Have a lovely weekend friends

[via Chasing Pavements]

Infinite Days by Rebecca Maizel

Lenah Beaudonte is a 500+ year old... teenager. She was turned by her maker when she was a mere 16 years old. She has ruled as vampire queen for centuries and time has made her into a monster. She kills for sport, has no feelings, no emotions. She has longed to be human, if for nothing else then to save herself and any who might cross her path, and with the help of her maker and former lover, Rhode, she has accomplished just that. She is human! Enrolled in the private and secluded Wickham Boarding School she must now pass for an average 16 year old. But her deserted coven will not stand for Lenah's abandonment and she knows she is on borrowed time. This is Lenah's quest to not only be a human teenager, but to stay a human teenager.

Wow, wow, wow!!! I loved this book.

Ms. Maizel has created a wonderful leading lady in Lenah. What a unique character - one of the most creative I've read in a while. I loved that she was a terrible, horror-invoking, menace when she was a vampire. She's a mean girl - gone good. The flashbacks throughout her life, giving you glimpses into her long existence were so bleak and blood-filled, you could not help but hope that her plans of being human work out.

Another thing that I found very interesting were her love interests. Rhode, her vampire sire, lover and the one that I ultimately went TEAM RHODE! over, then there was Vicken, the man she turned vamp in order to replace her loneliness when Rhode was away and, now, Justin, all-around human teen heartthrob. Her chemistry with all three of her beaus ranged from heart-stopping, sigh-worthy, to just plain, give me a minute while I swoon over here. I also really liked some of the supporting characters, but my favorite was Tony, who quickly jumps in as BFF and sidekick to Lenah.

Aside from the characters and their interactions, I really felt that this story worked well. I loved the alternating between the present and the future. Which was pretty neat since Lenah is so, well... human, in the present and such an evil b*tch in her past. I found myself caught up with Lenah learning to be human again after being a vampire for so long, the ever lurking danger of her past and the joys of finding love when least expected.

I have to say that this character-driven novel is one that I truly enjoyed. Its premise was engaging, the writing and content is mature, the characters are flawed, intense, dark and edgy. An overall perfect package... oh, and did I mention the ending? I definitely didn't see that one coming and there was a wicked cliffhanger too. I can't wait to see what happens next.

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

GIVEAWAY: And because I ♥ this so much - I will gladly give away my gently read ARC copy - to spread the love. Just leave a comment and make sure to leave an email address. Open internationally. Winner will be chosen 8/29/10.

Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins

Three years ago, Sophie Mercer discovered that she was a witch. It's gotten her into a few scrapes. Her non-gifted mother has been as supportive as possible, consulting Sophie's estranged father--an elusive European warlock--only when necessary. But when Sophie attracts too much human attention for a prom-night spell gone horribly wrong, it's her dad who decides her punishment: exile to Hex Hall, an isolated reform school for wayward Prodigium, a.k.a. witches, faeries, and shapeshifters. 

By the end of her first day among fellow freak-teens, Sophie has quite a scorecard: three powerful enemies who look like supermodels, a futile crush on a gorgeous warlock, a creepy tagalong ghost, and a new roommate who happens to be the most hated person and only vampire on campus. Worse, Sophie soon learns that a mysterious predator has been attacking students, and her only friend is the number-one suspect. 

As a series of blood-curdling mysteries starts to converge, Sophie prepares for the biggest threat of all: an ancient secret society determined to destroy all Prodigium, especially her. [via GoodReads]

This book was so much better than I thought. For some reason I thought this was going to be a little cheesy, foppish tale about a young witch, I think my worries had to do with the cover - since I find it rather childish, but I was so mistaken. It was oh-so-good!

Sophie is a great heroine. I loved her attitude - she was snarky, funny, sarcastic, but caring, thoughtful and a great friend. I have a thing for witches and this one did not disappoint. There were the mean witches, the good witches, warlocks, and then all other sorts of paranormal creatures roaming the halls of Hex Hall. I also really liked her camaraderie with Jenna - her roommate and sole vampire in the school. Archer - teen heartthrob and warlock to pine for was also a great character. He had so many layers and I really liked how Sophie took her time in finding out he truly was.

