Tuesday, December 4, 2012 | By: Unknown

Top Ten Tuesday: Where I hope to Reunite with My Origin in The Dark Light

Image courtesy of The Broke and The Bookish
Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by  The Broke and The Bookish . At this link you can find all past and future TTT.

This week's topic is: 
Top Ten Books I Wouldn't Mind Santa Bringing Me


  1. The entire Vampire Academy Series by Richelle Mead. I only read book one so far but it was AWESOME and I can't wait to have a VA Marathon! So getting a pretty box set for Christmas or my birthday would be AWESOME!
  2. The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken. I have been looking forward to this book since I first heard about it a while ago!!
  3. Falling Kingdoms by Morgan Rhodes. Now here is a book I just KNOW I would fall in love with!!
  4. Blood-Kissed Sky by J.A. London. It's the second book in the series and the first (Darkness Before Dawn) was one of my favorite books in 2012! I can't wait to see how the series will progress! 
  5. Origin by Jessica Khoury. This was on my TBR pile when I moved and it was lost. I am very sad. :(
  6. The Dark Light by Sara Walsh. Also lost during my latest move... *sigh* Too many casualties.
  7. The Forever Girl by Rebecca Hamilton. I have been pining for this book for EVER! I just need it!
  8. Surrender by Elena Johnson. The First book surprised me A LOT!!! And I just can't wait to start on the second in the series!
  9. Until I Die by Amy Plum. *facepalm* How have I not read this already!?!?!?! That's all I have to say!
  10. Unravel Me by Tahereh Mafi. If Santa could work some Chrsitmas Magic and get me this gem of a book, even though it is released after Christmas, I'd gladly work as an elf for a year!! 

That is all for me! Link me up in the comment section! I want to know which books are on your list!









Friday, September 14, 2012 | By: Unknown

{Review} The Chosen Ones by Tiffany Truitt

The Chosen Ones
by Tiffany Truitt
Series: The Lost Souls #1
Published: June 12th 2012
Publisher: Entangled Publishing
ISBN: 1620610000 (ISBN13: 9781620610008)
Pages: 400
Source: Bought Myself
Reading Level: 17 and up
Shelf Award: Original, 2012 Favorites
Rating:  5 Stars
Where To Buy: TBD ChaptersIndigo
Goodreads Summary:
Life is bleak but uncomplicated for sixteen-year-old Tess, living in a not-too-distant future where the government, faced with humanity's extinction, created the Chosen Ones, artificial beings who are extraordinarily beautiful, unbelievably strong, and unabashedly deadly.
When Tess begins work at Templeton, a Chosen Ones training facility, she meets James, and the attraction is immediate in its intensity, overwhelming in its danger. But there is more to Templeton than Tess ever knew. Can she stand against her oppressors, even if it means giving up the only happiness in her life?

My Thoughts: 

Cover Love: I admit it. I first fell in love with the cover. It has a beautiful desperation feel to it. 5 out 5 cover stars!

Review: I went into this book with high hopes! And I was not disappointed! I mean, finishing any book in a single day is an ode to it's awesomeness!
In The Chosen Ones we meet Tess who at first seems like an emotionless bitter young woman who's forced into a life of servitude to the Chosen Ones (genetically engineered supermen), but as I read on I realized it was a mask, an identity Tess puts up so she doesn't follow in her sister's footsteps, fall in love, get pregnant then ultimately die. She is a perfectionist and likes to think she is a logical and rational person but really she is a sweet and caring young woman. Not once did her behaviour annoy me because I was able to connect deeply with her early on in the book and so I understood why she sometimes acted cold and distant.
Plot-wise, it was one of the most awe-inspiring books I had the chance to read in 2012. It was wonderfully executed with twists and turns you couldn't have seen coming from a foot away!
The world building was also flawlessly done! In this world humans/naturals are cast aside so the Chosen Ones can save their world. But with the birth rate of Naturals virtually at a 0 the Chosen Ones are taking over, rendering the Naturals irrelevant.
Locally; Templeton is a chilling world, the place were the Chosen Ones are created, educated and housed Templeton is a compound shrouded in mystery some of which light starts to be shed upon during the book.
And of course no dystopia would be complete without a resistance of some sort... But I don't want to give up too much so read this book if you haven't already!

Bottom Line:

A wonderful dystopian thriller fuelled by individuality, freedom and of course, love.
Wednesday, September 12, 2012 | By: Unknown

{Review} The Mephisto Kiss by Trinity Faegen

The Mephisto Kiss
by Trinity Faegen
Series: The Mephisto Covenant #2
Published: September 25th 2012
Publisher: EgmontUSA
ISBN: 1606841718 (ISBN13: 9781606841716)
Pages: 448 (ARC)
Source: Received from Author in exchange for honest interview
Reading Level: 17+
Shelf Award: All Time Fave, Deserves Its Own Shelf
Rating:  5 Stars
Where To Buy: TBD ChaptersIndigo
Goodreads Summary: 
The eyes never lie. No one’s eyes are darker than Eryx. Not even the Devil’s.
When Jax and Sasha first see Jordan Ellis, they know she is no ordinary teenager. She’s the daughter of the President after all, but she’s also Anabo – a descendant of Eve.
What they don’t know is that Eryx plans to kidnap Jordan and force President Ellis to pledge his soul. If Eryx’s plot succeeds, the consequences would be catastrophic.
But the Mephisto brothers do know about Jordan’s secret identity. And for one of them, she could be the match that leads to their soul’s salvation.
Now it’s a desperate race against time to save Jordan and prevent Eryx’s haunting eyes from discovering her true identity.
A thrilling story of romance, danger, and intrigue, THE MEPHISTO KISS continues the marvelous mythology that began in THE MEPHISTO COVENANT.

My Thoughts:

Cover Love: I am a confirmed "Girl In Dress" book cover lover. So of course I swooned over this one! As much as there are flagrant similarities to book #1 the colour scheme and softness of the cover delivers an altogether different albeit strong message. (Yes that's right, I used "albeit"!)

Review: With The Mephisto Kiss, Trinity Faegen has cemented herself on my "Will Always Read From This Author" category. First off, she knows how to make your heart start pumping at the first page. Then you turn to the next and BOOM! You have HEART-PUMPING INTESITY! It is honestly much different from so many YA novels. The characters are truly three-dimensional, meaning that you can easily connect with each of them. While reading I found myself thinking how sad I'll be once I am done because I don't want the characters to leave me!
Jordan Ellis, our heroine, is lovable, loyal, selfless and dutiful! All that without feeling like you are reading a flawless, little-miss-perfect type character. She can be naive but you just love her for it. Key is a Man's Man and if it weren't for the darned ponytail I'd be all over him like flies on sugar. In the mean time I remain a Jax Girl! The alternate POV's were flawlessly executed and also had me reconsider my stance on male POV. Thank you Trinity!
It's a book that follows very nicely with the first one (you get some sort of closure and reunite with the story from the first book. It's so nice to see Jax and Sasha!) but is its own book in a way since the main characters are new. In this way it makes me think of J.R. Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood series.
Then the plot... It was more heart pumping (What with explosions and intense fight scenes that gets you to the edge of your seat) and more fast paced than the first book. Which just adds to Trinity Faegen's author level. Reading The Mephisto Kiss made me realize how versatile the author can be. She'll always keep her readers on their toes and that is AWESOME!
OK... I am starting to write an Author Review, back to the book.
All along the way I was making my own (predictable) theories on where the story would go but I was wrong almost every time! A wonderful ride!
Now the only downside... If you read the first one you'll know of the controversy about the infamous "Sex Scene". And I think (I am making an unbased assumption here) the controversy may have intimitaded the author into omitting one in this book. Now I am not saying "Oh lets read about teen sex" only that I had first admired Trinity for it and I think the pre-conceived taboo of teen sex is being taken too far. Now, it's not like it was a flagrantly visual scene, It simply depicted the importance of it WITHIN the story. Which, honestly, is not a big deal. Not even a deal to begin with!
Rant over. Read This Book. Thank God for This Book!
Give 5 Stars because it's worth it.

