Review of Slide by Jill Hathaway

Title: Slide
Author: Jill Hathaway
Published by: HarperCollins
Pages: 256
Source: NetGalley/HarperCollins
Format: ebook
Rating:★★★

Summary from Goodreads: Vee Bell is certain of one irrefutable truth—her sister’s friend Sophie didn’t kill herself. She was murdered.

Vee knows this because she was there. Everyone believes Vee is narcoleptic, but she doesn’t actually fall asleep during these episodes: When she passes out, she slides into somebody else’s mind and experiences the world through that person’s eyes. She’s slid into her sister as she cheated on a math test, into a teacher sneaking a drink before class. She learned the worst about a supposed “friend” when she slid into her during a school dance. But nothing could have prepared Vee for what happens one October night when she slides into the mind of someone holding a bloody knife, standing over Sophie’s slashed body.

What an intriguing concept.  While there have been stories about mind readers, Jill Hathaway takes this concept and adds her own twist to it.  The ability to touch something of a person's and be able to "slide" into their mind at that exact same time is mind blowing.  While I personally wouldn't like this gift (or curse whichever way you look at it), I did enjoy reading about someone who did have it.

Vee is an interesting character.  She wants so much to be "normal" or at least have someone to talk to, but the last person she told about her gift didn't believe her and made her see a shrink.  I felt bad for Vee always having to carry this burden around with her alone.  I would hate not being able to control it and seeing everyone's true nature.  Sometimes ignorance is bliss.  I felt the reason that she clung to Zane so quickly is because she couldn't talk to anyone else.

While I enjoyed both the male leading characters of Zane and Rollins, I was also suspect of them.  They were both obviously hiding things and I felt they let Vee down when she needed them the most. 

I loved the mystery that was present in Slide.  I wasn't quite sure what was real or not because it's not like Vee's gift is exact.  I kept switching back between two suspects and trying to figure out their involvement.  My big problem was that the ending felt rushed for me.  There was this big anticipation leading up to figuring out who the killer was and then bam we found out and it's over.  I would have loved to see the ending with a couple of more twists and turns and building to this huge and exciting climax.  Instead it fell flat for me and I was a bit disappointed.

An intriguing concept and a great mystery, and while it didn't blow me away I'm still excited to see where this series goes.  

Top Ten Tuesday

Today I'm participating in Top Ten Tuesday hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.

Top Ten Nine Books I'd Give A Theme Song To (and please tell us the song and why you'd pick it for the book!)

1. Divergent by Veronica Roth.  Good Girls Go Bad by Cobra Starship (ft Leighton Meester).  I choose this song because Tris went from being a good and quiet girl to a fierce chicka.  Gotta love it when characters take a walk on the wild side. 

2. Last Sacrifice by Richelle Mead.  Breakeven by The Scipt.  If you've read this book you know who this song is for. 

3. Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles. I'm Falling Even More in Love With You by Lifehouse.  Alex and Brittany have this amazing love story.  As much as they fight their attraction in the end it's inevitable. 

4. The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater.  The Lighthouse Tale by Nickle Creek.  Sean was such a steady rock during this book.  He was battered had been through hell and back and yet he was a beacon for Puck.

5. Lover Revealed/Lover Unbound by J.R. Ward.  Someone Like You by Adele.  This song is for Vishous.  I still think that somewhere in my ultimate universe he and Butch are a couple. 

6. Beauty Queens by Libba Bray.  Survivor by Destiny's Child.  These ladies seriously know how to kick some butt, plus look refreshed and moisturized while doing it. 

7. The DUFF by Kody Keplinger. The Only Exception by Paramore.  This song just seems to fit the ending. 

8. Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins. Gyspy by Shakira.  This song is so light, funky and fun that it just fits my image of Lola.   

9. Leaving Paradise by Simone Elkeles.  Not Meant To Be by Theory of a Deadman.  I feel like this song is constantly playing through Caleb's mind the entire novel.   

Review of Looking for Alaska by John Green

Title: Looking for Alaska

Author: John Green
Narrator: Jeff Woodman
Published by: Brillance Audio
Length: ca. 7 hr.
Source: Library
Format: Audio book
Rating: ★★★★★

Summary from Goodreads: Miles Halter is fascinated by famous last words - and tired of his safe life at home. He leaves for boarding school to seek what the dying poet Francois Rabelais called the "Great Perhaps." Much awaits Miles at Culver Creek, including Alaska Young. Clever, funny, screwed-up, and dead sexy, Alaska will pull Miles into her labyrinth and catapult him into the Great Perhaps.

