.:The Ultimate Dumpees:.

Speak Up

2010-09-19T12:53:00.001-07:00

I'm just now catching the news about Speak (by Laurie Halse Anderson) and this Dr. Scroggins. I had to go through a couple Bloggers to find out what was going on, and I'm deeply saddened by what I've read. But I'm deeply moved by the stories I've read, and now I want to share mine for the sake of keeping books like this on the shelf. Teens need to read theses books. They need to know that they are not alone, and they shouldn't be afraid to speak up.

When I was 13 years old, I was raped by a 17 year old boy from my neighborhood. He was older than me, bigger than me and knew everyone in our neighborhood. He threatened to hurt me even more than he already had if I told anyone, so I kept quiet. I was afraid to see what he would do next. So for 6 months, I lived in fear of him hurting me if he though I had told anyone. I saw him walk my my house everyday, smile at me like we had a secret to share, and torture me when he got too close.

I ended up going to therapy soon after. My family noticed a difference in my, and knew that I was depressed. I knew it, too. I also knew the reason. I actually loved my theray sessions and my group sessions. No one talked about why they were there, we just talked and laughed. I felt like I belonged somewhere again.

I still acted out though. I ended up getting taken from my grandmothers house and almost went to a Youth Dentention Center. I hated being away from my family, but I was finally away from him.

6 months after the rape, I got news that he had been arrested and moved to Minnesota to go to an all boys youth jail center. I was in a haze for days. I zoned out at school. I stayed in my room all day and night. I was at a crossroads in my life.

I finalls broke down in school three days after I heard that he had left. I had my teacher escort me to the counselor and they called my officers that visited me at school every so often.

And I spoke up.

I told them everything. I told them the date, what happened, what he said, and how he treated me afterwards. I was able to complete me therapy, and get rid of my depression. I was able to go home and not be afraid.

Throught out this ordeal, I thought I was alone. I didn't think things happened to other girls my age. I was young, confused and hurting...and no one I knew could understand. Once I was able to open up and tell people, I felt relieved. I felt like I had finally won. I had beat him. Though nothing could be done to him, I was the victor because I didn't let him hold me down. I rised above the fear and the pain.

I didn't know about Speak until just about a year ago. I have yet to read it, but I know what it's about. I know that if I had read this book before hand, or one like it, I might have had a different outcome. I might have spoken up sooner. I might not have kept quiet.

I regret holding it in for so long, but there's nothing I can do to change that. It changed me for the better. I've been a stronger person since then.

Just because someone doesn't like the content of a book does not mean it should be banned. Books about real life issues, and teen issues alike should be out there for girls like me, and others like me, who need to be aware that they aren't alone. Books about rape, eating disorders, drug abuse, and other issues that at least one of us will pass in our life should be written about. I don't like reading about them, but only because it makes me ache to know that someone else went through the same thing I did.

It hurts me to know that there are people out there who want to act like rape doesn't exsist. It hurts me personally, because I know first hand that it does exsist. Please voice your opinion in this matter. Don't let them hide books like this from teens that need to be aware.

2010-09-02T14:44:00.000-07:00

Shade by Jeri Smith-Ready

Released : May 4th 2010

Best. Birthday. Ever. At least, it was supposed to be. With Logan's band playing a critical gig and Aura's plans for an intimate after-party, Aura knows it will be the most memorable night of her boyfriend's life. She never thought it would be his last.

Logan's sudden death leaves Aura devastated. He's gone.

Well, sort of.

Like everyone born after the Shift, Aura can see and hear ghosts. This mysterious ability has always been annoying, and Aura had wanted nothing more than to figure out why the Shift happened so she can undo it. But not with Logan's violet-hued spirit still hanging around. Because dead Logan is almost as real as ever. Almost.

It doesn't help that Aura's new friend Zachary is so understanding--and so very alive. His support means more to Aura than she cares to admit.

As Aura's relationships with the dead and the living grow ever complicated, so do her feelings for Logan and Zachary. Each holds a piece of Aura's heart...and clues to the secret of the Shift.

Somehow this book flew under my radar. I had no idea this exsisted until today. It sounds amazing though. And the reviews I've read say it's a good read. I'm hoping to read it soon.

Until then, I've entered a contest to win it and so should you. It's over at The Book Butterfly and it's easy peasy to enter. Go HERE! Or look for the link on my sidebar.

Review :: The Dead & The Gone by Susan Beth Pfeffer

2010-09-02T10:42:00.000-07:00

The Dead & The Gone (Last Survivor's #2) by Susan Beth Pfeffer

Released :: June 1st 2008

Susan Beth Pfeffer’s Life as We Knew It enthralled and devastated readers with its brutal but hopeful look at an apocalyptic event--an asteroid hitting the moon, setting off a tailspin of horrific climate changes. Now this harrowing companion novel examines the same events as they unfold in New York City, revealed through the eyes of seventeen-year-old Puerto Rican Alex Morales. When Alex's parents disappear in the aftermath of tidal waves, he must care for his two younger sisters, even as Manhattan becomes a deadly wasteland, and food and aid dwindle.

With haunting themes of family, faith, personal change, and courage, this powerful new novel explores how a young man takes on unimaginable responsibilities. -- Summary from Goodreads.com

I know this is the second book in the series, ut seeing as I read it before I read the first one, I'm writing the review for this book first. I tried writing it in order of the series, butI kept wanting to talk about how I felt about reading this book. It was difficult.

When I first read the backs of the book, I was insanely interested, but skeptical. I like reading about disaters on Earth and how the people here are affected. I'm odd, but it's cool to me. I knew I wanted to read the series, but I wasn't sure if it would be good. I bought this one anyways. They didn't have the first novel on the shelf, so I bought this one and read it...

In like 3 hours.

I couldn't put it down. It's amazing. It sucked me in before I reached the middle of chapter 1. I was gone. It had me in it's claws, and I wasn't trying to get away.

Susan is an amazing writer. The story is so imaginative. So real! I was still in the early stage of my pregnancy when I read this like a month ago, so I read it in bed, and I can't tell you how many times I had to set it down and take a breather. I can't tell you how many times I started crying (not from the hormones) and had to get up and walk around. A few times I walked outside and looked around to make sure what I was reading wasn't really happening.

That's how real it is. The tragedies are yours. The loss is yours. The tears, the greif, the suffereing...you feel it all. You get scared, and look out the window to see if you can see the moon. Or you simply get scared of the moon. Quite a few people in the book did.

The best things about the book to me is that it takes place in New York. I don't want to give too much away, I never do, but seeing New York City through Alex's eyes as such a weakened part of our country was indescribable. I've always looked at New York City as a strong, busy and lively city. That's not the case in the book. Not after the asteriod. Not after the effects of the asteriod. NYC is dead and gone, just like the title says.

I highly recommend this book to anyone. Teens, some pre-teens, adults. Though you'd never want to think of something like this happening, if it did, this book gives you a heads up. It will give you the strength to get through. To survive. Just like Alex tries to do for himself and his two younger sisters.

I give this book :

To tempt you to read it if you haven't already, I'll leave you with a little excerpt.

Alex sat there, absolutely still, the sound so low he could barely hear. The words and pictures assaulted him anyway. Horrific loss of life. Lower Manhattan decimated. Staten Island, Long Island devastated. Blackouts, looting, riots. Curfew between 8pm and 6am. Tides twenty feet tall, sweeping away people, trees, even buildings. Mandatory evacuations. Plane crashes. Countless numbers of people dead in subways and in car from tunnel flooding.

Review :: Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

2010-09-02T07:32:00.000-07:00

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins
Released :: August 24th 2010

My name is Katniss Everdeen. Why am I not dead? I should be dead.

Katniss Everdeen, girl on fire, has survived, even though her home has been destroyed. Gale has escaped. Katniss's family is safe. Peeta has been captured by the Capitol. District 13 really does exist. There are rebels. There are new leaders. A revolution is unfolding.

It is by design that Katniss was rescued from the arena in the cruel and haunting Quarter Quell, and it is by design that she has long been part of the revolution without knowing it. District 13 has come out of the shadows and is plotting to overthrow the Capitol. Everyone, it seems, has had a hand in the carefully laid plans -- except Katniss.

The success of the rebellion hinges on Katniss's willingness to be a pawn, to accept responsibility for countless lives, and to change the course of the future of Panem. To do this, she must put aside her feelings of anger and distrust. She must become the rebels' Mockingjay -- no matter what the personal cost.
--Summary from Goodreads.com

4 hours, people. It took me 4 hours to read this book, and if I hadn't been so tired after the first time, I would have read it again. And again.

Fans of the series know how I feel when I say I nearly died waiting for this book to come out. Hunger Games and Catching Fire are the first two books of this series, and after every single book you can't help but think 'It CANNOT get any better than this.'

But it did.

Sadly, Mockingjay is the last of the series, and I cried for ten minutes about that fact alone. The other times I cried were for the major...for the unexpected turn of events. In most books I can point out a character and think 'They aren't going to make it' or read a few lines and be like 'This is what's going to happen' but not in this book. That's thanks to an amazing writer and story-teller.

Nothing will prepare you for reading this book. Nothing can prepare you for the profound love that you will read about. The immense greif that you will read about. The deep suffering, and tragedy that you will enconter as you read through this book. If you think the first two books had these things, if you think that they went beyond your expectations, you are in for one big surprise. Mockingjay is all that and more.

There were very few times that I just had to set the book aside. I set it aside, and took a few deep breaths and when I was calm, I picked it back up. I'm trying to find the one word to describe this book, but I can't. Nothing seems to fit it properly. The words I'm typing and erasing just aren't good enough to describe the book. Maybe one day I'll find the right one, and I'll let you know.

The only thing I can tell you is this: Mockingjay will haunt you. It will devour you completly. It will take you on a ride so exhilarating. Sometimes you will want it to stop, because it's so hertbreaking, but you know can't simply stop. You have the urge to keep going, because you know it's worth it. You hope it's worth it. You have to find out what happens. You want to see if there's a happy ending after all what has happened.

I gladly give Mockingjay my highest rating :

This is a book that will stick with me, and most of you, forever. The whole series will. It's...unforgettable. If I ever got to meet Suzanne Collins, I'd thank her profusely for giving books lovers around the world such an amazing story to read. I'll save these books for my neice, and my children, to read when they get to that age. That's how much I love this book, and the series. That's how good it is.

This concludes my review. I'll leave you with a bit of a teaser. If you haven't read any of the books, you must do so immediately. Got it?!

Teaser:

So after, when he whispers, "You love me. Real or not real?"
I tell him, "Real."

Those of you who are fans of the books know about Team Peeta and Team Gale...well, we find out who Katniss chose. Who did you choose? I've been Team Peeta all along. But Gale was nearly tied with him.

New Ratings

2010-09-02T07:00:00.000-07:00

If you look around you might see some changes. I got a new layout. I don't really like it, but it's the only thing I got for now. And it's bright, so I used it. You may also now see that I have ratings up. I haven't done many reviews on here in the past, but I am starting. I have the time to read them and review them now. Before I'd just read them, and go to another before I had to go to work. No job now, so I have all the free time in the world. Well, I share it with cleaning the house and going to doctor's appointments. The point it, I will be updating more often now. Go me!

As for the ratings. I tried to come up with something...unique to my blog. As you all know it's called The Ultimate Dumpees. If you are unfamiliar with the reason behind the title go HERE to learn it. So I tried to think of something that could relate. I came up with this.

Marry Me?!

College Sweetheart

Spring Fling

Only On A Bet

Not My Type

Marry Me?! is the equivilent of a 5 star rating. This is a book that you will never forget. It's one that will stick with you for the rest of your life. Remember, these are all my opinions. Others may differ.

College Sweetheart is the 4 star rating. It's a book that is certainly amazing, and one that will be in your heart forever but will never be first after you meet your 5 star book.

Spring Fling is the 3 star rating. It's the book that you will pull from your memory, and be like 'OMG! I remember this. It was great.' But it only lasts a while. Once the season is over, so is the connection. It's a far away memory.

Only On A Bet is the 2 star rating. It's the book that you forget about easily, but will remember at your wedding and be like, 'Oh, why did I do that again?'

Not My Type is the 1 star rating. I'm sure you know what this one is. It's the one you don't want to touch at all after just one date.

These are my ratings. I will try to go back and add these to the few reviews I already have, but I will start using them on my next review, which will be Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins.

I hope you like them, if not...oh, well. I can't please everyone. I try, and that's all that matters. :)

Trailer Thursday - Radiance

2010-09-02T05:39:00.000-07:00

Radiance by Alyson Noel
Released : August 31st 2010

Riley has crossed the bridge into the afterlife—a place called Here, where time is always Now. She has picked up life where she left off when she was alive, living with her parents and dog in a nice house in a nice neighborhood. When she’s summoned before The Council, she learns that the afterlife isn’t just an eternity of leisure. She’s been assigned a job, Soul Catcher, and a teacher, Bodhi, a possibly cute, seemingly nerdy boy who’s definitely hiding something. They return to earth together for Riley’s first assignment, a Radiant Boy who’s been haunting a castle in England for centuries. Many Soul Catchers have tried to get him to cross the bridge and failed. But all of that was before he met Riley . . .

I'm sure most of you are aware of Alyson's other series, The Immortals. Well, this is the lead characters litle sister staring in this series. Riley has her own series now, and knowing what an amzaing writer Alyson is, I'm sure fans of her first series will love and rave about this one just the same. I have yet to read it, but I'm hoping to do so soon. Then you shall see a review.

For now I'll leave you with the book trailer to watch. If the video doesn't work, go HERE to watch it. It's still giving me issues. :/

Halo Book Trailer

2010-09-01T15:11:00.000-07:00

Another book trailer, and another amazing book. Amazing author, too. Published her first at age 14! That's crazy, and simply awesome.

Halo by Alexandra Adornetto is the second novel from this author, but this is her American deut. Her first book, The Shadow Theif, was released in Australia.

I must say, I am more then happy to welcome her over here. The book sounds amazing, the cover is bee-u-tee-full and the trailer is just as great.

Here's a bit about her newest book.

Three angels are sent down to bring good to the world: Gabriel, the warrior; Ivy, the healer; and Bethany, a teenage girl who is the least experienced of the trio. But she is the most human, and when she is romantically drawn to a mortal boy, the angels fear she will not be strong enough to save anyone—especially herself—from the Dark Forces.

