Spring Reading Thing 2010 Wrap-Up

Spring is over and summer is here (yay!). Thus concludes the Spring Reading Thing 2010 Challenge hosted by Callapidder Days.

Here is my final list for the challenge:
1- The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting
2- Hold Still by Nina LaCour
3- Crazy Beautiful by Lauren Baratz-Logsted
4- Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver
5- Over My Dead Body: 43 Old Cemetery Road by Kate Klise & M. Sarah Klise (illustrator)
6- Wicked Becomes You by Meredith Duran
7- The Day I Shot Cupid by Jennifer Love Hewitt
8- Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl
9- Once Dead, Twice Shy by Kim Harrison
10- The Night Fairy by Laura Amy Schlitz
11- Waiting for You by Susane Colasanti
12- The Season of Second Chances by Diane Meier
13- Venetia Kelly's Traveling Show by Frank Delaney
14- Undead and Unwed by MaryJanice Davidson
15- The Iron King by Julie Kagawa
16- Winter's Passage by Julie Kagawa
17- The One That I Want by Allison Winn Scotch
18- Chasing Brooklyn by Lisa Schroeder
19- The Art of Devotion by Samantha Bruce-Benjamin
20- Heist Society by Ally Carter
21- Dead in the Family by Charlaine Harris
22- Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake by Sarah MacLean
23- Still Missing by Chevy Stevens
24- Mothers & Other Liars by Amy Bourret
25- True Love: Three Novels by Lurlene McDaniel

Mothers & Other Liars by Amy Bourret

I always have a soft spot for stories about mothers and their love for a child/children and this one won a place in my heart from the first turn of its page. I was able to connect with Ruby from the start.

At 19, Ruby Oleander finds a baby in a trash can while at a rest stop. Believing that the child was abandoned she grabs that baby and heads off out west in search of a new life and the ocean. Nine years later, she and her daughter Lark, have made a nice life for themselves. Lark is a sweet girl and you can instantly tell that she is being raised in a loving and doting home surrounded by wonderful friends. But all that is about to change when Ruby finds a picture of an infant in the newspaper whose parents have been searching for over the past nine years.

What an interesting premise! I cannot say how many times I questioned myself and what my instinct would have been had I been the one in a situation like this. This is Ruby's story and what cost she'll have to pay in order to do the right thing.

Although some parts were a stretch of the imagination, I really enjoyed the honest feel of the emotions that were written plainly on every page. I felt the tension throughout the courtroom drama scenes and the relief at the support of various friends and community members.

As a mother you can't help but relate to Ruby. I had this churning feeling in my stomach at times while reading because of the heart-wrenching, unthinkable decisions she has to make and their related consequences. There were moments that had me unexpectedly tightening my throat or that caused the watering of my eyes.

This is the story of a mother and a daughter whose lives are turned upside down when a dark secret comes to light. Your emotions will be all over the place - you won't know whose side you're on since there isn't a villain - these are just people following their hearts and doing the best they can to live their lives. An amazing story of love, hope and forgiveness. A must read.

This book was provided for review by St. Martin's Griffin.

Still Missing by Chevy Stevens

Still Missing is about a young woman named Annie O'Sullivan. She's 32, a real estate agent, has a patient and loving boyfriend, lives in her dream house with her dog Emma. Things are looking up for her at work since she is in the running for head realtor of a big condo complex. Her biggest worries are when her mother plans on returning her cappuccino maker, arriving on time for dinner with the boyfriend and selling the property that she is hosting an open house for. At the end of her day when her last visitor pulls up in a van as she's about to leave, Annie thinks it just might be her lucky day after all. She was wrong.

Told through her sessions with her psychiatrist you learn of Annie's year-long captivity with a sadistic psychopath in a remote cabin somewhere up in the mountains. Through these same sessions you also learn of her struggle as she tries to pick up the pieces of her life and put them back together again, regain her shattered spirit, and the ongoing police investigation to identify her captor.

WOW!!!

This isn't the type of book that you say you love because it's about such a disturbing and scary subject, but it is definitely one that you cannot put down. I literally lost sleep in order to read this book (and no, I'm not complaining). Ms. Stevens does a phenomenal job in not only telling you Annie's story, but making you live it with her. There were times where I was hearing her talk and I listened as her therapist while other times I felt as if I were Annie herself.

This book isn't always easy to read and I will forewarn that Annie is physically, mentally and sexually abused. But I must also say that I think it is told in a matter where it isn't offensive, overly graphic nor crude.

Overall, this was a very good novel (if unsettling). It will break your heart countless times (yes, I did cry more than once), but I must admit it is one of the best thrillers I've ever read. Chevy Stevens is one author that I will definitely have an eye out for. I can't wait to see what she comes out with next.

This book was provided for review by St. Martin's Press.

Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake by Sarah MacLean

A lady does not smoke cheroot. She does not ride astride. She does not fence or attend duels. She does not fire a pistol, and she never gambles at a gentlemen's club.