For a lot of people Looking for Alaska evokes a love hate relationship.  For me it's purely love.  There is something about John Green's writing (or maybe Jeff Woodman's narrating) that pulled me in from the very first minutes of the story.  Don't get me wrong it is not a happy, uplifting story, but it's raw and real.  I enjoyed everything about this story from the crazy characters to the heartfelt story line.  Are not we all looking for something that could possibly make our lives better or what's the next adventure to be bestowed?  

All of the characters in this novel are quirky and completely memorable.  I only wish that I could have been part of their lives a little longer.  Miles doesn't really have any friends so he decides to go to boarding school to look for something better to happen.  And it does on the first day when he meets his roommate Chip who is called The Colonel and the gorgeous but very moody Alaska.  They have many adventures throughout the year and while there are fun times and pranks, there is also heartbreak and pain.

I love the growth of Miles throughout the novel.  While I'm a little unsure of his complete and utter besmittenness with Alaska, I like where he finds himself at the end of the novel.  While I'm not much for swearing I didn't think that it took away from this novel like it does in others.  It could have been the audio or just that I was so enraptured in the story.  Jeff Woodman has the perfect tone for each of the characters the caught my attention from the minute Miles stepped foot at boarding school.  I immensely enjoyed his narration and I hope to hear him again.

While this wasn't the light book I was hoping for I still fell in love with it and I can't wait to read more of John Green's work. 

Friday Night Date Night

Friday Night Date Night is a feature on my blog that showcases movie review (mostly movies that were adapted from books).  Hopefully some of these reviews will help you decide what to watch on your date night or a night of chillin with the girls.

 

This week instead of posting about a movie I just watched, instead I'm going to discuss the movies based on one authors books...Nicholas Sparks.  I must admit that I used to read a lot of Nicholas Sparks's novels.  They were great love stories and completely moving.  My only problem is that after the third or fourth book they all starting sounding the same. 

 

Just because I haven't read a book of his in a long time, doesn't mean that I stay away from the movies based on his book.  In fact, I'm attracted to them like vampire is to blood.  How can you not be with those leading males...Kevin Costner, Shane West, Ryan Gosling, Richard Gere, Channing Tatum, Liam Hemsworth and now Zac Efron.  I'm drooling just thinking about them.  In case you forgot I'll give you a little reminder.  

  

YUM!  I cannot wait to see The Lucky One.  Which Nicholas Sparks movie is your favorite?  I would have to say either The Notebook or A Walk to Remember, but I'm thinking that will change after I see The Lucky One.   

Want to see more? 

Review of Everneath by Brodi Ashton

Title: Everneath
Author: Brodi Ashton
Published by: HarperCollins Publishers
Pages: 240
Source: NetGalley/Publisher
Format: ebook
Rating: ★★★

Summary from Goodreads: Last spring, Nikki Beckett vanished, sucked into an underworld known as the Everneath, where immortals Feed on the emotions of despairing humans. Now she's returned- to her old life, her family, her friends- before being banished back to the underworld... this time forever.

She has six months before the Everneath comes to claim her, six months for good-byes she can't find the words for, six months to find redemption, if it exists.

Greek Mythology is a huge trend right now in YA lit, and Brodi Ashton is the latest one to join the gang.  Everneath is a retelling/vamped up version of the story of Persephone.  Out of all the gods and goddess I'd choose to be, Hades and Persephone make the bottom of my list.  While I might not necessarily want to be them, but that doesn't mean their story is any less interesting.  In fact, it's quite intriguing because it deals with the Underworld or what Brodi Ashton calls the Everneath. 

Nikki went through what she thought was a traumatic experience and she wanted the pain to go away, so she decided to go to the Everneath to get all her feelings and emotions sucked away by Cole.  There was a lot going on in Nikki life at the time of her decision.  The driver of the car who killed her mother had just been found innocent, and there was a very cute and very popular girl trying to steal her boyfriend Jack.  I understand she's hurting, but she ends up jumping to conclusions and makes a decision that not only affects her but so many other people around her.  I felt like her decision was not only impulsive, but also very selfish.   

I'm not sure if it was the fact that Nikki was drained of all emotion but she felt really flat as a character for me.  In fact, I felt no real attachment to anyone in the story.  Cole is an interesting character, but we don't get to learn enough about him to become invested.  I did like Jack, but again I would have liked some more depth from him.  I actually enjoyed him more in Nikki's memories of before.  He seemed fun and full of life, then Nikki left and he fell apart.

