In My Mailbox

In My Mailbox is a post where I tell you the books that I received this week either by buying them from the bookstore, going to the library or from my mailbox. In My Mailbox was inspired by Alea and turned into a meme by Kristi.

Saving June by Hannah Harrington

Everyone's sorry. But no one can explain why.

Harper Scott's older sister, June, took her own life a week before high school graduation, leaving Harper devastated. So when her divorcing parents decide to split up June's ashes, Harper steals the urn and takes off cross-country with her best friend, Laney, to the one place June always dreamed of going—California.

Enter Jake Tolan, a boy with a bad attitude, a classic-rock obsession…and an unknown connection to June. 

When he insists on joining them, Harper's just desperate enough to let him. With his alternately charming and infuriating demeanor and his belief that music can see you through anything, he might be exactly what Harper needs. Except…Jake's keeping a secret that has the power to turn her life upside down—again.

Contest Saturday

Here are some contests that are currently going on right now in the blogosphere that are book related. Click the links to enter them. I will try to hold my own contest each month.

Win a copy of False Memory HERE. Ends 7/30

Win a copy of Amelia Anne is Dead and Gone HERE. Ends 7/31

Win a copy of On Fire HERE. Ends 8/1

Win an apocalypsies starter pack HERE. Ends 8/5

To the Cinema! #16

This post is similar to a Books to Come post, but will only feature MOVIES that I am excited about releasing. I will include trailers for your viewing pleasure. I'll probably only do this monthly so it doesn't push out reviews that I need to post.

Sparkle

Compliance

Lawless

One Breath Away by Heather Gudenkauf

Title: One Breath Away
Author: Heather Gudenkauf
Publisher: Harlequin
Acquired: Received free for an honest review
Age Group: Young Adult
Grade: 87% or B+
Buy It: Amazon

In the midst of a sudden spring snowstorm, an unknown man armed with a gun walks into an elementary school classroom. Outside the school, the town of Broken Branch watches and waits.

Officer Meg Barrett holds the responsibility for the town's children in her hands. Will Thwaite, reluctantly entrusted with the care of his two grandchildren by the daughter who left home years earlier, stands by helplessly and wonders if he has failed his child again. Trapped in her classroom, Evelyn Oliver watches for an opportunity to rescue the children in her care. And thirteen-year-old Augie Baker, already struggling with the aftermath of a terrible accident that has has brought her to Broken Branch, will risk her own safety to protect her little brother.

As tension mounts with each passing minute, the hidden fears and grudges of the small town are revealed as the people of Broken Branch race to uncover the identity of the stranger who holds their children hostage.

My Thoughts::
Any book that can give me the feel of a Jodi Picoult book without all of the court mumbo jumbo that is kind of hard to understand and takes me out of the story. When I read the summary of this book I was immediately interested. I felt invested in the story already and wanted to see how things would turn out.

Usually multiple narrators makes the story choppy and hard to understand because there is too much going on and it's hard to keep track of everything. But with books that take place in such a short amount of time you want to get as much out of the story as possible. It was done very well in this book. Things moved fluidly from one character to the next and did it in such a way that kept up the suspense until the big reveal at the end.

Let's talk more about this suspense and mystery. Through each narrator's chapters they ask the same question; Who is is in the school with the gun? Each character offers different clues and different ideas about who it could be. Everytime I thought I knew something about who the man was, another character would disprove my theory. I was kept guessing until the very end and I had no clue. That was the best part. Usually I'm able to figure it out before the reveal, but this time I couldn't.

I was able to connect to all of the characters in different ways which made me see the story from several different angles. You can see how carefully the narrators were chosen by the author because they all just fit together perfectly and help you get the most knowledge about the situation.

Overall I think this was a book that can really hit you hard because of it's serious content. There was plenty of action and suspense to keep you on your toes the entire time.

Winner: Summer Lovin Giveaway Hop

And the winner of the Summer Lovin Giveaway Hop (a copy of Flipped by Wendelin Van Draanen) is.....

Bookworm Lisa

Congrats Lisa!! I have already e-mailed you. If you don't reply within 48 hours a new winner will be chosen.

Thanks to everyone who entered!

The books from this giveaway and the last one will be sent out this weekend.

My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick

Title: My Life Next Door
Author: Huntley Fitzpatrick
Publisher: Penguin Group (USA) Incorporated
Acquired: Received free for an honest review
Age Group: Young Adult
Grade: 91% or A-
Buy It: Amazon

The Garretts are everything the Reeds are not. Loud, numerous, messy, affectionate. And every day from her balcony perch, seventeen-year-old Samantha Reed wishes she was one of them . . . until one summer evening, Jase Garrett climbs her terrace and changes everything. As the two fall fiercely in love, Jase's family makes Samantha one of their own. Then in an instant, the bottom drops out of her world and she is suddenly faced with an impossible decision. Which perfect family will save her? Or is it time she saved herself?