Lady Calpurnia Hartwell has always followed the rules, rules that have left her unmarried—and more than a little unsatisfied. And so she's vowed to break the rules and live the life of pleasure she's been missing.

But to dance every dance, to steal a midnight kiss—to do those things, Callie will need a willing partner. Someone who knows everything about rule-breaking. Someone like Gabriel St. John, the Marquess of Ralston—charming and devastatingly handsome, his wicked reputation matched only by his sinful smile.

If she's not careful, she'll break the most important rule of all—the one that says that pleasure-seekers should never fall hopelessly, desperately in love . . . [via GoodReads]

Oh, but I loved this book! One of my fave reads of the year thus far. See, I picked this up because I had read a couple of reviews on it and they were saying how gloriously wonderful it was and yada yada yada. So, I picked it up because I figured it couldn't be that great - but YES, it was that great.

This book has everything that I love in a Regency romance. The heroine is not your average damsel in distress. Oh no, Callie is on-the-shelf, and doomed to a life of spinsterhood. Thus the list is born... to smoke a cheroot, drink scotch, ride astride, fence, attend a duel, fire a pistol, to gamble at a gentleman's club, dance every dance at a ball, be considered beautiful (just once), to kiss someone passionately. And she sets right off and does exactly that... well, kiss someone passionately that is (that someone being Gabriel, the Marquess of Ralston, known as a notorious rake and the man who Callie has crushed on for the past decade) and thus our journey begins.

What really made this book stand out for me from the rest:
The fact that Callie is plain and plump really made her appealing to me. I liked the fact that she wasn't a stunning beauty with a willowy frame. The fact that Gabriel loved her with no prejudice as to her curves and looks really worked for me. As for Gabriel, I thought it refreshing that he wasn't a man running from commitment or love, but instead he had issues with relationships because of his parents' disastrous marriage. All the supporting characters were loads of fun as well - especially the siblings. There were brilliant laugh-out-loud moments, the witty banter and teasing between Gabriel and Callie will leave you smiling, and the tension/romance was just perfect. Oh, and I forgot to mention the hot and heavy scenes were well just that... hot and heavy. Very sexy (something that I rarely find in historicals)... I'm just saying. ;)

Overall, this was a tremendously enjoyable read and one that I highly recommend to lovers of romance (no matter what your favorite sub-genre is) this will appeal to everyone.

Dead in the Family by Charlaine Harris

Sookie Stackhouse has finally settled into a relationship with the Viking vampire Eric, and her errant brother Jason seems to have his life in order, too. But all the other people in Sookie’s life – Eric himself, her former lover Bill, her friend and boss Sam – are having family problems. Eric’s maker shows up with Eric’s ‘brother’ in tow, the ailing Bill can only be healed by a blood sibling, and Sam’s brother’s marriage is about to take place... or will it? The furor raised by the coming out of the two-natured has yet to settle; some people are just not ready to sit down to dinner with a man who turns into a dog. And Sookie herself is still recovering from her last ordeal. She’s definitely improving, physically and mentally, but she’s always going to have some dark moments now. The werewolves tell her that there have been strange and ominous passers-by in the Stackhouse woods; now Sookie is about to come face-to-face with one of her more distant relatives. [via GoodReads]

Yes, I am a big fan of this series and, yes, I did enjoy this book. It was just lacking something for me.

Let me make it clear, when I crack open one of Charlaine Harris' Sookie novels I am thrown into this world from the first page and I will practically not eat, drink or sleep until it spits me out in the end. Thus was still the case with Dead in the Family, but, this was really just a filler book. There was nothing utterly important in it to really make it stand out for me.

Sookie is a different girl in this novel. And I think I actually like her this way better. Since her last ordeal in the previous book - she has a tougher no-nonsense attitude. She's not taking crap from anyone and that includes FBI agent Lattesta, boyfriend Eric, ex-boyfriend Bill and father-by-vampire-law, Appius Livius Ocella. I like this new Sookie even though she still says stuff like Howdydoo(?) or crapanola.

My fave part of the book of course = Sookie & Eric!! Eric & Sookie!! Oh yes, they are together, they are in love and they are married by vampire law, of course. My only complaint was that there was not as much Sookie & Eric time as I would have liked and their few intimate moments were VERY PG - you know, of the fade to black variety. I would have liked a tad more detail... call me naughty if you must.

Other than that, there are plenty of storylines running amok throughout the story: Bill still being sick from the silver poisoning he acquired during the Fae war, a possible cure by use of a "sibling", Tara's pregnancy, Sam having issues with his family and their shifter ways, the government looking to add shifters/weres to the national registration bill which would limit their rights as US citizens; the possibility that Victor wants Eric, Sookie and all our fave vamps out of the picture, Eric's maker making a surprise visit bringing along his new "son", and "were" politics with Alcide's pack that land Sookie as Shaman to the pack. Not to mention there are a few straggler faeries that are hanging about Sookie's land. Oh yes, I know, if you can think of it, it was probably a storyline in this book.

