In My Mailbox (86)

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:

Dirty Little Secret by Jennifer Echols (Thanks to MTV Books)

From the author of the “real page-turner” (Seventeen) Such a Rush comes an unforgettable new drama that follows friends-turned-lovers as they navigate the passions, heartbreaks, and intrigue of country music fame.

Bailey wasn’t always a wild child and the black sheep of her family. She used to play fiddle and tour the music circuit with her sister, Julie, who sang and played guitar. That ended when country music execs swooped in and signed Julie to a solo deal. Never mind that Julie and Bailey were a duet, or that Bailey was their songwriter. The music scouts wanted only Julie, and their parents were content to sit by and let her fulfill her dreams while Bailey’s were hushed away.

Bailey has tried to numb the pain and disappointment over what could have been. And as Julie’s debut album is set to hit the charts, her parents get fed up with Bailey’s antics and ship her off to granddad’s house in Nashville. Playing fiddle in washed-up tribute groups at the mall, Bailey meets Sam, a handsome and oh-so-persuasive guitarist with his own band. He knows Bailey’s fiddle playing is just the thing his band needs to break into the industry. But this life has broken Bailey’s heart once before. She isn’t sure she’s ready to let Sam take her there again…

Charm & Strange by Stephanie Kuehn (Thanks to St. Martins Griffin)

When you’ve been kept caged in the dark, it’s impossible to see the forest for the trees. It’s impossible to see anything, really. Not without bars . . . 

Andrew Winston Winters is at war with himself. 

He’s part Win, the lonely teenager exiled to a remote Vermont boarding school in the wake of a family tragedy. The guy who shuts all his classmates out, no matter the cost.

He’s part Drew, the angry young boy with violent impulses that control him. The boy who spent a fateful, long-ago summer with his brother and teenage cousins, only to endure a secret so monstrous it led three children to do the unthinkable. 

Over the course of one night, while stuck at a party deep in the New England woods, Andrew battles both the pain of his past and the isolation of his present. 

Before the sun rises, he’ll either surrender his sanity to the wild darkness inside his mind or make peace with the most elemental of truths—that choosing to live can mean so much more than not dying.

Bloodlines (Bloodlines, #1) by Richelle Mead (Thanks to Lyric)

Blood doesn't lie...

Sydney is an alchemist, one of a group of humans who dabble in magic and serve to bridge the worlds of human and vampires. They protect vampire secrets - and human lives. When Sydney is torn from her bed in the middle of the night, at first she thinks she's still being punished for her complicated alliance with dhampir Rose Hathaway. But what unfolds is far worse. Jill Dragomir - the sister of Moroi Queen Lissa Dragomir - is in mortal danger, and the Moroi must send her into hiding. To avoid a civil war, Sydney is called upon to act as Jill's guardian and protector, posing as her roommate in the last place anyone would think to look for vampire royalty - a human boarding school in Palm Springs, California. But instead of finding safety at Amberwood Prep, Sydney discovers the drama is only just beginning...

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.

Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Favorite Romances

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created over at The Broke and the Bookish.  This feature was created 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.  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.

Who doesn't love a good romance right?  Whether its innocent first love, passionate and mature, unrequited and full of angst, or any other kind for that matter I'm almost always going to be engrossed and ready for more.  I know that makes me a cliche, but I'm OK with it because this girl (points to self) loves to swoon over a good love story!

Top Ten Favorite Romances Pick #1:  Nina & Jared - Jamie McGuire's Providence series

He loved her before they even met!  Creepy if it was anyone else but Jared, but his job was to watch and protect her, not to interfere.  And hey, the guy took a bullet for her!  But as soon as the rules changed and he was given the opportunity he jumped in and never looked back.  Its unconditional and all encompassing, selfless and consuming.  Basically its impossible not to swoon!

Top Ten Favorite Romances Pick #2:  Pigeon & Travis - Jamie McGuire's Beautiful series

McGuire knows her romance and I hope she keeps it going in the future.  This was one of those fiery, passionate, no-holds barred kind of relationships.  Lots of fighting, bickering, tensions flaring, breaking up, and then of course making up.  Travis' nickname for Abby had me melting, and the fact that while they constantly had to work at their relationship, the fact that they were willing to do the work and put in the time had me rooting for them all the way.

Top Ten Favorite Romances Pick #3:  Tris & Four - Veronica Roth's Divergent series

The circumstances that brought these two together were not ideal in any way, shape, or form.  Their faction brings out the polar opposite of romantic feelings when surviving day to day is your priority.  But somehow against all the odds and dangers that were working to keep them apart, they somehow managed to come together.  Due to their long and hard road I think they appreciate what they have all the more.

