The Secret Society of the Pink Crystal Ball by Risa Green Blog Tour

I am lucky enough to be able to participate in The Secret Society of the Pink Crystal Ball by Risa Green blog tour. So for the blog tour I am going to review the book which was given by me from the publisher to review.  So here it goes (I hope you enjoy it):

The Secret Society of the Pink Crystal Ball by Risa Green (ARC)
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire
Publication Date: September 1, 2010
Versions: paperback
Received from: publisher

Summary (from goodreads):
In a world where nothing is certain, a little magic couldn't hurt...right?


When Erin Channing's favorite aunt dies, Erin is bequeathed a pink crystal ball and a set of weird instructions. Granted, Aunt Kiki (aka Aunt Kooky) always lived "outside the box." But ow Erin and her two best friends are convinced that the pink crystal ball holds the key to their future-or at least the key to getting dates...


Consider Your Fate to Be Sealed...


Absolute value is not unlimited; let the planets be your guide to the number. There are sixteen ways to die, but four of them you will never see. The future belongs to you alone. Other voices will be disappointed. One rotation is as far as you can see. Only uncertainty lies beyond.

I really liked how cute and fun this book was. The Secret Society of the Pink Crystal Ball by Risa Green is very refreshing and a great read. Erin Channing is amazed when her aunt Kiki dies. Aunt Kiki, was always fun and different, hence the nickname Aunt Kooky. But Erin loved her just the way she was. And now she can't believe she's dead-and neither can her mom. But when she receives a pink crystal ball-her life will get even weirder.

I loved the main character-Erin-she reminds me of when I was her age because of the whole boy situation. This book is perfect if you enjoy fun reads that aren't too challenging but equally entertaining. I recommend this book to any age group-and I know a lot of people will enjoy this read.

Will I reread it?
Yes, I probably will. I loved the plot line and the title which is truly unique. I also loved reading about the girls experiences with the pink crystal ball which were really funny and exciting. I found myself wondering what was going to happen next. I look forward to future releases from Risa Green.

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review and no compensation

Waiting On Wednesday

This is a meme to show which book you are excited for to be released. It is hosted over at Breaking The Spine. For more information or to link your waiting on wednesday, go here.

Once in a Full Moon by Ellen Schreiber
Publication Date: December 28, 2010
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books

Summary (from goodreads):
Celeste Parker is used to hearing scary stories about werewolves--Legend's Run is famous for them. But when, after an unnerving visit with a psychic, she encounters a pack of wolves and gorgeous, enigmatic Brandon, she must discover whether his transformation is more than legend or just a trick of the shadows in the moonlight. Brandon may be Celeste's hero, or he may be the most dangerous creature she could encounter in the woods of Legend's Run.


The bestselling Vampire Kisses author, Ellen Schreiber, weaves together psychic predictions, generations-old secrets, a town divided, and the possibility of falling in love with a hot and heroic werewolf--the perfect formula for what happens...once in a full moon.

Doesn't this one just take your breath away? I want to read it right now but unfortunately it doesn't come out until December. What books are you waiting for?

Personal Demons by Lisa Desrochers

Personal Demons by Lisa Desrochers (ARC)
Publication Date: September 14, 2010
Versions: paperback, kindle, audio
Received from: Star Book Tours

Summary (from goodreads):
Frannie Cavanaugh is a good Catholic girl with a bit of a wicked streak. She's spent years keeping everyone at a distance-even her closest friends-and it seems her senior year will be more of the same...until Luc Cain enrolls in her class. No one knows where he came from, but Frannie can't seem to stay away from him. What she doesn't know is that Luc works in Acquisitions-for Hell-and she possesses a unique skill set that has the King of Hell tingling with anticipation. All Luc has to do is get her to sin, and he's as tempting as they come. Frannie doesn't stand a chance.


Unfortunately for Luc, Heaven has other plans, and the angel, Gabe, is going to do whatever it takes to make sure that Luc doesn't get what he came for. And it isn't long before they find themselves fighting  for more than just her soul.


But if Luc fails, there will be Hell to pay...for all of them.

I really enjoyed the summary on the back of this book. I thought it would be about a girl and a bad boy (my favorite plot line). But unfortunately it went way farther than that. Frannie is a senior in high school, has curves in all the right places, and is struck by Luc the second she lays eyes on him. Luc can't help but to feel an attraction for Frannie, either. Luc came to mark her for Hell and to get her to go on the bad side. But once Gabriel is sent to stop Luc from taking Frannie-he knows she's too good to give up. And as Frannie battles with her attraction for both of them, she can only make one decision...

