Giveaway number 2!

I've posted my review of Bridger by Megan Curd here recently(http://tamarasbookramblings.blogspot.com/2011/07/review-remembrance-giveaway.html) , and now I'll be giving away one (1) e-copy to one lucky reader!

Rules: Be a follower of my blog. (you can follow me on twitter too, I won't mind ;) )
Leave a comment with the name you're following and e-mail addy.

International, of course :)

That's all! Giveway open now, until 6th of August midnight EST.
Will pick the winner a day or two later, I think.

Feel free to tweet or facebook or blog this :) It is very appreciated!

:)
Good luck to everyone!

Read on! :)

In which I ramble about reviewing books and vacations. And RAK

So, if you talk to me on twitter, you probably know that I was supposed to be out of town this week, but rain ruined it so I'll be gone next week. I'm leaving either tomorrow or on Monday, soo, I won't be updating the blog for around 4-5 days. That means, I won't be able to answer your giveaway-related questions. Sorry!

Next, today I want to talk about reviewing books.

Now, I respect other reviewers and bloggers, I really do. And I don't know how they review books, but here's my system.
To me, it's not about how many typos or plot holes the book has. To me it's how the book makes me feel. Don't get me wrong, if there's something majorly wrong with the book, I'll write it, but I don't care if I don't like the main character or whatever. I like when a book makes me jump from excitement and tension, anticipation, when it makes me cry because it's so touching, when it makes me giggle when nobody else is watching. I don't ask much from books, because that is not what books are for. They are for enjoying something, for losing yourself in another worlds.
That's all.

And, since I won't be in town, I need to wrap up July's Random Act of Kindness.

BIG THANK YOU to Bella from http://www.cheezyfeetbooks.blogspot.com/ for sending me A Touch Mortal and Crossed. It's very much appreciated <3 :)

Leave your thoughts in comments. AND, so you don't forget, I have a giveaway of Remembrance running now :) Go and enter!

Read on :)

Review: Remembrance + GIVEAWAY

By Michelle Madow, a new author who, I'm sure, will go a long way.

Goodreads blurb:

New Hampshire high school junior Lizzie Davenport has been reincarnated from Regency Era, England ... but she doesn't know it yet. 

Then Drew Carmichael transfers into Lizzie's school at the beginning of the year, and she feels a connection to him, almost like she knows him. She can't stop thinking about him, but whenever she tries talking with him about the mysteries behind her feelings, he makes it clear that he wants nothing to do with her. Reaching him is even more difficult because she has a boyfriend, Jeremy, who has started to become full of himself after being elected co-captain of the varsity soccer team, and her flirtatious best friend Chelsea starts dating Drew soon after his arrival. So why can't she seem to get him out of her mind?

Even though Lizzie knows she should let go of her fascination with Drew, the pair of them soon find that fighting fate isn't going to be easy.




Personal opinion: 


I love discovering new YA authors. And, when I got Remembrance from Michelle I was excited. This novel, I'm happy to say, lived up to my expectations. It is a story new to me, I've never read a novel with a theme like this, but it never disappointed. I mean, the story flew well, the characters were interesting, I liked how the author payed attention to the small details like names (you have to read the novel to see what I mean here ;)).


Let me find one passage for you. Ah, here it is.


But it was time to realize that I wasn’t Cinderella, and no matter how hard I wished it were true, life wasn’t a
fairy tale where everyone lives happily ever after.


In the moment I read this sentence, I was struck by an unusual feeling. I don't know why, but I was. I think that Michelle can really hit you with her writing, and that's always a big plus :)


So, without any more ramblings, because I can't form any more sentences about this novel, I give it... *drum roll*
5 stars


You can find Michelle on Goodreads here--> http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5028484.Michelle_Madow
Add Remembrence here--> http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12170873-remembrance
Add Michelle on other social sites here: http://www.michellemadow.com/  <-- really good idea, this line is ;)


Keep reading ;)


:) AND NOW


 My first GIVEAWAY ever.


Want to read Remembrance? I have one (1) e-copy of the novel to give to one special lucky reader!
The giveaway is international. 
Only one requirement, be a GFC follower.
You can follow me on twitter, too, if you don't mind: @tammyb_28

Please feel free to facebook, tweet or blog this giveaway! I'd like that a lot :)Leave your entry in the comments please. Leave GFC name and e-mail address so I can contact you if you win. Feel free to write the e-mail address with any signs you want to protect from spammers.