I'm loving the Angel theme going around. And I love reading how these amazing authors use it.

Now I am still having issues with my videos, so I will try to post it, but I will post a link to you can see it. Just go HERE.

No Mercy Book Trailer

2010-09-01T14:49:00.000-07:00

Long time, no see from me! But I am back, and will be back for good. I'll tell you why later. Until then, let's get down to some book trailers. First up is a book I have been waiting along time to read.

Due in stores September 7th, No Mercy is the latest book in Sherrilyn Kenyon's amazing Dark Hunter series.

"Live fast, fight hard and if you have to die then take as many of your enemies with you as you can. That is the Amazon credo and it was one Samia lived and died by. Now in contemporary New Orleans, the immortal Amazon warrior is about to learn that there's a worse evil coming to slaughter mankind than she's ever faced before....."

You can find the full book sysnopsis, reading order for the series, up coming releases and much more here. It's an awesom site, trust me. Now for the book trailer.

Enjoy!

And I seem to be having issues with this trailer, so until I can figure this out, you go watch the trailer here. Enjoy it!

Book Trailer - Burned by PC and Kristin Cast

2010-04-27T14:52:00.000-07:00

So, I'm sure you all think I've died or something, but I'm still alive. I've just been majorly busy. Moving into a new house and getting married takes up time, lol. I barely have time to read now a days but I try. And when I do I'm too busy to get on here and talk about it.

Until today that is. Today, I got an awesome e-mail and it's the perfect news to share.

"Things have turned black at the House of Night. Zoey Redbird’s soul has shattered. With everything she’s ever stood for falling apart, and a broken heart making her want to stay in the Otherworld forever, Zoey’s fading fast. It’s seeming more and more doubtful that she will be able pull herself back together in time to rejoin her friends and set the world to rights. As the only living person who can reach her, Stark must find a way to get to her. But how? He will have to die to do so, the Vampire High Council stipulates. And then Zoey will give up for sure. There are only 7 days left… "

Today I bring you the new book trailer for the 7th book of The House of Night series by PC and Kristin Cast!!

Before I give you the trailer, I'm gonna give you a link to download the song and a link to read the 1st chapter of the book. I know, I know, I'm making you wait for the good stuff, lol. But it's worth the wait. Promise.

Go here to download the song after you watch the trailer. If you like it of course, lol.
http://www.houseofnightseries.com/pages/downloads.html#songs

And here to read the 1st chapter!! I'm doing that in between writing this, lol. Multi-tasking!! Go me!
http://www.houseofnightseries.com/pages/burnedxrpt.html

Now before I post the trailer, I wanna add in that I was sent the same e-mail for Tempted. I was able to post the trailer and cover, like I am with this one. I want to thank the people at Zeitghost Media for including me in this. :)

Now here it is!!! Let's celebrate the release today!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kmJjEDZJkYc

Skimpy IMM

2010-01-27T22:59:00.000-08:00

So, I don't wanna do a full In My Mailbox, but I will list the books I got over X-Mas and in the New Year. Okay?

Fade by Lisa McMann (Signed. Won from Fallen Archangel.)
Wake by Lisa McMann (Signed. Won from Fallen Archangel.)
How to take the Ex out of Ex-Boyfriend by Janette Rallison (Signed. Won from Undercover Book Lover.)
Fame, Glory and Other Things on My To-Do List by Janette Rallison (Signed. Won from Undercover Book Lover.)
Born of Ice by Sherrilyn Kenyon (Brandy bought this for me.)
Tall, Dark and Fangsome by Michelle Rowen (Won from Froggarita's Bookshelf.)
Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaet Stohl (I think this was from my Secret Santa.)
Fallen by Lauren Kate (Ben bought this for me!)
Swoon by Nina Malkin (Signed by Nina w/ an X-Mas card. Thanks to The Book Butterfly!)
Percy Jackson and the Olympiams : The Lightening Theif by Rick Riordan (I bought this.)

I think that is it. The past few months were nice to me book-wise, lol.

2010 Book List

2010-01-27T22:54:00.000-08:00

Born of Night by Sherrilyn Kenyon

Stray by Rachel Vincent
Rouge by Rachel Vincent
Pride by Rachel Vincent
Shift by Rachel Vincent
Prey by Rachel Vincent

Lover Mine by JR Ward

The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting

Glass Houses by Rachel Caine
Dead Girls Dance by Rachel Caine
Midnight Alley by Rachel Caine

Finding the Lost by Shannon K. Butcher
Running Scared by Shannon K. Butcher

The Darkest Passion by Gena Showalter
The Darkest Lie by Gena Showalter

Heart of the Dragon by Gena Showalter

The Dead & The Gone by Susan Beth Pfeffer
Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer

Full Moon Rising by Keri Aurth

Shades of Midnight by Lara Adrian

Ectasy Unveiled by Larrisa Ione

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

Finalized 2009 Book List

2010-01-27T22:52:00.000-08:00

Yep, this is what I read. Don't ask me to count, please.

13 Reasons Why by Jay Asher
Gossip Girl (Gossip Girl Book 1) by Cecily Von Ziegesar
The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova
Looking For Alaska by John Green

The Hunger Games (Hunger Games #1) by Suzanne Collins
Catching Fire (Hunger Games #2) by Suzanne Collins

Graceling by Kristin Cashore
The Glass Books of the Dream Eaters by Gordon Dahlquist
The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield
I Heart You, You Haunt Me by Lisa Schroder
Impossible by Nany Werlin
The Da Vinci Code (Robert Langdon #2) by Dan Brown
Wake (Dream Catcher #1) by Lisa McMann
The Truth About Forever by Sarah Dessen
Dreamland by Sarah Dessen
Keeping The Moon by Sarah Dessen
Audrey, Wait! by Robin Benway
Evermore (The Immortals #1) by Alyson Noel
Tantalize by Cynthia Leitich Smith
The Chosen One by Carol Lynch Williams
My Fair Godmother by Janette Rallison
Night World No. 1: Secret Vampire; Daughters of Darkness;
Spellbinder by L.J. Smith
Generation Dead by Daniel Waters
Kiss of Life by Daniel Waters
Be Mine Tonight (The Brotherhood of Blood #1) by Kathryn Smith

City of Bones (Mortal Instruments #1)
City of Ashes (Mortal Instruments #2)
City of Glass by (Mortal Instruments #3) Cassandra Clare

Tithe: A Modern Faerie Tale (Book 1)
Valiant: A Modern Tale of Faery (Book 2)
Ironside: A Modern Faery's Tale (Book 3) by Holly Black

The Darkest Night (Lords of the Underworld #1)
The Darkest Kiss (Lords of the Underworld #2)
The Darkest Pleasure (Lords of the Underworld #3) by Gena Showalter

The Society of S (Socety of S #1)
The Year of Disappearances (Socety of S #2) by Suan Hubbard

Dark Lover (Black Dagger Brotherhood #1)
Lover Eternal (Black Dagger Brotherhood #2)
Lover Awakened (Black Dagger Brotherhood #3)
Lover Revealed (Black Dagger Brotherhood #4)
Love Unbound (Black Dagger Brotherhood #5)
Lover Enshrined (Black Dagger Brotherhood #6)
Lover Avenged (Black Dagger Brotherhood #7) by J.R. Ward
The Black Dagger Brotherhood: An Insider's Guide by J.R. Ward
Father Mine : Zsadist and Bella's Story by J.R Ward from Insider's Guide

Fantasy Lover (Dark-Hunter #1)
Night Pleasures (Dark-Hunter #3)
Dance With The Devil (Dark-Hunter #6)
Kiss of the Night (Dark-Hunter #7)
Night Play (Dark-Hunter #8)
Unleash the Night (Dark-Hunter #9)
Sieze The Night (Dark-Hunter #10)
Sins of the Night (Dark-Hunter #11)
Devil May Cry (Dark-Hunter #13)
Dark Side of the Moon (Dark-Hunter #14)
Fear The Darkness (Dark-Hunter #17)
The Dream-Hunter (Dark-Hunter #18)
Bad Moon Rising by Sherrilyn Kenyon (Dark Hunter #19)
Upon the Midnight Clear (Dark-Hunter #20)
Dream Chaser (Dark-Hunter #21)
Acheron (Dark-Hunter #22)
One Silent Night (Dark-Hunter #23)
Dream Warrior (Dark-Hunter #25) by Sherrilyn Kenyon
The Dark-Hunters Vol. 1 (manga) by Sherriyln Kenyon

Bound by Shadow (The Dark Crescent Sisterhood #1)
Bound by Flame (The Dark Crescent Sisterhood #2)
Bound by Light (The Dark Crescent Sisterhood #3) by Anna Windsor

A Great and Terrible Beauty (Gemma Doyle Trilogy #1)
Rebel Angels (Gemma Doyle Trilogy #2)
The Sweet Far Thing (Gemma Doyle Trilogy #3) by Libba Bray

Evernight (Evernight #1)
Stargazer (Evernight #2) by Claudia Gray

A Quick Bite (Argeneau #1)
Love Bites (Argeneau #2)
Single White Vampire (Argeneau #3)
Tall, Dark and Hungry (Argeneau #4)
A Bite To Remember (Argeneau #5)
Bite Me If You Can (Argeneau #6)
The Accidental Vampire (Argeneau #7)
Vampires are Forever (Argeneau #8)
Vampire, Interrupted (Argeneau #9) by Lynsay Sands

If Angels Burn (Darkyn #1)
Private Demon (Darkyn #2)
Dark Need (Darkyn #3)
Evermore (Darkyn #4)
Night Lost (Darkyn #5)
Twilight Fall (Darkyn #6) by Lynn Viehl

Marked (House of Night #1)
Betrayed (House of Night #2)
Chosen (House of Night #3)
Untamed (House of Night #4)
Hunted (House of Night #5) by P.C. and Kristin Cast

Blue Bloods (Blue Bloods #1)
Masquerade (Blue Bloods #2)
Revelations (Blue Bloods #3) by Melissa de la Cruz

Vampire Academy (Vampire Academy #1)
Frostbite (Vampire Academy #2)
Shadow Kiss (Vampire Acedmy #3)by Richelle Mead

A Hunger Like No Other (Immortals After Dark #1)
No Rest For The Wicked (Immortals After Dark #2)
Wicked Dees on a Winter's Night (Immortals After Dark #3)
Dark Needs at Night's Edge (Immortals After Dark #4)
Dark Desires After Dusk (Immortals After Dark #5)
Kiss of a Demon King (Immortals After Dark #6) by Kresley Cole

Over Hexed (Hex Series #1)
Wild & Hexy (Hex Series #2)
Casual Hex (Hex Series #3) by Vicki Lee Thompson

Wicked Lovely (Wicked Lovely #1)
Ink Exchange (Wicked Lovely #2)
Fragile Eternity (Wicked Lovely #3) by Melissa Marr

Kiss of Midnight (Midnight Breed #1)
Kiss of Crimson (Midnight Breed #2)
Midnight Awakening (Midnight Breed #3)
Midnight Rising (Midnight Breed #4)
Veil of Midnight (Midnight Breed #5)
Ashes of Midnight (Midnight Breed #6) by Lara Adrian

Darkfever (Fever #1)
BloodFever (Fever #2)
Faefever (Fever #3) by Karen Marie Moning

Crank by Ellen Hopkins
Impulse by Ellen Hopkins
The Vampire Diaries : The Awakening & The Struggle by L.J. Smith
The Vampire Diaries: The Fury & Dark Reunion by L.J. Smith
The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks by E. Lockhart
The Boyfriend List by E. Lockhart
Swoon by Nina Malkin
Patient Zero: A Joe Ledger Novel by Jonathan Mayberry

Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris (Sookie Stackhouse #1)
Living Dead in Dallas by Charlaine Harris (Sookie Stackhouse #2)
Club Dead by Charlaine Harris (Sookie Stackhouse #3)
Dead to the World by Charlaine Harris (Sookie Stackhouse #4)
Dead as a Doornail by Charlaine Harris (Sookie Stackhouse #5)

Slave to Sensation by Nalini Singh (Psy-Changling 1)
Visions of Heat by Nalini Singh (Psy-Changling 2)
Caressed By Ice (Psy-Changling #3) by Nalini Singh
Mine to Posess by Nalini Singh (Psy-Changling 4)
Beat of Temptation by Nalini Singh (Psy-Changling)

Die For Me by Karen Rose
Demon's Kiss by Maggie Shayne (Wings in the Night #13)

Undead and Unwed by MaryJanice Davidson (Undead #1)
Undead and Unemployed by MaryJanice Davidson (Undead #2)
Undead and Unappreciated by MaryJanice Davidson (Undead #3)
Undead and Unreturnable by MaryJanice Davidson (Undead #4)
Undead and Unpopular by MaryJanice Davidson (Undead #5)
Undead and Uneasy by MaryJanice Davidson (Undead #6)
Undead and Unworthy by MaryJanice Davidson (Undead #7)

Jacob (Nightwalkers #1) by Jacquelyn Frank
Elijah (Nightwalkers #3) by Jacquelyn Frank
Damien (Nightwalkers #4) by Jacquelyn Frank
Noah (Nightwalkers #5) by Jacquelyn Frank

Ecstacy (Shadowdwellers #3) by Jacquelyn Frank

To Tame a Highland Warrior by Karen Marie Moning (Highland #2)
The Immortal Highlander by Karen Marie Moning (Highland #6)

Shifter (Anthology) by Angela Knight, Lora Leigh, Virginia Kantra and Alyssa Day
Burning Alive (Sentinel Wars #1) by Shannon K. Butcher

--October 2009 Edit--
*Pleasure Unbound by Larissa Ione
*Desire Unchained by Larissa Ione
*Passion Unleashed by Larissa Ione
*Definitely Dead by Charlaine Harris
*The Summoning by Kelley Armstrong
*Wings by Aprilynne Pike
*Scent of Darkness by Christina Dodd
*Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick
*Touch of Darkness by Christina Dodd

--November 2008 Edit--
*Into the Shadow by Christina Dodd
**Into the Flame by Christina Dodd
**Rapture by Jacquelyn Frank
**Gideon by Jacquelyn Frank
**Spell of the Highlander by Karen Marie Moning
**Pleasure by Jacquelyn Frank
**The Darkest Whisper by Gena Showalter
**The Dark Highlander by Karen Marie Moning
**Blood Promise by Richelle Mead
**The Van Alen Legacy by Melissa de la Cruz

The bottom ones are ones that I need to review. I'll get to them soon. Promise. Somehow, I don't think I'll read this many in 2010, lol. But I'm switching out my 2009 list for my 2010 list at the top of the page. Sadly, January will only have like 3 books, lol.