Luc's and Frannie's "relationship" seemed very rushed. It was love at first sight and they couldn't think right around each other-which is very cliche. I did like Luc as a character because he's a bad boy with a good and caring side. But Frannie on the other hand...she was a little annoying and too swoony. I prefer main characters to be more independent but I did understand where she was coming from.

Will I reread it?
No, probably not. And I hate to sound like I disliked this book because I didn't. I really enjoyed Lisa Desrocher's writing and how she played out each scene. I recommend this book to people who enjoy fallen angel stories and love triangles.

In My Mailbox

Okay, I know I haven't done this all summer but I really want to get back into this meme. It is fun to share what you receive in the mail and passes the word of books around. In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren and was inspired by Alea at Pop Culture Junkie.

And instead of doing vlogs (video blogs) like I used to do-I decided to just snap a few pictures because it's a lot easier and a lot less stressful. But don't fret if you are a vlog lover, because some may just show up every couple sundays.

Enough mumbling...here is what I got in the last few weeks:

(from left to right)

Elixir by Hilary Duff (ARC-from publisher)

Nevermore by Kelly Creagh (hardcover-from publisher)

Beautiful Dead by Eden Maguire (ARC-from publisher)

Girl in the Arena by Lise Haines (paperback-bought)

Personal Demons by Lisa Desrochers (ARC-from Star Book Tours)

Real Live Boyfriends by E. Lockhart (ARC-from book trade)

The Aristobrats by Jennifer Solow (paperback-from publisher)

The Secret Society of the Pink Crystal Ball by Risa Green (ARC-from publisher)

Haint Misbehavin' by Maureen Hardegree (Bound Manuscript-from Adrianne Ambrose)

Mockingjay KeyChain (I bought this from Borders)

Mockingjay Bookmark (I bought this from Borders)

Signed "What I Learned From Being a Cheerleader" Stickers (I will be giving these away on my blog soon so keep an eye out)

What I Learned From Being a Cheerleader by Adrianne Ambrose (paperback-from author)

I wanted to thank every one the authors and publishers that have given me a lot of great books to read. I am very thankful to all of you and I appreciate your effort to reach out to me and my blog. 

Anna and the French Kiss Recreate a Cover Contest Entry

Cindy over at Princess Bookie, is at it again with her fun Re-Create a Cover Contests. And since I am really looking forward to this book-I decided to participate. It was so much fun and I hope you all like what I created (this is probably the best one I have done so far)!!!!

Here it is:

And if you want to join in on the fun-go here. And leave a link in the comments to your entries because I would love to see them.

Crave by Melinda Metz

Crave by Melinda Metz (ARC)
Publication Date: September 21, 2010
Versions: paperback, kindle
Received from: Book it Forward ARC Tours

Summary (from goodreads):
Shay has had a rare blood disorder since she was born. In fact, her mother married one of Shay's doctors, Martin, who left his world-renowned leukemia research to try and figure out exactly what the disorder is and how to cure it. When she turns seventeen, Martin begins to give her new blood transfusions that make her feel the strongest she has ever felt. But she also has odd visions where she sees through the eyes of a vampire. At first, she thinks she must be imagining the visions, but when she begins to see Martin's office in them, she knows she has to check it out. That's when she finds Gabriel, a sexy, teenaged vampire, imprisoned in Martin's office. The connection she has built with Gabriel compels her to set him free. But when he kidnaps her in an attempt at revenge on Martin, their lives become deeply intertwined. She doesn't know the half of it.

For some reason, I couldn't connect with Shay (the main character). She was just so...different but I looked up to her for standing her ground and going after what she wants. Shay has always had a special blood disorder, and every doctor she visits has no idea what's wrong with her. Then she goes to Martin, and eventually her mom even gets married to him. Every two weeks or so, Shay needs to receive blood transfusions to stay alive. And Martin has perfected a new type of blood and when Shay receives it-she can see visions of someones past-their life story. His name is Gabriel and Shay can connect to him in a deep level. The new blood makes her feel so much more alive and before she knows it...she finds him held captive in Martin's office. The only problem is that he's out for revenge.

Is it just me or is Gabriel a pretty sexy name? I mean there are a lot of books now a days with the name Gabriel-and for some reason I end up swooning after the character. And that's exactly what I did with Crave. The book was written really well-so I give Melinda Metz a lot of props for that. It was also very interesting and unique. I can say that I have never read a book about a blood disorder before-but I loved the story line and reading about Shay's struggles.

Will I reread it?
Maybe? I don't know, but I recommend this to any supernatural book lover. I really enjoyed it and I hope a lot more people will jump on the Melinda Metz bandwagon (because I did).

Cryer's Cross by Lisa McMann

Cryer's Cross by Lisa McMann (ARC)
Publication Date: February 8, 2011
Versions: hardcover, kindle, audio
Received from: Around The World Tours


Summary (from goodreads):
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 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.


