Pick of the Month!

Hello all, so I've decided to end each month with a post declaring my favourite read for that said month. I have no idea if this is a meme that some other blogger has already started and if so, please feel free to tell me and leave me the link in the comments section. So without further adieu my January Pick of the Month:

THE BUTTERFLY CLUES by Kate Ellison

The Butterfly Clues by Kate Ellison
Source: ARC from Publisher
Publisher: Egmont USA
Release Date: February 14th/12.

This book really spoke to me. It was intense and achingly honest in its treatment of OCD and depression. Please go out and read this book YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED! To read my full review on The Butterfly Clues please click here.

What was your favourite read of January?

Happy Reading!!!

In My Mailbox #14

Howdy all! Here's what I received in my mailbox this week :)

I borrowed:

Angel Fire by L.A. Weatherly

I bought:

Incarnate by Jodi Meadows

RandomHouse ARCs For Review:

The Bellwether Revivals by Benjamin Wood (Mar/12)

The Taming by Eric Walters and Teresa Toten (Jan/12)

That's all for me this week! What did you get in your mailbox?

Happy Reading!!!

ARC Review: Spellcaster by Cara Lynn Shultz

Spellcaster by Cara Lynn Shultz
Release date: March 27th/12
Source: Galley from publisher
Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads:
Finding your eternal soulmate - easy. 

Stopping a true-love-hungry evil - not so much… 

After breaking a centuries-old romantic curse, Emma Connor is (almost) glad to get back to normal problems. Although...it's not easy dealing with the jealous cliques and gossip that rule her exclusive Upper East Side prep, even for a sixteen-year-old newbie witch. Having the most-wanted boy in school as her eternal soul mate sure helps ease the pain-especially since wealthy, rocker-hot Brendan Salinger is very good at staying irresistibly close.... 

But something dark and hungry is using Emma and Brendan's deepest fears to reveal damaging secrets and destroy their trust in each other. And Emma's crash course in über-spells may not be enough to keep them safe…or to stop an inhuman force bent on making their unsuspected power its own.


Warning: Review may contain spoilers to Spellbound, Shultz first book in this series.


My thoughts:
I really enjoyed Spellcaster, it was a great companion to Spellbound. I enjoyed that fact that Emma and Brandon have been dating for a few months and are over that awkward get-to-know your soul mate phase of there relationship :). Brendan is still the charming knight in shining armour that I loved in the first book. And Emma is still the tough, petite, head-strong heroine. In this book we get to see a more in depth look at the insecurities Emma faces with this relationship (i.e. Brandon's very LONG list of past conquests) insecurities that are constantly thrown in her face by her peers. But we see that Brendan also has his own fears of inadequency when it comes to his and Emma's relationship. I liked seeing these vulnerable sides to these characters because I think that this is something many couples face, although I did kind of want to smack them after the third discussion of "You're too good for me" "I'm not good enough" haha.


There were quite a few steamy scenes between these two in which I had to remind myself that this was in fact a YA title haha. Honestly you're constantly questioning will they/won't they?


There is a couple aspects of this novel that irked me a bit though:
1. Angelique's P.O.V.- There's a couple of chapters told from Angelique's point of view and I just couldn't stand them, but I think this is due in large part to the fact that I'm not a fan of this character. I just don't like her judgement towards Brendan, however, her behaviour is explained in this installment. The only thing I liked about reading from Angelique's P.O.V. is that we get to see Brendan's reactions and feelings towards Emma without her being in the scene- I always love to see how deeply he cares for her :) Love you Brendan!
2. The mystery, or lack there of I should say. There's really not that much of a mystery to figure out in this book. We basically find out who the culprits of these attacks, against Emma and Brendan, are about a third of the way through the book and it's basically who I suspected from the beginning.


With all that said, I would definitely recommend this installment to those who enjoyed Spellbound or who enjoy a quick Paranormal YA read. I look forward to the next title Shultz offers! :)


Happy Reading!!!

Waiting on Wednesday: A Want So Wicked by Suzanne Young

I'm dying for book 2, June get here quicker! :)                                    

                   

Release Date: June 26th/12

Publisher: Balzar and Bray

Elise is a normal seventeen-year-old girl until the day she wakes up in a desert park, with no idea who she is. 

