ARC Review: Smuggler's Kiss by Marie-Louise Jensen

It's not a crime to steal a heart

Smugglers are cut-throat rascals. At least that's what Isabelle's always been told. But when she's rescued from drowning at sea by the crew of a notorious smuggling ship, her principles are thrown into confusion. Outwitting the king's men fills her with excitement, especially when she's with one mysterious smuggler in particular . . .

I've got to hand it to Marie-Louise Jensen on this one.  Not only was this a highly entertaining and fun read, but she had me guessing up until the very end.  I was close to figuring some things out and piecing together others, but no matter how hard I tried to think about it, I was still surprised when she wrapped up the last revelation in the very end.  I love that kind of read, don't you?

Isabelle and the rest of the crew on The Invisible were a great lot of characters.  And one of things I enjoyed most about this read was the character development throughout its pages.  All of the main characters went through some type of adjustment and growth throughout the story and it was so much fun and all together an exciting ride while watching how they all turned out.

There's romance, suspense, mystery and secrets out the wazoo, and so much fun to be had with this one.  It was a light read overall but in the best possible sense.  I was never overly stressed out no matter how tense things got, but at one time or another I did refuse to put the book down in order to find out what would happen next.  This was my first experience with Jensen's writing and I'm looking forward to reading more of her work in the future.  I enjoyed her writing style as well as how she paces her story lines.

Overall I have to say that this was just the type of read I was looking for at just the right time!  Be sure to pick this one up to read when it hits the shelves.

I gave Smuggler's Kiss 3 shamrocks!!!

Countdown: June 2013

While it might not feel like Summer is right around the corner right now it's not that far away.  May might mark the beginning of Summer and all the fun that comes with it, but when June rolls around I'm always ready to get into the full swing of things.  I'm ready to pack up my cold weather clothing and instead of curling up on the sofa with a book I'd rather take one out either poolside or to the beach.  Who doesn't like to lay around in the sun and enjoy a great book at the same time?  I've been known to like to grab a tan and soak up the sun but I can only lie around in the heat for so long without getting antsy so that's when I pull out the good books.  They get me through the hotter temperatures and keep me entertained while I try to get all the vitamin D a girl could want.  What's on your June 2013 list to pick up at your favorite bookstores?

Countdown Pick #1:  PODs by Michelle K. Pickett (06/04/2013)

Seventeen-year-old Eva is a chosen one. Chosen to live, while others meet a swift and painful death from an incurable virus so lethal, a person is dead within days of symptoms emerging. In the POD system, a series of underground habitats built by the government, she waits with the other chosen for the deadly virus to claim those above. Separated from family and friends, it's in the PODs she meets David. And while true love might not conquer all, it's a balm for the broken soul. 

After a year, scientists believe the population has died, and without living hosts, so has the virus. That's the theory, anyway. But when the PODs are opened, survivors find the surface holds a vicious secret. The virus mutated, infecting those left top-side and creating... monsters. 

Eva and David hide from the infected in the abandoned PODs. Together they try to build a life--a new beginning. But the infected follow and are relentless in their attacks. Leaving Eva and David to fight for survival, and pray for a cure.

How can you not want to see what happens to Eva and David after reading that description?  While I find the whole idea of the virus and choosing who lives over who dies a little more than morbid, it's also oddly fascinating and I'm anxious to see where Pickett takes her readers.

Countdown Pick #2:  Ashes on the Waves by Mary Lindsey (06/27/2013)

Liam MacGregor is cursed. Haunted by the wails of fantastical Bean Sidhes and labeled a demon by the villagers of Dòchas, Liam has accepted that things will never get better for him—until a wealthy heiress named Annabel Leighton arrives on the island and Liam’s fate is changed forever.

With Anna, Liam finally finds the happiness he has always been denied; but, the violent, mythical Otherworlders, who inhabit the island and the sea around it, have other plans. They make a wager on the couple’s love, testing its strength through a series of cruel obstacles. But the tragedies draw Liam and Anna even closer. Frustrated, the creatures put the couple through one last trial—and this time it’s not only their love that’s in danger of being destroyed.

Based on Edgar Allan Poe’s chilling poem Annabel Lee, Mary Lindsey creates a frighteningly beautiful gothic novel that glorifies the power of true love.

With a Goodreads giveaway going on right now through March 15th no one has an excuse to pass this gem up, am I right?  Everyone can enter to win a signed ARC and I'm stoked!  This might not be a retelling but it's gotten its start based on Poe's famous poem and as a Maryland native I'm all for that.

Countdown Pick #3:  Spies and Prejudice by Talia Vance (06/11/2013)

Fields’ Rule #1: Don’t fall for the enemy.

Berry Fields is not looking for a boyfriend. She’s busy trailing cheaters and liars in her job as a private investigator, collecting evidence of the affairs she’s sure all men commit. And thanks to a pepper spray incident during an eighth grade game of spin the bottle, the guys at her school are not exactly lining up to date her, either. 

So when arrogant—and gorgeous—Tanner Halston rolls into town and calls her “nothing amazing,” it’s no loss for Berry. She’ll forget him in no time. She’s more concerned with the questions surfacing about her mother’s death. 

