ARC Review: When You Were Mine by Rebecca Serle

Source: Publisher

Publisher: Simon Pulse
Release Date:  May 01, 2012
Format:  Paperback
Page: 334

What’s in a name, Shakespeare? I’ll tell you: Everything. Rosaline knows that she and Rob are destined to be together. Rose has been waiting for years for Rob to kiss her—and when he finally does, it’s perfect. But then Juliet moves back to town. Juliet, who used to be Rose’s best friend. Juliet, who now inexplicably hates her. Juliet, who is gorgeous, vindictive, and a little bit crazy...and who has set her sights on Rob. He doesn’t even stand a chance.     Rose is devastated over losing Rob to Juliet. This is not how the story was supposed to go. And when rumors start swirling about Juliet’s instability, her neediness, and her threats of suicide, Rose starts to fear not only for Rob’s heart, but also for his life. Because Shakespeare may have gotten the story wrong, but we all still know how it ends….

***

I’m going to start by saying that I’m a huge Shakespeare fan. I love his plays, even though almost all of them end up in a tragedy. So when I got When You Were Mine for a review, I was both nervous and excited to read it. I’ve never read a re-telling before, so being my first re-telling book, I didn’t know what to except.

Because I was very intrigued to find out what it’s about, I read this book as soon as I got it. It was such a quick, fun read. I was able to finish it right away. When You Were Mine is a great re-telling, and for my first re-telling, it was fantastic. I loved it. N0netheless, the characters were, to be honest, not my favorite. I admit. I usually dislike a book if I don’t like the characters, but in this book, the story had more pull on me that I kept reading. After a while I got used to the characters, and I was able to read it without the trouble.

When You Were Mine was a refreshing read. It’s good to be reminded of the greatest love story. It’s even better that we get to read this book from Rosaline--Romeo first love—POV instead of the story we all know told from the perspective of two star crossed lovers, I think. (It’s been a long time since I read it, so I don’t remember if it was in Romeo or Juliet’s POV.) Anyway, I only had one problem with this book and that it is the love interest.  It’s plain. I didn’t like it.

All in all, When You Were Mine is a great summer read that I believe everyone going to love.  Rebecca Serle did an amazing job with her debut of the re-telling of Romeo and Juliet. 

Rating: 4/5

In My Mailbox (31)

Meme created by The Story Siren

Purchased:

Bittersweet by Sarah Ockler - I've heard great things about Sarah Ockler and this book. I'm excited to check it out. 

Spirit Bound by Rachel Mead - I've not read the first 4 books, and i'm buying the whole series before I start to read them. I've heard it's addictive.  

The Lighter Side of Life and Death by C.K. Kelly Martin - I loved Martin's, I Know It's Over,  so i have high hope for this one.  

Me and Earl and the Dying Girl by Jesse Andrews - I don't really know what this is about. It looks cute. 

What did you get in your mailbox?

ARC Review: The Right & the Real by Joelle Anthony

Source: Publisher

Publisher: Putnam
Release Date:  April 26, 2012
Format:  Paperback
Page: 288

Jamie should have known something was off about the church of the Right and the Real from the start, especially when the Teacher claimed he wasn’t just an ordinary spiritual leader, but Jesus Christ, himself. But she was too taken by Josh, the eldest son of one of the church’s disciples, and his all-American good looks. Josh is the most popular boy at school too, and the first boy outside the drama geeks to give Jamie a second look. But getting her Dad involved in a cult was not part of the plan when she started dating Josh. Neither was her dad’s marriage to the fanatic Mira, or getting kicked out, or seeing Josh in secret because the church has deemed her persona non grata. 

Jamie’s life has completely fallen apart. Finding her way back won’t be easy, but when her Dad gets himself into serious trouble, will Jamie be ready to rescue him, and maybe even forgive him?

***

This book is a complete surprise. I didn’t know what to expect when I started reading, but I was sure, especially after watching the trailer, that I’ll enjoy it. However, I’m sad to say, I didn’t liked this book. It was an okay read.

The concept of the book is very different from any YA books I read, which I loved. I’m a kind of person who gets tired reading the same thing over and over again.  And in the novel, the concept was the only thing I liked.