Bottom Line:

 It's a book that will surprise you from start to finish. PUT ON YOUR TBR PILE NOW!!
Tuesday, August 14, 2012 | By: Unknown

Bout Of Books 5.0 GOALS!


TIME DEVOTED TO READING

I plan on reading everyday! A minimum of 3 hours? Yes sure!

MY GOALS

Last time I Participated in the Bout of Books readathon I totally set goals that were WAY to high so I will challenge myself to 3 books this week (Plus the one I need to finish: Wildefire by Karsten Knight) I also plan to read one Adult PNR! I am going to Focus on sequels this time.

BOOKS TO READ

  • Wildefire by Karsten Knight (TO FINISH)
  • Lover Eternal by J.R. Ward
  • Wolfsbane by Andrea Cremer
  • Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver

UPDATES

Monday
Number of books I've read today: 1*
Total number of books I've read:
Books:  Wildefire (*56 pages)

Tuesday

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Thursday

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Friday

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Tuesday, July 24, 2012 | By: Unknown

We Want More Sweet Evil!

You Do Don't You!?


Hey read-a-holics! This being my first post in a while (due to personal and health issues) you should know that it is for an important reason.

That reason being: SWEET EVIL by Wendy Higgins (Kaidan, obviously, and Anna are alsoa BIG part of the reason...)

The travesty: HarperTeen has yet to pick up books 2 and 3 of the series!

I for one simply CANNOT leave this story unfinished. It was creative, brilliant, original, SWOONY (oh gosh yes!) and a simple pleasure to read. Now, I have created a petition HERE so HarperTeen knows how badly we want Sweet Hope and the following untitled 3rd book. If you agree with me I am asking you to please spread the word through Twitter, a blog post, Facebook so we can hopefully get the message through to the wonderful people over at HarperTeen  and make them fall in Love with the world of Sweet Evil as much as we did!

Sunday, June 10, 2012 | By: Unknown

Guest Post With The Literary Explorer

For my last day of Blogversary Festivities Anna AKA Lit_Explorer from www.literaryexploration.com Stopped by to give us her take on Blogging and The First Year. Anna has been a blast to chat with on Twitter, we have rendered many of our conversations slightly on the "That makes no sense but we are awesome anyways" side. We always have a blast! She's an established blogger whom I look up to! "When I grow up I want to be like the Literary Explorer"!! Enjoy her post and tell us what YOU thought of your first year or if you aren't there yet, tell us what it's like. 
Clicking this will direct you to Anna's book blog

ANNA:I've been blogging for a little over a year now and I absolutely love it. I first started blogging in order to share my love of books as well as keep up with my writing over summer, so my abilities wouldn't diminish. I never knew it would lead to something as big as it has. I've developed so many great relationships with amazing people (bloggers, authors, publishers, etc.) and I've really fallen in love with the community as a whole. In fact, some of my best friends now are people I've met through blogging, and I can't tell you how rewarding that is. I know these people will always have my back when the drama strikes, and it has. The lowest moment during that first year was probably the first time I found out someone was talking about me behind my back. I thought, “No way, the blogging community is so tight-knit, no one would ever say something bad about someone else!” Of course, that was just me being ignorant and naïve, because there is always going to be drama in life! I immediately ran to a couple of my blogging friends, ranting to them about this person who was saying rude things about me, and they did everything in their power to comfort me. I really appreciate having people like that around, because it makes blogging, and the drama around it, so worth it.
I also remember my first review request. I think was about a month into blogging and a woman emailed me asking if I wanted to review her book. It was a self-published ebook, and I didn't have an e-reader, nor did I know what self-published even meant, but I had no idea people would even ask me to read their books so I jumped on the chance! I didn't do any research, read the synopsis, anything before agreeing to read it. Of course, that was a huge mistake. I read about 5 pages of it, on my computer, and thought, “Wow, this is awful! Why am I reading this?” And that was my first DNF as a blogger! I grew to realize that I didn't have to accept every book pitched to me, nor did I have to review every book I accepted. I try to only accept books I know I will love, but sometimes those DNFs slip through and I've let go of feeling bad when I can't get through it. Because of this, I've also grown more honest with my reviewing. I'm not afraid to write a negative review for a book I just didn't like. I've grown a lot in my year as a blogger, and I am grateful for every up and down I've had because it's made me a stronger, more honest, and better person. I never knew blogging could affect me in such a way, but it has and I have to thank the entire community for that.
The best advice I can give to any blogger, new or old, is to have fun. Don't let blogging become a chore. Don't focus on the numbers. Let yourself shine through and be who you are, the rest will come. I get a lot of emails from people who want to know how to build their blog up, get review copies, work with publishers, and all that jazz. You have to work for it, but you can't make it a priority. When you take the fun out of blogging, it just becomes another hobby that falls by the wayside. There have been plenty of times when I've thought, “Blogging is too much. I can't do it. I can't make all these commitments and I don't want to post a teaser tomorrow!” So you know what? I didn't. If I didn't want to post, I didn't because it's my blog and I can run it the way I want. I think my first year of blogging was the hardest, but since I've gotten through it I've learned how to schedule my blog around my life, and not the other way around.

Anna @ Literary Exploration
Twitter: @Lit_Explorer
Blog: www.literaryexploration.com

Author Interview With Wendy Higgins and Swag Giveaway

What better way to end my weekend long Blogversary celebration than with an interview with the author of my favorite 2012 Debut and a swag giveaway!?
For my one Year Blogversary, I asked Wendy Higgins, author of my favorite 2012 debut if I could interview her and feature Sweet Evil!She said yes! HOORAY! And the she offered to giveaway swag! Sweet Evil SWAG guys!? Who's as excited as I am!? Anyhow, read the interview, enter the Giveaway and leave a comment saying how awesome Sweet Evil was, or just how awesome I AM! Either way! Thank you all for participating and enjoy the interview below.