New Awards and (Updated) Content

2010-01-27T21:53:00.000-08:00

Ok before we get to the Awards, I want to let you all know I updated my side-bars. I took down all the old stuff and either added new stuff or updated it. I no long have the Books In-Hand part over there >>>>> It is now Books In Line, which is the books that I will read next, or soon. Right now I have some good ones on there inclusing Fallen and Beautiful Creatures, both of which I've had for over a month and have yet to find the time to sit down and read! Ugh!
I'm also in the process of updating my Currently Reading area- which is a re-read of a Larissa Ione book to get refreshed for Ecstacy Unveiled. I'm needing to find February Releases, so let me know of any if you'd like. I also need tips on new contests to fill my Contests area.

I have also added an Awards spot, so you can see all the awards this blog has gotten. And speaking of awards...I have 3 to post about and give away!

Happy 101 from Jenn @ Book Crazy.
The rules are easy and they are to list 10 things that make me happy.

1) My friends, because they are always there for me, and always make me smile when I wanna frown or hit someone. :))
2) My God-son, because he can make me happy so fast that it gives me a headrush. I love this little boy to death, and am so HAPPY to have him in my life.
3) Books! Duh, because they help me keep my imagination fresh, and they give me places to escape to.
4) My animals, because they keep my company when I'm alone. And they warm my bed when my boyfriend isn't here, lol.
5) The beach, because it helps me relax when I am stressed.
6) Long, hot showers, *sighs* Do I really need to explain?
7) My family, because they always seem to keep me on my toes, lol.
8) Writing, because it's what I love.
9) Catching up with old friends makes me happy because I've lost touch with a lot, and when we catch up we remember those good times. I did that twice today and I'm still smiling.
10) Last but not least- My boyfriend, Ben. He makes me extremely happy for many, many reasons. I'm not only happy to have him in my life, but blessed to have him love and blessed to be able to love him. :))

The Humane Award from Jenn @ Book Crazy

The Splash Award from Jenn @ Book Crazy
This is, apparently, given to alluring, amusing, bewitching, impressive, and inspiring blogs. I feel honored to get this if it's true, lol.
Rules are:
Put the logo on your blog/post.
Nominate link up to 9 blogs that you pick for this award.
Let them know that they have been splashed.
Remember to link the person that nominated and awarded you.

Well, I got the first rule covered with this post.
I already covered the last one. Jenn gave this to me, and her link is above the Award photo.
Now for the 9 bloggers/blogs who will get not just this award, but all of them!

A Buckeye Girl Reads
Parajunkee
What Book Is That?
Lauren's Crammed Bookshelf
Bookish In A Box
ThroughTheHaze Reads
Michelle's Book Shelf
Bookworming in the 21st Century
Books Obession

Fade Winner!

2010-01-27T21:29:00.000-08:00

I'm still neglecting my blog, but I can't help it. Work sucks! Lol.

I didn't forget about my contest though. I'm shocked that I didn't, but I remembered. I mean, I did have an alrm set on my phone for like 2am on the 26th, but I fell asleep after it went off, and usually I'd forget again, lol.

Sadly, I didn't get to 100 followers, but I did get more entries than I thought I did, which tickles me to death. I thought it would bomb with like 2 entries, but I got a few more than that. However, that does mean that the lucky winner of this contest does not get Gone by default.

So now for the winner, who I have already contacted, and will hopefully get back to me soon or else I'll go to the second in line.

The winner is.....*drum roll*

A Buckeye Girl Reads

Her entry was chosen at random by some rnadom number generator I found online, lol. If she does not contact me soon, I already have the second place winner chosen, and will contact them and announce them as the winner when they contact me.

So congrats to the winner, and everyone look out for a few more posts from me over the weekend. I'm hoping to post about another contest, maybe post a few reviews, start my 2010 Book List, finalize my 2009 Book List and do a very long, but update list of books that I got recently. Oh, and I got awards. I need to post about those, too!

My First Ever Contest :: Fade by Lisa McMann

2009-12-26T09:01:00.000-08:00

1st :: I sincerely hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas. I sure did. It was my best one in a loooong time. I also hope everyone was safe, and will keep being safe on into the New Year. You know how people get this time of year.

2nd :: I have a MAJOR In My Mailbox to do tomorrow, lol. Loads of books in for me since my last IMM, and most came this past week! Yay!

3rd :: It's time for my official contest annoucement. It's my first ever contest, and I hope it does somewhat good. Lol.

Here's the deal.

The contest starts today, Dec. 26th 2009. You will enter to get a chance to be the ONE person to win ONE copy of Fade by Lisa McMann. This copy of Fade is brand new! I haven't read it, opened it or anything.

Can't you smell it now? The clean, crisp, untouched pages? *sighs dreamily*

Anywho, the contest will end one month from now, Jan. 26th 2010. Just TWO weeks before the third book in the series, Gone, comes out. I will announce the winner at least two days after the contest is over. So check your e-mails and the blog around Jan. 28th or so.

Now, there's more.

If, by chance, I manage to get 100 followers by Jan. 26th, the winner of Fade will also get a copy of Gone when it comes out. If I get 150 followers by Feb, 9th -the release date of Gone- one more person will win the sencond copy of Gone.

So, get 100 followers by Jan 26th, and one lucky winner gets Fade AND Gone. Get 150 by Feb. 9th, one lucky winner will a copy of Gone.

Sound good?

Now, let me make sure you get this.

If I don't have 100 followers by Jan. 26th, the winner of Fade won't win Gone, and the 2nd copy won't be up for grabs. :( BUT if I do get 100 by the 16th, and I get 150 by Feb. 9th I will choose one person from my 150 followers and give them Gone. BUT if I don't have 150 by that day, no one will get the 2nd copy. :(

And remember, I have to wait until Gone comes out to send it to you. So to the future winner of Gone, you'll have to wait at least two weeks for you copy of Gone.

Anywho, back to the Fade contest. It starts now, and it ends January 26th. Look below to see how to enter this contest.

To enter ::
Leave a comment with your name, e-mail and something that tells me that you really want this book.

That's it! Easy peasy!

BUT you can get extra entries ::
+3 for already being a follower
+1 for becoming a follower after this post
+2 for Tweeting, Facebooking or MySpacing about this contest, lol. Each gets +2 points, BTW, but you MUST leave links.
+3 for posting about this on your blog- whether it be an actual post or just on your sidebar. Links are also needed here.
+2 for following me on Twitter, either my personal or blogging account.
AND the biggest one of them all...
+5 for having the Gone countdown on your sidebar. I have it one mine, and you can get it on yours.

You can get LOADS for entries here, peeps! Seriously!

Now, if you do not feel comfortable posting your e-mail address, you can e-mail me at brttmclv(AT)aol(DOT)com. I hate to do it, but this contest is only for US residents. I'm kinda broke. :(

So breakdown:
Starts now.
Ends Jan. 26th 2010.
One copy of Fade.
One winner.
One way to enter.
Loads of ways to get extra.
A chance to win Gone.
And a chance to jump start my second contest.

I think this sounds good. Oh, and to follow me on Twitter ::

Personal - @brttmclv
Blog - @UltimateDumpees

Now enter, shout about it, and make me happy. Please? :) Oh, and if you have any questions just ask here or e-mail me.

Teaser Tuesday

2009-12-22T09:27:00.000-08:00

Again, I've been slacking. I'm sorry. Real life drama happened. So did Christmas...and sadly, it's still not over. Lol. Shopping, shopping, shopping.

I loathe shopping now.

But I have good news on my return to my poorly neglected blog. I have a weekly feature to post and...*gasp* a contest annoucement?

Yes, I do.

First let's do Teaser Tuesday.

I am currently reading ::

Fade by Lisa McMann

Study hall is quiet. Janie only gets sucked into one dream, and it's a weak one. Not a nightmare. When she realizes it's a sex fantasy between two fellow seniors she really doens't want to see naked, she doesn't stick around. She pulls herself out of it.

Smiles triumphantly.

Lol, seriously that was what I flipped to randomly. I swear.

So now for my contest annoucement.

This is not the official post for it. I will post that next week, so keep your eyes opened, but this is what I'm planning on doing.

I have two copies of Fade. I won one along with a copy of Wake, and I bought one about a month ago. The one I bought has coffee stains on it, so that is SO not the one I'm going to give away, lol. But I am going to give away my second copy of Fade.

Why?

Well, I really want to have my own contest and I don't want two copies, even if one has a stain on it. Also because in less than 50 days Gone, the 3rd book in the series, will be coming out.

Now my contest won't be going on for 50 days, but if I manage to get at least 100 followers by the end of my contest, and at least 150 by the release date of Gone - Feb, 9th 2010, I will buy two copies of Gone- the winner of Fade will get one copy, and I will hold another contest starting the release date for the second copy.

Sound good? Maybe? It sounds good to me!

Like I said this is NOT the official post for the contest. I will post that soon though. I said next week but I might get too excited and do it tomorrow, lol. I do wanna try to wait until after Christmas is over though.

So look out for the post and it will have all the details on the contest.

Major Update!

2009-12-06T10:40:00.000-08:00

Once again, I've slacked off. I didn't do a Teaser Tuesday or a Waiting on Wednesday. My bad. I've been busy. But I'm doing 3 weekly features in one today. Then I swear I will keep up from now on. Maybe even get some reviews done.

Maybe. Lol.

Teaser ::

I am currently reading -

All Together Dead by Charlaine Harris.

"We have to wake them up," I said. "We have to get them out."

"The building's going to blow up," said Barry, trying to process the idea.

"The vamps won't wake up." Cecile the practical. "They can't."

Waiting On ::
Radiant Shadows by Melissa Marr

April 20th 2010

Hunger for nourishment.
Hunger for touch.
Hunger to belong.

Half-human and half-faery, Ani is driven by her hungers.

Those same appetites also attract powerful enemies and uncertain allies, including Devlin. He was created as an assassin and is brother to the faeries’ coolly logical High Queen and to her chaotic twin, the embodiment of War. Devlin wants to keep Ani safe from his sisters, knowing that if he fails, he will be the instrument of Ani’s death.

Ani isn’t one to be guarded while others fight battles for her, though. She has the courage to protect herself and the ability to alter Devlin’s plans—and his life. The two are drawn together, each with reason to fear the other and to fear for one another. But as they grow closer, a larger threat imperils the whole of Faerie. Will saving the faery realm mean losing each other?

I really cannot wait to read this book. It's the 4th book in the series, and sadly, I didn't know it exsisted until recently. Not only does the cover look amazing (Like all the others) but it sounds really, really good. Judging by what she's done in the past, it's sure to be a good read.

In My Mailbox ::

I got 3 books this week. All I bought. Two literally came in my mailbox and the other I bought at a book store.

Dark Lover by J.R. Ward
Kissed by an Angel by Elizabeth Chandler
Finding the Lost by Shannon k. Butcher

I've read Dark Lover, but have been wanting to read it for a while. I've been wanting to read Kissed by an Angel, so I bought it. And Finding the Lost is the second book in my new fave series. It just came out in November, and I'm WAY super excited to read it.

FYI- In My Mailbox was started by Kristi from The Story Siren.

In My Mailbox :: Sooo late!

2009-12-01T07:51:00.000-08:00

This is another sooo late weekly featurette thingy, lol. But I've had RL problems. It's all settled, and hopefully I'll be able to post up some over-due book reviews today!

I got six books this week. Woo-hoo! I bought 3 on Black Friday and got 3 as e-books from Barnes and Nobel. Haven't started those yet, but I will.

City of Bones (paperback) by Cassandra Clare

Born of Night (paperback) by Sherrilyn Kenyon
Born of Fire (paperback) by Sherrilyn Kenyon

My Soul To Lose (eBook) by Rachel Vincent
Kiss Me Deadly (eBook) by Michele Hauf
A Kiss of Shadows (eBook) by Laurell K. Hamilton

I want everyone to know that I am very proud of these books, minus CoB. I have a bad habit of buying books that I've already read, instead of ones that I haven't read. But I have yet to read any of these books, except C0B. I just wanted that one, lol. So, I am very proud of myself and my purchaces.

And I have yet to try the eReader, but I'm hoping it won't confuse me to death.

FYI II- In My Mailbox was started by Kristi from The Story Siren.

Contests

2009-11-29T09:02:00.001-08:00

Ending Dec. 25th - Major Holiday Blowout from The Bloody Bookaholic. Seriously, there are a billion prizes. Go enter now, and put my name for recommending you, please! I'll get an extra entry, and then you all might get a chance to win something from my upcoming contest.*winkwink*

Eding Nov. 30th - Major contest over at A Book Lover's Diary. There will be 4 winners, and there are some amazing books up for grabs. Go enter here!

Teaser Thursday!

2009-11-26T18:18:00.000-08:00

I promised I would posted a Teaser today being that I missed Tuesday. It really did disappear.

So, for one time only, here is Teaser Thursday!

Twenty Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler

"Where are your clothes from this moring?" Jayne asks, eyeing us suspiciously.

Why do mother always notice things? Unlce Red's just sitting there with his tea, holding his cards, patiently waiting for Aunt Jayne to get her head back in the game. But Jayne's on to us. Any minute now, she'll cluck her tongue, let out a long sigh, and pick up the phone to call my mother and remind her what a horrible daughter she raised.

So the rules say to post two sentences from a random page, but that last paragraph was too cool, and soo very true.

I actually haven't started reading this yet, lol. I finished The Van Alen Legacy last night and was going to start 20BS this morning, but it was Turkey Day, and I was distracted by food and NaNoWriMo.

Swoon: The Story of the Reading of...

2009-11-26T17:42:00.000-08:00

Guess what folks, I got to talk to Sin from the mega awesome book Swoon! Dice was there, too, but my question was for Sin, and he graciously answered it for me!

The Book Butterfly had Sin and Dice answer a few questions for their very loyal fans, and let me tell you, this was one awesome interview! The questions were great, as were the answers. Head on over there to read my question, Sin's answer and the others. I promise you it is worth it!