The story itself was intriguing and it was quite a mystery with Nikki trying to find a way to not get sucked back into the tunnels. The story was a little anticlimactic until the end, which by the way...I was not a fan of.  I understand why Brodi Ashton ended the novel how she did and it was a bit romantic, but that still doesn't mean I have to like it.  

I had high hopes for Everneath and while it didn't meet my expectations, I still did enjoy the story and it was fun to learn a little more Greek mythology.

What makes you reread a book?

Are you a rereader? 

This is a question that most people answer easily as either yes or no...for me I'm going to say sometimes.  At times I feel like my TBR pile is too big and there is no way I have time to reread a book, but other times I find myself rereading one anyway.

 

That got me thinking about rereading and why I tend to reread (or read, then listen to the audio or even listen to the audio twice) some books and not others. 

So what's my critierion (it has to be one of the following, but not necessarily all of the following):
1. It's one of my favorites
2. I forgot what happened and/or I want to read the next book in the series
3. The movie is coming out
4. I heard the audio was amazing
5. We are discussing it in bookclub that month
6. I've joined a read-along

So that brings me to you...What makes you reread a book?

Top Ten Tuesday

Today I'm participating in Top Ten Tuesday hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.

February 21: Top Ten Books I'd Quickly Save If My House Was Going To Be Abducted By Aliens (or any other natural disaster...you get the drift. )

1. The Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling.  These books mean so much to me and hold so many memories (like standing in line at midnight for each new book and then staying up all night to finish it), that I'd be so sad to see them go. 

2. The Perfect Chemistry series by Simone Elkeles.  These are signed so they would be hard for me to replace, plus if I got sick of looking at those green men I could lose myself in the Fuentes brothers and be just fine and dandy.

3. I Can Be Anything by Jerry Spinelli.  This is actually my niece’s book that I bought for her.  I read it to her almost every night (yes I have the amazing opportunity of living with her...along with my sister and brother-in-law) and in all actuality this would be the first book I would save just so she'd have something familiar.

4. Beauty Queens by Libba Bray.  Not only would I need a hilarious book at this point, but it also has so great survival tips (and beauty tips...I might need them, you never know when you're going to meet Mr. Right).

5. My great-grandmother’s cookbook, and my grandmother's recipe book.  I don't know if these count, but they hold so much sentimental value and are irreplaceable.

6. The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks.  This is the second week in a row Nicholas Sparks has made my list and haven’t read a book by him in years.  Nicholas Sparks is the first author event I ever went to and this is one of my first signed books.  It will always hold a place in my heart.

7. Graceling by Kristin Cashore.  Maybe Katsa can give me some tips on how to kick these green men's butts. 

8. Any book by Melina Marchetta.  She's my favorite YA author and I would definitely feel comforted just by having her books near.

9. The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein. To remind me that even when I don't have much left to keep on giving.  

10.  All the books on my iPad.  It's not really the books at this point because they are replaceable, but I need that lifeline of a phone/wireless device. 

Review of Never Eighteen by Megan Bostic

Title: Never Eighteen
Author: Megan Bostic
Published by: HMH Children's Books
Pages: 204
Source: Library
Format: Paperback
Rating: ★★★★

Summary from Goodreads: I had the dream again. The one where I’m running. I don’t know what from or where to, but I’m scared, terrified really.

Austin Parker is never going to see his eighteenth birthday. At the rate he’s going, he probably won’t even see the end of the year. But in the short time he has left there’s one thing he can do: He can try to help the people he loves live—even though he never will.

It’s probably hopeless.

But he has to try.

Heartbreaking and hopeful; this is a story you won't soon forget.  The majority of the story follows a weekend where Austin has a very important agenda.  He wants certain people to realize they are not living their lives, but instead living a shadow of it, including himself.  He recruits his best friend Kaylee, who he's secretly in love with, to be his chauffer on this important journey. 

Each of Austin's visits touch your heart a little.  While some are sad, and others crazily unexpected, each one is there for a specific reason.  The more people Austin visited or the more adventures he tried, I gained more respect for him then I can even begin to express.  While he was going through the hardest time in his life, he reached out to others.  Hopefully each person he visits feels a little better and realizes to cherish their life and start living it.   

The ending tore me apart.  I was expecting what happened, but still I couldn't stop the tears.  I felt like I got a glimpse into this amazing person's life and I wanted more than he had left to give. 

Never Eighteen was a stunning debut that left me heartbroken, but also gave me hope and courage to live my life to its fullest. 