Overall, I enjoyed the book but, to be quite honest, you won't miss much if you skip it. It's one of those. Nothing is really resolved in it. A few storylines were added and some minor one's were resolved but the big issues were left hanging. I'm taking the next book in the series will deal more with Victor and his big, bad self, and I'm sure we'll learn more of Bill and his "sibling" as well as get more were/shifter drama.

Although not as exciting as previous books, you can still find a good dose of Sookie in here and, a good dose of Sookie is never a bad thing.

Heist Society by Ally Carter

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.

Now at 15, Kat is in the middle of the biggest con she has ever attemped... she's attending boarding school (using a fake identity, of course), but nonetheless, she has broken free of her family and their thieving ways and is striving to be a "normal" girl.

But all her dreams of normalcy are ripped away from her when she is framed as the perpetrator of a prank at school and eventually ends up expelled... their goes that dream. But even worse then getting expelled is the fact that her father has also been framed. If the 5 paintings that he is rumored to have stolen are not returned within the allotted he will suffer a greater punishment then just a mere expulsion.

It is up to Kat (who makes a deal with the evil man who owns said paintings) to return them even though her father did not commit the crime of stealing them. She rounds up her own crew to get the job done (including her Lolita-esque cousin who looks innocent and sweet with her mini skirts and high heels; the billionaire boy next door and the computer nerd that can hack into any system). But can a bunch of teens pull off an Ocean's 11 worthy heist or will their plans land them in the slammer?

This is fast-paced, full of unpredictable plot turns, danger, adventure, some great characters and a little romance sprinkled in for good measure. It really is just perfect.

I think the plot was just brilliant - I found it to be original and well-orchestrated, unbelievable at times, but that's what made it so great. Ms. Carter's writing style is witty, funny and she definitely has a way of connecting with the reader. I loved the various twists and turns that always had you on your toes. Who was Visily Romani? What happened to the paintings? Will these kids actually get away with this? Everything was a mystery and just when you thought you had it figured out, you'd be thrown for another loop.

I enjoyed Heist Society so much! I loved all the shenanigans that Kat and her ragtag crew have to go through. Ms. Carter made Kat such a strong young woman - she was the perfect female lead. Her crew brought the perfect amount of comedy and techy geekiness as well as the villain brought the perfect amount of villainy/creepiness.

Overall this is one that can be enjoyed by everyone no matter what the age. I can't wait to see where we will go to next.

True Love: Three Novels by Lurlene McDaniel

True Love consists of three novels written by Lurlene McDaniel which make up this 600+ page tome.

Don't Die My Love
Julie Ellis and Luke Muldenhower have been together since the sixth grade. They're now in high school and still love each other unconditionally. Luke is the star quarterback on the football team. They lack for nothing - popularity, good grades, but especially love. They are considering what colleges they plan on attending, Luke is expecting a full scholarship as an athlete, everything is looking up for them. That is, until the day Luke confesses that he hasn't been feeling all that well. He has been lethargic, weak and has been losing weight. Upon examination it is discovered that Luke has Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Not only is Luke's life in jeopardy but will their love be able to surpass such a devastating blow?


I'll be Seeing You
Kyle Westin is blinded when a chemistry experiment goes wrong. While at the hospital he meets Carley Mattea. As their friendship and their feelings for one another grow, Carley suffers more and more knowing that she hasn't been truly honest with Kyle. For although Kyle is blind he is a very good looking young man. But Carley is not pretty - her face is deformed and she cannot help but doubt that Kyle would still love her if he really knew how she looked. Will their love be able to overcome the superficial or will that age old battle between beauty on the outside rather than the inside prevail?

A Rose for Melinda
Told in epistolary fashion using letters, journal entries, e-mails, doctors' reports and instant messages, chronicles the relationship between Melinda and Jesse. They have known each other most of their lives and although they now live away from each other and Melinda has been accepted into the Washington School of Classical Dance’s summer program through their correspondence we are able to learn that Melinda has been diagnosed with leukemia and how this affects her dream of becoming a prima ballerina.

I can definitely see why Lurlene McDaniel's novels are a hit with teen girls. Her stories all pretty much have the same recipe - usually one or both of the main characters is suffering from a traumatic illness or injury and how these events affect their relationships. The romance in all three stories was very sweet and clean, very G-rated. I think Ms. McDaniel definitely has a way of connecting with young girls through their feelings relating to love, loss, hopes and dreams. Each story had a good message and I think that's important on books for young adults. I do have to tell you one thing though, I literally sobbed while reading some parts of these stories. I recommend that you keep tissues handy (and by tissues I mean a whole box of them). I mean my chest hurt by the time I was done reading this book.

All in all, this was a sweet book with some very lovely, if sad and depressing stories. I would recommend to young girls or anyone looking for a book where they can just have a good cry while reading it.