Oh, yeah did I mention that there is a contest going on for the book, too? Yep, so you can possibly win this awesome book, too! The contest ends on the 17th of December, and mor einfo can be found at the end of the Interview with Sin and Dice!

GO HERE **BEWARE THERE MIGHT BE SPOILERS IN THE INTERVIEW**

Now while we're on the subject of this book, I want to share a story with you. It's the story of the day I read this lovely book.

I read Swoon when I was moving this past summer. We didn't move far, but it's a bit out in the country, lol. Anyways, I had to get up super early (on a Saturday morning) to be at the house for when the cable/inernet guy showed up.

You all know how they are- "We'll be there between 7am and 12pm."

My mother made me get there at 7:20am, and the guy got there at 12:15pm!

Luckily, I had Swoon with me. I sat down in the empty house, in the middle of the floor, and started reading. I took a few breaks to get comfy on the floor, turn the plug in radio on, and go to the store to get a drink, but that was it. I was severly engrossed in this book by page one. Even when my butt started to hurt from the floor, I didn't move until I was in near tears from it! I couldn't take my eyes off the pages.

Now, I was still reading when the cable/internet guy got to the house. And boy, this guy was way hot! And he tried flirting with me! Tried being the key word. I was too far gone into my book to flirt baclk. He tried so hard, but I just could not find the time to put this book down and flirt with him. Which was a good thing because I have a boyfriend, lol. But still Swoon caught me, held me and didn't let me go at all!

So, I want to tell you all this: If you HAVE NOT read this book yet, go read it NOW! Right now! Seriously. This is the best book you'll read in a while.

I mean, who doesn't want to read about a bad boy named Sin?

Contests = Awesome!

2009-11-26T12:26:00.000-08:00

Two contests...from the same blog. Yep, that's right. Today's contests are from A Passion for Books. Casey is having a contest for Fallen by Lauren Kate, and a contest for her 200 followers mark, where you get to choose your own book from The Book Depository.

Contest for Fallen :: Ends Nov. 29th

200 Follower Contest :: Ends Dec. 31st

Now go on over and enter both before they end!

2010 Debut Author Challenge

2009-11-26T09:17:00.000-08:00

So, most of you may already know about the 2010 Debut Author Challenge that The Story Siren started, but I just now gathered my list! Yep, I'm getting in on the action. I'm set to read at least 15 books, but that list may go up.

Go to this post to sign up and this post to see what it's all about!

Here's some info straight from the post::

What is the 2010 Debut Author Challenge?

The objective is to read a set number of YA (Young Adult) or MG (Middle Grade) novels from debut authors published this year.* I'm going to challenge everyone to read at least 12 debut novels! I’m hoping to read at least 30! You don’t have to list your choices right away, but if you do feel free to change them throughout the year. I will also be focusing on mostly Young Adult novels.

Anyone can join, you don’t need a blog to participate. If you don’t have a blog you can always share your views by posting a review on Amazon.com/BarnesandNoble.com/GoodReads/Shelfari, or any other bookish site.

The challenge will run from January 1, 2010- December 31, 2010. You can join at anytime! * I would like to limit the novels to those released in 2010.You’ll have to do all the research to make sure a novel meets the criteria for the challenge. I do have a few sites that can help with your search; 2010: A Book Odyssey, AuthorsNow & The Class of 2k10 (website to be launched).

Got it? It's easy, huh?

Now here's my list so far:
The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting
Sea by Heidi R. Kling
The Mark by Jen Nadol
All Unquiet Things by Anna Jarzab
The Secret Year by Jennifer Hubbard
Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver
The Line by Teri Hall
Harmonic Feedback by Tara Kelly
Bleeding Violet by Dia Reeves
A Match Made in High School by Kristin Walker
Shadow Hills by Anastacia Hopcus
Brightly Woven by Alexandra Bracken
Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins
Palace Beautiful by Sarah Deford Williams
Guardian of the Dead by Karen Healey

Two In One!

2009-11-26T07:54:00.000-08:00

First off, to all of the USA residents ::

Happy Thanksgiving!

I hope you all have a very happy Turkey Day with your loved ones, and eat lots of Turkey and/or Tofurkey. No, I would never forget the vegetarians of the world. I do hope that you all remember what this day is about, and be sure to give thanks to all that you have in life, because no matter how little you have, it's more than some others have.

I am certainly thankful to have such a great family and close friends in my life to keep me sane and grounded. I'm also thankful to have a job in this hard time. I'm also very thankful to all the years I got to spend with my grandmother before she passed.

And books. I am so grateful to have books, otherwise I'd be majorly bored all the time.

Now onto the second part of this post ::

I'm on a blog...and not my own, lol.

Just Your Typical Book Blog has this awesome weekly post thingy called Rock This! Thursday and, though Amber has been neglecting it, she's started it up again. She's been sending questions to other bloggers about their fave songs, bands and books about music the past few days. Her first post was today, and guess what? I was lucky number one.

Go check out Rock This! Thursday with Me- The Ultimate Dumpees. :)

Also, it's on my sidebar and I already psoted about it, but there is an awesome contest going on over there. So check that out, too!

Waiting on Wednesday

2009-11-25T10:01:00.000-08:00

The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting

Violet Ambrose is grappling with two major issues: Jay Heaton and her morbid secret ability. While the sixteen-year-old is confused by her new feelings for her best friend since childhood, she is more disturbed by her “power” to sense dead bodies—or at least those that have been murdered. Since she was a little girl, she has felt the echoes the dead leave behind in the world . . . and the imprints that attach to their killers.

Violet has never considered her strange talent to be a gift; it mostly just led her to find dead birds her cat had tired of playing with. But now that a serial killer has begun terrorizing her small town, and the echoes of the local girls he’s claimed haunt her daily, she realizes she might be the only person who can stop him.

Despite his fierce protectiveness over her, Jay reluctantly agrees to help Violet on her quest to find the murderer—and Violet is unnerved to find herself hoping that Jay’s intentions are much more than friendly. But even as she’s falling intensely in love, Violet is getting closer and closer to discovering a killer . . . and becoming his prey herself.

An online friend told me about this book last night, and in like 10 words she summarized it, and made me extremely anxious to read it. She's already read it because she's lucky enough to managed a bookstore. She's always got the best book recommendations, and I sincerely thank her for this one!

The Body Finder comes out March 16th, 2010.

**Quick note :: I know I missed Teaser Tuesday, but I will do that tomorrow have a one time Teaser Thursday, lol. I'm still working on some reviews, too. Most are Adult Novel reviews but I managed to fit in a few YA Novels lately, so I'll add those first! Also I have been updating my 2009 Book List,a nd my Upcoming Reviews list.

Two Awesome Contests!

2009-11-17T17:26:00.001-08:00

Today I have two awesome contests. One is awesome because it's from an author that most of you may know of. The other is awesome because it's from a blog that two friends of mine work.

First- Happy Holiday Swag from Michelle Zink!! Yep, the author of The Prophecy of the Sister's is holding a massive contest for a massive amount of stuff, lol. Go on over to her site to check it out and see what you could win. It ends November 30th.

Last but not least- 300 Followers Contest from Just Your Typical Book Blog! Amber and Cheryl run this fabulous blog, and they have reached 300 followers. Go on over and see what you can do to win. You'll love it there, I swear!! This also ends on the 30th of November.

Into the Shadow Review

2009-11-17T14:43:00.000-08:00

Into the Shadow by Christina Dodd

Blessed—or cursed—with the ability to change into a sleek panther, and driven by a dark soul he’s accepted as his fate, Adrik Wilder abandons his family and his honor to pursue a life of wickedness. He excels at every vice, including kidnapping Karen Sonnet to use for his selfish purposes.

But Karen’s spirit and passion make him question the force of his family’s curse. And when a new evil emerges, Adrik must choose whether to enact revenge on his enemies and redeem his soul, or save Karen from a fate worse than death…

My Thoughts:
This was my fave book of the series! Everyone loves the bad boy. Everyone loves teh rebel. And Adrik is the rebel, bad boy. He's been gone from his family for years and at the end of the last book *START SLIGHT SPOILERS* it was announced that Adrik Wilder had died.

But he's not. *END SPOILERS*

Adrik is very much alive and is as feirce as ever. I really can't tryo to begin to tell you about this books because I know I'll get too excited and ruin it for those who haven't read it. That's how good it is. I feel like jumping up and down while telling all the juicy tid bits of the book, but I cannot do that, lol.

All I can say is that you all need to read this book. Read the series and read this book. It is fantastic.

Touch of Darkness Review

2009-11-17T13:31:00.000-08:00

Touch of Darkness by Christina Dodd

The second book in the Darkness Chosen series follows middle brother Rurik Wilder. It all takes place after his oldest brother finds love and the first of four icons that will save their father from Hell and their family from the curse that has haunted them for centuries. He is an acrcheologist, a scarred former Air Force Pilot and, when he gives into his innder self, a fierce bird of prey.

He's also falling in love with a woman who holds a deep secret of her own.

Tasya Hunnicutt is a journalist who has followed Rurik on many digs not because she loves the history of his finds, but for her own reasons. Her family was murdered by a cruel family and she wants revenge. She wants to expose them and weaken them. But these murderes are not your average day Joe's. These men, this family holds a power within that makes them more than human.

My Thoughts:

I loved this book. I think archeology is the coolest thing, so the fact that Rurik was an archeologist made it much better for me, which says something because the book was fantastic by itself.

There was so much to this book besides the romance and the Varinski's. We learned a lot about Tasya's family and her culture, and we learned more about Rurik's horrible past. Of course, it had a semi-happy ending, but this book by far had one of the best adventures of the whole series.

In My Mailbox :: 11/16/2009

2009-11-16T20:25:00.000-08:00

Sorry this is late, but I was busy yesterday. So here is my In My Mailbox!

I got three books this week. Two from the library, and one in the mail.

From the library:

Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger

All Together Dead by Charlaine Harris

In the mail:
Touched by a Vampire by Beth Felker Jones
(No idea where this came from, or why I got it. I think it's from a Christian publishing company, though.)

FYI II- In My Mailbox was started by Kristi from The Story Siren.

Photos from a Sad Sunday

2009-11-16T08:44:00.000-08:00

Most of you may know that I like graphic art. I love editing photos and adding things to them to make graphics. But I also love taking pictures. Yesterday was the 3rd year mark of my grandmother's passing and my family got together at the river to spread her ashes.

I forgot my camera, so all I had was my cell phone to take photos with. I was annoyed at first, and then I got home with these pictures, and changed my mind. On my phone I have settings where you can change the lighting of the picture in case you are inside, outside, in flourescent, and yadda yadda. I used different settings to take the different pictures, and this is what I got.

Chat with Drew Doyon, the cover model for Hush, Hush

2009-11-15T08:36:00.000-08:00

HEy Hush, Hush fans, this is your lucky day. If you follow @HushHushFan on Twitter or are on the Hush, Hush fanforum, you know what I am talking about.

If not, listen closley.

All week long Fallen Archangel and their forum have been having a blast with Cover Week for Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpartick. They've been giving away prizes like bookmarks, posters and a couple more books. They've talked to James Porto- the photographer, they talked to Becca, they talked to the Senior Designer, Lucy Cummins from Simon and Schuster and they talked to the cover boy himself, Drew Doyon.

And tonight at 10pm EST they are having a LIVE chat with him! Yes, he graciously agreed to be apart of their first ever live chat. The chat will take place on the site itself, under the tab LIVE CHAT.

The catch? It's only for forum members. Only the members will be given the username and passcodes to get into the chat. The info will be given on the forum itself a few hours before the chat. So if you want the chance to talk to Drew, ask him questions...go join the forum! It's a fun place, I promise!

Intertwined Sweepstakes

2009-11-14T22:07:00.001-08:00

Contest!

2009-11-11T09:07:00.000-08:00

Rex Robot Reviews is having their first contest! There will be at least 3 winners, so go on over and enter for your chance to win!

Enter Here

Secret Santa

2009-11-11T08:42:00.001-08:00

Here's an amazing idea- Secret Santa for Book Bloggers. Sounds fun, huh? Let me explain a little.

Sign up before December 1st to get put on the list. You need to give your name, address, blog URL and a list of 10-15 books that you'd like to have.

You will be paired with another blogger. You will receive their info around the 10th of December. You will pick one book from their list and mail it to them by the 17th.

You have to e-mail Books Obsession when you send it out, and when you get your own gift.

The book, or books, you send out must be new or gently used.

Sound good? Well, you can go here to read more into and fill out the forum to join.

Yes, I did join myself. :)

*Credit for this idea goes to Kate.

Cover for Spells by Aprilynne Pike

2009-11-10T19:47:00.000-08:00

*sighs* Isn't it pretty?

No! It's gorgeous! It's amazing, and it's perfect. I love it. I know you love it, too. What's not to love? Aprilynne graciously officaly posted it on her blog and everyone is freaking...in a good way. What's bad to freak out about with a cover this good? Huh? NOTHING!

Oh, here's her blog, Apparently Aprilynne! If you aren't following her, do so now. Like right now. *big grin*

Teaser Tuesday :: The Cupcake Queen

2009-11-10T07:39:00.000-08:00

FYI:

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

-Grab your current read.

-Open to a random page.

-Share two “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page.

-BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

-Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

I am currently reading The Cupcake Queen by Heather Helper. It's pretty good so far. I love me some cupcakes, so it kinda sucks reading it and not having any around. Ya know? Torture.

Here ya go ::

"That's pretty much my life during third period. Running errands. Developing candy-based theories about the people's personalities."

Suddenly, picking a flavor seems to hold a lot of weight. I decide on grape, my favorite.

I am only like 20 pages in and have yet to meet the person who is genuis enough to make said candy-based theories, but I'm excited to read more and see if my fave candy flavor is mentioned.

Contests!!

2009-11-09T20:54:00.000-08:00

Here are a few. I figured I'd post a few at once instead of filling up my blog with post after post of contests, lol.

And Anything Bookish is having a great contest! If you win, you can get quite a few books. Go here for more info. It ends on Nov. 17th.

A Book Lover's Diary is also having a great giveaway! There will be four winners and they get to choose from a wide assortment of books. Go here for more info. It ends on Nov. 30th.

The Undercover Book Lover (Not Really) is having another contest. You could win a signed copy of A Map of the Known World! Go here for more inot. It ends on Nov. 14th.

Froggaritaville's Bookcase is giving away a copy of Hold Still. Go here for more info. It ends on Nov. 20th.