After that episode, her life takes a bizarre turn. She’s experiencing unexpected flashes of insight into people’s lives—people she’s never met before. Strangers frighten her with warnings about the approaching Shadows. And although Elise has never had a boyfriend, she suddenly finds herself torn between two handsome but very different young men: Abe, the charming bad boy whose affect on her both seduces and frightens her, and the mysterious Harlin, who’s new to town but with whom Elise feels an urgent, elemental connection—almost as if they are soul mates. Now Elise begins to question everything about her life. Why do these guys both want her so desperately? What are the Shadows? Why does the name Charlotte inspire a terrifying familiarity? And who is Elise, really?

In My Mailbox #13 FIRST IMM OF 2012

Wow so it's been a while since I've posted an IMM, but here's my first IMM of 2012! :)

I purchased: (there was a sale and it was associate weekend so I got additional discounts! I live for associate weekend haha)

Deadly Little Games - Laurie F. Stolarz

Radiant Shadows - Melissa Marr

A Touch Mortal - Leah Clifford

The Hidden - Jessica Verday

Elixir - Hillary Duff

Devoted - Hillary Duff

Cinder - Marissa Meyer

Under the Never Sky - Veronica Rossi

Dark Inside - Jenna Roberts

Passion - Lauren Kate

What the Dog Saw - Malcolm Gladwell

L.A. Candy - Lauren Conrad

Sweet Little Lies - Lauren Conrad

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies - Seth Smith

Vesper - Jeff Sampson

Love Bites - Ellen Schreiber

Sugar and Spice - Lauren Conrad

The Carrie Diaries - Candace Bushnell

Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side - Beth Fantaskey

The Other Girl - Sarah Miller

Dark Heart Forever - Lee Monroe

Eve - Anna Carey

Torment - Lauren Kate

Shadowspell - Jenna Black

Darkness Becomes Her - Kelly Keaton

Desires of the Dead - Kimberley Derting

Sirensong - Jenna Black

Crescendo - Becca Fitzpatrick

The Alchemy of Forever - Avery Williams

Legend - Marie Lu

Fracture - Megan Miranda

ARCs I got (Special thanks to Angie, Jen and Christen :))

Ripper (Apr/12) - Amy Carol Reeves

Everneath (Jan/12) - Brodi Ashton

Arise (Jun/12) - Tara Hudson

That's all for me this week, what did you get in your mailbox?

Happy Reading!!!

ARC Review: Tempest by Julie Cross

Book 1 in a brand new trilogy
Tempest
By: Julie Cross
Publisher: Thomas Dunne Books
Source: ARC from Raincoast Books (Thanks Crystal!)

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads:
The year is 2009.  Nineteen-year-old Jackson Meyer is a normal guy… he’s in college, has a girlfriend… and he can travel back through time. But it’s not like the movies – nothing changes in the present after his jumps, there’s no space-time continuum issues or broken flux capacitors – it’s just harmless fun.

That is… until the day strangers burst in on Jackson and his girlfriend, Holly, and during a struggle with Jackson, Holly is fatally shot. In his panic, Jackson jumps back two years to 2007, but this is not like his previous time jumps. Now he’s stuck in 2007 and can’t get back to the future.

Desperate to somehow return to 2009 to save Holly but unable to return to his rightful year, Jackson settles into 2007 and learns what he can about his abilities.

But it’s not long before the people who shot Holly in 2009 come looking for Jackson in the past, and these “Enemies of Time” will stop at nothing to recruit this powerful young time-traveler.  Recruit… or kill him.

Piecing together the clues about his father, the Enemies of Time, and himself, Jackson must decide how far he’s willing to go to save Holly… and possibly the entire world.


My Thoughts:


I was actually going to publish this review a couple weeks ago, but I thought I'd keep it closer to the release date, so when you finish reading this amazing review you'll be able to go out and purchase a copy for yourself right away :). 


There has been quite a bit of hype with regards to this title: Pre-empted by Summit Entertainment (Twilight) for a feature film, and after reading this book, I really feel it lives up to the hype. Now that I'm thinking of it, the hype kind of resembles that of I AM NUMBER FOUR, although I think this title may have more success in theatres. Another film that this book reminded me of was Jumper with Hayden Christensen, not sure if I was one of three to go see that film, but I actually really liked it. The difference between this book and that film is that Jackson jumps through time rather than area (i.e. place to place).


