Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Library Haul (1)

Went to my local library to pick up some books I placed on hold. Wanted to share with you all what I got.

1. The Bad Queen: Rules and Instructions for Marie-Antoinette by Carolyn Meyer
2. Reality Check: A Novel by Jen Calonita
3. Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James ( wanted to see what all the fuss is about)
4. Torn by Amanda Hocking
5. Ascend by Amanda Hocking
6. Because It Is My Blood by Gabrielle Devin

Let me know if you have read any of these books and what you thought of them. No spoilers please.

Happy Reading, Ashley

Updates and A Question

I completed my reading challenge on Goodreads for the year. I am so happy to be done. My goal was 30 books for the year. Now I can just enjoy reading without worrying about my reading goal.

I have a question for you my followers. I sometimes read adult books and was wondering if you would want me to review them on my blog. Just leave me a comment.

If any of you are still in school whether it's high school or college. Do you plan on reading this summer? What are you hoping to read?

Oh yeah I have a blog tour stop for The Butterfly Migration by Mia Castile coming up on June 2nd, so be on the lookout for that.


Hope you all reading amazing books.

Happy Reading, Ashley

All These Things I've Done by Gabrielle Zevin

All These Things I've Done by Gabrielle Devin
Released: September 6th 2011
Publisher: Farrar, Straus Giroux (BYR)
Series:  Birthright, book one
Page Amount: 354, US Hardcover Edition
Source: Library


"In 2083, chocolate and coffee are illegal, paper is hard to find, water is carefully rationed, and New York City is rife with crime and poverty. And yet, for Anya Balanchine, the sixteen-year-old daughter of the city's most notorious (and dead) crime boss, life is fairly routine. It consists of going to school, taking care of her siblings and her dying grandmother, trying to avoid falling in love with the new assistant D.A.'s son, and avoiding her loser ex-boyfriend. That is until her ex is accidently poisoned by the chocolate her family manufactures and the police think she's to blame. Suddenly, Anya finds herself thrust unwillingly into the spotlight--at school, in the news, and most importantly, within her mafia family.
Engrossing and suspenseful, All These Things I've Done is an utterly unique, unputdownable read that blends both the familiar and the fantastic."
-Information from Goodreads.com

My Thoughts:
Wow, As I'm trying to piece together just what I thought about All These Things I've Done. It's hard to form them. I was unable to but this book down for a second. I became Anya's sidekick. Experienced everything she went through. I loved reading from her point of view. And how fiercely protective of her family she is.

This book was amazing, and will leave you wanting the sequel.

5/5 stars, Happy Reading, Ashley

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Switched by Amanda Hocking

Switched by Amanda Hocking
Released: January 3rd 2012 (first released July 10th 2012)
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Series: Trylle, Book One
Page Amount: 318
Source: Library


"When Wendy Everly was six years old, her mother was convinced she was a monster and tried to kill her. Eleven years later, Wendy discovers her mother might have been right. She’s not the person she’s always believed herself to be, and her whole life begins to unravel—all because of Finn Holmes.

Finn is a mysterious guy who always seems to be watching her. Every encounter leaves her deeply shaken…though it has more to do with her fierce attraction to him than she’d ever admit. But it isn’t long before he reveals the truth: Wendy is a changeling who was switched at birth—and he’s come to take her home.

Now Wendy’s about to journey to a magical world she never knew existed, one that’s both beautiful and frightening. And where she must leave her old life behind to discover who she’s meant to become…

This edition includes the bonus story "The Vittra Attacks".
-Information from Goodreads.com

My Thoughts:
Wendy has always felt different. All the more so due to the fact when she was just six years old her mother called her a monster and then tried to kill her. But when creepy Finn shows up and tells her who she truly is does Wendy believe what her mother said.

She goes back with Finn to her real home. Where things are just as difficult forher to proccess.

I wasn't sure if I would like a novel about trolls. However Amanda's writing is so magical that I was glued to this book. I was enchanted by the world set up in Trylle.

I loved everything in Switched. I hope that Finn and Wendy are given a chance in the next two books in this series. Also enjoyed the extra short story. I want to get these series for my collection.

5/5 stars, Happy Reading, Ashley

The Butterfly Migration by Mia Castile

The Butterfly Migration by Mia Castile
Released: May 21st 2013
Publisher: Entwined Publishing
Series: The Butterfly Chronicles, Book Three
Page Amount: ebook formatformat
Source: Review

"The worst day of Lacey Baxter’s life was the day her parents announced their divorce and her boyfriend Chase Livingston went into a coma. Scratch that. The worst day of her life was two months later, when he woke up and didn’t recognize her. Now, as he pushes her away, she clings to the hope that each day will be the day he remembers how much they love each other. Turning to her new BFF Byron and his circle of friends, she does whatever she can to cope with the changes. She just wants to be numb and forget about everything.

The headaches, the panic attacks, the pressure to be this perfect boyfriend are incredibly hard for Chase to bear. He doesn’t love Lacey, or at least he doesn’t think he does. Still, he doesn’t understand this strong attraction to her, or the jealousy he feels over every guy that talks to her. Losing two years of his memory means strangers think they know him and he’s not sure where he fits in. Will his memories come back over time or all at once? Should he even wish for them?