Top Ten Favorite Romances Pick #4:  Alexis & Tristan - Kristie Cook's Soul Savers series

He was a character that was impossible not to root for simply because you knew he had no one else.  He went and defied the odds of nature and fought the evil that wanted to create and use him for their own purposes.  And when he found Alexis he found his other half.  They have had an uphill battle from the start but they're doing what it takes to make it work.

Top Ten Favorite Romances Pick #5:  Nora & Gavin - Elizabeth Isaacs' Kailmeyra series  

While they might be perfect for one another they literally come from different worlds.  Once again I got wrapped up in cheerleader mode as I crossed my fingers repeatedly that good would prevail and the old cliche of true love conquering all would come true.  Isaacs has a way of writing that is both gripping and engrossing and nearly impossible to break away from.

Top Ten Favorite Romances Pick #6:  Zoe & Jared - Deborah Cook's The Dragon Diaries series

OK so this might not be a quote un-quote traditional romance, but the level of flirtation and feelings involved was high so I wanted to include them on my list.  Zoe has always had another leading man in mind, one that I don't think is really right for her, and then in walks Jared....or rides in on his....motorcycle!  I think Jared and his motorcycle might be exactly what she needs to bring her back to reality and the potential romance waiting for her.  Not to mention that this guy is totally swoon worthy with his band boy vibes and protective nature.  A winning combination to be sure!

Top Ten Favorite Romances Pick #7:  Sophie & Cal -Rachel Hawkins' Hex Hall series

OK so again I think I'm projecting my hopefulness with these two but I love them together.  Or at least the idea of them together.  Is is mainly one sided on Cal's part?  Maybe, but I see the potential for these two and I'm hoping that comes to fruition, and sooner rather than later would be nice.  I guess I'm going to have to pick up the finally series installment to find out if I get my wish.

Top Ten Favorite Romances Pick #8:  Rose & Dimitri - Richelle Mead's Vampire Academy series

I don't think its possible for two fictional characters to have gone through more in order to be with each other than these two did.  It was a long and hard road and honestly I wasn't sure Mead was going to give them their happy ending after broke my heart before and more than once.  I just can't say enough about these two...I just loved them together!

Top Ten Favorite Romances Pick #9:   Penny & Ryan - Elizabeth Eulberg's The Lonely Hearts Club

Now this might not be one of the greatest romances of all times, but it is one of my favorites.  Penny starts out afraid to be hurt and a major man hater.  It's not until Ryan takes the time to gain her trust and wear down her emotional walls that things start to come into clarity.  It was a sweet relationship (albeit a short one) and I couldn't help but fall in love with both of them.

Top Ten Favorite Romances Pick #10:  Elizabeth and Darcy - Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice

Obviously!  This is the real deal you guys!  It's always been my all time favorite read and I don't think anything will ever top it.  But the two of these characters had me at hello and each year when I reread this novel and go through their story with them is like it's the first time all over again.  You can't say that about many books or about many romances.  They went from despising each other to truly loving and understanding one another.  It went through the full spectrum and really hit home for me and I think a great deal of people as well.  There's a reason this one is a classic and referenced as often as it is and I think Elizabeth and Darcy will be at the top of any discussion or list revolving around romance for me now and always.

Newly Released Richelle Mead App

Have you guys had a chance to check out this app yet? I first heard about it over at RT Book Reviews and have marked this down as yet another reason that I need to utilize my phone upgrade and get myself an iPhone. It's official, if I'm going to be missing out on awesome apps like this one, there is just no excuse for me to not cross over to the (apple) dark side and switch up pronto!

Richelle Mead's publisher, Penguin decided to launch this app and it gives readers and fans so many cool ways to delve further into Mead's Vampire Academy and Bloodlines world. There's not a whole lot that they've left out from what I've heard. I wish I could give you a more informative hands on critique, but since this girl hasn't gotten with the program and picked herself up an iPhone, for now I'll just fill you in on what I've learned so far from various outlets.

You've got several features to entertain yourself (and lose time) with on this app. The app is free (totally awesome!) and includes features like Your Books, Character Maps, About Richelle, and a Community. Each and every one of these looks very tempting and I can already see myself not wanting to put my phone down once this app has been installed.

The Your Books section has all of the Vampire Academy and Bloodlines books available that are out in the series' so far. Readers will be able to get the chance to read excerpts from each of the books if they want and you can also easily buy yourself a electronic version of the book as well if the excerpt has you hooked (and you haven't already read the books) and you know it will! I've read several reviews of this section and everyone so far has said that even if you're not super great on the technical end that this section is easy to work your way through. And since I'll be a new iPhone user, I'm hoping they're right because I'll be starting at square one.

