Something Like Normal by Trish Doller
Bloomsbury
June 19, 2012 (MY BIRTHDAY)

cover: kissy face
plot: hot soldier comes home
writing style: new awesome author alert
characters: yay male POV
pace: like real life
uniqueness: it’s not dystopian
rating: loved it

Goodreads ♥ Amazon ♥ Author Website

cover

So I am not going to lie, the cover was the thing that made me originally NOT request this book from Netgalley, but then I heard the awesome reviews and I had to pick it up. The cover says “I’m just like every contemporary young adult book” when it is so far from that!

plot

Travis comes home from Afghanistan a broken guy. He lost his best friend, his parent’s marriage is on the rocks, and his promiscuous ex-girlfriend is now with his brother. After reconnecting with Harper, a girl whose reputation he ruined when they were younger, things start looking better for Travis. Still he can’t get rid of the demons from his past.

writing style

I can’t pinpoint what I love about Trish Doller’s writing, only that I did. Her character’s felt real. The storyline never felt rushed. And she wrote from a male POV and still made it a relate-able and swoon worthy for a romance junkie like me. I can see her becoming a auto-buy author for me.

characters

Travis, Travis, Travis. You are kind of a dick, but man did I love you. Travis is FAR from perfect. He has a weird relationship with his ex, he was never close to his family, and he didn’t sign up for the military for any noble reason. But this makes him so REAL. Harper brings out the best in him and I was rooting for them the whole time.

pace

Even though Travis is only home for a short time, and the events of the book happen right after another., the story never feels rushed.

uniqueness

In an age where all military books are dystopian, this contemporary breaks the stride. After reading this book, I have been looking for similar books in the young adult perspective so if you know any please leave a comment!

Written by: Yani II Subscribe to our posts HERE!

Let Me In by Callie Croix
Carina Press
May 21, 2012

cover: indie hit
plot: smexy, yet emotional
writing style: smut-usual
characters: marine badass
pace: in the span of a weekend
uniqueness: different from contemporary that I have read
rating: liked it

Goodreads ♥ Amazon ♥ Author Website
___________________________________________________________

cover

As far as indie book covers go, this one is pretty good, hot but understated. I have definitely seen worse.

plot

FROM GOODREADS – On leave for Thanksgiving, the last thing marine lieutenant Talia Barnett expects to find is Liam Brodie waiting for her at the airport. He’s had a starring role in her fantasies for the past two years, and although she’d love to make them a reality, she has a dark secret that prevents her from taking things further. A former marine, Liam’s specialty is planning tactical operations, and that’s just what he plans to do to win Talia. The woman has kept him at arm’s length for too long, and this time he’s finally going to claim her—body and heart. What begins as comfort quickly turns hot. When Liam shows Talia a hint of the dominant nature inside him, the submissive part of her flares to life. Though she desires him, she’s going back on deployment and doesn’t want to dump all her drama on him. Will he find a way to break through the protective walls around her heart and convince her they have a future that goes far beyond the bedroom?

writing style

Of the indie erotica/romance books I have read, Callie has written one of the more realistic ones. It is not over the top, and it has an emotional story line as well.

characters

I really enjoyed these characters and the emotional ride they took me on this book.

pace

Everything in this book takes place within a couple of days, and though that seems so quick, you feel their connection from the beginning.

uniqueness

I don’t usually read contemporary romance books or erotica, but I enjoyed the army aspect of it.

Written by: Yani II Subscribe to our posts HERE!

Hey-o!

About a week and a half ago, I was on my way to the Dark Days event in Atlanta, GA. Yes, needless to say, due to a hair appointment that was 2.5 hours AFTER my scheduled time, I sooooo did NOT make it. I even was trying to book it to the event….yeah…..that didn’t work out so well. I got PULLED OVER. Well, I was kind of doing Mach 90…but that’s besides the point. I get there and literally run into Claudia Gray and Dan Wells. They told me that a whole bunch of bloggers were over there (WITH LAUREN OLIVER) at the Chili’s in the parking lot. (Sidenote: I did cry to my husband that I did get a speeding ticket AND I missed the book signing on the way there. I tend to get emotional about things like that….I’m a girl who loves books, so sue me!)

