Hi Lovelies!

I feel like it's been FOREVER since I've logged in to my blog. My how time flies! The year is almost over, which I still cannot believe! 2012 has been a crazy year for me and I'm hoping 2013 is going to be MY year!

I know I've not been around much in the past several months. I was going through a major depression, and not even books seemed to appeal to me. I'm still struggling with finding enjoyment in things that I love, like books. But I'm working on that!

I've been reading, but maybe only one book a month. Mostly listening to audio books...and just taking it easy. My health as you know is a major source of my depression, and I guess I hit an all time low this year. However I am proud to say, that as of late, my health has taken a turn for the awesome! haha I am feeling soooo much better! Which means...back to work this little Crissy went!

I work in retail so holiday time for me is INSANE!!! I worked long days, double and split shifts, got called in on every day off and much more! Thankfully with 2012 coming to a close things are settling down for me and I feel like I can breathe for the first time in months!

I am still struggling to find the time to read, along with work, personal and family life. So all of you dear readers, please feel free to comment and let me know how your able to squeeze it all in!

On a bloggish- note, Unfortunately, I had a heck of a time accessing my blog. My domain name expired in October and I didn't reknew it. I intended to but never though anyone would want it but me. Boy was I wrong! It's now owned by a Chinese company or group. So I'm told by the company who looked into and researched it for me. le sigh. So I can either wait a year, and get on the waiting list for MY domain name, or fight to purchase it. Either way I'm not happy! I mean...it's MINE and it's on ALL my business cards for gosh sakes!!! Ugh! Next time I'm totally doing auto renewal! Just sayin! SO in the meantime, or until we reach an agreement, you will have to go back to the old school www.theprincessofstoryland.blogspot.com address to access my blog. I know, i know! It's a pain in the butt and I hate it too, but it is what it is.

I can't wait to re-connect with all my readers and fellow bloggers in 2013 and hopefully get my groove back. HA!

Here's wishing you a great end to 2012 and an even more phenominal year in 2013!

XOXO
Cris & Toby

 

 

 

 

Review: Live Through This

Live Through This by Mindi Scott

Release Date: October 2, 2012

Publisher: Simon Pulse
Pages: 304
Buy The Book: Amazon

When a relationship trespasses the boundaries of trust, the consequences are complex in this nuanced page-turner from "a formidable talent" ("Booklist")

Sometimes hiding the truth requires more than a lie . . .

From the outside, Coley Sterling’s life seems pretty normal . . . whatever that means. It’s not perfect—her best friend is seriously mad at her and her dance team captains keep giving her a hard time—but Coley’s adorable, sweet crush Reece helps distract her from the annoying drama. Plus, she has a great family to fall back on—with a stepdad and mom who would stop at nothing to keep her and her siblings happy and safe.

But Coley has a lot of secrets. She won’t admit—not even to herself—that her almost-perfect life is her own carefully-crafted façade. That for years she’s been burying the shame and guilt over a relationship that crossed the line. Now, Coley and Reece are getting closer, and as Coley has the chance at her first real boyfriend, a decade’s worth of lies are on the verge of unraveling.

Mindi Scott offers an absorbing, layered glimpse into the life of an everygirl living a nightmare that no one would suspect in this unforgettable powerhouse of a novel.

I've been really excited about Live Through This since I first heard about it earlier this year. The wait was killing me! But this book totally lived up to all the hype I had built up in my own head! In fact, it actually surpassed all my expectations for it.

This review however, is somewhat hard to write. There is a HUGE plot twist to the story, in fact, I'd say the entire book centers around it. But it isn't mentioned in the synopsis, only very cleverly alluded to. I don't want to spoil it for any of you who haven't read this yet, so I won't mention it. But....holy cow!!! When you read this, come back and let me know so we can discuss! In the mean time, HOLY COW! lol

The story itself was really well done. I really liked the main character Cole, I sympathized with her, I cried with her and for her. The author, Mindi Scott, did an amazing job portraying the character's emotions and feelings. Her hopes and fears. I adored her boyfriend Reece, he was so sweet and patient and careful with Cole. I think in many ways he understood her in ways that no one else around her could. He had pateince with her, and a very strong bond of love held these two together. I think that's what made their story so beautiful.