The Art of Devotion by Samantha Bruce-Benjamin

Have we all not wished to keep forever the one person we love the most?

The secluded beaches of a sun-drenched Mediterranean island are the perfect playground for young Sebastian and Adora. Emotionally adrift from their mother, Adora shelters her sensitive older brother from the cruelties of the world. Sophie does not question her children’s intense need for one another until it’s too late. Her beloved son’s affections belong to Adora, and when he drowns in the sea, she has no one else to blame.

Still heartbroken years later, Adora fills her emptiness with Genevieve, the precocious young daughter of her husband’s business associate and his jealous wife, Miranda. Thrilled to be invited into the beautiful and enigmatic Adora’s world, the child idolizes her during their summers together. Yet, as the years progress, Genevieve begins to suspect their charmed existence is nothing more than a carefully crafted illusion. Soon, she too is ensnared in a web of lies. [via Barnes & Noble]

I love period novels like this -this one mostly takes place between 1919-38. But what I mostly enjoyed about it was how the narrative is told between all four women (Sophie, Adora, Genevieve, and Miranda), giving you the story through their perspective made this quite the experience. Riddled with secrets, deceit, intrigue, jealousy and betrayal you can't help but to love/hate these women. Just when I thought I had it all figured out ... yea, I didn't. This happened more than once. It really had me on my toes and no matter how much I tried to figure the whole thing out it just did not happen.

Ms. Bruce-Benjamin's writing is beautiful even lyrical at times. She is an expert at dropping subtle hints that leave you wanting more.. making you devour her novel voraciously.

All in all, there is definitely someone or maybe an aspect of this novel that we can relate to. For we have all (at some point in our lives) loved, been lied to, felt happiness, experienced disappointment or even lost someone dear to us. Highly addictive and one that I can definitely recommend.


This book was provided for review by Pocket Books.

Chasing Brooklyn by Lisa Schroeder

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

Nico can’t stop. He’s always running, trying so hard not to feel the pain of missing Lucca. But when he begins receiving messages from his dead brother, telling him to help Brooklyn, emotions come crashing to the surface.

As the nightmares escalate and the messages become relentless, Nico reaches out to Brooklyn. But neither of them can admit that they're being haunted. Until they learn to let each other in, not one soul will be able to rest. [via GoodReads]

The first time I saw Chasing Brooklyn at my bookstore I scanned through its pages saw that it was written in verse with its very short chapters and its few sentences per page and put it right back where I found it. At the time all I could think was why waste money on something that when actually put together amounts to maybe 150 full pages of writing not to mention what matter of character definition can you get out of a story written so sparsely. All I can say now is... (and I'm not ashamed to say it) boy was I wrong.

This is the first book I've read that is written in verse and I can't even begin to tell you how fascinating and beautiful and just enthralling I found this story to be. Lisa Schroeder definitely has a way with words! She may not use many of them but the one's she does use, she makes you feel them in your heart and you can't help but want to savor them. I've never read anything like this before so please bear with me while I gush over how awesome this book is.

For starters, this is a fast-paced novel that can be read in a few hours tops. But I personally would not recommend that. This is a story to be savored, enjoyed, even to dwell upon for a little just to fully capture all the emotions and feelings that the main characters go through. What I most enjoyed about it is that it is told through alternating points-of-view between Brooklyn and Nico giving the reader a very in depth look into at all sides of the story. You can't help but go on this journey with them and feel their sorrow, loss, self-discovery and ultimately their healing. There were many things that I loved about this novel and those include, not just the characters, but the hauntings (which I found really creepy) and the training for the race.

I am still awed by how much emotion and depth Ms. Schroeder conveyed in just a few short sentences. I actually liked it so much that I went out and bought everything else she's ever written, yes, sorry, the OCD kicked in.

All in all, Chasing Brooklyn is haunting, riveting and one that I think everyone should read. And to those of you who don't read books written in this style, don't knock it 'till you try it, you won't be disappointed.

The One That I Want by Allison Winn Scotch

Tilly Farmer is living the perfect life.... She's married to her high school sweetheart, Tyler, her best friend is not only her oldest friend but also her co-worker, she lives in the same town that she grew up in with her immediate family living close by and she and Tyler have finally reached an agreement that it is time to make a baby. Life can't get any better.

One afternoon during a school festival Tilly wanders into a booth to find her old middle school friend, Ashley, who is now a fortune teller. After a quick recap from Tilly as to how perfect her life has turned out since they were friends, Ashley tells her that she is going to give her the gift of clarity.

Now by clarity, Tilly never expected that she would start seeing future events. And these events are not what she expected nor does it seem can she do anything to change them. As her perfect world slowly starts to crumble she must find a way of understanding her deeper feelings and can't help but find herself questioning why the foundation to such a perfect life came undone so easily.