Review of After by Amy Efaw

Title: After
Author: Amy Efaw
Published by: Penguin Audiobooks
Length: 9 sound discs (ca. 10 hr.)
Source: Library
Format: Audiobook
Rating: ★★★

Summary from Goodreads:  An infant left in the trash to die. A teenage mother who never knew she was pregnant . . .

Before That Morning, these were the words most often used to describe straight-A student and star soccer player Devon Davenport: responsible, hardworking, mature. But all that changes when the police find Devon home sick from school as they investigate the case of an abandoned baby. Soon the connection is made—Devon has just given birth; the baby in the trash is hers. After That Morning, there's only one way to define Devon: attempted murderer.

This was an extremely hard book to listen to.  It had nothing to do with the author's writing or the narrator.  Both are wonderful, but the actual story itself is one of those stories that makes you squirm a little and question everything.  There were often times that I just needed to turn it off and listen to some bubble gum pop just to wipe my mind of this story.  The whole time I listened to this book my head raged with different opinions.  They changed so often during the story that I'm still not sure what I think about the situation.

Amy Efaw has a way of turning your previous thoughts and reactions to a situation completely upside down.  My first thought about this book was that this young girl must have been so ridiculously terrified and my second thought is how could she?  There were parts where I despised Devon and other parts that I felt sorry for her.  I'm not sure if I'm exactly comfortable with the fact that Amy Efaw manipulated my emotions like Play-Doh, but I guess that is testament to her skill as a writer.

Throughout the novel you discover more about Devon's journey and her complete and utter denial of her pregnancy.  I'm am no psychologist, so I don't really understand the whole denial to the point of not realize you were pregnant until giving birth.  I'm sure this happens, but for me it is not something I can truly grasp.  There were also times that Devon seemed so naive that it just baffled me.  I found myself feeling very protective of her one minute and horrified by her the next. 

After is the type of novel that will stick with me for a long time.  I'm not really sure what I think about the situation and I'm hopeful that I never have to serve on a jury dealing with this issue.  Part of me wishes I was ignorant about situations like these so I don't have to deal with the emotions and trying to figure out my thoughts.  All I know is I'm glad I read this novel, but I definitely need a light and fluffy book in my future.

Friday Night Date Night

Friday Night Date Night is a feature on my blog that showcases movie review (mostly movies that were adapted from books).  Hopefully some of these reviews will help you decide what to watch on your date night or a night of chillin with the girls.

Every 30 seconds someone starts reading a Harry Potter book.  How flippin amazing is that?!?!  J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series has changed lives.  Everyone has their own unique story about their Harry Potter experience, whether it started their love affair with reading or just turned them onto a new genre.  When I was perusing the library I noticed a movie called Magic Beyond Words: The J.K. Rowling Story. Being the huge Harry Potter buff that I am I just had to check it out.

 

This movie tracks J.K. Rowling's life, specifically following her writing career of the first Harry Potter novel.  We experience a peek into the emotionally and sometimes trying times of J.K.'s (Joanne) life.  She always wanted to be a writer from a young age but was often discourage from it and told to obtain a more practical degree.  The story follows the loss of her mother, her first marriage and divorce and being a single mother on welfare all the while trying to write a book.  It later follows how Joanne obtained an agent who made her change her name.  It so happened that Joanne wasn't given a middle name so she decided to add on her grandmother's name, Kathleen, making her the infamous J.K. Rowling. The movie closes with the sale of her first book and the opening night of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.   

Poppy Montgomery does a fantastic job at playing the adult Joanne.  I felt like I was really watching Joanne's struggles and I felt so bad for her.  I was also amazed at how down to earth she seemed.  Hopefully someday I'll get to meet J.K. Rowling to see if that part is true or not. 

 

Overall, I really enjoyed this movie.  It was cute, light and just plain wonderful.   

 

Want to learn more?

 

 

 

Review of The Whole Story of Half a Girl by Veera Hiranandani

Title: The Whole Story of Half a Girl
Author: Veera Hiranandani
Published by: Delacorte Books for Young Readers
Pages: 224
Source: Library
Format: Hardcover
Rating: ★★★

Summary from Goodreads: After her father loses his job, Sonia Nadhamuni, half Indian and half Jewish American, finds herself yanked out of private school and thrown into the unfamiliar world of public education. For the first time, Sonia's mixed heritage makes her classmates ask questions—questions Sonia doesn't always know how to answer—as she navigates between a group of popular girls who want her to try out for the cheerleading squad and other students who aren't part of the "in" crowd.

