In My Mailbox (18)

In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren. 

Well, I finally did it y'all. I made a vlog. Be kind.

In the video:

Huntress by Malinda Lo

Blood Red Road by Moira Young

The Gathering by Kelley Armstrong

The Dark and Hollow Places by Carrie Ryan

The Eternal One by Kirsten Miller

Matched by Ally Condie

Nightshade by Andrea Cremer

The Replacement by Breena Yovanoff

Wolfsbane by Andrea Cremer

Blogger Hop and Follow Friday (2/25)

Book Blogger Hop is hosted by Crazy for Books!

The question this week is:

"Do you ever wish you would have named your blog something different?"

Nah. I actually had a different blog when I first started them moved everything over to this blog. I would like to redo my blog's theme though and make it a little different.

 

 

Follow my Book Blog Friday is hosted by Parajunkee's View! 

The question this week is:

Share your current favorite tv show! Tell us a bit about it...

Hmm.. Do I have to pick just one? If you read this post, you know that I'm a tv junkie. But if I had to pick one show outta all of them I think I would go with Survivor. Its about the only one that I watch that I actually try to watch when its live instead of on my DVR. I also love Glee and Vampire Diaries. (Damon, anyone?) They are all so different but they are my fav!

Signed Across the Universe Winner!

So, the winner of the signed copy of Across the Universe is...

Tiffany Drew!!

You've got an email waiting for you. Let me know how you want it personalized. 

I'll be heading to the Breathless Reads tour tomorrow at 7pm in Raleigh, NC! If you are heading there let me know!

Also, you can still post questions for the authors over on this post. I get to interview them before the event! 

Review: Cryer's Cross

Goodreads Description:

The community of Cryer’s Cross, Montana (population 212) is distraught when high school freshman Tiffany disappears without a trace. Already off-balance due to her OCD, 16-year-old Kendall is freaked out seeing Tiffany’s empty desk in the one-room school house, but somehow life goes on... until Kendall's boyfriend Nico also disappears, and also without a trace. Now the town is in a panic. Alone in her depression and with her OCD at an all-time high, Kendall notices something that connects Nico and Tiffany: they both sat at the same desk. She knows it's crazy, but Kendall finds herself drawn to the desk, dreaming of Nico and wondering if maybe she, too, will disappear...and whether that would be so bad. Then she begins receiving graffiti messages on the desk from someone who can only be Nico. Can he possibly be alive somewhere? Where is he? And how can Kendall help him? The only person who believes her is Jacian, the new guy she finds irritating...and attractive. As Kendall and Jacian grow closer, Kendall digs deeper into Nico's mysterious disappearance only to stumble upon some ugly—and deadly—local history. Kendall is about to find out just how far the townspeople will go to keep their secrets buried.

My Thoughts:
I've gotta say that I loved this book. I normally don't go for the creepy/scary books. My husband is on night shift so I hate to be alone in my house reading something that freaks me out but this one just looked great and I had to read it.

McMann introduces the reader to the town of Cryer's Cross, a small town in Montana, that has just experience a horrible tragedy - a girl from the town is missing and they  have no leads on what happened to her. Summer passes and the students head back to school - while most notice Tiffany's absence they go on with their lives. Kendall has more trouble than most - she is OCD and when things are off she has a hard time dealing. When her best friend and somewhat boyfriend, Nico, disappears - it sends her world into turmoil. When strange things start happening, the new guy in town, Jacian, is the only person that Kendall feels like she can turn to and he actually believes her.

I read this book a few weeks ago and it has taken me so long to sit down and write this review. I loved the book - it was so different and told in a way that really made you feel for Kendall and all the feelings she is experience. I always kid and say I have OCD about stuff (all my light switches have to be a certain way) but seeing what Kendall goes through - not so much.

I really enjoyed Kendall's relationship with Jacian. At first she is scared of him, he is the new guy and new to her world - but as she gets to know him she learns that she can be friends with him even if it is outside her comfort zone. 

If you haven't read this book you definitely need to pick it up. This is the first book I read by Lisa McMann and I really enjoyed her writing. Her characters are very well developed - I felt like I knew all the characters enough to be drawn into their world and care about what happened to them. The ending of the book freaked me out a little. I couldn't put it down the last 50 pages or so. I would love to see more of Kendall, Jacian, and the rest of the Cryer's Cross gang.

Breathless Reads Author Interviews

I've been meaning to post this for a few days but dr appointments and other things have gotten in the way so it's a little late.

