Every Little Thing

PLEASE READ #2

2011-03-01T01:04:00.000-06:00

Hi guys. Like I said before, I was having a few personal problems and I'm sorry to say, that I have to stop blogging. My personal life has gotten way too complicated to deal with, so I must take care of it. I'm really going to miss you guys and I hope you can forgive me. I may try to restart blogging in a year or two. But, for now, I'm done.
I hope you guys have fun with your blogging and good luck! Thanks SO much for all the months you guys spent with me!

(To writer critiques: I am going to try to write. I may not have much time to, but I'm going to try really hard! Thanks so much for the e-mails and all the help!)

Every Little Thing,
Hannah

Please Read!

2011-02-19T11:44:00.000-06:00

Hello!

I'm sorry to say this, but I'm going to have to put postpone my blog for a while. A couple of things in my life have gotten to be kind of crazy, so, my blog is not going to be posted on for, at least, a month. Six months, at tops. I'm sorry to say that, but it is true.

For those for are helping criticize my book, I will not reply to e-mails as fast, nor will I be sending out chapters as fast.

I'm sorry and thank you for understanding.

Every Little Thing,
Hannah

Cover Release!

2011-02-15T14:52:00.000-06:00

Last week, I signed up to help spread the word about Tera Lynn Childs' newest book, Sweet Vemon. It's going to be the first book in her newest series, Medusa. But today, the cover is revealed!

What do you think?

I actually REALLY like it! It's way different from all of Tera's other book covers and to me, it looks amazing!

Just wanted to let you guys know that you can also check out the Facebook page for Sweet Vemon HERE.

You can see other blogs who participated in this release HERE.

It's Monday & Weekly Round-Up(17)

2011-02-14T16:01:00.001-06:00

It's Monday! What are you reading? is a weekly event to celebrate what we are reading for the week hosted at Book Journey, Post the books completed last week, the books you're currently reading, and the books to be read this week. Please comment or leave a link to let me know what you're reading this week!

Reviewed Last Week:
Hush,Hush - Becca Fitzpatrick
Undead and Unreturnable(Undead #4) - MaryJanice Davidson

Completed Last Week & NOT Reviewed:
Hex Hall - Rachel Hawkins
White Cat - Holly Black
Once In A Full Moon - Ellen Schreiber
Unearthly - Cynthia Hand

Currently Reading:
Before I Fall - Lauren Oliver

Up Next:
Nevermore - Kelly Creagh
The Lost Hero - Rick Riordan
Across The Universe - Beth Revis

So..I reviewed 2, completed 4, am reading 1 and have a lot more than 3 up next. What's new with you?

Top 5 Sundays #7

2011-02-13T17:17:00.000-06:00

Top 5 Sundays is hosted by my awesome friend Larissa @ Larissa's Bookish Life

This Week's Theme:

Favorite Book Boyfriends

(Ooooh, yes, I did have fun with this one :D)

1. Tucker from Unearthly - eeep! I love him!

2. Jace from Mortal Instruments - *swoon*

3. Ren from Nightshade - *drool*

4. Brandon from Once In A Full Moon

5. Mason from the Vampire Academy series - *before* what happens in Frostbite :(

What about you guys??

In My Mailbox #19

2011-02-12T17:28:00.001-06:00

In My Mailbox is a weekly event exploring the books received this week and is hosted by Kristi @ The Story Siren. Please comment with your links so I can come see what's new with you too!!

Hi guys :) Well, as many of you know, yesterday I was working on my very first vlog and was tweeting about it. I ran into a couple of problems along the way(First I couldn't find any cameras that work, then my camera battery died, then it wouldn't load, then I webcamed it and it was a crappy video) so I had to give up. I'm sorry! With all the requests I had gotten for it, I'm really sorry about that guys :\ So, I'm going to keep working on it, see what I can do to get it working and what not. So, cross your fingers for next week!

In other(good) news.. I got 8 books this week. WAIT! NO YELLING YET! Let me explain..

Like I said last week(view post here) I am cutting back on getting books for a while. I am over thirty(30) books behind on reading, so I need to step it up a notch. I recently got out of a reading slump(thank Gods for Unearthly) and am still "recovering".

But, my neighbor(sweetheart that she is) brought over six(6) books for me and my older brother to read. But, the good news in this, is that all the books are adult. So, that means there is a 98% chance that I won't review them.

The bad news is, my older brother disappeared with one of them into his room, so I don't know the title of THAT one...But I do know the title of a couple of the others..Here they are:

(Most of the) Books Received from my Neighbor:

Deadly Grace - Taylor Smith

Relentless - Dean Kootnz

Wild Justice - Philip Margolin

Mary Mary - James Patterson(I have NEVER read any Patterson books, sad, I know. But I do own the first book in the Maximum Ride series, The Angel Experiment, so you guys should expect a review of that between now and early April)

Rules of Prey - John Sandford

And I also went to the library this week :) I did not go looking in the YA section this time(I've managed to avoid it for three weeks now, yes!), but I had some requests in. Both, I'm sure you guys are going to freak out about. So wait for it...

The first one I got was..

I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore(you can read more about it HERE)

Now, for those who don't know, I Am Number Four(IAMF) was made into a movie. It comes out THIS Friday, the 18th. And guess who's starring as Number Four? That's right! Alex Pettyfer.

Who is most of your guys choice of Jace in Cassandra Clare's The Mortal Instruments series(cast still to be decided).

So, make sure to get a ticket to see Pettyfer starring in I Am Number Four this Friday!

And the second(and last) book I got was..

Delirium by Lauren Oliver(read more about Delirium HERE)

Now if you don't remember, I had an interview with Lauren a couple of weeks ago(interview HERE) and she's REALLY great.

Lauren is the author of the amazing(according to you guys) Before I Fall. I, personally, have not read either one of her books yet. I'm reading Unearthly right now, but Before I Fall is up next :)

(Have to say this, look really close at the picture of the Delirium cover and tell me, do you see a girl behind the words of "Lauren Oliver" and "Delirium"? I JUST saw that a couple of days ago..I always thought it was like some sort of 'glamor' or something. Guess I know now!)

So, that's what I got this week! Sorry for the super long post, but I liked being able to actually(well, kind of) "talk" to you guys about the books I got.

So, what did you get this week? Leave your link in the comments below and I'll come visit! You can also send me your link via Twitter and I'll tweet it around! Thanks :)

Review: Undead and Unreturnable

2011-02-12T13:15:00.000-06:00

"Then, of course, he was dead, because Laura leaned down, picked up a chunk of wood off the pile, and broke his head in half."

Title: Undead and Unreturnable
Series: Undead #4
Author: MaryJanice Davidson
Reading Level: Adult
Source: Library
Date Finished: January 28, 2011
Rating: B - Amazing

Summary of Book:
Queen of the Vampires Betsy Taylor is in the middle of planning the perfect wedding to drop-dead gorgeous vamp Eric Sinclair. But all is not bouquets and bridal showers-Betsy is plagued by ghosts who demand her help in rectifying their past mistakes, and a serial killer is on the loose. With his victims all being tall, blond women, Betsy fits the profile exactly.

Review:
Like usual, there's a stick figure on the cover. Although I do love all the covers, the stick figure of Betsy is a little much. But never the same, it's the actual book that matters. And as usual, this series delivered. I love all the books in Davidson's series so far. Of the four I've read, I'd have to say that Undead and Unappreciated(#3 in the series) is my favorite.
The series is hilarious and I can always read one of this series' books whenever I get bored with my other books. But, I have to say that this one in the series definitely isn't a favorite. I love reading Sinclair's smarty comebacks and there was barely any in this book(spoiler: because he found out about Betsy's being able to read his mind and he got mad at her, then didn't speak to her for a couple of days. :end of spoiler).
I do recommend that you read this series though. Adult or not, it is really funny and can usually be read within an afternoon.

What's Your Status?(2/11/11)

2011-02-11T17:05:00.000-06:00

This meme is hosted by Butterfly Feet Walking on Life.

I am to post what I've finished in the past week, what I'm currently reading and where I am in the book/s, what I plan to read next, and possibly what I want to buy/get.

But I'll scratch out the possibly what I want to buy/get.

If you participate in What's Your Status? please leave a link below so I can come see what's new with you!

Finished In The Last 7 Days:

Hex Hall - Rachel Hawkins

White Cat - Holly Black

Once In A Full Moon - Ellen Schreiber

Currently Reading & Where I'm At:

Unearthly - Cynthia Hand

I'm on page 176.

Up Soon:

Before I Fall - Lauren Oliver

Nevermore - Kelley Creagh

The Lost Hero - Rick Riordan

So, what's new with you?? Leave a comment with what you finished last week, what you are reading and what you plan to finish this week!

Blog Hop #18 & Follow Friday #19

2011-02-10T21:00:00.002-06:00

Book Blogger Hop is hosted by Jen @ Crazy-For-Books.com and Follow Friday is hosted by Parajunkie @ Parajunkie's View.

Blog Hop question:

"Tell us about one of your posts from this week and give us a link so we can read it (review or otherwise)!"

My answer:

I'm going to cheat. Just keep scrolling down and you'll find a list of links for this week. Click on Hush,Hush and you'll see my review of it :D

Follower Friday question:

What is your favorite romance hero-type? Stereotype wise. Do you like the strong silent type or the brute macho man?

My answer:

Oh wow..Umm, I think I'm going to have to go with with the strong silent type ;)

Thanks for stopping by!

I'm Hannah. I'm the blogger here at Every Little Thing. I review pretty much any genre of books. Paranormal, romance, mystery, etc.. I review it! The only genre I don't review is non-fiction. Well, sometimes I DO review it, but only once or twice every couple of months, sometimes not at all. You can go to my "Reviews A-Z" or "Review Policy" page to find out more about what I review and I have reviewed.

I also have an "Interviews" page where you can see all the author interviews I've had so far this year and the ones coming soon.

If you have a question, comment, concern, etc..Please go to my "Contact Me" page and let me know :)

Before you leave, make sure to check out what's been going on around my blog this week!

Don't forget to leave your link as well, so I can come visit and follow you!

Reviews from this week:

Fixing Delilah - Sarah Ockler

Wintergirls - Laurie Halse Anderson

Hush, Hush - Becca Fitzpatrick

Undead and Unreturnable - MaryJanice Davidson(coming Friday)

Memes from this week:

What's Your Status?

In My Mailbox

Top 5 Sundays

It's Monday & Weekly Round-Up

Top Ten Tuesday

Teaser Tuesday

Waiting On Wednesday

Booking Through Thursday

Author Interview of the Week:

Kody Keplinger, author of The DUFF

So..What's new with you?

Make sure to leave your link so I can come check out your blog too!

Review: Hush,Hush

2011-02-10T13:01:00.000-06:00

"“You're not impressing me." "I haven't started trying yet.”"
-Nora & Patch

Title: Hush,Hush
Series: Hush,Hush #1
Author: Becca Fitzpatrick
Source: Library
Date Finished: January 28, 2011
Rating: A+ - Rarely given, only when a book could make it into my top ten.

Summary of Book:
For Nora Grey, romance was not part of the plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how much her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her, not until Patch came along. With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Nora is drawn to him against her better judgment. But after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora's not sure who to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is, and to know more about her than her closest friends. She can't decide whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide. And when she tries to seek some answers, she finds herself near a truth that is way more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel. For Nora is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those that have fallen - and, when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost her her life.

