Busy December/Favorite reads of 2012

Hi everyone! HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!! I hope you all have been well. I've been so busy since the beginning of this month. Started new job, getting lesson plans done for my students, Christmas shopping, etc. I am so behind on reading books, and to think I'll be getting more book for Christmas too. Luckily, when my students go on winter break, so will I. =) Three whole weeks to read books! That will be my chance to catch up on all the readings.

This year came by so fast! So many great things happened this year, and so many books came out this year as well. I've read so many great books in 2012, whether it was an old book or newly published one. Just thought I'd share my favorite reads of 2012. =) (in no particular order)

So these are my favorite reads of this year that I have actually read... I know there are many other great books that are out as well, I just haven't gotten to them yet. I have a pile of books that still need to be read, that I will be starting after today! (Last day of school for my students)   =D

What are some of your favorite reads of 2012?

Waiting on Wednesday: Unravel Me (Shatter Me #2) by Tahereh Mafi

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's WoW selection is...Unravel Me (Shatter Me #2) by Tahereh Mafi
Expected publication: February 5th 2013 by HarperCollins
"tick, tick, tick, tick, tick
it's almost
time for war.

Juliette has escaped to Omega Point. It is a place for people like her—people with gifts—and it is also the headquarters of the rebel resistance.

She's finally free from The Reestablishment, free from their plan to use her as a weapon, and free to love Adam. But Juliette will never be free from her lethal touch.

Or from Warner, who wants Juliette more than she ever thought possible.

In this exhilarating sequel to Shatter Me, Juliette has to make life-changing decisions between what she wants and what she thinks is right. Decisions that might involve choosing between her heart—and Adam's life." (From Goodreads)

Super excited for this book! I love the first book to this series and cannot wait until this one comes out. The cover is so pretty and creative! I really like the new cover for the first book as well. I have the old cover for the first book so my books won't be matching... I like it when the covers for my books matches..  

    Old Cover                                                              New Cover

Review: Unmasking Maya by Libby Mercer

Unmasking Maya
Author: Libby Mercer
ebook
Expected publication: December 15th 2012
ARC from author

" Defamed, Disgraced and Displaced...

Fresh from a career-killing scandal, New York fashion girl, Maya Kirkwood, arrives in San Francisco to reinvent herself as a fine artist. She's offered the opportunity to create an installation at the Silicon Valley headquarters of a hot new tech company. Fabulous, right?

Not so much.

 She can't stand Derek Whitley - wunderkind software genius and CEO of the company. Hot as he may be on the outside, inside the man is a cold, unemotional, robotic type. Way too left-brained for her right-brained self.

 As Maya and Derek get to know each other, however, their facades begin to crack. She catches her first glimpse of the man behind the superhuman tech prodigy, and he starts to see her as the woman she used to be. But is this a good thing? Once that last secret is revealed, will it bring them closer together or will it tear them apart?"  (From Goodreads)
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I like this story. It was a really fun and quick read. Maya is very independent and strong but can be feisty! She had a tough past and had to create a new life for herself to move away from it. Derek is the handsome-nerdy type who also has a tough past as well. He hides his emotion and makes others think he don't have any but as Maya and Derek spends more time together, it's starting to get harder for him to hide them. I love the banter between Maya and Derek. It's so funny and witty. The romance in this story was a slow build up, which I like. I was hoping to read more about them at the end when they got together.

Overall, this story was well written and a fun read. I think those looking for a funny and quick chick-lit should definitely check this one out. 

 

Review: Deity (Covenant #3) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Deity (Covenant #3) 
Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
Paperback, 360 pages
Published November 6th 2012 by Spencer Hill Press

 "History is on repeat, and things didn't go so well the last time. "


Alexandria isn't sure she's going to make it to her eighteenth birthday--to her Awakening. A long-forgotten, fanatical order is out to kill her, and if the Council ever discovers what she did in the Catskills, she's a goner... and so is Aiden.

If that's not freaky enough, whenever Alex and Seth spend time "training"--which really is just Seth's code word for some up-close and personal one-on-one time--she ends up with another mark of the Apollyon, which brings her one step closer to Awakening ahead of schedule. Awesome.