But why does Tanner seem to pop up everywhere in her investigation, always getting in her way? Is he trying to stop her from discovering the truth, or protecting her from an unknown threat? And why can’t Berry remember to hate him when he looks into her eyes?

With a playful nod to Jane Austen, Spies and Prejudice will captivate readers as love and espionage collide.

Oh for the love of all things Austen I cannot wait for this title to be released!  The fact that I have to wait until June is almost painful, but anything for something Austen related.  I've always enjoyed P&P remakes and this one sounds quite unique.  A must read for my Summer list for sure!

Countdown Pick #4:  Belle Epoque by Elizabeth Ross (06/11/2013)

When Maude Pichon runs away from provincial Brittany to Paris, her romantic dreams vanish as quickly as her savings. Desperate for work, she answers an unusual ad. The Durandeau Agency provides its clients with a unique service—the beauty foil. Hire a plain friend and become instantly more attractive. 

Monsieur Durandeau has made a fortune from wealthy socialites, and when the Countess Dubern needs a companion for her headstrong daughter, Isabelle, Maude is deemed the perfect foil.

But Isabelle has no idea her new "friend" is the hired help, and Maude's very existence among the aristocracy hinges on her keeping the truth a secret. Yet the more she learns about Isabelle, the more her loyalty is tested. And the longer her deception continues, the more she has to lose.

I'm intrigued to say the least.  The idea is horrifying that people would ever have paid for a service like the one described above, but it's not all that far fetched of an idea either.  I definitely want to see what Maude's journey is like and what kinds of deception Ross has in store for her readers.

Countdown Pick #5:  After Daybreak (Darkness Before Dawn, #3) by J.A. London (06/25/2013)

Dawn returns from L.A. with terrifying news: In his greed for power, the maniacal Day Walker Sin is raising an army and infecting his followers with the Thirst—a rabieslike disease that will turn them into mindless killers. To stop him, Dawn and Victor will have to convince humans and vampires to work together before it’s too late.

I was a huge fan of London's first installment and the duo packed a punch with their writing.  I haven't had the chance to pick up the second installment so I'm trying not to peak and see what this one's about, but it's a series I have no doubt I'll want to read from start to finish and long after the series has ended.  Their cover art for this series always blows me away with the depictions of the main character as well as the haunting scenes that readers can't help but be drawn to.  It's a great combination and one I always look forward to.

Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Authors That I'd Put On My Auto-Buy List

Who doesn't have a favorite author or a couple of authors who's writing style, pacing, plot ideas and cast of characters had you falling in love with a certain book or series?  My list seems to get longer all the time and I'm certainly not complaining.  So here are ten authors who haven't steered me wrong yet and always leave me wanting more of their work!

My Auto-Buy Author Pick #1:  Maria V. Snyder

We are talking literary genius here people!  Her Study series, Glass series, Insiders series and now Healer series are all winners!  Each and every book and series starts out with high expectations on my part and yet she never lets me down.  Her fictional worlds are creative and full of imagination, her characters are all equally engaging and amazing, and her story lines are ones that I never want to end.  She's somehow always pumping out new material and I hope that never changes!

My Auto-Buy Author Pick #2:  Elizabeth Eulberg

I met her at a book festival and after hearing her speak I picked up her book to have her sign.  Convinced that her fabulousness had to cross over into her writing I dove right into The Lonely Hearts Club and found an amazing piece of fiction.  Her personality can be seen in her style and words and I was ecstatic!  Take A Bow and Prom and Prejudice were each wonderful and I can't wait to read her next release, Revenge of the Girl with the Great Personality!

My Auto-Buy Author Pick #3:  Richelle Mead

The Vampire Academy series put me through the gauntlet.  Her plot twists and turns surprised me each and every time and the action and adventure never seemed to slow down.  Her Dark Swan series may not fall into the YA category but I like that she can balance both audiences.  So no matter what my mood might be or what my reading preferences, Mead always hits the nail on the head.  Always excited to see what she'll deliver next.

My Auto-Buy Author Pick #4:  Cassandra Clare

While we're talking about two series (The Mortal Instruments & The Infernal Devices)in her repertoire  and within the same world, one has to admit she's got the touch and definitely the talent to spare.  Each and every installment gets better and better and no matter what there's always a cliffhanger that catches me off guard and dying to read on to find out what will happen next.  You can't teach that kind of thing, it's a gift plain and simple, and Clare's got it in spades!

My Auto-Buy Author Pick #5:  Jennifer Echols

If you're looking for romance and a love story, look no further.  Echols puts out books with characters who are easy to relate to, interesting story lines and addictive elements with no limits.  Page turners for sure, Love Story, Forget You and Such A Rush had me melting into puddles of mush each and every time.  She has me convinced that she can do no wrong and if there's a title with her name on it, I want it on my shelf!

My Auto-Buy Author Pick #6:  Rachel Hawthorne

Her Dark Guardian series had me addicted and neglecting everything outside of reading her work for long periods of time.  When I heard her and her son were teaming up and introducing a new trilogy, Darkness Before Dawn, I was conflicted I'll admit.  Thrilled she was producing a new paranormal series, but also worried that the dual author roles would not reflect what I'd come to expect her from previous work.  I'm not sure how they made it work, but frankly I don't care because they did and that's all that mattered to me.  This series had me just as hooked and I knew I could put her on this list with no hesitation on my part.