*EDIT* I've been getting messages that Blogger doesn't allow you to post comment! If so, tell me on twitter and leave an entry there pls!** 


The contest runs from now - July 30th, for one week, till August 6th. The giveaway ends at midnight EST. I will pick a winner most likely a day or two later, I'll do my best not to be late! You will know, though! :)


Good luck! 
Read on! :)

Review: Heavenly

So, I've been waiting for a chance to read this book for like, some time now, and it finally came.
Heavenly is the first book in the Heavenly trilogy by Jennifer Laurens.

Goodreads blurb: I met someone who changed everything. Matthias. My autistic sister's guardian angel. Honest. Inspiring. Funny. Hot. And immortal. That was the problem. What could I do? I did what any other girl would do-I fell in love with him. 

Zoe's sister darts in front of cars. Her brother's a pothead. Her parents are so overwhelmed; they don't see Zoe lost in her broken life. Zoe escapes the only way she knows how: partying. Matthias, a guardian sent from Heaven, watches over Zoe's autistic sister. After Zoe is convinced he's legit, angel and lost girl come together in a love that changes destiny. But Heaven on Earth can't last forever

Personal opinion: My, oh my. You'd think this theme is already worn out and too popular, but Jennifer's writing surpassed every expectation. She makes chaacters loveable, realistic and far from perfect. Zoe, the main character, was so easy to relate to sometimes. I mean, even if you don't have family like hers, problem like hers, you can still feel and understand how she takes it all in. I absolutely loved the descriptions. Whether it's the nature around, or emotions, Jennifer nails it all. I want to share two passages with you to see how amazing this woman writes.

The first one: "I was angry. I'm sorry.I shouldn't have. It was wrong. I'm sorry.

 Silence. Thick. Hot. Sticky.

 Look at me.

 I can't."

Second one: "The car whirled round, round, round, the screeching so loud it was as if the heavens screamed through the rain.

                  Black."

You're still not convinced to read this? Hmm, how about this? Matthias. Do I need to say any more? 

The end, I must say, I did not expect. It wasn't such a cliffhanger as it was an ending that leaves you to crave for more. Luckily, the sequels Penitence and Absolution, are already out, promising us more trouble, more intensity and more great momets.

Overall,  5 stars, and it will just keep getting better.

You can find Jennifer on twitter:  http://twitter.com/#!/jenniferlaurens

On GoodReads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/758992.Jennifer_Laurens

Visit her blog: http://jenniferlaurens.blogspot.com/ - Little extra info about this- Jennifer is currently having a blog tour for Overprotected, another novel of hers, and it runs till July 31st, so be sure to check it out. They have prizes ;)

Visit the official site for Heavenly trilogy: http://heavenlythebook.com/

                                                                                                                  

The second picture is the hardcover edition which will be available through Jennifer's site only. If you want it, contact her :)

Read on :)

Teaser Tuesday (3)

Today's TT is dedicated to a book that I received today.

Half-Blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout.

I cannot express how good this book is so far. My review will be up in September (I know, I know), but for now here's a little teaser ;)


"“What?” Seth and I both shouted. 
That was some serious stuff right there."


Hm, okay, here's another one, just for you *points*

Seth turned and gave me a long look. “Could be worse, I suppose.”

There ya go. Hope they make you eager to read this, because you really should. Until Oct.18, when the book releases, read its prequel, Daimon, here -- http://www.site.spencerhillpress.com/Daimon.php

Still here? Go read it! Go!

Read on :)

Pinelight

Today I'd like to talk about a book I want to read.
It's called Pinelight, by author Jillian Peery.

With ratning of 4.69 Pinelight is a promising book.
Goodreads blurb:
"I loved him - that was my torment. And I was losing him all over again." 
Walls crumbled all around me. An undeniable force pulled at my core. I tried to fight it, I tried to deny it the power, but I was weak. I felt pain in my side, and I knew that this dark force was winning. My veins started to burn, and I screamed, but it didn't stop.


Here's the trailer for the book:

Read on :)

Review: The Willows: Haven

Today I'm introducing another new YA author, Hope Collier. Yesterday I did a Teser Tuesday with her novel, and today I'll review it!
Yay, so. I recived an eARC copy of the novel from Hope herself.
Goodreads blurb:
When tragedy strikes, seventeen year-old Ashton Blake sets out on a cross-country road trip, leaving the comforts of Malibu for the mountains of Kentucky. Along the way, she encounters Gabe Willoughby—the mysterious drifter with eyes like the sea and a knowing smile. Getting to know Gabe raises questions about her past. But no secret can be buried forever, and Ashton soon finders herself in a world where water is air and myth becomes reality. 