But as her birthday draws near, her entire world shatters with a startling revelation and she's caught between love and Fate. One will do anything to protect her. One has been lying to her since the beginning. Once the gods have revealed themselves, unleashing their wrath, lives will be irrevocably changed... and destroyed.

Those left standing will discover if love is truly greater than Fate...  (From Goodreads)

Jennifer L. Armentrout is AWESOME!!!!! I didn't think she could out-do herself after reading Pure, but oh man, was I wrong!!! This book is by far the best book in the series and I mean it! I jumped from Team Seth to Team Aiden after reading Deity. lol I couldn't help it. I still love Seth but he's changed so much, and Aiden...Oh Aiden!!! =D  Pure was Seth's book, but Deity was ALL Aiden's. 

I love everything about this book. I purposely took a few days to read it because I didn't want to read it all in one setting, and boy was it hard to put it down. I would put the book down, stare at it and say to myself, "just one more chapter". Next thing you know, 3 chapters has been read. I had to put it down and literally walk away from it and keep myself busy with something else other than reading. lol 

Alex goes through so much in this book, and every time, Aiden is always there for her. I love their relationship. They know it is forbidden for a Pure and Half-blood to be together but that won't hold them back. What they have together is strong and so real that they are willing to do anything for one another. Aiden has definitely stepped up in this book. If you are Team Aiden, you will LOVE this book! If you aren't, be ready to jump on Team Aiden bandwagon!

Seth, damn you Seth! I still love you, but I hate you that the same time! I still have hope for you, ( not to be with Alex)  but just for you in general!!!! 

After reading Pure, I was left with so many questions. Deity was able to answer some of my questions but then it added even more questions to my list! lol The whole storyline for Deity was amazing. It had so many things going on, so fast paced, and so very real. It will definitely keep you on edge. A MUST READ for everyone!!!

P.S.  Marcus, Leon, and Deacon are now some of my new favorite characters!  =P

Hey everyone! Sorry I haven't been posting lately. Just got a new job and been busy getting paperwork and training done.

I don't know if you guys have seen this yet but yesterday Monica McCarty posted up the cover for The Hunter, the next book in her Highland Guard Series!

Doesn't it look AWESOME?!?!? I swear, Monica McCarty has some of the BEST COVERS for her books!!!

I am in love with her HIGHLAND GUARD SERIES! They are some of the best historical romance novels I've ever read. The highlanders in the novels are just so sexy!!! It is a MUST read series...

Check out the other covers for the Highland Guard Series... =P

  

Want to read Opal?

Jennifer L. Armentrout is giving away copies of OPAL, the third book in her Lux Series! This is a MUST READ series! Go to this link to check out the giveaway!!  http://www.jenniferarmentrout.com/want-to-read-opal/

Review: ICED (Dani O'Malley #1) by Karen Marie Moning

Iced (Fever #6)
by Karen Marie Moning 
Hardcover, First Edition, 495 pages

Published October 30th 2012 by Delacorte Press 

"From #1 New York Times bestselling author Karen Marie Moning comes the first book in her hotly anticipated new urban paranormal trilogy, set in the world of her blockbuster Fever series.

The year is 1 AWC—After the Wall Crash. The Fae are free and hunting us. It’s a war zone out there, and no two days are alike. I’m Dani O’Malley, the chaos-filled streets of Dublin are my home, and there’s no place I’d rather be.

Dani “Mega” O’Malley plays by her own set of rules—and in a world overrun by Dark Fae, her biggest rule is: Do what it takes to survive. Possessing rare talents and the all-powerful Sword of Light, Dani is more than equipped for the task. In fact, she’s one of the rare humans who can defend themselves against the Unseelie. But now, amid the pandemonium, her greatest gifts have turned into serious liabilities.

Dani’s ex–best friend, MacKayla Lane, wants her dead, the terrifying Unseelie princes have put a price on her head, and Inspector Jayne, the head of the police force, is after her sword and will stop at nothing to get it. What’s more, people are being mysteriously frozen to death all over the city, encased on the spot in sub-zero, icy tableaux.

When Dublin’s most seductive nightclub gets blanketed in hoarfrost, Dani finds herself at the mercy of Ryodan, the club’s ruthless, immortal owner. He needs her quick wit and exceptional skill to figure out what’s freezing Fae and humans dead in their tracks—and Ryodan will do anything to ensure her compliance.