If you've read my reviews before you know I'm not a fan of reading from a male P.O.V., but I really enjoyed Jackson, he's a great guy with a unique ability that's willing to "turn back time" to save the girl he loves- please excuse the horrible cliche :). But seriously, I think a lot of readers will fall for Jackson like I did, you kind of grow jealous of Holly because you want someone to care about you the way he does for her. I loved the connection between these two, they're already together so there's no typical angst that many couples have in YA fiction right now. They're in love and complete/compliment each other in the best possible way.


One thing I did find a little disruptive was the jumping back and forth through time, but please don't let this sway you from giving this title a chance, I think this is just a personal thing for me, it was no where near as confusing as THE TIME TRAVELLERS WIFE, and of course this is to be expected in book where the hero is a time-traveller!


One last thing I want to mention is the action in this book. Tempest, in my opinion, is action-packed from the first chapter right through to the end. We're sucked right into Jackson's worst nightmare from the start and the ending leaves you wanting more! I didn't find myself feeling bored or restless at all during this read.


I would recommend this read to male and female readers, don't pass it up!


Favourite quote from Jackson (I'm not giving the pg. # so as not to spoil anything :))


I closed my eyes and attempted a full jump back to one of the most important days of my existence.


*sigh* Love you Jackson!


Happy Reading!

Waiting on Wednesday: Article 5 by Kristen Simmons

 I cannot wait to get my hands on a copy of this book, I've been re-reading what's available on Amazon's "Look-Inside" feature for this book :) Thank God I don't have to wait too much longer haha

Article 5 by Kristen Simmons

Release Date: Jan 31st/12

Publisher: Tor Teen

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads: New York, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C., have been abandoned.

The Bill of Rights has been revoked, and replaced with the Moral Statutes.

There are no more police—instead, there are soldiers. There are no more fines for bad behavior—instead, there are arrests, trials, and maybe worse. People who get arrested usually don't come back.

Seventeen-year-old Ember Miller is old enough to remember that things weren’t always this way. Living with her rebellious single mother, it’s hard for her to forget that people weren’t always arrested for reading the wrong books or staying out after dark. It’s hard to forget that life in the United States used to be different.

Ember has perfected the art of keeping a low profile. She knows how to get the things she needs, like food stamps and hand-me-down clothes, and how to pass the random home inspections by the military. Her life is as close to peaceful as circumstances allow. 

That is, until her mother is arrested for noncompliance with Article 5 of the Moral Statutes. And one of the arresting officers is none other than Chase Jennings…the only boy Ember has ever loved.

Winner Announcement and New Giveaway, sort of...

Hello Everyone!

So I have a winner to announce for my Charmfall gift pack (which I received in the mail from Chloe this week!), but first I want to thank all those who entered this giveaway, I loved all of your comments as I'm sure Chloe did as well. Secondly I want to thank Chloe for putting together this wonderful tour, she truly put a lot of effort into making this a kick ass tour, and thank you Chloe for letting me be a part of all your amazing tours! :)

Thirdly, I want to say how sad I am that I never received any emails from my 100 follower giveaway winners. I decided to extend the opportunity by giving them a MONTH to respond but sadly they never claimed their prizes. So, I feel like I should extend the love to those of you who come visit this blog often. So I'm going to be spontaneously offering up each title out of my pile of books (see page for list of books), the first follower to tweet me that they want to grab whichever title I put forth, will get the book, it's that simple folks. For more details please refer to my Pile of Books page.

As for the Charmfall Gift Pack winner drumroll please...

alainala

Congratulations! And round of applause to all those who entered. Alainala please email me your address at hgillis15(AT)gmail(DOT)com . If I don't hear from you by January 14th, I will pick a new winner.

Thanks again everyone and be sure to check my new Pile of Books page!

Happy Reading!!!

Waiting on Wednesday: The Selection by Kiera Cass

I flippin LOVE this cover, o I want this one so bad guys! :)

The Selection by Kiera Cass

Release Date: April 24th/12.

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads:

For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in the palace and compete for the heart of the gorgeous Prince Maxon.

But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.

Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself- and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.

ARC Review: Perception by Kim Harrington

Perception (Book #2 in the Clarity series) by Kim Harrington
Release date: March 1st/12
Source: ARC Swap with another Blogger (Thanks Jen! :))
Publisher: Scholastic/Point

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads:
When you can see things others can't, what do you do when someone's watching you? 