A dreamy summer read, full of characters who stay with you long after the story is over.

My Thoughts::
I requested this book while I was in a bit of a requesting spree on netgalley. It didn't sound like the typical book that I would request, but I just can't help myself when in comes to books that includes large families. My immediate family is only a little larger than average, but my mom came from a huge family and I've always loved reading about them when I was younger.

The plot and the way that the story was told reminded me of Sarah Dessen's books, which is a great compliment. I was enveloped by all parts of the story, not just the romance. I love getting to know the family and other side characters that aren't just the usual two best friends. Jase was the swoon worthiest character that I've had the pleasure of reading so far this summer. He was so caring and a great big brother. All of the characters really flew off of the page but I especially loved Jase's little brother George.

The plot was slow at some points and Samantha really got on my nerves at times. She would know the right thing to do, but still not do it, causing more to be ruined in the process. Her best friend bothered me even more. It really showed me how everyone can see a situation differently.

Overall I think that this book had a great romance and some fantastic characters that helped boost up the lackluster ones. This is a great summer read.

Top Ten Tuesday: For People Who Liked The Hunger Games

 

Top Ten Tuesdays is hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.

This week's top ten is...

Top Ten Books For People Who Like X Book (Pick a book and pick 10 readalikes). I chose The Hunger Games.

1. Gone by Michael Grant
2. Dark Parties by Sara Grant
3. The Maze Runner by James Dashner
4. Candor by Pam Bachorz
5. Divergent by Veronica Roth
6. The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness
7. Blood Red Road by Moira Young
8. All These Things I've Done by Gabrielle Zevin

In My Mailbox

In My Mailbox is a post where I tell you the books that I received this week either by buying them from the bookstore, going to the library or from my mailbox. In My Mailbox was inspired by Alea and turned into a meme by Kristi.


Between You & Me by Marisa Calin

Phyre knows there is something life-changing about her new drama teacher, Mia, from the moment they meet. As Phyre rehearses for the school play, she comes to realize that the unrequited feelings she has for Mia go deeper than she’s ever experienced. Especially with a teacher. Or a woman. All the while, Phyre’s best friend—addressed throughout the story in the second person, as "you"—stands by, ready to help Phyre make sense of her feelings. But just as Mia doesn’t understand what Phyre feels, Phyre can’t fathom the depth of her best friend’s feelings . . . until it’s almost too late for a happy ending. Characters come to life through the innovative screenplay format of this dazzling debut, and unanswered questions—is "you" male or female?—will have readers talking.

Contest Saturday

Here are some contests that are currently going on right now in the blogosphere that are book related. Click the links to enter them. I will try to hold my own contest each month.

Win a June/July release HERE. Ends 7/16

Win a copy of I Am (Not) The Walrus HERE. Ends 7/18

Win a copy of Shut Up HERE. Ends 7/19

Win a copy of False Memory HERE. Ends 7/30

Book Tour: The Sundered by Ruthanne Reid Review/Giveaway

Author's Site / Twitter / Facebook

Goddess Fish Tour Site / Twitter / Facebook

Title: The Sundered

Author: Ruthanne Reid

Publisher: 4th Floor Publication

Acquired: Received free for an honest review
Age Group: Young Adult
Grade: 84% or B
Buy It: Amazon  

Harry Iskinder knows the rules. Don't touch the water, or it will pull you under. Conserve food, because there’s no arable land. Use Sundered slaves gently, or they die too quickly to be worthwhile.

With extinction on the horizon and a world lost to deadly flood, Harry searches for a cure: the Hope of Humanity, the mysterious artifact that gave humans control over the Sundered centuries ago. According to legend, the Hope can fix the planet.

But the Hope holds more secrets than Harry knows. Powerful Sundered Ones willingly bow to him just to get near it. Ambitious enemies pursue him, sure that the Hope is a weapon. Friends turn their backs, afraid Harry will choose wrong.

And Harry has a choice to make. The time for sharing the Earth is done. Either the Sundered survive and humanity ends, or humanity lives for a while, but the Sundered are wiped out.

He never wanted this choice. He still has to make it. In his broken, flooded world, Hope comes with a price.