In My Mailbox :: 11/08/2009

2009-11-08T15:52:00.000-08:00

So this is from the past two weeks, and not one.

From the library:

Twenty Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler

The Van Alen Legacy by Melissa de la Cruz

Blood Promise by Richelle Mead

From a friend:

Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

Night World No. 2 by L.J. Smith

Bought/won/traded:
exit here. by Jason Myers

Jacob by Jacquelyn Frank

Elijah by Jacquelyn Frank

Fantasy Lover by Sherrilyn Kenyon

Guilty Pleasures by Laurell K. Hamilton

The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova

Funny story about Shiver and Hush, Hush- Amber from Just Your Typical Book Blog sent those to me at the end of September. I got them at the end of October....

Yeah. The USPS was getting all kinds of hate from the two of us, lol. Also, I had already had a copy of Hush, Hush sent to me that I could keep. But at least, I got them and will send them back when I read Shiver. Thanks, Amber!

Has anyone read The Historian? I read it earlier this year. and it is amazing. I should write a review for it soon.

FYI II- In My Mailbox was started by Kristi from The Story Siren.

Update :: 11/08/2009

2009-11-08T15:18:00.000-08:00

As some may know, I've been without the internet for a while. I also got sick with the Swine Flu and a severe sinus infection. This has kept me pretty much glued to my bed, lol. But I am gettign better, my internet is back on and there will be a few updates tonight.

I have updated the November Book Releases. There are not a lot yet, but if you have any to share, let me know by commening on this post!

I have a major In My Mailbox to do before I head to bed tonight, as well.

Also at least 3 reviews are coming. I cannot recall what all books there are, but there are at least 3 coming soon.

Lastly, I need to update my 2009 Book list and update my Currently Reading. I will also do that tonight.

Oh, this is the last thing: I'm scouting for contests! If you know any, let me know and that will save me a few. My list is getting low and I need to get it not-low again, lol.

I am extremely happy to see that I have more members than I had last time I checked. That makes me happy. And guess what? Now that I have a job, I can start giving away my own books. Heck, I've gotten a few in my mailbox latley and I might give one of those away. You never know!

Well, that's it for now. I'm going to start updating my lists and typing my reviews.

Review :: Scent of Darkness

2009-10-29T11:20:00.000-07:00

Scent of Darkness by Christina Dodd

Ann Smith loves her handsome, dynamic boss, Jasha Wilder, but her daring plan to seduce him goes awry when she encounters a powerful wolf who-before her horrified eyes-changes into the man she adores. She soon discovers she can't escape her destiny, for she is the woman fated to break the curse that binds his soul.

I know when most people think of an Adult Romance Novel, they think of raunchy sex scenes. That's not it. I love a good steamy scene, but I like the stories behind it too. I love the action and the true romance. With that romance, I like the reailty kind of romance. I hate reading a book where the couple falls head over heels in love for no apparent reason. That's a buzz kill.

Scent of Darkness is my type of adult romance novel. Ann doesn't give into Jasha's love plea even though she's loved him for years. She gets a backbone and makes him earn it. He earns it, of course, but I loved the novel long fight for her love. It's amazing.

Plus, this book has a major plot. The people have a history and Chritina Dodd makes sure you know what you should know.

The action was great. The romance was real. And the book was nearly perfect. I can't wait to read the rest of this series.

Review :: The Summoning

2009-10-29T11:08:00.000-07:00

The Summoning by Kelley Armstrong

Chloe Saunders sees dead people. Yes, like in the films. The problem is, in real life saying you see ghosts gets you a one-way ticket to the psych ward. And at 15, all Chloe wants to do is fit in at school and maybe get a boy to notice her. But when a particularly violent ghost haunts her, she gets noticed for all the wrong reasons. Her seemingly crazed behaviour earns her a trip to Lyle House, a centre for 'disturbed teens'. At first Chloe is determined to keep her head down. But then her room mate disappears after confessing she has a poltergeist, and some of the other patients also seem to be manifesting paranormal behaviour. Could that be a coincidence? Or is Lyle House not quite what it seems...? Chloe realizes that if she doesn't uncover the truth, she could be destined for a lifetime in a psychiatric hospital. Or could her fate be even worse...? Can she trust her fellow students, and does she dare reveal her dark secret?

I started reading this right when I got my job and I found it hard to find the time to read. I almost, almost put this book down and decided to not read it but a friend of mine kept telling me it was a good read. So I picked it up one night...and read it all. I was so tired at work the next day but I could not stop talking about this book.

Thanks to me Toni and Lindsey will be reading this, lol.

This book was spectacular! The thing I loved the most is how well written and well hidden the mystery was. I could not for the life of me guess what was going on or who was behind it. I never would have guessed the big secret and the big shocker. I loved that the most. I hate books that are so easy to guess about. The Summoning is not one of those books.

I really cannot wait to read The Awakening. This book left with a cliffy and I'm itching to pick up the sequel. Luckily, I have it in my hands and I will read it soon.

** I know this review is kind of slack but I'm rushing to get ready for work, lol. I'll update it later with a good review.

Teaser Tuesday // Update

2009-10-27T14:06:00.000-07:00

**So my internet is cut off for right now but I'll have it back on soon. Until then I'm steadily going to the library and my boyfriend's house. Just wanted to let everyone know what was going on!

Now, I am still reading The Summoning by Kelley Armstrong but I forgot it at the house! So today's Teaser Tuesday will be coming from ::

Scent of Darkness by Christina Dodd. I started reading this book this morning and so far, so good.

"Sarcastic?"
No. Disapproving. Like a nun."

Ann sat up stiffly. "I am no a nun."

He smiled. "I noticed."

I know most of my followers are probably YA readers but this one is from an Adult Romance novel. I love both generes, lol.

Honest Scrap Award

2009-10-22T21:47:00.000-07:00

Yeah, uh huh, I got one! Go me!

Really, I got an award from B.A.M Book Reviews. Thanks so much ladies!

The Honest Scrap award is for bloggers who write from the heart. -I try, I swear.- The rules are to apss it on to 10 bloggers who you feel write from the heart as well. -Let's see if I know 10 bloggers well enough to know how they write, lol.- Then you write 10 honest thing about yourself. -Uh oh.-

10 Honest Book Boggers:

Just Your Typical Book Blog

LiyanaLand!

Sophistikatied Reviews

Bookworming in the 21st Century

Penultimate Page

Reverie Book Reviews (who's won it already but I want to mention her blog anyways.)

10 Honest Things About Me:

1.) I love olives and pickles...together. Yummy!

2.) I love the person who invented Chicken Teriyaki.

3.) I'd rather go to my fave take out place than a fancy restaurants most nights.

4.) I hate my job and I've only worked there for 2 days!

5.) I'm not all that fond of chocolate.

6.) I lie about my height on occasion. I don't like people to know I'm 5'2".

7.) I tell my boyfriend I hate his music and secretly listen to it when he's not around.

8.) I love Spongebob Squarepants.

9.) I love iCarly. Sam is hilarious.

10.) I'm a book nerd, and I'm not afraid to admit it.

In My Mailbox :: 10/22/2009

2009-10-22T21:37:00.000-07:00

Obviously, it's not the picture I took but I'm dog tired and I don't think I can take a photo right now, lol. But this is what I got in the mail today.

Ecstacy by Jacquelyn Frank

I've read it and it was recently, but it was so good I had to buy it. So I did and it's here now. Yay! Look for a review for this when I get the time to re-read it.

FYI- Starting next week I'll post one IMM a week. I'll post a what I got through the week every Sunday. I doubt I'll post this Sunday but who knows, lol. If I get something, I'll post. If not, wait until next Sunday.

FYI II- In My Mailbox was started by Kristi from The Story Siren.

Review: Wings by Aprilynne Pike

2009-10-22T21:17:00.000-07:00

Wings by Aprilynne Pike

Summary:

Laurel was mesmerized, staring at the pale things with wide eyes. They were terrifyingly beautiful—too beautiful for words.

Laurel turned to the mirror again, her eyes on the hovering petals that floated beside her head. They looked almost like wings.

In this extraordinary tale of magic and intrigue, romance and danger, everything you thought you knew about faeries will be changed forever.

My thoughts:

Though the book started off kind of slow for me, I really enjoyed this book. It's a faery book, but it's a different kind of faery. Most faery books poke fun at the myths humans have about them, but this book pokes fun at those books who say they have it right. -I'll be shocked if anyone understands what I mean.- But this was an amazing books. It was really unique. The imagery that Pike conveyed was something that you'd only ever seen in your dreams. The way she describes the things the things she does, it's great.

I don't want to give away too many spoilers and secrets but one thing that I loved the most in this book was the way these faeries reproduced, lol. That might sound kinky or weird, but when you read the book and find out what kind of faeries these are you'll see what I mean. The whole thing is just...perfect. I never would have combined the two things that she did combine. Again, you'll understand what I mean when you read it.

And the romance(s). *winkwink* It's almost like The Hunger Games and Catching Fire, lol. I'm not sure if I'm Team Tamani or Team David. I'm torn but there is definitely some super romance in the book. Lots of tension. It's great. Can't wait to read about that in the sequel.

Overall this book was incredible. I'd recommend it to all faery lovers. I'd recommend it to all YA lovers, too. It's a great combination and a 5 start book. I cannot wait to read the second in this series.

Memorable Quote(s):

"Pollen?" (Laurel)

"Yeah, you know." He stared at his hands as if they had suddenly become very interesting." For...pollinating." (Tamani)

"Pollinating is for reproduction- sex is for fun." -Tamani

In My Mailbox :: 10/20/2009

2009-10-20T19:48:00.001-07:00

Today I actaully got a book in the mail, YAY! A book that I have been waiting on since October 12th when they person sent it to me.

Burning Alive by Shannon K. Butcher

I read this a few weeks ago and fell.in.love. The story was amazing. The romance was hot. I laughed, I cried tears of joy and tears of heartbreak and I jumped up and down when the action got intense. I felt everything with this book. I am so happy I got to buy it. I'm going to read it again soon and you can expect a review for it after that second read.

*In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren!

Liyana Land is having an awesome contest....

2009-10-20T09:09:00.001-07:00

Yes, another Hush, Hush contest but this one is the bomb. Liyana Land! is giving away all kinds of goodies and there is more than one winner.

Winner 1:One signed copy of Hush, Hush

Winner 2:One signed copy of the Hush, Hush audiobook

Winner 3:One signed Hush, Hush t-shirt (*squee!*)

Winners 4 - 8:Hush, Hush bookmarks and postcards

Awesome, huh? Now go enter!

Every entry counts!!

Oh, P.S. - That lovely header you see on Liyana's blog? I made that. *grins*

The Cupcake Queen Contest!

2009-10-20T08:50:00.001-07:00

Another contest from The Book Butterfly and another great book. The Cupcake Queen is up for grabs!! As you may know, I grabbed this from my library yesterday. I haven't read it yet but I want to. The cover is so cute and it sounds like a great story.

So go enter here!

Hush, Hush, Contest w/ Quiz

2009-10-20T08:15:00.000-07:00

I know there have been a lot of contests posted but they are all posted for a reason. I have no books to giveaway, yet, so I'll link you to places you can. *grins*

Smart, huh?

Well, today we have another Hush, Hush contest. This time over at The Book Butterfly, who has tons of contests going on, BTW. *cheers* And because this book is just so awesome that everyone should read it, I'm blogging about it. Also, it has this really cool Angel Quiz to tell you what kind of Angel you are. I'm a Guardian Angel.

Oh, did I mention the book is signed and Becca's the one that made the quiz?

No, well it is and she did. She was the guest Author.

Enter Here!

In My Mailbox :: 10/19/2009

2009-10-19T15:58:00.000-07:00

Not exactly in my mail box but I went to the library today and started grabbing books off shevles, lol. Which is bad because I already have my hands full but, oh well.

The Cupcake Queen by Heather Helper
Prism by Faye Kellerman and Aliza Kellerman
Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Darkside by Beth Fantaskey
Ash by Malinda Lo
Airhead by Meg Cabot
Sea Change by Amy Friedman
The Deep by Helen Dunmore

Those are added to my already big list of books to read that are sitting next to my bed, lol. But I saw these and had to grab them. They looked cool and I've heard good things about them.

*In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren!

What's Up

2009-10-18T23:35:00.000-07:00

1.) As you can see below I had a night full of entering contests. I didn't post all of them on here so look on over to the Contests side-bar and find more. Hurry and go enter. They are all amazing.

2.) Sadly, I won't be able to finish The Time Traveler's Wife. It's dues *looks at clock* today and I cannot renew it. I'll pick it up again and finish it then.

3.) This week I will be reading Wings by Aprilynne Pike and Along For the Ride by Sarah Dessen. They are due the 24th so I gotta read them.

4.) Look for those reviews late this week and maybe a few impromptu reviews from the J.R. Ward Black Dagger Brotherhood Series. I have then in my hands again and desperately want to re-read them and review.

Ummm, what else? I'm hoping to get some books in the mail tomorrow. If so, I'll do another In My Mailbox, if not I'll cry.

Oh, oh, oh:

5.) I made a blog list! Go look at who I'm following and see when they update.

I think that's it. *thinks* Yep, that's it. I'm going to bed.

Huge Book Contest!

2009-10-18T23:06:00.000-07:00

Juiciliciousss Reviews is giving away a few books on her blog. There are 6 parts and so far she has psoted 4. I will give all 4 links to all 4 posts.

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

100 Followers Contest @ YA Book Queen

2009-10-18T22:48:00.001-07:00

YA Book Queen is being just that a saint and giving away 2 books now! Thanks to me who was the 150th follower, lol. Go on over to the blog and look at the books and enter.

Enter Here!

Another Amazing Contest.

2009-10-18T22:35:00.000-07:00

Teens Read and Write is having a HUGE giveaway! And the books keep piling up. You really need to go enter because all the books are amazing and are the most talked about books out right now!!

Enter Here!

Just One Wish Giveaway

2009-10-18T22:16:00.000-07:00

I know another contest but this one is great. I love Janette Rallison and Books Obsession is giving away a copy of Just One Wish! I've heard amazing things about this book and I'd love to win it. I suggest you go on and enter because if you're reading this, I'm sure you'd like to read it, too.

Enter Here

Birthday Month Contest!

