A "Buzz-Worthy" Review and Giveaway: The Girls' Ghost Hunting Guide by Stacey Graham

Happy Halloween :)

The Girls' Ghost Hunting Guide

by Stacey Graham

Release date: May 1st, 2012 

Published by: Sourcebooks Jabberwocky

Genre: Middle Grade - Humor

Format read: Paperback

SUMMARY

"Ask any girl what the best part of a slumber party or camping trip is and she'll tell you it's the ghost stories. 

This bright, interactive journal is for tweens who are no longer content to watch movies or read about ghosts online, but are ready to jump into the paranormal fray themselves. 

With workbook pages, ghost stories, quizzes, sidebars, and interviews with ghost hunters, this illustrated guidebook gives girls the tools to safely explore the unknown using everyday household items - 

and helps them discover their own strengths using deductive reasoning." 

MY REVIEW

I adore this book to pieces! And not only because it is the cutest pink/black book I have every seen!

When I was a kid, I was always so curious about ghosts and always wished to use one of those Ouija boards just to see what would happen. Of course, I was always too afraid to actually buy one or use one (just like I am now, lol!) This little book would have been the perfect substitute for it!

This adorable guide, written by a real ghost hunter expert, explains how to go about looking for ghosts in such a simple, fun and non-creepy manner. Yes, I'm sure you will get the chills and be a bit spooked, but it gives you so many cautious tips, I wouldn't worry too much about getting into any trouble - just as long as you don't fall into any of their tricks! Always be cautious and respectful when dealing with things of the unknown.

A few of the ghost stories will make your hair stand on end - this is not for anyone who is sensitive to things of this nature. At times I really felt that this is more of a YA book than for Middle Graders. Again, as cute as the book looks and may seem, you must take it seriously too.

Along with the ghost stories, their are tips, quizzes, how-to's, games and more!
Definitely a creative spooktacular treat!!!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR - Stacey Graham

Stacey Graham has spent a good part of the last twenty years sitting in dark attics waiting to poke the paranormal and see if it giggles. When not wrestling ghosties, she enjoys reading Jane Austin and writing zombie poetry, humor, and ghost stories. She has been known to fee small armies of Girl Scouts with her granola recipes and is terrified of mice. 

She lives on the tippy top of a mountain outside of Washington, D.C. with her husband and five daughters. 

Blog, Goodreads, Author Facebook Page, Book Facebook Page, Twitter 

GIVEAWAY

Please enter by using the Rafflecopter below.

U.S. and Cananda Only.

Giveaway ends on November 5th, 2012.

Thank you for stopping by and entering - good luck :)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Waiting On Wednesday #32: Fairy Tales from the Brothers Grimm by Philip Pullman

Happy Halloween :)

"Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly meme hosted by  Breaking the Spine. 

This is were we get to 'spotlight' books that we are anxiously waiting to be released! The ones that we are dying to get our hands on and read into the wee hours of the night and, quite possibly, to make our shelves look all pretty too :)

What I'm waiting on... 

Fairy Tales from the Brothers Grimm

A New English Version

by Philip Pullman

Expected release date: November 8th, 2012

Published by: Viking Adult

SUMMARY 

Two hundred years ago, Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm published the first volume of Children’s and Household Tales. Now, at a veritable fairy-tale moment—witness the popular television shows Grimm and Once Upon a Time and this year’s two movie adaptations of “Snow White”—Philip Pullman, one of the most popular authors of our time, makes us fall in love all over again with the immortal tales of the Brothers Grimm.

From much-loved stories like “Cinderella” and “Rumpelstiltskin,” “Rapunzel” and “Hansel and Gretel” to lesser-known treasures like “Briar-Rose,” “Thousandfurs,” and “The Girl with No Hands,” Pullman retells his fifty favorites, paying homage to the tales that inspired his unique creative vision—and that continue to cast their spell on the Western imagination.

MY THOUGHTS

I am SO curious to see what Philip Pullman has done with all of my favorite fairy-tales!!!