Review:
I have to admit, last summer, I had checked out this book and then looked at the cover at home and was all "No way am I going to read that thing! Have you seen that cover??". So, I returned it and never thought about it again. BAD, BAD, BAD MISTAKE. The cover may be creepy, but the book was amazing!
I thought the characters' names were really unique. Nora, you don't see many Noras everyday. And Patch, I've NEVER read about a Patch.
It was nice to read a book that was focused on angels, instead of something else. I'm a vamp girl, so I don't read much angel books, let alone fallen angels. And I think I've grown to love angels. Demons I can deal with. But it's the angels I'm looking forward to :D
Vampires and werewolves are cool, don't get me wrong. But, there are thousands of books about them. There might be thousands of angel books too, but I just don't know about them. I'd like to know about them, though. This book was beautifully written and a book I'd read all over again. In fact, I'm looking forward to re-reading it :)

Cover Reveal: Love Story

2011-02-10T11:32:00.000-06:00

Love Story

Jennifer Echols

July 19th, 2011

This is going to be Echol's newest book that releases July 19th.

I like the cover. It's just like her other ones, but it's different somehow..

What do you think?

Booking Through Thursday #6

2011-02-10T09:48:00.000-06:00

Booking Through Thursday is hosted by Booking Through Thursday!

Question:

There’s something wonderful about getting in on the ground floor of an author’s career–about being one of the first people to read and admire them, before they became famous best-sellers.

Which authors have you been lucky enough to discover at the very beginning of their careers?

And, if you’ve never had that chance, which author do you WISH you’d been able to discover at the very beginning?

My answer:

I don't think I've ever met an author BEFORE they became famous..But I think that I would have wanted to get to know Ellen Schreiber.

What about you?

Waiting On Wednesday #15

2011-02-09T12:17:00.000-06:00

Waiting on Wednesday is a meme hosted by Breaking the Spine to highlight upcoming releases we're anxiously awaiting. This meme is always time-consuming since there are practically hundreds to choose from.
Comment with the link to your WoW post and I'll come visit :)
WARNING: Waiting on Wednesday is a great way to tell others what kind of books you like and are waiting for, but could make your TBR topple over. Continue with care. . .

My WoW picks of the week:

Haven

Kristi Cook

February 22, 2011

One month into her junior year, sixteen-year-old Violet McKenna transfers to the Winterhaven School in New York’s Hudson Valley, inexplicably drawn to the boarding school with high hopes. Leaving Atlanta behind, she’s looking forward to a fresh start--a new school, and new classmates who will not know her deepest, darkest secret, the one she’s tried to hide all her life: strange, foreboding visions of the future.

But Winterhaven has secrets of its own, secrets that run far deeper than Violet’s. Everyone there--every student, every teacher--has psychic abilities, 'gifts and talents,' they like to call them. Once the initial shock of discovery wears off, Violet realizes that the school is a safe haven for people like her. Soon, Violet has a new circle of friends, a new life, and maybe even a boyfriend--Aidan Gray, perhaps the smartest, hottest guy at Winterhaven.

Only there’s more to Aidan than meets the eye--much, much more. And once she learns the horrible truth, there’s no turning back from her destiny. Their destiny. Together, Violet and Aidan must face a common enemy--if only they can do so without destroying each other first.

Demon Glass(Hex Hall #2)

Rachel Hawkins

March 1, 2011

That was the whole reason she was sent to Hex Hall, a reform school for delinquent Prodigium (aka witches, shapeshifters, and fairies). But that was before she discovered the family secret, and that her hot crush, Archer Cross, is an agent for The Eye, a group bent on wiping Prodigium off the face of the earth.

Turns out, Sophie’s a demon, one of only two in the world—the other being her father. What’s worse, she has powers that threaten the lives of everyone she loves. Which is precisely why Sophie decides she must go to London for the Removal, a dangerous procedure that will destroy her powers.

But once Sophie arrives she makes a shocking discovery. Her new friends? They’re demons too. Meaning someone is raising them in secret with creepy plans to use their powers, and probably not for good. Meanwhile, The Eye is set on hunting Sophie down, and they’re using Acher to do it. But it’s not like she has feelings for him anymore. Does she?

So..what's on your WoW list this week?

Teaser Tuesday #16

2011-02-08T16:06:00.000-06:00

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
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!

Make sure to comment with your link so I can come see what your reading too!

Once In A Full Moon

Ellen Schreiber

"After volleyball practice, I left the school gym and this thing jumped out of the bushes at me."

"What thing?", Ivy asked.

"A thing! A creature."

Unearthly

Cynthia Hand

Not now, I think, as if the vision in a person I can command. The next line of my speech flies out of my head. I begin to see the outlines of trees.

Please, I think at the vision desperately. Go away.

Top Ten Tuesday(Top Ten Characters I'd Name My Children After)

2011-02-08T10:12:00.001-06:00

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by those awesome bloggers @ The Broke and the Bookish.

This week's theme:

Top Ten Characters I'd Name My Children After

1. Isabella(Bella) from Twilight - I'm not really into Twilight anymore, but the name stuck with me.

2. Jacob(Jake) from Twilight - read above ^^

3. Sophia(Sophie) from Hex Hall - << This is as far as "it" girls go in the reading world xD

4. Patch from Hush,Hush - oh yeah..

5. Clary from Mortal Instruments - eeepp!!

6. Jace from Mortal Instruments - *swoon*

7. Violet(Vi) from The Body Finder - i just love the name & she was so cool to read about :D

8. Jay from The Body Finder - *swoon* yes, I'm swooning again..

9. Ashley from Prom - it's not what they did, it's what they are.

10. And to round off the count...*drum roll* Katniss from The Hunger Games - my heroine!

Make sure to leave your link so I can come see!
And come back next week to see my Top Ten Love Stories In Books list!

Author Interview: Kody Keplinger

2011-02-07T11:32:00.000-06:00

H: Most of the people who have read The DUFF, know that you got your inspiration from your high school cafeteria, but how did you come up with the story's plot?

KK: "At first, the story didn't have one. I had characters and a title, but no plot whatsoever. But one night I was taking a shower and I had my radio on in the next room, playing my Veronicas CD at top volume. This song, "I Can't Stay Away" started playing. The lyrics are really sexy, but about a relationship where the narrator knows the guy isn't good for her, but she feels "addicted" to him. As soon as the song was over, I had my story. I honestly jumped out of the shower and ran to my laptop in a towel and wrote the first two paragraphs right away."

H: How did you choose your characters' names? Were they characters from your past or just randomly picked names?

KK: "Neither. It sounds nuts, but I feel like my characters really chose their names in this book. Bianca was always Bianca, and the same goes for her best friends, Casey and Jessica. As for Wesley - I did pick his name. Wesley (not Wes) is my favorite boy's name EVER. Think of the good Wesleys out there - Wesley from the TV show ANGEL (my fave) and Wesley from Princess Bride? Who doesn't love a Wesley? So Wesley it had to be."

H: What's your favorite high school memory?

KK: "Riding to the restaurant after graduation with the windows down singing "My Life Would Suck Without You" at the top of my lungs with the people I thought I'd be best friends with forever."

H: Your soon to come book, Luststruck, what can you tell us about it?

KK: "Not much yet. I can say that it's a modern reimagining (not quite a retelling) of a Greek play called Lysistrata, which I read last year and absolutely loved. It deals with same themes I touched on in THE DUFF - about judgments and labels - but in more depth. I hope it'll be a fun girl-power kind of read!"

Quick Questions:

Real or Fiction: Fiction

Reading or watching: Reading

Florida or California: California

Strawberry or Chocolate: Strawberry

Pizza or ice cream: ice cream

Favorite Movie(s): Cruel Intentions.
Favorite Author(s): Judy Blume, Jane Austen, JK Rowling
Favorite Book(s): Too many to even try to name.
Favorite Genre(s): I LOVE Urban Fantasy, but I'm a softy for a good contemporary.
Favorite place(s) to write: My desk
Favorite TV show: Gossip Girl right now, but in older TV, Buffy.

You can find Kody at:
Twitter: twitter.com/kody_keplinger

Website: kodykeplinger.com

It's Monday and Weekly Round-Up(16)

2011-02-07T11:14:00.000-06:00

Reviewed Last Week:

City of Ashes Review

Fixing Delilah Review

The Body Finder Review

Wintergirls Review

Completed Last Week & NOT Reviewed:

Currently Reading:

Up Soon:

So, I reviewed 4 books, finished 1(I'm kind of in a reading slump), am reading 2 and have more than 3 to read next.

So, what did you review, finish, start and plan to start?

This Week On ELT..

2011-02-06T13:38:00.000-06:00

Thanks to Book Chick City for allowing me to post "This Week On ELT.." similar to their "This Week On BCC.."!

This Week On Every Little Thing!

On Monday: Interview with Kody Keplinger, author of The DUFF and a It's Monday & Weekly Round-Up post!

On Tuesday: Teaser Tuesday(teasers from Once In A Full Moon and Unearthly) and my Top Ten Tuesday(Top Ten Characters I'd Name My Children after)

On Wednesday: Waiting On Wednesday will be posted.

On Thursday: A review of Hush,Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick will be posted along with Booking Through Thursday and then, later on, an early post for Follow Friday and Blog Hop!

On Friday: A review of Undead and Unreturnable by MaryJanice Davidson will be posted. And then a What's Your Status? post.

On Saturday: A review of Matched by Ally Condie will be posted. So will my In My Mailbox post.

On Sunday: Top 5 Sundays will be posted.

So, that's whats happening this week! What book do you guys want me to read/review?(remember, not all of them will get picked!) Any author interview requests?

Thanks!

Top 5 Sundays #6

2011-02-06T13:12:00.000-06:00

Top 5 Sundays is hosted by my awesome friend Larissa @ Larissa's Bookish Life

This week's theme:

Funniest Book Characters

Haymitch from the Hunger Games series

Simon from The Mortal Instruments series

Hale from Heist Society

Patch from Hush, Hush

Ansel from Nightshade

Yeah, some of my choices are random, but they are kind of funny ;)

So, what are your top 5 funniest book characters?

Review: Wintergirls

2011-02-05T21:05:00.000-06:00

“"Do I joke with you about food?" ~~I am so hungry~~ I have to stay strong--bend, but not break. "One muffin.""Two muffins. You need the carbs.""One and the eggs."She takes another deep breathe. "Deal."”

Title: Wintergirls
Author: Laurie Halse Anderson
Source: Library
Date Finished: January 25th, 2011
Rating: D - Okay!

Goodreads | Amazon

Summary of Book:
“Dead girl walking,” the boys say in the halls. “Tell us your secret,” the girls whisper, one toilet to another. I am that girl. I am the space between my thighs, daylight shining through. I am the bones they want, wired on a porcelain frame. Lia and Cassie are best friends, wintergirls frozen in matchstick bodies, competitors in a deadly contest to see who can be the skinniest. But what comes after size zero and size double-zero? When Cassie succumbs to the demons within, Lia feels she is being haunted by her friend’s restless spirit. In her most emotionally wrenching, lyrically written book since the multiple-award-winning Speak, Laurie Halse Anderson explores Lia’s descent into the powerful vortex of anorexia, and her painful path toward recovery.

Review:
I usually love Laurie Halse Anderson's books, but this time, it was just too rough for me. Prom was a fun read, Speak was rough, but still good, but this one was just a bumpy ride for me. I thought it tackled a good subject though; anorexia.
For those who don't know what anorexia is, it's pretty much a where your afraid to gain weight, so you eat as little bit of food as possible.
So, in the story, Lia doesn't want to gain weight. She's fighting it really. She tries to eat as little as possible and hopes she doesn't gain anything from it.
Most of you know that I usually need to read a book that ends with a "happily ever after" not literally the words "happily ever after" but just a happy ending. This book did have a kind of happy ending..But it just wasn't for me :\
I do have to say that the cover is gorgeous!
I'm going to try to read another one of Anderson's books, I'm thinking Chains next. I'm not sure.