My Auto-Buy Author Pick #7:  Amanda Hocking

For starting out as an independent and doing in on her own so-to-speak she will always be a powerhouse in my book.  Someone a reader and anyone else for that matter can truly look up to and respect the hard road that led to their success.  You name it and her series' have won me over each and every time.  My Blood Approves and Trylle are two series that deserve infinite props and I hope Hocking continues to be praised and encouraged to produce more and more work in the future.  The amazing quality of her words will never be doubted by this reader.

My Auto-Buy Author Pick #8:  Sherrilyn Kenyon

Only recently has she branched out into the YA world but I had been reading her adult work long before that.  She's another one of these authors who's talent apparently will never run out.  No matter what the series, Dark Hunter, Dream Hunter, The League, or Chronicles of Nick, they're all golden!  Each installment is either equally good or better than the last and I hope she never stops writing and putting more work on our shelves.

My Auto-Buy Author Pick #9:  Veronica Roth

I know she's only got two books under her belt, but those two books I think will be in my top ten favorites for years to come.  She's honestly convinced me that she can do no wrong and whatever she produces from now on will be strong favorites of mine.  She's totally made me rethink the Dystopian genre and never again will I write a genre off just because it's new or foreign to me and my normal reading likes or dislikes.  Divergent was simply that powerful and amazing in my opinion.  She's definitely on my permanent radar and not going anywhere anytime soon!

My Auto-Buy Author Pick #10:  Jamie McGuire

This cannot come as a surprise to any of you out there who follow my blog because McGuire = awesome in my opinion.  I can (and do) recommend her books to my friends and family ALL the time and without fail they all come back and thank me for introducing them to her work and asking what else she has out there or will be putting out on the shelves soon!  I can't wait for her next release and every single one of them after that.

ARC Review: Pulse (Pulse Trilogy, #1) by Patrick Carman

From New York Times bestselling author Patrick Carman, a teen fantasy-adventure of epic proportions. In 2051, some teens have a “pulse,” the power to move objects with their minds. Compulsively readable, with thrilling action scenes and a tender love story.

The year is 2051, and the world is still recognizable. With the help of her mysterious classmate Dylan Gilmore, Faith Daniels discovers that she can move objects with her mind. This telekinetic ability is called a “pulse,” and Dylan has the talent, too.

In riveting action scenes, Faith demonstrates her ability to use her pulse against a group of telekinesis masters so powerful they will flatten their enemies by uprooting street lights, moving boulders, and changing the course of a hurtling hammer so that it becomes a deadly weapon. But even with great talent, the mind—and the heart—can be difficult to control. If Faith wants to join forces with Dylan and save the world, she’ll have to harness the power of both.

Patrick Carman’s Pulse trilogy is a stunning, action-filled triumph about the power of the mind—and the power of love.

I cannot tell you how excited I am to have yet another author to add to my favorites list.  Carman hit the ball out of the park with this series opener and I cannot wait to read future installments in the series as well as anything else he puts out on the shelves!

Hearing a fresh new voice in literature is always a plus and can be so much fun especially when it fits into the YA category because in my opinion the possibilities are endless with where they can take it.  Carman did just that with this title...he used his imagination (which is incredibly impressive) and opened up new doors and scenarios that you won't find in any other books out there right now.  We've got a book that doesn't really fit any mold that I can think of.  While it's focused on the year 2051 (no flying cars in sight thank goodness!) and the world has had to deal with quite a few unexpected (sort of ) disasters, I'm not sure I would put it among the other dystopian novels that make up the genre.

His characters have got themselves special abilities, and ones that I found exciting and creative and surprised me with each new revelation he laid out on his pages.  There are of course the good guys vs. the bad guys and the bad guys are not always who you would expect.  The crippling things these villains did throughout the novel were just terrible and caught me off guard a time or two.  I love when you can get more than half way through a book and still not see what's coming next.  Carman kept things interesting from start to finish and with the cliffhanger he wraps this opener up with I'm of course already sad that I'll have to wait what feels like forever (I'm sure) until the second installments comes out.

A great set of characters, and interesting (possible) future, and action thrown at readers left and right, I couldn't think of anything else to ask for.  Did I mention the witty humor and subtle romance that are thrown into the mix as well?  See!  He didn't leave anything out!

I gave Pulse (Pulse Trilogy, #1) 4 shamrocks!!!!

In My Mailbox (82)

This is a meme that I first heard about from Kristi over at The Story Siren and immediately wanted to jump on board. I'm always picking up new books, because I never tire of reading, but the other thing I like about this meme is that it gives everyone an opportunity to check out what other book fanatics, bloggers, etc... got for themselves. I've gotten great recommendations from this meme and hope that keeps up in the future.

Here's what I got, what did you guys get this week?

For Review:

Boy Nobody (Boy Nobody, #1) by Allen Zadoff (Thanks to Little, Brown & Co.)

