Book Haul (#39)

Hey,

IT'S THE END OF TERM! WOOOO! *Happy sigh* 2 week holiday. And sorry about not posting a book haul last week, guys! I didn't get any new books, but I did get a lot of reading and reviews done. :D

This week I bought/borrowed/received:

Heart Shaped by Sioban Parkinson - Received -

Thank you, Hachette Children's Books! This sounds like an adorable contemporary novel. 

Born Wicked (The Cahill Witch Chronicles #1) by Jessica Spotswood - Borrowed -

I've been after this book for so long! Thank God it came out it the UK and was available in my library.

Immortal City (Immortal City #1) by Scott Speer - Borrowed -

I love a good angel book and this looked like the right choice.

Scarlet by A. C. Gaughhen - Borrowed -

I have never heard about a YA retelling of Robin Hood so I just had to pick this one up!

Under the Never Sky (Under the Never Sky #1) by Veronica Rossi - Bought -

I've actually already got this book in the US hardback but I thought "Why not?" since I probably won't be getting the second book in hardback anytime soon because it's way toooo expensive. Plus I love this cover.

Pure (Pure #1) by Julianna Baggott - Bought -

I've heard mixed things but I'm willing to give it a go.

If I Stay (If I Stay #1) by Gayle Forman - Bought -

I read this book two years back and I absolutely LOVED it! I've finally got my own copy. :D

That's my haul for this week. Leave a link to your book haul/letterbox love/in my mailbox/stacking the shelves in the comments so I can check it out!

Enjoy all your books,

Sam :D

My review of Straightjacket

Straightjacket by Meredith Towbin
Release Date: February 15, 2013
Goodreads | Amazon UK | Amazon | The Book Depository


Eighteen-year-old Anna has lived her whole life in shame, losing herself in books to cope with crippling panic attacks triggered by her abusive parents. Forced into a psychiatric hospital, she can’t imagine a future that’s anything but bleak—until she meets Caleb, a gifted, 19-year-old artist who insists he’s an angel.

He swears his mission is to help Anna break free from her parents’ control and fulfill a destiny that she can only dream of. The doctors, however, are convinced that Caleb is delusional.

Anna doesn’t want to be that girl who’s in love with the crazy guy, but when she sees his stunning portraits of her and the way he risks everything to keep her safe, she can’t help but imagine a new future for both of them, filled with hope. But just when it seems they’ve created heaven on earth, Caleb’s past emerges full force, threatening to destroy their tiny, blissful world. And Anna has to decide if she should follow her heart, or if Caleb’s really as troubled as his doctors say…

Straightjacket is a YA contemporary romance telling the story of a girl who ends up in a psychiatric hospital and a boy who believes he's an angel. Meeting in the most unlikely place, the two form a connection that no one can deny, and soon they are falling for each other harder than ever. Meredith Towbin will touch you with this imaginative and slightly different YA novel.

The book begins with Anna settling into the psychiatric hospital that they controlling and abusive parents have forced her into with no valid reason.There, she meets Caleb, a talented artist and apparently an angel. She doesn't know whether to believe him or not. But the more she gets to know him, the more she considers that he might not actually be as crazy as everyone says.

I found the premise of this story very interesting to read about and I found myself conflicted between believing Caleb that he's an angel, or if he's just delusional. The novel was well written and the writing flowed nicely. At times, I did feel detached from the story and and felt that nothing was really happening. On the other hand, the second half of the book was filled with tension and surprises, and I loved every second!!

Anna and Caleb were likable characters with complex personalities and lives. The two were extremely cute whenever they were near each other and I adored every moment they spent together. But, I thought that their relationship was rushed and it would have been a lot better for the two to know each other better before jumping straight into things as (almost) strangers. 

Straightjacket is a unique YA novel that is a contemporary with sprinkles of paranormal. The romance is sweet and the characters are real. I would happily read the sequel.

Rating

A review copy was provided by the author

Waiting on Wednesday (44)

Hey, 

This week I'm waiting for...

Blurred (Kissed by Death #2) by Tara Fuller

Release Date: July 2, 2013

Cash is haunted by things. Hungry, hollow things. They only leave him alone when Anaya, Heaven’s beautiful reaper, is around. Cash has always been good with girls, but Anaya isn’t like the others. She’s dead. And with his deteriorating health, Cash might soon be as well.

Anaya never breaks the rules, but the night of the fire she recognized part of Cash’s soul—and doomed him to something worse than death. Cash’s soul now resides in an expired body, making him a shadow walker—a rare, coveted being that can walk between worlds. A being creatures of the underworld would do anything to get their hands on.

The lines between life and death are blurring, and Anaya and Cash find themselves falling helplessly over the edge. Trapped in a world where the living don’t belong, can Cash make it out alive?

I LOOOOOOOOVED Inbetween! The first book. You can read my review HERE! 