A delightful coming of age story about a modern girl was is part Jewish, part Indian and 100% confused.  Sonia's life gets upended when her father loses his job and she is forced to transfer from her small tight-knit school that she's grown up in to a public middle school.  Life is tough at this age.  You had to feel bad for Sonia who not only gets thrust into a public education after coming from a school with no grade assignments and only 1 teacher who sticks with the same class for multiple years, but also leaving all her friends and everything she knows. 

Like all new kids it takes Sonia awhile to find out who her true friends are.  She meets Kate who seems fun, super nice, and popular, but at times acts a bit uneasy around Sonia.  I wasn't really sure what to think of Kate.  She seemed really nice at first, but then you'd catch these glimpses that seemed like she was almost embarrassed by Sonia.  That is one thing I can't tolerate in a friend.  Sure we all do things to embarrass ourselves and others, but to be embarrassed by someone because of who they are is just plain rude!  I started to get a bad vibe from Kate at that point, but like Sonia's parents I had to trust Sonia to make her own decisions.

Like moving to a new school isn't enough of a transition, things at home are not what they used to be.  Sonia's father is very moody and depressed since he lost his job and it takes it's toll on the whole family.  Everyone feels alone and awkward at times, but it takes Sonia a while find her footing and to realize what's really important in life. 

While the novel was a little young for my usual taste, Veera Hiranandani did an good job and making the little everyday situations come to life.  Everything seemed so real and it was almost as if you could transpose this novel into your own childhood.  It was a bit slow at times and I felt the chapters just sort of ended without a true transition, but overall a delightful read.

Review of Hold Still by Nina LaCour

Title: Hold Still
Author: Nina LaCour
Published by: Speak/Penguin Group
Pages: 231
Source: Bought
Format: Paperback
Rating: ★★★★

Summary from Goodreads: In the wake of her best friend Ingrid's suicide, Caitlin is left alone, struggling to find hope and answers. When she finds the journal Ingrid left behind for her, she begins a journey of understanding and broadening her horizons that leads her to new friendships and first love. Nina LaCour brings the changing seasons of Caitlin's first year without Ingrid to life with emotion, honesty, and captivating writing.

Heart-wrenching, poignant and captivating.  Hold Still is a novel that starts with heartbreak and guides us along Caitlin's healing process.  While at times this novel was difficult to read, it was also beautiful exploring Caitlin's and Ingrid's relationship and how Caitlin deals with being left behind.  It was such a raw novel and Nina LaCour made you go through the spectrum of emotions never expecting what was going to happen next.  

I can't imagine being Caitlin.  She's lost and confused after Ingrid's suicide.  She really doesn't know who she is as a person without her best friend there.  Soon she discovers Ingrid's journal underneath her bed and page by page she starts to understand more about Ingrid's disease and gains information about a side of her that Caitlin never knew.  By the end of the novel Caitlin turned out to be a thoughtful and very delightful character.

While Caitlin takes over the majority of this novel there were also some wonderful side characters.  Dylan is a spunky, spitfire of a character who is so unique you get a bit excited because she feel like a breath of fresh air.  She seems so cool that I was almost intimidated by her and yet she always seemed to know the right thing to say and do.  And what are YA novels without a little bit of a love interest.  At first I was suspicious of Taylor, but by the end of the novel I felt immense gratitude for him.  He is just a plain wonderful guy.  Dylan and Taylor came into Caitlin's life at the perfect time and seemed to reach out a hand as she was drowning in her grief. 

Nina LaCour wrote a beautiful novel.  Not only do we get to experience each stage of Caitlin's grief, but we also get to see her take back control of her life.  Caitlin meets some new wonderful people and finds out how to keep Ingrid in her heart, while also making room for new people. Hold Still was powerful story that will leave you with a bit more strength and a lot more hope for life.     

Top Ten Tuesday

Today I'm participating in Top Ten Tuesday hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.

Top Ten Eleven Books That Broke Your Heart A Little (this year we're going ANTI-Valentine's Day :P )

1. If I Stay by Gail Forman.  Mia had to make the hardest decision of her life in this novel.  I can’t even imagine the pain she was going through and would continue to go through.  I'm pretty sure I cried the entire way through this novel. 

2. The Life You Longed For by Maribeth Fischer.  This novel was so heartbreaking.  It swept you up emotionally through the pain, longing, and hope.

3. Any book by Lurlene McDaniel.  I used to read all of her book when I was young.  Each one was so sad and someone always died.  I don't know why I kept reading them when all I did was cry by the end of the book.

4. Between Shades of Grey by Ruta Sepetys.  Another story of heartache and grief.   Not only was it about survival, but also about a tremendous journey and overcoming dire circumstances.