Boy Nobody is the perennial new kid in school, the one few notice and nobody thinks much about. He shows up in a new high school, in a new town, under a new name, makes few friends and doesn't stay long. Just long enough for someone in his new friend's family to die -- of "natural causes." Mission accomplished, Boy Nobody disappears, and moves on to the next target. 

When his own parents died of not-so-natural causes at the age of eleven, Boy Nobody found himself under the control of The Program, a shadowy government organization that uses brainwashed kids as counter-espionage operatives. But somewhere, deep inside Boy Nobody, is somebody: the boy he once was, the boy who wants normal things (like a real home, his parents back), a boy who wants out. And he just might want those things badly enough to sabotage The Program's next mission.

Winging It (The Dragon Diaries, #2) by Deborah Cooke

The new Dragon Diary novel from the author of Flying Blind. 

Zoë Sorensson yearns to come into her powers as the only female dragon shifter. But being part of two worlds is more complicated than she expected. It's bad enough that she's the target of the Mages's plan to eliminate all shifters-but she also has to hide her true nature from her human best friend, Megan. But when Megan gets a last-minute invite to the popular kids' Halloween party-hosted by an apprentice Mage-Zoë must save the day and her best friend without revealing her fire- breathing secrets...

The Torn Wing (The Faerie Ring, #2) by Kiki Hamilton

London 1872 - 

A bloody escape, a deadly threat, a shocking revelation...

As an orphan who stole the Queen's ring - only to find the ring was a reservoir that held a truce between the world of Faerie and the British Court - Tiki’s greatest fear suddenly becomes all too real: the fey have returned to London seeking revenge. As war escalates in the Otherworld, Queen Victoria’s youngest son, Prince Leopold, is attacked. In order to protect her family and those she loves, Tiki needs to know the meaning of an fáinne sí, the birthmark that winds around her wrist. But will she be brave enough to face the truth?

The Bane (The Eden Trilogy, #1) by Keary Taylor (Thanks to Keary Taylor Books)

Before the Evolution there was TorBane: technology that infused human DNA with cybernetic matter. It had the ability to grow new organs and limbs, to heal the world. Until it evolved out of control and spread like the common cold. The machine took over, the soul vanished, and the Bane were born. The Bane won't stop until every last person has been infected. With less than two percent of the human population left, mankind is on the brink of extinction.

Eve knows the stories of the Evolution, the time before she wandered into the colony of Eden, unable to recall anything but her name. But she doesn't need memories to know this world is her reality. This is a world that is quickly losing its humanity, one Bane at a time.

Fighting to keep one of the last remaining human colonies alive, Eve finds herself torn between her dedication to the colony, and the discovery of love. There is Avian and West – one a soldier, one a keeper of secrets. And in the end, Eve will make a choice that will change the future of mankind.

The Bane is The Terminator meets The Walking Dead with a heart-twisting romance.

Guest Post: Author Molly Cochran of the LEGACY series

How Much POISON Does It Take To Turn a Witch into a _itch?

POISON is about the dark side of friendship.  When we learn that people we've loved and trusted have betrayed or abandoned us, it hurts.  It hurts every time, even if we aren't completely innocent of the charges against us.

After four girls in Ainsworth boarding school fall inexplicably into comas, nerdy witch Katy is unjustly blamed.  her dorm mates mete out their own form of punishment (by bombarding her room with dog droppings) until she has no choice but to move in with her grandmother and aunt, who themselves are too busy with the aunt's wedding plans to pay much attention to Katy.  Making matters worse, Katy's best friends, on the advice of their parents, have distanced themselves from her.  And to add insult to injury, her boyfriend Peter has been taken under the wing of a rich uncle who demands almost all of Peter's time.

Alone and miserable, Katy falls under the spell of Morgan, a beautiful, sophisticated girl who, for some reason Katy can't understand, has decided to befriend her.  Unfortunately, just when Katy is beginning to believe that she has a new BFF, she discovers that Morgan has been using her in the service of her own terrible ambitions.  In order to avenge a wrong done to her more than 1600 years ago, when Morgan and her father, the great magician Merlin, lived under the protection of King Arthur in Camelot, Morgan plans to destroy an entire plane of existence through a powerful weapon she has created - a weapon that Katy unknowingly carries within her.

I first got the idea for this story while I was thinking about "forced friends" - the kind of people who manipulate you into hanging out with them even if you don't really like or trust them.  Sometimes these people are charming and fun, like the character of Morgan in POISON, and sometimes they're scary or overtly dangerous, but whatever their individual personalities, they have one thing in common:  They know how to get you to do what they want.  I believe all of us get latched onto by a forced friend sooner or later, whether it's a sexy, heartless guy or a pretty girl with a big smile and no conscience, a mother figure with a rotten core, or, like Morgan, a seemingly innocent "friend" who lures you into the Darkness before you know what's happening.

On top of this, I've tried to explore a lot of other ways that friendship can hurt, either intentionally or not, in order to show that sometimes each of us has to stand alone - misunderstood, maligned, and unpopular.  And ironically, these times can be our finest moments.  Because you don't get to be a great man or woman by going along with the crowd.  Sometimes you just have to stand up, all by yourself, in order to do what's right.

