Wednesday, 28 December 2011

Waiting On Wednesday #1

Hosted by Breaking The Spine

Life Is But a Dream

Life Is But a Dream

by


Alec and Sabrina are crazy in love. Problem is: Sabrina’s really crazy.

Sabrina, an artist, is diagnosed with schizophrenia, and her parents check her into the Wellness Center. There she meets Alec, who is convinced it's the world that's crazy, not the two of them. They are meant to be together; they are special. But when Alec starts to convince Sabrina that her treatment will wipe out everything that makes her creative, she worries that she'll lose hold of her dreams and herself. Should she listen to her doctor? Her decision may have fatal consequences.

Life Is But a Dream


What's your "waiting on" pick this week?

Tuesday, 27 December 2011

Top 10 of 2011

This event is hosted by Lisa from A Life Bound By Books, Rachel from Fiktshun & Jaime & Patricia from Two Chicks on Books and Confessions of a Bookaholic where everyone can join the fun! You can check out this post for more information. 


The following are my favorite reads of 2011:


A Lady Awakened  A Lady Awakened by
Newly widowed and desperate to protect her estate and beloved servants from her malevolent brother-in-law, Martha Russell conceives a daring plan. Or rather, a daring plan to conceive. After all, if she has an heir on the way, her future will be secured. Forsaking all she knows of propriety, Martha approaches her neighbor, a London exile with a wicked reputation, and offers a strictly business proposition: a month of illicit interludes . . . for a fee.

Theophilus Mirkwood ought to be insulted. Should be appalled. But how can he resist this siren in widow’s weeds, whose offer is simply too outrageously tempting to decline? Determined she’ll get her money’s worth, Theo endeavors to awaken this shamefully neglected beauty to the pleasures of the flesh—only to find her dead set against taking any enjoyment in the scandalous bargain. Surely she can’t resist him forever. But could a lady’s sweet surrender open their hearts to the most unexpected arrival of all . . . love?
I got this book ARC and I was excited to find out today the there is a sequel in the Blackshear Family  series. 
The Hunger Games by The Hunger Games (The Hunger Games, #1)

In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV.

I finally found out what all the hype was about......and Now I'm on the band wagon!

The Bitten (Vampire Huntress Legend, #4)The Bitten (Vampire Huntress Legend #4) by



This was the turning point for me in this series.  This book made me LOVE it!
 The Forsaken (Vampire Huntress Legend #7) by The Forsaken (Vampire Huntress Legend, #7)
The Chairman of the Vampire Council is dead, and Lilith, the consort of the Unnamed One, and the Unnamed One himself are out for revenge against Damali Richards, the Vampire Huntress, and her lover, Carlos Rivera. A ruthless and carefully planned strategy---one that not even Damali will anticipate---has been developed. There is only one entity who can best Damali, send Carlos packing, and put the Guardian team at mortal risk. This powerful being was once banished into a forsaken land and possesses everything that would bring a Neteru to his or her knees. This time the fight is not so clear-cut, and it is not only Damali's soul in the balance but her body and heart as well.
Funny how I came across this series.  I sent my husband to the library to pick up my holds and her came back with Minion (the first in this series) instead.  I told him I'd never let him run my errands again.  I don't know if he did it on purpose, but in the end I loved it.  So now I let him pick my books up when I need something new to read in hopes that he'll stumble on another good book!
Veil of Midnight (Midnight Breed, #5)Veil of Midnight (Midnight Breed #5)  by


This was my favorite of all the Breed love matches.....*SIGH*!!!
Men of the Otherworld (Otherworld Stories I) by Kelley Armstrong Men of the Otherworld (Otherworld Stories I)

New York Times bestselling author Kelley Armstrong has captivated readers with her spellbinding Women of the Otherworld series. Now, for the first time, in this collection of four tales she gives center stage to the men who love these sexy, supernatural women—the men who live on the other side of humanity…the wild side.

As a curious six-year-old, Clayton didn’t resist the bite—he asked for it. But surviving as a lone child-werewolf was more than he could manage—until Jeremy came along and taught him how to straddle the human-werewolf worlds, gave him a home…and introduced him to the Pack. So begins this tantalizing volume, featuring three of the most intriguing members of the American Pack—a hierarchical founding family where bloodlines mean everything and each day presents a new, thrilling, and often deadly challenge. For as Clayton grows from a wild child to a clever teen who tests his beloved mentor at every turn, he must learn not only to control his animal instincts but to navigate Pack politics—including showing his brutal archnemesis, Malcolm, who the real Alpha is....

From the nature of fear, weakness, and courage, to the triumph of belonging and the complications of love and loyalty, these mesmerizing tales reveal the trials of a werewolf coming-of-age, and lay bare the hearts and minds of the men strong enough for the women of the Otherworld—and adept enough to take on two worlds.
Finally, a glimpse into the guys' past!!!