In My Mailbox #18

2011-02-05T15:47:00.000-06:00

In My Mailbox is a weekly event exploring the books received this week and is hosted by Kristi @ The Story Siren. Please comment with your links so I can come see what's new with you too!!

This is going to be the 2nd lamest In My Mailbox post, I've ever blogged before. I got one book this week. But..It's kind of one to be excited for;

Now, the reason why I only got 1 book this week, is because I have 30+ I need to read, and catch-up on. So, the next couple of months(maybe month and a half, if I'm lucky) might have kind of lame IMM posts. I'll still post IMM posts and let you know if I got a book or two(most likely to get one or two every week now) and I'll let you guys know what I saw in the library too :)

This week though, I didn't go off looking anywhere in the library though, I went straight to the check-out, grabbed Torment and got out of there before I was pulled in.(and yes I did get some weird looks thrown my way, lol)

But, I have a very exciting post for next Saturday because 2 books that I've been waiting forever for, have come in at the library and I will be picking them up Wednesday(hopefully, anyway).

I hope you had a better week than I did! So, I want you to either tweet me your link or comment with it, you guys know I love IMM posts. Non-followers links are welcomed too :)

Review: Fixing Delilah

2011-02-05T15:19:00.000-06:00

“Patrick laughs. "All night, too. Afraid to be alone with me, Hannaford?""No." Yes. "Just wondering about, Em.""She can't save you," he says, pulling me into another kiss as we slowly make our way to Main Street.”

Title: Fixing Delilah
Author: Sarah Ockler
Source: Library
Date Finished: January 25th, 2011
Rating: B - Amazing!

Summary of Book:
Things in Delilah Hannaford's life have a tendency to fall apart. She used to be a good student, but she can't seem to keep it together anymore. Her friends are drifting away. Her "boyfriend" isn't a boyfriend. Her mother refuses to discuss the fight that divided the Hannaford family eight years ago. Falling apart, it seems, runs in the family. When Delilah must spend the summer helping to settle her estranged grandmother's estate, she's suddenly confronted by her family's painful past. Faced with questions that cannot be ignored and secrets that threaten to burst free, Delilah begins to doubt all that she's ever known to be true. Rich with humor and emotion, Sarah Ockler delivers a powerful story of family, love, and self-discovery--as Delilah comes to realize that even the most shattered relationships can be pieced back together again.

I made the book trailer myself, so don't laugh! xP

Review:
I'm definitely a fan of Sarah Ockler now. As many of you know, I didn't start blogging until last September and back then, I didn't really pay attention to new releases, I just went to the library, looked through the shelves, grabbed what I wanted, and high-tailed it out of there before anyone else wanted to see it xD. My point being; I never read Twenty Boy Summer. Which is the book that all of you fell in love with and why you were all jumping up and down with joy about finding out that Ockler had another book coming out, Fixing Delilah.
I'm a fan of Sarah Ockler now, but I'm not a big as fan for her, as I would be for, say, Richelle Mead or Stephanie Meyer. But, I am a fan. So, sometime within a couple of months, I will be posting a review of Twenty Boy Summer(hopefully, THEN I'll fall in love with Sarah Ockler ;)).
Anyway..On to my review =)
As you probably saw above, I gave Fixing Delilah a B. Why? You might ask.
Well, I'm a sucker for love stories and always seek them out when I'm reading a book. Even if it's just a little fling going on between the main character and someone else. I loved that part of the story, the romance between Patrick and Delilah. Patrick(also known as Ricky a long time ago) really cared about her. Making sure that she was OK with everything. He even wrote her a song(awwh!). So, in this case, Patrick was a great character!
I liked Delilah. She had common problems that everyone has every now and again, boy troubles, even friend troubles. She was strong-headed(otherwise known as stubborn) when it came to family problems. And that's what I liked about her; she didn't give up.
Emily(Em), Delilah's mom(Claire) and Delilah's aunt(Rachel) were great characters too. Emily cared about Delilah, as did Rachel at some points in the book. Claire had a lot of work problems of her own, and that kept her busy to ignore her feelings, but she was really just hiding from herself.
I have to agree with those of you, who put in your reviews, that the book expressed everyone else's depression, but never actually talked about Delilah being depressed. You can tell she was, so maybe that's why Ockler didn't include anything about it. I don't really know..But I thought it was great and a classic love-story under all the depression and family problems though.

What's Your Status?(1/4/11)

2011-02-04T15:28:00.000-06:00

This meme is hosted by Butterfly Feet Walking on Life.

I am to post what I've finished in the past week, what I'm currently reading and where I am in the book/s, what I plan to read next, and possibly what I want to buy/get.

But I'll scratch out the possibly what I want to buy/get.

If you participate in What's Your Status? please leave a link below so I can come see what's new with you!

Finished In The Last 7 Days:

Hush, Hush - Becca Fitzpatrick

Undead and Unreturnable - MaryJanice Davidson

Matched - Ally Condie

Frostbite - Richelle Mead

Currently Reading & Where I'm At:

White Cat - Holly Black

I'm on page 13. Just started it :)

Hex Hall - Rachel Hawkins

I'm on page 12. Just started this one as well!

What's Up Soon:

The Ghost & The Goth - Stacey Kade

Bad Girls Don't Die - Katie Alender

Once In A Full Moon - Ellen Schreiber

So, what's new with you?? Leave a comment with what you finished last week, what you are reading and what you plan to finish this week!

Blog Hop #17 & Follow Friday #18

2011-02-03T18:18:00.002-06:00

Book Blogger Hop is hosted by Jen @ Crazy-For-Books.com and Follow Friday is hosted by Parajunkie @ Parajunkie's View.

Blog hop question of the week:

"What are you reading now and why are you reading it?"

My answer:
I'm reading Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins(was recommended to me from a friend) and White Cat(found on Shelfari and also recommended by a couple of friends.) Both are really good though!

Follow Friday question of the week:

What is the book you are currently 'pushing'? (Pushing mean trying to get people to read it)

My answer:

Hmmm..Has to be my newest favorite book, The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting. It was amazing and I think everyone should read it.

Thanks for stopping by!

I also have an "Interviews" page where you can see all the author interviews I've had so far this year and the ones coming soon.

If you have a question, comment, concern, etc..Please go to my "Contact Me" page and let me know :)

Before you leave, make sure to check out what's been going on around my blog this week!

Don't forget to leave your link as well, so I can come visit and follow you!

Reviews from this week:

Kiss Of Midnight - Lara Adrian

Heist Society - Ally Carter

City Of Ashes(TMI #2) - Cassandra Clare

The Body Finder - Kimberly Derting

Fixing Delilah - Sarah Ockler(review coming Friday)

Memes from this week:

What's Your Status?

In My Mailbox

Top 5 Sundays!

It's Monday & weekly Round-Up

Top ten Tuesday

Teaser Tuesday

Waiting on Wednesday

Booking Through Thursday

Author Interview of the Week:

Suzanne Selfors, author of Mad Love & Saving Juliet.

Feel free to go through older posts although it might take a while to wade through them :)

Have a great weekend!

Author Interview: Suzanne Selfors

2011-02-03T12:51:00.000-06:00

When you were a kid, what did you dream of being?

Funny, but I never thought I'd be a writer. I wanted to be a marine biologist, then a film director.

What was your favorite book growing up?

I'm a huge Roald Dahl fan. Matilda is one of my favorite characters as is Charlie Bucket(Charlie & The Chocolate Factory).

What was your first book published and how old were you?

My first book was To Catch A Mermaid, published in Sept, 2007. I was old and I'm even older now.

How many books have you written? Do you have a favorite, or do you love all your books the same?

Today I've published seven books, with more coming out next year. I think I'm like a lot of writers when I say that my favorite book is the one I'm going to write next.

What's your work schedule when your writing?

I like to go to coffeehouses to write. I work best when I'm surrounded by people and music. I do that for about 3 hours a day. I spend as much time each day dealing with emails and the business end of writing.

Now that your an author, do you still have time to read?

Not as much as I'd like, unfortunately. I read a lot of middle grade, and I read a lot of nonfiction.

Do you have any more books your in the making of?

In May my kids book, SMELLS LIKE TREASURE, will be released. And in 2012 I'll have another teen book released, which I'm writing right now.

Quickies:

Chocolate or Vanilla?: Dark Chocolate
Pop, Coffee or Tea?: Coffee
Real or Fantasy?: Fantasy
Take-out or Homemade?: Take-out
Cat or Dog?: Dog
Fall or Spring?: Fall
Summer or Winter?: Summer
Read or Write?: Write
Love or War?: Love
Virtual or Real Life?: Real Life
Rome or Paris?: PARIS!!!!!
Vampire or werewolf?: Werewolf.
Movie or TV?:Movie

You can visit Suzanne at her website.

Cover Revealed: Uncommon Criminals

2011-02-03T10:06:00.000-06:00

It's finally time! Ally Carter's Uncommon Criminals cover has been revealed to readers everywhere :)

Katarina Bishop has worn a lot of labels in her short life. Friend. Niece. Daughter. Thief. But for the last two months she’s simply been known as the girl who ran the crew that robbed the greatest museum in the world. That’s why Kat isn’t surprised when she’s asked to steal the infamous Cleopatra Emerald so it can be returned to its rightful owners.

There are only three problems. First, the gem hasn’t been seen in public in thirty years. Second, since the fall of the Egyptian empire and the suicide of Cleopatra, no one who holds the emerald keeps it for long, and in Kat’s world, history almost always repeats itself. But it’s the third problem that makes Kat’s crew the most nervous and that is simply… the emerald is cursed.

Kat might be in way over her head, but she’s not going down without a fight. After all she has her best friend—the gorgeous Hale—and the rest of her crew with her as they chase the Cleopatra around the globe, dodging curses, realizing that the same tricks and cons her family has used for centuries are useless this time.

Which means, this time, Katarina Bishop is making up her own rules .

Uncommon Criminals is the second book in the Heist Society series. It's said to be released on June 21st of this year.

Booking Through Thursday #5

2011-02-03T09:30:00.000-06:00

Booking Through Thursday is hosted by Booking Through Thursday!

Question:

I am paraphrasing from a friend’s Facebook wall her question:

“How would a teen-age boy who is going to work with his hands ever use Literature of England in his work?”

The age-old “How am I going to use this in real life?” question. How would you answer it?

My Answer:

I might slap them or..-I'm just kidding ;) I'd say "Life is too stressful to NOT read. And besides, you only get one life, why not try everything?"

Review: The Body Finder

2011-02-02T21:09:00.001-06:00

“Everything had just changed for Violet. Knowing this girl . . . and knowing what she was capable of doing to help, even if it was futile, and even if it turned out to be dangerous, she knew she could no longer just sit around and wait to see if--or when--they found Hailey.Violet was done waiting around for someone else to find the pyschopath who was preying on these girls. She was going to do something, even it she had to sneak around to get it done.”

Title: The Body Finder
Series: The Body Finder #1
Author: Kimberly Derting
Source: Library
Date Finished: January 23rd, 2011
Rating: A+ - Rarely given, only when a book could possibly make it into my top ten of the year.