**Thank you so much for stopping by Molly, and if all you readers out there aren't familiar with Molly's work, get on top of that and head over to her website to get some more details!!!

Countdown: May 2013 (5)

So for me and most others, May marks the beginning of Summer, Memorial Day weekend has always been a favorite of mine.  Friends and I have always headed down to the beach and spent the weekend basking in the sun (hopefully), enjoying the beach and getting excited that Summer is here and it means the end of cold weather, the start of vacations for most, and a lot of other good things.  Last year it marked the beginning of wedding season for my friends and me as a member of their wedding parties.  While that was a lot of fun it was also complete craziness and didn't leave a lot of time for reading and checking out new books to review.  This year I'm hoping and crossing my fingers that I'll get a real vacation in and a whole lot of quality time with my books and hopefully a lot of these future new releases scheduled to hit the shelves!

Countdown Pick #1:  Truth or Dare (Truth or Dare, #1) by Jacqueline Green (05/14/2013)

Some say the seaside town of Echo Bay is cursed. They may be right. When a game of truth or dare spins out of control, three beautiful teen girls start receiving mysterious dares containing hints to dark secrets long buried. For artsy outcast Sydney Morgan; perfect, popular Caitlin “Angel” Thomas; and queen bee Tenley Reed, the truth is not an option.

This is no party game—it’s do or die.

And it’s their turn to play.

Here's another YA debut that we can all look forward to.  Where these authors get these ideas is beyond me, but the cover alone drew me in and the book's description made it so that there was no way I wasn't going to add this title to my TBR.  I'm crossing my fingers that May comes sooner rather than later because this month is starting to look like it's way over-packed with great new titles!

Countdown Pick #2:  Spirit and Dust by Rosemary Clement-Moore (05/14/2013)

Daisy Goodnight can speak to the dead. It’s not the result of a head injury or some near-death experience. She was just born that way. And she’s really good at it. Good enough to help the police solve the occasional homicide.

But helping the local authorities clear cold cases is one thing. Being whisked out of chemistry class by the FBI and flown to the scene of a murder/kidnapping in Minnesota? That’s the real deal.

Before the promotion can go to Daisy’s head, she’s up to her neck in trouble. The spirits are talking, and they’re terrified. There’s a real living girl in danger. And when Daisy is kidnapped by a crime boss with no scruples about using magic—and Daisy—to get what he wants, it looks like hers is the next soul on the line.

I know it shouldn't, but this read just sounds like a lot of fun.  I get that there's a dark mystery surrounding the whole plot and talking to spirits is not exactly a rip roaring good time, but there's just something about the whole idea that has me thinking this will be a read that will keep me on the edge of my seat and reading late into the night....and that to me is a good time.

Countdown Pick #3:  Parallel by Lauren Miller (05/14/2013)

Abby Barnes had a plan. Get into a great college, major in journalism, and land a dream job at a major newspaper. But on the eve of her 18th birthday, she is stuck on a Hollywood movie set, wishing she could rewind her life. The next morning, she’s in a dorm room at Yale, with no memory of how she got there. A cosmic collision of parallel universes has left Abby living a new reality every time parallel Abby makes a decision. Now Abby must race against time to take control of her fate without losing sight of who she is, the boy who might just be her soul mate, and the destiny that’s finally in reach.

I am certainly not going to have any trouble filling up my list for the DAC because here is yet another YA debut that I cannot wait to get my hands on.  Just the idea of these parallel universes the main characters jumps to and from is crazy and has me super curious.  Add a possible soul mate situation and there was no way I won't be racing to the bookstores in May to pick this baby up!

Countdown Pick #4:  The Last Academy by Anne Applegate (05/01/2013)

Curtis Sittenfeld's PREP meets THE SIXTH SENSE in this spine-tingling, unforgettable debut.

Camden Fisher arrives at boarding school haunted by a falling-out with her best friend back home. But the manicured grounds of Lethe Academy are like nothing Cam has ever known. There are gorgeous, preppy boys wielding tennis rackets, and circles of girls with secrets to spare. Only . . . something is not quite right. One of Cam's new friends mysteriously disappears, but the teachers don't seem too concerned. Cam wakes up to strangers in her room, who then melt into the night. She is suddenly plagued by odd memories, and senses there might be something dark and terrible brewing. But what? The answer will leave Cam--and readers--stunned and breathless, in this thrilling debut novel.

Boarding school...check!  New girl at school that has mysterious goings on...check!  Cute boys with tennis rackets...(never thought that would be a selling point ) check!  I'm not sure what it is about books with a mysterious and sometimes creepy boarding school as the backdrop, but I usually cannot resist them.  This time's no different.  Definitely added it to my TBR as well as my DAC list.

Countdown Pick #5:  Gorgeous by Paul Rudnick (05/01/2013)

Screamingly funny and defiant - a must-read book for the summer!

This is a book for anyone who's ever faced herself in the mirror, wondered if a new lipstick could change her life, and either read VOGUE or thrown it across the room.