Author Bio: 
After earning a bachelors in Creative Writing from George Mason University and a masters in Curriculum and Instruction from Radford, Wendy taught high school English until becoming a mommy. Writing Young Adult (YA) stories gives her the opportunity to delve into the ambiguities of those pivotal, daunting, and exciting years before adulthood.
She lives in Northern Virginia with her husband, daughter, and son. Sweet Evil is her debut novel.
So, what inspired you to write about Anna and Kaidan? Did it come to you as divine inspiration? :)
It did feel divine at the time, lol! I'd written lots of stories in my life, and started lots of books, but I never felt this strongly about any of them. Writing Anna and Kai's story took over my life. I'm not sure that there was one thing that inspired me. It was really a life's worth of inspiration - as if all the heartbreak, love, friendships, spirituality, and books I'd ever experienced rose up inside me and lent inspiration.

How did you come up with the title? I love it by the way!
The folks at HarperTeen came up with the title, and I love it too! It's an oxymoron - very catchy. My original title(s) were lame! First it was called Angel Prophecy, but the prophecy was taken out, so that wouldn't work. Then I called it Sin Legacy, but the word "sin" in a title would turn people off, so Harper brainstormed on their end and asked me what I thought of Sweet Evil. Love!

What are your writing habits? What are things that make it easier to write?
I have to be alone and snuggly to write, and it has to be quiet. I prefer writing in my bed, propped up against lots of pillows, or on the couch if nobody is home.


What was your initial reaction to finding out about your book being published?
When my editor contacted me for the very first time I had to leave the room I was in with my kids so that I could break down crying and flailing my hands without scaring them to death! I cried ALL DAY and could not stop shaking! I couldn't even make dinner - I had to order pizza, lol.
When you write, what kind of feeling do you get?
I let myself be overwhelmed with the emotions of the characters. My heart completely goes out to them. I will laugh and cry as I'm typing (another reason why it's good that I don't write in public - hello crazy lady!) I get so in to it, that if my husband comes in to interrupt and ask a question, I stare at him and blink for a whole minute while my brain switches gears. He says it's pretty freaky to catch me in the middle of story mode.


Once Sweet Evil is all wrapped up do you think you'll gift us with another book and/or series?
I'm in the middle of revising the sequel, which is under consideration with the publisher (*fingers crossed*) and then I need to write the third book, which is mostly plotted out in my head). I also have another book, which is completely separate from the Sweet Trilogy, and I'm excited to revise it and submit it to my agent. It's a stand alone book set in Ireland (Fae, magic, Leprechauns, love, fun!)

What are some of your favorite reads so far this year?
I've really enjoyed Hemlock by Kathleen Peacock and Unraveling by Elizabeth Norris.

Mexican, Chinese or Italian food?
I love all three of those, but Mexican is my hands-down favorite! (As you'll see from all the Mexifood references in SE, lol)

Any tips for aspiring writers?
Write what's on your heart, not what you think other people want or don't want.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Happy 1-year Blogoversary, Melina! Thanks so much for having me! :)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

{Review} Sweet Evil by Wendy Higgins

Sweet Evil 
by Wendy Higgins
Series: Sweet Evil #1
Published: May 1st 2012
Publisher: HarperTeen
ISBN: 0062085611 (ISBN13: 9780062085610)
Pages: 454
Source: Bought Myself
Reading Level: 17+
Shelf Award: Deserves Its Own Shelf, All Time Fave
Rating: 5 Stars
Where To Buy: TBD ChapterIndigo
Goodreads Summary:Embrace the Forbidden
What if there were teens whose lives literally depended on being bad influences?
This is the reality for sons and daughters of fallen angels.
Tenderhearted Southern girl Anna Whitt was born with the sixth sense to see and feel emotions of other people. She’s aware of a struggle within herself, an inexplicable pull toward danger, but Anna, the ultimate good girl, has always had the advantage of her angel side to balance the darkness within. It isn’t until she turns sixteen and meets the alluring Kaidan Rowe that she discovers her terrifying heritage and her willpower is put to the test. He’s the boy your daddy warned you about. If only someone had warned Anna.
Forced to face her destiny, will Anna embrace her halo or her horns?

My Thoughts: 

Cover Love: DUH!!! I would leave it at just that but I really would not be a proper fangirl. I mean look at that cover! It just draws you right in! And me, being a total for the "girl in dress" fad I am totally sold on it!!
Review: This is the first ever book I took notes on my feelings and thoughts. That is HOW MUCH I liked it! Now onto What I thought of the book aside for: OMG, SO GOOD and all caps LOVE! Immediately I was hooked! I will try my very best to keep it spoiler-free
Anna is a multi-faceted character, she is good and wholesome but not naive, she sticks to her principles and even when she is in a difficult position, she tricks herself or thinks her way out of certain situations and it is  something to behold for sure! She has her moments of doubt and carelessness where if she'd thought a bit more, then things may have been easier. But that would have made the story different.Aiden's and Anna's relationship was so swoon-worthy!! It made me sigh, almost cry and made me want to yell: WHY!?!?!
Aiden is pretective but Anna never feels like she is a malnourished puppy who can't take care of itself. She is strong on her own even with the tough times she's been through. She wouldn't NEED a man so it makes Aiden that much better!  There were hints of a love triangle (which I have no problems with) but it didn't feel cheesy or anything.
Some scenes include heavy petting/Massaging/Kissing and those are OH SO STEAMY! 
Reading the book felt purposeful, even with a few surprises, I felt it was written with purpose. It did not feel like a debut novel at all. And when I didn't know what to expect, not theories at all, I loved that. Wendy took me on a wonderfully unexpected romantic trip!
The concept of not good and not necessarily evil characters, the evil-ness of some other ones was great. I mean, what if your very existence depended on ruining peoples' lives, days and what not? And Anna has double that trouble, which you will discover when you read the book. 
There were also many elements in the book regarding powers and memories that were astonishing! Totally new and totally awesome!
The extra characters were great! Perfectly written to have their places in the story. It didn't feel overcrowded or confusing. 
Pacing was PERFECT... Not once did I purposefully WANT to but the book down! I even brought it hiking with me and read a chapter on top of a 1.3 Kilometer mountain! Now that's a good book if I have ever read one!
When I was done reading and I REALLY didn't want to be done all I could do was this:
"ITS OVER!!???"

All in all A wonderful book, completely deserving of 5 stars and a few sequels. 
Saturday, June 9, 2012 | By: Unknown

Guest Post: Cathee from Forever Lost In Books!

Forever Lost in Books

In honor of my one year blogversary, I asked 2 of my closest twitter/book blogging friends if they'd like to write a guest post on a first year of blogging is like. Cathee from Forever Lost In Books is someone with whom I enjoy talking about anything related to books and she is as well a fellow Canadian Book Blogger!
Here is what she had to say on the subject:

Blogging, blogging, blogging.

Sometimes it can be homework, but other times you love it. And it was like that for me throughout my first year of blogging (well, technically, it will be my first year on June 19th... but... who cares? :D).

Sometimes, I loved blogging so much; I had ideas flowing and could write three to five posts a day, and other times I would have NO inspiration whatsoever for a whole week. And so, sometimes I had no idea what to post... and I post everyday on the blog (except for once a month :D But sometimes I have to much posts to go up so I can't take a day off :D). It'S good to take a day off and not have to worry about your blog. It helps me A LOT.