Just as Ashton comes to accept her newfound heritage, she’s summoned to fulfill a treaty laid down centuries before — a treaty that will divide her love and test her loyalty. In the end, her future isn’t her biggest concern, her humanity is. To run may mean war, but is she strong enough to stay?


Personal opinion: I loved this book. I read it in two days, it was so great! Hope sure can write believable and loveable characters, face them with challenges and throw in a great plot. Every page of this novel was exciting and wonderful. Plus, the scenes with Gabe are so beautifly written I made ooh and aah noises a lot ;). I even found myself screaming no! once. This book has great balance, great story, it's fresh and new, the guys are ^^ and I definatelly recommend it to everyone who love YA. I loved the ending and I was thrilled to find out that this is a series :D Can't wait for sequels. Hope, great, great job! :)) Plus, look at that cover! I heart it a lot!
5 stars (6, but can't give them)


You can find Hope on Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5016653.Hope_Collier
On Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/HopeCollier
Add the book on Goodreads here: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11953675-the-willows
Check out Hope's blog: http://lilliputianjourney.blogspot.com/

Read on :)

Teaser Tuesday (2)

It's that time of the week again.
Today's teaser belongs to

The Willows: Haven by Hope Collier

This time I have two! teasers:

1. Gabe shook his head with a small grin. "You're wery much the  exception, not the rule."

2. It was strange, but also normal, how comfortable it was with him.

That's it. Right now I'm reading this book, and review should be up tomorrow I guess. Something like that.

Also, some of the upcoming reviews include Divergent by Veronica Roth and Die For Me by Amy Plum. :)

Read on. :)

Why I Read and Write

If you by any chance follow me on pretty little thing called Twitter, you know I promised you this post.


Why Do I Read and Write?

So, it all started on January 6th, 2009. That was the day I saw Twilight in cinema. (Okay, I have read Harry Potter series before that, but I don't quite count that, because I wasn't aware how good books can be)
After that, I had to read Twilight, because I loved the movie so much. And I loved the book even more. So I read all of the sequels. And that's how my obsession with books started. I had a little pause until December last year, when I didn't read much. But then, something snapped and I started reading. A LOT. I've also been writing my own books, which, at the age of 14, isn't quite... let's just say my writing can and will be a lot better with time.
I've created my own world, the one in which my biggest problem isn't school or something like that, but weather my heroines and heroes will survive a world full of paranormal mysteries.
The answer to the question it the title is this: I can be someone else. At least for 30 minutes, or 60, or 90. Now don't get me wrong, I like my life just the way it is, I do, but when I write (and usually I write in first person) I dare to do the things the real me would never dare to do. Let's say bungee jumping. Real me: not even if you give me a thousand bucks. My character: yeah, let's do it!. Now, the comparison with bungee jumping is pretty dumb, because my stories aren't about *that*. Just so we're clear.
The next reason- the guys. Oh, the guys. I mean, you won't find a Jace or Edward or Patch or anyone else in real life. (which is a pity, I must say ;))
So, yeah, that's why. Hope I didn't bore you to death with this post :)

Read on
xx

The Official Wishlist

Okay, I figured out how to really join R.A.K. and here's my official wishlist:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1p8tKOBTiJ8dZ2hkDpWcU0qD0rkGoV1vpUD3XPmGiam4/edit?hl=en_US

Please take a look :)
And always remember there is The Book Depository, which offers FREE SHIPPING worldwide! And has pretty cheap prices.

Review: Bridger

Today I have a review of Bridger by Megan Curd. You might remember I did the teaser tuesday on this book. Yesterday. You might remember.

Goodreads blurb:

Ashlyn McVean doesn't believe in fairy tales. That is, until Ashlyn is thrown into the crosshairs of grudges her grandmother created long ago. After finding out she is one of two people able to cross between faerie realms, Ashlyn is faced with trying to understand her abilities, along with navigating a new relationship with her boyfriend, Liam. As if being on a centuries old hit list and dealing with crazed pixies isn't enough, her new abilities mean trouble for Liam. Knowing her new life puts everyone she loves in danger, Ashlyn must decide what's most important in her life between friends, family, love, and ultimately, realms.