When eighteen-year-old Becky Randle's mother dies, she's summoned from Missouri to meet Tom Kelly, the top designer in the world. He makes her an impossible offer: He'll create three dresses to transform Becky from an ordinary girl into the world's most beautiful woman.

Becky thinks Tom is a lunatic, but she accepts and is remade as Rebecca. When Becky looks in the mirror, she sees herself--a mess of split ends and cankles. But when anyone else looks at Becky, they see five-alarm hotness.

Soon Rebecca is the darling of the fashion world, but when she meets meets Prince Gregory, heir to the British throne, everything starts to crumble. Because Rebecca aside, Becky loves him. And the idea of a prince looking past Rebecca to fall in love with the ordinary girl inside? There's not enough magic in the world.

How great does this one sound?  I'm always up for a good comedy and this one sounds like a modern day Cinderella that we could all relate to, don't you think?

ARC Review: How To Lead A Life of Crime by Kirsten Miller

A meth dealer. A prostitute. A serial killer.

Anywhere else, they’d be vermin. At the Mandel Academy, they’re called prodigies. The most exclusive school in New York City has been training young criminals for over a century. Only the most ruthless students are allowed to graduate. The rest disappear.

Flick, a teenage pickpocket, has risen to the top of his class. But then Mandel recruits a fierce new competitor who also happens to be Flick’s old flame. They’ve been told only one of them will make it out of the Mandel Academy. Will they find a way to save each other—or will the school destroy them both?

Where to even begin?  I'm a huge fan of Miller's writing so I'll admit up front that I may be slightly bias but her writing speaks for itself in the long run and I'm a firm believer that everyone will no doubt become addicted to her latest YA addition.

The idea surrounding this title was so unique and out of the ordinary that I had no idea what to expect.  Outside of Miller's great writing style and her fast paced page turners I wasn't sure where this one would lead, but I was in for a wonderful surprise.  She continues to impress me with her vivid imagination and yet still manages to keep her stories grounded so that there will always be a piece of me that could see something like this actually becoming a reality.  For everyone's sake I hope this story stays in the fictitious pages that Miller has dominated because if there's an inkling of truth to this story we're all in big trouble.

Her characters were witty, easy to relate to and sympathize with despite their crazy backgrounds and upbringings.  Miller once again has me scared of her villains (they're always so realistic) and our heroes were as easy to root for as ever.  But what I enjoyed most of all was the fact that I had no idea what to expect with each and every turn of the page.  It was difficult to keep up with everything going on but in the best possible sense.  No one enjoys a book where the reader can predict what will happen around every turn, and Miller makes that nearly impossible!

Anyone who has read any of Miller's previous work will no doubt be racing to the stores to pick up their own copy, but if any of you haven't experienced her talent I highly recommend making this your first choice!

I gave How To Lead A Life of Crime 4 shamrocks!!!!

Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Favorite Characters In Fantasy

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created over at The Broke and the Bookish.  This feature was crated because they're particularly fond of lists at The Broke and the Bookish (and who isn't?).  They're all about creating new lists including a little bit of everything and I've been meaning to participate for so long but always seemed to get behind.  I've decided that's going to chance in the new year.  So here we are and hopefully you'll head over to their page and check out what everyone else put up for this week's Top Ten.

There are too many characters out there to possibly include all my favorites in a list limited to ten but in nor particular order I've listed a few below with the disclaimer that many have been left out.  It was even difficult to stick to just one genre but I did my best, and here they are...

Favorite Character Pick #1:  James - Cassandra Clare's The Internal Devices series

He's kind, mysterious, beautiful, and welcoming.  When Tessa was thrust into this crazy new reality she wasn't prepared for, James was there as an understanding buffer.  With the love triangle forming I couldn't help but get on his team and cross my fingers that she would end up with him.

Favorite Character Pick #2:  Yelena - Maria V. Snyder's Study series

While I love each and every one of Snyder's characters I had no choice by to choose Yelena.  She's got everything a female lead should have in my opinion.  She's strong, tenacious, witty and sharp, kind and honorable.  The list goes on and on.  She found herself in a bad situation that was not her fault but she didn't give up; in fact she prospered.

Favorite Character Pick #3:  Kaleb - Myra McEntire's Hourglass series

Here we have a truly pure heart and soul.  He might not seem like the type at first, but this was a character dealing with more than anyone should ever have to, and yet still tried not to put those burdens he was carrying onto anyone else.  He did his best to keep it hidden for purely selfless reasons and make it appear as if everything was fine.  But sometimes too much is too much.  He eventually reached out (reluctantly) and leaned on his friends.  It was a journey I enjoyed as a reader and would love to see more of his character in the future.

Favorite Character Pick #4:  Stark - P.C Cast & Kristin Cast's House of Night series

Stark was a breath of fresh air in the guy department for this series.  The love triangle had lost me quite frankly.  I wasn't rooting for either of the guys that were currently vying for Zoe's attention and then in walks Stark and I was hooked on the series all over again!  With a huge heart and a real protective streak where Zoe is concerned it was hard not to take a serious liking to his character.  He could do no wrong in my opinion even when things went horribly wrong for him.