Goodreads | Amazon

Summary of Book:
Violet Ambrose is starting her junior year in high school and faces problems shared by many teens. She is madly in love with Jay Heaton, her best friend since first grade, but does not know if he feels the same. She is trying to do well at school, but classes do not always hold her interest. Unlike others, however, Violet has the ability—or perhaps the curse—of sensing violent deaths around her. Every demise leaves a hint screaming to be discovered: sometimes a sheen of colors, other times a chorus of bells or even a specific smell. When Violet was eight, she discovered a girl's body in the woods behind her house. This same killer is now striking her community again, kidnapping and murdering teenage girls. He even seems to be getting closer to Violet with every kill. She must deal with her emotions for Jay at the same time as she tries to stop this vicious murderer before it is too late for both. Derting's first novel provides the reader with both Violet's and the killer's perspectives. Violet's fear is palpable and rises as her attempt to find the murderer leads her close to death and as she confronts her feelings for Jay.

Review:

Characters: Violet and Jay are names that you see every day, but no one EVER sees fit for character names. And it was a gutsy move for Derting to use those character names. But, in this story, they were brilliant! Violet was outgoing and she didn't care that she could find dead bodies(humans and animals). She was amazing, in a way. Jay was hot and smart. And...a guy! He was funny and sweet. Always caring about Violet. It was cute to read about!

Plot: I have to say this, and this is me actually admitting something, on Goodreads, I like to read the little stories they have on there. Everyone posts a story(their idea of a book) and I like to read them and criticize. And this book reminded me of so many different stories that I've read on there. All the stories were their steps towards becoming an author, and all the stories seemed simple. Original, even. And the love story in this book is a re-make of all of them. The girl loves the boy, and they're friends. She can't tell him, in case he doesn't like her, but it's always the same. He loves her. But, even being the romancey that I am, I couldn't concentrate on that. I just couldn't get my mind off how she was able to find dead creatures. I mean, I've NEVER read a book like this. It was absolutely marvelous! It's not an original, but it's just...different. ~~In a good way~~. No, wait! Scratch that, in a great way. Derting wrote an amazing novel, and I can't wait to read Desires Of The Dead.

"Haunting..It made me stay a wake and finish it. . .Hiding under my covers, as well." -Hannah

Waiting On Wednesday(14)

2011-02-02T11:52:00.000-06:00

My WoW picks of the week:

Iron Witch

Karen Mahoney

February 8, 2011

Freak. That’s what they called seventeen year-old Donna Underwood in high school after a horrific fey attack that killed her father when she was just a child. Her injuries and rehabilitation resulted in magically enhanced strength, thanks to the iron tattoos branding her hands and arms. As a child of the alchemists, she is both blessed and cursed with a magical heritage that doesn't leave much room for boys, parties and homework.

Now, after ten years of wishing for a normal life, she finally has to accept her role in the centuries-old war against the darkest outcasts of Faerie: the Dark Elves. Aided by a gorgeous half-fey dropout, Donna must race to save her best friend’s life - even if it means betraying one of the world’s greatest secrets and confronting the very thing that destroyed her family.

Cloaked

Alex Flinn

February 8, 2011

Johnny works after school in a shoe repair shop in a swanky hotel in Miami. He loves shoes and is talented; he even aspires to be the next Manolo Blahnik. But the real reason that he is working so hard is because his dad left when he was a baby and he needs to help his mom pay the bills. At least he has his friend, Meg, who works at the hotel coffee shop, to keep him company.

When beautiful Princess Victoriana comes to stay at the hotel, Johnny is thrilled when Victoriana invites him to her suite. There she tells him that her brother has been turned into a frog, and that she needs his help finding him in the Florida Keys. Johnny thinks she is crazy and does not believe her, until she gives him a magical cloak that immediately transports him to another location. Armed with the cloak and a magical earpiece that can help him talk to other transformed humans Johnny sets out to save the Prince ...

Desires Of The Dead(The Body Finder #2)

Kimberly Derting

February 15, 2011

Violet can sense the echoes of those who've been murdered—and the matching imprint that clings to their killers. Only those closest to her know what she is capable of, but when she discovers the body of a young boy she also draws the attention of the FBI, threatening her entire way of life.

As Violet works to keep her morbid ability a secret, she unwittingly becomes the object of a dangerous obsession. Normally she'd turn to her best friend, Jay, except now that they are officially a couple, the rules of their relationship seem to have changed. And with Jay spending more and more time with his new friend Mike, Violet is left with too much time on her hands as she wonders where things went wrong. But when she fills the void by digging into Mike's tragic family history, she stumbles upon a dark truth that could put everyone in danger.

So..what are your WoWs for this week?

Teaser Tuesday #15

2011-02-01T15:10:00.000-06:00

Frostbite(Vampire Academy #2)

Richelle Mead

""Stay back," I warned. "Stay away from him."

They kept coming.

"Stay back!" I yelled. They stopped. Except for one.

"Rose," came a soft voice. "Drop the sword."

My hands shook. I swallowed. "Get away from us."

"Rose."

The voice spoke again, a voice that my soul would have known anywhere. Hesitantly, I let myself finally become aware of my surroundings, let the details sink in. I let my eyes focus on the features of the man standing there. Dimitri's brown eyes, gentle and firm, looked down on me.

"It's okay," he said. "Everything's going to be okay. You can let go of the sword."

My hands shook even harder as I fought to hold on to the hilt. "I can't." The words hurt coming out. "I can't leave him alone. I have to protect him."

"You have," said Dimitri.

The sword fell out of my hands, landing with a loud clatter on the wooden floor. I followed, collapsing on all fours, wanting to cry but still unable to."

Sorry it's so long. But I wanted you guys to read the whole thing.

Make sure to leave a comment with a link leading to your teasers!

Top Ten Tuesday(Top Ten Favorite Debut Novels)

2011-02-01T12:13:00.000-06:00

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by those awesome bloggers @ The Broke and the Bookish.

This week's theme:

Top Ten Favorite Debut Novels

1. Twilight by Stephanie Meyer- you guys knew I was going to do it! It's bound to be on plenty of people's lists today, I know it :D

2. Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick - it was so different from all the other paranormal books I read!

3. The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting - ditto for this one! Amazing :)

4. Fallen by Lauren Kate - All these paranormal books are making me dizzy...I'm suddenly in love with angels :D

5. Nightshade by Andrea Cremer - This could totally make my top ten of the year! Of course it's on this list =)

6. Heist Society by Ally Carter - I love Carter's writing and this one's a favorite!

7. The DUFF by Kody Keplinger - It was a different kind of love story, you know me, I'm a romance kind of girl ;)

8. The City Of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau - I haven't continued the series yet, and that's something I really should do, but I absolutely LOVE this book!

9. The Help by Kathryn Stockett - This book really helped me see what it was like!(If you've read it, you'd understand what I'm talking about)

10. Harry Potter and The Sorcerer's Stone by JK Rowling - Oh, come on! You knew I was going to put it on my list heehee

So..what made your list?

Come back next week to see my list of Top Ten Characters I'd Name My Children After. Why do I have a feeling all the character names will come from Twilight?

Review: City of Ashes

2011-01-31T19:45:00.000-06:00

“Clary snapped the compartment open and frowned. She took out a shiny pamphlet, the kind they keep stacked in clear plastic stands in the hospital waiting rooms. "How to Come Out to Your Parents," she read out loud. "LUKE. Don't be ridiculous. Simon's not gay, he's a vampire.""

Title: City Of Ashes
Series: Mortal Instruments #2
Author: Cassandra Clare
Source: Library
Date Finished: January 22nd, 2011
My Rating: A - Marvelous!

Summary of Book:
Clary Fray just wishes that her life would go back to normal. But what's normal when you're a demon-slaying Shadowhunter, your mother is in a magically induced coma, and you can suddenly see Downworlders like werewolves, vampires, and faeries? If Clary left the world of the Shadowhunters behind, it would mean more time with her best friend, Simon, who's becoming more than a friend. But the Shadowhunting world isn't ready to let her go -- especially her handsome, infuriating, newfound brother,...

Review:

Characters: I loved Jace, as always. I mean, who couldn't? He's that 'bad boy' type that every girl wants, and yet he's sweet(sometimes) and protective(always). So, the first word that comes to my head when I think of Jace would be..hot. No, wait, not hot. Smoking-hot. Oh yeah..Clary is different. And I think that's the only way to describe her. Her feelings are jumbled, her family is, well, a mess. And her love life is a train wreck. Just her feelings for Jace are wacked out. She loves him, but you wouldn't be able to tell if she's in love with him or just loves him. Hard to actually figure out, you know. And Simon, he's cute as always. He's always, always protective of Clary, and in love(or lust?) with her. Talk about a love triangle..

Plot*spoilers everywhere, I'd avoid this if you haven't read this book yet*: The twists and turns were great. Simon turning into a vampire was an awesome twist! And that lead him to breaking up with Clary, well it was one of the reasons. That and Clary having to kiss Jace to get out of the faery world. But there are tons and tons of reasons why he broke up with her. And I wouldn't be able to list them without boring you guys to death.

What else would you guys like me to include in my reviews? Leave a comment!

It's Monday And Weekly Round Up(15)

2011-01-31T13:20:00.000-06:00

Reviewed Last Week:

Heist Society Review

Kiss Of Midnight Review

Prom Review

Undead and Unappreciated Review

Completed Last Week & NOT Reviewed:

Currently Reading:

Up Soon:

So I reviewed 4 last week, finished 5, am reading 2 and have a whole lot more than those two above, to read after.

So, what have/are you finished, reviewed, reading and what do you plan to read next?

This Week On ELT...

2011-01-30T19:54:00.000-06:00

Thanks to Book Chick City for allowing me to post "This Week On ELT.." similar to their "This Week On BCC.."!

This Week On Every Little Thing!

On Monday: A review of City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare will be posted along with It's Monday & Weekly Round-Up will be posted!

On Tuesday: Teaser Tuesday(teaser from Frostbite by Richelle Mead and one or two others) and Top Ten Tuesday(Top Ten Debut Books)

On Wednesday: Waiting On Wednesday will be posted along with a review of The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting.

On Thursday: Booking Through Thursday will be posted along with an interview with an interview with Suzanne Selfors, the author of Made Love and Saving Juliet. Later will be posted an early post for Follow Friday and Blog Hop

On Friday: A review of Fixing Delilah by Sarah Ockler and What's Your Status? will be posted.

On Saturday: In My Mailbox will be posted along with a review of Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson.

On Sunday: Top 5 Sundays will be posted.

Review: Heist Society

2011-01-30T17:23:00.001-06:00

“He seemed impossible close as he whispered. "And I didn't choose it, Kat. I chose you.""

Title: Heist Society
Series: Heist Society #1
Author: Ally Carter
Source: Library
Date Finished: January 20th, 2011
Rating: B - Amazing!

Summary of Book:
When Katarina Bishop was three, her parents took her on a trip to the Louvre...to case it. For her seventh birthday, Katarina and her Uncle Eddie traveled to Austria...to steal the crown jewels. When Kat turned fifteen, she planned a con of her own--scamming her way into the best boarding school in the country, determined to leave the family business behind. Unfortunately, leaving "the life" for a normal life proves harder than she'd expected. Soon, Kat's friend and former co-conspirator, Hale, appears out of nowhere to bring her back into the world she tried so hard to escape. But he has good reason: a powerful mobster has been robbed of his priceless art collection and wants to retrieve it. Only a master thief could have pulled this job, and Kat's father isn't just on the suspect list, he is the list. Caught between Interpol and a far more deadly enemy, Kat's dad needs her help. For Kat there is only one solution: track down the paintings and steal them back. So what if it's a spectacularly impossible job? She's got two weeks, a teenage crew, and hopefully just enough talent to pull off the biggest heist in history-or at least her family's (very crooked) history.