Dodging bullets, fangs, and fists, Dani must strike treacherous bargains and make desperate alliances to save her beloved Dublin—before everything and everyone in it gets iced." (From Goodreads)

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This review will be different from all of my other reviews. I just feel like if I start going off about how much I love this book there will definitely be a lot of spoilers and I don't want that to happen. *quotes taken from ICED* 

Dani- I wish I was like her when I was 14! She is kick-ass and wants to save the world. Doesn't take any bull-shit from anyone and had to grow up really fast because of what is going on around her. She still has a lot of growing up to do and I cannot wait to read more about her journey. 

“I’ve got the coolest gig in the world. I’m a superhero.” - Dani 

"You're going to be one hell of  a woman one day, Dani."   
- Ryodan 

Ryodan- Whoa! Super sexy-alpha male!! who doesn't love that? He is very mysterious, dangerous and sexy as hell. Very manipulative when he wants something from you. Similar to Barrons, yet VERY different!! Love Ryodan!! Need more Ryodan!!! =P 

“One day, kid, you'll be willing to mortgage your fucking soul for somebody." - Ryodan 

“Barrons breaks heads. Ryodan turns them inside out. Barrons fucks you up. Ryodan makes you fuck yourself up. He pushes buttons to his own private, coolly sociopathic plan.”- Christian 

Christian- The Christian from the Fever books has totally changed! Seriously! I really liked him from the Fever books but in ICED he is not the same anymore. To me, he became this weird, creepy, stalker of Dani. It's heartbreaking to see him change dramatically, but I hope we will get to see more of his side of the story and the struggles he is going through.

"She reminds me of my Highlands--to which I can never return."- Christian

"The back of his shirt is stained with blood and his spine presses knobby and weird against it. It's creepy"- Dani 

Lor- LOL, I love Lor! He's just so cool and hilarious. I hope we get to see more of him! 

"I'll never get laid trying to keep you safe. You're a train wreck on steroids." - Lor 

"Brute force is Lor's usual way of dealing with things. His idea of seduction is capture-and-abduct. You don't want to catch this dude's eye."- Dani 

Crimson Hag- This creature is disgustingly cool! She collects guts from her victims and knits them onto her unfinished gown that is made of guts! We will definitely get to see more of her in the next book! 

"The Crimson Hag is the most revolting creature I've ever seen. Worse than the Grey Woman, worse than the Unseelie princes, worse even than Papa Roach, and I have a special hatred for roaches. "- Dani 

I've waited sooo long for this book and it did not disappoint! I think Karen Mare Moning did an awesome job at giving us POV's from Dani, Christian and Kate. Kinda wished we had a POV from Ryodan too, but  I think there's too much going on in his head to even put everything into words. LOL  The bickering between Dani and Ryodan is hilarious! I do hope they both end up together, and YES although there is a huge age difference, who gives a shit! I sure don't! LOL. I LOVE this book! It is a MUST READ! But definitely read the Fever series first. I cannot believe how she ended this book with that cliffhanger! Cannot wait until BURNED comes out. =) Karen Marie Moning is an AMAZING author!

 

Waiting On Wednesday: Apollyon (Covenant #4) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

 This week's WoW selection is... Apollyon (Covenant #4) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

 Expected publication: April 9th 2013 by Spencer Hill Press

 
I LOVE LOVE LOVE this series! I think I love it more than her Lux Series! I just finished Deity and Elixir and CANNOT wait to read this book in April! If you have not read this series yet it is a MUST! =)

Review: Lord's Fall (Elder Races #5) by Thea Harrison

Lord's Fall
(Elder Races #5)

Author: Thea Harrison

Mass Market Paperback, 281 pages

Published November 6th 2012 by Berkley 

 

