In My Mailbox (21)

 In My Mailbox (21)

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren. The purpose of In My Mailbox is for bloggers/readers to share what books they received for review, bought, and or borrowed.

Borrowed:

Embrace by Jessica Shirvington (2012 Debut)
The Power Of Six by Pittacus Lore
Looking For Alaska by John Green
The Secret Sisterhood Of Heartbreakers by Lynn Weingarten
Starters by Lissa Price (2012 Debut)
Game Of Thrones by George R.R. Martin (adult title)


I didn't buy or get any for review this week. Please let me know what you got In Your Mailbox, Happy Reading, Ashley

Ties To The Blood Moon by Robin P. Waldrop

Ties To The Blood Moon by Robin P. Waldrop
Released: November 1st 2011
Publisher: Robin P. Waldrop via Smashwords
Series: Blood Moon, Book One
Page Amount: ebook edition
Source: Review/ Free on Amazon


"Genevieve is a teenage girl who moves in with her aunt in Alaska after the death of her mother. Soon after her arrival she learns the things she was raised to believe only existed in fairytales are in fact a big part of her history. When it gets to be too much she seeks refuge in the arms of her new boyfriend, William, only to find out he's not who she thought he was either."
-Information from Goodreads.com 




My Thoughts:
 Ties To The Blood Moon by Robin P. Waldrop

This isn’t your typical story on vampires and werewolves. In Ties To The Blood Moon,  Genevieve thought she was just your average teenage girl. However after the loss of her mother. She moves to middle of no where Alaska to live with her Aunt Bev. Things quickly start to become weird. Genevieve learns she’s a werewolf , an Adlet werewolf princess.

Genevieve learns her destiny is to kill Zane and rule the vampires and werewolves. To ensure mankind’s safety. Although she is unsure of being able to kill Zane and save everyone. She is willing to do whatever it takes.

There is a lot of twists and turns throughout the story line. Just when you think you know how its going to be Robin changes everything. I found myself with my mouth hanging open with each new shocking change.

I wanted to hit William from time to time. He truly gives Edward Cullen a run for his money. Genevieve is a strong willed female character.

I loved Ties To The Blood Moon, yes there were some aspects that reminded me of Twilight. But Ties To The Blood Moon held up on its own.

If you’re looking for a paranormal romance, with elementals of vampires and werewolves. Then consider this you’re next read! You will be on one heck of a ride!!

I cannot wait for the sequel. Reading the sample for Chapter One has me needing the sequel NOW!!

5/5 stars, Happy Reading, Ashley 

In My Mailbox (20)

In My Mailbox (20)

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren. The purpose of In My Mailbox is a way for bloggers/readers to showcase what books they got for review, bought or borrowed from the library.


For Review:
Ties To The Blood Moon by Robin P. Waldrop
The Horror Of Shade by Peter Meredith
The Invitation by Diane Hoh (NetGalley)
Unspoken by Sarah Rees Brennan(NetGalley)
Won:
Wanderlove by Kristen Hubbard from Just Us Books on Facebook
The Company Of The Dead by David J. Kowalski from Goodreads.com
 Kindle PC:
Glamour by Penelope Fletcher
Anathema by Megg Jensen
Betrayal by Mayandree Michel
The Wishing Hour by J. Adams

It was a great week for books!! Please let me know if you have read any of these and what you thought. Also let me know what you got In Your Mailbox!! Happy Reading and see you next week!!

Ashley
 

The Fault In Our Stars by John Green

The Fault In Our Stars by John Green
Released: January 10th 2012
Publisher: Dutton Books
Page Amount: 313 US Hardcover Edition
Source: Library
Purchase: Amazon/Barnes&Noble


"Diagnosed with Stage IV thyroid cancer at 12, Hazel was prepared to die until, at 14, a medical miracle shrunk the tumours in her lungs... for now.

Two years post-miracle, sixteen-year-old Hazel is post-everything else, too; post-high school, post-friends and post-normalcy. And even though she could live for a long time (whatever that means), Hazel lives tethered to an oxygen tank, the tumours tenuously kept at bay with a constant chemical assault.