5. The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson.  My sister is the closest person to me and I couldn't imagine having to live even one day without her.  This book examines that bond and how to move on after losing a sister.

6. Marley & Me by John Grogan.  It seriously took me like 2 hours to read the last couple of pages because I was crying so hard I couldn’t see the pages anymore.  I knew what was going to happen, but emotionally it was too much for me to handle.  

7. A Walk to Remeber by Nicholas Sparks.  I have to admit I'm not a huge Nicholas Sparks fan now, but about 10 or so years ago I read a lot of him.  This novel left me breathless and so sad.  I can't even watch the movie without crying at least once.

8. Sisterhood Everlasting by Ann Brashares.  I'm not sure if it was because the end of a series or because of the circumstances in this book, but it left me feeling lost and a bit empty (in a good way if that is possible).

9. Shadow Kiss by Richelle Mead.  The ending of this book was crazy emotional and completely unexpected.  I was so hurt and shocked that it took me days to sort out my emotions.

10. Lover Unbound by J.R. Ward.  When I really connect with a character I am fiercely protective of them.  So at the end of this novel I was not only heartbroken, I was actually quite upset.  I felt that Vishous had been through enough in his life and then to deal him that hand was downright mean.   

11. Harry Potter (books 5-7) by J.K. Rowling.  These last three books had very important people die.  I understand a war was going on and there had to be causalities, but that doesn't mean it hurt any less.   

Adult Review of Lover Unbound by J.R. Ward

Title: Lover Unbound (Black Dagger Brotherhood #5)

Author: J.R. Ward

Published by: Penguin Group
Pages: 528
Source: Bought
Format: ebook
Rating: ★★★★

Summary from Goodreads:  The ruthless and brilliant brother Vishous possesses a destructive curse and a frightening ability to see the future. As a member of the Brotherhood, he has no interest in love or emotion, only the battle with the Lessening Society. But when a mortal injury puts him in the care of a human surgeon, Dr. Jane Whitcomb compels him to reveal his inner pain and taste true pleasure for the first time-until a destiny he didn't choose takes him into a future that does not include her...

Hot, sexy and completely yummy.  Vishous has lived a hard life.  Harder than many could even imagine.  I was quite surprised when I learned about his background.  I really shouldn't have been because it seems that each of the brothers led a harsh life before they came into the Black Dagger Brotherhood, but still after the shock of Zsadist's story I thought all the horror was behind us.  Vishous not only lives with the memories of his past, but also has to live everyday with a curse that could hurt those around him.

After a couple of crazy surprises and mixed emotions, Vishous is seriously injured and left in the hands of Dr. Jane Whitcomb.  Jane is strong willed, determined, and a great match for Vishous.  (Though I'm definitely thinking I would have been the better match.) They have the greatest chemistry because it's not all lovey and sappy.  They challenge each other, which seems to only add fuel to their already smoking fire.  While the other couples of the Black Dagger Brotherhood were hot, Vishous and Jane were Apocalyptic, burning meteor scorching.   

I came to really care about Vishous in Lover Unbound.  His story was one of overcoming challenges and finding out his true identity.  While Zsadist's story was heartbreaking and amazing, Vishous is my vampire though and though.  I take him and everything that come with his life including his past, Butch, his penthouse, and his mother.  That leaves me with the ending of Lover Unbound.  Seriously, seriously, seriously.  Are you flipping kidding me?  So ridiculously upset by this ending.  I felt it was more than a tad bit cruel.  Hasn't he been though enough?

So may I serve as a warning.  Lover Unbound is simply amazing, but watch out for the ending.

Friday Night Date Night

Friday Night Date Night is a feature on my blog that showcases movie review (mostly movies that were adapted from books).  Hopefully some of these reviews will help you decide what to watch on your date night or a night of chillin with the girls.

When I first saw previews for this movie I was really disappointed.  None of the actors fit the images I had of these characters in my mind.  My besties and I decided last Friday night we were going to have a girls night and do dinner and a movie.  Since we have all read One for the Money that's what we decided to see.

First when we got there a bunch of older ladies and their husbands were walking out of the theater.  It was really cute because each of the women were explaining different aspects of the novels to their husbands.  They all seemed to be happy and were smiling so we decided the movie couldn't have been that bad.

 

I don't know if it helped that I had such low expectations, but this movie didn't turn out to be as bad as I thought it was going to be.  The actors grew on me after a while (though I'm still not a huge fan of Katherine Heigl as Stephanie Plum) but Ranger was a lot more talkative than he was in the book and Stephanie dressed a lot cuter in the movie. 