I. NEED. THIS. BOOK. NOW!!!

What do you think of the cover?

Is that Hansel and Gretel??? 

Can't wait to read this :)

What are you waiting for this week???

A "Buzz-Worthy" Review AND GIVEAWAY: Hocus Pocus Hotel by Michael Dahl (MG)

Happy Halloween :)

Hocus Pocus Hotel

by Michael Dahl

Release date: August 1st, 2012

Published by: Stone Arch Books/Capstone

Genre: Middle Grade Mystery

Source read: Hardcopy 

SUMMARY

"Ever since it was built by the great magician Abracadabra, 
the hotel Tyler Yu lives in has had its share of mysterious events. 
Ghosts wandering the halls, 
a magician who vanishes into thin air - 
Ty can't figure these things out on his own. 
But Charlie Hitchcock, with his photographic memory, 
might just be the partner the school bully needs. 
Together, 
they'll solve magical mysteries beyond your wildest imagination."


MY REVIEW

A new favorite series that my kids and I are definitely going to follow! Hocus Pocus Hotel is the first book in a new magical-mystery series created by Michael Dahl for middle graders.

The Hocus Pocus Hotel is actually called The Abracadabra named after the famous magician that built it for magicians to have a place to live, practice and perform their acts. Tyler and his family live and run this hotel - but lately, they have been experiencing some odd disturbances and disappearances and Ty thinks that people are going to stop coming to stay at the hotel because they may think that it is haunted.
Charlie is a smart boy that tries to keep out of trouble. When he receives a note from Ty, he thinks that it is his invitation to finally get a beating of some sort from the school bully. Surprisingly, it was a mandatory invite to meet Ty at the hotel. Ty needs Charlie's smarts and photographic memory to help him figure out the mysterious things that have been happening throughout the hotel. And Charlie is the perfect kid for the job!

There are numerous mysterious to be solved! And with each one, we learn just how magicians do their magic. Charlie and his photographic memory doesn't miss a single clue and it is so much fun to see him unravel the magic tricks through illustrations that he draws to show us exactly how the trick is performed. The perfect read for any kid who loves a little mystery and finally getting to see how magic tricks are really performed!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR - Michael Dahl 

Michael Dahl is the author of over 100 children's books. Some of his most popular series are Finnegan Zwake, Library of Doom, and Dragonblood. He resides in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in a haunted house.

He also writes under aliases Chris Carey, Rick Thomas, and Mark Ziegler.

Official Website, Goodreads, Facebook  

GIVEAWAY

You can enter to win a copy of HOCUS POCUS HOTEL and TROLL HUNTERS 
both by Michael Dahl!
- U.S. and Canada only! 
- giveaway ends November 5th, 2012

a Rafflecopter giveaway

My Frankenstorm TBR List :)

Hey guys!
Just wanted to pop on for a few and share what I hope to read during this crazy weather we're about to go through! Hopefully this storm won't be as bad as they are currently predicting. During the last hurricane, we lost power for 4 1/2 days, eeep! Hopefully it won't happen, or at least, won't last as long {crossing fingers!}

In the meantime, I do have some pre-posts that will hopefully go up! TWO are halloween-themed giveaways from Sourcebooks! So please be on the lookout for them and enter :)

The only good thing about storms is the amount of reading that can be one ;)
So, here is my (Halloweenie-to-me-reads) TBR list... 

- (Finishing) A Royal Pain by Megan Mulry
- Masque of the Red Death by Bethany Griffin
- The Blue Door by Christa Kinde
- Undead by Kirsty McKay
- Magisterium by Meff Hirsch
- The Dark Unwinding by Sharon Cameron

For all of you in Sandy's path, please be safe!!!
If you need to get in touch with me, the quickest way is DMing me through Twitter, lol!
And hopefully, I will see you guys very, very soon :)

xoxo
Happy reading!!!

Spooktacular Tour 4-Book Giveaway from Sourcebooks!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

It's time for some scary fun with a SPOOKTACULAR GIVEAWAY!!!