Everybody knows about Clarity "Clare" Fern. She's the psychic girl in school, the one who can place her hands on something and see hidden visions from the past. 

Only Clare would rather not be a celebrity. She prefers hanging back, observing. Her gift is not a game to her. 

But then someone starts playing with her head . . . and heart. Messages and gifts from a secret admirer crop up everywhere Clare turns. Could they be from Gabriel, the gorgeous boy who gets Clare's pulse racing? Or from Justin, Clare's hopeful ex-boyfriend who'd do anything to win her back? 

One thing is certain. Clare needs to solve this mystery, and soon. Because the messages are becoming sinister, and a girl in town has suddenly disappeared.


My Thoughts:


PLEASE NOTE: This is a sequel to Harrington's first book, Clarity so if you have not read the first book this review may contain some spoilers BE WARNED :)


Perception starts out at the beginning of school year, this was nice because we got to see the social (or lack of) interaction, Clarity spends with her peers. I love Clarity she is without a doubt Veronica Mars' kick ass cousin haha. She's different (special) than those around her and while being different can get lonely, she refuses to take any crap from "popular" kids at school. She's sarcastic and knows who she is and I love her for it.


Another great thing about Harrington's sequel is the fact that there are two mysterious going on in this plot.  A student has gone missing and everyone is a suspect. But the more intriguing mystery of the story is Clare's anonymous admirer, who seems to be showing up where ever she goes. Could it be her relentless ex Justin or the exciting new kid on the block Gabriel? You'll have to read to find out :)


Speaking of these two gorgeous boys, the love triangle of this series is one of my favourites. Both boys aren't holding back in their attempts to win Clare's affections, and ultimately in the end she does make her choice, although I'm not sure I'm too happy about- I won't tell which boy I love more as to avoid spoiling the fun for you guys hehe.


My only complaint about Harrington's books are that they are too damn short. Seriously this book doesn't even reach 300 pages. I could sit and read about Clare and her world forever, but now I must wait another year until I can continue this story :( Don't know how I'll manage it haha.


If you like a light, clean read with a sassy heroine and two kick ass heros, than definitely check out this series. It's a must for all Veronica Mars fans!


I've decided to add a little something special with each of my reviews, and below is one of my favourite passages from Perception


Enjoy!!!

  He kissed me warily at first, and then - when I didn't pull away - hungrily, like a kiss he'd been storing up for weeks. Warmth radiated out from my lips, down my neck, and through my entire body like a spreading fire.

  My mind was unsure, but my body wasn't. I didn't want our kissing to end. Ever. It felt too good.

Perception, p. 162

and since I forgot to add my favourite passage on Friday's post, here's a little something special from The Butterfly Clues by Kate Ellison

 Our bodies press into each other, our heartbeats touch. He kisses my forehead; my scar; my nose; lips, chin, neck- nuzzling in, scruffy, his tongue running over my teeth, his breath against my skin- my belly; my chest; my thick, dark now- wild hair.

"God Lo," he mutters softly. He runs his hands up and down my legs.

The Butterfly Clues, p. 222

Happy Reading!!!

ARC Review: The Butterfly Clues by Kate Ellison

The Butterfly Clues by Kate Ellison
Source: ARC from Publisher
Publisher: Egmont USA
Release Date: February 14th/12.

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads:

Penelope (Lo) Marin has always loved to collect beautiful things. Her dad's consulting job means she's grown up moving from one rundown city to the next, and she's learned to cope by collecting (sometimes even stealing) quirky trinkets and souvenirs in each new place--possessions that allow her to feel at least some semblance of home.

But in the year since her brother Oren's death, Lo's hoarding has blossomed into a full-blown, potentially dangerous obsession. She discovers a beautiful, antique butterfly pendant during a routine scour at a weekend flea market, and recognizes it as having been stolen from the home of a recently murdered girl known only as "Sapphire"--a girl just a few years older than Lo. As usual when Lo begins to obsess over something, she can't get the murder out of her mind.

As she attempts to piece together the mysterious "butterfly clues," with the unlikely help of a street artist named Flynt, Lo quickly finds herself caught up in a seedy, violent underworld much closer to home than she ever imagined--a world, she'll ultimately discover, that could hold the key to her brother's tragic death.

My Thoughts:

This is my first entry into the Debut Author Challenge and I want to thank Jennifer from Random House for sending me a copy of The Butterfly Clues because it was amazing!