I'm going to the Breathless Reads Tour in NC this Friday. Penguin has asked me to be the official blogger of the event so that means I get to meet and interview all the authors before the event. So excited about it!

I have some questions in mind but wanted to see if there was anything y'all would like to know? If there is, leave the question as a comment on this blog with an email address and you will get another chance in the drawing for the signed copy of Across the Universe. If you have more than one question leave more than one comment but no more than 3!

I'm gonna extend the contest until Thursday at noon since this is so late being posted.

Can't wait to go and bring back pictures and the interview to share with y'all!


-- Post From My iPhone

In My Mailbox (17)

In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren. 

I didn't buy any books this week but I did get some books for review and from giveaways.

Won:

Fire by Kristin Cashore

For Review:

A Long, Long Sleep by Anna Sheeham (NetGalley)

Angel Burn by L.A. Weatherly (NetGalley)

Bumped by Megan McCafferty (NetGalley)

Die for Me by Amy Plum (NetGalley)

Hereafter by Tara Hudson (NetGalley)

Insight by Jamie Magee (Book Tour)

Invasion by Jon S. Lewis (NetGalley)

Rage by Jackie Morse Kessler(NetGalley)

Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini (NetGalley)

What did you get in your mailbox this week??

Blogger Hop and Follow Friday with a Giveaway!

Book Blogger Hop is hosted by Crazy for Books!

The question this week is:
What book would you like to see turned into a movie?
I'm gonna have to go with The Caster Chronicles for this one. Most of the other books I would like to see are being turned into movies (Mortal Instruments, Hunger Games) so Beautiful Creatures and Beautiful Darkness are next on the list. I love this series. If you haven't read it - what are you waiting for? :) 

Follow my Book Blog Friday is hosted by Parajunkee's View! 

The question this week is:

If you are a fan of Science Fiction what is your favorite books? If you haven't read Science Fiction before.. any inkling to? Anything catch your eye?

The first SciFi book I've ever read is Across the Universe by Beth Revis. I LOVED this book! It really does make me want to read more SciFi - especially if it's YA. Any suggestions?! :)

Now for the giveaway!

I'm planning on going to the Raleigh, NC signing next Friday. I already have a signed copy of the book that was sent to me from Penguin - so I thought I would give my copy away AND get it signed for who ever wins! So, fill out the form below and I'll pick a winner Wednesday, February 23.

12.21.12 Book Blog Tour

I just wanted to give you guys a sneak peek at what is gonna be happening in March.

Myself, along with some fabulous other bloggers, will be doing a book blog tour for Killian McRae's new book 12.21.12. This tour is hosted by Yara over at Once Upon a Twilight, who has done a fabulous job of getting everything together. 

Here is a summary of the book:

Archaeologist Sheppard Smyth has staked his career as well as the memory of his deceased wife and partner on proving his widely-panned theory: Cleopatra VII, the last ruler of Ancient Egypt, was murdered.  When a statue of the doomed Queen is discovered in an Olmec excavation site, Smyth is drawn to Mexico to investigate and, hopefully, find the proof that has evaded him for so long.  Soon, he finds himself in the middle of the rivalry between the sexy, bewitching international thief, Victoria Kent, and commanding, ruthless Russian mobster, Dmitri Kronastia.

Both Dmitri and Victoria hold pieces to the puzzle that will finally shed light on Cleopatra’s death.  As Shep is drawn further into their world of ancient gods, supernatural powers, and alternative history, little does he know that the fate of all—even humanity itself—may hinge on his ability to discover the truth among their fragmented claims. Working to decode the true past while attempting to save the future, Shep becomes a pawn in the hands of forces working out a quest older than the pyramids—a quest that may lead to the end of everything when it all comes together on 12.21.12.

Sounds great, right?  So, here is a list of the people participating in the tour. There will be some giveaways going on too - one right here on Hooked to Books.