Favorite Character Pick #5:  Sykes - Ednah Walters' The Guardian Legacy series

He's the funny guy!  He adds humor whenever he can and loves riling everyone up.  He keeps the situations light whenever possible, but also has many layers to him beyond his sense of humor.  Basically he's the guy you want to have around.  He's fiercely loyal to his friends and family and equally protective of them as well.  He's hard not to like...end of story.

Favorite Character Pick #6:  Miranda - Shelley Workinger's Solid series

The "mean" girl you can't help but kind of like.  In the beginning she was firmly in the box of characters that I didn't like.  Slowly but surely she won me over just as she did with the rest of the group in the series.  You just had to let her in and take her for what she was.  She kept an interesting dynamic in the group and never let the dialogue get too stagnant.  Miranda was always sure to keep things real.

Favorite Character Pick #7:  The Erlking - Jenna Black's Faeriewalker series

I know he was the "bad" guy in the series but there was more to him than that.  He was without a doubt complicated and had a lot of secrets.  I wanted to get to know him as a reader and was hoping Black would give her readers that opportunity.  When all was said and done I couldn't help but sympathize with him.  He may not be a knight in shining armor but he became a favorite of mine regardless.

Favorite Character Pick #8:  Four - Veronica Roth's Divergent series

He might go by the name Four in the series but he was my number one!  I loved how Roth allowed her readers to get to know his character right along with Tris.  He was so mysterious and hard to read but at the same time interesting to watch as the story progressed and the two came together.

Favorite Character Pick #9:  Anna - Wendy Higgins' Sweet Trilogy

How she handled the drastic reality shift she was dealt is beyond me.  Higgins developed her character in a way that had me as a reader sympathizing with her from the very first chapter.  By the end of the first book my heart was pretty much breaking for her and yet Higgins kept her strong and optimistic.  How could readers not want to see and learn more about her?

Favorite Character Pick #10:  Zoe - Heather Anastasiu's Glitch series

Can you say fighter?  This was one smart and fiercely brave character who refused to take things lying down.  She stood up to the authorities, fought for what she believed to be right and just and did everything she could to help others as well.  She wasn't content to get just herself out to safety, but wanted to try and help as many others as possible.  How could you not respect and like a character like that?  I couldn't resist.

Countdown: May 2013 (4)

So for me and most others, May marks the beginning of Summer, Memorial Day weekend has always been a favorite of mine.  Friends and I have always headed down to the beach and spent the weekend basking in the sun (hopefully), enjoying the beach and getting excited that Summer is here and it means the end of cold weather, the start of vacations for most, and a lot of other good things.  Last year it marked the beginning of wedding season for my friends and me as a member of their wedding parties.  While that was a lot of fun it was also complete craziness and didn't leave a lot of time for reading and checking out new books to review.  This year I'm hoping and crossing my fingers that I'll get a real vacation in and a whole lot of quality time with my books and hopefully a lot of these future new releases scheduled to hit the shelves!

Countdown Pick #1:  The Color of Rain by Cori McCarthy (05/14/2013)

If there is one thing that seventeen-year-old Rain knows and knows well, it is survival. Caring for her little brother, Walker, who is "Touched," and losing the rest of her family to the same disease, Rain has long had to fend for herself on the bleak, dangerous streets of Earth City. When she looks to the stars, Rain sees escape and the only possible cure for Walker. And when a darkly handsome and mysterious captain named Johnny offers her passage to the Edge, Rain immediately boards his spaceship. Her only price: her "willingness."

The Void cloaks many secrets, and Rain quickly discovers that Johnny's ship serves as host for an underground slave trade for the Touched . . . and a prostitution ring for Johnny's girls. With hair as red as the bracelet that indicates her status on the ship, the feeling of being a marked target is not helpful in Rain's quest to escape. Even worse, Rain is unsure if she will be able to pay the costs of love, family, hope, and self-preservation.

With intergalactic twists and turns, Cori M. McCarthy's debut space thriller exists in an orbit of its own.

Yikes!  This debut sounds like an emotional roller coaster ride to be sure.  I'm curious where McCarthy will take on us the debut train but I'm just as anxious to see where Rain will have to go and how she'll be able to save her brother.  At least I hope she can.

Countdown Pick #2:  Purgatory Reign by L.M. Preston (05/18/2013)

Peter Saint’s life stinks. But things are about to get much worst. First, his parents are murdered in front of him. Then another victim dies in his arms. Visions plague Peter with warnings that something wants him for a sinister cause. It desires the one thing that Peter refuses to give—his blood. Peter carries within him the one gift or curse that could unlock a secret to destroy the human race. On the run with Angel, a scruffy kid, Peter starts to unravel the mystery. It’s the one treasure the heavens sought to hide from the world. Unfortunately, when Peter finds the answer that he hopes will save the girl he loves, he opens the door to a great evil that happens to be salivating to meet him.

I'm already cheering for this character and rooting for him to outsmart the evil he's up against.  He's fighting to save the girl he loves you guys!  How is it possible to resist a story like this.  I'm curious to see what kind of evil Peter is really up against and what type of world Preston has created for her readers.

Countdown Pick #3:  The S-Word by Chelsea Pitcher (05/07/2013)

First it was SLUT scribbled all over Lizzie Hart’s locker.