This was such a fast read for me. Once I got into the story I wanted more and more. When the BIG issue happened I kept reading faster and faster to find out what would happen. How would Cole deal with this? Will she be okay? What will happen to her? I was dying to know and I tore through this book at lightening speed to find out. The ending I thought was simple, beautiful and totally perfect!

I never thought I would read a book dealing with this particular issue (again, don't want to spoil the book!). But I thought the author did a really amazing job writting about it. What really touched me even more than the story itself, was the letter in the beginning from the author herself, explaining that this actually happened to her. And then I understood, how she was able to convey all the emotions of this situation so clearly in her writting. Because she herself, had been through it too!

All in all I thought the story was amazingly well written! It was a quick read that haunted me and I couldn't put it down until I had read every last word.

Review: Blind Spot

Blind Spot by Laura Ellen

Release Date: October 23, 2012

Publisher: Harcourt
Pages: 356
Buy The Book: Amazon

There’s none so blind as they that won’t see.

Seventeen-year-old Tricia Farni’s body floated to the surface of Alaska’s Birch River six months after the night she disappeared. The night Roz Hart had a fight with her. The night Roz can’t remember. Roz, who struggles with macular degeneration, is used to assembling fragments to make sense of the world around her. But this time it’s her memory that needs piecing together—to clear her name . . . to find a murderer. This unflinchingly emotional novel is written in the powerful first-person voice of a legally blind teen who just wants to be like everyone else.

This is the second story I've read about a blind teen, and I have to say they have both been fantastic! In Blind Spot the main character Roz, was born with an eye condition which made her eye sight very poor. She was eventually diagnosed as being legally blind. She can see, but everything is blurry, and she can't quite make things out. Being diagnosed legally Blind, of course for Roz means she will never be able to drive and do things most teens can. But then again, Roz is no ordinary teen!

Because of her "disability" Roz is put in a special ed class, much to her horror! There she meets fellow class mate Tricia, cape wearing, dancing on tables Tricia, who will forever change Roz's life. Tricia's body is found floating on the surface of a river and Roz is convinced it was murder! She takes it upon herself to find out exactly what happened to Roz, sometimes putting herself straight in the path of danger!

I loved everything about this book. Starting with the cover, which is gorgeous and totally haunting! I liked the character's, from the main character Roz, to the victum Tricia, to the wheel bound Fritz ( love me some Fritz!) , Jonathan the popular hottie that you love to hate, and Greg *sighs* Greg! There is some romance going on in the book, but not too much! It's done perfectly! 

This book was a little bit of everything and I enjoyed it so much. It was suspenseful, mysterious, thrilling, with a healthy dose of laughs and a romance or two! All with an amazing cast of characters that I adored! The story itself was well done. The mystery element was great and not something I saw from the first few chapters. It took me quite a while to figure it out and there were still some things I hadn't figured out. The pacing was wonderful! I think if I hadn't had to work I probably would've devoured this one all in one day.

Overall, I really enjoyed this one but what stood out to me the most was the plucky cast of character's! They definitely made the story!

Review: Eve and Adam

Eve and Adam by Katherine Applegate and Michael Grant

Release Date: October 2, 2012

Publisher: Fiewel and Friends
Pages: 304
Buy The Book: Amazon

Sixteen-year-old Evening Spiker lives an affluent life in San Francisco with her mother, EmmaRose, a successful geneticist and owner of Spiker Biotech. Sure, Evening misses her father who died mysteriously, but she’s never really questioned it. Much like how she’s never stopped to think how off it is that she’s never been sick. That is, until she’s struck by a car and is exposed to extensive injuries. Injuries that seem to be healing faster than physically possible.
 
While recuperating in Spiker Biotech’s lush facilities, she meets Solo Plissken, a very attractive, if off-putting boy her age who spent his life at Spiker Biotech. Like Evening, he’s never questioned anything... until now. Solo drops hints to Evening that something isn’t right, and Emma-Rose may be behind it. Evening puts this out of her mind and begins her summer internship project: To simulate the creation of the perfect boy. With the help of Solo, Evening uncovers secrets so big they could change the world completely.

When I heard about this book at the beginning of the year, I knew it was something I had to read! I was so intruiged by the idea of a girl creating her very own Adam! I devoured this book in a day, which for me is a really huge deal.