The first few months of my first blogging year didn't have many posts, I guess because I didn't read as much as I do now, even though I read quite a lot. And I didn't have the determination to post more. Until I saw this particular book blog. It pushed me to write more. And started loving it.

After a few months, I started being noticed a little. And then I made many blogging friends, and they are all so nice.

One thing that really helped me, and you have probably heard this a million times, newbies, but GET ON TWITTER! And, don't just post links to your blog, TALK to bloggers! We won't bite! And, on my first day on twitter, I @ some of my favorite authors telling them that I was new to Twitter and how I liked/loved their books. And guess what? Many of them replied to me saying welcome and thank you. I was SO happy! I mean, for me, authors were celebrities. And now, I'm a little friend with some authors. And it's royally awesome. Bloggers are just as awesome! Just reply to one of their tweets, and sometimes you can start talking for a long time with them, and become friends!

In the first months, you will probably seek ARCs from publishers. Don't. Wait a little! You probably won't get a reply, but don,t get sad over it! If you do the right things, someday you'll have the numbers they are looking for, AND THEN it will be the time. Trust me, you may say 'Oh, but I still have MANY followers! You know, 50 is a lot!'... but they normally look for 300 and more. Some publishers 500. Some even MORE. And, don't blog just for ARCs! Enjoy it!

Now, I'm starting to get all 'I am your mother and you will listen to me'... so I'll just stop.

But, blogging is great.
And don't let people intimidate you or plagiarize you either! If you get plagiarized, email an important blogger you trust, to try and get the word out!

Happy reading!

Thank you Cathee for stopping by!

Author Interview With Danielle Sibarium

Heart Waves and Danielle Sibarium!
251 Pages, Released June 1st 2012 by KFR Communications.
Jenna Kingsley has a gift. She knows things. With a simple touch she can pick up personal information from jewelry or objects. While at a neighbor’s party, a voice mesmerizes her. Jenna is momentarily frozen as a ring is placed in her hand. White electricity surges through her and a dire prediction is made. “It’s like Romeo and Juliet. You’re going to break my heart.”
From the moment they meet Jenna is enchanted and entranced with Reece Walton. She’s thrilled to learn he’s spending the summer two houses away from hers. Every moment they spend together is magical. But she can’t get the prediction out of her mind. As the summer draws to a close and secrets are revealed, can Jenna get past the fear of being left with a broken heart to live in the moment with Reece or will her fear of being hurt fulfill the prophecy?
LINKS!
Twitter
Facebook
Goodreads
Amazon
B&N

I am pleased to feature this original book, Heart Waves by Danielle Sibarium accompanied by an author interview in honor of my 1 year Blogversary, needless to say I just CAN'T WAIT to start reading Heart Waves! So hi Danielle and thank you for being here today!

Thank you so much Melina, for allowing me to be part of your blogversary! I’m very excited to be here!

How does it feel to have ANOTHER novel of yours out there for all to read?

Surreal. It’s just dawning on me that For Always is REALLY out there. It’s an amazing feeling each

time I get an email or see a review from a fan. The biggest difference between the release of Heart

Waves and the release of For Always is that for my first release I was unknown and there was a little

buzz, but other than my family, close friends, and myself, there was no real excitement. With Heart

Waves there seems to be a lot of excitement. I am filled with a sense of pride and fulfilment.

How was the writing process? Did you just start writing about Jenna and Reece one day or did you

outline everything first?


I never outline. I tried to outline when I was younger but I spent so much time on the outline, I never

got to the actual story. And then I’d try to write to the outline rather than having the characters

drive the story. I have my beginning, mid-points and ending that I stick to, but the road to any of

these places is often filled with detours.

How did you come across Jenna's gift and why did you settle on that one?

Like Jenna, I’d always known things. I don’t remember how it started, but the summer of my twenty

first birthday I spent a lot of time reading palms and jewelry. It got to a point where I’d walk into

a pizzeria or bar and random guys would just hand me rings and bracelets. That summer sticks

out as one of the most fun summers of my life and I hoped that sentiment would carry over in the

relationship between Reece and Jenna.

Please tell me it'll be a sequel! Can you tell us a title if it will?

There WILL be a sequel to Heart Waves. I can’t commit to a title or time yet, but I can tell you it is

already in the works.

And what are you reading right now?

If I Stay by Gayle Forman. I just started it.

What are you like when you aren't writing?

I am usually playing the role of wife and mother. I tend to act silly with my children and I’m often a

little distracted. I tend to think about my characters, a problem they have, or a problem I have with

them.

Tell us 5 COMPLETELY random things about you!

1 I was an extra on the Cosby Show

2 I did the Tony Robbins Firewalk

3 I met Derek Jeter

4 I love the Rodeo

5 I believe in angels!

Thank you NiftyBookPeeps for reading and be sure to check out Heart Waves!
Friday, June 8, 2012 | By: Unknown

Author Interview With Trinity Faegen and ARC Giveaway!

Author Interview

With Trinity Faegen, author of The Mephisto Covenant Series.

If you have read my review of The Mephisto Covenant, then you know how much I loved it! If not you can find it here. I loved it so much in fact that I decided to feature it on TPNR to celebrate my ONE YEAR BLOGVERSARY! And now I get to interview the woman who brought this literary gem to life! And in light of my blogversary she VERY kindly offered to give away a signed and finished copy of The Mephisto Covenant AND an ARC of the next book in the series, The Mephisto Kiss (Available sept. 2012) There will be 2 winners and you have Trinity Faegen to thank for making the giveaway INTERNATIONAL!! 

So the first book in the series, The Mephisto Covenant was a wonderful read!
So wonderful indeed I am featuring it in my Blogversary. And who better to talk about it than the author of the book herself!? Trinity Faegen!!


Thank you, Melina! I really can't describe how it feels when a reader
connects with my work. I'm incredibly happy that you enjoyed the book!

Well I certainly connected! Especially with Jax! Now, in all seriousness,
what I want to know is how was the process of writing that first novel?

One word: Painful. I wrote, revised, rewrote, then rewrote again. Then,
after it sold to Egmont, I rewrote huge chunks of it during the editing
process. It pretty much bears no resemblance to what it was when I began. I
still want to change certain scenes, but that pesky publication thing kind
of hinders any do-overs.

In the first book, we have a Russian background for Sasha, why did you
decide on that one?


When I was 12, I saw the movie, Nicholas & Alexandra, about the doomed last
czar and his empress. It began a life-long love of Russian history. Visiting
Russia is on my bucket list, and it looks as though I'll get my wish next
year - yay! I'm hoping The Mephisto Covenant is out in Russia when I go,
because whoa, would that be cool to see it in a Russian bookstore!


How many books are planned in this (amazing) series?

If the stars were perfectly aligned, I'd love to write a book for each
brother, including Eryx. Alas, Egmont only bought two, so after The Mephisto
Kiss, unless they contract for more, that's the end. At a minimum, I hope I
get to write book 3. You'll see why after you read book 2. *wink*

Which Brother is your favorite? I won't tell them I promise.