Wow! Allison Winn Scotch has yet again made me fall in love with another one of her books. Not only does she create a variety of likeable and relateable characters, but you find yourself caring for them and even holding your breath to see how the turn of events will play out. You not only care for Tilly, but for her sisters Luanne and Darcy, her best friend Susanna and even for her old friend Ashley not to mention some of the residents of the town of Westlake. Women of all ages will be able to relate to one aspect of this novel or another. Although it is considered to be chick-lit, I would not say it is a light read without depth. This will definitely appeal to readers who have questioned the "what if"... what if we had we chosen a different path in life. Tilly is faced with many tough questions regarding her life choices and you will find that you cannot help asking yourself some of those same questions - very thought-provoking.

All in all, I truly enjoyed this and really didn't want it to end. Highly recommended.

This book was provided for review by BookSparks PR

My Rating: 

Winter's Passage by Julie Kagawa

Winter's Passage is a 50-something paged novella that takes place after The Iron King but before the Iron Daughter.

Hooray for Julie Kagawa who has packed just as much action, adventure, romance and character/world development into these 50-odd pages as she can in a 300 page book. I am seriously in awe.

For fans of the series, this is a wonderful treat. This is Meghan and Ash's journey through Unseelie territory and landing them right at Mab's doorstep in the Winter Court - leaving us right at the beginning of The Iron Daughter. It was short, it was sweet and it just left me wanting MORE... again.

For some this will be enough to hold you over until August when the highly anticipated The Iron Daughter releases, and for you other, more anxious sort, all I can say is read it and savor it because August is a very long 2 months away. ;)

If this is the first time you hear about the Iron Fey series, I do recommend that you start with The Iron King before you read Winter's Passage. And for those of you who have read The Iron King, you are in luck because if you stop by http://enterthefaeryworld.com/ironfey/ you can download your FREE copy of Winter's Passage which will be available until July 31, 2010 - so get to it and enjoy.

My Rating:

The Iron King by Julie Kagawa

Don't ask me why, but for some reason I kept putting off reading this book. Maybe it was the fact that it was yet another faery story or maybe it was the weather, or just that I was in a reading slump at the time. I'm not sure what was wrong with me but I am so glad that I finally picked it up when I did. This book was amazing! Ms. Kagawa has created a world riddled with characters that not only have I come to love but who I secretly wish were real.

When Meghan's little brother, Ethan, mysteriously disappears it is up to her and BFF, Robbie, who turns out to be the infamous Puck (yes, from Midsummer Night's Dream), to return him safe and sound back home. In just a few short chapters Meghan is whisked away from the world and the life she has always known and finds herself in the Nevernever - the land of the fae. There she encounters all sorts of mythical, magical creatures - Grimalkin (a talking, sneaky cat who reminded me of the Cheshire Cat from Alice in Wonderland), all sorts of trolls, goblins, and scary what-not that relish the idea of eating Meghan, as well as some well-known characters from the Summer Court like King Oberon and Queen Titania. Then there is Ash - Prince of the Winter Court and enemy to anything Summer (and that includes Meghan and Puck). On a race against time to save her brother, Meghan not only finds herself on a perilous journey but also running for her life. When she finds no other recourse but to strike a deal with Ash she is not only risking imprisonment by the Winter Court but also in falling for the cold-hearted prince.

This was hands down the best faery book I've had the pleasure of reading. Meghan Chase was exactly what I want in a heroine. She handles one situation after the next with bravery, stubbornness, and selflessness. She was not a whiner which I can definitely appreciate. I think for a 16 year old girl who finds herself about to be eaten more than once by all sorts of unimagined creatures, she definitely passed the test. She had a few freak-out moments, but nonetheless, she handled herself perfectly.

The world-building in this story was phenomenal. There were parts that reminded me of Alice in Wonderland and others of Labyrinth (there were many similarities there), but other than a few of those moments, Ms. Kagawa's Nevernever is very original and refreshing. She blends mythology,well-known fairy tale, steampunk and urban fantasy seamlessly.

As for the romance (sighs), it is also very well done. As is common in most YA books, there is a love triangle but I didn't not find it to be overbearing, instead it was subtle and in the end I approved of it. I, like Meghan, also found myself torn between Ash and Puck. But I must confess I am an Ash girl. I loved that he was distant and cold but yet had his moments where his defenses would melt and his true feelings shone through. I can't wait to see how that plays out for Winter and Summer are not meant to be together.

All in all, Ms. Kagawa has outdone herself with this first installment in her Iron Fey series. I am intrigued by this captivating adventure full of page-turning action, humor and romance... I just WANT MORE!

Undead and Unwed by Mary Janice Davidson

Elizabeth "Betsy" Taylor is having a terrible day - she got laid off from work and while chasing down her Houdini cat, she gets hit by a car and dies. Obviously things aren't right when she wakes up inside a coffin wearing Payless shoes and hand-me-down clothes.