This movie was packed with action, adventure, and lots of laughs.  They left out some material from the novel but that is to be expected and actually some of it I'm glad they left off, because I'm scared it would have been to graphic in movie form. 

 

Overall, I enjoyed the movie and I'm curious to find out if they will continue on with the series or not.

 

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Review of The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater

Title: The Scorpio Races
Author: Maggie Stiefvater
Published by: Scholastic Audio
Length: 12 hrs., 7 min.
Source: Library
Format: Audiobook
Rating: ★★★★★

Summary from Goodreads: It happens at the start of every November: the Scorpio Races. Riders attempt to keep hold of their water horses long enough to make it to the finish line. Some riders live. Others die.

At age nineteen, Sean Kendrick is the returning champion. He is a young man of few words, and if he has any fears, he keeps them buried deep, where no one else can see them.

Puck Connolly is different. She never meant to ride in the Scorpio Races. But fate hasn’t given her much of a chance. So she enters the competition — the first girl ever to do so. She is in no way prepared for what is going to happen.

An action packed and thrilling adventure.  The Scorpio Races is a novel that will capture not only your attention, but your heart.  These water horses are like no other.  They are viscous and out for blood, but that makes the races all the more exciting.  While men are after Puck, because they don't wait a girl in their race, they are also aiming for Sean since he is the current champion and the one to beat.  The whole time you are wondering not only who will be at the finish line first, but also who will survive the race itself.     

The main characters, Puck and Sean have amazing chemistry.  Their romance is quite slow moving and in fact really innocent, but the way they act around each other, as if no one else on the Island really gets them, but they can see into each other's soul.  Puck's loud and outspoken, whereas Sean is a man of few words, yet inside they are both brave and courageous.  They have a way with horses that shows tenderness and wisdom.  They are thrown together under usual circumstances, and while their attraction grows they both know there can only be one winner.     

This novel is told in alternating view points between Puck and Sean.  It was interesting getting to see both sides of the events and to understand their growing attraction even before they do.  Steve West and Fiona Hardingham did a wonderful job narrating this book.  Their voices and inflections seems to fit the characters so well that I really thought I was listening to Puck and Sean tell their story.  Plus every time Steve/Sean said "Kate Connolly" I got a little chill. 

This was surprisingly wonderful read that is so much more than a story about waterhorses.  It's really the story of an island and a way of life.  

By the way, did anyone who read this story think that Puck's brother Gabe had a reason for leaving the island, mayhaps being in love with an inappropriate women?  Am I the only one who thought this?  

Review of Ditched: A Love Story by Robin Mellom

Title: Ditched: A Love Story
Author: Robin Mellom
Published by: Disney-Hyperion
Pages: 288
Source: Library
Format: Hardcover
Rating: ★★★★

Summary from Goodreads: High school senior Justina Griffith was never the girl who dreamed of going to prom. Designer dresses and strappy heels? Not her thing. So she never expected her best friend, Ian Clark, to ask her. Ian, who promised her the most amazing night at prom. And then ditched her.

Never let your mom pick out your prom dress.  This is the first think I want to tell Justina.  Somehow I think her whole night would have been a lot simpler if Justina would have followed those prom magazines and not let her mom dress her in head-to-toe blue, with shoes dyed to match and a blue corsage.  Next I want to tell her to bring a tide pen with her.  This poor girl gets into more incidents with food and she's got the stains to prove it.

Justina had the prom night from hell.  She is was super excited to go to prom with Ian her best friend, which she hopes who become more than her best friend by the end of the night.  It seems things are not aligned in her stars though, because it seems if something was supposed to go wrong on prom night it did.  She gets in to scrape after scrape with the finale being ditched on the side of the road without her purse or cell phone.

The story is told from the morning after prom while Justina explains her night to the gas station attendant she stumbled upon while trying to walk home after her disaster of a night.  It is told by the series of stains and how they appeared on Justina's dress along with the gas station food that is consumed during the venting session.  It is a cute and quirky read that was fast and very enjoyable.  Some parts were a little slow, but it was nice that everything tied together in the end. 

What's your favorite love story? & Giveaway

So since February is considered the month of love and Saint Valentine's Day is a week away I thought I would spread some love with a giveaway.

While planning this giveaway it got me thinking about what was my favorite love story.  I actually don't have a clue what my favorite love story is. 