FOUR creeptastic books from Sourcebooks :)

Book 1: Horrid Henry and the Zombie Vampire 

by Francesca Simon (My Review)

"You won't believe what Horrid Henry will do next!

Henry knows that a class sleepover at a museum can only be one thing - BORING!

So he's inviting a few party crashers to liven things up... Zombie Vampires!!!"

Plus three other stories that will leave you screaming for more. 

Book 2: Horrid Henry's Monster Movie 

by Francesca Simon (My Review)

"You won't believe what Horrid Henry will do next!

Horrid Henry has found a new way to scare everyone - his very own monster movie.

The Undead Demon Monster who would NOT die is going be a BIG hit!"

Plus three more monstrous tales that will leave you screaming for more. 

Book 3: Picture the Dead 

by Adele Griffin

"Jennie feels the tingling presence of something unnatural in the house now that Will is dead.
Her heart aches without him, and she still doesn't know how he really died. It seems that everywhere she turns, someone is hiding yet another clue. As Jennie seeks the truth, she finds herself drawn ever deeper into a series of tricks and lies, secrets and betrayals, and begins to wonder if she had ever really known Will at all." 

Book 4: A Bad Day for Voodoo 

by Jeff Strand

"When your best friend is just a tiny bit psychotic, you should never actually believe him when he says, 
"Trust me. This is gonna be awesome." 

Of course, you probably wouldn't believe a voodoo doll could work either. Or that it could cause someone's leg to blow clean off with one quick prick. But I've seen it. It can happen. 
And when there's suddenly a doll of YOU floating around out there - a doll that could be snatched by a Rottweiler and torn to shreds, or a gang of thugs ready to torch it, or any random family of cannibals (really, do you need the danger here spelled out for you?) - well, you know that's gonna be a really bad day." 
When your best friend is just a tiny bit psychotic, you should never actually believe him when he says, "Trust me. This is gonna be awesome."

To enter: 

- Fill out the Rafflecopter.

- U.S. and Canada only. 

- Giveaway ends November 5th, 2013.

Good luck :)

And have a wonderful and safe Halloween!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

"Buzz-Worthy" Reviews: Horrid Henry and the Zombie Vampire AND Horrid Henry's Monster Movie by Francesca Simon

Horrid Henry and the Zombie Vampire

by Francesca Simon

Release date: September 1st, 2011

Published by: Sourcebooks Jabberwocky

Genre: Middle Grade - Humor

Format read: Paperback

SUMMARY

"You won't believe what Horrid Henry will do next!

Henry knows that a class sleepover at a museum can only be one thing - BORING!

So he's inviting a few party crashers to liven things up...

Zombie Vampires!!!"

Plus three other stories that will leave you screaming for more. 

MY REVIEW

Horrid Henry is SO horrid!

Very entertaining and so very funny! Kiddos of all ages will have a ton of fun with Horrid Henry.

Horrid Henry is so mischievous and imaginative - a combination that will surely end in getting into trouble. There is very little that will keep this boy from sharing his thoughts and standing up for what he believes in. 

One of the most unique and entertaining parts of this book was how each character is named by their number one characteristic - Horrid Henry's little brother is Perfect Peter. And some of his classmates are Rude Ralph, Tidy Ted and Moody Margaret. 

In each of the four stories, Horrid Henry tries to break free from the boring world and doesn't hold back in trying to get everyone to see how FUN things could be if they would just listen to him. Although Horrid Henry may not be for everyone, he is the perfect character to introduce to your child as the boy who we all would love to be but shouldn't. A fun character to laugh out loud with and see that even though Horrid Henry may be right, the consequences prove that there are better ways to go about getting what we want. 

These are the perfect books to get beginner chapter readers going! 

Horrid Henry's Monster Movie

by Francesca Simon

Release date: 

Published by: Sourcebooks Jabberwocky

Genre: Middle Grade - Humor 

Format read: Paperack

SUMMARY

"You won't believe what Horrid Henry will do next!