Personal opinion:


From literally the first page you feel every emotion Ashlyn does. She is a good character, though blind sometimes (See, in order to see when or how you need to read this). I liked her character, especialy considering what she goes through. What I liked the most about her is the eye thing. I wish I could do that. *sigh*
I won't comment on Liam. If I do, this post will be filled with good adjectives and my sighes. Which I'm surue you don't want to read, so let's move on.
The world in this novel is not unknown, but M. Curd added a lot of new things and it came out as a very original and interesting world and story.
Near the end I was already getting nervous because I didn't know if this would be another cliffhanger book.
Well, it is and it isn't. Lot of questions left unanswered.
You know what else I liked about this one? All of the surprises. How unpredictable they were. It did fool me once or twice. Or more.
Anywaaay, 
5 stars :)


Now you go read it. Now.


Megan's site: http://www.megancurd.com/
Megan's twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/MeganCurd

Random Act of Kindness wishlist

Random Act of Kindness

(a.k.a. I hope I'm doing this right!)

RULES:

Sign up each month that you'd like to participate.

• Show off your participation by grabbing our RAK button :)

• Create a wish list (on Amazon, Goodreads, or your blog etc) and post it in the Google Doc located in each R.A.K post for the month.

• If you choose to do a R.A.K for someone, check out their wish list and contact that blogger for their address.

• At the end of the month, SHOW US YOUR R.A.K!  Make a post saying 'Thank You' to whoever granted one of your wishes and share it with us :)

OPEN TO EVERYONE!

Let's keep our International bloggers in mind and in our hearts.

Remember, there's always the Book Depository and they offer FREE shipping!

So, guys, this is my list. If someone is a good soul and would like to give me any books, please tell me either on my twitter: @tammyb_28, e-mail: tammyb_2810@yahoo.com or here.

I'll take e-books too :)

Wishlist:

Firelight - Sophie Jordan

Divergent -Veronica Roth

Starcrossed - Josephine Angelini

Forever - Magie Stiefvater

Heavenly - Jennifer Laurens

Wither - Lauren Destefano

A Need So Beautiful - Suzzane Young

Delirium - Lauren Oliver

Die For Me - Amy Plum

Wings, Spells, Illusions - Aprilynne Pike

Angelfire - Courtney Allison Moulton

The Lost Saint- Bree Despain

Angel Burn -L.A.Weatherly

Half-Blood- Jennifer L. Armentrout

Personal Demons- Lisa Desrochers

Nightshade - Andrea Cremer

Thank you!

Teaser Tuesday (1)

My first Teaser Tuesday! *throws confetti*

My today's read is Bridger by Megan Curd.

My teaser:


We both knew that the luck she spoke of was relative to the situation at hand. Right now lucky wouldn’t be the first adjective I’d use with what was going on.

:)

P.S. happy release day Maggie Stiefvater!!

What's going on on other blogs

Just wanted to share one cool giveaway by Victoria Schwab, whose book, The Near Witch is coming out in 3 weeks! *squee*

http://veschwab.wordpress.com/2011/07/11/3wtnw-%E2%80%93-the-most-requested-arcs-giveaway/

Review: Immoral Beloved + Interview with Katie M. John

*WARNING* A long post full of awesomeness!

Katie M. John is the author of a YA series, The Knight Trilogy. First novel, The Forest Of Adventures has a 5 star rating on Amazon, and trust me, it is justified.
The sequel, Immortal Beloved, is coming out August 25, 2011.
I was very lucky and happy to receive and ARC of it from Katie. It is a e-copy of the book.

I read Immortal Beloved in one day. And it has a lot of pages. So imagine how good it is.

Goodreads blurb:
THIS TIME, THE DAMSEL MUST RESCUE HER KNIGHT IN DISTRESS. 

As Mina Singer tries to piece together her broken heart, Blake's adventure in Egypt places his in serious peril. 

As ancient and terrifying Egyptian rituals are ressurected by the sorceress Morgan Le Fay, Blake embarks on the most horrifying quest yet - one which no other mortal has ever survived. 

This time, the damsel must rescue her knight in a terrifying race against death. 

"Deeply moving, scary and thrilling, 'Immortal Beloved' is the compelling sequel to 'The Forest of Adventures."