Zee. He's so screwed up, has so much of a story in him. I already know who
will be his Anabo and she's AWESOME!

How did you come up with the concept of Anabo and Mephisto?

I dreamed the Mephisto brothers as these dark, tortured guys. That's it. I
couldn't stop thinking about them. I didn't want them to be demons, which are something of Lucifer. I read books about Hell, including one called The History of Hell - interesting read! - and I hit on the idea that they were sons of Mephistopheles, another fallen soul who's of Hell, but not the devil. Once I had them fully realized, I knew I wanted to write romance stories about them. Every story needs conflict, and where's the conflict if an ordinary human could fall in love with them? They had to be dark and scary. So I set about dreaming up a girl who could be around them longenough to fall in love - and thus, the Anabo. That created its own set of problems, because they need to be without Original Sin, but not Mary Sues. I had an enormous amount of fun building the Mephisto world.

How long did it take to outline and then write?

As I said, I revised and rewrote this book countless times. I began writing
it in 2006. It sold to Egmont in March of 2010. The first draft went
amazingly fast, but what came after was long and slow and painful. I wanted
to sell this book SO badly, I was willing to do whatever it took to get it
in sellable shape. My agent was a trooper, and reread over and over, until
she felt like we had something worthy of submitting. By contrast, book 2,
The Mephisto Kiss, took 3 months to write. I had to rewrite the last third
of the book in edits, but it was a joy to do - I love book 2.

What is your favorite dessert?

Hands down, chocolate layer cake. The old fashioned kind like my Granny
made. You know, moist cake, delicious creamy chocolate frosting...oh, man,
now I'm DYING for some!

What are you reading? Any recommendation for my readers?

At this moment, I'm reading my friend A.E. Rought's book, Broken. It'll be
out in January 2013. Inspired by Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, it's a
beautiful and compelling read. I'm also reading J.A. London's Darkness
Before Dawn - insanely beautiful prose and a great story. I never miss the
opportunity, when I'm asked, to talk up Simone Elkeles's Perfect Chemistry
trilogy about the Fuentes brothers. Holy mama, do I love those books! If you
haven't read them, you need to get on that. The woman can write romance like
whoa and damn.

Thank you so much for having me as a guest on your Blogversary, Melina!
Congratulations!

And now thanks to her here is my first Blogversary giveaway!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Thursday, June 7, 2012 | By: Unknown

{Review} Article 5 by Kristen Simmons

Article 5
by Kristen Simmons
Series: Article 5 #1
Published: January 31st 2012
Publisher: Tor Teen
ISBN: 0765329581 (ISBN13: 9780765329585)
Pages: 364
Source: Bought Myself
Reading Level: 16+
Shelf Award: Interesting Dystopian
Rating: 3.5 Stars
Where To Buy: TBD ChaptersIndigo
Summary From 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.

My Thoughts: 

PERFECTLY PACED AND ACTION PACKED!

Cover Love: I love this cover. Not because it's pretty like my usual cover crushes, but because it's atmospheric. You can feel the essence of the book just by looking at the cover. I love it.

Review: I really liked the book. I didn't completely love it at first but it grew on me. The concept was your regular YA Dystopian but with some really, and I mean REALLY, evil bad guys. Sometimes it seemed painful to read. Because Kristen Simmons leaves some to the imagination. And if yours is as broad as mine, well yeah, scary stuff. But it is for the most part implied. That and some scenes with a little, well, let's say, "frottage" if I may. That didn't bother me at all. But it's me just saying what's what.
Furthermore (I love using big words), My main and only complaint was Ember. At first she's a docile and obedient citizen, then her mother gets arrested the she turns into an (excuse my language) IMPULSIVELY IDIOT TARTE! Her horrible judgement enraged me at points where I was like this:
Hulk Smash GIF - Hulk Smash

Anyhow, at one point she straightens up and actually becomes the heroine of the novel. Unfortunately it takes a horrible tragedy for her to wake up and realize some things. I was like FINALLY! 
Because until that part the book was mostly about Chase... Wonderfully wonderful Chase who's full of yum... OK ahem, back to reality! But yeah, Chase was the hero for most of the story. It was HIS book: HIS skills saved the day and HIS loyalty kept Ember safe because she sure as heck couldn't keep herself safe even after said "TRAGEDY". In which case, if you are like me in that department you'll end up looking like I did, which is basically like that:
Oh yes, it's THAT sad! But now I won't say anymore because I will spoil it for you all!
Other great things about the book, pacing was great. I find it extremely important to be constantly hooked to your current read. Makes it much more enjoyable even when at points you want to give it a good old HULK SMASH. Then there was the action scenes! Whoa, were they awesome and graphic! 
If you don't mind a compelling read read but with a sometimes (ok OFTEN) irritating heroine this is for you. The end is great! I will definitely pick up the next in the series: Breaking Point. (OOOOH how Ominous!)

That's it for me! Did you read it? Do you want to? If you did, what did you think!? 
Link up your review in the comments! 

Monday, June 4, 2012 | By: Unknown

A Bit About A Book Blogger! (1)

A Bit About A Book Blogger is basically me giving some of my favorite book lovers and bloggers some well deserved spotlight! I think it's important to make someone feel good and proud of their accomplishments every once in a while. I know many do Book Blogger Interviews and I always admired that. I though I might join in! I will try to have this as a regular feature on every Monday. If you'd like to be featured and interviewed You can contact me with your info! I want to know all of you!
My first ever interviewee is Linda or Lindsay or Laura or Lily Lolipop etc. who is co-blogger with Rie at www.missiontoread.com and a wonderfully entertaining Twitterer!

Bio: The elusive Linda-saurus is a mover and shaker by day, book ninja by night. Only native to Florida. Afraid of small children and their germy hands. Has affinity for the elderly. Can be found lost in her imagination. Beware of her sarcastic humor.
Twitter: @Book_Ninja 

So Linda, How long have you been a book lover and what is it that made you decide to start blogging?
I’ve been a book lover since I can remember. Well, since I learned English and all that jazz. I discovered the wonderful world of blogs just two years ago and fell in love. Never had the guts to create my own book blog until I ran across a post wanting bloggers. I started blogging fall 2011, being a contributor for Mission to Read with Rie. She’s the best!

What kind of person are you outside of the Book Blogging world?
I’m part psycho, part OCD mental patient, and 150% perfectionist. I’m joking. Mostly. Right now, college is kicking my butt and I spend most of my free time on twitter or being dragged off to do crazy things with my friends. Oh yeah, I put the “PRO” in procrastinate.

I hear you have a multitude of names? Care to elaborate?
Because Linda is such a hard name to remember, I also let random people call me a variety of other nicknames. This includes Lindsay, Laura, Lisa and the ever famous, Peter. Melina gets to call me Lily Lollipop. A fellow blogger has also dubbed me Joan Banana Flickerman.

What is a notable book you Just KNOW you will remember forever?The Fault in Our Stars! John Green knows how to pull on your heartstrings. I spent a whole week alternating between crying into my beloved copy and laughing my head off. This book and its quirky characters continue to amaze me. For me, this is John Green’s masterpiece. DFTBA!