Horrid Henry has found a new way to scare everyone -

his very own monster movie.

The Undead Demon Monster who would NOT die is going be a BIG hit!"

Plus three more monstrous tales that will leave you screaming for more. 

MY REVIEW

Horrid Henry is at it again! There is nothing that can hold this little guy back from his misadventures.
It is so much fun to get to hang out with Horrid Henry for a little while - he is such a great ball of energy that never rests and always scheming to find a way to get the things he wants the most.
Not exactly the little boy that you would want your child to play with, but, he is the perfect example to learn how to have a little bit of patience and to think before you speak - not every plan is always the best plan.

Definitely a fun read for everyone!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR - Francesca Simon

Francesca Simon was born in St. Louis, Missouri, grew up in California, and attended both Yale and Oxford Universities, where she specialized in Medieval Studies. How this prepared her to write children's books she cannot imagine, but it did give her a thorough grounding in alliteration.

She then threw away a lucrative career as a medievalist and worked as a freelance journalist, writing for the Sunday Times, Guardian, Mail on Sunday, Telegraph, and Vogue (US). After her son Joshua was born in 1989, she started writing children's books full time. One of the UK's best-selling children's writers, Francesca has published over 50 books, including the immensely popular HORRID HENRY series, which has now sold over twelve million copies. 

Official Website, Goodreads, Twitter 

The Beehive Book Update #24: The Happy, Happy Edition

Happy weekend to you! 

It's been a fab book week around here, hope you had a good one too :) 

I'm also participating in Tynga's "Stacking the Shelves" this week! 

What I received for review...
- Austensibly Ordinary (ARC) by Alyssa Goodnight (YA)
- Miss Buncle Married (Miss Buncle Series #2) by D.E. Stevenson (Adult) 
- The Oracle Glass by Judith Merkle Riley (Adult)
- Tempestuous: A Modern-Day Spin on Shakespeare's The Tempest, A Twisted Lit Novel #1 (ARC)
by Kim Askew and Amy Helmes (YA)
- Exposure: A Modern-Day Spin on Shakespeare's Macbeth, A Twisted Lit Novel #2 (ARC)
by Kim Askew and Amy Helmes (YA)
- The Girl in the Wall (ARC) by Daphne Benedis-Grab (YA) 
- Louder Than Words (ARC) by Laurie Plissner (YA)
- The Namesake (ARC) by Steven Parlato (YA)
- Sapphire Blue (Edelstein Trilogie #2) by Kerstin Gier (YA) 

Books I traded or won in giveaways...
- Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire (New Adult) 
- Death of a Kleptomaniac by Kristen Tracy (YA)
- Lost Girls by Ann Kelley (YA)

Mentions and Thank You to...
- Author, Alyssa Goodnight :)
- Sourcebooks Landmark, Merit Press and @MacKidsBooks :)
- Danny of Bewitched Bookworms :)
- Tara of Tater's Tall Tails :)
- ARCycling and Montana of The Book Belles :)

My current giveaways...
- Mystic City (ARC) by Theo Lawrence

Thanks SO much for stopping by!!!

For those of you along the hurricanes path - be safe! 

Please be sure to leave comments and your links below :)

Happy reading!!!

My #FridayReads {hash}TAG #3

TGIF, right?! Oh, it's been one busy week! 

And I cannot wait to snuggle in and relax with these Friday Reads :) 

Every Friday, Twitter explodes with the hashtag, Friday Reads :) 

AND, Bunny Cates of I'm Reading It, decided to bring it over to youtube too!

You can see Bunny's vlog here!

Books metioned: 

- A Royal Pain, A Novel by Megan Mulry (Adult) 

- Masque of the Red Death by Bethany Griffin (YA) 

Thanks for stopping by today!!!
SO, what are you reading this weekend?!?!