There is one word to describe this book: WOW. It was so unique and compelling-it kept me turning pages. Kendall, a sixteen year old girl, has OCD. She goes to school early everyday to straighten out the desks, blinds, and waste basket. And Nico is the guy she can tell everything to...until he disappears-just like Tiffany did. She can't believe he is gone and when Jacian-a new student at school, comes to town and is mean and negative all the time-she can't help but wonder if he has something to do with Nico disappearing. But when she starts to hang out with him and his sister more, she starts to realize that Jacian isn't as arrogant as she thought.


This book took me through a whirlwind of events, some funny, some swoonworthy, and some downright freaky. I loved Lisa McMann's Wake series-and was also blown away with Cryer's Cross. And for those of you who are getting discouraged-there is a romance that takes place.


Will I reread it?
Yes, I loved every single page of this book. I couldn't put it down and when I did -I couldn't stop thinking about it. I cannot wait to see what else Lisa has in store for all of us.

Waiting On Wednesday

This is a meme to show which book you are excited for to be released. It is hosted over at Breaking The Spine. For more information or to link your waiting on wednesday, go here.

The Desires of the Dead (The Body Finder #2) by Kimberly DertingPublication Date: March 15, 2011
Publisher: HarperCollins


Summary (from goodreads):
The missing dead call to Violet. They want to be found.


When Violet Ambrose's morbid ability to sense the echoes of those who've been murdered leads her to the body of a young boy, she draws the attention of the FBI. She is reluctantly pulled into an investigation that will endanger more than just her secret...but her relationship and possibly her life as well.


I absolutely loved the Body Finder by Kimberly Derting and can't wait to see what this sequel has in store for us. What are you waiting for?

Delirium by Lauren Oliver

Delirium by Lauren Oliver (ARC)
Publication Date: February 1, 2011
Versions: hardcover
Received from: Traveling ARC Tours

Summary (from goodreads):
Before scientists found the cure, people thought love was a good thing. They didn't understand that once love-the deliria-blooms in your blood, there is no escaping its hold. Things are different now. Scientists are able to eradicate love, and the governments demands that all citizens receive the cure upon turning eighteen. Lena Holway has always looked forward to the day when she'll be cured. A life without love is a life without pain: safe, measured, predictable, and happy.


But with ninety-five days left until her treatment, Lena does the unthinkable: she falls in love.

This is one of those books that you can't stop thinking about after you read it. The different scenes keep roleplaying in my head all day. It was so well written and well worded, everything was just right (all the parts fit together like a puzzle). There were so many problems with the curse deliria (otherwise known as love) in the past, there were so many suicides and deaths, that the scientists decided that love was an illness. And they have found a way to cure everyone when they turn eighteen. Lena is counting down the days until her operation-she can't wait to be cured. But then during her examinations she discovers a boy with golden leaf hair and is drawn to him. He teaches her about everything, and even though it's forbbiden-she hangs out with him. And soon she finds out what their society has really turned into.

This is one of those books that everyone is looking forward to, and it has a right to be that way-this book is amazing. It can easily be compared to The Hunger Games, The Uglies series, and Matched. Event though this book is well over 400 pages, I found myself wishing it wouldn't end.

Will I reread it?
I will have to run out and buy my very own copy when the release date strolls around. I would highly recommend this novel to anyone looking for an outstanding read. I am crossing my fingers for a sequel in the near future.

Nevermore by Kelly Creagh

Nevermore by Kelly Creagh (ARC)
Publication Date: August 31, 2010
Publisher: Atheneum
Versions: hardcover
Received from: publisher

Summary (from goodreads):
Cheerleader Isobel Lanley is horrified when she is paired with Varen Nethers for an English project, which is due-so unfair-on the day of the rival game. Cold and aloof, sardonic and sharp-tongued, Varen makes it clear he'd rather not have anything to do with her either. But when Isobel discovers strange writing inhis journal, she can't help but give this enigmatic boy with the piercing eyes another look.


Soon, Isobel finds herself making excuses to be with Varen. Steadily pulled away from her friends and her possessive boyfriend, Isobel ventures deeper and deeper into the dream world Varen has created through the pages of his notebook, a realm where the terrifying stories of Edgar Allen Poe come to life.


As her world begins to unravel around her, Isobel discovers that dreams, like words, hold more power than she ever imagined, and that the most frightening realities are those of the mind. Now she must find a way to reach Varen before he is consumed by the shadows of his own nightmares.


His life depends on it.