I loved the sci-fi elements to the story, the genetic manipulation and the scientific elements. It could have been really confusing but the author did an amazing job writting it in such a way that I didn't feel like I needed a degree in genetacism to comprehend it. I enjoyed seeing what a teen girls perfect boy would be, and what her "Adam" would turn out like. Would he be anything like what'd my perfect boy would be?

The main character, Evening ("Eve") was a like able character. I loved her loyalty and devotion to her best friend Aislin, doing just about anything for her! Solo was my favorite character in this story. He lives at Biotech and has a first hand point of view. I really loved his character and felt he had so much potential for growth and I can't wait to learn more about him in this series! I really enjoyed that this story was told from both Eve and Solo's points of view. It wasn't confusing at all, but really added to the story! And then there's Adam, with his own personality. But you'll have to read the book to find out all about him! ;)

I thought the story was brilliantly done! It wasn't over the top, or understated, it was just perfect! The story was such a quick read, it seemed like I read it in no time and I immidiately wanted much more! It's the kind of book you can't put down once you start reading it. It was a totally original sci-fi adventure that I'm sure you'll have a blast reading! I can't wait to read the sequel Adam and Eve and find out more about these character's and their world!

Blog Tour Review: Nerve

Nerve by Jeanne Ryan

Release Date: September 13, 2012

Publisher: Dial Books (Penguin)
Pages: 304
Buy The Book: Amazon

A high-stakes online game of dares turns deadly
 
When Vee is picked to be a player in NERVE, an anonymous game of dares broadcast live online, she discovers that the game "knows" her. They tempt her with prizes taken from her ThisIsMe page and team her up with the perfect boy, sizzling-hot Ian. At first it's exhilarating--Vee and Ian's fans cheer them on to riskier dares with higher stakes. But the game takes a twisted turn when they're directed to a secret location with five other players for the Grand Prize round. Suddenly they're playing all or nothing, with their lives on the line. Just how far will Vee go before she loses NERVE?
 
Debut author Jeanne Ryan delivers an un-putdownable suspense thriller.

OMG OMG OMG! Nerve is seriously such an amazing book. I could not put it down, literally! I stayed up until 4 am reading because I just had to finish it. I kept telling myself "just one more chapter!" , before I knew it I was at the last page with my jaw hanging open. Needless to say, I showed up at work at 6 am, a total zombie, but it was sooo worth it! And if I had it all to do over again, I'd do it!

I absolutely am head over heels for this book! The story was so amazing! In some ways it reminded me of Hunger Games ( freaking amazing!!!) but yet, it's definitely it's own book. I loved how the author combined social networking site's (think facebook!) where we tell everyone every last thing about us, from what we are eating, drinking, watching, reading and so much more! I can only imagine if a game of real life Dare's was created from my facebook posts, and broadcast live for the world to see. I am pretty certain it would involve me actually eating glitter!

The Dare's started off low stakes, and got pretty intense! I was flipping through the pages as fast as possible to see if Vee would jump through their hoops, or walk away from the game and all the incredible swag. I really felt for Vee as a character. I could see exactly WHY she wanted the prizes so desperately, and why she kept jumping through all the hoops the Nerve creators threw at her. And then there's the her in game partner, the smoking hot Ian. I seriously liked this guy! He wasn't just the cute, mysterious guy. Even though his character seems totally shady, I was rooting for him the entire time! And Vee's best guy friend that may like her as more than just a friend? Well, you'll just have to read the book to see what happens!

The pacing to this book was wonderful! It kept my attention from the beginning and the story moved along at a great pace that held my interest until the very last page. I loved the plot, the characters, and everything about this book. It was perfection and I loved every last bit of it!

Review: The Turning

The Turning by Francine Prose
Release Date:September 25, 2013
Publisher: Harper Teen
Pages: 256
Buy The Book: Amazon

Jack is babysitting for the summer on an isolated island with no Wi-Fi, no cell service, and no one else around but a housekeeper and two very peculiar children. He immediately senses something sinister-and it's not just the creepy black house he's living in. Soon he is feeling terribly isolated and alone, but then he discovers there are others. The problem is, he's the only who can see them. As secrets are revealed and darker truths surface, Jack desperately struggles to maintain a grip on reality. He knows what he sees, and he isn't crazy…Or is he?

Where does reality end and insanity begin? The Turn of the Screw reinvented for modern-day teens, by National Book Award finalist Francine Prose.