The Characters Maps section has by far piqued my interest the most. I love when authors give you the chance to take a look at pictures of art work sketches and drawings of what their characters look like. I know some people would rather only see these characters as they've started to picture them in their own minds while reading, but I happen to love the additional feedback. Sometimes it's downright funny to see how far off base I've pictured a character, then to come and find out that the author was writing about these characters and seeing something totally different. It's an interesting experience if you ask me. This section has bios of all the characters along with their pictures, descriptions of their looks to go along with the photos and so much more. Sounds great right?

The About Richelle feature gives you all things Richelle Mead. You can connect with the author via the app (which I think is really cool) as well as giving you a background on where she came from and how she got started in the writing process. Readers and app users get the chance to watch videos and take a look at pictures of the author as well. I for one have always been a huge fan of going to any book festival and author signing that I can manage. Unfortunately with Mead being located in Seattle, I haven't had the opportunity to make it to any of her signings but hopefully one day. In the meantime, this app's feature will tide me over and help me get to know her better. What reader doesn't get excited to hear from an author they love and who's writing they've come to cherish?

Finally there is the Community feature. As a blogger I've got to say that I love the idea behind this feature. One of the reasons I started this blog to begin with (the main reason) was so that I'd have people to share my thoughts and ideas with regarding the books I was reading and looking forward to reading. Not many of my friends are huge bibliophiles, so I used to bore them to tears when the subject of books would come up (which they usually tried to avoid) but that all has changed. Now I've got other bibliophile friends, fellow bloggers and a whole network of readers to talk to and connect with. That's what this feature is all about. Readers can check out a map to see where Mead's readers are located, and I've heard (not hard to believe) that they reach far and wide. Everyone loves Mead's writing!

So if you're lucky enough to already have an Apple product I totally envy you. Go and get yourself hooked up with this app and be sure to report back and let me know what you think and how you like it so far! As soon as my phone upgrade comes around in May, you can believe that this girl will be taking herself to the store to get an iPhone so that I can join in on the fun!

Review: Last Sacrifice (Vampire Academy, #6) by Richelle Mead

The astonishing final novel in Richelle Mead's epic series!

Murder. Love. Jealousy. And the ultimate sacrifice. Now, with Rose on trial for her life and Lissa first in line for the Royal Throne, nothing will ever be the same between them.

Wow! It's hard to believe this series that I absolutely adore is finally over. It's almost impossible to write a sound review for this final installment...for several reasons, but mainly two big ones stand out. For starters, spoilers would be everywhere and they would be unavoidable. So much was jam packed into this book that I'd hate to reveal anything before readers got the chance to discover the details for themselves.

The second reason being that while I loved this book, it was super hard for me to get through because I knew it would then be over...for good. So I read slowly and was kind of sad the whole way through. Silly yes, but Mead hooked me from book one and her writing kept me engaged until the very last page.

So this review might be late and might not be very informative, but bottom line...I highly recommend this series and it's final installment will leave readers better able to understand where I'm coming from. Expect to run the gauntlet of emotions but overall to be satisfied and content with Read's story telling abilities.

I gave Last Sacrifice (Vampire Academy, #6) 5 shamrocks!!!!!

Review: Spirit Bound (Vampire Academy #5) by Richelle Mead

Salvation has its price.
The words stunned Adrian for a moment, but he kept going. "You're lying. What you're describing is impossible. There's no way to save a Strigoi. When they're gone, they're gone. They're dead. Undead. Forever."

Robert's next words weren't directed at Adrian. They were spoken to me. "That which is dead doesn't always stay dead...."

After a long and heartbreaking journey to Dimitri’s birthplace in Siberia, Rose Hathaway has finally returned to St. Vladimir’s—and to her best friend, Lissa Dragomir. It's graduation, and the girls can’t wait for their real lives outside of the Academy’s cold iron gates to finally begin. But even with the intrigue and excitement of court life looming, Rose’s heart still aches for Dimitri. He's out there, somewhere.

She failed to kill him when she had the chance, and now her worst fears are about to come true. Dimitri has tasted her blood, and she knows in her heart that he is hunting her. And if Rose won't join him, he won't rest until he's silenced her...forever.

But Rose can't forget what she learned on her journey—whispers of a magic too impossible and terrifying to comprehend. A magic inextricably tied to Lissa that could hold the answer to all of Rose's prayers, but not without devastating consequences. Now Rose will have to decide what—and who—matters most to her. In the end, is true love really worth the price?

I think it's quite possible that Richelle Mead is trying to break my heart! I don't mind the back and forth authors put readers through with their main characters, but this was too sad for me. I'm not going to go into details because I don't want to spoil things but when I closed this book I was very sad. I know there is still more to come with one more installment on the horizon but I'm not even going to get my hopes up. I did for this one and it did not work out so well for me.