Lo is the strongest vulnerable character I've ever had the pleasure of reading (and yes I see the oxymoron of this comment :) ). I felt a strong connection with this character as I have witnessed first hand how OCD can take control of ones life to the extreme, and it is because of this connection that I had very emotional reaction to certain scenes in this novel (I cried three times- I actually had to put the book down to splash some cold water on my face.) Ellison handled this illness with sincere realism and I appreciate her bringing this character into my life.

Don't get me wrong, while Lo has many Kryptonites (think I spelt that wrong), she is also a strong character that strives to do the right thing, (i.e. solving a murder- o yeah that's right there's a whole intense mystery to this story as well :), while dealing with her own personal demons.

I can't have a COMPLETE review without discussing the romance element. Lo has two boys vying for her affection: sweet and patient Jeremy or the fun and adventurous Flynt. I loved both these boys for very different reasons and I understood Lo's reactions to each suitor and her ultimate decision. There is one scene in this book that was so steamy it had my computer screening fogging up- but I'm not going to tell which guy, you'll just have to read and find out for yourself :).

The murder mystery in this book works well to set the stage for the plot of the story, but I feel it is the character development that truly made this a remarkable read for me :)

Be sure to get your hands on a copy of this book when it hits shelves mid-February!

Happy Reading!!!

Waiting on Wednesday: The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa

Vampire Dystopian + Julie Kagawa = EPIC!!! Can't wait to get my hands on a copy of this book.

The Immortal Rules (Book #1 Blood of Eden series)

Release Date: April 24th/12

HarlequinTEEN

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads: 

In the dark days since the insidious Red Lung virus decimated the human population, vampires have risen to rule the crumbling cities and suburbs. Uncontested Princes hold sway over diminished ranks of humans: their "pets." In exchange for their labor, loyalty and of course, their blood, these pets are registered, given food and shelter, permitted to survive.

Unregistered humans cling to fringes, scavenging for survival. Allison Sekemoto and her fellow Unregistereds are hunted, not only by vampires, but by rabids, the unholy result of Red Lung-infected vampires feeding on unwary humans. One night, Allie is attacked by a pack of rabids, saved by an unlikely hero...and turned vampire.

Uncomfortable in her undead skin, Allie falls in with a ragtag crew of humans seeking a cure, or cures: for Rabidism and for Vampirism. She's passing for human...for now. But the hunger is growing and will not be denied. Not for friendship—not even for love.

What books are you waiting for?

HAPPY READING!!!

New Years Resolutions!

1: GET ORGANIZED!!! (I feel as though I'm running the risk of being the next patient on HOARDERS) sadly I wish I were joking.

2: GET HEALTHY!!! I need to eat better and exercise, I want to look hot in my bridesmaids dress this summer :)

3: BE A BETTER BLOGGER!!! First off to EVERY blogger and follower out there that blogs everyday on a regular basis- I bow down to you, because I know it's not easy and you guys are the reason I'm striving to have more consistent posts on my blog. To be perfectly honest, I have so many books that I read and want to review, but then I get nervous that my review won't do the title justice, but with that said you can't grow as a blogger if you don't try, right? 

A few notes for followers/readers of this blog, I plan to update the blog over the next couple of months to make it more user friendly and they're will be a routine for this book blog, schedule as follows:

Mondays & Fridays - ARC Review days 1st ARC Review of 2012, is coming this Friday Jan. 6th

Upcoming Reviews:

A Million Suns - Beth Revis

The Butterfly Clues - Kate Ellison

Everneath - Brodi Ashton

Goddess Interrupted - Aimee Carter

Perception - Kim Harrington

Pushing the Limits - Katie McGarry

(And many many more!!!)

Wednesdays - WOW meme

Saturdays - IMM meme

There will be the random post/giveaway here or there so be on the look out for those :)

GIVEAWAY NEWS!!! Important: If you've won a prize from this blog in the last few months but have not received your prize, do not worry they are now on there way to you. I apologize for the wait and thank you for your patience :). 

For the 100 Follower Giveaway I wanted to ask those two winners (see contest page)  to please contact me at hgillis15(AT)gmail(DOT)com, so you can give the list of books you'd like to have. You have until this Friday to claim your prizes, if I don't from you by then I will draw a new name on the Saturday (7th)

That's all for now HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

and 

HAPPY READING!!!!