Tuesday, June 29, 2010

HUGE!


Last night, I watched the premiere of Huge (based on a YA book of the same name by Sasha Paley). It was cute and fun - but also serious as well.

I loved Will's snark but also how she relates to the other girls.
I also loved how confident she is in her body and how she doesn't want to change based on other people's opinions.

I'm so looking forward to the next episode!

Here's the official page where can check out more info.

Here's an interview from I HEART DAILY with Niki Blonsky (who is amazing as Will)

Did anyone else see Huge?
What did you think?

A-Team


I saw this movie over the weekend and I LOVED it.
It was THE perfect summer movie
Lots of humor, lots of action, lots of crazy plans, lots of blowing things up, and a little romance.

I liked how they tied ideas into the TV-show, which I vaguely remember watching.
I'm really hoping for a sequel to this one!

Saturday, June 26, 2010

Mysterious Saturday Review: Sizzling Sixteen

Stephanie Plum's boss and cousin got himself into hot water with his gambling issues. He's been taken for ransom - in hopes that his wealthy father-in-law will pay up. He won't - which leaves it up to Stephanie, Lulu, and Connie to track him down and rescue him or come up with the money to spring him.

Unfortunately, Vinnie doesn't stay in one place long. As each attempt fails because someone beats the trio to the job, buildings go up in smoke. It becomes clear that it's not just about a gambling debt, but that he's also caught up in a war between a middle man and his boss.

If Vinnie goes down, so does the bond agency. Even though she doesn't like him as a person, Stephanie's ready to do what ever it takes to get Vinnie out of danger. She'll even listen to Lulu's crazy ideas that's bound to get her into real trouble.

My Thoughts: I LOVE this series. I got my hands on as soon as it came in and read it that night. There's no other series/book that makes me laugh as hard as Stephanie Plum's adventures. The humor combines with danger, mystery, and romance makes me love each and every book in the series.

Cover: I'm not crazy about the covers for these books, but I'm not sure what would work better.

Source: My library

Fun Fact: I simply can't wait for the movie version to come out! Coming out 1012

Friday, June 25, 2010

Not sure what to read this summer?

Here's a few books that are perfect for summer - complete with beach/water theme
















Or if you're looking for some new titles, check out the YARN's booklist

Contest winner!

According to my random number generator
jpetroroy is our IRON KING contest winner!
congrats, I'll be sending you an email.

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Contest:Win a Signed copy of The Iron King

Don't forget there's still time to win a *signed* copy of the Iron King,
but time IS running out.


Enter the contest here

Created: Raised By Wolves booktrailer

I created this using a different site - I like it because you can include the text with the photos, but it makes the photos small. Plus the transition is preset according to the style you choose. I'm not sure if I'm going to stick with it, but I find it interesting.


Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Review: Mini Shopaholic

Becky Brandon love shopping - nothing has changed. She and Luke are living with Becky's parents as each house they attempt to purchase falls through. They're running out of space with all Becky's purchases.

When the economy takes a nose-dive, Becky promises not to shop for more clothes until she's worn everything in her closet three times.

It's proving harder than she anticipated, especially since her no frills half sister helped catalog all items of clothing she owns. She couldn't hide any!

Add their daughter Minnie who has entered the terrible two phase and Luke is very concerned as she also adores shopping. She already has a thing for brand names items and wants EVERYTHING.

Will Minnie turn into a shopaholic just like her mother? Will Becky learn to rein in her purchases with this mini break from shopping?


My Thoughts: I adore Becky -she's funny, smart, sneaky, stubborn, and above all amusing. I love this series because it's like chatting with an old friend. She simply brings a smile to my face.

The Cover: I Love this cover. It's super cute, unfortunately, it's the UK cover. The US cover has yet to be revealed.

Source: Someone very nice from Random House sent me an ARC after a chat on twitter (THANK YOU!)

This one comes out Sept. 21st

Author Fun Fact: Sophie Kinsella also writes as Madeleine Wickham


Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Review: Other People's Rejection Letters

Feel someone else's pain: here are 150 rejection letters - some serious, some humorous, and some tragic. There are some everyday letters, some relationship letters, some professional rejections and some historical rejections.