A "Buzz Worthy" Review AND Giveaway: Mystic City by Theo Lawrence (YA)

Mystic City

(Mystic City Novels #1)

by Theo Lawrence

Release Date: October 9th, 2012

Published by Delacorte Press/Random House

Genre: Young Adult - Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Dystopian, Romance

Format read: ARC (provided by Random Buzzers)

SUMMARY

Aria Rose, youngest scion of one of Mystic City's two ruling rival families, finds herself betrothed to Thomas Foster, the son of her parents' sworn enemies. The union of the two will end the generations-long political feud—and unite all those living in the Aeries, the privileged upper reaches of the city, against the banished mystics who dwell below in the Depths. 

But Aria doesn't remember falling in love with Thomas; in fact, she wakes one day with huge gaps in her memory. And she can't conceive why her parents would have agreed to unite with the Fosters in the first place. 

Only when Aria meets Hunter, a gorgeous rebel mystic from the Depths, does she start to have glimmers of recollection—and to understand that he holds the key to unlocking her past. 

The choices she makes can save or doom the city—including herself.

BOOK TRAILER - The Mystic City

FAVORITE QUOTES

"He has the kind of face that takes you by surprise. Earlier, on the street, I thought it was one thing - handsome in a conventional way, like porcelain or the colored diamonds my mother keeps in the Rose family vault. But now I see it is quite the opposite, a face too hard to be pretty, too mysterious. It is the kind of face that sucks you in, makes you want to surrender all that you know, all that you are, just to capture its attention." 

~ Mystic City ARC, page 45

"And that's what life is for: to love, to create, to blend, to harmonize.
And to die."

~ Mystic City ARC, page 356


MY REVIEW

This an amazingly well written futuristic retelling of Romeo and Juliet!
There really is no other way for me to describe it...

This story takes place in a an apocalyptic-Manhattan known as Aeries, where the upper elite live in apartment buildings built on high stilts above the Depths, which is what the city used to be and is now drowning and decaying, where the poor and outcasts live. Just like in the original Romeo and Juliet drama, Mystic City has two feuding families - the Rose family and the Foster family... but wait, there's more! A third party is trying to join in the war of who will rule the city - the Mystics. But more on them in a bit.

Aria Rose wakes up one day, and has no idea what is going on and how she got into her current situation. Confused, she doesn't remember what caused her "accident", why she doesn't remember anything and most of all, she has a fiance?! And to make things even more complicated, her fiance is Thomas Foster! Wouldn't she remember having a secret love affair with their family's nemesis! And how is it that both families have taken to their deceit and love affair so easily and quickly. And how is it that she can remember everything except for the last week of her life, and him - things just don't add up...
Aria is desperate to make a connection with Thomas - shouldn't she be able to feel her love for him even if she can't remember anything? When he looks at her, or even touches her arm - shouldn't that touch burn through her and remind her of what they had? or have? She decides that if she did it once before, she can do it again - she must sneak over and speak to Thomas in private. Maybe then, going through what she has supposedly done may times before, will help her regain her memories.
As she's trying to sneak through the city by going through the Depths and tries to remember what paths she would have traveled to get to Thomas, where they must have hidden and met, she gets into some trouble... and then she meets Hunter - a rebel Mystic.
Mystics are humans with magical powers - they have been outcast-ed as dangerous and uncaring, the government has forced them to register and their abilities are drained and used to power the city.
Aria has been taught in school that these people are menacing, dangerous and to be feared. But when she meets Hunter, and others, she sees for herself that the things that she has been told since the day she was born has all been a lie... and why does Hunter intrigue her so much? Why is it that every time he touches her, it burns right through her? Is it because of his powers...

I have to admit, I was a teeny bit disappointed in the love story here. Led to believe that there would be a love triangle of some sort, no, no there isn't. So for those of you who hate love triangle, rejoice!
There was so many clues as to what really happened to Aria and who her true love is - and she failed miserably so many times to realize any of it. Could it possibly be that she buried her head in denial, unable to accept what her family is capable of? Perhaps. But, there was just too many instances and it made me really frustrated with her... I would have liked to have seen more passion in the end. I was a bit disappointed with their "undying love" moment. BUT, I do have to admit, that after all is said and done, Aria does come into her own and completely owns up to everything. From the beginning she was determined to discover everything on her own, and now that things have changed, she is determined to face what has happened and take on full responsibility.