Although I thought this would be a light, fun read (and yes, it was), it was also dark and edgy. There was a great mystery to be solved and every time I thought I had it figured out, Ms. Hawkins would throw me in for another loop. I just have two slight complaints... and they are small since this is a 5-star read. 1- There were so many type-o's in this book. I have a pet peeve with type-o's and, they are expected in ARC's, but this is my hardcover book that I paid $16.99 for. I find that unacceptable. When I'm reading a book I get totally engrossed by it and a type-o just jars me back to reality - it stands out and just plain annoys me. 2- The ending. Although yes, it was good because I did not see it coming, it also just ended... rather abruptly. It almost felt like a chapter or a few pages were missing. Then again it left me that much more anticipating the next in the series.

All in all, I must admit that I loved this book. I highly recommend to fans of paranormal and YA genres.

Georgia's Kitchen by Jenny Nelson

At thirty-three, talented chef Georgia Gray has everything a woman could want—the top job at one of Manhattan’s best restaurants; a posse of smart and savvy gal pals who never let her down; and a platinum-set, cushion-cut diamond engagement ring courtesy of Glenn, the handsome entertainment lawyer who Georgia’s overbearing mother can’t wait for her to marry. The table is set for the ambitious bride-to-be until a scathing restaurant review destroys her reputation. To add salt to her wounds, Glenn suddenly calls off the wedding. I think the ambiance that Italy as a setting brings to a book

Brokenhearted, Georgia escapes to the Italian countryside, where she sharpens her skills at a trattoria run by a world-class chef who seems to have it all—a devoted lover, a magnificent villa, and most important, a kitchen of her own. Georgia quells her longings with Italy’s delectable offerings: fine wine, luscious cheeses, cerulean blue skies, and irresistible Gianni—an expert in the vineyard and the bedroom. So when Gianni tempts Georgia to stay in Italy with an offer no sane top chef could refuse, why can’t she say yes? 

An appetite for something more looms large in Georgia’s heart – the desire to run her own restaurant in the city she loves. But having left New York with her career in flames, she’ll need to stir up more than just courage if she’s to realize her dreams and find her way home. [via GoodReads]

You know I read all these books of girls running off to Italy to find themselves... (i.e. Under the Tuscan Sun, Eat Pray Love, etc.) why didn't I ever think of that? Gosh! 

When Georgia's life comes crumbling down around her she picks up the pieces by changing location, lifestyle, leaving family and friends behind. She finds herself working with an old friend at an up-and-coming restaurant, with a staff that's helpful and encouraging, she makes new friends and even finds a love interest in a neighbor... but although Italy holds its appeal, her dream has always been to own a restaurant in New York.

Ms. Nelson creates a wonderful protagonist in Georgia. She's tough but you can't help to feel bad for her with all the unlucky events she's going through. You like her from the start and will definitely be rooting for her. The supporting characters were just as fun and endearing. But my favorite were the descriptions of Tuscany itself. You will find yourself picturing the rustic backdrop, hearing the sounds and smelling its scent. Ms. Nelson definitely captures the tiny details and creates a very vivid setting. And then there were the descriptions of food - the details were so rich that I could actually envision and practically smell what was being cooked. Mouth watering.

All in all, fans of chick-lit, romance and foodies will all find something in Georgia's Kitchen. It is light, entertaining and very charming. It is the perfect summer read and one that I can definitely recommend.

This book was provided for review by BookSparks PR

Radiance by Alyson Noel

Riley Bloom has left her sister Ever (Evermore) in the world of the living and has finally crossed the bridge into a place that she calls the Here and Now. She doesn't really know where she is, thus she calls it Here and if she is to ask the date, time, etc., she is told it is Now. The Here and Now is everything she wants it to be. Her parents, grandparents and even her dog Buttercup are there. She lives in the same house, the same neighborhood (minus the neighbors, they're still living), even sleeps in her same bed. She is just beginning to settle into a nice, relaxed death when she is called before The Council. After seeing most of her life flash before her, she is told that she, along with everyone else in the afterlife, has a purpose and hers is to become a Soul Catcher. They pair her up with a guide/leader Bodhi and is told that she must return to the land of the living where she can help restless spirits cross over that bridge - better said then done.