Leave a link to your WoW post in the comments and I'll check it out!

Smile for me,
Sam :D

My review of Of Poseidon

Of Poseidon (Of Poseidon #1) by Anna Banks
Release Date: May 22, 2012
Goodreads | Amazon UK | Amazon | The Book Depository 

Galen is the prince of the Syrena, sent to land to find a girl he's heard can communicate with fish. Emma is on vacation at the beach. When she runs into Galen — literally, ouch! — both teens sense a connection. But it will take several encounters, including a deadly one with a shark, for Galen to be convinced of Emma's gifts. Now, if he can only convince Emma that she holds the key to his kingdom . . . 

Of Poseidon is an addictive book that you will adore from the first page! You think you know mermaids? Well, welcome to the world of the Syrena, and be prepared to fall in love with what it has in store for you.

The book starts with a bump. No, I'm being serious: a bump. Poor clumsy Emma accidentally trips and falls against the most beautiful boy she has ever seen. What she doesn't know is that the boy is not just 'Galen' he is the prince of the Syrena, and he has been sent to land to seek out a girl who can apparently speak to fish. Galen has a hunch that it may be Emma, but it takes  a dangerous encounter with a shark for Galen to be sure that Emma is the one he's been searching for. Emma has no idea why a mysterious hot boy has suddenly showed an interest in her and she couldn't care less, but when he blasts a load of rubbish about her heritage, she can't help but feel intrigued. Soon, she is falling for a guy who may not be her's for much longer...

I don't even know where to start! The way I described the book makes it sound like another version of Twilight! But, I assure you, it isn't. Of Poseidon is filled with entertaining and intriguing characters that I'm sure you will adore, humor and a wonderful romance that will sweep you off your feet. I had such high expectations for this book, and it did not fail to meet and exceed it. I can't name one thing I didn't like about it. Oh wait, there is one thing. I thought that the book could have been a bit longer. It ended right where the story was spicing up! Why?!?! Now all readers are going to have to wait for months to read how the story advances. *Cries*

What I really enjoyed about Of Poseidon is that the story is told from both Emma and Galen's point of view. Not only did this let us learn more about Galen's feelings towards Emma, but it also gave us a glimpse into his world of the Syrena; how it works, what it's like, etc. Anyways, back to Galen. He was perfect. *Swoon* Even though he is not human and has probably lived beneath the sea for most of his life, he has a surprising sense of humor that will make you laugh endlessly. I could not get enough of his jokes and the way he would tease Emma. Their relationship was a real pleasure to read. It's cute and it's extremely entertaining. At first, they stood on shaky ground and didn't get on much but when secrets are shared and new friendships are made, them two seemed to slip into place.

Apart from out two gorgeous main characters, I also enjoyed the two supporting characters: Toraf and Rayna, who, in the Syrena world, are 'mated'. Toraf is Galen's best friend, who is head over heals for Rayna, Galen's sister, but Rayna seems to do everything in her power to push him away. She is a feisty girl who just want a bit of attention. As for Toraf, I loved him! He is a great guy/Syrena who I cheered on throughout the whole book. If you want to read about an entertaining couple, check out Rayna and Toraf as they stumble through their complicated relationship.

Overall, Of Poseidon is a really unique and intriguing book that I would recommend to all those YA paranormal romance lovers out there who want something new and exciting. I want the sequel, Of Triton, in my arms as soon as possible!!

Rating

Kick-Butt Characters Blog Hop

Hello!

This is the 2nd Annual Kick Butt Characters Hop, which is hosted by Good Choice Reading & I Am A Reader, Not A Writer

For this giveaway ONE winner can pick ONE book from below which contains an awesome kick-butt character. This giveaway is open to anyone who The Book Depository ships to.

Bloodlines | The Golden Lily | The Indigo Spell

Sydney from the Bloodlines Series by Richelle Mead

My Soul to Take | My Soul to Save | My Soul to Keep | My Soul to Steal | If I Die | Before I Wake | With All My Soul

Kaylee from the Soul Screamers series by Rachel Vincent

Half-Blood | Pure | Deity | Apollyon

Alex from the Covenant series by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Simply fill out the Rafflecopter below.

***GIVEAWAY CLOSED***
Winner: Faith
She picked With All My Soul.
Congrats!

Good luck and thank you for participating!

Sam :D

Waiting on Wednesday (43)

Hey,

I've been waiting for quite a few contemporaries so I've decided to put them all together in one post. This week I'm waiting for...

The Rules for Disappearing by Ashley Elston

Release Date: May 14, 2013

She’s been six different people in six different places: Madeline in Ohio, Isabelle in Missouri, Olivia in Kentucky . . . But now that she’s been transplanted to rural Louisiana, she has decided that this fake identity will be her last.