But Lunch….er, Dinner….maybe Linner (?) Whatever it was, it was delicious and there was talking, lots of talking. I don’t remember what…but it was a good time had by all and I PROMISE the next event, I will be there on time…barring any tickets….

Mah gurlz were there. (Lori from Pure Imagination, Shannon from Stalking the Bookshelves, Alli from Magnet4Books, Kelsey from Blinded By Books, Amy from Lady Reader’s Bookstuff, Briana from The Book Pixie and VANNNNNNNNNNNNNIA. THE VANIA.) These girls are the bomb dot com. I also saw Jeremy from Novel Thoughts, Travis, Ashley and Katie too.

Sorry this wasn’t informative…I was too busy getting a ticket in Lake Oconee

Written by: Tiffani II Subscribe to our posts HERE!

Hey, Y’all!

It has definitely been a busy time for me…Girl Scout Cookie sales, work, and other things that are definitely keeping me from reading. But…but…I am going to change all of that this week! I have comprised a list of things that will be showing up on the blog THIS WEEK!

Monday(3/19): Finishing Starters, starting something else….maybe.

Tuesday (3/20): Lunch with Lauren Oliver, Claudia Gray and Dan Wells (or, How I missed the Dark Days Event AND Got a Speeding Ticket!) and Teaser Tuesday (Sweet Evil)

Wednesday (3/21): Review of Starters by Lissa Price

Thursday(3/22): A IMM from ME!

Friday (3/23): HUNGER GAMES. HUNGER GAMES.

That’s it from my neck of the woods

Written by: Tiffani II Subscribe to our posts HERE!

Ah– after weeks of checkpoints and observations I’m finally on SPRING BREAK! I haven’t  had a Spring Break in about two years. I though waiting for it to begin in college was hard, but working and waiting for the break is even worse. Oh well- I’m now on vacation in Minneapolis and I can’t to see the city!

I did, however, get the best book haul ever to help me make it through the last few weeks

From NetGalley:

Welcome Caller, This is Chloe by Shelley Corill  Okay– whose school had a radio station? I’ve read other books and seen tv shows and movies about this? Is this real life? Anyways, looks like a cute book.
The Academie by Susanne Dunlap I featured this book as WOW a few week ago. A boarding school with the offspring and siblings of historical figures in Paris? Eek!

Won:

Diabolical by  Cynthia Leitich Smith I have a coworker who loves these books and I can’t wait to try them. Thanks to Candlewick Press and Jen from I Read Banned Books.
Hallowed by Cynthia Hand Ah! I’m in love with this book! Jennifer at Novel Thoughts had a last minute Twitter contest before heading to a bookish event, and I managed to snag a personalized signed ARC. Thanks Jennifer!
Wings of the Wicked by Courtney Allison Moulten Another signed copy made it’s way to my mailbox via Tammi at Young Adult Book Reviews. Thanks Tammi- I loved the bookmarks that went along with them
Gift card to Barnes and Noble from The Broke and The Bookish!

And with that gift card I bought:
The Fine Art of Truth and Dare by Melissa Jensen Read it already. Love it. A cute contemporary read.
Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare I borrowed this from the library and read it already but I’d also saved a place on the bookshelf for my own copy
Scarlet by A.C. Gaugen I had received a postcard/bookplate set from A.C. and I needed the book to put it. I can’t wait to read this twist on Robin Hood.
The Harry Potter Schoolbooks Box Set by JK Rowling My first copies of these books have gone MIA so I picked up this set. Love the hardcover books
The Gathering Storm by Robin Bridges I’ve been eyeing this one for a while. I love the Russian setting.

I also picked up The Goddess Hunt by Aimee Carter for my Kindle. Loved the two books in the series and I can’t wait to see what happened between them.

That’s been my past few weeks– what’s in your mailbox?

Written by: Jayme II Subscribe to our posts HERE!