I am SO looking forward to the next book in this series! Overall, Theo Lawrence did a fabulous job - I really enjoyed the storytelling and world building he did here. And the gorgeous cover really does have an impact and represents Mystic City perfectly. Can't wait to find out what will happen to Aria, Hunter and their families.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR - Theo Lawrence

Theo Lawrence is a graduate of Columbia University and the Juilliard School. A Presidential Scholar in the Arts for Voice, he has performed at Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and Off-Broadway.

Random Buzzers Profile, Goodreads 

GIVEAWAY!!!

Now is your chance to win an ARC of MYSTIC CITY!
There are TWO up for grabs!!! 

Sorry, U.S. and Canada only...
Giveaway ends November 16th, 2012.  

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thank you for stopping by today, 

and good luck :)

The "Who Will You Entice" Blog Tour: A "Nobel Beehive Award" Review for Entice by Jessica Shirvington

Entice 

(The Violet Eden Chapters #2) 

by Jessica Shrivington

Release date: September 4th, 2012

Published by: Sourcebooks Fire

Genre: Young Adult - Fantasy and Romance (Angels)

Format read: ARC

SUMMARY 

Violet Eden is Grigori - part angel, part human.
Her destiny is to protect humans from the vengeance of exiled angels. 

Knowing who to trust is key but, when Grigori reinforcements arrive, it become clear everyone is hiding something. 
Even Lincoln. 
The only thing Violet does know: Phoenix's hold over her is more dangerous than ever. 

The race to find the one thing that could tilt the balance of power brings them all to the sacred mountains of Jordan, where Violet's power will be pushed to the extreme. 
And the ultimate betrayal exposed. 

BOOK TRAILER - Entice by Jessica Shirvington

MY REVIEW

And Violet Eden's story just keeps getting better and better!...

In the first book to the Violet Eden Chapters, Embrace, we meet Violet and watch her learn about her destiny and struggle in her decision to whether or not embrace her angel powers.  Will she be able to accept her immortality and fate? Will she be able to do it alongside her partner, Lincoln, even if she may never be able to forgive Lincoln after he kept these life altering secrets from her.  And her relationship with Phoenix, finding out who he really is and what his intentions are. A lot of her choices where not good ones, will she be able to deal with all of the consequences?

In Entice, Violet has chosen to accept her new destiny, work hard on her training, deal with trying to balance her teen real life while being a Grigori and is struggling with how to deal with her true feelings towards Lincoln too - things are different now and are highly complex to the point that things can end very badly... even so, after promising each other that there are no more secrets, Lincoln starts to pull away at a most crucial time and he is never around for Violet. Suspicions arise and things start to fall a part, fast.

Now, throw in some new and intriguing characters! A serious plot that just keeps getting better, thicker and, for lack of a better word, enticing! This book has now turned into one of my all-time favorite angel reads ever. There is so much suspense and mystery surrounding Phoenix in this book - and because of him, all angels are after the same thing. They're off on a hunt that can change the world as we know it - and if these items get into the wrong hands, the imaginings of hell is just the beginning.

Jessica Shirvington's writing and world building is so realistic
- she has created a beautiful story of love and hope, you will not be disappointed in this series.

You can see my review of EMBRACE right here!!!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR - Jessica Shirvington

Jessica Shirvington is the author of THE VIOLET EDEN CHAPTERS 

also known as THE EMBRACE SERIES. 

An entrepreneur, author, and mother living in Sydney, Australia, Jessica is also a 2011 finalist for Cosmopolitan’s annual Fun, Fearless Female Award. She’s also one of the lucky few who met the love of her life at age seventeen: Matt Shirvington, a former Olympian and current sports broadcaster for FOXTEL and Sky News. Married for almost eleven years with two beautiful daughters, Sienna and Winter, Jessica knows her early age romance and its longevity has definitely contributed to how she tackles relationships in her YA novels.