Not only is Betsy not dead, but after a bout of depression on why her life sucks (especially after losing her job) and countless attempts at killing herself (jumping off a building, electrocution, drowning, drinking Chlorox... you get the picture) - she realizes she can't die. She quickly comes to realize that she is a vampire (the fangs and super strength were a big factor in this) and is now one of the undead.

But Betsy is not your ordinary vampire... oh no, not only does the girl have a major shoe fetish and has a great sense of style, but she doesn't have the same needs/handicaps as her fellow brethren vampires do. For instance, she can speak of the Lord (without cringing as all vamps do), holy water only makes her sneeze instead of bursting into flames, nor do crosses burn her.

She actually feels as though life might just return to normal - if she really doesn't put too much attention on her new mighty super-vamp powers. And it almost feels as if it is until she gets a mysterious call that lands her facing off with a master vampire, Nostrodamus or Nostro for short. After declining on joining his coven of vamps - she finds herself on the run for her undead life. Luckily for her there is another master vampire who can help... the dreamy Eric Sinclair. After Sinclair gives her a crash course on vampire do's and don't's, proper vampire etiquette and explains that she is the prophesied Vampire Queen - it is up to her to slay Nostro and bring Vampire peace amongst the clans. Sinclair just needs to convince her of this and will stop at nothing and, that includes using Manolo Blahnik and Jimmy Choo, to get what he wants.

Guilty pleasure alert!!! Oh yes, this book is absolute fluff and I loved it!

Betsy is witty, snarky, bitchy, and uproariously hilarious. I loved so many things about her - the constant bickering with Sinclair, the fact that she called him Sink-lair, her friends (the token black girl, Jessica who is richer than well... everyone and her gay sidekick Marc), the fact that she lisps when her fangs elongate, that she's a member of PETA, her manic need for shoes. This is a laugh-out-loud funny gal - the type that anything that can go wrong will probably go wrong because of her.

I found this to be both amusing as well as entertaining. Surprisingly I found myself really liking these characters and found myself even more surprised that this was more of a light mystery type then a romance (don't take me wrong, there is romance but it is not the main core of the book). Undead and Unwed is the first in the series and I will confess that I cannot wait to see what Betsy encounters next.

If you are looking for a fun, fluffy read - nothing but mind candy here - then definitely grab this. I guarantee it will bring a smile to your face.

Venetia Kelly's Traveling Show by Frank Delaney

January 1932: While Ireland roils in the run-up to the most important national election in the Republic’s short history, Ben MacCarthy and his father watch a vagabond variety revue making a stop in the Irish countryside. After a two-hour kaleidoscope of low comedy, Shakespearean recitations, juggling, tumbling, and other entertainments, Ben’s father, mesmerized by Venetia Kelly, the troupe’s magnetic headliner, makes a fateful decision: to abandon his family and set off on the road with Miss Kelly and her caravan. Ben’s mother, shattered by the desertion, exhorts, “Find him and bring him back,” thereby sending the boy on a Homeric voyage into manhood, a quest that traverses the churning currents of Ireland’s fractious society and splinters the MacCarthy family. [via GoodReads]

Where to start on this one?! Well, I'll start with I loved this story.

Frank Delaney is a master storyteller. Ben McCarthy, narrator/hero extraordinaire, tells us a story of his youth in a very intimate setting - almost making you feel as if you are sitting down with him listening while he reminisces. Set in mostly 1930's Ireland, you learn how his life forever-changed the day his father abandoned their family to join Venetia Kelly’s Traveling Show.

At first it took me a little bit to get into the story only because it starts off with a lot of background information on both Ben and Venetia. So there are two storylines - Venetia's bohemian upbringing and then Ben who's always been protected and pampered by his doting partents - that is, until the day his father up and leaves and his mother begs him to chase down his father and bring him back home. Through Ben's journey with the Traveling Show you get a glimpse of the tumultuous political situation Ireland was in during the 1930's. I think Mr. Delaney was superb in mixing fiction with non-fiction. You really had a grip on the political atmosphere of the 30’s and what a role it played on every day lives.

Now, keeping in mind that there is more than one story line at the beginning of the book, once these story lines come together and everything starts to fit together - it all weaved into this fantastic coming-of-age story, with an unexpected romance, mysteries to be solved and a journey through Ireland that introduces you to many a lovely character (each with their own story to tell).

Venetia Kelly's Traveling Show is an all-around perfect novel. There were times where I laughed and others where I cried and even others that I felt awed by it - all in all a very worthwhile read.