1. Yara @ Once Upon a Twilight - Review/Giveaway - March 1st 2011
2. Yelania @ The Itzel Library - Interview - March 2nd 2011
3. Damaris @ Good Choice Reading - Top Ten/Giveaway - March 3rd 2011
4. Mandy @ Twimom101's book blog - Interview - March 4th 2011
5. Casey @ Dark Readers Blog - Interview - March 5th 2011
6. Jules @ One Book Shy of a Full Shelf - Interview/Giveaway - March 7th 2011
7. Lisa K. @ Baffled Books - review - March 8th 2011
8. Sarah @ The Book Bee - Character Interview - March 9th 2011
9. Page @ One Book at a time - Guest post/Interview - March 10th 2011
10. Michelle @ Hooked To Books - Giveaway/Character interview - March 11th 2011
11. Kristin @ My Bookish Ways - review - March 12th 2011
12. Celine @ Nyx Book Reviews - Top Ten - March 13th 2011
13. Sherri @ Urban Girl Reader - review/Q&A/giveaway - March 14th 2011
14. Cherry @ Cherry Mischievous - Guest post - March 15th 2011
15. Bianca @ Sweet Nothings xo - review/giveaway - March 16th 2011
16. Rebecca @ My Life with Boys and Books - review - March 17th 2011
17. Megan @ A Trail of Books Left Behind - review/character interview - March 18th 2011
18. Jennifer @ Ponytails Book Reviews - review - March 19th 2011
19. Tammy @ Into The Mystic -  - March 20th 2011
20. Lisa @ Bookworm Lisa - Top Ten/Giveaway - March 21st 2011
21. Tara @ Taming the Bookshelf -  - March 22nd 2011
22. Rachel @ Parajunkee's View -  - March 23rd 2011
23. Melissa @ I Swim for Oceans - review/interview - March 24th 2011
24. Kathy @ I Am A Reader, Not A Writer - giveaway/interview - March 25th 2011
25. Christin @ Between the Covers - review - March 26th 2011
26. Stacy @ Girls in the Stacks - review - March 27th 2011
27. Ash @ Smash Attack Reads - character interview - March 28th 2011
28. Aleetha @ bacaan-ally blog - review - March 29th 2011
29. Ashlie @ Bookish Novelties - review/interview - March 30th 2011
30. Once Upon a Twilight Author Live chat - March 31st 2011 @ 9pm CT

Follower Love Hop and We "LOVE" Nook Winners!

First I wanna say hi and welcome to all my new followers! I hope you stick around!! When you get a chance leave me a comment - I always try to comment back and follow back other blogs. :)

I used random.org this morning and picked the winners for the Follower Love and the We <3 Nook Giveaway chance. 

Winner of $15 in books is:

Hira Hasnain (Enamored Soul)

Winner of Matched and the Chance at a Nook is:

Orchid

They will be drawing later today for the winner of the Nook so make sure to check back!

I'm going to the Breathless Reads signing Feb 25th so if you would like I can get this signed for you. 

You both have emails with further details!

Congrats guys!

Also, I'm going to be running a contest later this week for a chance to win a signed copy of Across the Universe. Make sure to stick around for it!

In My Mailbox (16)

In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren.

Well, I got some goodies this week. Make sure to check out my Follower Love Giveaway while you're here for a chance to win a Nook!

From Publisher:

Signed finished copy of Across the Universe by Beth Revis with some buttons.

I was so excited to see this Saturday! I'm going to the signing in NC so - since I already have this signed copy I'll be running a contest and getting my copy signed for one of you!

From Author:

Priscilla the Great by Sybil Nelson

Sybil sent me this copy of her book to review. Since I'm a middle school librarian I jumped at the chance. This looks like something my kids will love!

Bought:

Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld

The Last Apprentice by Joseph DeLaney

I've heard good things about Leviathan and all the Alex Pettyfer talk got me wondering about The Last Apprentice. Buy 1 Get 1 Half is a pretty good deal. 

Won:

 Won Ascendant by Diana Peterfreund from Reading Teen.

Won Eternal Conflict from Fire and Ice

Blog Tours:

Born at Midnight by C.C. Hunter

Faerie Winter by Janni Lee Simner

So excited to get these!

On the Nook:

 

 Raising the Dead by Mara Purnhagen

 Bones of Faerie by Janni Lee Simner

Claimed by Lauren Barnholdt and Aaron Gorvine

The Emerald Tailsman by Brenda Pandos

Galley Grab:

Possession by Elana Johnson

Haven by Kristi Cook

Stay by Deb Caletti

Nocturne by Christine Johnson

The Poison Eaters by Holly Black and others

What did you get in your mailbox this week?

 

Review: Across the Universe

Goodreads Description:

A love out of time. A spaceship built of secrets and murder. Seventeen-year-old Amy joins her parents as frozen cargo aboard the vast spaceship Godspeed and expects to awaken on a new planet, three hundred years in the future. Never could she have known that her frozen slumber would come to an end fifty years too soon and that she would be thrust into the brave new world of a spaceship that lives by its own rules.
Amy quickly realizes that her awakening was no mere computer malfunction. Someone-one of the few thousand inhabitants of the spaceship-tried to kill her. And if Amy doesn't do something soon, her parents will be next.
Now Amy must race to unlock Godspeed's hidden secrets. But out of her list of murder suspects, there's only one who matters: Elder, the future leader of the ship and the love she could never have seen coming.