My two favorite historical letters involved Walt Disney company declining to a woman for her art work and Eleanor Roosevelt writing to decline her membership in the DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution) due to their refusing to allow singer Marian Anderson on stage. These letters spoke of the times - and exceedingly interesting views towards women.

There were historical letters about people I couldn't place, but at the end of the book, there's a section on explaining those letters and their significance.

My Thoughts: I liked how historical blended with today's letters. Plus there was just the right amount of humor and serious tone to the letters.

The Cover: Amusing - right tone for the book

Source: ILL from another library.

Monday, June 21, 2010

Spotted: NEW Rick Riordan cover

Did you see this?


Looks cool huh?
It comes out October 12th!

Review: Body at the Tower

Mary Quinn will take on her most challenging assignment for the Agency yet. She'll have to pose as a twelve year old boy looking for work at the construction site for the Houses of Parliament. A man fell from his death from the top of the tower and nobody can figure out more details.

This assignment brings back memories from her old life where she lived as a boy on the streets until the ladies rescued her. In order to replicate her persona, she will remain incognito throughout the mission. Under the circumstances, her emotional state remains fragile, nervous, and scared. However, she's determined to take this assignment and see it through.

On her first day as Mark, she makes two grave mistakes within minutes of arriving on site. She makes it known that she can read, which gives her an edge on most men. Mary's making a little progress on the case when Mr. James Easton appears - also on the case. It's been a year since she's seen him and he's changed drastically. When he doesn't seem to recognize her, she's not sure if she's happy or disappointed.

Can Mary/Mark worm her way into the building crowd enough to uncover the truth about this man's death. Could it truly be an accident or something more sinister?


My Thoughts: There are so many books I read that blow me away - and this series is one of them. How long until the 3rd book comes out? I ADORE this series. It's so amazing - there's the thrilling spy moments, the uncover scenes, the mystery which always leads to danger, and the romance. I heard there will AT LEAST be three volumes to Mary Quinn's adventures. I would love to read more. I also heard there might be some novels about other characters in the Agency. I would love reading about Felicity and Anne and how they founded the agency. As you can tell, when it really comes down to it, I just want MORE (and quickly!)

The Cover: I LOVE LOVE LOVE this cover. Plus, the dress comes from a great scene in the book.

Source: I begged Candlewick for a copy (something I NEVER do, but I *needed* this book)

Friday, June 18, 2010

Review: Writing Jane Austen

Georgina Jackson has forty-eight chapters written for her sophomore novel, except they're all Chapter One. She simply can't move forward. When her agent rings and demands a meeting, she knows there's going to be sharp words exchanged.

Instead, Georgina's in for a shock. She's being offered the role of a lifetime, an opportunity most authors would kill to achieve. Someone recently discovered a never-before-seen chapter of a Jane Austen novel. It's been authenticated and her agent demands that Georgina finish the book.

Georgina knows nothing about Jane Austen and she has no desire to start learning. However, the advance would be substantial, and when Georgina discovers that the monies might be her only chance at remaining in England, she agrees to write the book in twelve weeks.

First, she must learn about Jane Austen, and then she must come up with an idea, and transfer that idea into a manuscript. Georgina's certain she's doomed to fail, but with her landlord, Henry, his sister, Maud, and flatmate, Anna, propping her up, she just might be able to accomplish the impossible.

My Thoughts: Elizabeth Aston writes an amusing tale about the discovery of Jane Austen after avoiding the author like the plague. She humorously focuses on the pains of writing, including the need for many breaks, procrastination techniques, and how to duck phone calls and dodge unwanted visitors. She details the joys and annoyances of friendships and adds a dash of romance to this entertaining read.

Cover: I'm not crazy about it, but it fits nicely with the story

Source: Reviewed for www.teensreadtoo.com


Thursday, June 17, 2010

Created: The Squad: Perfect Cover

The Awesome YA Author, Jennifer Lynn Barnes will coming to my library this summer! I'm super excited. I just went out to all the schools telling them about her visit along with other summer reading programs. I love this book for several reasons. You can read my review here. Check it out.