If you had to choose only one book character as a BFF who would it be?
Um…I really have no idea. Not really sure I want a kickass BFF like Rose from the VA series or Katniss. Wouldn’t want a whiny brat so common in YA books either. Now that I think about it, I call dibs on Noah from The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer to be my best friend. We’ll rock the world together. Or blow up each others' houses.

Do you have any odd bookish habits?
I DO NOT bend my spines, dog-ear my pages, or leave my books out in the rain for my imaginary dog to eat. The OCD in me gets a little crazy when my friends do. Also, I prefer hardback to paperback. A much better weapon against people who interrupt me when reading.

Quickly!! You have to name 5 books off the top of your head right now! GO!
Everneath by Brodi Ashton
Pride and Prejudice
In Honor by Jessi Kirby
Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo
The Great Gatsby

Cake or Pie?
Pie or die!!!

Favorite color?
Blue but I haven’t picked out the exact hue yet.

Name 3 non bookish things about yourself?
I really love cats. In fact, I stalk them.
I love sneaking up behind my friends.
Without my glasses, I’m pretty much useless.

Thanks for having me! Best first-time interview experience ever!

The End
Thursday, May 31, 2012 | By: Unknown

{Review} Die For Me by Amy Plum

Die For Me
by Amy Plum
Series: Revenants #1
Published: May 10th 2011
Publisher: HarperTeen
ISBN: 0062004018 (ISBN13: 9780062004017)
Pages: 341
Source: Bought Myself
Reading Level: 15+
Shelf Award: Lovely Romance/ Original Concept
Rating: 4.5
Where To Buy: TBD Chapters Indigo
Summary from Goodreads:In the City of Lights, two star-crossed lovers battle a fate that is destined to tear them apart again and again for eternity.
When Kate Mercier's parents die in a tragic car accident, she leaves her life--and memories--behind to live with her grandparents in Paris. For Kate, the only way to survive her pain is escaping into the world of books and Parisian art. Until she meets Vincent.
Mysterious, charming, and devastatingly handsome, Vincent threatens to melt the ice around Kate's guarded heart with just his smile. As she begins to fall in love with Vincent, Kate discovers that he's a revenant--an undead being whose fate forces him to sacrifice himself over and over again to save the lives of others. Vincent and those like him are bound in a centuries-old war against a group of evil revenants who exist only to murder and betray. Kate soon realizes that if she follows her heart, she may never be safe again.
My Thoughts:
Cover Love: Pretty flourishes, beautiful dress, seems nostalgic to me. It's a beautiful cover but the book is better.

Review: 
A whimsical romance with a supernatural twist you will not see coming!
Yes, I cried, more than one. Luckily I was at home and no one saw me because I was all like this But more ladylike:

In all seriousness, it did take me until the second try to read it. Why? No clue! It was great! I think it might be because the pacing in the first 2-3 chapters is a little slow but it picks right up and then I was hooked to every word.
Kate is truly a troubled heroine and you can definitely feel her pain and confusion. Her inner struggle is a BIG part of this emotional novel.
Finding out about what exactly what Vincent was all about truly through me for a loop because i never expected it and honestly took a while to understand it since it was so very weird.
Anyways, I won't say much for the sake of those who've yet to read it but the idea of Revenants, is completely and utterly unlike ANYTHING I have ever read before!
You want more on Vincent? OF COURSE YOU DO!
He is officially the most concerned and romantic book boy/guy/man I have ever encountered. Oh yeah he made me sigh so many times my mom thought I was having an asthma attack when I brought the book over at family dinner.  
And as setting we have Paris! Wonderful, legendary Paris. Mon Amour, Je T' Adore! How refreshing it was to experience! 

 So did you read it? Did you like it? Do you want to read it?
Wednesday, May 30, 2012 | By: Unknown

Wishing Upon a Wednesday (1)

Wishing Upon a Wednesday is my take on "Waiting On Wednesday" over at Breaking The Spine. It's a great Meme but it implies that it is for book which have yet to be released. However, sometimes I wish for a book that has already be released but is yet to be sitting on my shelves. And I often will be showcasing more than one book at a time. Please note that I take absolutely NO credit. Anyone can participate in this modified version, you may link up in the comment section if you'd like. I would love to know what you are wishing for!

On My Wishlist For a While:
Hunting Lila
By Sarah Alderson
Released: August 4th 2011
I have been waiting and waiting for this book but it is impossible to find other than TBD.
Did you read it? Do you want to read it?
What did you think?




Half-Blood
Jennifer L. Armentrout
Released: October 15th 2011
Yes, I know. I should have read this WAY long ago. But same story as Hunting Lila. I can RARELY make online purchases and this one is impossible to buy in my city! :(

Did you read it? Do you want to read it?
What did you think?




Obsidian
By Jennifer L. Armentrout
Released: December 6th 2011
Yet another one by the LEGENDARY Jennifer L. Armentrout. Same deal. Guys! What will I do if I never read them!?

Did you read it? Do you want to read it?
What did you think?





New Additions To My TBR Pile:
Days of Blood and Starlight
(Daughter  of Smoke And Bone #2)
by Laini Taylor
Releasing: November 6th 2012
If I hadn't read, loved, and marked as BEST OF 2011 already, I'd add it here just for the  wonderful cover. The fabulous Laini Taylor won't disappoint.





What's Left Of Me
by Kat Zhang
Releasing: September 18th 2012
Wonderfully original concept? CHECK
Whimsical cover? CHECK
I want it? CHECK CHECK CHECK!
Enough said. I will end up sleeping with this book tucked under my pillow. No kidding!




Glitch 
by Heather Anastasiu
Releasing: August 7th 2012
Well, this is dystopian which means I want it! Love the idea, and I am a sucker for rebellious stories.






That's it for me! What's on your wishlist!

Tuesday, May 29, 2012 | By: Unknown

Top Ten Tuesday

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by  The Broke and The Bookish . At this link you can find all past and future TTT.

This week's topic is: 
Top Ten Five Books Written In The Past 10 Years That I Hope People Are Still Reading In 30 Years

Usually books that are read 30 or so years after they are first published have some sort of ethical, sociological and/or philosophical meaning of some sort. So I'll try to keep that into consideration and avoid naming one simply because: "OMG IT WAS SO GOOD!". If you know what I mean... But yes, I did absolutely loved all the books I mention below. The difference between these and the other ones is in the thought that came after I finished that last page.
  1. Whither by Lauren Destefano: This book has a theme centered around longevity and possibly how it can be taken for granted and because of that some of the most beautiful moments in life might be passed up as plain and ordinary.
  2. XVI by Julia Karr: This one focuses on the media and it's influence of society. It is a true cautionary tale about individuality and being able to think for ourselves. 
  3. Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi: Another cautionary tale about individuality and how if you aren't as what society deems to be "normal" you are therefore abnormal and become an outcast. 
  4. Divergent by Veronica Roth: This one is yet another book centered on society's impact on our daily lives. This observes the role we all play in life. How each role is crucial and all are important for the other's survival.  
  5. Sweet Evil by Wendy Higgins: Finally we have a book centering around sins and excess. The impact certain "sins" and excesses can either have a relieving effect or a devastating one.
So that would be it for me! What about you?