I didn’t like any of the main characters. I wanted to but I couldn’t relate or connect with them. I don’t know how to describe the main character, Jamie. She’s … something. I didn’t like any of her relationship: her relationship with Josh, her dad, or her friends. She seems to take things for granted.

Another thing that didn’t go well with me was the religious content in this book, even though it wasn’t a lot, I still didn’t like it. I don’t like reading religious things on fictional/ YA books, so that was a bummer. Overall, it is an okay book!

Rating: 2.5/5 

Guest Post: The Book Tuber

Hi everyone!

Today I have a guest post. But he is neither an author nor a blogger. He is a book youtuber! Personally, I love watching any kind of Youtube videos about books, and Tierannan from TheBookTuber is one of my favorite Youtubers out there. He is also (adorably) hilarious. So I asked him to do a guest post and he agreed. (Yay!) I hope you enjoy his response, and make sure to check out his other videos and subscribe. 

Tiernan's Youtube channel/Twitter/Goodreads

ARC Review: 7 Clues To Winning You by Kristin Walker

Source: Publisher

Publisher: Razorbill
Release Date:  April 26, 2012
Format:  Paperback
Page: 317

When a humiliating picture of Blythe goes viral, she's instantly the target of ridicule at her new school. To salvage her reputation, Blythe teams up with Luke to win the Senior Scramble scavenger hunt. But Luke is an unlikely ally and potentially can't be trusted.

Perhaps it's his Shakespearean witticisms that reel Blythe in despite her better judgment . . . or maybe she just craves the thrill of the game. But as the hunt progresses, their relationship heats up. Soon their madcap mischief spirals out of control. Blythe is faced with arrest and expulsion, among other catastrophes - until Luke shows her what the Scramble (and love) is really about.

***

I read Kristin Walker’s debut novel, A Match Made in High School, way back and I adored it. It was a fun, quick and hilarious book that I can’t recommend enough. After reading that I knew I’d read anything the author write, and I was excited to get an early copy of this one.

I read this one as soon as I got it, and I knew I was going to love it before I started. And I did. 7 Clues to Winning You didn’t disappoint. Kristin Walker did it again. I really enjoyed this book; it was just what I needed.

7 Clues to Winning You was a very cute, easy read that I read in a day. The characters were very different. Blythe – I love her name, very unique – is a likable character. She was witty, sweet, and fun. I found Luke to be a different character from other YA books.  He’s a geek who quotes Shakespeare, but also hot – doesn’t he sound yummy? I loved him. It was very refreshing to read about a geek yet hot guy than just the typical hot guy. Luke is a sweetie. I really liked him.

I loved the story. The way Walker added the clues/ hunt made the book more interesting. I liked reading about the journey Blythe had to go to find herself amidst all the troubles at her school and at home. However, I wasn’t satisfied with how the book ended. I liked it, but I’d have loved to know what happened between Tara and her, and how things went with her parents. (That’s the only reason I gave this book 4, the ending was unfinished for me.)

Overall, it is an enjoyable read. I recommend this for every one of you contemporary fans, and people who want an easy read after reading dark stories.  

Rating: 4/5

ARC Review: Until I Die by Amy Plum

Source: Edelweiss

Publisher: HarperCollins
Release Date:  May 08, 2012
Format:  eBook
Page: 352

Kate and Vincent have overcome the odds and at last they are together in Paris, the city of lights and love.

As their romance deepens there’s one question they can’t ignore: How are they supposed to be together if Vincent can’t resist sacrificing himself to save others? Although Vincent promises that he’ll do whatever it takes to lead a normal life with Kate, will that mean letting innocent people die? When a new and surprising enemy reveals itself, Kate realizes that even more may be at stake—and that Vincent’s immortality is in jeopardy.

In Die for Me, Amy Plum created a captivating paranormal mythology with immortal revenants and a lush Paris setting. Until I Die is poised to thrill readers with more heart-pounding suspense, spellbinding romance, and a cliff-hanger ending that will leave them desperate for the third and final novel in the series.

***

After reading Die for Me a few days ago and loving it, I knew I had to get my hands on a copy of Until I Die right away. And I was grateful I didn’t have to wait till it comes out, even if it was only for a few weeks.