Enter Augustus Waters. A match made at cancer kid support group, Augustus is gorgeous, in remission, and shockingly to her, interested in Hazel. Being with Augustus is both an unexpected destination and a long-needed journey, pushing Hazel to re-examine how sickness and health, life and death, will define her and the legacy that everyone leaves behind."
-Information from Goodreads.com 

My Thoughts:
  I didn't get really emotional with this one. As everyone else seemed to have. I did enjoy it. Being my first ever John Green novel. I can see why so many love him. Hazel is truly an remarkable character. I found myself hoping she would be ok. I felt her loss after Augustus's death. (spoiler?). I wish to learn what becomes of her. Does her cancer claim her body as well?

I would definitely be picking up more of John Green's books in the future. This book has the perfect balance of humor, sadness, and romance thrown together. In a way I feel on John could of done.

5/5 stars for sure, Happy Reading!!

P.S. If anyone has read this book. Do you know if the books mention In The Fault In Our Stars is real?   

The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting

The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting
Released:  March 16th 2010
Publisher: HarperTeen
Series: The Body Finder, Book One
Page Amount: 327 US Hardcover Edition
Source: Library
Purchase: Amazon/BarnesandNoble

"Violet Ambrose is grappling with two major issues: Jay Heaton and her morbid secret ability. While the sixteen-year-old is confused by her new feelings for her best friend since childhood, she is more disturbed by her "power" to sense dead bodies—or at least those that have been murdered. Since she was a little girl, she has felt the echoes that the dead leave behind in the world... and the imprints that attach to their killers.

Violet has never considered her strange talent to be a gift; it mostly just led her to find the dead birds her cat had tired of playing with. But now that a serial killer has begun terrorizing her small town, and the echoes of the local girls he's claimed haunt her daily, she realizes she might be the only person who can stop him.

Despite his fierce protectiveness over her, Jay reluctantly agrees to help Violet on her quest to find the murderer—and Violet is unnerved to find herself hoping that Jay's intentions are much more than friendly. But even as she's falling intensely in love, Violet is getting closer and closer to discovering a killer... and becoming his prey herself."
-Information from Goodreads.com 

My Thoughts:
 I've never read a murder mystery before. The Body Finder is about this teenage girl named Violet. She has the ability to hear/see the echo of an animal that has died. When she is eight years old she finds the body of a little girl. Years later she finds more bodies. She tries to find the killer. Among dealing with try to find the killer, Violet is also dealing with the new found feelings she has for her life long friend Jay.

With the twists and turns Kimberly had throughout the novel. I didn't know how it was going to end. I loved it! I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series.

For those of you who love mystery,murder and some romance books. Then you should check out this series!!
5/5 stars, Happy Reading, Ashley

Review Policy

Review Policy
To start of my blog is my job. I spend roughly 2-4 hours a day blogging. Which doesn’t include my time reading and spending time with my family.

I do accept ARC’s for review as well as finished copies. I will expect a physical copy of a book or and PDF.e-book for review. I also will participate in weekly meme's, and would like to participate in blog tours, author interviews, and giveaways.


Types Of Genres I Read:
I mainly read Young Adult fiction. However I do enjoy Adult fiction as well. Historical fiction, dystopian fiction, sci-fi, fantasy. I wouldn’t mind reviewing a children’s novel or middle grade fiction. Feel free to ask about a genre if its not list above.

Review Period Time:
I try to read and review the books before they come out. If you do send me an Advanced Readers Copy the review will be posted a week before the book comes out. Or shortly after the books release date. So to generate buzz for readers to go out and get the book. If you send me a finished copy of the book it will be read and review shortly after its release date. I don’t offer any guarantees that if I receive an ARC/finished copy that I will read and review it.

Other review issues:
A video and written review will be done for every book I receive for review. This means the review will be seen through blogspot and you tube traffic. If you wish for a link to the review let me know. I also will post a review on my Goodreads account as well.
I will be honest with my thoughts on the book. If I do not like the book I will give my reasons. If I love the book I will back it up with my reasons.