Review:

Characters: I liked Hale. He's a great guy, not pushy or anything, but still...intriguing. It's the only word I could think of that describes Hale! He's nice, polite(sometimes) and protective, but still intriguing. Katarina is a fighter. She does what she has to, to save her father and family. Even though she has to do a lot to make sure that they stay safe, she's protective. The best of the best, you could say. Gabrielle is the BEST description of girly. No, not girly, female. Yes! That's it. She wants to look her best, and instead of being a model or something, she's an art thief? Well, not most of the time, but still a sometimes art thief. If that makes any sense. And the last character I'll talk about is Nick. Nick was, to me, nice and friendly at the beginning. But, when I found out who he really was...all I could think of was traitor.

Settings: I liked where it took place. Even though it had a whole bunch of different places like Hale's house, Uncle Eddie's house, and everywhere. But I liked how it was in the US and in other different countries. It was in New York, and then, 8 hours later in Rome or something. 'Cause they did A LOT of traveling. New York, Rome, Paris, London, a lot of places, that I'd love to go to, it made me excited to read about!

Plot: I liked the plot of the story. It was different for me, since I've never read anything involving thieves much. Besides Ally Carter's Gallagher Girls series, which is about spies, so it's not the same..Getting off topic, but it was different and I liked it. How they planned everything out, and how Katarina wasn't scared(much, anyway) and how they even had a little fun too! It was a fun read :)

Top 5 Sundays #5

2011-01-30T15:02:00.000-06:00

Top 5 Sundays is hosted by my awesome friend Larissa @ Larissa's Bookish Life

This week's theme:

Books You Loved & Were Surprised By It!

Ok..So what about you?? Leave a comment with a link to your post, or just tell me!

In Mailbox #17

2011-01-29T13:59:00.000-06:00

In My Mailbox is a weekly event exploring the books received this week and is hosted by Kristi @ The Story Siren. Please comment with your links so I can come see what's new with you too!!

A Kiss In Time by Alex Flinn

Across The Universe by Beth Revis

Living Dead In Dallas by Charlaine Harris

Nevermore by Kelly Creagh

The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan

Vampire Kisses by Ellen Screiber

The Hollow

So..what'd you get this week? Leave a comment with your link and I'll come visit :)

What's Your Status?(1/28/11)

2011-01-28T16:10:00.000-06:00

This meme is hosted by Butterfly Feet Walking on Life.

I am to post what I've finished in the past week, what I'm currently reading and where I am in the book/s, what I plan to read next, and possibly what I want to buy/get.

But I'll scratch out the possibly what I want to buy/get.

If you participate in What's Your Status? please leave a link below so I can come see what's new with you!

Finished In The Last 7 Days:

City of Ashes - Cassandra Clare

The Body Finder - Kimberly Derting

Wintergirls - Laurie Halse Anderson

Fixing Delilah - Sarah Ockler

Currently Reading & Where I'm At:

Matched - Ally Condie

Still on page 124.

Up Soon:

Undead and Unreturnable - MaryJanice Davidson

Frostbite - Richelle Mead

Go Ask Alice - Annoyomous

So, what's new with you?? Leave a comment with what you finished last week, what you are reading and what you plan to finish this week!

Review: Kiss Of Midnight

2011-01-28T15:29:00.000-06:00

“What’s your business? You know, aside, from being a diseased, bloodsucking leech." "World domination, of course. Really, is there anything else worth fighting for?”

Title: Kiss of Midnight
Series: The Midnight Breeds #1
Author: Lara Adrian
Source: Library
Date Finished: January 17th, 2011

Summary of Book:
He watches her from across the crowded dance club, a sensual black-haired stranger who stirs Gabrielle Maxwell’s deepest fantasies. But nothing about this night—or this man—is what it seems. For when Gabrielle witnesses a murder outside the club, reality shifts into something dark and deadly. In that shattering instant she is thrust into a realm she never knew existed—a realm where vampires stalk the shadows and a blood war is set to ignite. Lucan Thorne despises the violence carried out by his lawless brethren. A vampire himself, Lucan is a Breed warrior, sworn to protect his kind—and the unwitting humans existing alongside them—from the mounting threat of the Rogues. Lucan cannot risk binding himself to a mortal woman, but when Gabrielle is targeted by his enemies, he has no choice but to bring her into the dark underworld he commands. Here, in the arms of the Breed’s formidable leader, Gabrielle will confront an extraordinary destiny of danger, seduction, and the darkest pleasures of all. . . .

Review:
Here's what I thought..

Characters: I think all the characters' names, attitudes, personalities and everything about them were unique and they pretty much resemble everything I'd think they'd be like. Gabrielle and Lucan are good names. Their not common, but they are not uncommon either. They work perfectly for this book!

Settings: I loved that they had their own "lab". Or pretty much something LIKE a lab. The "scenery" is practically perfect too. They had a park, apartments, a lab with a hideaway place, and pretty much anything you'd see every day. So, in my opinion, it was kind of real.

Plot: I loved all the twists and turns in the story. All the traitors giving them enemies information, stalkers stalking Gabi on the street, vampires drinking from humans throats, humans freaking out about them, all of it!

Other: I liked the wording too. It is a little bit too descriptive for younger people. I can see why it's marked Adult instead of Young Adult, but I still liked it :)

☺☺☺☺

Is there anything else you'd like me to include in reviews?

Blog Hop #16 & Follow Friday #17

2011-01-27T15:05:00.001-06:00

Book Blogger Hop is hosted by Jen @ Crazy-For-Books.com and Follow Friday is hosted by Parajunkie @ Parajunkie's View.

Blog Hop question of the week:

"What book are you most looking forward to seeing published in 2011? Why are you anticipating that book?"

My answer:
That's easy! I'm waiting for plenty of books to come out this year, but the one I'm really excited about is Wolfsbane by Andrea Cremer. I read her Nightshade about a week or two ago, and was amazed :) But the cliffhanger kind of killed me(yes, now I'm undead xP). . .

Follow Friday question of the week:

What is/was your favorite subject in school?

My answer:

My favorite subject has to be English. I mean, it's sooo easy to understand :D

Thanks for stopping by!

I'm Hannah. I'm the blogger here at Every Little Thing. I review pretty much any genre of books. Paranormal, romance, mystery, etc.. I review it! The only genre I don't review is non-fiction. Well, sometimes I DO review it, but only once or twice every couple of months. You can go to my "Reviews A-Z" or "Review Policy" page to find out more about what I review and I have reviewed.

I also have an "Interviews" page where you can see all the author interviews I've had so far this year and the ones coming soon.

If you have a question, comment, concern, etc..Please go to my "Contact Me" page and let me know :)

Before you leave, make sure to check out what's been going on around my blog this week!

Don't forget to leave your link as well, so I can come visit and follow you!

Reviews From This Week:

Nightshade - Andrea Cremer

Linger(The Wolves Of Mercy Falls #2) - Maggie Stiefvater

Undead & Unappreciated(Undead #3) - MaryJanice Davidson

Prom - Laurie Halse Anderson

Kiss of Midnight - Lara Adrian(coming Friday)

Memes From This Week:

What's Your Status?

In My Mailbox

Top 5 Sundays

It's Monday & Weekly Round-Up

Top Ten Tuesday

Teaser Tuesday

Waiting On Wednesday

Booking Through Thursday

Author Interview of the Week:

Lauren Oliver, author of Before I Fall and Delirium

Feel free to go through older posts although it might take a while to wade through them :)

Have a great weekend!

Booking Through Thursday #4

2011-01-27T10:40:00.000-06:00

Booking Through Thursday is hosted by Booking Through Thursday!

Question:

What’s the largest, thickest, heaviest book you ever read? Was it because you had to? For pleasure? For school?

Answer:

Well..At the moment, I think it's Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. But, I just picked up some more books that are like 4 or 5 inches thick(lol, couldn't figure out a better way to explain how big they are), so we'll see if I break my own record :D

What about you?

Review: Prom

2011-01-27T00:00:00.000-06:00

Title: Prom
Author: Laurie Halse Anderson
Source: Library
Date Finished: January 17th, 2011

Summary of book:

There are tons of books about the popular kids and some books about geeks. How many books are there about average kids? Kids that are passing, aren't in clubs and have no clue what they will do after high school. Ashley is an average kid. She has a boyfriend that everyone thinks is trouble but she's crazy about, and she has a part time that she doesn't like. On top of everything else she has an over-crowded house and her mom is pregnant again. She is certainly not the type to care about the prom.

Ashley's best friend is the total opposite of her. She is on the prom committee and has dreams of the prom. In fact, most of Ashley's friends are counting down the days and counting down pounds until they can have that one magical evening. Suddenly a teacher in their school was caught stealing all of the prom money. Ashley helps her friends organize a low budget, yet still fun-filled evening.

Review:

Love the cover. As I do most of Anderson's covers. But, I don't know where that dress came from. Wasn't Ashley's blue or green or something? lol, memory freeze!

Anyway..I'm much like Ashley(yes, I love comparing myself to characters). But, after reading this book, I want to go to Prom. I mean, yes, you spent hundreds of dollars on a dress, make-up, hair, limos, etc...and for what? To have a night to live like your a movie star? For a night you can remember, forever? And I think it's pretty much worth it. I'd even like to help with planning it for the whole school too. 'Cause from what I hear, you'd want to live that night over and over again. People would pay to have just another night of it. And I loved the way Ashley actually got to go, even if she sneaked in.

And I have to admit, *SPOILER* that I thought the whole night was going awesome. . .Until Ashley got arrested. She was trying to help! I mean, so she skipped out on detention, that night happens once a year and she willingly helped out. *END OF SPOILER*

So, in my opinion, live, laugh and love with all your heart. And don't let anyone stop you from having a little fun.

☺☺☺☺☺

Waiting On Wednesday #13

2011-01-26T14:40:00.000-06:00

My WoW picks of the week:

The Demon Trapper's Daughter

Jana Oliver

February 1st, 2011

Seventeen-year-old Riley Blackthorne wants to become a legendary Demon Trapper just like her father. How hard can that be?

Way hard when it comes to the Trappers. Most of these guys don’t want a girl in their Guild, and the others spend their time staring at her breasts.

Now the demons are calling her by name, which isn’t good news. Riley just needs a chance to prove herself. Which is exactly what Hell is counting on.

Trapped

Michael Northrop

February 1st, 2011

The Breakfast Club meets The Blizzard of the Century: A young adult suspense novel from PW Flying Start author Michael Northrop.

Scotty and his friends Pete and Tommy are among the last kids waiting to get picked up at their high school. The snow has been coming down for hours, and it's starting to look like no one is coming for them. As the snow piles higher, their teacher Mr. Gossell leaves them behind to seek help--and disappears into the drifts outside. Now the seven remaining students are on their own, with no food and no electricity, facing a night of sleeping on classroom floors. Will their friendships survive the night . . . and will THEY?

The Iron Witch

Karen Mahoney

February 8th, 2011

So..what are your WoWs this week? Leave a comment!

Teaser Tuesday #14

2011-01-25T15:39:00.000-06:00

Fixing Delilah

Sarah Ockler

Patrick laughs. "All night, too. Afraid to be alone with me, Hannaford?"

"No." Yes. "Just wondering about, Em."

"She can't save you," he says, pulling me into another kiss as we slowly make our way to Main Street.

Wintergirls

Laurie Halse Anderson

"Do I joke with you about food?"

~~I am so hungry~~ I have to stay strong--bend, but not break. "One muffin."

"Two muffins. You need the carbs."

"One and the eggs."

She takes another deep breathe. "Deal."

City of Ashes(Mortal Instruments #2)

Cassandra Clare

Clary snapped the compartment open and frowned. She took out a shiny pamphlet, the kind they keep stacked in clear plastic stands in the hospital waiting rooms. "How to Come Out to Your Parents," she read out loud. "LUKE. Don't be ridiculous. Simon's not gay, he's a vampire."