 

My Thoughts::

I've been a part of several book touring sites for a while now yet this is the first tour I signed up for. Since I feel the responsibility that comes with being a tour host is great, I was really picky in choosing the book's and authors that I would want to represent so personally. Once I saw the synopsis for The Sundered, I knew that this was the book to break me out of my touring shell. I was wildly interested in the plot and could hardly hold myself back to wait to read it closer to tour.

Even though my expectations were so high along with my excitement levels for this book, I was not disappointed. We jump into the story right away which initially led to a bit of confusion. Thankfully the world and it's customs are explained thoroughly starting almost right away. The mystery along the way is enough to keep anyone interested, but we also get action, suspense, a little romance, and betrayal. And of course let us not forget the ethical questions that are on the shoulders of our main character.

The characters didn't pop out of this book for me, except for a few. I liked our main character Harry, but The Sundered Ones he traveled with overshadowed him. I became much more interested in the storyline than I did in Harry. I did like him though, and that was enough for me. The Sundered Ones that we get to know are so compelling and I loved Harry's conversations with them. The little clues that were given always brought something to light while also causing us to have more questions. I felt like I was alongside Harry, trying to figure everything out and what the solution could be.

The ending of the book was a real shocker and a scary...almost pleasing, turn of events. Usually an ending like this would be my favorite part of the book, but not this time. Instead I loved the questions that this book made me ask myself and the revelations that I've had to make about what the human race is capable of. If this book interests you at all, do not pass it up!

Giveaway!
Ruthanne is giving away a $5 Amazon Gift Card to one commenter at every stop. She is also giving away a $50 Amazon Gift Card to one commenter at the end of the entire tour. You can comment on as many blogs as you like. GO COMMENT TO WIN!! Be sure to include your email address.

Check out the rest of the tour!
July 9: Sweet Southern Home
July 9: REVIEW ONLY Journey of a Bookseller
July 10: It's Raining Books
July 10: STOP 2 Welcome to My World of Dreams
July 11: Hywela Lyn (Romance That's "Out Of This World")
July 11: Long and Short Reviews: SFF Guests
July 12: REVIEW ONLY Pavarti K Tyler
July 12: STOP 2 Lisa Haselton's Reviews and Interviews
July 13: Castle Macabre
July 13: REVIEW ONLY Bombarded With Books

What I Didn't Say by Keary Taylor

Title: What I Didn't Say
Author: Keary Taylor
Publisher: CreateSpace
Acquired: Received free for an honest review
Age Group: Young Adult
Grade: 80% or C
Buy It: Amazon

Getting drunk homecoming night your senior year is never a good idea, but Jake Hayes never expected it all to end with a car crash and a t-post embedded in his throat.

His biggest regret about it all? What he never said to Samantha Shay. He's been in love with her for years and never had the guts to tell her. Now it's too late. Because after that night, Jake will never be able to talk again.

When Jake returns to his small island home, population 5,000, he'll have to learn how to deal with being mute. He also finds that his family isn't limited to his six brothers and sisters, that sometimes an entire island is watching out for you. And when he gets the chance to spend more time with Samantha, she'll help him learn that not being able to talk isn’t the worst thing that could ever happen to you. Maybe, if she'll let him, Jake will finally tell her what he didn't say before, even if he can't actually say it.

My Thoughts:: 
There were a couple of things that made me want to request this book on netgalley. First of all, I feel as if I don't read enough books that have a male main character. The best I do on a regular basis is when a book has two narrators and one of them is a boy. But it is rare when I find myself totally enveloped in a male's perspective. Another reason I requested this book is because I wanted to delve into a down to earth novel without the gears and whistles that my current favorite genres have.

Jake was a great main character. He was very fleshed out. Once and a while he would get frustrating for me as a reader because he would be so down and I couldn't understand why. But yet, I wasn't really supposed to understand why because Jake barely understood it either. Him and Samantha blended well together and each had a lot to give to one another. It was interesting to watch their relationship evolve.

Rarely do I enjoy a book this much whose main plot seems to be majorly about the love interest. But as you read, it becomes more than that.  I liked the underline messages that the book included. My favorites were that you can't really judge a person based solely on what you think about them, and there is always a bright side and you could have it much worse. You can never assume things about people until you really know what their life is like.

Summer Lovin Giveaway Hop

 

 See the rest of the Giveaways HERE.

I signed up on I Am A Reader, Not A Writer

 

My Giveaway:: I am giving away a copy of Flipped by Wendelin Van Draanen! Here's the summary:

The first time she saw him, she flipped. The first time he saw her, he ran. That was the second grade, but not much has changed by the seventh.

She says: “My Bryce. Still walking around with my first kiss.” He says: “It’s been six years of strategic avoidance and social discomfort.” But in the eighth grade everything gets turned upside down. And just as he’s thinking there’s more to her than meets the eye, she’s thinking that he’s not quite all he seemed.