2009-10-18T18:11:00.000-07:00

Reverie Book Reviews is having another great contest! There are soooo many cool books and goodies. Serisouly, you all need to go enter. It's ending soon!

ENTER HERE!!!

Beautiful Creatures Contest and More!

2009-10-18T17:51:00.000-07:00

Reverie Book Reviews is having another awesome contest! You can win Beautiful Creatures and loads of more cool stuff. Go on over to the site and see how you can win! It ends October 20th!

Go here!

Hush, Hush Review

2009-10-18T15:35:00.000-07:00

Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

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. Not until Patch came 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 who 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 way 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.

I am going to try my hardest to not spoil anything but for anyone who has NOT read this, tread carefully, I might get too excited for my own good and spill some juicy stuff.

In most books you read you can tell right off the bat who is the bad guy and who is the good guy. You can also tell if one person is good or bad. That's because the authors aren't so good with the mysterious stuff. They can't write the suspense like they want to. And though it's a good book, you can tell that the person they are trying to tell you is bad, is really good or vice versa.

Hush, Hush is not one of those books and Becca Fitzpatrick is not one of those authors.

Until about page 300 (there is about 400 pages) I really could not tell whether Patch was the good guy or the bad guy. He seemed bad...oh boy, was he bad but Nora didn't think so. Well, she thought so but she didn't think so. She was torn, like most of us. But everyone else told her she needed to stay away from Patch. Her best friend didn't like Patch and her new guidance counselor even told her to stay away.

But Nora went with her gut. Though she thought he was stalking her at times she felt safe with him. Why would she need to feel safe? Well, because a scary someone wearing a ski mask was after her, of course! And no matter how many times she called the cops, or ran the person over, she kept seeing the murderer/stalker and *slight spoiler* people were getting hurt...and killed because of it.

I read it in six hours, with few breaks because I was so interested in it. It was confusing at times but in a good way. Becca really pulled out all the stops to make sure we couldn't figure out what was happening, which is great! What's the point of reading a book if you know what will happen? *eye roll* She kept me on my toes and I was nearly jumping with excitement when the big reveal and big secrets came out.

Not only was the story well told but it is an amazing story. Fallen angels and guardian angels...it's very intriguing. It's refreshing to read something other that vampires, lol. And Patch's story and his past and how he got to where he is and what he has to do to get back to where he was or almost was...it's great. It's nothing like I've ever read before.

And big thumbs up for me, it's not all about romance. There's a story behind it. There's more than Patch and Nora making eyes at each other, though that is great. They don't jump into a relationship. They don't swoon for one another...well, Nora does a couple times, lol. It's equally balanced with romance and mystery and action and fantasy. Oh, of course it's not real but it's not outrageously fantasy like. Ya know?

It's just a really good book and I think everyone should read it because it's going to be a hit when word spreads around more. This has definitely become one of my favorite books of all times. It's right next to Catching Fire, The Giver and The Mortal Instruments Series.

Site Update

2009-10-18T13:34:00.001-07:00

So... I now have a new layout. I like it, but I do miss my old one. Not sure what went wrong with it, but it went wrong. I lost my NaNoWriMo poster and my little thingy for The Mark by Jen Nadol but I'll try to add those back again soon. For now though, I am going to work on compiling a Blog List of my favorite blogs. I'm also going to write a review for Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick! Look for that today because I'm really excited to post it.

Also I'm starting to complie a list of November Book Releases, if you know any off the tops of your heads, leave a comment with the Title, Author and Release date. My list will be YA and Adult/Paranormal-Romance novels, by the way.

Another also: I'm hoping to be able to have my own contest soon! I'm not sure what book I'll give away because my book collection is so tiny, but I'm hoping I'll be able to give something away. Before that though I'm going to have to get more followers, lol. I think of something to do until then.

That's my quick update. I'm about to go spread the Hush, Hush love and let my best friend's younger sister read it.

P.S.: I am going to make a new Book Contest banner tonight! The old one is sticking out like a sore thumb but I got a few things to do offline before I can make it.

Nancy Holder Contest

2009-10-18T10:15:00.000-07:00

Library Lounge Lizard is having a contest and the prizes are:

The Wicked Series by Nancy Holder - All 5 books in 3 books!
Mints that have the Wicked logo on them!
AND two more books by Nanvy Holder - Pretty Devils & Possessions!
AND, yes there's more. They are all SIGNED!

Go on over to the blog and see what you have to do to win these great prizes.

Go here!

**FYI: You get +5 if you are referred, so when you enter put that you were referred by The Ultimate Dumpees/Brittany.

Definitely Dead Review

2009-10-17T10:28:00.001-07:00

Definitely Dead by Charlaine Harris

Sixth in the Anthony Award-winning Southern Vampire series.

Spiked with a frothy fusion of romance, mystery, and fantasy, this bestselling series sends the supernaturally gifted cocktail waitress Sookie Stackhouse to New Orleans, where she has to deal with the legacy of one of her own family and a host of potentially dangerous characters.

*sighs* I've waited for months to read this book. I read the first 5 over the summer and have had this one on hold for months!

There were really two mysteries in this book. 1st) They had to find out how Hadley died and who killed her, how a Were got turned into a vampire and why he was turned. 2nd) They had to find out who was attacking and stalking Sookie and why. Both of those are solved.

It actually didn't seem like a lot happened in this book because it wasn't contanst action, at least until the very end when we find out who had been attacking Sookie and Quinn. Sookie is dating Quinn now and they were attacked a few times and even kidnapped near the end. We also got to see/read Quinn as a tiger. A Bengal tiger. *sighs dreamily*

There wasn't much Eric but there was an unexpected kiss from the Viking vampire on a equally unexpecting Sookie in the midst of a ballroom brawl. We got to meet the Queen, saw the emotional side of her, and we heard about Hadley and her death.

Oh, witches! We meet Ameilia, a witch from New Orleans and we get to see some super cool witch stuff. It's awesome.

Jason, Sam and Tara aren't in it as much but we go get an appearance from Calvin Norris. Caludine and Claude make appearances as well but not together.

Over all it was a great book. I read most of it in one day. I ejoyed reading Sookie again and I cannot wait to read the rest of the series. It's funny and romantic and so real.

*Updated the my 2009 Book List!

In My Mailbox :: 10-17-2009

2009-10-17T09:44:00.000-07:00

I see other blogs do it, and being that I actually got something in the mail today, I'll do it, too.

I got a signed ARC of Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick, and a bookmark! I'm so excited about this. I'll surely be starting this tonight!

And my lovely friend Amber, from Just Your Typical Book Blog, sent me these two awesome Halloween bookmarks! I mean, they are the cutest things.

*In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren!

Demon Princess Giveaway!

2009-10-14T18:38:00.000-07:00

Just Your Typical Book Blog has another Trick or Treat Giveaway: Demon Princess: Reign or Shine by Michelle Rowen!!

The contest ends October 25th and it's really easy to enter so head on over to the blog and enter right away!!!

Enter Here!

The Mark ARC Giveaway!

2009-10-14T12:26:00.000-07:00

Another contest! Jen Nadol is giving away an ARC of The Mark, a bookmark, a notepad and another book of your choice in celebration of The Mark's release day being under 100 days away! Go to her site to see what you can do to win!!

ARC, swag and books!

Attn: Aspiring writers and NaNoWriMo Participants

2009-10-14T11:20:00.000-07:00

NaNoWriMo is coming up very soon! For those who have no idea what that is click here. In short though, it's a month that is dedicated to nothing but writing on your novel, whether it be for fun or for future publication. The goal is to write 50,000 in the month of November. The site has forums, a word counter and ways to better yourself as a writer by giving out awesome resources and helping you meet other writers.

The site huge, bascially. It's a gret site, too, but it can get a bit overwhelming. That is why a 2009 NaNoWriMo particpant made a little community to help bring a smaller group of NaNo writers and 'cheerleaders' together.

Emilee started the support group, iwritetoo, and she are looking for more writers and 'cheerleaders' to join.

FYI- Cheerleaders are the ones who will get peppy when we need it, lol. So you don't have to be a writer or participate on NaNo to join this.

I've joined NaNo for the 1st time this year and I was happy to join the support group that Emilee made. It's smaller than NaNo and less complicated and you actually have a chance to be heard, lol. I suggest that you check it out.

My NaNo username: brttmclv

iwrite too - NaNoWriMo Support Group
NaNoWriMo Main

Contest for YA lovers and Adult Novel Lovers!

2009-10-14T10:56:00.000-07:00

Books by Their Covers is having an AWESOME, if I may say so myself, contest in celebration of their 1yr mark for the blog. They are giving away the Mortal Instrumetns Trilogy by Cassandra Clare OR the first 5 books in the Black Dagger Brotherhood Series by J.R. Ward!!

OMG, right? That's the best of both worlds for me!

Anywho, go to the site and find out more and hopefully, you might win!

Awesome Contest

Tempted Book Trailer and Sneeks!

2009-10-14T10:12:00.000-07:00

Opened my e-mail just now and I had an e-mail with the embed code for a book trailer and a book cover. Guess what book it was for?

The 6th House of Night Book, Tempted by PC and Kristin Cast! I was asked to show my support and I am!

TaDa!

Whatcha think?

I'm not done yet, though!

Along with the fresh new book trailer, you can read the first chapter and listen to the first 2 chapters!! Follow the link above the cover to do this.

**You can see this blog and other blogs who are supporting this trailer in the MORE INFO section here.

Tempted- October 27th 2009

Currently Reading 10/13/2009

2009-10-13T18:57:00.000-07:00

The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger

　
Audrey Niffenegger's innovative debut, The Time Traveler's Wife, is the story of Clare, a beautiful art student, and Henry, an adventuresome librarian, who have known each other since Clare was six and Henry was thirty-six, and were married when Clare was twenty-three and Henry thirty-one. Impossible but true, because Henry finds himself periodically displaced in time, pulled to moments of emotional gravity from his life, past and future. His disappearances are spontaneous, his experiences unpredictable, alternately harrowing and amusing.

The Time Traveler's Wife depicts the effects of time travel on Henry and Clare's marriage and their passionate love for each other, as the story unfolds from both points of view. Clare and Henry attempt to live normal lives, pursuing familiar goals - steady jobs, good friends, children of their own. All of this is threatened by something they can neither prevent nor control, making their story intensely moving and entirely unforgettable.

I am on page 59 of 536 and I already love this book. I have so many hilarious quotes/lines to share when I'm done. I know Rachel McAdams is cast as Clare in the movie version and I 100% agree with that choice. Rachel is the perfect Clare, in my honest opinion. I love Rachel and I love Clare. She's so fiesty and clever. And understanding and smart. I've yet to get a good grasp on Henry but his point of view is witty, too. Most of the lines I've gathered are from his POV. But, yes, I love this book. I can't wait to finish it and then go watch the movie.

Definitely Dead by Charlaine Harris

Sixth in the Anthony Award-winning Southern Vampire series.

Spiked with a frothy fusion of romance, mystery, and fantasy, this bestselling series sends the supernaturally gifted cocktail waitress Sookie Stackhouse to New Orleans, where she has to deal with the legacy of one of her own family and a host of potentially dangerous characters.

I have yet to start this but I will today. I've read the first 5 books of this series already and I loved them. Before I picked this book up from my library, I'd been waiting 3 weeks to get it, lol. Other people had it on hold before me and there was a freaking waiting list. The 7th book is still on hold, too. I think I'm number 5 on the list now. I know I'll go through this fast. I start reading and can't stop.

Hush, Hush Teaser Banners 8, 9, and 10!

2009-10-13T18:43:00.000-07:00

So the last 3 teaser banners re here. The last one was given yesterday. Today the book was released. *sighs* It's been a nice wait, huh? For those who were lucky enough to buy a copy today- Congrats! You hold an amazing book in your hands. For those who have yet to buy it, and read it (like me) wait patiently and enter lots on contests, lol. I'm sure the wait will be worth it when you do finally get to read it.

Hush, Hush Teaser Banner 8

Hush, Hush Teaser Banner 9

Hush, Hush Teaser Banner 10

Thanks to Jenn and Rebecca for giving these teasers out. They were well picked and served there purpose in getting our interest, lol.

Hush, Hush Contest!

2009-10-13T14:24:00.000-07:00

Books Gardens and Dogs is giving away an ARC of Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick. They're also printing out the new ending and sending it along with the ARC. Very considerate of them! Now go find out what you need to do to win it!

Hush, Hush ARC

Another Contest!

2009-10-13T08:39:00.000-07:00

This time it's from B.A.M Book Reviews. In celebration of their 200 Followers, they are giving away one book of your choosing. What books? Well, the authors are Sarah Dessen and Laurie Halse Anderson.

Awesome, right?

Well, head on over to the site (the link is below and in the Contest side-bar tab as always) and see what you can do to win.

Sarah Dessen or Laurie Halse Anderson Contest

Hush, Hush Release Day!!

2009-10-13T07:56:00.000-07:00

Happy Book Birthday to Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick!

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. Not until Patch came 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 who 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 way 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.

Today the world gets to read the awesome-ness that is Hush, Hush and Patch and Nora. I have yet to read it but this past month I have been hearing nothing but good things about this book. I knew absolutely nothing about it and fans gathered together and raved to me about the book, the author and the characters.

It was awesome. Becca Fitzpatrick fans are awesome. Plain and simple. And you can be awesome, too. All you need to do is go to your local Borders, Barnes and Nobel, Books-A-Million, or some other bookstore, buy Hush, Hush and read it. I can pretty much guarantee that you will fall in love and you will become an awesome fan.

Also, I will be posting the last 3 Hush, Hush Teasr Banners today. I have 8 and 9 done but haven't started 10, yet. I'll get it done and post them.

Today you need to check out Coldwater High eZine (and Fallenarchangel.com) because the awesome ladies that run it, Jenn and Rebecca, are pretty much partying over there, lol. The Coldwater blog is having a special blogging guest today. Not sure who is it but they ladies said the guest's name ryhmed with Mecca Mitzpatrick. *confused face* Those girls are so secretive! Gah!

So today is a special day for a lot of people. I hope everyone is able to get a copy of Hush, Hush and say that they own the best book EVER! Read it a second time for me, pelase! The earliest I can get it is the 21st! *pout*

Behind The Name

2009-10-12T15:13:00.000-07:00

I had a hard time coming up with a name for this blog. It really is harder than it seems. Naming things take a lot of thought, as most of you are well aware of. I looked at other blog names, I asked friend and I Googled cool blog names and I still had nothing. I was stressed.