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by The Broke and The Bookish– one of my favorite blog around

This week we are talking about our top ten genre books– any genre, just your top ten favorites. I was going to go with historical fiction, but the more I look into my favorite list, they were not historically set so much as they were set in Europe.

I adore Europe. So this is my list of my favorite books set aboard. Enjoy.

1. Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly. My love for this book has no bounds. I adore it. French Revolution + Paris + beautiful broke girl= my favorite historical book ever.

2. The Botticelli Secret by Mariana Fiorata. Okay, this one is technically an adult novel. But the main character is 15. And tramps all about Italy using clues from my favorite painting in the world. Of course I’m going to love it and try to shove it down your throats. READ THIS.

3.  Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins. I really should just give up and build a damn shrine to this woman. This book made me have grudges towards my parents for not sending me to a Parisian boarding school. Way to miss the ball on that one, Mum.

(It should be known that in my adoration for Europe, and more specifically England, I tried to pick up British-English in high school. The only thing that stuck was Mum. So yeah, I call my mother Mum.)

4.  The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson. Oh, look! Another boarding school I didn’t get to attend!

5. Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare. My favorite time period combined with my favorite country is a recipe for a great book. Add in steampunk and all other books really should just stop trying to win my heart.

6. Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Claire. Same as above. Only more so, because I fell in love with Will Herondale SO HARD in this book. In fact, I throw it across the car when I finished. From the passenger seat.

(Another fun fact? My husband probably thinks I’m crazy)

7. Dark Goddess by Sawart Chadda. Russia, or as I like to call you in my head, Ah- Motherland (thanks to this video), you are a new destination. Make yourself at home, I liked you.

8. Bloomability by Sharon Creech. So this is a middle grade book, but I’d already thrown an adult book in, so I though why not. This book made me want to travel to Switzerland. So thankfully I got a chance to stop by in 2008
Also, this book takes place in a boarding school. I’m clearly obsessed.

9.  The Georgia Nicholson series by Louise Rennison. Georgia, you are bat-shit crazy but I love you. Really I do. Don’t ever change. Unless that mean Rennison will write more books about you. Then change all you want because I miss you and your antics.

10.  Harry Potter. I’m not even going to talk about it.

(Boarding school tally= 4. I regret my public school education. )

Written by: Jayme II Subscribe to our posts HERE!

With Google Friend Connect hitting the road in March, the people behind Mr. Linky have come up with an alternative! As most of you may know there is now a snazzy little widget called Linky Followers now available!

Of course now comes the not so fun part– following all of your beloved blogs again :/ But to make it a bit easier we are throwing in a giveaway– a $25 gift card! So come follow us once more– we adore each and every one of you!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Written by: Jayme II Subscribe to our posts HERE!

Hello Y’all, it’s that time again where I regale you with my top ten…of something. This Tuesday, it’s my favorite things, er covers. I couldn’t decide which theme I wanted to go with, so I am giving you my list.

*DRUMROLL PLEASE*

1.) OMGOSH.  Wither by Lauren DeStefano. I absolutely love this cover. First of all, it’s in one of my favorite colors, purple. It’s so dark and the cover just fits the mood of the book (to me anyways.) the bird in the cage… I looked at the cover several times while reading this book.

2.) The Soul Screamers Series by Rachel Vincent

I know I am cheating just a bit. I love ALL these covers in the series. I couldn’t choose just one. I mean I could, but it was just soooooooo hard. I love the dresses on the covers…I would DIE to wear these dresses.

3.) Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

WILL. WILL. WILL.  You are so very dashing on this cover. This has everything I love. London, a hot guy and the SHINES.

4.) The Girl in the Steel Corset by Kady Cross

The Dress is amaze. I love it.

5.) Everneath by Brodi Ashton

Another amazing dress. I am a total girly girl on the inside.

(Note: I am often seen in jeans and a t-shirt. The only way you would get me into a dress like that is if it were a special occasion. A VERY SPECIAL OCCASION. Also if there was money involved. If I lost a bet.)