To Enter:: Fill out THIS FORM by 7/17
**Winner will be announced on 7/18  and will have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen.

+3 Entries for being a blog follower!

Top Ten Tuesday: Books I Want For My Birthday

 

Top Ten Tuesdays is hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.

This week's top ten is...

Top Ten Tuesday Freebie (whatever topic you'd like)! I chose books I want for my birthday because it's on the 21st of this month and I've been thinking about it a lot.

1. Ashes by Ilsa J. Bick
2. Ruthless (Pretty Little Liars #10) by Sara Shepard
3. Across the Universe by Beth Revis
4. Perfect by Ellen Hopkins
5. Fire by Kristin Cashore
6. Trapped by Michael Northrop
7. This Is Not a Test by Courtney Summers
8. One Second After by William R. Forstchen
9. Monument 14 by Emmy Laybourne
10. The List by Siobhan Vivian

Once Upon a Read-a-Thon

 

Hey everyone! Since I'm behind in my reading ALREADY this month, I am really excited and in much need of this read-a-thon.This is hosted by Angela at Reading Angel, Candace at Candace’s Book Blog, and Lori at Pure Imagination.

The read-a-thon officially started at 12:01 wayyy early this morning, but I wanted to wait until now to put up my post. Here are the books that I want to read before July 11th at 11:59 PM.

1. The Sundered by Ruthanne Reid

2. Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry

3. The Goddess Legacy by Aimee Carter
4. A Midsummer's Nightmare by Kody Keplinger

If I finish these I'll add on another. But these are what I really want to get read.

I will be posting updates along the way on this post as well as challenges. The link to this page will be on my sidebar. I will write a final wrap up post on the 12th!

In My Mailbox

In My Mailbox is a post where I tell you the books that I received this week either by buying them from the bookstore, going to the library or from my mailbox. In My Mailbox was inspired by Alea and turned into a meme by Kristi.

For Review::
Glitch by Heather Anastasiu
Perfect Escape by Jennifer Brown
Lost Girls by Ann Kelley
Swimming to Elba by Silvia Avallone

Contest Saturday

Here are some contests that are currently going on right now in the blogosphere that are book related. Click the links to enter them. I will try to hold my own contest each month.

Win a June/July release HERE. Ends 7/16

Win a copy of Shut Up HERE. Ends 7/19

July TBR List

Once again we have no video. I'm pretty busy trying to catch up and don't have the time to sit down and make and upload a video. Most likely I will next month though! 8 books were read of the 10 on last month's list. I have higher and more ambitious hopes for this month.

Here are the books that I want to read this month, in this order::

1. The Last Princess by Galaxy Craze
2. Vertigo by Kristina Dunker
3. The Sundered by Ruthanne Reid

4. Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry

5. The Goddess Legacy by Aimee Carter
6. A Midsummer's Nightmare by Kody Keplinger

7. Anteater-Boy by Dean Ammerman

8. The Angel Experiment by James Patterson

9. Beautiful Lies by Jessica Warman

10. Misguided Angel by Melissa de la Cruz
11. The Ask and the Answer by Patrick Ness
12. Hourglass by Claudia Gray

June in Review

I'd like to start off by saying that I'm sorry that the blog has been a bit quiet for almost a week. There was a pretty bad and big storm Friday night and I lost power and access the internet until yesterday. Things will be back on track now!

I read 8 books this month (you can check them all out in the Books Read page)
I reviewed 8:

Henry Franks by Peter Adam Salomon
Purity by Jackson Pearce
It's Our Prom by Julie Anne Peters
Serpent's Kiss by Melissa de la Cruz
Cold Kiss by Amy Garvey
The Line by Teri Hall
The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater
Keys to the Repository by Melissa de la Cruz

I reviewed 2 movie(s) this month:
Chernobyl Diaries
Snow White and the Huntsman

Challenges so far:

I read 55/100 books towards my personal goal.
2/5 books for the 2012 Book Blogger Recommendation Challenge
3/6 books for the Zombie Challenge 2012
0/7 books for the 2012 Finishing the Series Challenge

Blog Changes:

Once again just some adjusting of buttons. 

Overall:

I did pretty good this month until my whole area was without power. I should have read more since I didn't have distractions, but it was just too miserably hot and I had to entertain my sister. Besides, I do most of my reading at night and I couldn't read in the dark. Next month I'll have to work extra hard to catch up on my reading and reviewing. It would be nice to get in a personal book or two, which is why I'm looking forward to the near read-a-thon, it is MUCH needed.