"In the latest Novel of the Elder Races, two mates find themselves on different paths, torn between their duty to the Wyr and the passion that binds them… Before she met Dragos, half-human/half-Wyr Pia Giovanni was alone and on the run. Now she’s mated, pregnant and heading south to repair the Wyrs’ frayed relationship with the Elves. Being separated from Dragos is painful, but for the good of the Wyr demesne they need to figure out how to be partners—in more places than just the bedroom. In New York to preside over the Sentinel Games, Dragos is worried about his mate, but knows that finding two replacement sentinels is essential to show the rest of the Elder Races just how strong and brutal the Wyr demesne can be. But as the Games heat up, Pia’s negotiations with the Elves take a turn for the dangerous, straining her bond with Dragos and threatening everything they hold dear…" (From Goodreads)

I was super excited when I heard that Pia and Dragos were getting another book. I love their relationship and how they balance each other. Pia is still the same from the first book, still kick-ass, strong, and doesn't take bull-shit from anyone. Only thing is, she's pregnant. =)  Dragos is also still the same, but you definitely get to see a different side of him in this book. He definitely loves and cares for Pia. I love how he isn't afraid to show how much he values Pia. All the scene's with Pia and Dragos are sweet and soo swoon worthy! =D I love Peanut! He's just a baby but he's so awesome already! Would definitely want to read about him when he's older.

 

This book also introduces new characters that are kick-ass! I think Eva and her gang are awesome! They started off as just guards for Pia when she traveled to South Carolina, but after everything they went through together, they became friends. I'm so happy Quienten was in this book. Although we didn't get to see much of him in the first book, I've been intrigued with him since then. I think something will definitely happen between him and Aryal. Alex, the pegasus, is an interesting character. I hope we see more of him in future Elder Races books. *I hope he gets his own book. =P*  

This book did not disappoint. I loved everything. Thea Harrison did an amazing job bringing back Pia and Dragos. She was able to make Pia and Dragos relationship sexy, and just as funny as the first book. I don't think I can ever get tired of Pia and Dragos. =) Lord's Fall had a great storyline with some pretty awesome new characters that are just developing. It had everything from romance and humor to action and drama. It was an amazing book, and definitely looking forward to reading the next one. 

The Cadet of Tildor Scavenger Hunt - Girl Power Interview with book trailer actors/giveaway

Welcome to this stop on THE CADET OF TILDOR online scavenger hunt. If this is your first stop in the scavenger hunt, please go here ( http://cadet.alexlidell.com/scavenger-hunt/  ) to learn how to collect all of the online clues that will lead to fun, prizes, and more! Don't forget, you have until midnight (eastern standard time) on Mon. Nov. 12, 2012 to enter the grand prize drawing. Good luck!
                                                                                           

Today we have two actors, Primo and Clarissa, from The Cadet of Tildor book trailer with us for an interview!  =D

 I know Clarissa’s character often wins in your other videos. Was it fun to reverse for a while when taping CADET? 

PRIMO: Oh yes, she gets finally beaten! Now seriously, she really is tough, as I've seen in a three years thai boxe experience many men with slower learning process and less efficiency than hers. Never underestimate anybody, especially women! 

Is the character you play in CADET’s trailer anything like you in real life? 

CLARISSA: My character is not so different from me. When we met with the whole group to talk about this project Vasco said me “Nothing loving, gentle or girly. Don’t worry for the interpretation: Renee is quite as you are”.

I enjoyed playing Renee because she reflects a bit what I've tried to be in my real life. I've often had to compete with boys in groups where I was the only girl (of course I 've never ventured in very female activities) and I never accepted to be considered weaker (damned pride!!); so I felt this role quite close to my person.

I haven’t played many characters before. In another film we taped I played a warrior, an antagonist who fights with a dagger ; inasmuch woman, she had to be fast ,whippy and lethal, but she didn’t has a delineated personality since she was a sort of ghost. Renee instead is a determinate girl who has to challenge prejudices and needs to learn and grow. 

Clarissa, are you the only girl in Liberi Lusenta? 

CLARISSA:When we founded the group Liberi Lusenta I was the only girl but it has never been a problem. Obviously it’s always fascinating seeing a choreography where the disadvantaged one wins. Many girls practice combat sports, even if not in medieval field. Currently we have 2 other women with us, Giulia and Elisabeth, who can fight as much as men.

Fighting with a boy represents a challenge, of course, because you have a stronger and heavier adversary. It obligate you to develop other skills as speed and precision. One of the advantages are that some guys say "I don't beat girls up" ...I think: so much worser for them! 