I love a good scary read, so that combined with the fact that it is a retelling had me all hyped up! Plus, I totally adore the creepy cover. Eeek! I curled up with this and a hot cup of tea and was in for an interesting night indeed!

First off, the story is told through a series of letters that the main character Jack writes to his father and his girlfriend. I always love when stories are told through letters so I loved that aspect of it, although I wish we'd have seen Jack's hand writing. That would've made it even better! Because these are letters of Jack's time on the island, we get a male point of view which is always refreshing and very welcomed in YA. I really enjoyed seeing things from Jack's eyes and feeling the suspense and curiosity that he must be going through.

The story isn't so much about Jack himself, as it is about past events that have happened on the island and mysterious goings on. I think because of the cover I was expecting a super scary book and had myself all prepared for one. This was more suspenseful and mysterious than anything else. Like a good Alfred Hitchcock film. There were times where I was wondering what was real, if anything, and I had several theories planned out.

I won't give away anything, but the ending left me satisfied but still thinking "wait, what???" I've never read The Turning of the Screw, so I have nothing to compare it with, but this retelling was well written and entertaining!

Nail Your Books (5)

Nail Your Books is an original feature that I created to show off off some awesome book related nail ideas! It can be anything from a book inspired design to a really cute matching nail polish. This feature combines my love of both books and nail polish. Some people match their nails to their outfit, I match mine to my books!

Hello Lovelies!

This week's edition of Nail Your Books was inspired by The Turning by Francine Prose. We've been having so much rainy weather, that I was in the mood for a little bit of a darker, creepy read! The cover toatally inspired me! I loved all the contrasting shades and how the lights and the title sort of seem to "glow" in this great spooky way! I couldn't help but create a very special mani to match this book.

The Supplies

Seche Clear, Crystal Clear Base Coat
Wet N Wild Fergie Collection in Grammy Gold

Wet N Wild Fergie Collection in Heels of Steel

Wet N Wild Fergie Collection in Tonight's Gonna Be A Good Night

Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat

Make up sponge

Toothpick

Foil

To make this look we'll be using a method of painting called gradient. It's really easy, super fun, and it looks incredible! It's super versatile and the possabilities are endless. I adore it! To best explain how to do this method I will refer you to a really awesome nail blogger that I love, The Nailasaurus. Her tutorial is super easy, and best of all, its a picture tutorial! What could be simpler? So make sure you go HERE to check it out!

Did you do that? Great! Now your ready for an awesome and super fun mani! I always  make sure to start off by using a great clear base coat so my nails don't get stained. I like to use Seche Clear but you can use whatever you have. Next I applied 1 coat of Wet N Wild Fergie Collection in Grammy Gold. I am totally obsessed with this collection and have made it my personal aim to collect every polish in it! This is truly the prettiest gold polish I own and I adore it!

Once that dries you will go back over the gold using the gradient method. I used foil to put my polish on, and then used the toothpick to blend just like in the tutorial. A little trick that I recommend, is to soak your make up sponge in water and wring it out before you start. The moisture in the sponge keeps it from soaking up ALL the polish you will put on your sponge, so that more of it makes it onto your nail. For my gradient I chose to place the darker color at the base of my nails rather than the tips. That's totally a personal preferance so just do whatever you like!

Go over your nails with this gradient technique as many times as you want, until you get the desired affect! I went over each nail twice. It's okay if your nails start to look like a wall of paint that's been sponged to death. Mine did to, but a top coat will fix it, I promise! ;) Once your gradient dries, put 1 coat of Wet N Wild Fergie Collection in Tonight's Gonna Be A Good Night ( my fave glitter EVER!!!) on top. Once that is dry , seal it with a good top coat and voila!

I know it takes a few extra steps but it is totally worth it! This mani is breathtaking in person, and I cannot tell you how many people stopped me to ask how I did it. You seriously will not regret it!

I love how this captures the darkness and the eery light peeking through. It was totally fitting for this book, and it looked amazing! 

So what do you think of my book inspired mani? Will you be trying this one out? I'd love to know! So make sure you leave me some comment love and don't forget to stop back by tomorrow for my review of The Turning.

Happy Reading!

Review: Waiting

Waiting by Carol Lynch Williams
Release Date: May 1, 2013
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Pages: 352
Buy The Book: Amazon

After her brother’s death, a teen struggles to rediscover love and find redemption in this gripping novel.