The first that comes to mind is Romeo and Juliet, yet I'm not sure I want to classify it as my favorite love story because they die.  I want happily ever after.  I loved Wuthering Heights and Heathcliff's insane love for Cathy, but at the same time I wouldn't want their story to be my love story.  I also loved Gone With The Wind, yet again not the greatest ending for a love story. 

And sure there are some great ones out their now but I'm trying to think of something epic, so at last I turn to you.  What is your favorite love story?

So you may ask, Lisa what is the point of all this endless babble.  While, first like I asked above, I want to know what your favorite love story is and second I'm giving you the chance to win a "love story" of your choice.  It can be your favorite or any random "love story."  It's up to you!

Giveaway Rules:

The contest runs until Tuesday, February 14, 2012 at 11:59pm (CST)

You must be 13 years of age or older to enter

You must fill out this FORM!

This contest is only open to participants both from the US and internationally
Once the email is sent to the winner they will have three days to respond or a new winner will be chosen

 

**I am not responsible for any lost or damaged items.  (I haven't had any lost or damaged and I really hope that none will be)

Adult Review of Lover Revealed by J.R. Ward

Title: Lover Revealed (Black Dagger Brotherhood #4)
Author: J.R. Ward
Published by: Penguin Group
Pages: 332
Source: Bought
Format: ebook
Rating: ★★★★★

Summary from Goodreads: Butch O'Neal is a fighter by nature. A hard-living ex-homicide cop, he's the only human ever to be allowed in the inner circle of the Black Dagger Brotherhood. And he wants to go even deeper into the vampire world-to engage in the turf war with the lessers. His heart belongs to a female vampire, Marissa, an aristocratic beauty who's way out of his league. And if he can't have her, then at least he can fight side by side with the Brothers.

But fate curses him with the very thing he wants. When Butch sacrifices himself to save a civilian vampire from the slayers, he falls prey to the darkest force in the war. Left for dead, he's found by a miracle, and the Brotherhood calls on Marissa to bring him back, though even her love may not be enough to save him.

Another wild ride with the Black Dagger Brotherhood.  This time around it's Butch's story.  I always liked Butch because he's a little ruff and rugged around the edges.  He somehow incorporated his human butt into the dangerous mix of the brotherhood.  Because of his human strength and abilities he was always around to help, but yet never really became part of the action. 

Even though Butch isn't a brother or even a vampire, that doesn't mean he didn't fall for one.  Butch and Marissa have seemed to dance around their attraction for a while.  I'm glad that in Lover Revealed it is faced head on.  I thought it was sweet that even though they come from two different worlds (literally and figuratively) that they still care for one another and are willing to risk it all to be together.  Marissa is so polite and refined and I love how tenderly Butch treats her.  He seems to transform around her and she definitely softens those edges.

Though all of the Black Dagger Brotherhood books involve a vampire and it's soon to be mate (along with lots of steamy scenes that will leave you feeling quite toasty) they have a huge theme of brotherhood and loyalty.  This is what I love most about the series.  In Lover Revealed it explores the bond between Butch and Vishous.  In fact, I never really thought much about Vishous before and now I'm obsessed.  Good thing the next book Lover Unbound is his story.  I can't wait!

Friday Night Date Night

Friday Night Date Night is a feature on my blog that showcases movie review (mostly movies that were adapted from books).  Hopefully some of these reviews will help you decide what to watch on your date night or a night of chillin with the girls.

The other day I picked up Cinder by Marissa Meyer and it got me thinking about all the fairy tale retellings happening in YA literature.  I figured what a perfect time to watch The Grimm Brothers.

 

While I usually enjoy any movie featuring Matt Damon and Heath Ledger, this movie wasn't for me.  I never really understood what was happening or what was real or not.  Frankly, it was confusing and not an enjoyable movie watching experience for me.

 

I did, however, like the small bits of the classic fairy tales that were involved.  I liked guessing at which scene or action matched with each fairy tale.  It was almost like a puzzle or quiz for me.  

 

As for the acting I did enjoy but Matt Damon as William Grimm and Heath Ledger as Jacob Grimm.  I loved that Jacob was a dreamer and really believed in all the magic behind fairy tales.  I wish Will would have believed in his brother more and not put him down so much.    

 

There were a couple of things beside the confusion that I didn't enjoy.  I'm not much for creepy bugs and this movie had a lot of them.  They were enchanted and 10 times worse then your normal creepy bugs (which scare the living daylights out of me anyway).  Yuck!  I also didn't like the cruelty towards the horses in a couple of scenes.  It made me really sad and I actually almost turned off the movie because of this.  

 

Has anyone else seen this movie?  If so, what did you think?

 

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