Previously, she founded a coffee distribution company, Stella Imports, in London, and before that was involved in the management of restaurants Fuel Bistro and MG Garage in Sydney. 

Jessica is now a full-time novelist and living her dream.

Official Website, Blog, Goodreads, Facebook, Twitter 

Did you see the amazing new U.S. cover to EMBLAZE!?!?

Emblaze 

(The Violet Eden Chapters #3)

Scheduled release date: March 1st, 2012

SUMMARY

"Once again Violet Eden faces an impossible choice... and the consequences are unimaginable. 

Violet has come to terms with the fact that being part angel, part human, means her life will never be as it was. 

Now Violet has something Phoenix, the exiled angel who betrayed her - will do anything for, and she has no intention of letting it fall into his hands. The only problem is that he has something she needs to. 

Not afraid to raise the stakes, Phoenix seemingly holds all the power, always one step ahead. And when he puts the final pieces of the prophecy together, it doesn't take him long to realize exactly who he needs in order to open the gates of Hell. 

With the help of surprising new allies, ancient prophecies are deciphered, a destination set and, after a shattering confrontation with her father, Violet leaves for the islands of Greece without knowing if she will have a home to return to." 

MY THOUGHTS

I am extremely excited for the third book to this series! 

Even if there is no mention of Lincoln ;)

What do you think of the latest cover release???... of the series???

Waiting On Wednesday #31: All I Need by Susane Colasanti

"Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly meme hosted by  Breaking the Spine. 

This is were we get to 'spotlight' books that we are anxiously waiting to be released! The ones that we are dying to get our hands on and read into the wee hours of the night and, quite possibly, to make our shelves look all pretty too :)

What I am waiting on... 

All I Need

by Susane Colasanti

Expected release date: May 21st, 2013

Published by: Viking Juvenile (Penguin)

SUMMARY

The last night of summer 

is only the beginning.

Skye wants to meet the boy who will change her life forever. Seth feels their instant connection the second he sees her. When Seth starts talking to Skye at the last beach party of the summer, it’s obvious to both of them that this is something real. But when Seth leaves for college before they exchange contact info, Skye wonders if he felt the same way she did—and if she will ever see him again. Even if they find their way back to each other, can they make a long-distance relationship work despite trust issues, ex drama, and some serious background differences?

Teen favorite Susane Colasanti returns to the alternating-voice style of her beloved debut When It Happens in this Serendipity-inspired story about summer, soul mates, and the moments that change our lives forever.

WHY I'M WAITING ON All I Need by Susane Colasanti...

First of all, the cover to this book was just released yesterday!
Isn't it adorable?! and romantic! I love the heart drawn on the sand :)

It sounds like a wonderful love story to get lost in!
I adore Susane's books and writing style...

And when I saw this quote, I know that I am going to really love this story!...

"I believe this to be the most romantic book I’ve written. 
I was going for an epic love story." ~ Susane Colasanti, All I Need

You can see more deets on her blog, here, here AND here!!!

What do you think???

(Oh! and you can see my review of one of her latest releases, Keep Holding On, here!)

AND, what are you waiting for this week?!?!

A "Buzz-Worthy" Review: Embrace by Jessica Shirvington

Embrace
(The Violet Eden Chapters #1)

by Jessica Shirvington 
Release date: March 6th, 2012
Published by: Sourcebooks Fire
Genre: Young Adult - Fantasy and Romance (Angels)
Format read: Hardcopy

SUMMARY

It starts with a whisper: "It's time for you to know who you are..."

On her 17th birthday, everything will change for Violet Eden. The boy she loves will betray her. Her enemy will save her. She will have to decide just how much she's willing to sacrifice. 