Thank you Primo and Clarissa for taking some time to be here and answering our questions!  =)
                                                                                            

Author: Alex Lidell
Publisher: Dial Books for Young Readers (Penguin)

Age Group: Young Adult
Genre: High fantasy
Expected Release: January 10, 2013

Tamora Pierce meets George R. R. Martin in this smart, political, medieval fantasy-thriller. 

There is a new king on the throne of Tildor. Currents of political unrest sweep the country as two warring crime families seek power, angling to exploit the young Crown's inexperience. At the Academy of Tildor, the training ground for elite soldiers, Cadet Renee de Winter struggles to keep up with her male peers. But when her mentor, a notorious commander recalled from active duty to teach at the Academy, is kidnapped to fight in illegal gladiator games, Renee and her best friend Alec find themselves thrust into a world rife with crime, sorting through a maze of political intrigue, and struggling to resolve what they want, what is legal, and what is right.(From Goodreads)

                                                                                            

When you have collected all of the clues and unscrambled the password, you can go to this link http://cadet.alexlidell.com/novels/hunt/ to find a swag giveaway AND the rafflecoptor for the grand prize drawing!

For this post, I am having my own giveaway! =) I am giving away signed Cadet of Tildor swags to two winners. This giveaway is international. Winner will have 48 hours to respond to the email or another winner will be chosen.

a Rafflecopter giveaway  

Scavenger Hunt Schedule:

M 11/5 - Marieke @ www.mariekenijkamp.com - Girl Power post

M 11/5 - Jessica @ http://ireadtorelax.blogspot.com - Trailer post w/reaction

T 11/6 - Yiota @ http://splashofourworlds.blogspot.com - Annotation

T 11/6 - Ashley @ http://firestarbooks.blogspot.com - Trailer post w/reaction

W 11/7 - Candace @ www.loveydoveybooks.blogspot.com - Annotation

W 11/7 - Lena @ http://ilovebooksclub101.blogspot.com/ - Interview w/Trailer Actors

Th 11/8 - Frankie @ http://frankieblooding.wordpress.com - Girl Power post

Th 11/8 - Ntzee @ http://maybethisbook.blogspot.com - Interview w/Trailer Actors *giveaway*

F 11/9 - Frankie @ http://frankieblooding.wordpress.com/ - Review

S 11/10 - Jessica @ http://ireadtorelax.blogspot.com/ - Guest review/interview *giveaway*

Su 11/11 - Ashley @ http://firestarbooks.blogspot.com/ - *giveaway* 

M 11/12 - JoAnne @ www.thefairytalenerd.com - Girl Power post 

M 11/12 RAFFLECOPTER CLOSES

Waiting On Wednesday: Rogue Rider (Lords of Deliverance #4) by Larissa Ione

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

 This week's WoW selection is... Rogue Rider (Lords of Deliverance #4) by Larissa Ione

Expected publication: November 20th 2012 by Grand Central Publishing 
"They're here.

They ride.

The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.

Born of a match between good and evil, four siblings stand between hell's minions and everything they want to destroy. They are the Lords of Deliverance, and they have the power to ward off Doomsday . . . or let it ride . . .

Jillian Cardiff came to this remote mountain town to forget the demon attack that almost killed her. Instead, she rescues-and falls for-a gorgeous stranger who has no memory of anything other than his name. Handsome, charming, and protective, Reseph seems like the kind of man whom Jillian can trust. But with hints of a troubling history of his own, he's also the kind of man who can be very dangerous . . .

Reseph may not know why he mysteriously appeared in Jillian's life, but he knows he wants to stay. Yet when Jillian's neighbors are killed, and demon hunters arrive on the scene, Reseph fears that he's putting Jillian in danger. And once it's revealed that Reseph is also Pestilence, the Horseman responsible for ravaging the world, he and Jillian must face the greatest challenge of all: Can they forget the horrors of a chilling past to save the future they both desire?" (From Goodreads)

I love this series! I've been waiting soooo long to read Reseph's story. I've really liked him wayyy before he turned into Pestilence and I am so happy that he's going back to Reseph. Pestilence was a total jerk and I seriously hated him. If you haven't read the Lords of Deliverance series yet, it is a must read!  =D