Growing up in Africa and Latin America as the children of missionaries, London and Zach were as close as could be. And then Zach dies, and the family is gutted. London’s father is distant. Her mother won’t speak. The days are filled with what-ifs and whispers: Did Zach take his own life? Was it London’s fault?

Alone and adrift, London finds herself torn between her brother’s best friend and the handsome new boy in town as she struggles to find herself—and ultimately redemption—in this authentic and affecting novel from award-winning novelist Carol Lynch Williams.

Waiting is a book i have been anxiously "waiting" to read. Pun in intended! HA! Anyways...I was so thrilled to finally make time for this book. I believe it's told in verse, although don't quote me on that! This is one of those books that has a message to it, which I love.

The story felt so real, and I really felt for the main character London. Her story was utterly heart breaking and haunting. Her brother has commited suicide and her family life is thrown into chaos. Her dad stays out late, her Mom sleeps all day and ignores her. London blames herself, and I just wanted to hug her and tell her it is NOT her fault! I wanted to tell her Dad that he needs to hug his little girl and talk to her. I wanted to tell her Mom, "Shame on you for being a bad mother!" *sighs* London desperately misses her brother, and the family that they were BEFORE her brother took his life.

I can only imagine how devestating this could be to a family. I think it would be impossible to not blame yourself or have millions upon millions of "what if" questions. Each member of the family is going through grief and depression in their own way. London is fortunate to have a really great friend, who is trying so hard to keep her afloat. She also meets a new family at school who really help her to see that she may not have the family she was used to, but she still is a part of a loving family of close knit friends! And of course there is a love triangle going on!

This book takes you on the ups and downs of loosing a loved one. The grieving process, and how it changes your life and those of others around you. I loved the message of the story and really enjoyed it even though it was a bit of a darker read.

Waiting on Wednesday (29)

"Waiting on Wednesday" is a weekly meme, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating. 

Hello and Happy Wednesday everyone!!! :)

I am so excited about my pick this week. I am dying to read it and so happy to share my obsession over it with YOU! haha

Dance Of Shadows by Yelena Black

Vanessa Adler isn’t so sure she really belongs at the School of American Ballet. But dance runs in her family. It’s been a part of her life for as long as she can remember. Her grandmother and mother were prima ballerinas, and her older sister Margaret was, too. That is, until Margaret mysteriously disappeared from school three years ago. Vanessa is heir to the family’s gift and the only person who can fulfill her sister’s destiny. She has no choice.

But she never could have guessed how dangerous the school is. The infamous choreographer, Josef, isn’t just ruthless with his pupils, he guards a sinister secret, one in which the school’s dancers—prized for their beauty, grace, and discipline—become pawns in a world of dark, deadly demons.

I am such a huge fan of books that bring you into the world of dance and performing arts. I think it's because I've always wanted to be a dancer! I'm just way too lazy! haha But oh how I'd love to be long, lean and graceful. *sighs* Anyways, back to the book... The cover is seriously amazing!!! I would totally frame it! And the story sounds amazing! I love how there's something dark and sinister to it that makes it totally different from the other books on the market. Can't wait to curl up with this on a stormy night! Eeeek!

Look for this to release on November 27 from Bloomsbury.

What books are you looking forward to reading? I'd love to know, so leave me a comment! :)

Review: Through To You

Through To You by Emily Hainsworth
Release Date: October 2, 2012
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Pages: 272
Buy The Book: Amazon

Camden Pike has been grief-stricken since his girlfriend, Viv, died. Viv was the last good thing in his life: helping him rebuild his identity after a career-ending football injury, picking up the pieces when his home life shattered, and healing his pain long after the meds wore off. And now, he’d give anything for one more glimpse of her. But when Cam makes a visit to the site of Viv’s deadly car accident, he sees some kind of apparition. And it isn’t Viv.

The apparition’s name is Nina, and she’s not a ghost. She’s a girl from a parallel world, and in this world, Viv is still alive. Cam can’t believe his wildest dreams have come true. All he can focus on is getting his girlfriend back, no matter the cost. But things are different in this other world: Viv and Cam have both made very different choices, things between them have changed in unexpected ways, and Viv isn’t the same girl he remembers. Nina is keeping some dangerous secrets, too, and the window between the worlds is shrinking every day.