Bitten (Women of the Otherworld, #1)Bitten (Women of the Otherworld #1) by



This the second book on my list with the same name.  Being bitten was popular this year...lol!

City of Glass (The Mortal Instruments #3) by Cassandra Clare City of Glass (The Mortal Instruments, #3) 
To save her mother's life, Clary must travel to the City of Glass, the ancestral home of the Shadowhunters -- never mind that enter-ing the city without permission is against the Law, and breaking the Law could mean death. To make things worse, she learns that Jace does not want her there, and Simon has been thrown in prison by the Shadowhunters, who are deeply suspicious of a vampire who can withstand sunlight.
As Clary uncovers more about her family's past, she finds an ally in mysterious Shadow-hunter Sebastian. With Valentine mustering the full force of his power to destroy all Shadow-hunters forever, their only chance to defeat him is to fight alongside their eternal enemies. But can Downworlders and Shadowhunters put aside their hatred to work together? While Jace realizes exactly how much he's willing to risk for Clary, can she harness her newfound powers to help save the Glass City -- whatever the cost?
Love is a mortal sin and the secrets of the past prove deadly as Clary and Jace face down Valentine in the final installment of the New York Times bestselling trilogy The Mortal Instruments.
This was a perfect ending.  I'm afraid to pick up the next book in the series.


Bumped (Bumped, #1) Bumped (Bumped #1) by Megan McCafferty

When a virus makes everyone over the age of eighteen infertile, would-be parents pay teen girls to conceive and give birth to their children, making teens the most prized members of society. Girls sport fake baby bumps and the school cafeteria stocks folic-acid-infused food.
Sixteen-year-old identical twins Melody and Harmony were separated at birth and have never met until the day Harmony shows up on Melody’s doorstep. Up to now, the twins have followed completely opposite paths. Melody has scored an enviable conception contract with a couple called the Jaydens. While they are searching for the perfect partner for Melody to bump with, she is fighting her attraction to her best friend, Zen, who is way too short for the job.
Harmony has spent her whole life in Goodside, a religious community, preparing to be a wife and mother. She believes her calling is to convince Melody that pregging for profit is a sin. But Harmony has secrets of her own that she is running from.
When Melody is finally matched with the world-famous, genetically flawless Jondoe, both girls’ lives are changed forever. A case of mistaken identity takes them on a journey neither could have ever imagined, one that makes Melody and Harmony realize they have so much more than just DNA in common.

This book did not get a 5-star rating from me, however I could not over look it for this list.  It's definitely memorable.
Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children

A mysterious island. An abandoned orphanage. And a strange collection of very curious photographs. It all waits to be discovered in Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, an unforgettable novel that mixes fiction and photography in a thrilling reading experience. As our story opens, a horrific family tragedy sets sixteen-year-old Jacob journeying to a remote island off the coast of Wales, where he discovers the crumbling ruins of Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. As Jacob explores its abandoned bedrooms and hallways, it becomes clear that the children who once lived here—one of whom was his own grandfather—were more than just peculiar. They may have been dangerous. They may have been quarantined on a desolate island for good reason. And somehow—impossible though it seems—they may still be alive.

A spine-tingling fantasy illustrated with haunting vintage photography, Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children will delight adults, teens, and anyone who relishes an adventure in the shadows.
Again, 4-stars but definitely a memorable book.
The following is my favorite covers of 2011:


Betrayal (The Descendants #1)
Betrayal (The Descendants #1) by Mayandree Michel


Clarity (Clarity, #1)
Clarity (Clarity #1) by Kim Harrington


Spirit Storm (Spirit Guide, #2)
Spirit Storm (Spirit Guide #2) by E.J. Stevens


Angel Arias (Night Creatures, #2)
Angel Arias (Night Creatures #2) by Marianne de Pierres


Spiderwork (Apocalypto, #2)
Spiderwork (Apocalypto #2) by L.K. Rigel


Unlovable (Port Fare, #1)
Unlovable (Port Fare #1) by Sherry Gammon

My Life As a White Trash Zombie (White Trash Zombie, #1)
My Life As a White Trash Zombie (White Trash Zombie #1) by Diana Rowland

Exiled (Immortal Essence, #1)
Exiled (Immortal Essence #1) by RaShelle Workman

My Unfair Godmother
My Unfair Godmother (My Fair Godmother #2) by Janette Rallison

Wayfinder (Worldwalker Duology #2)
Wayfinder (Worldwalker Duology #2) by C.E. Murphy


So what are your top 10 of 2011?

Teaser Tuesdays-Trina by Darrell Debrew

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading.


"Ashes from marijuana aren't a reason to connect a string of murders. 
You have to do better than that."


Trina (DC Bookdiva Presents)

~pg. 21, Trina by


Happy New Year!

High Maintenance
by Jamie Hill

Deidre North is enjoying a ski vacation with her family after Christmas, when an accident sidelines her from the slopes with a cast on her leg. She's depressed about spending another New Year's Eve alone, until she meets the lodge's handsome maintenance man. Rick Beaufort is good with his hands, but is he smooth enough to convince this high maintenance woman to take a chance on him?