The Season of Second Chances by Diane Meier

Coming-of-age can happen at any age. Joy Harkness had built a university career and a safe life in New York, protected and insulated from the intrusions and involvements of other people. When offered a position at Amherst College, she impulsively leaves the city, and along with generations of material belongings, she packs her equally heavy emotional baggage. A tumbledown Victorian house proves an unlikely choice for a woman whose family heirlooms have been boxed away for years. Nevertheless, this white elephant becomes the home that changes Joy forever. As the restoration begins to take shape, so does her outlook on life, and the choices she makes over paint chips, wallpaper samples, and floorboards are reflected in her connection to the co-workers who become friends and friendships that deepen. A brilliant, quirky, town fixture of a handyman guides the renovation of the house and sparks Joy’s interest to encourage his personal and professional growth. Amid the half-wanted attention of the campus’s single, middle-aged men, known as “the Coyotes,”and the legitimate dramas of her close-knit community, Joy learns that the key to the affection of family and friends is being worthy of it, and most important, that second chances are waiting to be discovered within us all. [via GoodReads]

This was such a nice, feel-good book. Ms. Meier penned some very interesting characters that I found to be very honest, realistic, relateable and likeable.

When Joy is given the choice of landing her dream job, leaving NYC and her average life behind, she grabs that bull by the horns and runs with it. This is her chance to start anew (a second chance at life) - she buys herself a fixer-upper and settles in to small-town life. She wasn't expecting all the new experiences she would have. While living in New York she was somewhat of a recluse. She was dedicated to her job but had little time for friends or socializing. Here at Amherst, her coworkers/colleagues basically force her to make friends. And then there's Teddy, the contractor who helps make her dilapidated house into a home.

I loved reading the descriptions of Amherst, MA., and all the details on the home repairs, interior design, etc. My only complaint would be that I found that Joy behaved like a woman older than someone in her 40's. She could easily pass for a woman ten years older if you judged her on the way she acted.

All in all, this was a sweet little story. It is not a must-read, but it is definitely an enjoyable read nonetheless. Recommended to those looking for a light, summer read that will leave you feeling satisfied and hopeful.

Waiting for You by Susane Colasanti

At the beginning of her sophomore year, Marisa is ready for a fresh start and, more importantly, a boyfriend. So when the handsome and popular Derek asks her out, Marisa thinks her long wait for happiness is over. But several bumps in the road—including her parents’ unexpected separation, a fight with her best friend, and a shocking disappointment in her relationship with Derek—test Marisa’s ability to maintain her new outlook. Only the anonymous DJ, whose underground podcasts have the school’s ear, seems to understand what Marisa is going through. But she has no idea who he is—or does she? [via GoodReads]

This was a sweet, coming-of-age story of a young girl who is at the point in her life where she is discovering who she is and where she is going. Marisa is a very relatable character - she's a sophomore in high school and is looking for Mr. Right. When she lands the perfect boyfriend (handsome, popular, etc.) she begins to realize that sometimes love doesn't have to be perfect and can be found when least expected.

Although the story does have a light feel to it, it does touch on some rather serious subjects, making it not just a fun book but also an emotional story. I do have to say that I was drawn more to the lighter/more romanticer (yes, I made that word up) moments in the story. I also enjoyed the whole anonymous DJ bit... although I did guess who it was from the start.

I have to confess that I did wish that it would have been more fast-paced... I felt as if something was waiting around the corner the whole time, but it just never came. All in all, this is a classic coming-of-age story about friendship and first love that is easily enjoyed.

The Night Fairy by Laura Amy Schlitz

After a run-in with a bat leaves Flory without her wings, she finds that her whole lifestyle is in for a change. For instance, she falls off the tree she has been living in and ends up in the giantess's yard. There she must learn how to survive - find a new home and without her wings, that means work. Angry at the bats, mad at the night, and annoyed with herself, Flory decides she won't be a night fairy anymore--she'll be a day fairy. With her trusty dagger and an always-hungry squirrel, she's off on an unforgettable adventure.

What a sweet little tale awaits you in the pages of The Night Fairy. This will definitely appeal to little girls... because really, what little girl doesn't dream of being a fairy?

Flory is one tough fairy... I mean tough as nails. She is not shy about threatening any foe with her dagger and, at times, due to her lack of being around other fairy's, her demeanor with her fellow garden dwellers can be rather rude, demanding and even stand-offish. But you can definitely see her growth throughout the story as she not only learns to survive in her new world but she also learns to be a friend.

The story comes in a slim volume with stunningly, enchanting artwork by Angela Barrett. The pages were sleek and shiny and you had some thick glittery pages at the end of the book... very nice all-around package that makes you want to display it on your bookshelf. This is a story that can be enjoyed by everyone (no matter the age) and believe me, those of you who do pick it up will cherish it.

Once Dead, Twice Shy by Kim Harrison

Madison's prom was killer—literally. For some reason she's been targeted by a dark reaper—yeah, that kind of reaper—intent on getting rid of her, body and soul. But before the reaper could finish the job, Madison was able to snag his strange, glowing amulet and get away.

Now she's stuck on Earth—dead but not gone. Somehow the amulet gives her the illusion of a body, allowing her to toe the line between life and death. She still doesn't know why the dark reaper is after her, but she's not about to just sit around and let fate take its course.