As Cam comes to terms with who this Viv has become and the part Nina played in his parallel story, he’s forced to choose—stay with Viv or let her go—before the window closes between them once and for all.

Okay first of all, the cover to this book is absolutely haunting! Don't you agree? Okay..now on to the book itself! The story is pretty amazing! You guys know I have been in love with the TV show Awake and devistated that it got cancelled. This totally satisfied my need for more Awake/parallel universe's. It is similar in all the right ways, and different in all the right ways!

The character's are so multi-dimensional. They have one life, and one set of characteristic's, and then in their parallel universe...they are them! But...different! There are still things that are fundamentally the same, but yet they are their own seperate person too. That was so fascinating about this story. You thought you had the character's pegged, and then other aspect's of them were revealed in a parallel universe. Eeek!

I really liked Cam. He was broody, and sullen, then again, who wouldn't be? He was a bit lost, but the whole time your heart went out to him. He was a great guy, who was in a lot of pain. Nina was a total mystery to me. I loved that!  I was constantly guessing about her and enjoying reading on as layers to her character were revealed. And Viv seemed like a perfect dream that was too good to be true.

The first part of the book started off a little slow for me. But this gives us time to learn the back story and get to know the characters. I loved the ending to this book. Like whoa! It kept me totally riveted and gripping the pages. I was shocked and totally surprised. I can see why this book has already been optioned for film! Really great debut from Emily Hainsworth. I am looking forward to reading much more from her!

Review: Cursed

Cursed by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Release Date: September 18, 2012
Publisher: Spencer Hills Press
Pages: 312
Buy the Book: Amazon

Dying sucks--and high school senior Ember McWilliams knows firsthand. After a fatal car accident, her gifted little sister brought her back. Now anything Ember touches dies. And that, well, really blows.

Ember operates on a no-touch policy with all living things--including boys. When Hayden Cromwell shows up, quoting Oscar Wilde and claiming her curse is a gift, she thinks he’s a crazed cutie. But when he tells her he can help control it, she’s more than interested. There’s just one catch: Ember has to trust Hayden's adopted father, a man she's sure has sinister reasons for collecting children whose abilities even weird her out. However, she’s willing to do anything to hold her sister's hand again. And hell, she'd also like to be able to kiss Hayden. Who wouldn't?

But when Ember learns the accident that turned her into a freak may not've been an accident at all, she’s not sure who to trust. Someone wanted her dead, and the closer she gets to the truth, the closer she is to losing not only her heart, but her life. For real this time.

I've always heard such amazing things about Jennifer Armentrout. Seriously, I think everyone who has read her is a fan girl. I guess I've just been too lazy to pick up any of her books. However, because of my obsession with Once Upon A Time, I am ALL over anything fairy tale-y. So when I heard about Cursed I squealed with delight! When it showed up at my door through an arc tour, I ripped open the package and read out loud to a captive audience. Namely, my bun Toby. He seriously sat there totally entranced by the story. But we'll talk more about that later...

Back to the story that is Cursed! I can totally see why Jennifer has such a huge following of devoted fans. Her writting is extrordinary! She has an amazing ability to weave a story that sucks you in. She makes you believe in her world and feel like your right in the middle of it! *sigh*

One thing that the author excels at, is writting her characters. They were incredible and unique! Ember was a complex yet strong heroine. I can't even imagine not being able to hug my family and friends. For me, there is nothing more comforting after a REALLY bad day ( you know that kind I'm talking about) and collapsing on the couch and crying into my Mom's shoulder as she wraps her loving arms around me. akdjflkdj; A life without that? Blasphemy! Sheer blasphemy! Okay, maybe not literally, but still! I don't think I could be as strong as Ember. Not being able to touch anyone, not having a Mom who is present, having to take care of her family. She was a strong kick butt heroine!

I loved Ember's sheer will power. She had this horrible curse, but yet she never gave up. She didn't let it handicap her. She perservered. As someone who struggles with a "curse" of poor health, it can be easy to just give up and quit fighting. Her strength, and her sheer will really encouraged me. No matter how sick I am, or how bad a day I am having, it could totally be worse! What if every person I touched died?