Disclosure:
I do not receive any money compensation for my reviews. However on occasions the book I am reviewing is offered to me as thanks for doing the review.


Thank you for taking the time to go over my policy. I look forward to working with you.

The Statistical Probability Of Love At First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith

The Statistical Probability Of Love At First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith
Released: January 2nd 2012
Publisher: Poppy/Little Brown
Page Amount: 256 US Hardcover Edition

 "Who would have guessed that four minutes could change everything?

Today should be one of the worst days of seventeen-year-old Hadley Sullivan's life. She's stuck at JFK, late to her father's second wedding, which is taking place in London and involves a soon to be step-mother that Hadley's never even met. Then she meets the perfect boy in the airport's cramped waiting area. His name is Oliver, he's British, and he's in seat 18C. Hadley's in 18A.

Twists of fate and quirks of timing play out in this thoughtful novel about family connections, second chances and first loves. Set over a 24-hour-period, Hadley and Oliver's story will make you believe that true love finds you when you're least expecting it."
-Information from Goodreads.com 


My Thoughts:
I've never had a book make me cry. Jennifer as a way of pulling at your heart strings. Making you believe its never to late to set things right. It was love at first sight from the first page I read. I will definitely be picking up more of Jennifer's books in the future.

If you're in need of a cute, romantic, teary-eyed read. You should pick this novel up, NOW!!!  

In My Mailbox (19)

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren. In My Mailbox is a way for bloggers to share what books they received for review, bought or borrowed from the library.


Borrowed:
The Statistical Probability Of Love At First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith
The Fault In Our Stars by John Green
The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting
The Dark and Hollow Places by Carrie Ryan

I didn't buy any or books or receive any for review this week.  That's what I got In My Mailbox this weekly. Please let me know what you guys got!!

Happy Reading, Ashley

Reached Cover Revealed

The cover for Reached, book number 3 in the Matched series.

 

What do you guys think? I am so excited to get this book in my hands. I wish it was November already! I'm looking for how Ally ends the series. 

Crossed by Ally Condie

Crossed by Ally Condie
Released: November 1st 2011
Publisher: Dutton Juvenile
Series: Matched, Book Two
Page Amount: 367 US Hardcover Edition
Source: Library


*Warning the following blurb and review may contain spoilers if you haven't read Matched book one in the series, please do not continue on*

 "The hotly awaited second book in the dystopian Matched trilogy

In search of a future that may not exist and faced with the decision of who to share it with, Cassia journeys to the Outer Provinces in pursuit of Ky - taken by the Society to his certain death - only to find that he has escaped, leaving a series of clues in his wake.

Cassia's quest leads her to question much of what she holds dear, even as she finds glimmers of a different life across the border. But as Cassia nears resolve and certainty about her future with Ky, an invitation for rebellion, an unexpected betrayal, and a surprise visit from Xander - who may hold the key to the uprising and, still, to Cassia's heart - change the game once again. Nothing is as expected on the edge of Society, where crosses and double crosses make the path more twisted than ever."
- Information from Goodreads.com 



My Thoughts:
Following up to Matched. Cassia is dealing with the search for Ky. Along the way Cassia begins to learn more about the meaning behind the poems. She learns of The Rising, and the part she might play in it. When her and Ky are reunited. They are dealt with the task of finding The Rising. And whether or not to become apart of it.

They deal with losing friends along the way. The fear of getting caught by The Society. There is the sense of not giving up on hope. No matter what the cost. You will get to where you need to. And find out just how strong you truly are.

I loved just as much as Matched maybe even more with all the action in this one!! Awesome series!!

5/5 stars, Happy Reading, Ashley

Sisters Red by Jackson Pearce

Sisters Red by Jackson Pearce
Released:  June 7th 2010 (June 3rd 2010)
Publisher: Little Brown Books for Young Readers
Series: Fairytale Retellings, Book one
Page Amount: 324 US Hardcover Edition
Source: Own

"Scarlett March lives to hunt the Fenris--the werewolves that took her eye when she was defending her sister Rosie from a brutal attack. Armed with a razor-sharp hatchet and blood-red cloak, Scarlett is an expert at luring and slaying the wolves. She's determined to protect other young girls from a grisly death, and her raging heart will not rest until every single wolf is dead.