And then, I was on Goodreads.com looking through quotes about books. I was reading them and one stuck out. The quote was so true and I knew at that moment I had to somehow use that quote to make my blog title.

What was the quote?
Who is it from?

Well, I'll tell you.

John Green, author of such books as Looking for Alaska and Paper Towns, is the owner of said quote and I thank him for writing such true words in his book, An Abundance of Katherines.

Here is what he wrote:

"Books are the ultimate Dumpees: put them down and they’ll wait for you forever; pay attention to them and they always love you back."

True, huh? It is a near perfect book statment and it was perfect for my blog title. Books are most definitely the ultimate Dumpees.

And now you know how my blog title came to be.

Contest: You're Choice of 4 Books!!

2009-10-12T14:54:00.000-07:00

This is prestented by Ramblings of a Teenage Bookworm. She's got a great choice of books and the winner gets to choose 4 books of their own choosing! How kick arse is that?! Very, if I may say so myself. The contest ends October 15th so you need to follow the given link below (or look over on the Contests Tab) and find out what YOU need to do to win this contest, because it is great!

Contest Info

New Contest!!

2009-10-12T09:56:00.000-07:00

Here's a chance to win a copy of Evermore by Alyson Noel and an ARC of Scarlett Fever by Maureen Johnson.

The contest is coming from Sophistikatied Reviews and it ends November 12th. It's only open for US residents but Katie has a fix for that if anyone outside of the US has friends in the US. The link to the contest is below and on my sidebar tab under contests. Go there to find out more!!

Sophistikatied 60 Follower's Contest

Passion Unleashed Review

2009-10-12T09:10:00.000-07:00

Passion Unleashed by Larissa Ione

Forbidden Temptations

Serena Kelley is an archaeologist and treasure hunter—and a woman with a secret. Since she was seven, she’s been the keeper of a powerful charm that grants her health and immortality . . . as long as she stays a virgin. But Serena isn’t all that innocent. And when a dangerously handsome stranger brings her to the brink of ecstasy, she wonders if she’s finally met the one man she cannot resist.

Fatal Desires

Wraith is a Seminus demon with a death wish. But when an old enemy poisons him, he must find Serena and persuade her to give him the only known antidote in the universe—her charm. Yet, as she begins to surrender to his seductions, and Wraith senses the cure is within his grasp, he realizes a horrible truth: he’s falling for the woman whose life he must take in order to save his own.

*jumps up and down* OMG, I loooved this book! I've waited to read it for days and it did NOT let me down. This is like my fave book of the series and I feel like a fangirl right now! I might have spoiled some things so be warned. I was just way too excited when I wrote this!!

All through the first two book I've read about Wraith, his bad attitude, his snark, and his horrible, chilling past, and it's made me itch to read his book. To read more about him, and why he says and does the things he does. And boy, did I get those questions answered.

Wraith is a very troubled vampire/demon. He was tortured, and nearly died at the hands of his very own vampire mother and their people. He's never taken to obeying rules, and he's always stirring up some kind of trouble.

At the beginning of the book something bad happens. Vague much? Lol. The something bad is life or death, and it forces Wraith to seek out a charm that will keep him alive. Easy, right?

No.

The charm is currently possessed by Serena, who is a special little human. Vague again, but it's so juicy you have to read it on your own. For Wraith to get the charm, he must sleep with Serena. Again, easy, right?

Not at all.

Serena is 1.) a virgin, and 2.) a human (we all know Wraith's issue with human females). Oh yeah, if she looses the charm she dies. Yep, no biggie.

That right there is enough drama, and suspence to keep you on your toes, but that's not all!!

Other things to look for? The hospital is falling apart. Eidolon and Shade have a scary sickness. The human race might die. Kynan gets a HUGE shock. Gem realizes she's not a doormat to be stepped on. The brothers as a whole get a HUGE shock. Wraith gets a HUGE surprise.

And, of course, we get to see the real Wraith. Awww, right?

There is a lot to look forward to in this book, and I'd suggest everyone read it. Right now. Really, go out, and buy it or borrow. If stealing wasn't illegal I'd say steal it, but it is against the law, so don't do that. Please.

To read an excerpt of Wraith's book, go here quickly and scroll down to the bottom.

**Yes, I am aware the URL says desire-unleashed-review. Forgive me. In my excitment, I made a typo, lol. I blame it on my boyfriend who came over and distracted me.

***FYI: I have updated my 2009 Book List with this book. At the end over every month I will post the full lsit of books I've read in the month.

Bookworming in the 21st Century: Prophecy of the Sisters contest!

2009-10-11T18:22:00.000-07:00

As you can see under the Contests tab, I've added a new contest. This one is from Bookworming in the 21st Century. The contests ends on October 27th, so you need to click the link below and go find out what you have to do to win a copy of The Prophecy of the Sisters by Michelle Zink.

Bookworming in the 21st Century: Prophecy of the Sisters contest!

Currently Reading 10/11/2009

2009-10-11T14:57:00.000-07:00

The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger

A dazzling novel in the most untraditional fashion, this is the remarkable story of Henry DeTamble, a dashing, adventuresome librarian who travels involuntarily through time, and Clare Abshire, an artist whose life takes a natural sequential course. Henry and Clare's passionate love affair endures across a sea of time and captures the two lovers in an impossibly romantic trap, and it is Audrey Niffenegger's cinematic storytelling that makes the novel's unconventional chronology so vibrantly triumphant.

An enchanting debut and a spellbinding tale of fate and belief in the bonds of love, The Time Traveler's Wife is destined to captivate readers for years to come.

I literally just started this, so I don't really have anything to say about it so far but I have wanted to read this for quite a while. I've heard plenty of people talk about this book- how much they loved it, how amazing it was and how they would recommend it to everyone they came into contact with. I think the movie gave me a jump start. I loathe watching movies that came from books without reading the book first. I want to watch the movie, because I love Eric Bana and Rachel McAdams, so I picked up the book at the library so I could read it first. I did it with Twilight and the Harry Potter books, too.

Once I get into the book I'll add a quick post. Also, a review for Passion Unleashed by Larissa Ione will be up soon. That's all for the Demonica series until January when the 4th book comes out. I'm hoping to start reading and reviewing some YA books now.

Currently Reading 10/10/2009

2009-10-10T13:33:00.000-07:00

I totally didn't get a chance to post about me reading Desire Uncahined by Larissa Ione, lol. I read it at the hospital and finished it late last night. Oh well.

I am currenly reading Passion Unleashed by Larissa Ione.

Forbidden Temptations

Serena Kelley is an archaeologist and treasure hunter—and a woman with a secret. Since she was seven, she’s been the keeper of a powerful charm that grants her health and immortality . . . as long as she stays a virgin. But Serena isn’t all that innocent. And when a dangerously handsome stranger brings her to the brink of ecstasy, she wonders if she’s finally met the one man she cannot resist.

Fatal Desires

Wraith is a Seminus demon with a death wish. But when an old enemy poisons him, he must find Serena and persuade her to give him the only known antidote in the universe—her charm. Yet, as she begins to surrender to his seductions, and Wraith senses the cure is within his grasp, he realizes a horrible truth: he’s falling for the woman whose life he must take in order to save his own.

I actually haven't started reading it, yet. I started to but I forgot I had domestic things to do today. Gag! I knew that if i started this book, I wouldn't stop so I had to get the other stuff out of the way first. I have really high hopes for this book. For two books I've read about Wraith, his issues, his fights, his scars and his past. BUT, it's always been from Eidolon or Shade that we got those tid bits. I'm READY to here it from Wraith. I'm SO ready to read about him in depth and follow his sure to be rollercoaster romance. Wraith is probably my favorite brother, with Shade a close second, and I'm excited to get to know him better.

Hush, Hush Teaser Banners 6&7

2009-10-10T13:15:00.001-07:00

Hush, Hush Teaser Banner 6

Hush, Hush Teaser Banner 7

For the record, in case I haven't said it before, the Hush, Hush teasers are courtesy of Coldwater High eZine. It's a blog for the book, duh, and they started giving out teaser quotes/lines from the book early this month and they will give out one teaser a day until the books release date, October 13th, 2009.

I had a spur of the moment graphic craze and decided to make a banner for the first one...then the second one...and after the third one, I was kind of recruited to make them for each day, lol. I don't mind and it's really fun.

Each time I post a Teaser Banner there is a link to the Coldwater blog and that days teaser quote. However, I'll now give the link to the main blog and a link to the fansite that it run by the same two ladies, Jenn and Rebecca.

Coldwater High eZine
Fallen Archangel

Desire Unchained Review

2009-10-10T09:19:00.000-07:00

Desire Unchained by Larissa Ione

Pleasure is their ultimate weapon . . .

Runa Wagner never meant to fall in love with the sexy stranger who seemed to know her every deepest desire. But she couldn’t resist the unbelievable passion that burned between them, a passion that died when she discovered his betrayal and found herself forever changed. Now, determined to make Shade pay for the transformation that haunts her, Runa searches for him, only to be taken prisoner by his darkest enemy.

A Seminus Demon with a love-curse that threatens him with eternal torment, Shade hoped he’d seen the last of Runa and her irresistible charm. But when he wakes up in a dank dungeon chained next to an enraged and mysteriously powerful Runa, he realizes that her effect on him is more dangerous than ever. As their captor casts a spell that bonds them as lifemates, Shade and Runa must fight for their lives and their hearts—or succumb to a madman’s evil plans.

So, I read this in nearly one sitting. I got to like chapter 3 before heading off to the hospital to wait for my God-son to be born. I ended up getting to the 2nd to last chapter while waiting for him, lol. I finished the rest late last night and I looooved it. I almostdidn't want to get out of the hospital chair to go see the baby. Almost!

I remember reading that Runa was the heroine in this book and, it was just after reading Eidolon's book, so I wondered why in the hell she was back with Shade! Those who have read Pleasure Unbound will know why I wondered that.

I'm glad she came though because this was one whirl-wind romace. I thought Tayla gave Eidolon, wait until you see how hard of a time Runa gives Shade at first. Then the roles switch and it's Shade giving Runa the cold shoulder. Jeeze, such a complicated...but true and honest romance. Not even Shade could deny his love for Runa and it nearly cost him his very existence.

Besides the romance though, there were MAJOR shockers! One at the very beginning and one at the very, very end. I won't say which is the horrible one and which is the good one, you'll have to read it for yourselves. But I highly recommend you read this. It is amazing.

Plain and simple.

To read and excerpt from this book, go here and scroll down.

***FYI: I have updated my 2009 Book List with this book. At the end over every month I will post the full lsit of books I've read in the month.

Pleasure Unbound Review

2009-10-10T08:58:00.000-07:00

Pleasure Unbound by Larissa Ione

She's a demon-slayer who hungers for sensual pleasure-but fears it will always be denied her. Until Tayla Mancuso lands in a hospital run by demons in disguise, and the head doctor, Eidolon, makes her body burn with unslakable desire. But to prove her ultimate loyalty to her peers, she must betray the surgeon who saved her life.

Two lovers will dare to risk all...

Eidolon cannot resist this fiery, dangerous woman who fills him with both rage and passion. Not only is she his avowed enemy, but she could very well be the hunter who has been preying upon his people. Torn between his need for the truth and his quest to find his perfect mate before a horrific transformation claims him forever, Eidolon will dare the unthinkable-and let Tayla possess him, body and soul...

I loved this book! People have been telling me to read Larissa's books, but I was swamped with other things to read, so I told them I'll wait. I really wish I'd have picked them up when they told me to!

I love the fact that there were more than just demons. There were sub-species of demons. Probably hundreds of different kinds of demons in this book, and they all had different traits, looks, powers and history. I also love that Larissa put the brothers, Ediolon, Wraith and Shade, in a hospital. They all have diffrent powers but they are kind of based around healing.

I've never read a book like this. I love paranormal books. I love romance books, and I love nurse/doctor/ER/hospital books. This ONE book has all three of those. It's my dream come true, really.

Oh, and the romance. Most books jump into a romance but not this one. Tayla gives Eidolon a run for his money and life, literally.

It's action, it's fantasy, it's romance, it's heartbreak and it's 5 big, bright and shiny stars from me.

To read an excerpt of the book, go here and scroll down to the bottom of the page.

***FYI: I have updated my 2009 Book List with this book. At the end over every month I will post the full lsit of books I've read in the month.

Hush, Hush Teaser Banners 4 & 5

2009-10-08T20:17:00.000-07:00

These are kind of late but I've been sick and busy. I'm trying to catch up and make the 6th one as I type but I gotta go to bed soon.

**Personal Note- I'll be a God-mother by tomorrow at noon! My best friend is having my God-son and I gotta go to the hospital tomorrow morning at 5 while she's induced into labor. Yay!

But here are the banners!

Hush, Hush Teaser Banner 4

Hush, Hush Teaser Banner 5

FAQ

2009-10-08T10:26:00.000-07:00

FAQ's

1: Can I use the graphics you make?
Yes, but only if you let me know that you are using them and tell me where you are using them. I also ask that you credit me so everyone will now who made it and know where to find me.

2: Do you take requests for graphics?
Holy yes! I love making banners, headers, icons and etc. for people. Just send me and e-mail or find me on Twitter.

3: Do you do book contests?
Sadly, I am a broke book person. My collection is weak and so is my bank account, so I won't be giving away any books for a while. However, I will link and post about lots of contests so you know where to go win some.

4: What type of graphics program do you use?
I use Paint Shop Pro 9. Sometimes I'll use GIMP2 but not often. I haven't learned it yet, lol.

5: I have a question that isn't on the FAQ's list, what do I do?
E-mail me or ask me in some way. I'll answer and most likely add it here.

So, number 5 was to let you all know this- If you have any questions that are not on the list, ask away so I cna make my tiny list bigger. Look at the Contact tab to find a way to contact me.

Contact

2009-10-08T10:22:00.000-07:00

Personal Twitter

The Ultimate Dumpees Twitter

LiveJournal

Facebook

E-mail :: brttmclv@aol.com

Not sure why you'd contact me through LJ, but I wanted it here just in case.

Hush, Hush Teaser #3

2009-10-06T14:48:00.000-07:00

So this was supposed to be posted yesterday but I was kidna busy thinking my best friend was going to have my God-son. He was a no show, again, though. I didn't have time to make it last night, either, beacuse I was the desginated driver for my boyfriend and our friend.