Sunday, 25 December 2011

Liar by Justine Larbalestier

Liar by Justine Larbalestier
Liar by Justine Larbalestier

My rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Micah will freely admit that she’s a compulsive liar, but that may be the one honest thing she’ll ever tell you. Over the years she’s duped her classmates, her teachers, and even her parents, and she’s always managed to stay one step ahead of her lies. That is, until her boyfriend dies under brutal circumstances and her dishonesty begins to catch up with her. But is it possible to tell the truth when lying comes as naturally as breathing? Taking readers deep into the psyche of a young woman who will say just about anything to convince them—and herself—that she’s finally come clean, Liar is a bone-chilling thriller that will have readers see-sawing between truths and lies right up to the end. Honestly.

 
Let's start this review with some of my favorite quotes from this book:
“Being a liar is not easy business."

“Much worst than discovery, than the sense of betrayal, is when you start to believe your own lies.”
“Your lies get stronger and weirder and denser, get bigger than words, turn into worlds, and become real.”


“I will tell you my story and I will tell it straight. No lies, no omissions.

That’s my promise.

This time I truly mean it.”



Even that last line is a lie! I LOVED this book. I know I say that a lot, so let me clarify. It was mind boggling and quite entertaining. However I must warn you, so you’re not alarmed. This book contains strong language, graphic details of the murder, and sexual content (no scenes just talk about it). More so than any other young adult book I’ve read. It’s not too explicit, but initially it shocked me just a little. This reminds me of the movie Vanilla Sky. It will definitely get your wheels turning trying to figure out fact from fiction. The narrator, Micah, takes the reader on such an intricate weaved journey of complex and simple lies that’ll definitely keep you on your toes. The story is divided into three parts: telling the truth, telling the true truth, and the actual real truth. It’s jammed packed with lies, half truth, and omissions. In the end you will still question whether Micah’s genuine. I especially enjoyed the hint of paranormal with the mind tricks. If I tell you anymore I’d give it away, so read if for yourself.


Manga/Graphic Novel/Video Game Novel Challenge 2012


Challenge Details

  • This challenge will run from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2012. You can sign up at any time.
  • You do NOT need a blog to participate as long as you have a Goodreads page or somewhere that you can review the books that you have read. Nor do you have to live in the United States.
  • You do NOT have to read an ARC, or books published in 2012. And all book formats are acceptable, print, digital/ebooks, etc.
  • Any book counts as long as it fits into one of the 3 chosen categories: Manga (all types of comic books are acceptable), Graphic Novels, Video Game Based Novels (Such as books based off of Warhammer, World of Warcraft, HALO, Mass Effect, Dungeons and Dragons, etc).
  • If you are participating in more than one challenge, books are allowed to cross over into this challenge.
  • Every month in 2012, I will make a post for the Manga/Graphic Novel/Video Game Novels Reading Challenge 2012 (M/G/V for short) on the last day of the month so you can link your reviews.  Based on participation, monthly link ups may be combined.
For challenge guidelines and levels click HERE


 
I'm aiming for Level 1 Arcade Gamer – Casual Player (4 books from each category or Read a total of 12 books from 1 or 2 categories.) I'm fairly certain that I will end up increasing that number. My husband watches the Anime series on cable, on demand, and online.  He talks about the episodes all the time, and I'm always so lost.  I'm determined to catch up in 2012. 

Here's my goal list so far..
InuYasha: Turning Back Time, Vol. 1 (InuYasha, #1)  InuYasha: Family Matters, Vol. 2 (InuYasha, #2)  InuYasha: Good Intentions, Vol. 3 (InuYasha, #3)  Inuyasha, Volume 4 


InuYasha: Flesh and Bone, Vol. 5 (InuYasha, #5)  InuYasha: Wounded Souls, Vol. 6 (InuYasha, #6)  InuYasha: Close Enemies, Vol. 7 (InuYasha, #7)  Bleach, Volume 1: Strawberry and the Soul Reapers (Bleach, #1)  
 
Bleach, Volume 2: Goodbye Parakeet, Good Night My Sista (Bleach, #2)    Bleach, Volume 3: Memories in the Rain (Bleach, #3)  YuYu Hakusho: Goodbye, Material World!, Vol. 1 (YuYu Hakusho, #1)  YuYu Hakusho: Lonesome Ghost, Vol. 2 (YuYu Hakusho, #2)

Saturday, 24 December 2011

How do I look?

Whew, after months of playing with HTML and CSS, I'm finally content with the appearance of my blog. It has function and style. Let's not forget, it looks organized. Many of you regular followers have seen the many templates of Kindred Dreamheart and can vouch for this. There many be one or two small things I couldn't figure out. However, overall I'm loving it. If anyone notice any small glitches, please let me know by leaving a comment here. Thanks.