Rosie March once felt her bond with her sister was unbreakable. Owing Scarlett her life, Rosie hunts ferociously alongside her. But even as more girls' bodies pile up in the city and the Fenris seem to be gaining power, Rosie dreams of a life beyond the wolves. She finds herself drawn to Silas, a young woodsman who is deadly with an ax and Scarlett's only friend--but does loving him mean betraying her sister and all that they've worked for?" -Information from Goodreads.com


My Thoughts:
Sisters Red is the retelling of Little Red Riding Hood. In this twist of the story little red riding hood decides to fight back. After the loss of their grandmother Scarlett and Rosie become hunters of the Fenris. Scarlett is obsessed by the hunter. Rosie on the other hand wants a life outside of the hunter. A life that she wants to include their childhood friend Silas. Whom has returned from taking a trip to San Fransisco.

Together the three of them go on a journey to find the Potential wolf, and end  the wolfs live. In hopes of stopping the Fenris.

Along the way they discover more about themselves. A romance develops.

All in all an awesome retelling!!

5/5 stars, Happy Reading, Ashley

Matched by Ally Condie

Matched by Ally Condie
Released: November 30th 2010
Publisher: Dutton Juvenile
Series: Matched, Book One
Page Amount: 366 US Hardcover Edition
Source: Library

"Cassia has always trusted the Society to make the right choices for her: what to read, what to watch, what to believe. So when Xander's face appears on-screen at her Matching ceremony, Cassia knows with complete certainty that he is her ideal mate... until she sees Ky Markham's face flash for an instant before the screen fades to black.

The Society tells her it's a glitch, a rare malfunction, and that she should focus on the happy life she's destined to lead with Xander. But Cassia can't stop thinking about Ky, and as they slowly fall in love, Cassia begins to doubt the Society's infallibility and is faced with an impossible choice: between Xander and Ky, between the only life she's known and a path that no one else has dared to follow." -Information from Goodreads.com 

My Thoughts:
Matched by Ally Condie, was 2010 debut novel. I've heard good and bad things with this book. So I wasn't sure what I would think of it. With that being said, I ended up falling completely in love with Matched. I loved the characters Cassia, Xander and Ky. I didn't know which boy to love more. The best friend that had been by Cassia's side all these years or Ky the boy who taught her to write, and think beyond the life the Society had planned.   

Matched is an awesome beginning to a series that is becoming one of my favorites. 
 

Supernaturally by Kiersten White

Supernaturally by Kiersten White
Released: July 26th 2011
Publisher: HarperTeen
Series: Paranormalcy, Book Two
Page Amount: 336 US Hardcover Edition
Source: Borrowed From The Library


"Evie finally has the normal life she’s always longed for. But she’s shocked to discover that being ordinary can be . . . kind of boring. Just when Evie starts to long for her days at the International Paranormal Containment Agency, she’s given a chance to work for them again. Desperate for a break from all the normalcy, she agrees.

But as one disastrous mission leads to another, Evie starts to wonder if she made the right choice. And when Evie’s faerie ex-boyfriend Reth appears with devastating revelations about her past, she discovers that there’s a battle brewing between the faerie courts that could throw the whole supernatural world into chaos. The prize in question? Evie herself.

So much for normal." 
- Information from Goodreads.com


My Thoughts:
Due to the love I had for Paranormalcy, I went in thinking I would love Supernaturally just as much. That didn't happen. Supernaturally picks up with Evie attending normal high school. Which she finds boring as compared to her favorite TV show. 

She longs for something more than the normal live she thought she wanted. Well she gets her wish Raquel comes back asking her to take her job. Evie agrees only on her terms. 

If you loved Paranormalcy  then you should pick this up. 

Happy Reading, Ashley