Witness Protection has taken nearly everything from her. But for now, they’ve given her a new name, Megan Rose Jones, and a horrible hair color. For the past eight months, Meg has begged her father to answer one question: What on earth did he do – or see – that landed them in this god-awful mess? Meg has just about had it with all the Suits’ rules — and her dad’s silence. If he won’t help, it’s time she got some answers for herself.

But Meg isn’t counting on Ethan Landry, an adorable Louisiana farm boy who’s too smart for his own good. He knows Meg is hiding something big. And it just might get both of them killed. As they embark on a perilous journey to free her family once and for all, Meg discovers that there’s only one rule that really matters — survival.

:O This book just sounds... so good. There is a girl on the run from a secret that her father won't share. I'm guessing that there will be a few good twists and turns in the story. 

All I Need by Susane Colasanti

Release Date: May 21, 2013

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.

I will eat up any kind of mushy YA contemporary romance with a good plot, and this sounds and looks like something I will love. Come on, the cover is freakin' adorable! 

The Summer I Became a Nerd by Leah Rae Miller

Release Date: May 7, 2013

On the outside, seventeen-year-old Madelyne Summers looks like your typical blond cheerleader—perky, popular, and dating the star quarterback. But inside, Maddie spends more time agonizing over what will happen in the next issue of her favorite comic book than planning pep rallies with her squad. That she’s a nerd hiding in a popular girl's body isn’t just unknown, it's anti-known. And she needs to keep it that way.

Summer is the only time Maddie lets her real self out to play, but when she slips up and the adorkable guy behind the local comic shop’s counter uncovers her secret, she’s busted. Before she can shake a pom-pom, Maddie’s whisked into Logan’s world of comic conventions, live-action role-playing, and first-person-shooter video games. And she loves it. But the more she denies who she really is, the deeper her lies become…and the more she risks losing Logan forever.

The Distance Between Us by Kasie West

Release Date: July 2, 2013

Seventeen-year-old Caymen Meyers studies the rich like her own personal science experiment, and after years of observation she’s pretty sure they’re only good for one thing—spending money on useless stuff, like the porcelain dolls in her mother’s shop.

So when Xander Spence walks into the store to pick up a doll for his grandmother, it only takes one glance for Caymen to figure out he’s oozing rich. Despite his charming ways and that he’s one of the first people who actually gets her, she’s smart enough to know his interest won’t last. Because if there’s one thing she’s learned from her mother’s warnings, it’s that the rich have a short attention span. But Xander keeps coming around, despite her best efforts to scare him off. And much to her dismay, she's beginning to enjoy his company.

She knows her mom can’t find out—she wouldn’t approve. She’d much rather Caymen hang out with the local rocker who hasn’t been raised by money. But just when Xander’s attention and loyalty are about to convince Caymen that being rich isn’t a character flaw, she finds out that money is a much bigger part of their relationship than she’d ever realized. And that Xander’s not the only one she should’ve been worried about.

Leave a link to your WoW post in the comments below and I will check it out!

Have a great week,

Sam :D

Teaser Tuesday (6)

Hey,

This is a weekly bookish meme is hosted by MizB at Should Be Reading.
----------------------------------------------

To participate you:

* Grab your current read

* Open to a random page

* Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

* BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS!

(Make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

* Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!
---------------------------------------------
This week my teasers are from John Green's The Fault in Our Stars. A really beautiful book that I read last week and simply couldn't stop crying about.

“I fell in love the way you fall asleep: slowly, then all at once.”

“That’s the good thing about pain. It demands to be felt.”

“Oh, I wouldn’t mind, Hazel Grace. It would be a privilege to have my heart broken by you.” 

"Sometimes, you read a book and it fills you with this weird evangelical zeal, and you become convinced that the shattered world will never be put back together unless and until all living humans read the book.” 

The book was simply amazing... I don't even know how to some it up. I'm hoping to write a review soon! Though you can check out the book on Goodreads HERE!

Have a great week,
Sam :D

My review of Ferryman

Ferryman by Claire McFall
Release Date: April, 2013
Goodreads | Amazon UK | Amazon | The Book Depository

When Dylan emerges from the wreckage of a train crash onto a bleak Scottish hillside, she meets a strange boy who seems to be waiting for her.


But Tristan is no ordinary teenage boy, and the journey across the desolate, wraith infested wasteland is no ordinary journey.
Life, death, love-which will Dylan choose?

Ferryman is definitely "a love story like no other". Prepare to embark on a magical and action-packed journey with two wonderful characters as they fight their way to the finishing line of a soul-infested wasteland.

Dylan is on her way to meet her dad for the first time when everything goes black. She wakes up in the wrecked train and struggles to understand what is going on. Until she sees a boy sitting a few yards away and asks for help. What she doesn't know is that this boy is waiting for her. His name is Tristan and he's her ferryman. With a job to take her to the next life.