The Body Finder

Kimberly Derting

Everything had just changed for Violet. Knowing this girl . . . and knowing what she was capable of doing to help, even if it was futile, and even if it turned out to be dangerous, she knew she could no longer just sit around and wait to see if--or when--they found Hailey.

Violet was done waiting around for someone else to find the pyschopath who was preying on these girls. She was going to do something, even it she had to sneak around to get it done.

So..what are you teasers for this week?

Top Ten Tuesday(Top Ten Books I Wish I'd Read As A Kid)

2011-01-25T14:28:00.000-06:00

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by those awesome bloggers @ The Broke and the Bookish.

This week's theme:

Top Ten Books I Wish I'd Read As A Kid

1. Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Suess

2. A Wish For Wings That Work by Berkeley Breathed
3. Stuart Little by E.B. White
4. The Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper
5. The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
6. The BFG by Ronald Dahl
7. The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein
8. If You Give A Moose A Muffin by Laura Joffe Numeroff, Felicia Bond
9. James and The Giant Peach by Ronald Dahl
10. Flush by Carl Hiaasen

So..What are your top ten books you wish you'd read as a kid?

Come back next week to see what my Top Ten Debut books are!

Author Interview: Lauren Oliver

2011-01-25T12:02:00.002-06:00

Well, if you've been following my annoying tweets, you'll know that I had a surprise author for an interview post, and that author just so happens to be Lauren Oliver, bestselling author of Before I Fall and soon to come, Delirium :) So, lets see what a day in a life of Lauren Oliver is like!

Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?
I do, and it’s a great pleasure to receive emails from them. I’ve found my teen readers are so articulate and so interested in connecting with me authentically; they tell me about how their own experiences are reflected in my books, they pose really interesting questions and are just wonderful and thoughtful and generous. And I’m so impressed by the number of my readers who blog all the time, and conduct interviews and contests (like you!). When I was in high school I’m pretty sure I spent most of my free time giving attitude to my parents and smoking cigarettes.

Do you like to create books for young adults?

I like to create books, period! I don’t care who reads them—child, adult, monkey, or alien. (Well, I guess I care if aliens read them but only because that would mean that aliens are real!)

What do you think makes a good story?
That’s a great question, and a tough one to answer. Multi-dimensional characters are necessary to a good story; also, interesting things need to happen, and they need to happen in a causal relationship to one another (i.e., because A happens, B happens, and so C happens). That’s all I got so far—I’m still trying to figure it out myself!

As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

I wanted to be a ballet dancer for a long, long time.

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

I’m not sure I ever wanted to “be” a writer. I always knew I would write. That was just a big part of my life. But I’m not sure I thought of it as a feasible, money-making career. It was just something I knew I would always do on the side, because I loved it.

How long does it take you to write a book?

Typically, the first draft takes about eight months. Then there is usually an additional 2-4 month editing period.

What is your work schedule like when you're writing?
I write 1,000 words of whatever I am working on every single day, period. And I like to get my writing done by 3 p.m., otherwise I get super antsy. But other than that I have no “set” schedule—sometimes I write in bed, sometimes at my dining room table, sometimes on a subway train shuttling between meetings.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I think my most interesting writing quirk is that I rarely write at my computer. I am just as likely to write by composing on my blackberry, or typing on my ipad, or scribbling notes in a journal. It’s a rare day that I actually get to sit down at my desk!

How do books get published?
I think the most critical step to getting a book published is finding a great agent to represent it. That’s a process that is called “querying”; typically, when a manuscript is finished, you begin sending a portion of it out to different agents/agencies, hoping they will agree to represent you. Once you sign with a good agent, all the hard work goes to them!

Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?
From all over. I love to read the paper for book and character ideas—real life has an endless surfeit of weird and wonderful occurrences. Everything I’ve read, absorbed, or looked at in some way makes it into my writing. I’ve found ideas in paintings, photographs, essays, dinner party conversations, and other people’s memories.

When did you write your first book and how old were you?

I think I completed my first “novel” when I was nine years old (it was, like, thirty pages), but I’ve been writing pretty much every day since I was five!

What do you like to do when you're not writing?

Read, cook, laugh with my friends, travel, EAT, run, kickbox, dance, and buy shoes.

What does your family think of your writing?
I’m not sure what they really think—but they tell me they love it!

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?
That it never gets any easier.

How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?

Oh, man. I have no favorites. I’m fond of them all in different ways. Novels are like children—you can’t pick a favorite…unless one of them is really evil and bad and always screws everything up, in which case you can pick a least favorite. So far that hasn’t happened yet, but I’m sure one day I’ll write a really bad apple.

Lauren's Delirium is scheduled to be released a week from today on February 1st. Make sure to go buy it!

You can find Lauren at:

Website | Blog | Twitter

Review: Undead and Unappreciated

2011-01-24T15:58:00.000-06:00

"As you would say, this is so totally the opposite of thinking this over.

"Where is your spirit of adventure?"

"It wore off during World War Two," she replied dryly.”

Title: Undead and Unappreciated

Series: Undead #3

Author: MaryJanice Davidson

Source: Library

Date Finished: January 16, 2011

Summary of Book:

The third book in the hilarious Undead series.

Reluctant vampire queen Betsy Taylor may rule the topsy-turvy world of the undead, but now Betsy's discovered that she has a long-lost half-sister who's the devil's daughter--and destined to rule the underworld.

Review:

I flew through this book in a day. The series is an easy read series, but it's still hilarious and full of adventure. But I really, really liked this one :D I mean, helllllooooooooo? The vampire queen's half-sister is destined to be the ruler of the underworld..Who wouldn't want to read about that?

I have to say I was a little surprised when she started reading the book and went crazy. I thought she would be like immune it to or something. But nooooooooooooo, she hurt Jessica(physically), Marc(emotionally) and ditto with Sinclair.

And that was bbaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaad(yes, I do realize I've been stretching out my words - lol).
But, I really did enjoy this one and get to read #4 in the series soon(since I got this one and Undead and Unreturnable at the same time), so you guys will get to hear what I have to say about that one in a couple of weeks!

☺☺☺☺

Until next time. . .keep thinking about every little thing!

It's Monday and Weekly Round-Up #14

2011-01-24T12:06:00.000-06:00

Reviewed Last Week:

Linger Review

Nightshade Review

Runaway Review

Completed Last Week and NOT Reviewed:

Currently Reading:

Up Soon:

So I reviewed 3 books, finished 4, am reading 3 and have a ton more than 3 to read next. So, what are you reading/planning to read this week?

This Week On ELT...

2011-01-23T16:43:00.001-06:00

Thanks to Book Chick City for allowing me to post "This Week On ELT.." similar to their "This Week On BCC.."!

This Week On Every Little Thing!

On Monday: a review of Undead and Unappreciated will be posted along with It's Monday and Weekly Round-Up!

On Tuesday: Teaser Tuesday(teasers from The Body Finder, City of Ashes, Matched, Fixing Delilah and Wintergirls) will be posted with Top Ten Tuesday(Top Ten Books I Wish I Read As A Kid). And an interview with Lauren Oliver(author of Before I Fall and Delirium) will be posted as well :)

On Wednesday: Waiting On Wednesday will be posted along with a review of Prom.

On Thursday: Booking Through Thursday will be posted along with an early post for Follow Friday & Blog Hop.

On Friday: A review of Kiss of Midnight will be posted along with What's Your Status?

On Saturday: In My Mailbox will be posted!

On Sunday: Top 5 Sundays will be posted along with a review of Heist Society.

Top 5 Sundays #4

2011-01-23T13:44:00.000-06:00

Top 5 Sundays is hosted by my awesome friend Larissa @ Larissa's Bookish Life

This week's theme:

Books You Wish Were Part Of A Series, But Aren't!

(this took a lot of thought and Mike&Ikes!)

I Heart You, You Haunt Me & The Sky Is Every Where couldn't possible a series..But I can still wish :D

I loved The DUFF and sure wish it was a series, but I'll just have to wait until Keplinger publishes more books :)

Heart-breaking. I want more *pouts*

The Outsiders was such a tear jerker! Wish I had more to read :/

(Yes, I know, my answers suck. lol)

So...What stand alone books do you wish were series books?

In My Mailbox #16

2011-01-22T12:37:00.000-06:00

In My Mailbox is a weekly event exploring the books received this week and is hosted by Kristi @ The Story Siren. Please comment with your links so I can come see what's new with you too!!

Bad Girls Don't Die - Katie Alender

Beautiful Creatures - Kami Garcia, Margaret Stohl

Bleeding Violet - Dia Reeves

Never Let Me Go - Kazuo Ishiguro

Once In A Full Moon - Ellen Schreiber

The Ghost and the Goth - Stacey Kade

The Lying Game - Sara Shepard

Unearthly - Cynthia Hand

Vision In White - Nora Roberts

What did you get this week?

Leave a comment with your link so I can come visit you too!

Review: Nightshade

2011-01-22T12:12:00.000-06:00

Title: Nightshade
Series: Nightshade #1
Author: Andrea Cremer
Source: Library
Date Finished: January 13th, 2011

Summary of Book:
While other teenage girls daydream about boys, Calla Tor imagines ripping out her enemies’ throats. And she wouldn’t have it any other way. Calla was born a warrior and on her eighteenth-birthday she’ll become the alpha female of the next generation of Guardian wolves. But Calla’s predestined path veers off course the moment she saves the life of a wayward hiker, a boy her own age. This human boy’s secret will turn the young pack's world upside down and forever alter the outcome of the centuries-old Witches' War that surrounds them all.

Review:

Isn't the cover A-M-A-Z-I-N-G? Wolfsbane has an awesome cover too. Look ------->>>
Preetttttttyyyyy...
Anyways...Lets start off with what I thought of the characters.

Calla was a great name for a character. I don't think I've ever even read a book that the main character's name was Calla. It's original and still unique!
I think Calla and I have a lot in common. Mostly the same strong-headedness. We're both stubborn. She's protective, as I am. And I find it encouraging to read about someone that would be make the same choices as I would.

Ren is a pain if I ever saw one. In this case, if I ever "read" one. He's jealous of Shay, rude to others and yet, every girl swoons for him *cough, Katie, cough ;)*. No one can resist him..Except for Calla.

Shay is sweet and funny. Calla saved him, because you could almost say it was "love at first sight", although he was in pain and couldn't tell the difference if she was anything. But she changed into a human right in front of him and that totally got his attention. I mean, he even thought it was a dream!

All of Cremer's character names are different and unique. And I don't think that any of the names could be changed and still have a good book. And I think this is the very first werewolf book I've read that I am actually eager to read Wolfsbane. It's thrilling and a page-turner. If you don't read it, your missing out.

☺☺☺☺☺

♥♥♥

What's Your Status?(1-21-11)

2011-01-21T17:25:00.000-06:00

This meme is hosted by Butterfly Feet Walking on Life.

I am to post what I've finished in the past week, what I'm currently reading and where I am in the book/s, what I plan to read next, and possibly what I want to buy/get.

But I'll scratch out the possibly what I want to buy/get.

If you participate in What's Your Status? please leave a link below so I can come see what's new with you!

Finished Within The Last 7 Days:

Linger - Maggie Stiefvater

Undead and Unappreciated - MaryJanice Davidson

Prom - Laurie Halse Anderson

Kiss of Midnight - Lara Adrian

Heist Society - Ally Carter

Currently Reading & Where I'm At:

Wintergirls - Laurie Halse Anderson

I'm on page 13.

Matched - Ally Condie

I'm on page 124.