My Thoughts:

Oh my. How I loved this book. It's almost hard for me to write this review because all I can really say is 

I. Freakin'. Loved. It. 

At the beginning of Across the Universe we meet Amy and Elder. Amy is still on Earth (or Sol-Earth as it is called later in the book) getting ready to be frozen to board Godspeed, the ship that will take her and her family to another planet 300 years away.  Elder is on Godspeed, 250 years after Amy was frozen and is the second in command of the ship. When Amy wakes up 50 years too early and before her parents, she is forced to deal with life on a ship that is full of lies and secrets and murders taking place. That's a lot of crap to deal with as soon as you become unfrozen after 250 years. Elder is struggling with his role as soon to be leader and the secrets that he is finding out - one being that there are frozen people on the ship and now they are being murdered.

On a ship where all the people look the same, Elder is completely taken with Amy but she is leery of him - and with every reason to be. I do love that Revis didn't throw in a love triangle. I'm so tired of love triangles. There are more ways to keep characters relationships interesting in stories besides throwing in another love interest.

Beth Revis has crafted a truly interesting and different world with Across the Universe. The ship that she created is so cool. So many secrets to it and there is SO much to explore with this story. I was so happy to hear that its going to be a trilogy. I would be thoroughly disappointed if I didn't get to know more details about Elder, Amy, and the adventures of Godspeed.

I completely adored this book. When I bought my copy I also bought one for the library and I've been pushing it on all my "readers." All the students and teachers that have read it has loved it. I have the school newspaper class and my book reviewer did her review on this book. I can't wait to get it into more hands.

If you haven't read this book - stop what you are reading and do it. Now.

Blog Hop and Follow Friday (Feb 11th)

 While y'all are here - make sure to check out my giveaways! $15 in books and Matched with a Chance to Win a Nook!

Book Blogger Hop is hosted by Crazy for Books!

The question this week is: 

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

Well, I have two links I want to share with y'all. First, is my Nightshade review. I put off reading this book for a while and when I finally read it I couldn't believe it took me so long to pick it up. If you haven't read it. Go. Now.

The other link I want to point you to is my Follower Love and We <3 Nook giveaways. There's some great prizes to win there and all you gotta do is fill out a form for a chance at a Nook. Pretty easy, huh? 

Follow my Book Blog Friday is hosted by Parajunkee's View! 

The question this week is:
What is your favorite romance hero-type? Stereotype wise. Do you like the strong silent type or the brute macho man? 
 I'm gonna have to go with the brute macho man for this one. In my personal life, I've always gone for the loud, tough guy. My hubby is definitely not the strong silent type. When it comes to books - it really depends. I was definitely Team Edward over Team Jacob but I was also Team Ren over Team Shay. Oh and I'm Team Damon over Team Stephan. So, I think it depends on other aspects of the characters too. 90% of the time I'll pick the bad boy.

Follower Love Giveaway with a Chance to Win a Nook!

Thanks for stopping by for my Follower Love Giveaway Hop hosted by I Am A Reader, Not a Writer! I am so excited for this giveaway! I'm doing two giveaways - $15 in books and a copy of Matched with a chance to win a Nook! The winner of Matched will be entered into a drawing for a Nook with winners from 13 other blogs. This giveaway is hosted by Page Turners Blog and I'm very excited to be a part of it! That's some major love for y'all!

Now, the details! One giveaway is for $15 in books from wherever you want. You pick the books - I have them mailed out. Simple and easy. The second giveaway is a copy of Matched by Ally Condie and the winner of this giveaway will be entered to win the Nook prize pack. I'm almost finished with Matched (I'm listening to it) and I love it. And it's perfect for a love related giveaway! The winner of Matched will have a 1 in 14 chance of winning the Nook prize pack.

The Nook giveaway is hosted by Page Turners Blog. We are giving away a Nook (WiFi), Delirium, a $40 gift card to Barnes and Noble, and 3 ebooks, My Soul to Steal by Rachel Vincent, The Oracle of Dating by Allison van Diepen, and Past Midnight by Mara Purnhagen. Pretty sweet, huh? There are 14 blogs total so make sure to stop by their sites and sign up for the giveaway there as well! That gives you more chances to win!

Giveaway Rules:

• U.S. Mailing Addresses Only.
• NO P.O. Boxes.
• You must be a HtB blog follower.
• Giveaway ends at 11:59 eastern time on 2/13.