Until I Die was much better than the first book. As I mentioned on my review, the beginning of Die for Me was slow, but Until I Die was fast paced from the start. I loved it. I’ve said this before and I’m going to say it again, the setting is in the beautiful city of Paris, which is amazing. When you add that to the unique plot, incredible characters and heartwarming story, you got yourself one hell of a book.

I was very happy to be back to the world of Kate and Vincent. I adored both of them in a way I never had other characters. We find out more about them, their relationship has developed since the last book, and we get to learn about the Revenants more in depth. To be honest, sometimes, while reading I found myself looking forward new info about their history, it’s intriguing. I was also happy to see other characters from the first book: Ambrose, Jules, Georgia, and Charlotte. They made the book more fun and just fabulous. We also get to meet new characters: Violette and Arthur. They all were the icing on the cake. 

The main plot of this book is Vincent and Kate trying to find a solution they both can live and be happy with.  It was touching to read about what both Vincent and Kate put themselves into to have a great future together. I loved both of them from the beginning and reading Until I Die

made me fall in love with them even more, if that’s possible.

Until I Die ends in a major cliffhanger. (Ugh.)  I don’t like cliffhangers, but I was very impressed how Plum pulls it off. I can’t wait to read book three and the last book, I believe, in this trilogy. Amy Plum won my heart with both her debut novel and the second book in this trilogy. She created a unique world and beautiful story that every paranormal fan would enjoy. 

Rating: 5/5

In My Mailbox (30)

Meme created by The Story Siren

For review:

Until I Die by Amy Plum – I already read this one and loved it. It is much better than the first one. My review will be up tomorrow.

7 Clues to Winning You by Kristin Walker – I started reading this one today. I know I’m going to love this one because I adored Kristin Walker’s debut, A Match Made in High School. If you haven’t read that book, you should.

Big thanks to Razorbill/Penguin USA, Edelweiss and HarperCollins!

Purchased:

From What I Remember by Stacy Kramer and Valerie Thomas – this is ARC I found in half-priced bookstore. I was shocked to find it in the bookstore for a dollar. I just had to get it. 

What did you get in your mailbox?

Book Trailer: The Right & the Real by Joelle Anthony

The Right & the Real by Joelle Anthony

Publisher: Putnam Juvenile

Release Date: April 26, 2012

From the author of "Restoring Harmony." Kicked out for refusing to join a cult, 17-year-old Jamie must find a way to survive on her own.

Jamie should have known something was off about the church of the Right and the Real from the start, especially when the Teacher claimed he wasn’t just an ordinary spiritual leader, but Jesus Christ, himself. But she was too taken by Josh, the eldest son of one of the church’s disciples, and his all-American good looks. Josh is the most popular boy at school too, and the first boy outside the drama geeks to give Jamie a second look. But getting her Dad involved in a cult was not part of the plan when she started dating Josh. Neither was her dad’s marriage to the fanatic Mira, or getting kicked out, or seeing Josh in secret because the church has deemed her persona non grata. 

Jamie’s life has completely fallen apart. Finding her way back won’t be easy, but when her Dad gets himself into serious trouble, will Jamie be ready to rescue him, and maybe even forgive him?

***

What do you think? I’m going to be reading this book next, and I’m super excited. It sounds fantastic.

Today's Joelle Anthony's birthday, so PLEASE go wish her  a happy birthday here! 

Die for Me by Amy Plum

Source: Library

Publisher: HarperTeen
Release Date:  May 05, 2011
Format:  Hardcover
Page: 341

In the City of Lights, two star-crossed lovers battle a fate that is destined to tear them apart again and again for eternity.

When Kate Mercier's parents die in a tragic car accident, she leaves her life--and memories--behind to live with her grandparents in Paris. For Kate, the only way to survive her pain is escaping into the world of books and Parisian art. Until she meets Vincent.

Mysterious, charming, and devastatingly handsome, Vincent threatens to melt the ice around Kate's guarded heart with just his smile. As she begins to fall in love with Vincent, Kate discovers that he's a revenant--an undead being whose fate forces him to sacrifice himself over and over again to save the lives of others. Vincent and those like him are bound in a centuries-old war against a group of evil revenants who exist only to murder and betray. Kate soon realizes that if she follows her heart, she may never be safe again.