The infamous steamy love story that Armentrout is oh-so famous for was totally there! I'm not gonna get really into it, but WOW! I totally GET it now! The chemistry and sexual tension was incredible! Jennifer is a brilliant writer and I enjoyed this book tremendously!

If your a fan of dark fairy tales, or just a good romance, totally pick this one up!

On a side note, I've been pretty absent lately as you probably noticed. Life got kinda crazy but I'm trying to get myself back into the swing of things. While I had a blogging vacation I got an adorable Holland Lop rabbit that I named Toby. I am totally obsessed with his cute little face! 

One of our favorite things to do is watch episodes of Lie to Me. We love our crime tv shows! hehe

As you can see....Toby is hooked! 

I never would've thought it, but he has the same love for Cursed by Jennifer L. Armentrout that he has for Lie to Me!

Here Toby is curled up on the couch listening to me read aloud. I Could read for hours and he'd lay there totally entranced. And if I stopped he'd nudge me with his nose.

Here's a shot of him inching his way closer to me and lifting up his floppy ears to get a better listen.

That is one contented Toby! All we have to say is, we want MORE!!!

Have you read Cursed? Are you planning to? Let me know what you think in the comments!

Review: Erasing Time

Erasing Time by C.J. Hill
Release Date: August 28, 2012
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Pages: 368
Buy The Book: Amazon

In this high-action and romantic futuristic adventure, there is no escape from the future for two contemporary girls pulled out of their own time.

When twins Sheridan and Taylor wake up 400 years in the future, they find a changed world: domed cities, no animals, and a language that’s so different, it barely sounds like English. And the worst news: They can’t go back home.

The twenty-fifth-century government transported the girls to their city hoping to find a famous scientist to help perfect a devastating new weapon. The moblike Dakine fights against the government, and somehow Taylor and Sheridan find themselves in the middle. The only way to elude them all is to trust Echo, a guy with secrets of his own. The trio must put their faith in the unknown to make a harrowing escape into the wilds beyond the city.

Full of adrenaline-injected chases and heartbreaking confessions, Erasing Time explores the strength of the bonds between twins, the risks and rewards of trust, and the hard road to finding the courage to fight for what you believe in.

I am quickly becoming a big fan of sci-fi and action thriller books. Which is beyond shocking to me. I seriously thought that NEVER would happen to me! Add that to the fact that I have always been fascinated by stories of twin's and this book was a total must read for me!

This review is really challenging for me, because I have really mixed views on it. While I love dystopian, sci-fi and time travel, (which this book has all 3 of!) it fell really flat for me. I was literally forcing myself to read this one. Normally I can finish a book in 2 or 3 days. This one took me over a week! Not because it was difficult to understand or hard to follow, simply because I had to force myself to read it.

Again, the plot itself had the markings for something really epic that would be a serious contender for my fave read of 2012. For me though, the plot somehow just didn't transfer onto the written page. It was slow, boring, and I really had to make myself finish it. In fact, if I weren't borrowing this one from a friend, I probably wouldn't have finished it at all.

Now here's where the mixed feelings come in. Around the last 60 pages the book really picked up and I really got into it! I wish the 300 pages before it had been more like it! But sadly they were not, and then...it ended. *sighs* So you can see my dilema! Right? It almost felt like 2 completely different books smushed together.

All in all I didn't enjoy this one, it was a little too slow paced for me. However, the ending of the book was much better for me, and I am curious about where the author will take this story in the next book!

Review: Don't Turn Around

Don't Turn Around by Michelle Gagnon
Release Date: August 28, 2012
Publisher: Harper Teen
Pages: 310
Buy The Book: Amazon

Sixteen-year-old Noa has been a victim of the system ever since her parents died. Now living off the grid and trusting no one, she uses her computer-hacking skills to stay safely anonymous and alone. But when she wakes up on a table in an empty warehouse with an IV in her arm and no memory of how she got there, Noa starts to wish she had someone on her side.

Enter Peter Gregory. A rich kid and the leader of a hacker alliance, Peter needs people with Noa’s talents on his team. Especially after a shady corporation threatens his life. But what Noa and Peter don’t realize is that Noa holds the key to a terrible secret, and there are those who’d stop at nothing to silence her for good.

Filled with action, suspense, and romance, this first book in a new trilogy offers readers nonstop thrills.

Okay, so I just finished reading this book and WOW! I really don't want to say too much, and spoil the plot for anyone. But what I will say is, this book was amaze-balls! Seriously, do yourself a solid and go buy it NOW!