Upcoming Books I'm Dying to read (part 2)

I've been drooling over these books as I can't wait to read them!


I <3 href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7092301-perfectly-dateless">Goodreads


Mystery thriller from an awesome and funny author
Add to Goodreads


Love the cover and time period
Add to Goodreads


Sequel to Sphinx's Princess
Add to Goodreads

Valentine's day for three 7th grade girls
Add to Goodreads


Gorgeous cover for this time travel love story
Add too Goodreads


Historical Fiction by a great author
Add to goodreads

Instead of dying, three teens were recruited by the agency to fix broken history.
Add to goodreads

President's son gets caught in a fire at Camp David with his friends. Alone, they must attempt to outmaneuver the security systems in place to reach safety.
Add to goodreads


The cover looks very intriguing.
Add to goodreads



Books without covers:

Sugar and Ice by Kate Messner
Ice skating competition!

Secrets of my Hollywood Life: There's No Place Like Home by Jen Calonita
End of this amazingly fun series

Sundae My Prince will Come by Catherine Clark
Great trilogy! Love this author

Prom and Prejudice by Elizabeth Eulberg
Loved her debut novel Lonely Heart's Club, plus I'm a sucker for both proms and Pride and Prejudice. I can't wait to see this book's cover!

Spotted: Voyage of the Dawn Treader

This looks good. I do enjoy these movies!


Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Upcoming Books I'm DYING to read (part 1)

I've been drooling over these books as I can't wait to read them!

New series by the author of Luxe
Add to Goodreads


Paranormal boarding school
Add to Goodreads

Love the cover of this historical novel set in the mid 1800s
Add to Goodreads


A blind girl is kidnapped during a car theft and held for ransom - sounds terrifying
Add to Goodreads


Sleeping Beauty retold - love the cover
Add to Goodreads


LOVE LOVE LOVE this author
Add to Goodreads


Love this author and monsters in high school sounds really fun
Add to Goodreads


I really like this author's debut novel Esspresologist.
Add to Goodreads


Romance gone wrong - sounds heartwrenchingly good
Add to Goodreads


The 4th book in this cute series
Add to Goodreads

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Review: Girls in Love

It's summer again, and the girls are back in Maine taking the beach by storm. Greer, Jessica, and Lara each have a goal for the summer.

Greer hooks up with a boy on the first night at a party, but she knows that he's a player. She walks away from him, but he keeps popping up - and not just in her thoughts. Will she attempt something more with him?

Jessica wants to become closer to her boyfriend from last summer. They're talking about taking the next step. Only he's turning down her offers and spending time with another girl. Could it be trouble in paradise?

Lara spent last summer hooking up with her step-cousin. She hasn't talked with him in a month and is shocked to discover he's not in Maine this year. Lara supposes it's his way of telling her he wants to break up. She mopes around a bit before another guy catches her eye. Suddenly, halfway through the summer, Drew is back - and wants to pick up where they left off.

My Thoughts: GIRLS IN LOVE picks up a year after SUMMER GIRLS as the three girls spend their summer flirting with boys and worshiping the sun. They're happy to be back together chatting about fashion, family, and boys. I adore Hailey Abbott, and her books are the perfect summer read, either on the beach or just to get you in the mood for summer. They're romantic, adorable, and full of close friendships.

The Cover: Cute and similar to the first on the series and to the Summer Boys series

Source: Reviewed for www.teensreadtoo.com

Monday, June 14, 2010

Spotted: Game of Thrones trailer

George R.R. Martin's series A Song of Ice and Fire is my favorite book series EVER.
HBO will be turning the first book A GAME OF THRONES into a series
It's extraordinarily adult - both the books and the upcoming show.

Here's the teaser:


What do you think?

Spotted: Sneak Peek of Only the Good Spy Young


Can't wait for this book to come out?
Read Chapter one here!