***

I wasn’t planning to read this book at all. My sister and I went to the library and I was browsing the YA section when I came across Die for Me. I picked it up and read the back. The synopsis caught my attention right away, so I thought I’ll try it. I’m glad I ended up picking it because I loved it.

I loved this book. It started off a little slow for me, but it began to pick up after the first hundred pages. This book is a fresh take on the paranormal genre. There are so many books out there about vampires and werewolves etc. (hey, I’m not complaining! I do like those books too), but I have never come across Revenants. The concept of the revenants was interesting, different, and very cool.

Kate was an interesting character—an average teen with no parent. Kate develops a lot throughout the book. She is a great example of female/human heroine. I really liked her, and was able to relate to her. One of the reasons to Kate’s change is Vincent. Oh la la. This guy is HOT! I was *swooning* the whole time I was reading. He is sweet, a gentleman, and romantic.  

I love the relationship between Vincent and Kate. Not only does Vincent hold Kate's heart, he also holds mine. Vincent and Kate are a couple that will have all readers cheering for them to have their happy ending. Plus, the setting of this book is Paris. <3 I think that may even be the reason I picked this book. I loved that Die for Me was set in Paris. It made the romance in this book more romantic.

Die for Me is the right mixture of romance and mystery. It’s a must read.  Amy debut was FANTASTIC! She did an amazing job. I’m counting the day till Until I Die comes out (which is 22 days away). I can’t wait to read more of it.

Rating: 4.5/5

In My Mailbox (29)

Meme created by The Story Siren

For review:

Pizza, Love, and Other Stuff That Made Me Famous by Kathryn Williams
Big thanks to Henry Holt (Macmillan)!

Trade:

The Disenchantments by Nina LaCour

The Difference Between You and Me by Madeleine George

Thanks Lindsey for sending these books!

Purchased:

Grave Mercy by R.L. LaFevers

Starters by Lissa Price

What did YOU get in your mailbox?        

Follow Friday (31)

Follow my blog Friday is hosted at Parajunkee and AlisonCanRead. It’s a weekly meme where bloggers meet and follow one another.


This week’s question:

What is one book that you would be nervous to see a movie adaption of because you think the movie could never live up to the book?

I have a lot, but here are three:

Leave a link to your own post.

Waiting on Wednesday (23)

Meme hosted by Breaking the Spine

This week I’m waiting on … 

Until I Die (Revenants #2) by Amy Plum

Release Date: May 8, 2012

Publisher: HarperCollins

Kate and Vincent have overcome the odds and at last they are together in Paris, the city of lights and love. 

As their romance deepens there’s one question they can’t ignore: How are they supposed to be together if Vincent can’t resist sacrificing himself to save others? Although Vincent promises that he’ll do whatever it takes to lead a normal life with Kate, will that mean letting innocent people die? When a new and surprising enemy reveals itself, Kate realizes that even more may be at stake—and that Vincent’s immortality is in jeopardy. 

***

I’m currently reading Die for Me, the first book in this trilogy. I’m enjoying it so far. The first 100 pages were okay, but it’s getting better. Can’t wait to read more! 

What about you? What are you waiting on?

Cover Reveal: The Rise of Nine by Pittacus Lore

The Rise of Nine (Lorien Legacies #3) by Pittacus Lore
Publisher: HarperCollins
Release Date: August 21, 2012

It all began with nine. Nine aliens who left their home planet of Lorien when it fell under attack by the evil Mogadorians—who scattered on Earth and went into hiding. They look like ordinary teenagers, but they have extraordinary skills. The Mogadorians killed Number One, Number Two, and Number Three. They tried to kill Number Four ... and failed. 

Number Four (aka John Smith) has now teamed up with Number Nine, while Six has gone off to find the others. With the Mogadorians hot on their trail and time running out, they must find a way to come together, before it's too late. Power in numbers will save them all.

***

What do you think? I’ve yet to read the series; I want to check it out though. Do you recommend it?