Personal opinion:


This review will be a short one because I cannot give away spoilers and all, though I wish I could ;)
If TFOA was great, Immortal Beloved was fan-freaking-tastic!

The action, the characters, the exctiements and problems along the way, they all made a perfect book.
Even the cliffhanger is so good, you just need more. Now, about that cliffy, it may be huge, it may be a tiny one. I'm not telling. Don't throw anything at me, please :)

I loved the characters, their decisions and journeys.
I laughed, cried, giggled, aww-ed and screamed in frustration in this book. Not to mention my heart stopping once or twice.

What I want to focus on is Katie's writing. With such beautiful quotes, images and emotions, I actually cried once. Very beautiful, I must say.

So, without any further ado, because I can't give away too much, here's my rating.

5 stars. 6, actually, but I can't give them. Unfortunately.

ARC provided by author Katie M. John (Thanks again! :D)




And now, since it all clicked in the right time, here's my interview with Katie herself.

1. Why did you choose to become an author? It kind of chose me! I still have some doubt about being called an author (Despite having had two novels published) It still feels like it might be something someone else would do. When I was a teenager I wrote a lot of poetry, something I continued into University. I suppose that is why there is quite a strong sense of poetry in my writing. I didn't start writing stories until about five years ago. Blake and Mina stepped into my life and wouldn't let me get away with out writing their story.

2. What motivates and inspires you?

One of things that motivates me the most is other writers' storytelling. I've always been a voracious reader. Art, films and music also inspire me. I've always had a very over active imagination (I'm an only child) and so I've never really been satisfied with the idea that there is a definite line between reality and fantasy.

I'm also motivated by the quest to create something beautiful, I find the idea of beauty completely captivating; especially the idea of dark beauty.

More recently, one of the motivations to write seems to have been the appearance (I think of it more of a kind of squatting situation) of a Muse. She's quite demanding and bosses me around a lot - I am aware that most of the above makes me sound like a complete loon! I promise you, I'm not as bonkers as all that sounds.

3. How do you deal with criticism?

It doesn't upset me, it strengthens my work. When I get criticism it makes me look at my work more objectively; pushes me to refine and improve. I won't deny it doesn't hurt a little bit - my stories are part of me. I'm mildly dyslexic and as a result, I have to work twice as hard at spelling and editing - when critics pick up on type-errors and assume it's down to sloppiness / carelessness, it is irriating but it's more an irritation at myself. The reader has a right to read a perfect story.

 

4. What would you say is the best and what is the worst part of being an author?

One of the best things about being an author is the making of characters. It's something incredibly satisfying to sketch out a character in planning stages and to see them grow. It's quite an intimate process, getting to know a character. Some of them really get under your skin.

The ability to escape into another world of your own making is also a very special and quite addictive pleasure.

The worst part about being an author - there isn't really one. Even the hard and boring bits are part of the overall creative process.

5. Are your characters based on real people & Do you put any of your personality traits in them?

Well that would be telling! According to the legal disclaimer, all likenesses to real characters are purely coincidental! However, as a writer everybody you ever meet has the potential to find bits of themselves ending up in one of your characters.

There are a lot of my own teenage experiences in the character and events of Mina but there is probably more of my actual personality in Delta. It's really important to check that characters' dialogue doesn't contain your own speech patterns and idiolects. Each has to have their own voice. It's interesting when characters are faced with a challenge, to think on how they might respond differently to you. It creates a richer, more independent set of characters.

6. Tell me something about your upcoming sequel to The Forest Of Adventures, Immortal Beloved?

I'm very excited about 'Immortal Beloved' - it's quite a different book to The Forest of Adventures but I think readers will really enjoy spending more time with some of the characters. Immortal Beloved answers a lot of questions raised in The Forest of Adventures. A large part of Immortal Beloved is set in Egypt and so the story is full of Egyptian mythology. It's provides a nice pairing with the Arthurian legends woven throughout the trilogy. Immortal Beloved is a much darker, more brooding book than The Forest of Adventures. Things aren't easy for Blake and Mina but then their love was never going to be.

I think readers will find this part of the story to be full of surprises and they may find themselves quite conflicted about some of the characters. There are some seriously special scenes which I'm really looking forward to sharing.