Dangerously exciting and darkly romantic, EMBRACE is a compelling novel of good and evil, seductive desires and impossible choices. A centuries old war between fallen angels and the protectors of humanity chooses a new fighter. It's a battle Violet doesn't want, but she lives her life by two rules: don't run and don't quit. If angels seek vengeance and humans are the warriors, you could do a lot worse than betting on Violet Eden. 

LINCOLN: He's been Violet's one anchor, her running partner and kickboxing trainer. Only he never told her he's Grigori--part human, part angel--and that he was training her for an ancient battle between Angels and Exiles. 

PHOENIX: No one knows where his loyalties lie, yet he's the only one there to pick up the pieces and protect her after Lincoln's lies. In a world of dark and light, he is all shades of gray. 

Two sides: Angel or Exile.

Two guys: Lincoln or Phoenix.

The wrong choice could cost not only her life, but her eternity... 

BOOK TRAILER - Embrace by Jessica Shirvington

MY REVIEW

Embrace has got it all - a great paranormal romance with a fast paced story that I was not able to put down. If you know me at all, you know how much I love my angel stories (as much as I love my fairytales), but this story was not like any other angel story that I have read. Shirvington's version of "good vs. bad" angels was exhilarating .. the slightly predictable love triangle between "slightly whiny damsel in distress" with "perfect guy vs. dark and brooding bad boy" wasn't overpowering and in the end left me breathless and seeing that it wasn't so predictable after all.

It's Violet Eden's seventeenth birthday and things are about to change for her. She finds out things about herself and her deceased mother that cannot be ignored. And as more of her mother's history unravels and revelations are made, Violet handles it all just like any other person would - slightly panicked and somewhat in denial, but she keeps her head on straight and focuses on what needs to be done. She is smart, sassy, and be no means not perfect at all. I really felt like I could relate to her and her imperfections. But she was also so very strong and determined, definitely not one to back down, and not afraid to stand up for what she believes in and  protect the people that she cares for.
Now she must decide if she is to embrace her destiny or go on and try to live a normal life.
If she chooses the latter, it will be with much difficulties.

She's known Lincoln for a while now, and is one of the very few people that she trusts. Once I met Lincoln, I could not blame Violet for having a severe crush on him - he is endearing and patient, and you can feel how much he cares for Violet. And as much as Violet thinks she knows him, his likes and dislikes and such, Lincoln is holding back. And when the secrets start to unfold, the consequences are brutal. Violet knows that Lincoln can help her and has the answers to all of her questions, but his slow revelations and over-protectiveness wears Violets patience - why couldn't he have told her everything right from the beginning, she doesn't know if she can ever fully trust him again.

And right on cue, in walks Phoenix - handsome, mysterious and alluring - who wouldn't be attracted to him? He is doesn't hold back and answers Violets questions without much hesitation. But there are some questionable things that he does, things that were a little difficult for me to understand and how Violet wasn't questioning the things that he did and didn't feel threaten by him. In the end, we are told why. And now I understand her enchantment with him. Yes, the dark gorgeous look and vibe for him does make him irresistible, but once the truth comes out, you'll probably want to run away too... or not.

The plot-twists and continuous revelations hooked me right from the beginning! This is definitely an angel series that you won't want to miss out on!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR - Jessica Shirvington

Jessica Shirvington is the author of THE VIOLET EDEN CHAPTERS 

also known as THE EMBRACE SERIES. 

An entrepreneur, author, and mother living in Sydney, Australia, Jessica is also a 2011 finalist for Cosmopolitan’s annual Fun, Fearless Female Award. She’s also one of the lucky few who met the love of her life at age seventeen: Matt Shirvington, a former Olympian and current sports broadcaster for FOXTEL and Sky News. Married for almost eleven years with two beautiful daughters, Sienna and Winter, Jessica knows her early age romance and its longevity has definitely contributed to how she tackles relationships in her YA novels.

Previously, she founded a coffee distribution company, Stella Imports, in London, and before that was involved in the management of restaurants Fuel Bistro and MG Garage in Sydney. 

Jessica is now a full-time novelist and living her dream.

Official Website, Blog, Goodreads, Facebook, Twitter