But one week after Lizzie kills herself, SUICIDE SLUT replaces it—in Lizzie's looping scrawl.

Lizzie’s reputation is destroyed when she's caught in bed with her best friend’s boyfriend on prom night. With the whole school turned against her, and Angie not speaking to her, Lizzie takes her own life. But someone isn’t letting her go quietly. As graffiti and photocopies of Lizzie’s diary plaster the school, Angie begins a relentless investigation into who, exactly, made Lizzie feel she didn’t deserve to keep living. And while she claims she simply wants to punish Lizzie’s tormentors, Angie's own anguish over abandoning her best friend will drive her deep into the dark, twisted side of Verity High—and she might not be able to pull herself back out.

Debut author Chelsea Pitcher daringly depicts the harsh reality of modern high schools, where one bad decision can ruin a reputation, and one cruel word can ruin a life. Angie’s quest for the truth behind Lizzie’s suicide is addictive and thrilling, and her razor-sharp wit and fierce sleuthing skills makes her impossible not to root for—even when it becomes clear that both avenging Lizzie and avoiding self-destruction might not be possible.

Well I'm sure it doesn't come as a surprise to anyone out there that high school can be a very unforgiving and hard place to be.  While I think this read will be interesting I'm also not kidding myself into thinking it will be a fun ride.  But despite the heavy central topic, I'm curious to see how realistic the book feels and how it all turns out for Angie.

Countdown Pick #4:  The Originals by Cat Patrick (05/07/2013)

A riveting new story from Cat Patrick, author of Forgotten and Revived.

17-year-olds Lizzie, Ella, and Betsey Best grew up as identical triplets... until they discovered a shocking family secret. They're actually closer than sisters, they're clones. Hiding from a government agency that would expose them, the Best family appears to consist of a single mother with one daughter named Elizabeth. Lizzie, Ella, and Betsey take turns going to school, attending social engagements, and a group mindset has always been a de facto part of life...

Then Lizzie meets Sean Kelly, a guy who seems to see into her very soul. As their relationship develops, Lizzie realizes that she's not a carbon copy of her sisters; she's an individual with unique dreams and desires, and digging deeper into her background, Lizzie begins to dismantle the delicate balance of an unusual family that only science could have created. 

Oh please tell May is right around the corner because I'm not sure I'll be able to make it until then to read this book.  Author Jay Asher gave Patrick's previous works glowing praise and anyone who impresses him (I'm a major fan!) has got my vote.  With all that being said, this book's description speaks for itself...I can't wait to get my hands on my own copy of this baby!

Countdown Pick #5:  Thorn Abbey by Nancy Ohlin (05/07/2013)

Nothing is as it seems in this darkly romantic tale of infatuation and possession, inspired by Daphne du Maurier’s Rebecca.

Becca was the perfect girlfriend: smart, gorgeous, and loved by everyone at New England’s premier boarding school, Thorn Abbey. But Becca’s dead. And her boyfriend, Max, can’t get over his loss.

Then Tess transfers to Thorn Abbey. She’s shy, insecure, and ordinary—everything that Becca wasn’t. And despite her roommate’s warnings, she falls for brooding Max.

Now Max finally has a reason to move on. Except it won’t be easy. Because Becca may be gone, but she’s not quite ready to let him go…

So Ohlin's got not one but now two novels coming out this year that sound fantastic!  I can't wait to check this one out for myself.  Everyone loves a book set amidst a boarding school, and with that backdrop usually comes a mystery of some kind.  While I'm not sure what kind of hold Becca has on Max, it sounds like the makings of an interesting and scary one at that.  I'm ashamed to admit I've never read the original Rebecca, but I might have to rectify that mistake before diving into this one as preparation.

In My Mailbox (81)

This is a meme that I first heard about from Kristi over at The Story Siren and immediately wanted to jump on board. I'm always picking up new books, because I never tire of reading, but the other thing I like about this meme is that it gives everyone an opportunity to check out what other book fanatics, bloggers, etc... got for themselves. I've gotten great recommendations from this meme and hope that keeps up in the future.

Here's what I got, what did you guys get this week?

For Review:

The Color of Rain by Cori McCarthy (Thanks to Running Press Kids)

If there is one thing that seventeen-year-old Rain knows and knows well, it is survival. Caring for her little brother, Walker, who is "Touched," and losing the rest of her family to the same disease, Rain has long had to fend for herself on the bleak, dangerous streets of Earth City. When she looks to the stars, Rain sees escape and the only possible cure for Walker. And when a darkly handsome and mysterious captain named Johnny offers her passage to the Edge, Rain immediately boards his spaceship. Her only price: her "willingness."

The Void cloaks many secrets, and Rain quickly discovers that Johnny's ship serves as host for an underground slave trade for the Touched . . . and a prostitution ring for Johnny's girls. With hair as red as the bracelet that indicates her status on the ship, the feeling of being a marked target is not helpful in Rain's quest to escape. Even worse, Rain is unsure if she will be able to pay the costs of love, family, hope, and self-preservation.

With intergalactic twists and turns, Cori M. McCarthy's debut space thriller exists in an orbit of its own.