Finding each other again could be harder than either of them thought, especially when everyone knows their business and has an opinion about it. "



**This is a Mature YA Series, containing subjects concerning addictions and sexual content.*
-Information from Goodreads.com

My Thoughts:
Given this by Entwined Publishing for an honest review.

This is the third book in The Butterfly Chronicles, so there may be spoilers. Do not keep reading unless you read Becoming A Butterfly and Butterfly Kisses.

Throughout the whole book my heart broke not only for Lacey, dealing with Chase not remembering who she was and what they were. But with her parents divorcing, her mother and sister moving out and away. Her father not being a real parent to her. She was put the ringer for sure. But I also felt Chase's pain not remembering the past two years. But Lacey kept hope alive that her boyfriend would regain his memory. All the pain and tears she had experienced would have been worth it in the end.

Just when you think there shall be a happy ending for all. There is an unexpected twist thrown in at the end. I hope there is a fourth book. 

I need to know what becomes of Lacey and Chase.

5/5 stars, Happy Reading, Ashley(

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

The Future Of Us by Jay Asher and Carolyn Mackler

The Future Of Us by Jay Asher and Carolyn Mackler
Released: November 21st 2011
Publisher: Razorbill
Page Amount: 356, US Hardcover Edition
Source: Library

"It's 1996, and Josh and Emma have been neighbors their whole lives. They've been best friends almost as long - at least, up until last November, when Josh did something that changed everything. Things have been weird between them ever since, but when Josh's family gets a free AOL CD in the mail,his mom makes him bring it over so that Emma can install it on her new computer. When they sign on, they're automatically logged onto their Facebook pages. But Facebook hasn't been invented yet. And they're looking at themselves fifteen years in the future.

By refreshing their pages, they learn that making different decisions now will affect the outcome of their lives later. And as they grapple with the ups and downs of what their futures hold, they're forced to confront what they're doing right - and wrong - in the present."

-Information from Goodreads.com

My Thoughts:
What would you do if you came across Facebook in 1996, fifteen years before its invented. This is what takes place for our two main characters Emma and Josh. When Emma gets a new computer, Josh brings over his AOL CD-Rom for Emma to download onto her computer. The first that happens is Facebook comes up. They discover their futures. But whiling knowing what will be fifteen years down the road. Makes them iffy about the present and the choices they make.


I really loved what Jay Asher and Carolyn Mackler did with mixing the future and taking it back to before it ever came to be.

I was wrapped up in this book. Loved the 90s references.

5/5 stars, Happy Reading, Ashley

Witch World by Christopher Pike

Witch World by Christopher Pike
Released: November 13th 2012
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Series: Witch World, Book One
Page Amount: 528, US Hardcover
Source: Goodreads First Reads

"Witches are real—and each of us may be one—in this all-new paranormal suspense novel from #1 New York Timesbestselling author Christopher Pike.

Heading off for a weekend in Las Vegas with her friends, Jessie Ralle has only one worry—how to make it through the road trip in the same car with her Ex, Jimmy Kelter. The guy who broke her heart five months ago when he dumped her for no reason. The guy who’s finally ready to tell her why he did it, because he wants her back.

But what Jessie doesn’t realize is that Jimmy is the least of her problems.

In Las Vegas she meets Russ, a mesmerizing stranger who shows her how to gamble, and who never seems to lose. Curious, Jessie wants to know his secret, and in response, alone in his hotel room, he teaches her a game that opens a door to another reality.

To Witch World.

Suddenly Jessie discovers that she’s stumbled into a world where some people can do the impossible, and others may not even be human. For a time she fears she’s lost her mind. Are there really witches? Is she one of them?


#1 Bestselling author Christopher Pike offers up another classic edge-of-your-seat thrill ride that keeps you guessing right until the last page."
- Information from Goodreads.com

My Thoughts:
Won this from Goodreads in October 2012. Didn't read it until the end of AprilApril of this year. I've heard nothing but amazing things about Christopher Pike's books. And I wasn't disappointed.

Witch World isn't like any other witch book I have read there is just something this story setting and how Christopher wrote Jessie to be a strong female lead character.
I was glued from the start. Loved every minute inside this enchanting world.

I will be picking up Witch World 2, when it comes out. Oddly enough Christopher is working on it now. In the mean time I will be reading more of his books.

Thank you Goodreads, for allowing me to win a copy of this book.

5/5 stars, Happy Reading, Ashley

Saturday, May 4, 2013

Dare To You by Katie McGarry

Dare To You by Katie McGarry
Expected Released: May 28th 2013
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Series: Pushing The Limits, Book Two
Page Amount: 462 US Hardcover
Source: NetGalley

"Ryan lowers his lips to my ear. "Dance with me, Beth."

"No." I whisper the reply. I hate him and I hate myself for wanting him to touch me again....

"I dare you..."