With Bodhi and her dog Buttercup, she is given her assignment the Radiant Boy - who has been haunting a castle in England for centuries. Many have tried before her but have failed... will Riley have the courage to help the Radiant Boy or will she also fail?

I loved this book! For those of you who have not read any of Ms. Noel's The Immortals series, Riley is Ever's (the main character from The Immoratals) sister. She died in the accident that killed Ever's parents. This is the spin-off series. Geared more towards 9-12 year old tweens. But oh so fun for adults like me. You also don't need to read any of The Immortals books to truly grasp this new series - although you should because that series is oh so good too. :)


Riley was so much fun in Evermore and I can honestly say that she continues being funny, witty, clever and a very endearing heroine. I love the push and pull between her and Bodhi. She sees him as an ever-nagging, nerdy, fashion senseless boy. Their chemistry was great. He wants to teach her a lesson in respect and thus The Radiant Boy comes into play... no one has ever succeeded in crossing him over, so he gives her the toughest job he can. 


Ms. Noel's writing is fluid and flawless. She truly captures the thoughts of a 12 year old girl - I loved her inner monologues - they brought a smile to my face more than once.


This series is going to be a treat not only for the new fans I'm sure Ms. Noel will acquire in young tweens, but I can guarantee it will be an instant hit with her YA and adult fan base. Loved it.

This book was provided for review by Macmillan Children's Publishing Group.

GIVEAWAY: I have 5 copies up for grabs - thanks to the lovely folks over at Macmillan.

As always, leave a comment for one entry. If you'd like extra entries just say so in your comment or separate comments (extra entries for followers, Twitter, sidebars, Facebook, etc.) ; and for putting my spiffy little button on your blog. Make sure to leave an e-mail address, especially if you are leaving a comment under Anonymous.

Rules: This contest is open to U.S. & Canada residents. Winners will be drawn Sunday, August 22.

Looking for Alaska by John Green

Miles Halter is fascinated by famous last words - and tired of his safe life at home. He leaves for boarding school to seek what the dying poet Francois Rabelais called the "Great Perhaps." Much awaits Miles at Culver Creek, including Alaska Young. Clever, funny, screwed-up, and dead sexy, Alaska will pull Miles into her labyrinth and catapult him into the Great Perhaps.

Looking for Alaska brilliantly chronicles the indelible impact one life can have on another. A stunning debut, it marks John Green's arrival as an important new voice in contemporary fiction. [via GoodReads]

This was such a great book. Told in two parts the "Before" and the "After". Throughout its pages we meet Miles "Pudge" Halter. He's recently left home and is now enrolled at Culver Creek a boarding school - seeking his "Great Perhaps." Looking for Alaska chronicles his ordinary life - leaving behind his former Florida high school and moving out to Alabama. There he finally feels that he fits in. He makes friends with the Colonel, his roommate, Lara Buterskaya, Takumi, and last but definitely not least, Alaska, the girl he immediately falls for.

Mr. Green does a superb job in really capturing the lives of these teens. Their feelings, emotions, actions were all relateable, realistic, we have all been there, we have all done these same things. I really commend him for not only introducing us to these characters but, if you're anything like me, you'll feel like you not only got to know them by the end of the book, but that they're also your friends. Pudge, the Colonel, Alaska, Lara and Takumi are just living their lives - but doing whatever possible to amuse themselves along the way. Even if it means irritating their teachers, playing pranks on the Weekday Warriors and all without getting caught by "The Eagle", the dean. They learn about alcohol and just how good it can make them feel, and then exactly how bad it can also make them feel, they learn to smoke cigarettes and experience sex for the first time.

This is their story of growing up, of loving and losing, of dealing and eventually just living life to the fullest. Mr. Green's writing is witty, entertaining, thought-provoking. It will make you laugh. It will make you cry. And I guarantee it will stay with you long after you are done with it. A great story and one that I think should be required reading for teens.