I did enjoy the action throughout and Adrian really shined for me but other than that I can't say too much. I will tell you that my opinion truly changed regarding Lissa in this book. She ate at my last nerve at one point in the book and I'm not sure I like her all that much anymore. Probably not fair or right, but there it is all the same. I'll of course get Last Sacrifice when it hits the shelves at the end of this year, but like I said before, I'm not thinking I'm going to get my way or be happy with the way things turn out so... I'm just going to steel my resolve so I don't end up sad all over again. Poor Rose!

I gave Spirit Bound (Vampire Academy #5) 3 shamrocks!!!

Review: Blood Promise (Vampire Academy #4) by Richelle Mead

How far will Rose go to keep her promise?

The recent Strigoi attack at St. Vladimir’s Academy was the deadliest ever in the school’s history, claiming the lives of Moroi students, teachers, and guardians alike. Even worse, the Strigoi took some of their victims with them. . . including Dimitri.

He’d rather die than be one of them, and now Rose must abandon her best friend, Lissa—the one she has sworn to protect no matter what—and keep the promise Dimitri begged her to make long ago. But with everything at stake, how can she possibly destroy the person she loves most?

By far my favorite out of the whole series! Why you might ask? Because more than half the book is nothing but Rose and Dimitri. Readers get sneak peeks into private moments the two shared when Rose relives her memories of their time together. I couldn't get enough of them. And as much as I like Lissa and Christian and Adrian, I was glad that the story finally started to focus more on Rose and Dimitri. The others are still there, but more so in the background.

I also just adored Dimitri's family. Readers only knew little pieces before but we finally got to meet his mother and sisters. With them being so welcoming and loving towards Rose I couldn't get enough. As much as I love Dimitri, he's never been one to talk too much in the previous installments, so hearing everyone else talk about him completed the picture for me. It also helped me forget for a little while that Rose still hasn't found him and will eventually have to kill him. But then he doesn't give her the chance...he finds her and the hunter and prey switch roles. While I was so happy to see the two together it was also depressing. He wasn't the same guy everyone fell for, and I felt so bad for Rose. It just wasn't fair. To say that Mead once again threw readers a curve ball in the end was an understatement. I was again both sad and happy. I love that Mead has kept the series action packed and no where near boring, but I really just want a happy ending already. I can't wait to devour Spirit Bound next.

I gave Blood Promise (Vampire Academy #4) 5 shamrocks!!!!!

Review: Shadow Kiss (Vampire Academy #3) by Richelle Mead

Rose Hathaway knows it is forbidden to love another guardian. Her best friend, Lissa-the last Dragomir princess-must always come first. Unfortunately, when it comes to gorgeous Dimitri Belikov, some rules are meant to be broken...

But since making her first Strigoi kills, Rose hasn't been feeling right. Something dark has begun to grow in her mind, and ghostly shadows warn of a terrible evil drawing nearer to the Academy's iron gates. And now that Lissa and Rose's sworn enemy, Victor Dashkov, is on trial for his freedom, tensions in the Moroi world are higher than ever.

Lying to Lissa about Dimitri is one thing but suddenly there's way more than friendship at stake. The immortal undead are on the prowl, and they want vengeance for the lives that Rose has stolen. In a heart-stopping battle to rival her worst nightmare, Rose will have to choose between life, love, and the two people who matter most..but will her choice mean that only one can survive?

This book left me drained. Richelle Mead is one of those great authors who know how to keep a series going strong. I will say that overall the events that took place in this book both left me elated at times and crushed at others. Mead is killing me with this series and these characters. I think I'm far too attached already.

Romeo and Juliet can step aside because they went through nothing compared to Rose and Dimitri, no offense Shakespeare fans. They're both such strong characters and have been through more than their fair share of obstacles that I think it's only fair they get their happily ever after ending. Apparently Mead did not agree with me and what's worse is that she has now given them the ultimate obstacle. I'm not sure I see a way out of this for them. I'm heart broken once again because honestly I always thought they'd figure out a way, but now I'm not so sure.

The action at the end of this installment was by far the best yet. The fight and battle at the end had me biting my mails and crossing my fingers. Adrian was more endearing and proved to be a dark horse in the running after all. I'm still rooting for Dimitri but I think a girl could do worse than Adrian, right? So I'll be anxious to see how Rose's new mission pans out in the fourth book, Blood Promise. I'm nervous for her and not quite sure if I want her to succeed or not? On the one hand I want her to meet her goal because I think it's the right thing but at the same time I know how sad I was at the end of this book, I'm not sure how much more I can take right now. I'm hoping Mead takes pity on her readers and cuts Rose and Dimitri a break...for once!

I gave Shadow Kiss (Vampire Academy #3) 4 shamrocks!!!!