City of Ashes - Cassandra Clare

I'm on page 1(just started lol)

Up Soon:

The Body Finder - Kimberly Derting

Fixing Delilah - Sarah Ockler

Undead and Unreturnable - MaryJanice Davidson

So, what's new with you?? Leave a comment with what you finished last week, what you are reading and what you plan to finish this week!

Review: Linger

2011-01-21T17:06:00.000-06:00

Title: Linger
Series: The Wolves of Mercy Falls #2
Author: Maggie Stiefvater
Source: Library
Date Finished: January 14th, 2011

Summary of Book:

The Longing.

Once Grace and Sam have found each other, they know that they must fight to stay together.
For Sam, this means a reckoning with his werewolf past. For Grace, it means facing a future that is less and less certain.

The Loss.

Into their world comes a new wolf named Cole, whose past is full of hurt and danger. He is
wrestling with his own demons embracing the life of a wolf, while denying the ties of being human.

The Linger.

For Grace, Sam, and Cole, life is a constant struggle between two forces --
wolf and human -- with love baring its two sides as well. It is harrowing and
euphoric, freeing and entrapping, enticing and alarming. As their world falls apart,
love is what lingers. But will it be enough?

Review:

The cover, much like Shiver's cover, is perfect, as always. It has a story of it's own. Shiver's cover has Sam in the woods. He was the one fighting it, he was the one who knew that every winter he would be gone to the wolf part of him.

Linger's cover has Grace, this time fighting for her life. We knew it would happen, but we didn't know that it would happen like this. Not everyone fights to stay human, to convince yourself that it's nothing, just another cold. But we know the true, something is going to happen. And it isn't going to be good.

Stiefvater's series will always be one to remember. Twilight and the Hunger Games are big and famous, they were fabulous, but they are nothing compared to this. The Wolves of Mercy Falls is a whole new category. Not dangerous(Hunger Games) and definitely not full of vamps(Twilight).

Linger kept me awake night after night. Even though I devoured it in one sitting, it definitely was the series of the year. I mean, what series can make you think, feel and cry like this story?

It may not be the end of the series, especially with a cliffhanger like that, but I know. The end is near.

☺☺☺☺☺

♥♥♥

Follow Friday #16 & Blog Hop #15

2011-01-20T23:44:00.000-06:00

Book Blogger Hop is hosted by Jen @ Crazy-For-Books.com and Follow Friday is hosted by Parajunkie @ Parajunkie's View.

This week's Book Blogger question:

COMING SOON!

This week's Follow Friday question:

Who do you cheer for?

My answer:

I live in Minnesota, so I'm a Vikings girl at heart :) Sometimes I cheer for the Packers though ;)

I hope you also check out my latest review of Runaway by Wendelin Van Draanen. I also have plenty of other posts you might be interested in from this week, such as an interview with Tera Lynn Childs.
Please remember to include your link, that way I can come visit you! I'd love to see your blog :)

So, what are you answers to this week's questions?

Booking Through Thursday #3

2011-01-20T11:25:00.000-06:00

Even I read things other than books from time to time … like, Magazines! What magazines/journals do you read?

Well, in the summer, I am a HUGE gardener, so I'm into any magazines that include something on plants. I love Home & Garden though.

What about you?

Author Interview: Tera Lynn Childs

2011-01-20T00:27:00.000-06:00

I got the chance to talk to Tera Lynn Childs, author of the Fins and the Oh.My.Gods. series. She is wonderfully humorous and a really great person to get to know :) Enjoy the interview, and thank you, Tera, for letting me interview you. It was a great pleasure!

Q. When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

After I finished grad school, I was (sort of) looking for a job and basically housesitting for my parents while they traveled for work. I started reading. A lot. I mean, obsessively. I would go to the bookstore every week and load up. And the more I read the more I wanted the characters to do or say different things. I finally decided to write my own stories where I could make them do what I wanted.

Q. How long does it take you to write a book?

It depends on a lot of things. If it's a straightforward YA book like Oh. My. Gods. and Forgive My Fins I write the first draft in anywhere from 4-8 weeks. Then I'll probably spend at least as much time editing it throughout the process. More complicated books, like my upcoming Medusa girls trilogy, tend to take me longer.

Q. What is your work schedule like when you're writing?

When I'm on deadline (aka when my book is due in two months or less) I usually get up, check email quickly, and then head to the nearest cafe or coffee shop to write for a few hours. The closer I am to deadline, the longer I write each day.

Q. What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

After I've written the opening of the book, maybe 15-30 pages, I often get stuck. To grease up the writing wheels I make character collages. I cut out pictures of people, places, and things and make a collage for each main character and several secondary characters in the book.

Q. Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?

Ideas I get from everywhere: movies, TV, reading, Twitter, random thoughts while hanging out on the beach. Once I have the idea, I do my research mostly online. I'll start with Wikipedia, maybe, and then branch out into more detailed and specific resources.

Q. When did you write your first book and how old were you?

I finished my first complete book (an unpublished historical romance) in late 2003 and I was 26 years old.

Q. What do you like to do when you're not writing?

Watch TV, play Scrabble online, design websites, plan grand around-the-world trips, play with my dog, and think about writing.

Q. What does your family think of your writing?

They are extremely supportive. My parents have always been super encouraging of anything creative (they're theatre people) and members of my family, cousins especially, have become some of most ardent fans.

Q. What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

I remember hearing authors say that characters "told them what to do" and I thought they were either insane or melodramatic. Now... I've been there. I've been writing a scene, totally expecting it to go one directly, and then suddenly BLAM out of nowhere something completely out of the blue happens. I never believed it would happen... and now I just hope it does because those are always the best twists.

Q. How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?

I have finished five books that are/will be published: Oh. My. Gods., Goddess Boot Camp, Forgive My Fins, Fins Are Forever, and the first Medusa girls book. I am currently contracted to write two more the next two Medusa girls books. And I have written five others. My favorite is always whichever one I'm working on next, because that's the one I'm most excited about.

Q. Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?

Yes! I love getting fan mail. A lot of them ask about more books in the Oh. My. Gods. series (and sometimes about more books in the Forgive My Fins series, too). My favorites are the ones from teens who never really considered themselves readers but they stumbled upon one of mine and couldn't put it down. Those are the best.

Q. What do you think makes a good story?

Start with a character you love, put them in a high stakes situation with lots of conflicts, send them on a journey that makes them grow as a person, and give them a happy ending.

Q. As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

Everything. At various times I wanted to be a teacher, veterinarian, architect, astronaut. marine biologist, environmental biologist, actress, set designer, fashion designer, and lawyer. Writing never really entered my mind as a possible career until much later.

As Tera said before, she is the author of Oh.My.Gods., Goddess Boot Camp, Forgive My Fins, soon to be published, Fins Are Forever and the first book in her Medusa series.

You can find Tera at the following places:

Waiting On Wednesday #12

2011-01-19T11:00:00.005-06:00

My WoW picks of the week:

Witches Of East End

Melissa de la Cruz

June 21st, 2011

The two novels will follow the lives of the Beauchamp girls, who live in the fictional town of North Hampton, as they struggle to stop an arch nemesis and restore the delicate balance between good and evil. De la Cruz will weave characters from her best-selling Blue Bloods young adult series into this new paranormal series for adults.

Bad Taste In Boys

Carrie Harris

July 12th, 2011

Kate Grable is horrified to find out that the football coach has given the team steroids. Worse yet, the steriods are having an unexpected effect, turning hot gridiron hunks into mindless flesh-eating zombies. No one is safe--not her cute crush Aaron, not her dorky brother, Jonah . . . not even Kate!

She's got to find an antidote--before her entire high school ends up eating each other. So Kate, her best girlfriend, Rocky, and Aaron stage a frantic battle to save their town . . . and stay hormonally human.

Wolfsbane(Nightshade #2)

Andrea Cremer

July 12, 2011

Betrayal, loss, pain, fear. How many trials can love endure and still survive?

My 3 WoWs for this week :) So, what are you waiting for?

Teaser Tuesday #13

2011-01-18T11:37:00.000-06:00

So, there's more teasers this week than I thought. I hope you have fun reading all of them :)

First, the two I'm reading right now, Heist Society and Matched.

Heist Society

Ally Carter

"There are two dozen truly great museums in the world. Maybe two dozen and one if you don't mind the crowds at the Lourve, Kat's father always said. But, of course, even great museums are not created equal. Some are nothing but old houses with high ceilings and gorgeous moldings, a few security cameras, and minimum-wage guards. Some hire consultants and get their equipment from the CIA."

Matched

Ally Condie

"On a whim, I pick up the artifact, twist the base, look inside. I know Ky saw me reading the poems in the forest. Did he also see me open the compact?

What if Ky left a message for me?

Nothing."

Now, a couple from books I read between last Tuesday and yesterday, that I haven't shared teasers with you guys.

Prom

Laurie Halse Anderson

"'The only reason you helped Dad was to get back with me.'

TJ braked for a red light. 'Yep. I'm sorry.'"

Linger(The Wolves Of Mercy Falls #2)

Maggie Stiefvater

"Cole should've been looking at me like I was crazy, but he was just looking at me. Like he didn't seem to get that this was a rejection."

Nightshade

Andrea Cremer

"'So what are you doing tonight?' Shay asked as we walked out of Big Ideas.

'Outlining this essay.' I tapped my notebook. 'I'm starting to fall behind because of...everything.'

'Can I come over?' he asked, holding up a full page of notes. 'We could do it together.'"

Undead and Unappreciated(Undead #3)

MaryJanice Davidson

"'Well we're going to try!' I hollered back. 'We can't not try!'

He shrugged. 'As you wish.'"

So..Those are my 6 teasers for this week. A lot, I know. Oh well. Hope you enjoyed :) Make sure to leave your link so I can come visit you!

Top Ten Tuesday(Top Ten Inspirational Characters)

2011-01-17T21:54:00.000-06:00

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by those awesome bloggers @ The Broke and the Bookish.

This week's theme is Inspirational Characters.

Now, I'm not going to lie to you. But this took me forever! It might have been how I kept chatting with people on Twitter(most likely) or it might have been because I'm lazy and slow(again, likely), so here's what I came up with:

1. Katniss Everdeen - Katniss is the main character in Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. Now I found Suzanne Collins through her Gregor The Overlander books, wait scratch that, my friend on Shelfari, recommended Hunger Games to me and told me that "in the book, the kids fight to their death in an arena." So I'm all, "Well, thanks for that, now I probably won't read it.", but idiot that I am, I went to the library, picked it up and took it home, who knew I would have finished it within the night? And I went on to read Catching Fire and strangled myself a couple of times while waiting for Mockingjay, but Katniss will ALWAYS(ALWAYS) be my hero :)

2. Calla Tor - Calla is from Nightshade by Andrea Cremer. It came out last year, and I remember thinking "OMG! Do you see that gorgeous cover?? Even if the book sucks, get it so you can look at the pretty cover!", yeah, crazy person I was! I finished reading it a couple of nights ago. Wait! No, I read it a couple of nights ago because I read the thing in less than a day. And seriously, I'm going to strangle myself waiting for Wolfsbane too!

3. Ashley Hannigan - Ashley is from Prom by Laurie Halse Anderson. I read it today(January 17) and realized that Ashley is almost just like me! Doesn't care what others think of her(helloooo), is sometimes rude and seriously, you'd have to pay me a hundred bucks just to get me in a dress. Not to mention shoes, jewelry, make-up *shudders* Yes, I'm just that weird :P But, now, I'm thinking that I might actually WANT to go to Prom. Better start saving then, the book taught me A LOT. So, she inspired me to go to Prom. Sounds weird.