With a little ingenuity, some light-bending, and the help of a light reaper (one of the good guys! Maybe . . . ), her cute crush, and oh yeah, her guardian angel, Madison's ready to take control of her own destiny once and for all, before it takes control of her.

Well, if she believed in that stuff. [via GoodReads]

Once Dead, Twice Shy is a fast-paced novel that sadly I just did not enjoy. For one, the book starts and you feel like if you missed the first half of it. You just get thrown right smack into the story, or at least that's what I felt like. Now for me it was a little different because I read the short story in Prom Nights from Hell titled Madison Avery and the Dim Reaper which was were I was originally introduced to Madison and what intrigued me enough to make me want to see what happens next with her.

I really liked the premise of the story. I'm a sucker for good vs. bad (or, in this case, dark vs. light) stories and this really sounded promising. But in the end, I just didn't get a true feel for the characters and the story ended up being too predictable for my tastes.

I can definitely see it's appeal and why teens would want to read it (with all the hype for paranormal books nowadays), but it just didn't work for me.

Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl

Lena Duchannes is unlike anyone the small Southern town of Gatlin has ever seen, and she’s struggling to conceal her power and a curse that has haunted her family for generations. But even within the overgrown gardens, murky swamps, and crumbling graveyards of the forgotten South, a secret cannot stay hidden forever.

Ethan Wate, who has been counting the months until he can escape from Gatlin, is haunted by dreams of a beautiful girl he has never met. When Lena moves into the town’s oldest and most infamous plantation, Ethan is inexplicably drawn to her and determined to uncover the connection between them.

In a town with no surprises, one secret could change everything. [via GoodReads]

Beautiful Creatures was a very addictive read. I truly enjoyed reading through Ethan's point-of-view. I found it very refreshing considering that most YA is written through a females perspective.

I was taken in by the star-crossed lover-esque feel of the story... girl is a Caster - boy is just a mere human. What will they do? I enjoyed the Southern feel of the story - as you read it you can hear that southern drawl. The setting was well-defined and very fitting to the story. We also get a mini history lesson on the Civil War, which I found to be a plus. I think the authors did a phenomenal job in character development. There were plenty of characters and each one was defined and stood out creating their own set of feelings in you. Ethan and Lena were both likeable and relateable - sans the magic, of course. Their love story was sweet, realistic and definitely brings forth those feelings that we all felt at that age.

I have to say that my favorite characters were Uncle Mason and Amma. Uncle Mason because he reminded me of Rhett Butler in "Gone with the Wind" and Amma because she was fiery and had this attitude about her that brought a smile to my face. I also can't forget to mention librarian extraordinaire, Marian. Gosh, would I love her job!

There were a few things that I didn't like ... for starters this book is a tome. And, although I found the storyline intriguing and I was entertained throughout, I felt that there was a lot of jibberish scattered throughout that was unnecessary. I also felt that Ethan acted much older than his sixteen years and I found him overly emotional for a male (at times). There were some areas that dragged for me - maybe it was too detailed, I really can't explain it, but I would have preferred it to be a little shorter. Don't take me wrong, it all resolves nicely and everything comes into place, but it was still way too long for me.

In the end, the pro's definitely outweigh the con's so this is one that I believe did live up to the hype. Being the first in the series, I can't wait to see where Ms. Garcia and Ms. Stohl will take Ethan, Lena and us to next. Although geared towards the YA crowd, this one can be read and enjoyed by adults as well.

On a side note, I wanted to mention that I think it is very cool that two authors wrote this book. I don't know who wrote what or where one ends and the other begins, but Kudos for that. Also, for the phenomenal cover art - one of my faves.

The Day I Shot Cupid by Jennifer Love Hewitt

Self-proclaimed Love-aholic, Jennifer Love Hewitt, has penned this adorable little book for all you girls looking for love in all the wrong places. In its pages you'll find all sorts of advice from what to wear on a first to what not to eat or drink while you're on it. How to wait for him to call. How to not be overly needy. Feeling worthless. When to snuggle like "velcro" and then act all nonchalant about it. It is a tell-all book about all the "do's" and "don'ts" in relationships... or lack thereof. Her stories were insightful, witty, and humorous that not only give you a glimpse into some of her relationship woes but can also be helpful in avoiding some of those same painful and/or embarrassing scenarios.

Although I'm one of the lucky one's who has been married for years and considers herself to be in happy, healthy relationship with her "hubs", I can definitely appreciate a book like this. I loved the cutesy graphics, the short chapters and the bullet-point areas all told in a spunky, yet honest voice. My favorite part, Jamie Kennedy's cameo - definitely makes a girl feel good about herself and puts a big smile on your face.

This was a sweet little book that can be read in a couple of hours tops, but definitely not to be taken as light reading material as there are many lessons to be learned scattered throughout. Jennifer Love Hewitt has outdone herself in my book with her amazing love guru-ness skills. She definitely knows what she's talking about and I'm hopeful we'll hear more from her in the future.