If anyone knew the truth about Beth Risk's home life, they'd send her mother to jail and seventeen-year-old Beth who knows where. So she protects her mom at all costs. Until the day her uncle swoops in and forces Beth to choose between her mom's freedom and her own happiness. That's how Beth finds herself living with an aunt who doesn't want her and going to a school that doesn't understand her. At all. Except for the one guy who shouldn't get her, but does....

Ryan Stone is the town golden boy, a popular baseball star jock-with secrets he can't tell anyone. Not even the friends he shares everything with, including the constant dares to do crazy things. The craziest? Asking out the Skater girl who couldn't be less interested in him.

But what begins as a dare becomes an intense attraction neither Ryan nor Beth expected. Suddenly, the boy with the flawless image risks his dreams-and his life-for the girl he loves, and the girl who won't let anyone get too close is daring herself to want it all..."

-Information from Goodreads.com


My Thoughts:
Received this from NetGalley for review.

I loved learning more about Beth and what became of her after pushing the limits. Learning more on her past was hard to read. I could relate to Beth's turnmoil wanting to start over in groveton yet wanting to keep helping her mother.

Loved how ryan saw past all the horrors of her past. Wanting nothing more than to love her and make her feel safe.

Dare to you enlightens its readers, having undeniable strength and courage you can overcome anything.

And happy endings are possible for those girls who aren't perfect.
5/5 stars, Happy Reading, Ashley

Cover Reveal for The Butterfly Migration by Mia Castile

This the cover reveal for The Butterfly Migration by Mia Castile. It is the third and final book in The Butterfly Migration.



" The worst day of Lacey Baxter’s life was the day her parents announced their divorce and her boyfriend Chase Livingston went into a coma. Scratch that. The worst day of her life was two months later, when he woke up and didn’t recognize her. Now, as he pushes her away, she clings to the hope that each day will be the day he remembers how much they love each other. Turning to her new BFF Byron and his circle of friends, she does whatever she can to cope with the changes. She just wants to be numb and forget about everything.

The headaches, the panic attacks, the pressure to be this perfect boyfriend are incredibly hard for Chase to bear. He doesn’t love Lacey, or at least he doesn’t think he does. Still, he doesn’t understand this strong attraction to her, or the jealousy he feels over every guy that talks to her. Losing two years of his memory means strangers think they know him and he’s not sure where he fits in. Will his memories come back over time or all at once? Should he even wish for them?

Finding each other again could be harder than either of them thought, especially when everyone knows their business and has an opinion about it. "



**This is a Mature YA Series, containing subjects concerning addictions and sexual content.**


Mia Castile
Twitter: @MiaCastile
 
The Butterfly Migration
 
 
Looking forward to reading this installment in the series, Happy Reading, Ashley

Cover Real for Butterfly Kisses by Mia Castile

I'm revealing the new cover for Butterfly Kisses by Mia Castile, its the second book in The Butterfly Chronicles.



"Everything changed for the Baxter sisters last spring. Lacey blew it with Henry her lifelong crush, only to discover a blooming relationship with her best friend, Chase. While he picked her up and put her back together, they grew closer over the summer. Now that school has started, he’s found popularity thanks to his band Cate’s Ashes, and he’s hiding secret phone calls and text messages. Plus, did his ex-girlfriend just appear out of the blue at his show? Forcing Lacey to wonder if he’s over the feelings he pronounced for her at the beginning of summer. Add to the tension, a realization and secret of her own to keep about her worse enemy. Lacey vows to be the bigger person and keep Byron’s revelation, but what will it cost?

Meanwhile, as Lana tries to find herself again after her suicide attempt, she’s befriended by the school’s resident bad girl, Britt, and new chicano boy, Tomas, in the same week. Britt offers unconditional acceptance that Lana didn’t realize she craved, while Tomas brings out the best in her, and makes her feel alive again. Britt is dangerous and daring, while Tomas exudes security and safety. Vices come easily when you are already addicted to something you crave, and Lana muddles through figuring out who she wants to be.

With their parents constantly arguing, and their dad moving into the guest bedroom, the pressure on the girls may explode destroying them all. Is there a place for happiness when their world is crumbling around them?"


I have a review posted for Butterfly Kisses and Becoming A Butterfly...I loved them both!!
Happy Reading, Ashley

May To Be Read Pile 2013

Hello my lovely Readers, Here's what I'm planning on reading this month.....

1. Witch World by Christopher Pike (currently reading, loving it)
2. The Butterfly Migration by Mia Castile (review)
3. Switched by Amanda Hocking
4. All These Things I've Done by Gabrielle Zevin
5. Everneath by Brodi Ashton
6. Everbound by Brodi Ashton
7. Obsidian Mirror by Catherine Fisher
8. The Best of Me by Nicholas Sparks
9. The Future of Us by Jay Asher and Carolyn Macker

If I get through all of those some others I might read...
Burn Bright by Marianne de Pierres (bought it for my kindle, sooo excited)
Grimm's Complete Fairy Tales
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

That is all I'm planning on reading this month, Please feel free to let me know what you are reading this month and if you have read any of the books above, let me know what you thought of them. No spoilers though.

Happy Reading, Ashley