Until Next Time by Amy Lignor

Goodreads/Amazon/B&N

Source: Publisher

Publisher: Tribute Books
Release Date:  February 01, 2012
Format:  eBook
Page: 255

How does a girl choose between the one who steals her heart and the one who owns her soul? 

Matt and Emily were created for a specific job. Raised and trained as the ultimate angel/warrior team, they are sent down to save, defend, judge and forgive, depending on the 'life' they've been assigned. What they don't realize is that the power of human emotions, such as love, anger, passion and fear can take over even the best of souls, causing them to make mistakes and follow paths that lead to confusion and heartache. 

When the reason for their training is finally revealed, the angel/warrior team find themselves thrust into a world they know nothing about. Matt takes over the life of Daniel, a young man with a great deal of baggage. Emily becomes Liz, a girl living in a remote village who relies on nothing more than her own strength to survive. A violent storm erupts one night, and framed in the window of Liz's establishment is a frightening face. Let in by the soul of a Good Samaritan, the two visitors bring with them a past full of secrets that could literally change an angel's path and a warrior's plans. 

***

I didn’t know what this book was about other than it’s being an angel book. I didn't know what to expect when I first started it. (To be honest, I’d never have picked this book if I haven’t been contacted by the publisher to do a blog tour.) I thought it would be the typical angel book. But I was wrong. This book was REALLY good. I’m happy to have read it. 

This book started out great and it kept getting better and better. The take on angels in this book is very fascinating. It’s true that I don’t read a lot of angel books and few of the angel books I read were good, but this one was different ... in a good way. 

The characters in this book are very likable, funny, and quirky. Until Next Time was written in third POV, so it was easy to see what they were thinking, and it was easy for me to relate to them. However, I had a problem with Daniel/Matt, the main character. I didn’t really like him. His attitude, clinginess and anger made feel unease. I wasn’t able to relate to him, and it was really hard for me to see what his intentions were. Emily/Elizabeth, on the other hand, is a really strong character. Even when things were hard when she is on Earth, she didn’t gave up. 

The other reason why I really enjoyed this book was Faith and Charles. They really made this book fun. Also, Jason is another side character that I liked. He’s caring, sweet, and well mannered. I really liked him. And okay, I do not like love triangles, and there is love triangle in this book…kinda. However, the love triangle in this book is great. Amy wrote it in a way that I found myself fascinated by their relationship instead of choosing sides. 

Overall, Until Next Time was a quick, easy, really fascinating read. I read it in one day. I recommend you check it out. 

Rating: 3.5/5

About the author:

Amy Lignor is a published author of historical fiction (The Heart of a Legend, and fantasy (Mind Made). Her true passion is creating. Not only does she love to write, she loves to read. Books are the true precious element that exists in the world today, and she loves working with authors to turn their dreams into a reality. 

Happy Easter!

In My Mailbox (28): The Collective Edition

Meme created by The Story Siren

Hi guys! How y’all doin’? I had an amazing week. I have a lot of books to show you, however, I DID NOT buy all these books this week. They are books that I purchased throughout the MONTH. They weren’t in my IMM in March because my sisters borrowed them so I couldn’t take pictures. So without further ado, here is what I got in the past 4 WEEKS:

For Review:

When You Were Mine by Rebecca Serle (Currently reading this one. So far so GOOD!)

Purchased:

The Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins

BZRK by Michael Grant

Split by Swati Avasthi

Jasper Jones by Craig Silvey

The Murder of Bindy Mackenzie by Jaclyn Moriarty

The Ghost of Ashbury High by Jaclyn Moriarty

I’ll Be There by Holly Goldberg Sloan

Partials by Dan Wells

Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver

Graceling by Kristin Cashore

The Miseducation of Cameron Post by Emily M.Danforth

Lovestruck Summer by Melissa C. Walker

Love and Other Four-Letter Words by Carolyn Mackler

Deep Down Popular by Phoebe Stone

The House of the Scorpion by Nancy Farmer

Saving Maddie by Varian Johnson

Wildthorn by Jane Eagland

A Rogue by Any Other Name by Sarah MacLean

Whew! That’s it for me. Now tell me, what did YOU get in your mailbox?