And just a fun side note - Harlequin is doing a Patent Your Kiss website for Valentine's Day. I've played around with it a little bit and its fun. All about kissing. So check it out as well!

Blogs Participating in the Nook Giveaway!

Blogs Participating in the Followers Love Giveaway!

No PO Boxes. The $15 in books is International. The Matched and Nook giveaway is US only.

Review: Nightshade by Andrea Cremer

Goodreads Description:

Calla Tor has always known her destiny: After graduating from the Mountain School, she'll be the mate of sexy alpha wolf Ren Laroche and fight with him, side by side, ruling their pack and guarding sacred sites for the Keepers. But when she violates her masters' laws by saving a beautiful human boy out for a hike, Calla begins to question her fate, her existence, and the very essence of the world she has known. By following her heart, she might lose everything— including her own life. Is forbidden love worth the ultimate sacrifice?

 

My Thoughts:

I have heard nothing but great things about Nightshade since it came out so why it took me until January to read it I have no idea. I loved this book. Sure, there were times when I wanted to throw it across the room and times when I would find myself saying out loud, "Really, Calla?! What is WRONG with you?!" When I start talking to the characters that's when I know I'm reading a great book.

Nightshade starts off with Calla saving Shey's life - for no other reason besides the fact that she feels drawn to him. She's never met him before and thinks she will never see him again - but oh is she wrong. Shey turns out to be the new kid in town - and he knows Calla's secret. While Calla hopes that Shey will keep quiet about what happened - she also has to deal with Ren - the Alpha that she is suppose to marry in a few short weeks. (I gotta say it - I LOVE Ren. Okay.. moving on..) While Calla balances her relationships with the two boys she and Shey start to uncover secrets about the pack that puts all their lives in danger.

TEAM REN!

My favorite parts of this book was when Calla and Ren were together. I really felt like their relationship had so much more depth to it compared to her and Shey's. I honestly don't get Calla's attraction to Shey. Maybe because he's new and different? There were a lot of twists in this book (several that I saw coming) but I loved it and flew through it. I bought it for my library and it never sits on the shelf. They are loving it too!

Overall, loved this book and CAN NOT wait for the next one. I really hope Calla ends up with Ren or I will not be a happy camper.

In My Mailbox (15)

In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren. 

I kinda went crazy with the book buying. I really didn't realize I got so many books until they started coming in. Oh well.. I think I got everything I've been wanting to read so I should be good for a while!

Book Tour

Nocturne by Syrie James 

Fallen Angel by Heather Terrell

Both of these came from Star Book Tours. Gotta hurry and finish Nocturne but it looks great! And Fallen Angel looks really good too. These are at the top of my TBR list since they have a time limit.

Won:

The Devotion of Suspect X by Keigo Higashino I got from a Twitter contest with St. Martin's Press.

Delirium by Lauren Oliver - Won from a Twitter contest with Harper Collins.

Unearthly by Cynthia Hand - Won from The Book Scoop.

The Lying Game by Sara Shepherd - Won from  Books, Sweets, and Other Treats.

 

*NOT PICTURED* Incarceron by Catherine Fisher from Bookalicious.

Bought:

 The Iron King, The Iron Daughter, The Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa - Bought with a gift card.

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling - The last hardcover I need in the series and got it for $13!

 Morganville Vampires (Books 1 and 2) by Rachel Caine 

The Demon King by Cinda Williams Chima

Need and Captivate by Carrie Jones

These were buy one get one half so it seemed like to good of a deal to pass up!

Ink Exchange by Melissa Marr

The Awakening and The Reckoning by Kelley Armstrong

Rampant by Diana Peterfreund

These were by two get one free plus I had a $10 gift card and the hard cover was $7. Not too bad!

The Iron Witch by Karen Mahoney

This is the only book that I paid full price for and I can not wait to read it. :)

21 books this week. Kinda crazy! What did you get? :)

Blog Hop and Follow Friday (Feb 4th)

Book Blogger Hop is hosted by Crazy for Books!

The question this week is: 

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

Well, I just finished up Cryer's Cross (like 10 mins ago) and it was GREAT. And I'm also listening to/reading Matched. I'm reading both because they come highly recommended by almost every blog I've seen. They are both great so far.

Follow my Book Blog Friday is hosted by Parajunkee's View! 

The question this week is:

 What is the book you are currently "pushing"?

This would have to be Nighshade and Across the Universe. I'm a school librarian and have been recommending these books to all the students that come in looking for new reading material. They are definitely loving them both! Reviews coming up soon.