusable - Chris Lynch
80. City of Bones - Cassandra Clare
81. The Demon's Lexicon - Sarah Rees Brennan
82. The Cinderella Society - Kay Cassidy
83. City of Ashes - Cassandra Clare
84. Jessica's Guide To Dating On The Dark Side - Beth Fantaskey
85. Lipstick Apology - Jennifer Jabaley
86. The Ex Games - Jennifer Echols
87. Pretty Dead - Francesca Lia Block
88. The Siren - Kiera Cass
89. Poison Study - Maria V. Snyder
90. The Everafter - Amy Huntley
91. The Kindling of GreenFyr - Mark Freeman
92. Blood Promise - Richelle Mead
93. Cracked Up To Be - Courtney Summers
94. Demon Inside - Stacia Kane
95. Little Black Lies - Tish Cohen
96. Never After - Dan Elconin
97. Give Up the Ghost - Megan Crewe
98. Dark Secrets 1: Legacy of Lies and Don't Tell - Elizabeth Chandler
99. The Line - Teri Hall
100. Hold Still - Nina LaCour
101. Gringolandia - Lyn Miller-Lachman
102. Before I Fall - Lauren Oliver
103. WTF - Peter Lerangis
104. My Invented Life - Lauren Bjorkman
105. The Betrayal of Natalie Hargrove - Lauren Kate
106. Brightly Woven - Alexandra Bracken
107. Betrayals - Lili St. Crow
108. Cashing In - Susan Colebank
109. Kissed by An Angel - Elizabeth Chandler
110. Nothing Like You - Lauren Strasnick
111. The Vampire Diaries: The Awakening and The Struggle by LJ Smith
112. Need by Carrie Jones
113. The Real Real by Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus
114. Nanny Returns by Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus
115. Stupid Cupid by Rhonda Stapleton
116. Murder At the Lake by Bren Gaudet
117. The Dark Divine by Bree Despain
118. Magic Under Glass by Jaclyn Dolamore
119. Captivate by Carrie Jones
120. The Naughty List by Suzanne Young
121. The Secret Year by Jennifer Hubbard
122. Ex-Mas by Kate Brian
123. Wondrous Strange by Lesley Livingston