7. What's next for you; are you working on any new projects?

Kaspian Blackthorne is next. He is the protagonist of the YA Gothic Horror novel I'm about to start writing. It is called 'Beautiful Freaks' and is set in Victorian London. It's based around the investigation of a series of 'paranormal' murders in the city of London in 1899. As a result, Kaspian Blackthorne, apprentice to an infirm paranormal investigator, enters a dark, fantasy world full of characters he only thought existed in fairytales and folklore.

It's a story of love and desire as well as betrayal. It's aiming to have an element of Shakesperian tragedy about it. (I'm afraid it's going to be another heart wrencher.)

8. And last, could you give an advice or two to your fans, of whom many are aspiring writers?

Keep going. Make it happen and believe in yourself. The only limitations in life are those you put in place yourself. Invest in a beautiful notebook and promise to fill it with beautiful sentences, scenes, poems and little observations. 


http://www.theknighttrilogy.com/index.html - the official website for everything book related 
http://katiemjohn.blogspot.com/ - Katie's blog with a HUGE giveaway! Go enter!
http://twitter.com/#!/KnightTrilogy - Katie's twitter
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4423626.Katie_M_John - Katie's Goodreads page


Go follow, friend and subscribe :D You won't regret it.


*about the picture-no copyright intended, taken from Katie's website*


One more thing- TeamBlake <3

P.S. I don't know why the letters change their font. But I think they're trying to get on with some kind of revolution against me.

Review: Starcrossed

Starcrossed by Josephine Agelini. 

Goodreads blurb:

How do you defy destiny?

Helen Hamilton has spent her entire sixteen years trying to hide how different she is—no easy task on an island as small and sheltered as Nantucket. And it's getting harder. Nightmares of a desperate desert journey have Helen waking parched, only to find her sheets damaged by dirt and dust. At school she's haunted by hallucinations of three women weeping tears of blood . . . and when Helen first crosses paths with Lucas Delos, she has no way of knowing they're destined to play the leading roles in a tragedy the Fates insist on repeating throughout history.

As Helen unlocks the secrets of her ancestry, she realizes that some myths are more than just legend. But even demigod powers might not be enough to defy the forces that are both drawing her and Lucas together—and trying to tear them apart.

Personal opinion:

Aaah! - See, that was my first thought after reading this book. It was a total mind blowing experience.

I admit, the book started slow. You know, meet him, meet her, and so on. Then, Lucas came. And everything was confusing. Okay, maybe because I was reading the book at 11 pm, so my mind wasn't working properly, but I had to take some time to understand what was happening. 

And then it really started. At page 99. From there on, the book - the story- just got better and better. I've always been fond to Greek mythology, so I liked the stories from history and how they affected the present (you know, in the Starcrossed world).

Then, we have characters. I liked pretty much all of the Delos kids, except Cassandra. I don't know why. Not that I hate or dislike her, just like her less than everyone else.

The romance in this book was, in one word, aww. But, just when things get a little better, something messes up the relationship again. The title 'Starcrossed' fits so perfectly to Helen and Lucas. That ending made me angry. Very angry. And excited for the sequel, Dreamless, due out Spring 2012. I will be waiting for it, that's sure.  And last, but not least, the cover. I just Love it with a capital L. Beautiful. 

Overall, 5 stars. Good job, Josephine.

Review: Hush Hush

*Note* -this review is taken from my Goodreads page

As promised, here's the review for Becca Fitzpatrick's novel Hush Hush, the first in trilogy.
The blurb:
For Nora Grey, romance was not part of the plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how much her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her...until Patch comes along. 
With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Nora is drawn to him against her better judgment, but after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora's not sure whom to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is, and to know more about her than her closest friends. She can't decide whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide. And when she tries to seek some answers, she finds herself near a truth that is far more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel. 
For Nora is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those that have fallen - and when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost her life.


Personal opinion:
This book is a definite re-read. Especially one scene in particular ;) 

Okay, so, Nora. Honestly, she wasn't a character I'd like to relate (except for boys), but she was interesting to read about. Some of her actions were brave, some not so smart and so on. 

Patch. I think no extra words are necessery ;) 
But I will say that his quotes are some of the best quotes I've ever read.

The story I liked, and Hush Hush was one of the books that got me hooked on angel stories. I liked that a lot of things about angels were unique and new. 
The end I so did not expect, though when I re-read it, I realized some hints Becca gave us, but I, as usual, didn't get them. 