Monday, May 28, 2012 | By: Unknown

{Review}The Pledge by Kimberly Derting

The Pledge
by Kimberly Derting
Series: The Pledge #1
Published: November 15th 2011
Publisher: McElderly Books (S&S imprint)
ISBN: 1442422017 (ISBN13: 9781442422018)
Pages: 323
Source: Bought Myself
Reading Level: 15+
Shelf Award: Notable Dystopian Series
Rating: 4 Stars
Where To Buy: TBD ChaptersIndigo
Summary from Goodreads:In the violent country of Ludania, the classes are strictly divided by the language they speak. The smallest transgression, like looking a member of a higher class in the eye while they are speaking their native tongue, results in immediate execution. Seventeen-year-old Charlaina has always been able to understand the languages of all classes, and she's spent her life trying to hide her secret. The only place she can really be free is the drug-fueled underground clubs where people go to shake off the oppressive rules of the world they live in. It's there that she meets a beautiful and mysterious boy named Max who speaks a language she's never heard before . . . and her secret is almost exposed.
Charlie is intensely attracted to Max, even though she can't be sure where his real loyalties lie. As the emergency drills give way to real crisis and the violence escalates, it becomes clear that Charlie is the key to something much bigger: her country's only chance for freedom from the terrible power of a deadly regime
My Thoughts

Cover Love: There is something beautifully dark and twisted about this cover. A mystery that transcends into the story. The flourish around the "P" is so pretty! And the depressed "PLEDGE" in the background is perfect for Cover Strokers like me! All in all a 5 Star Cover!

Review:
The concept of language castes and a touch of fantasy all wrapped up in a dystopian world make for an unforgettable read! 
The story was great! I mean I read it in two days and that can be hard to do with a toddler screaming "MOMMY, MOMMY!" every 5 minutes. The characters were nicely developed for the most part. Sometimes the story felt a little hmmm, well, wobbly (for lack of a better word). It didn't take away from my enjoyment of the book but sometimes it made me wonder where exactly Kimberly Derting wanted to take her story. Sometimes it lagged but I still REALLY wanted to read on! 
OH AND THE TWISTS! I do not know how I didn't see it coming. I guess Ms. Derting just has a knack for literary surprises I guess. 
Charlie was heroine of epic proportions (no she isn't a giant) I could really feel how much she cared and loved her family. She was well developed and lovable. Although she could have trusted her friends a smidge more. That was her only flaw. Although understandable given the world she lives in.
The Queen, Sabara... Well she's scary bad! I got goosebumps and even nauseous at times. She is cold and cruel and a perfect villain for the story!
Another notable Character was her best friend Brooklynn. I loved her SO MUCH in the second part of the book! Now, I can't explain why because it would be all kinds of spoilery business!
So that's it!
NO IT ISN'T! Oh yeah that is right...  The SWOON. The oh so protective and devoted and HOT Max. And that is all I am saying. 
Then there is Xander who equally Swoon worthy in a more rugged way. 
Take your pick! I'll take both!
So all in all I gave it a well-deserved 4 Stars rating!

What did you think? I'd love to know what you thought or if you would like to read it!

Wednesday, May 23, 2012 | By: Unknown

{Review} Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini


Starcrossed
by Josephine Angelini
(Starcrossed #1)
Published: May 31st 2011
Publisher: HarperTeen
ISBN: 0062011995 (ISBN13: 9780062011992)
Pages: 487
Source: Bought Myself
Reading Level: 16+
Shelf Award: Favorite
Where To Buy: TBD , ChaptersIndigo
Rating: 4 Stars
Summary From Goodreads:Set on the island of Nantucket, STARCROSSED tells the tale of Helen Hamilton, a young woman whose destiny is forever altered when she meets Lucas Delos and tries to kill him in front of her entire high school. Which is terribly inconvenient, not only because Lucas is the most beautiful boy on the island, but also because Helen is so achingly shy she suffers physical pain whenever she is given too much attention.
Making matters worse, Helen is beginning to suspect she’s going crazy. Whenever she’s near Lucas or any member of his family she sees the ghostly apparitions of three women weeping bloody tears, and suffers the burden of an intense and irrational hate. She soon learns that she and Lucas are destined to play the leading roles in a Greek tragedy that the Three Fates insist on repeating over and over again throughout history. Like her namesake, Helen of Troy, she’s destined to start a war by falling in love. But even though Lucas and Helen can see their own star-crossed destiny, they’re still powerfully attracted to each other. Will they give up their personal happiness for the greater good, or risk it all to be together?

Cover Love
Gorgeous cover. It is wonderful enough to look at that I am probably getting it blown up and hanging it on my wall! Totally a dreamy cover!
My Thoughts
OK so here is the deal with Starcrossed. I loved it. But there were a (very little)few things that kept me from thoroughly enjoying it. Things I now proceed to enumerate so we can hurry and get on to the good stuff.
You know how some Heroines are just "too good" well Helen was like that. I understand she doesn't want to hurt anyone but still...
Then the issue of her criticizing her body like she's so ugly. Gah!
Now I am sure the author had her reasons and I am not criticizing her work. These are my universal pet peeves in all the books I read.
Now onto the good stuff!
With her flaws aside, Helene was a good heroine, loyal and protective... And those were her redeeming qualities when it came to her whining about learning to fight.
The pacing was perfect. Not once did I want to stop reading. If I somehow got bored even in the slightest all I had to was turn a page and I was right back in.
The characters both main and secondary were all very well written. My heart was simply torn apart about the impossibility of their love. Nonetheless, I loved the romances between Lucas and Helen and Jason and Claire. I almost hope there is a spinoff or something about those two!
The Greek concept was amazing and extremely well developped! Now thanks to Starcrossed my love of mythology based books has been renewed!
Yes there were MANY similarities to Twilight. And that's not a bad thing at all. I LOVED Twilight. I read the whole series 4 times!! But honestly... I might read the Starcrossed series 5 times.

So yeah, that was the deal on Starcrossed!
A 4 star book and a spot on my "Favorites" shelf!