Review: Kiss of Death

Claire just made a deal to save her life, but before she can meet her end of the bargain, she and her friends gain passes out of town. Record producers want to hear Michael perform. Claire, Eve, and Shane will accompany him to Dallas. They can't believe their good luck, until they learn they will be escorted and supervised by Oliver.

First, Oliver disappears on business. Then they offend people at a truck stop. They find a nearby motel to crash for the night. Instead of a peaceful night, though, trouble finds them. The men from the truck stop torch their car before they go missing. After shopping for a new car, Claire, Eve, and Shane return to the motel to find the police waiting for them. They're arrested in connection with the men's suspicious disappearances. They know it will be nightfall before the rescue party comes knocking, but the vampire rescuing them is the vampire who wants to kill them.

Now, they're fighting for their lives once again. Will the human trio become a vampire snack, or will Oliver be their only chance at survival?

My Thoughts: Claire and her friends find deadly trouble wherever they go, even outside Morganville. KISS OF DEATH continues in this series of wild adventures, fatal danger, and trouble at every turn. Through it all, these four friends remain together and united. Rachel Caine delivers another winning chapter of this addicting series.

Cover: It rocks!

Source: reviewed for www.teensreadtoo.com

Friday, June 11, 2010

Review: These Boots are Made for Stalking

With Massie crushing on a ninth grade boy, she's decided that the Pretty Committee must all upgrade as well. Dylan, Kristen, and Alicia can't wait to fall for someone new, but there's no way Claire is giving up Cam. If only she could make Massie understand. She sets out determined to change her alphas mind.

Meanwhile, Massie's still trying to understand ninth grade rules and how to approach Landon. When she realizes that he's hanging out with other girls, her suspicions force the committee into stalking the school, crashing a fundraiser party, and spying in windows. Has the Pretty Committee gone too far?

Will they be caught stalking and downgraded faster that you can say LBR? Will Massie give Claire some slack given the recent turmoil of the PC or will Claire be forced to choose between Cam and the upgraded crush plus the PC?

My Thoughts: Like Claire sticking up for herself as the PC is back together once again and attempting to move higher on the social ladder. Massie is still clueless, but fun to watch. I adore these books because they're catty and full of fashion, crushes, and friendship drama.

Cover: Cute

Source: My Library

Thursday, June 10, 2010

Contest:Win a Signed copy of The Iron King

Julie Kagawa and her amazing book has inspired
Twitter Wars: Team Puck vs. Team Ash
Have you chosen your side?


Book Summary:

In less than twenty-four hours Meghan Chase will be sixteen. Countless stories, songs and poems have been written about this wonderful age, when a girl finds true love and the stars shine for her and the handsome prince carries her off into the sunset.

But Meghan suspects that it won’t be that way for her.

After all, Meghan has a secret destiny—one she could never have imagined….

Something has always felt slightly off in Meghan’s life, ever since her father disappeared before her eyes when she was six. She has never quite fit in at school…or at home.

When a dark stranger begins watching her from afar, and her prankster best friend becomes strangely protective of her, Meghan senses that everything she’s known is about to change.

But she could never have guessed the truth—that she is the daughter of a mythical faery king and a pawn in a deadly war.

Now Meghan will learn just how far she’ll go to save someone she cares about, to stop a mysterious evil no faery creature dare face…and to find love with a young prince who might rather see her dead than let her touch his icy heart.



Check out the Official Book Trailer:


For more about this book, check out the official website where you'll find an E-Novella that takes place between the first book and the second.

The second book, comes out in August


The third book THE IRON QUEEN will be out February of next year

*********************Contest Rules*******************
Awesome Contest provided by Big Honcho Media
Contest is open from June 10th until June 24th at midnight
One Winner will receive a *SIGNED* copy of THE IRON KING and will be announced on June 25th

1. Shipping Guidelines: This book giveaway is open to participants with a United States mailing address only (international readers can enter if they have a friend in the States who can accept their prizes by mail).
2. Must be a follower of the blog to win
3. Leave a comment about anything bookish
4. include your email so I can contact you if you're the winner