Unearthly by Cynthia Hand

Unearthly by Cynthia Hand
Released: January 4th 2011
Publisher: HarperTeen
Series: Unearthly, Book One
Page Amount: 435

"In the beginning, there's a boy standing in the trees . . . .

Clara Gardner has recently learned that she's part angel. Having angel blood run through her veins not only makes her smarter, stronger, and faster than humans (a word, she realizes, that no longer applies to her), but it means she has a purpose, something she was put on this earth to do. Figuring out what that is, though, isn't easy.
Her visions of a raging forest fire and an alluring stranger lead her to a new school in a new town. When she meets Christian, who turns out to be the boy of her dreams (literally), everything seems to fall into place—and out of place at the same time. Because there's another guy, Tucker, who appeals to Clara's less angelic side.
As Clara tries to find her way in a world she no longer understands, she encounters unseen dangers and choices she never thought she'd have to make—between honesty and deceit, love and duty, good and evil. When the fire from her vision finally ignites, will Clara be ready to face her destiny?
Unearthly is a moving tale of love and fate, and the struggle between following the rules and following your heart."
-Information from Goodreads.com


My Thoughts:
It took me a while to connect with the story and the characters in Unearthly by Cynthia Hand. However towards the middle I was more into the story and couldn't wait to pick up the book. I was torn between both of the lead male characters. I loved the ending. Cannot wait for the sequel to see what becomes of these characters and the storyline.Also Unearthly is a debut novel of 2011. 

If you are in love with angel novels, you should check this out. It it a great novel. I think being sick might have clouded my judgement just a bit. Hallowed, Unearthly's sequel is set to be released next year.


4/5 stars, 


Happy Reading, Ashley

Twenty Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler

Twenty Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler
Released: June 1st 2009
Publisher: Little Brown Books, For Young Readers
Series: 290 (US Hardcover Edition)


"Don’t worry, Anna. I’ll tell her, okay? Just let me think about the best way to do it."
"Okay."
"Promise me? Promise you won’t say anything?"
"Don’t worry.” I laughed. “It’s our secret, right?"

According to Anna’s best friend, Frankie, twenty days in Zanzibar Bay is the perfect opportunity to have a summer fling, and if they meet one boy every day, there’s a pretty good chance Anna will find her first summer romance. Anna lightheartedly agrees to the game, but there’s something she hasn’t told Frankie–she’s already had her romance, and it was with Frankie’s older brother, Matt, just before his tragic death one year ago. "

TWENTY BOY SUMMER explores what it truly means to love someone, what it means to grieve, and ultimately, how to make the most of every beautiful moment life has to offer.
-Information from Goodreads.com


My Thoughts:
Twenty Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler deals with loss, family, friendships and to always remember that in life things change. It did take me a while to get into the story and to connect with the characters. When I did become connected with Anna and Frankie. I felt their pain of losing a best friend, a brother, a possible love interest. I rejoiced when they were happy, I was sad when they were sad. I loved that the book was set in New York and California. My favorite parts are definitely when the girls are on their vacation in California.

I really liked this one. It's definitely one to read in the summer time or even in the winter when you need a summmery read. Warning there is a lot of emotions within the story.

4/5 stars

Happy Reading, Ashley

Chasing Brooklyn by Lisa Schroeder

Chasing Brooklyn by Lisa Schroeder
Released: January 5th 2010 
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Page Amount: 412 (US Hardcover Edition)


"Restless souls and empty hearts

Brooklyn can't sleep. Her boyfriend, Lucca, died only a year ago, and now her friend Gabe has just died of an overdose. Every time she closes her eyes, Gabe's ghost is there waiting for her. She has no idea what he wants or why it isn't Lucca visiting her dreams.

Nico can't stop. He's always running, trying to escape the pain of losing his brother, Lucca. But when Lucca's ghost begins leaving messages, telling Nico to help Brooklyn, emotions come crashing to the surface.
As the nightmares escalate and the messages become relentless, Nico reaches out to Brooklyn. But neither of them can admit that they're being haunted. Until they learn to let each other in, not one soul will be able to rest."
-Information from Goodreads.com

My Thoughts:
This was my first Lisa Schroeder novel. What a heartbreaking, tragic storyline. I felt Brooklyn's pain of dealing with the loss of Lucca her boyfriend. I felt how difficult it was for her to move on with her life. To stop living in the pain and fear that everything else would be lost.  But spending time with Nico, Lucca's brother. Starts to help heal Brooklyn and Nico.