What did you think? Will YOU run to get Dreamless on the 29th?
Because I WILL!
Monday, May 21, 2012 | By: Unknown

{Review} The Mephisto Covenant by Trinity Faegen

The Mephisto Covenant (The Redemption of Ajax)
by Trinity Feagen
(The Mephisto Covenant #1)
Published: September 27th 2011
Publisher: EdgmontUSA
ISBN:   9781606841709
Pages: 448(hardcover edition)
Source: Bought Myself
Reading Level: 17+
Shelfability: Must Read/ Covet
Where To Buy: TBD , ChaptersIndigo
Rating: 5 Stars

Sasha is desperate to find out who murdered her father. When getting the answer means pledging her soul to Eryx, she unlocks a secret that puts her in grave danger--she is an Anabo, a daughter of Eve, and Eryx's biggest threat.
A son of Hell, immortal, and bound to Earth forever, Jax looks for redemption in the Mephisto Covenant--God's promise he will find peace in the love of an Anabo. After a thousand years, he's finally found the girl he's been searching for: Sasha.
With the threat of Eryx always looming, Jax knows he has to keep Sasha safe and win her over. But can he? Will Sasha love him and give up her mortal life?
Cover Love:
This cover is just dreamy and perfect. I am a big sucker for the "Girl in a dress" book cover trend and this one has to be in my top 5. It has an air of mystery and wonder. LOVE IT!
My Thoughts:
DARKLY REAL, RAW AND HEART-PUMPING!!! TRULY DESERVING OF 5 SHINY STARS!
It is extremely RARE that I give a book a 5 star rating. But this one deserves it. It starts off with a BANG and keeps on, it's full of action, suspense and "swoonage"!!
I was refreshing to read about teenagers behaving like teenagers and bad guys being truly un-sugarcoated villains. It was a raw and real (in a paranormal sense) story that hooked me in. 
Sasha felt very real to me. Her inner struggles and how she dealt with them made the story believable and it made her relatable. There were parts that made me tear up and some that enraged me. I was basically feeling everything Sasha was feeling. I loved that she was unforgiving to some that hurt her the deepest, but even then, she kept a great sense of humanity and kindness. Jax and Sasha were balanced in their personalities. I absolutely LOVE them!
Jax was loyal and completely swoon-worthy boy.
I love that Ms. Faegen didn't "soften" stayed true to her story and her characters. Even if that meant a certain sex scene. The reality is that teens DO have sex and shying away from that fact makes it all the more taboo. Don't get me wrong, I am not saying that YA books with no sex scene are no good, but simply that in this case, IT WORKS!
The supporting (minor) characters were nicely developed with personal demons and passions. Sometimes it was a bit difficult to keep up with them all but the subsequent books in the series will make it easier to get to know them. 
Trinity Faegen goes on my Favorite authors list!
I do believe this is a TOTAL must read!! Can't wait to start the sequel: The Mephisto Kiss!
READ IT!


Wednesday, May 16, 2012 | By: Unknown

Bout Of Books Read-A-Thon Update/Challenge #3

Bout of Books Read-a-Thon
OK! so today is day 3 of the Bout of Books Read-A-Thon and although I am nowhere near reaching my goal, I am having a BLAST! I've got to know great bloggers and book lovers that I probably wouldn'y have met without BoB.

My (pathetic) Progress
Progress made on 05/15/2012
Books Read: Die For Me/ Article 5
Pages Read: 173
Total Pages Read: 285
Currently Reading: Article 5 By Kristen Simmons
Books Finished:  Die For Me by Amy Plum
Feelings: Busy being Mom!

Challenge of the day!
Today's challenge is Hosted at Books Devoured and is called Re-Title It. 

HERE IS MINE!
I'd call this one:
Devotion
because I feel like the girl is just giving herself up to whomever in blind faith.

Happy Reading
~Melina
Tuesday, May 15, 2012 | By: Unknown

Read-a-Thon Update/Challenge Post #2

Bout of Books Read-a-Thon
OK! So this is my second post for the Bout of Books Read-a-Thon!
First, yesterday's progress and what not and following that, the Challenge of the day hosted
@ Nyx Book Reviews

So I doubt I will be able to reach my goal, I may have to modify my books or find more time to read because I read a total of 123 pages yesterday. I am still reading Die For Me and I have about 112 pages left to read before I move onto Article 5!!

My Updates for Monday May 14th 2012:Pages Read Today:
Books Read: Die For Me
Pages Read: 112
Total Pages Read: 112
Currently Reading: Die For Me by Amy Plum
Books Finished: None :(
Feelings: I was hoping to be further in my goal! But I am having a LOT of fun with everyone who's been tweeting and participating. I must say that Twitter is my Achille's  Heal!

Daily Challenge!
Physical book or eBook?
I don't mind an ebook but nothing compare to a physical Book! The smell of ink and paper is incomparable!
Paperback or Hardcover?
Hardcovers I would say... But I don't really care.
Reality or Make-believe?
Make-believe. I have enough reality in my life.
Adult or Young-Adult?
Don't mind either but I have a preference for YA!
Dog ears or Bookmarks?
BOOKMARKS! Always bookmarks. Pretty ones!
Breaking the spine or Barely open the book?
In between?
Tea or Coffee?
Coffee! YUM!
Reading in bed or On the couch?
My couch is my bed! (futon)
Series or Standalone?
Series. (I have separation anxiety with books)
Original or TV Adaptation?
Original!
Defy motion sickness or Audiobooks?
I'll go with audiobooks. My motion sickness is evil.
Author crushes or Who-was-that-guy-again?
What do you think. HAHAHA! Crushes for sure.
Interview or Guest post?
Interviews!

That's it!
~Melina xoxo
Monday, May 14, 2012 | By: Unknown

Read-a-Thon Update/ Challenge Post #1

OK! So here we go! Fisrt day of my first ever Read-a-Thon! So far I have read 53 pages Signed up and I am now entering the Challenge question hosted by Sarah over at Sarah Says Read:
She asks this: 

“What do you like best about readathons? Do you have any readathon traditions or rituals? If this is your first readathon, what do you like so far? Discuss away!” 
My answer: It's my first Read-a-thon so my rituals and traditions are in the making!

My Updates for Monday May 14th 2012:
Pages Read Today:
Total Pages Read:
Currently Reading: Die For Me by Amy Plum
What I Think So Far: GREAT! getting through it quickly!
Books Finished:
Feelings:

Bout of Books Read-a-Thon sign up post!

Bout of Books Read-a-Thon

This is my first ever Read-a-Thon and I am VERY excited to participate! 
Since I have been in an amazing reading mood lately I though" why not participate!?" Now being a Toddler's mom is quite time consuming I am giving myself realistic goals. I will also do a daily post for updates and such!
Breaks are strictly for mine and my son's health and hygiene. So cooking, cleaning, showering. Also since we all need vitamin C and fresh air I shall take myself and my son out to the park, beach etc. everyday depending on the weather. 

Non-reading Goals: 
  1. Limited Facebook, non-read-a-thon twittering, Pinterest and other internet evils
  2. No Wavering on the reading list I will be putting together. 
  3. NO DNFing! I am going to just push through. 
Now for the reading goals I decided to read a minimum of 5 books with 2 extras should I finish early. My  own personal prize to myself if I succeed will be.... MORE BOOKS! (duh!)

Reading List!
  1. Die for me by Amy Plum (Started it last night at 11PM... is that cheating if I didn't know there was a read-a-thon?)
  2. Article 5 by Kristen Simmons
  3. Wildefire by Karsten Knight
  4. The Morganville Vampires VOL. 1 by Rachel Caine
  5. Torment by Lauren Kate
Now if I read all of those and still have time these 2 are next:
  1. Meridian by Amber Kizer
  2. Bumped by Megan McCafferty
HAPPY READING!

~Melina