I really enjoyed the dark feeling that the tone gave off throughout the book. Nevermore by Kelly Creagh is about a girl named Isobel, who is popular and on the cheerleading squad, who gets paired to be partners with Varen. Varen is weird and everyone knows it. But when Isobel starts hanging out with him more and more, she starts to feel drawn to him and what's in his notebook. Will Isobel be able to put their  differences (and friends) aside to get to hang out with Varen more?

This book had a lot of conflicts, involving friends, Varen's attitude and just Isobel in general. But I enjoyed reading how Isobel got through those conflicts which helped her grow. Varen, also was a great character who was a typical "emo". And for some reason I am drawn to those kind of people, so I felt myself kind of crushing on him.

Will I reread it?
I don't know because it's a very long book. And if you don't trust me, go out and buy it when it is released. I recommend this book to any vampire or poem lovers. Kelly Creagh wove a lot of poem elements throughout the book which was very enjoyable and fresh. I look forward to future releases by this author.

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review and no compensation

Winners of the Mockingjay Countdown Event!

I first wanted to thank everyone for all their support and participation in this event, it was so much fun to host but took a lot of time and energy. I apologize in advance for not picking the winners earlier, but I was really tired and had to catch up on some of my reading, and don't forget that so many of you entered that I had to tally all the entries before using random.org to choose the winners.

And guess who were the winners?

Day 1 Winner

Kaila won:

A paperback copy of The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins and The Hunger Games Inspired Gale backpack charm (made and bought from Cold Hands Warm Arts)


Day 2 Winner

Brooke won:

A hardcover copy of Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins and The Hunger Games inspired Peeta backpack charm (made and bought from Cold Hands Warm Arts)


Day 3 Winner

Sarah won:

hardcover copy of Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins and The Hunger Games inspired Katniss Charm Bracelet (made and bought from Cold Hands Warm Arts)

Congratulations to all of you, I have emailed you for your address so I can send your prizes out as soon as possible.

350 Followers and a big thank you!

I have officially reached 350 followers, and to understand why that is such a big deal to me-I will tell you about my blogging experiences. When I first started to blog, I would look to other blogs as inspiration and to help me get through the tough times. And there would occasionally be that one blog that had 350 or more followers, and I would see them as being the "big, important" blogs. I always wished I could be one of them and here I am now. I am just amazed by everything and am so grateful for all of you.

And as the title says: THANK YOU! I truly appreciate all your lovely comments, follows, and blogs. And since I just had that huge Mockingjay Countdown Giveaway Event-I will not be doing a 350 follower giveaway but there will be a 400 follower one-so watch out!

Grace by Elizabeth Scott

Grace by Elizabeth Scott (ARC)
Publication Date: September 16, 2010
Versions: hardcover
Received from: Star Book Tours

Summary (from goodreads):
Grace was raised to be an Angel, a herald of death by suicide bomb. But she refuses to die for the cause, and now Grace is on the run, daring to dream of freedom. In search of a border she may never reach, she travels among malevolent soldiers on a decrepit train crawling through the desert. Accompanied by the mysterious Kerr, Grace struggles to be invisible, but the fear of discover looms large as she recalls the history and events that delivered her uncertain fate. 


Told in spare, powerful prose, this tale of dystopian near future will haunt readers long after they've reached the final page.

When the summary says it will haunt readers, it truly does. I don't know if I overall liked it, loved it, hated it or if it was just an ok book to me. I have no idea, but I keep thinking about this book ever since I've read it (which must be a good sign). Grace is an angel in a world where Kerr runs pretty much everything. And Angel's are suicide bombers. They have been trying to teach Kerr that he can't control everything and everyone, so when it is Grace's turn to die-she just can't. She doesn't want to die. So she gets shipped on a train for her own safety with the one and only Kerr. Only, maybe Kerr isn't who everyone thinks he is.

Half the time I was wondering what was actually going on in the different scenes, and the other half I was wondering what was going to happen. This is a very powerful book that left me with tears near the ending. It switched from past to present quite a few times, which can be a little confusing. But Elizabeth Scott doesn't disappoint.

Will I reread it?
Probably not. I am so used to reading love stories from Elizabeth Scott, so this one took me by surprise. But it was a good surprise and I recommend this book to any Elizabeth fan.

Waiting On Wednesday

This is a meme to show which book you are excited for to be released. It is hosted over at Breaking The Spine. For more information or to link your waiting on wednesday, go here.

Where She Went (If I Stay #2) by Gayle Forman
Publication Date: April 19th 2011
Publisher: Dutton


Summary (from goodreads):
The sequel to If I Stay, from Adam's point of view 3 years later.


I wish there were more to the summary-but since the release date is so far away-I really don't mind. This one sounds amazing, the cover is beautiful, and I love books told in another characters perspective. I can't wait for this one!