4. Katie - Katie is from Safe Haven by Nicholas Sparks. I know she was in an abusive relationship, but she got out. I've never been in an abusive relationship, and I hope I'll never be in one. But she's inspiring, because she got out when she could. She knew he'd come after her, but she runaway anyway.

5. Mary Lou - Mary Lou is from Absolutely Normal Chaos by Sharon Creech. To me, she's inspirational because she writes in her journal almost every day and tells whats happening. I've never been able to keep a journal for very long(very suspicious of spies :O) and I've never been able to write every day. Sometimes I just forget. Maybe it's faith, or maybe it's my laziness.

6. Anna - Anna is from My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult. My family has had a lot of medical problems in the past. My brother has kidney failure, so I know what it's like to be in the hospital waiting and waiting to make sure your family is safe. Anna made what she thought was a right choice by not giving her sister her kidney, and I think that if my brother needed a kidney, and I was a perfect match, I would hand it over. Not because I don't want the same ending to happen to me, but because it's the right choice. To me anyway.

7. Cammie Morgan - Cammie is from Cross My Heart and Hope To Spy. Ever since I started reading about her, I've wanted to become a spy. No, I'm not ducking in spaces my house, hiding in dark places and watching people walk by. Although that would be kind of amusing. No, your not getting any pictures or videos :P

8. Ever - Ever is from the Immortals series(I'm talking about Blue Moon(book number 2) right now though) by Alyson Noel. In Blue Moon, she was protective and I've grown to be protective of my family and friends now. In fact, I'm probably to the point of annoying them by now.

9. Lena Duchannes - Lena is from Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl. From Lena, I've learned that you should be secretive and not tell anyone anything. If you tell them one thing, then your going to end up telling them everything. So go ahead and take your risks!

10. Lennie Walker - Lennie is from The Sky Is Every Where by Jandy Nelson. To me, Lennie has taught me to love, laugh and live while I still can. You can never be sure about something, but you might as well jump head first(metaphorically speaking, of course).

Those are my top ten! I bet I could list more than a few more. So, I want to know, what are YOUR top ten inspirational characters?

It's Monday and Weekly Round-Up #13

2011-01-17T15:35:00.000-06:00

Reviewed Last Week(click picture to go to review):

Finished Last Week And NOT Reviewed:

Currently Reading:

Up Soon:

Reviewed 5 books, finished 4, and have a lot more exciting books to read after the three above. So, what are you reading?

Review: Runaway

2011-01-17T11:38:00.000-06:00

Title: Runaway
Author: Wendelin Van Draanen
Source: Library
Date Finished: January 8th, 2011

Summary of Book:
"It's a cold, hard, cruel fact that my mother loved heroin more than she loved me." Holly is in her fifth foster home in two years and she's had enough. She's run away before and always been caught quickly. But she's older and wiser now--she's twelve--and this time she gets away clean. Through tough and tender and angry and funny journal entries, Holly spills out her story. We travel with her across the country--hopping trains, scamming food, sleeping in parks or homeless encampments. And we also travel with her across the gaping holes in her heart--as she finally comes to terms with her mother's addiction and death. Runaway is a remarkably uplifting portrait of a girl still young and stubborn and naive enough to hold out hope for finding a better place in the world, and within herself, to be .

My Thoughts:
Many people think about running away at least one time in their life. But they don't think about what to bring with. They just...run. No clothes, no food, no nothing. They think about who or what they need to get away from.
But, Holly had run away before, she had food, some clothes and some other things, including her journal. She brought with her what she needed. That would last her a while, but she made it cross country and guess what? She got away! But she didn't have enough food for forever.
I'm glad she had a happy ending though. She got some people to take care of her. That doesn't happen every day you know!

☺☺☺

This Week On ELT...

2011-01-16T15:09:00.002-06:00

Thanks to Book Chick City for allowing me to post "This Week On ELT.." similar to their "This Week On BCC.."!

This Week Of Every Little Thing!

On Monday: It's Monday & Weekly Round-Up will be posted. Along with a review of Runaway by Wendelin Van Draanen.

On Tuesday: The regular Teaser Tuesday(teasers from Nightshade by Andrea Cremer and Undead and Unappreciated by MaryJanice Davidson) will be posted along with Top Ten Tuesday(Top Ten Inspirational Characters)!

On Wednesday: Waiting On Wednesday will be posted!

On Thursday: An interview with Tera Lynn Childs, author of Forgive My Fins, will be posted along with Booking Through Thursday, and an early post for Follow Friday and Blog Hop!

On Friday: A review of Linger by Maggie Stiefvater will be posted. Along with What's Your Status?

On Saturday: In My Mailbox will be posted along with a review of Nightshade by Andrea Cremer.

On Sunday: Top 5 Sundays will be posted.

That's all for this week, folks :) So, what are you looking forward to the most?

Top 5 Sundays #3

2011-01-15T15:37:00.000-06:00

Top 5 Sundays is hosted by my awesome friend Larissa @ Larissa's Bookish Life

This week's theme is:

Top 5 Heroes vs Villians

(yes, I'm going to have fun with this one - muhaha)

Katniss(and all those heroes from Hunger Games) vs. the Capitol

There is NO way you can fight me on this one. It is DEFINITELY a top 5 for me!

Percy Jackson vs Kronos/Luke

ANOTHER great series that deserves to be in my top 5. I loved it. . .

Bella vs Voltori

You might not consider them villians, but I totally do! Grr..

Violet, Klaus & Sunny vs. Olaf

I know this is a MG series, but it was still marvelous. And Olaf is a villain!!!

Ever vs. Roman

Villain. Villain! VILLAIN! Everything about Roman screams Villain.

Now that we have THAT said and done. What are your top 5 heroes vs villains??????

In My Mailbox #15

2011-01-15T13:03:00.000-06:00

In My Mailbox is a weekly event exploring the books received this week and is hosted by Kristi @ The Story Siren. Please comment with your links so I can come see what's new with you too!!

Frostbite(Vampire Academy #2) by Richelle Mead

Go Ask Alice by Anonymous

Incarceron by Catherine Fisher

Ink Exchange(Wicked Lovely #2) by Melissa Marr

Matched by Ally Condie

Nightshade by Andrea Cremer

Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult

The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold

The Summoning by Kelley Armstrong

Untamed(House Of Night #4) by P.C. Cast, Kristin Cast

So, what did you get?

Review: The DUFF

2011-01-15T12:27:00.000-06:00

Title: The DUFF
Author: Kody Keplinger
Source: Library
Date Finished: January 6th, 2011

Summary of Book:
Seventeen-year-old Bianca Piper is cynical and loyal, and she doesn’t think she’s the prettiest of her friends by a long shot. She’s also way too smart to fall for the charms of man-slut and slimy school hottie Wesley Rush. In fact, Bianca hates him. And when he nicknames her “Duffy,” she throws her Coke in his face. But things aren’t so great at home right now. Desperate for a distraction, Bianca ends up kissing Wesley. And likes it. Eager for escape, she throws herself into a closeted enemies-with-benefits relationship with Wesley. Until it all goes horribly awry. It turns out that Wesley isn’t such a bad listener, and his life is pretty screwed up, too. Suddenly Bianca realizes with absolute horror that she’s falling for the guy she thought she hated more than anyone.

Review*spoilers*:
Oh, no! She's falling for the hottest guy in school and he's falling for her. Isn't that good? I just don't understand. Does she not want to be close to him because he's popular and rich or does she not want to be with him because she can't stand him?
They got over it(thank Gods) and are back together again which I'm happy about. Their happy, I'm happy, we're all happy. lol :)
Anyway...Let's see, I have a love/hate relationship with Wesley. He started calling her "Duffy"(don't ever call a girl that. You'll get coke thrown at you too) and then he listens to her. And then back again, and THEN he decides to tell her he loves her. Seriously, this love/hate thing isn't gonna work out, Wesley.
I loved Bianca. She didn't care what others thought of her, she had good grades and her parents got divorced. Man..Sounds like me!

☺☺☺☺

What's Your Status?(1/14/2011)

2011-01-14T12:41:00.000-06:00

This meme is hosted by Butterfly Feet Walking on Life.

I am to post what I've finished in the past week, what I'm currently reading and where I am in the book/s, what I plan to read next, and possibly what I want to buy/get.

But I'll scratch out the possibly what I want to buy/get.

If you participate in What's Your Status? please leave a link below so I can come see what's new with you!

Finished in the last 7 days:

Currently Reading & Where I'm At:

Kiss of Midnight by Lara Adrian - I'm on page 13.

Linger(The Wolves Of Mercy Falls #2) by Maggie Stiefvater - On page 229(almost done)

Room by Emma Donoghue - On page 20.

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak - On page 170.

Up Soon:

So, what's new with you?

Review: The Short Second Life Of Bree Tanner

2011-01-14T10:54:00.000-06:00

Title: The Short Second Life Of Bree Tanner
Author: Stephanie Meyer
Source: Library
Date Finished: January 6th, 2011

Summary of Book:
Fans of The Twilight Saga will be enthralled by this riveting story of Bree Tanner, a character first introduced in Eclipse, and the darker side of the newborn vampire world she inhabits. In another irresistible combination of danger, mystery, and romance, Stephenie Meyer tells the devastating story of Bree and the newborn army as they prepare to close in on Bella Swan and the Cullens, following their encounter to its unforgettable conclusion.

Review(Blood and gore + spoilers involved):
We all know what happens to Bree. It's no surprise to me that in the end, Bree died. We all saw it coming. But I like Meyer's new point of view. Instead of being Bella with no bloodlust, I was Bree with a ton of it. I wanted to rip out someone's throat, but I also wanted to control myself.
I'm not surprised that Bree just handed over her life. I mean, she lost everyone and everything. Her family, her "boyfriend", all her friends, they were gone. So why not hand over your life? Everything's gone.
I liked the new characters. And all the other newborns. How Bree was curious about Riley and she. Otherwise known as Victoria.
I seriously considered giving up on the book though. It was a really good book, but I just don't know how I would handle the ending.
I manged to finish it though. And the ending was better put than I thought it would be.
"Close your eyes."

☺☺☺

Follow Friday #15 & Blog Hop #14

2011-01-13T22:46:00.000-06:00

Blog Hop is hosted by the awesome Jen @ Crazy-For-Books.com

This week's question:

"Why do you read the genre that you do? What draws you to it?"

My answer:

That's a really good question! I've always been attracted to romance. We all go on kicks every once and a while, but I'm on this 6 month kick of paranormal. I wouldn't be surprised if it last for a couple more months or even for the rest of my life.

But, I think I'm drawn to paranormal(and paranormal romance) because it's different than all the other kind of books I read. It's a world that I love to live in, a place for me to escape to.

Follow Friday is hosted by Parajunkie @ Parajunkie's View

This week's question:

What makes up your non-human family??

My answer:

I'm not sure if we're talking imaginary or not. So I'll go with pets.

I consider my two cats(A.J. and Angel) and my two dogs(Arrow and Bronte) as part of the family. I'd love to have more animals, but I don't exactly think I could handle anymore. Especially since I kill all fish. lol :)

Thanks for visiting my blog =) I hope you find everything OK. I recently added some new pages and the reviews page is now under a different ordering. So, please make sure to check those out and also take some time to check out some of my other posts!

Please comment with a link to your blog and I'll make sure to come for a visit!

Booking Through Thursday #2

2011-01-13T09:31:00.000-06:00

Do you remember the first book you bought for yourself? Or the first book you checked out of the library? What was it and why did you choose it?

The first book I checked out from my library was a picture book. That was years ago though, so if I remembered the title, then I'd probably be insane with how much I can remember!

What about you?