6.) Companions of the Night by Vivian Vande Velde

(Not the original cover. The original cover is at the bottom of the not so original cover.) I like both covers. The original one is very creepy and fits the tone of the book. Plus it’s one of my ALL TIME FAVORITE BOOKS, which takes place in my hometown. I think I freaked myself out reading this the first time and made it extra scarier than what it is.  But I love it…and it’s soooo much better than *gasp* Twilight (I like Twilight, don’t get me wrong…but this…. I am in love with Ethan.)

Original Cover

7.)Darkest Mercy by Melissa Marr

The flower…and the sparkle…and the colors..I am in love.

8.) Across the Universe

and

9.)

Across the Universe and A Million Suns both by Beth Revis

HOLLLLY CRAP. LOVE. I want to travel in Space because of her (minus the killing thing.)

10.) The Splendor Falls by Rosemary Clement Moore

This cover I love so much better than the Hardcover. I’m glad that I waited to pick up the paperback. I *REALLY* want to know what the girl is thinking.

So there you have it. My Top Ten for Tuesday. What’s in your wallet list?

Written by: Tiffani II Subscribe to our posts HERE!

Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins 
Dutton
September 2011

cover: i love it because i love her.
plot: finding yourself and love
writing style: witty and fun
characters: adorable
pace: steady
uniqueness: it’s perkins, people
rating: really liked it

Goodreads ♥ Amazon ♥ Author Website ___________________________________________________________

cover

I cringed when I saw this cover. I cringed when I saw Anna and the French Kiss. I’ll probably cringe when the 3rd book comes out– but I do love these covers because I love Perkins’ work. They go with story. I can’t imagine another cover for the story, but I wish I didn’t have to apologize for it when I pimp the book out. :/

plot

Lola Nolan is a budding fashion designed living in San Francisco with her two dads and hanging out with her best friend and her boyfriend. All would be well if her dads and best friend could accept that despite the fact that her boyfriend is several years old then her, he’s the one. Lola’s world, however, is turned upside down with the reappearance of Cricket Bell– the boy next door who broke her heart and moved away. Torn between her boyfriend and her growing affection for Cricket, Lola has to decide what and who is important in her life.

This was such a sweet book. I loved the story line and how Perkins’s portrays the boy next door. Lola didn’t have the magic that Anna had for me, but I did absolutely love it when Anna and St. Clair made an appearance in the story.

writing style

The writing is witty and fun and BRIGHT. There’s just a certain happiness throughout the story. 

characters

I thought Lola was a great character– she’s funny, creative and very sure of herself. Her flaws aren’t hidden, and I wanted to shake her a bit throughout the story, but she tries I loved the fact that her dads were involved in her life– Lola may have though they were too involved, but I was happy to see parents acting like real parents. I was a little disappointed in the supporting characters. No one really made me care much for them. I was kinda hoping for the great supporting cast that Anna and the French Kiss had, but it just wasn’t there.

CRICKET BELL– I love you. You are sweet and cute and I want you to build me inventions <3

pace

Steady. I don’t recall a slow spot.

uniqueness

I really adore Perkins’s writing– it just makes me happy. And I think she has the same affect on other. I rarely come across an “eh” review for her books. Lola and the Boy Next Door shows the awesomeness that is Perkins

Written by: Jayme II Subscribe to our posts HERE!

WOW is hosted by Jill of Breaking the Spine.

From Goodreads:
Eliza Monroe—daughter of the future president of the United States—is devastated when her mother decides to send her to boarding school outside of Paris. But the young American teen is quickly reconciled to the idea when—ooh, la-la!—she discovers who her fellow pupils will be: Hortense de Beauharnais, daughter of Josephine Bonaparte; and Caroline Bonaparte, youngest sister of the famous French general. It doesn’t take long for Eliza to figure out that the two French girls are mortal enemies—and that she’s about to get caught in the middle of their schemes.

Loosely drawn from history, Eliza Monroe’s imagined coming of age provides a scintillating glimpse into the lives, loves, and hopes of three young women during one of the most volatile periods in French history.

Why I am Waiting on It: I love all things French and this boarding school full of the offspring of historical figures sounds dangerous

Can’t wait for this book coming out: April 10, 2012

Written by: Jayme II Subscribe to our posts HERE!