I really didn't know what to expect when I read the blurb for this book. I thought it was some strange contemporary novel, but I couldn't have been more wrong! Ferryman starts off ordinary, but then slips abruptly into a fantasy land where no one is safe. The story was completely unpredictable and I got lost in the exciting plot and mysterious characters.

Dylan isn't strong or independent. In my eyes, she is weak and a little needy, but that hardly matters when the overall plot is magnificent. When we meet Tristan, a mysterious boy with not much to say, the whole plot takes a dramatic turn. Throughout the novel, Tristan shares personal information with Dylan; his secrets, his hopes and his dreams. We get to know him on a deeper level and you won't be able to stop yourself from falling for his innocent and boyish charm.

Ferryman is a unique and daring novel that will absorb readers in a matter of chapters. I can't wait to read more from Claire McFall!

Rating

- A review copy was provided by Templar Publishing

Book Haul (#38)

Hey,

I've had a pretty good week in books! I borrowed quite a few from the library.

Here are the books that I've received/borrowed this week:

Straightjacket by Meredith Towbin - Received - 
Thank you, Meredith! This is a pretty awesome-sounding YA contemporary novel. I will be reading this one ASAP.
Between the Lines by Jodi Picoult and Samantha Van Leer - Borrowed -
I've heard good things about this book and I saw it in the library and couldn't resist picking it up. 

Broken by A.E. Rought - Borrowed -
I've heard mixed things about this book but I've decided to give it a go anyway.
With All My Soul (Soul Screamers #7) by Rachel Vincent - Received -
Thank you, Mira Ink! OMMMMGGGGG! I CAN NOT BELIEVE THAT THIS IS THE LAST BOOK! :O *SOOOOBS*

Breathless (The Elementals #2.5) by Brigid Kemmerer - Received -
Thank you, Netgalley and Kensington Teen! I love this series so much. I can not wait to get a glimpse into Nick's head. :D
My Life After Now by Jessica Verdi - Received -
Thank you, Netgalley and Sourcebooks Fire! I'm taking part in the blog tour for this book so watch out. 

Adorkable by Sarra Manning - Borrowed -
This looks super cute.
Level 2 (The Memory Chronicles #1) by Lenore Appelhans - Borrowed -
Apparently this book is a hit or miss. The cover is so cool, and I've taken a sneak peek of the first chapter... Pretty good.

What's Left of Me (The Hybrid Chronicles #1) by Kat Zhang - Borrowed -
This book has been out for months and I'm only reading it now... I know! The cover is gorgeous and I will be diving into it soon.
New Girl by Paige Harbison - Borrowed -
Another creepy school mystery. Love 'em.

The Lost Girl by Sangu Mandanna - Borrowed -
Some people have been going crazy over this book and I really want to see what the hype is about.
Uncommon Criminals (Heist Society #2) by Ally Carter - Borrowed -
I received the third book for review and realised that I hadn't read the second book so I had to quickly pick it up from the library.

That's my haul for this week! Leave a link to your book haul/Stacking the Shelves/In My Mailbox/Letterbox Love in the comments so I can check it out!

Have a great weekend,
Sam :D

Waiting on Wednesday (42)

Hey,

This week I'm waiting for...

Deception (Defiance #2)by C. J. Redwine

Release Date: August 27, 2013

Baalboden has been ravaged. The brutal Commander's whereabouts are unknown. And Rachel, grief stricken over her father's death, needs Logan more than ever. With their ragged group of survivors struggling to forge a future, it's up to Logan to become the leader they need—with Rachel by his side. Under constant threat from rival Carrington's army, who is after the device that controls the Cursed One, the group decides to abandon the ruins of their home and take their chances in the Wasteland.



But soon their problems intensify tenfold: someone—possibly inside their ranks—is sabotaging the survivors, picking them off one by one. The chaos and uncertainty of each day puts unbearable strain on Rachel and Logan, and it isn't long before they feel their love splintering. Even worse, as it becomes clear that the Commander will stop at nothing to destroy them, the band of survivors begins to question whether the price of freedom may be too great—and whether, hunted by their enemies and the murderous traitor in their midst, they can make it out of the Wasteland alive. 

In this daring sequel to Defiance, with the world they once loved forever destroyed, Rachel and Logan must decide between a life on the run and standing their ground to fight.

I revealed this cover last month and re-read the first book, Defiance, a few days ago, resulting in me stressing over the ending and eagerly awaiting the release for Deception. If you would like to read my review of Defiance, you can check it out right HERE!

I've got extremely high expectations for this book, and I'm pretty sure that it won't let me down. Come on, look at that cover.The ending to the previous book was so awesome... I JUST NEED THIS BOOK NOW! 

Leave a link to your WoW post in the comments so I can check it out! 

Have a great week,
Sam :D