This book grabbed my attention at the very beginning and never let me go. I was so engrossed in the story I felt like I was tangled up into the story right along with the characters! I was racing through the pages of the book to feel my way through the story to the end. My heart was pounding, my palms were sweating ( I know! Eww, totally gross!) and I jumped at every noise. 


I am so excited that this book is going to be a trilogy because I want,  more! I NEED more! And REALLY soon! 


Seriously though, all gushing aside, this is a phenominal story. The character's were well written. The plot was amazing! This book was full of thrilling action, suspense, romance and a crazy conspiracy or two! 

Review: The Sweetest Spell

The Sweetest Spell by Suzanne Selfors
Release Date: August 21, 2012
Publisher: Walker & Company
Pages: 416
Buy The Book: Amazon

Emmeline Thistle has always had a mysterious bond with cows, beginning on the night of her birth, when the local bovines saved the infant cast aside to die in the forest. But Emmeline was unaware that this bond has also given her a magical ability to transform milk into chocolate, a very valuable gift in a kingdom where chocolate is more rare and more precious than gold or jewels. Then one day Owen Oak, a dairyman’s son, teaches Emmeline to churn milk into butter—and instead she creates a delicious chocolate confection that immediately makes her a target for every greedy, power-hungry person in the kingdom of Anglund. Only Owen loves Emmeline for who she truly is, not her magical skill. But is his love enough to save her from the danger all around her?

In a departure from her contemporary teen romances, Suzanne Selfors crafts an irresistible re-imagined fairy tale that will tempt readers with a delicious story of love that is sweeter than the richest chocolate.

First of all, I love the cover to this book. It's totally  bewitching and I can't stop staring at it! The story was interesting but the character's really stood out to me in this one. The main character, Emmeline was the under dog. She was an "unwanted" because of her disfigured foot, and was looked down upon because of this. Most people didn't look at her or speak to her. But boy did things change when people found out she had an extremely rare talent!

I think if I were Emmeline I would've been extremely depressed, and always questioning if people liked me for me, or my gift of making chocolate. That totally wasn't the case with her. She was good natured and had a wonderful attitude. She was definitely much more gracious and kind than I would've been !

Owen, sigh, Owen, Owen, Owen! What can I say about him? He is the ultimate knight in shining armor! He was loving, gracious, sweet and caring. He was someone Emmeline could totally be herself with! They had a wonderful and unique bond and their relationship is by far my favorite part of this story!

There were parts I found cute and entertaining, like "the husband market" where woman go once a year to purchase a husband. They would save their coin all year in hopes of purchasing the most handsome man in the land. This totally cracked me up! I'm totally glad we don't have to purchase a husband, if we did it'd be a loooong wait! My coin intake is pretty small! haha

Overall I enjoyed this book and really liked it! It's not one of my fave's but I still found it enjoyable. I think maybe fantasy just isn't my genre, but I haven't read too many so I'll have to check out a few more before I make a final decision on that. 

Lazy Days of Summer Giveaway Hop

Hey Guys!

It's time for another fun giveaway hop! Eeeek! This is the Lazy Days of Summer Giveaway Hop hosted by I Am A Reader, Not A Writer. I am having a blast with these hops, getting to know all kinds of new people, and giving away awesome books! Even though it's hot as hades this summer, I am enjoying cute summer outfits, summer mani's, and working on my tan! However, one of the things I love most are the lazy summer days, laying out on a beach towel and reading the afternoon away. What a perfect oppurtunity to share some of my fave summer reads with you!


For this contest I will be giving away an arc of your choice from the list below!





Since I will be paying for shipping, this giveaway is open to US addresses only! This contest starts NOW and ends midnight August 1st. I will announce ONE winner shortly after.

I am currently on vacation right now, so no rafflecopter. This one is gonna be super simple! You get a free entry, just leave me a way to get ahold of me if you win. It can be email or twitter handle, or your website if you have one. Whatever you feel comfortable with! You get 2 additonal entries for being a blog follower, and a another if you subscribe by email. That's 4 entries total. Just leave me a comment and let me know and I'll add your entries to the randomizer and announce a winner when the contest ends.

Good luck everyone! And don't forget to stop by some of the other awesome blogs participating in the hop!