Anyway, just look at the cover. Swoon. Dark and mysterious, just like Patch. 
5 stars

The surprise

Okay, so, Jennifer Armentrout has a new book deal. The book is named Cursed, and is scheduled for a September 2012 release. Here's the blurb:

Ember operates on a no-touch policy with all living things--including boys. When HaydenCromwell shows up, quoting Oscar Wilde and claiming her curse is a gift, she thinks he’s a crazed cutie. But when he tells her he can help control it, she’s more than interested. There’s just one catch: Ember has to trust Hayden's adopted father, a man she's sure has sinister reasons for collecting children whose abilities even weird her out. However, she’s willing to do anything to hold her sister's hand again. And hell, she'd also like to be able to kiss Hayden. Who wouldn't?

But when Ember learns the accident that turned her into a freak may not've been an accident at all, she’s not sure who to trust. Someone wanted her dead, and the closer she gets to the truth, the closer she is to losing not only her heart, but her life. For real this time.

And here's the awesome and fabolouus cover, which I instantly fell in love with.
Ta-dah!

You can find Cursed on Goodreads here: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11945589-cursed
You can find Jennifer on Goodreads here: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4476934.Jennifer_L_Armentrout
Jennifer's twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/JLArmentrout
Jennifer's official site for her other YA, Covenant series: www.acovenantnovel.com
Jennifer's super cool blog: http://jenniferarmentrout.blogspot.com/

A surprise - soon, and other news

Okay, so, if you come and visit my blog on July 5th US time, you'll be awarded with the cover and blurb for Jennifer L. Armentrout's new upcoming YA book. (Not part of the Covenant series) Not just my blog, but still haha :D

So far I cannot say anything more except that I l-o-v-e-d it. Haha. Now think about it :P

In other news, I've been working on my background picture, and finishing the desing of the blog, so I'm kinda busy. I'm crossing my fingers for it to be finished and up here tomorrow. Also, expect a new review tmrw for Hush Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick. That's pretty much it :) x

Oh, and Happy Independence Day, my US friends.

My first review - Daimon by Jennifer L. Armentrout

*Note- this review is taken from my Goodreads page with some minor additions*


Daimon, a prequel novella to Half-Blood, by Jennifer Armentrout, is available for free here: http://www.site.spencerhillpress.com/Daimon.php


Goodreads sypnosis: For three years, Alexandria has lived among mortals—pretending to be like them and trying to forget the duty she'd been trained to fulfill as a child of a mortal and a demigod. At seventeen, she's pretty much accepted that she's a freak by mortal standards... and that she'll never be prepared for that duty. 

According to her mother, that’s a good thing. 

But as every descendant of the gods knows, Fate has a way of rearing her ugly head. A horrifying attack forces Alex to flee Miami and try to find her way back to the very place her mother had warned her she should never return—the Covenant. Every step that brings her closer to safety is one more step toward death… because she's being hunted by the very creatures she'd once trained to kill. 

The daimons have found her.

Personal opinion: Okay, so... This book is BRILLIANT. In less than 100 pages you get sucked into a new world, full of mysteries and danger. 
The protagonist, Alexandria a.k.a. Alex, is a fierce, funny, awesome character with some witty quotes. She's someone you'd definately want to be. Although she's been through a lot, she still remains strong. 
Then, there's Aiden. Though he isn't in the book, just from Alex's descriptions and thoughts you fall in love with him. 
(and since he does make an appearance in the first chapter of Half-Blood, which is previewed at the end of Daimon, I can say that there will be a lot of swoons :D) 

This story is different, at least to me, because I haven't read much about gods and semi-gods etc., and was definitely a book that I needed and I'm sure that others would love it too.
Also, look at the cover. I just l-o-v-e it.

So, yeah, 5 stars overall. And this is a prequel. Just imagine Half Blood then.


Half-Blood comes out October 18th, 2011. Make sure you pick up your copy.

Hello and a short introduction

Hello!
As you've might concluded, I'm Tamara. This is my first blog(don't go rough on me)and I've decided it to be about books. I will review the books I've read, no matter how good or bad they were, and I'll try to get some author intwerviews.
I solemly swear that I'll do my best in frequently updating the blog with new posts and to notify you when I'll be away. Now, as far as giveaways go, I'm not able to do them (not yet, at least) and I'm really sorry about that. I know how badly I want new books and swag, so I understand.
Anyway, I hope I won't bore you and I hope you'll like it :)
Enjoy!
                                              xx, Tamara