I loved that the story was told from both of the perspectives. I loved that it was in poetry verse.

I recommend checking out this novel and  the rest of Lisa's work!

5/5 stars!!

Happy Reading, Ashley

Die For Me by Amy Plum

Die For Me by Amy Plum
Released: May 10th 2011
Publisher: HarperTeen
Series: Revenants, Book One
Page Amount: 341 (US Hardcover Edition)


"In the City of Lights, two star-crossed lovers battle a fate that is destined to tear them apart again and again for eternity.

When Kate Mercier's parents die in a tragic car accident, she leaves her life--and memories--behind to live with her grandparents in Paris. For Kate, the only way to survive her pain is escaping into the world of books and Parisian art. Until she meets Vincent.

Mysterious, charming, and devastatingly handsome, Vincent threatens to melt the ice around Kate's guarded heart with just his smile. As she begins to fall in love with Vincent, Kate discovers that he's a revenant--an undead being whose fate forces him to sacrifice himself over and over again to save the lives of others. Vincent and those like him are bound in a centuries-old war against a group of evil revenants who exist only to murder and betray. Kate soon realizes that if she follows her heart, she may never be safe again."

In this incandescent debut, newcomer Amy Plum has created a powerful paranormal mythology with immortal revenants. The Paris setting comes enchantingly alive as a relentless struggle between good and evil takes place in its streets. Rich with romance, atmosphere, and thrills, Die for Me will leave readers breathlessly awaiting its sequel.
-Information from Goodreads.com


My Thoughts:
An enchanting story set in Paris, London. I found myself seeing the city through the main character’s eyes Kate. I absolutely loved Vincent. I was laughing and felt sad right along with the character’s. I haven’t been this wrapped in a story line in a long time. Its just a wonderful and romantic story. The cover is absolutely breath taking and HELLO its set in PARIS, LONDON. With a hot, god-like main character Vincent. What more could you want? I am looking forward to more from this author and from the series.

If you haven’t go pick this up, however you get books into your life. You won’t regret it. I love, love, love this story. Plus the cover is beautiful!!

5/5 stars

Happy Reading, Ashley

September To Be Read Pile

I thought I'd show you all what I am planning on reading in September. Well I hope to get these all read this month. Wish me luck!! I think I will show you all what I plan to read each month. What do you all think of this? Happy Reading!

September's To Be Read Pile

1. Die For Me by Amy Plum
2. Chasing Brooklyn by Lisa Schroeder
3. Twenty Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler
4. Unearthly by Cynthia Hand
5. Angel Burn by L.A. Weatherly
6. City Of Ashes by Cassandra Clare
7. City Of Glass by Cassandra Clare
8. Poison by Sara Poole
9. The Borgia Betrayal by Sara Poole
10 Incarceron by Catherine Fisher (re-read)
11. Sapphique by Catherine Fisher

Blogging In September

As stated in my Update post, I'm going to be more activate this month. And hopefully for the rest of the year. I'm going to talk about some of my other loves this month. Besides reading, I enjoy listening to music. Currently I've been listening to a lot of Evanescence, they released a new single in August 9th, "What You Want". I love it and cannot wait to get the album when it comes out October 11th 2011. If you're a fan of rock you should this band out. My other favorite rock bands/artists are Breaking Benjamin, Metallica, Paramore, Flyleaf, Three Days Grace, Skillet, Halestorm, Heart, Aerosmith, Ozzy Osbourne, My Chemical Romance, AFI, Icon For Hire, The Pretty Reckless, Fall Out Boy, No Doubt, Slayer, Marylin Manson and so many others. Please feel free to let me know of your favorite artists. Also let me know what else I should blog about besides all things books.

Later, Ashley

In My Mailbox (13)

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren. In My Mailbox is for bloggers, and readers alike to share what books they've gotten for review, bought or borrowed from the library/or friends.



Borrowed From Library:
Die For Me by Amy Plum
Twenty Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler
Chasing Brooklyn by Lisa Schroeder
Unearthly by Cynthia Hand
Angel Burn by L.A. Weatherly

None for Review and didn't buy any books this week.

Let me know what you guys got in your mailboxes, Happy Reading, Ashley