It's late but it's here now. Maybe I can make the 4th teaser banner before my book writing friend comes over and makes me type his book for him. We'll see.

Hush, Hush Teaser #3

It's not the same as the other ones but I could not find a photo of an actor that looked like Patch or Nora that went with this quote. So I found the black and white photo on photobucket and used it.

2009 Book List

2009-10-05T16:32:00.000-07:00

As of today, October 6th, 2009, these are all of the books I have read since January 1st, 2009. The list is long, beware!

13 Reasons Why by Jay Asher
Gossip Girl (Gossip Girl Book 1) by Cecily Von Ziegesar
The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova
Looking For Alaska by John Green

The Hunger Games (Hunger Games #1) by Suzanne Collins
Catching Fire (Hunger Games #2) by Suzanne Collins

Graceling by Kristin Cashore
The Glass Books of the Dream Eaters by Gordon Dahlquist
The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield
I Heart You, You Haunt Me by Lisa Schroder
Impossible by Nany Werlin
The Da Vinci Code (Robert Langdon #2) by Dan Brown
Wake (Dream Catcher #1) by Lisa McMann
The Truth About Forever by Sarah Dessen
Dreamland by Sarah Dessen
Keeping The Moon by Sarah Dessen
Audrey, Wait! by Robin Benway
Evermore (The Immortals #1) by Alyson Noel
Tantalize by Cynthia Leitich Smith
The Chosen One by Carol Lynch Williams
My Fair Godmother by Janette Rallison
Night World No. 1: Secret Vampire; Daughters of Darkness;
Spellbinder by L.J. Smith
Generation Dead by Daniel Waters
Kiss of Life by Daniel Waters
Be Mine Tonight (The Brotherhood of Blood #1) by Kathryn Smith

City of Bones (Mortal Instruments #1)
City of Ashes (Mortal Instruments #2)
City of Glass by (Mortal Instruments #3) Cassandra Clare

Tithe: A Modern Faerie Tale (Book 1)
Valiant: A Modern Tale of Faery (Book 2)
Ironside: A Modern Faery's Tale (Book 3) by Holly Black

The Darkest Night (Lords of the Underworld #1)
The Darkest Kiss (Lords of the Underworld #2)
The Darkest Pleasure (Lords of the Underworld #3) by Gena Showalter

The Society of S (Socety of S #1)
The Year of Disappearances (Socety of S #2) by Suan Hubbard

Dark Lover (Black Dagger Brotherhood #1)
Lover Eternal (Black Dagger Brotherhood #2)
Lover Awakened (Black Dagger Brotherhood #3)
Lover Revealed (Black Dagger Brotherhood #4)
Love Unbound (Black Dagger Brotherhood #5)
Lover Enshrined (Black Dagger Brotherhood #6)
Lover Avenged (Black Dagger Brotherhood #7) by J.R. Ward
The Black Dagger Brotherhood: An Insider's Guide by J.R. Ward
Father Mine : Zsadist and Bella's Story by J.R Ward from Insider's Guide

Fantasy Lover (Dark-Hunter #1)
Night Pleasures (Dark-Hunter #3)
Dance With The Devil (Dark-Hunter #6)
Kiss of the Night (Dark-Hunter #7)
Night Play (Dark-Hunter #8)
Unleash the Night (Dark-Hunter #9)
Sieze The Night (Dark-Hunter #10)
Sins of the Night (Dark-Hunter #11)
Devil May Cry (Dark-Hunter #13)
Dark Side of the Moon (Dark-Hunter #14)
Fear The Darkness (Dark-Hunter #17)
The Dream-Hunter (Dark-Hunter #18)
Bad Moon Rising by Sherrilyn Kenyon (Dark Hunter #19)
Upon the Midnight Clear (Dark-Hunter #20)
Dream Chaser (Dark-Hunter #21)
Acheron (Dark-Hunter #22)
One Silent Night (Dark-Hunter #23)
Dream Warrior (Dark-Hunter #25) by Sherrilyn Kenyon
The Dark-Hunters Vol. 1 (manga) by Sherriyln Kenyon

Bound by Shadow (The Dark Crescent Sisterhood #1)
Bound by Flame (The Dark Crescent Sisterhood #2)
Bound by Light (The Dark Crescent Sisterhood #3) by Anna Windsor

A Great and Terrible Beauty (Gemma Doyle Trilogy #1)
Rebel Angels (Gemma Doyle Trilogy #2)
The Sweet Far Thing (Gemma Doyle Trilogy #3) by Libba Bray

Evernight (Evernight #1)
Stargazer (Evernight #2) by Claudia Gray

A Quick Bite (Argeneau #1)
Love Bites (Argeneau #2)
Single White Vampire (Argeneau #3)
Tall, Dark and Hungry (Argeneau #4)
A Bite To Remember (Argeneau #5)
Bite Me If You Can (Argeneau #6)
The Accidental Vampire (Argeneau #7)
Vampires are Forever (Argeneau #8)
Vampire, Interrupted (Argeneau #9) by Lynsay Sands

If Angels Burn (Darkyn #1)
Private Demon (Darkyn #2)
Dark Need (Darkyn #3)
Evermore (Darkyn #4)
Night Lost (Darkyn #5)
Twilight Fall (Darkyn #6) by Lynn Viehl

Marked (House of Night #1)
Betrayed (House of Night #2)
Chosen (House of Night #3)
Untamed (House of Night #4)
Hunted (House of Night #5) by P.C. and Kristin Cast

Blue Bloods (Blue Bloods #1)
Masquerade (Blue Bloods #2)
Revelations (Blue Bloods #3) by Melissa de la Cruz

Vampire Academy (Vampire Academy #1)
Frostbite (Vampire Academy #2)
Shadow Kiss (Vampire Acedmy #3)by Richelle Mead

A Hunger Like No Other (Immortals After Dark #1)
No Rest For The Wicked (Immortals After Dark #2)
Wicked Dees on a Winter's Night (Immortals After Dark #3)
Dark Needs at Night's Edge (Immortals After Dark #4)
Dark Desires After Dusk (Immortals After Dark #5)
Kiss of a Demon King (Immortals After Dark #6) by Kresley Cole

Over Hexed (Hex Series #1)
Wild & Hexy (Hex Series #2)
Casual Hex (Hex Series #3) by Vicki Lee Thompson

Wicked Lovely (Wicked Lovely #1)
Ink Exchange (Wicked Lovely #2)
Fragile Eternity (Wicked Lovely #3) by Melissa Marr

Kiss of Midnight (Midnight Breed #1)
Kiss of Crimson (Midnight Breed #2)
Midnight Awakening (Midnight Breed #3)
Midnight Rising (Midnight Breed #4)
Veil of Midnight (Midnight Breed #5)
Ashes of Midnight (Midnight Breed #6) by Lara Adrian

Darkfever (Fever #1)
BloodFever (Fever #2)
Faefever (Fever #3) by Karen Marie Moning

Crank by Ellen Hopkins
Impulse by Ellen Hopkins
The Vampire Diaries : The Awakening & The Struggle by L.J. Smith
The Vampire Diaries: The Fury & Dark Reunion by L.J. Smith
The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks by E. Lockhart
The Boyfriend List by E. Lockhart
Swoon by Nina Malkin
Patient Zero: A Joe Ledger Novel by Jonathan Mayberry

Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris (Sookie Stackhouse #1)
Living Dead in Dallas by Charlaine Harris (Sookie Stackhouse #2)
Club Dead by Charlaine Harris (Sookie Stackhouse #3)
Dead to the World by Charlaine Harris (Sookie Stackhouse #4)
Dead as a Doornail by Charlaine Harris (Sookie Stackhouse #5)

Slave to Sensation by Nalini Singh (Psy-Changling 1)
Visions of Heat by Nalini Singh (Psy-Changling 2)
Caressed By Ice (Psy-Changling #3) by Nalini Singh
Mine to Posess by Nalini Singh (Psy-Changling 4)
Beat of Temptation by Nalini Singh (Psy-Changling)

Die For Me by Karen Rose
Demon's Kiss by Maggie Shayne (Wings in the Night #13)

Undead and Unwed by MaryJanice Davidson (Undead #1)
Undead and Unemployed by MaryJanice Davidson (Undead #2)
Undead and Unappreciated by MaryJanice Davidson (Undead #3)
Undead and Unreturnable by MaryJanice Davidson (Undead #4)
Undead and Unpopular by MaryJanice Davidson (Undead #5)
Undead and Uneasy by MaryJanice Davidson (Undead #6)
Undead and Unworthy by MaryJanice Davidson (Undead #7)

Jacob (Nightwalkers #1) by Jacquelyn Frank
Elijah (Nightwalkers #3) by Jacquelyn Frank
Damien (Nightwalkers #4) by Jacquelyn Frank
Noah (Nightwalkers #5) by Jacquelyn Frank

Ecstacy (Shadowdwellers #3) by Jacquelyn Frank

To Tame a Highland Warrior by Karen Marie Moning (Highland #2)
The Immortal Highlander by Karen Marie Moning (Highland #6)

Shifter (Anthology) by Angela Knight, Lora Leigh, Virginia Kantra and Alyssa Day
Burning Alive (Sentinel Wars #1) by Shannon K. Butcher

--October 2009 Edit--
*Pleasure Unbound by Larissa Ione
*Desire Unchained by Larissa Ione
*Passion Unleashed by Larissa Ione
*Definitely Dead by Charlaine Harris
*The Summoning by Kelley Armstrong
*Wings by Aprilynne Pike
*Scent of Darkness by Christina Dodd
*Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick
*Touch of Darkness by Christina Dodd

--November 2008 Edit--
*Into the Shadow by Christina Dodd
**Into the Flame by Christina Dodd
**Rapture by Jacquelyn Frank
**Gideon by Jacquelyn Frank
**Spell of the Highlander by Karen Marie Moning
**Pleasure by Jacquelyn Frank
**The Darkest Whisper by Gena Showalter
**The Dark Highlander by Karen Marie Moning
**Blood Promise by Richelle Mead
**The Van Alen Legacy by Melissa de la Cruz

FYI- If anyone wants a review/my thoughts for any of these books, let me know and I'll post one. I might go back and post for some really good ones eventually.

*Reviewed
**Review coming soon

Seeing as this is my first year with a book blog I'd like to post the books that I read before 2009. Eh, there aren't a lot, and some I read forever ago, and I cannot remember the names!

I have also read:
The Twilight Saga (#1-4) by Stephanie Meyer
Harry Potter (#1-7) by J.K. Rowling
The Giver (The Giver #1) by Lois Lowry
Number the Stars by Lois Lowry
How to Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
The Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
The Chronicles of Naria (#1-7) by C.S. Lewis

Books in Hand

2009-10-05T16:02:00.000-07:00

So I go to the library a lot. I go almost every other day and the librarians know me by name at two different branches. I have at least 15+ books on hold at one time, and I usualy have at least 10+ books checked out at all times. I get paranoid and restless if I have less than that. I know I'm a dork, everyone tells me that but I like having books in my room. My collection sucks, so I like the feel of having a drawer full of books. It makes me feel special. Again, I know I'm a dork. Maybe one day I'll write down what books I own and let you all giggle. Most I will NEVER read. I won't say why specifically but I will say that while I love a good steamy love scene in romance novels, I do have a line that I will NOT cross.

Anyways, the point of this post is to tell you all what books I have in-hand. You can most likely expect reviews from these books in the near future.

Pleasure Unbound by Larissa Ione
Desire Unchained by Larissa Ione
Passion Unleashed by Lariss Ione
Guilty Pleasures by Laurell K. Hamilton
Spell of the Highlander by Karen Marie Moning
Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen
The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
Gathering Blue by Lois Lowry
Wings by Aprilynne Pike
Definitely Dead by Charlaine Harris
Zen and the Art of Vampires by Katie MacAlister
Scent of Darkness by Christina Dodd
Touch of Darkness by Christina Dodd
Into the Shadow by Christina Dodd
Into the Flame by Christina Dodd
A Hunger Like No Other by Kresley Cole
No Rest for the Wicked by Kresley Cole
Wicked Deeds on a Winter's Night by Kresley Cole
Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson
The Awakening by Kelley Armstrong

I accidentally skipped The Summoning by Kelley Armstrong while I was there. I looked online when I got home and saw that it was at that library so I'll have to go get it tomorrow.

FYI- I am currently gathering my 2009 Book List from my LiveJournal. It's long so it might take a little while but I'll post it here ASAP.

Currently Reading - 10/05/2009

2009-10-05T09:53:00.000-07:00

I'm actually really bad a writing reviews, if you can believe it. I never write reviews. I can talk a person's ear off about a book and give them every little detail about it, but I suck at writing reviews. However, for the sake of having a blog that will be about books, I will try to write a few.

I won't try to review any of the past books I've read unless I have to but I will do it for the books I am currently reading and my future books. FYI- I'll be posting a book list of all the books I've read in 2009, so if anyone wants a review for any of those books just let me know and I'll post about it. That will be later though.

For now, I am currently reading:

Pleasure Unbound by Larissa Ione

In a place where ecstasy can cost you your life...

She's a demon-slayer who hungers for sensual pleasure-but fears it will always be denied her. Until Tayla Mancuso lands in a hospital run by demons in disguise, and the head doctor, Eidolon, makes her body burn with unslakable desire. But to prove her ultimate loyalty to her peers, she must betray the surgeon who saved her life.

Two lovers will dare to risk all.

Eidolon cannot resist this fiery, dangerous woman who fills him with both rage and passion. Not only is she his avowed enemy, but she could very well be the hunter who has been preying upon his people. Torn between his need for the truth and his quest to find his perfect mate before a horrific transformation claims him forever, Eidolon will dare the unthinkable-and let Tayla possess him, body and soul...

My thought so far are after the jump.

I'm only on page 89 but I already love the first book in the Demonica series. Eidolon is a demon and a doctor. He works at Underworld General Hospital, which Tayla -a demon slayer, who was brought in with a demon- jokes and calls UGH.

Again, I'm only on page 89 so not real drama has happened but by page 30 there was already a steamy scene involving Dr. Hottie -nickname Tayla gave Eidolo before she found out he was a demon- and Tayla in a private ER room with no one around. I think you can guess where that scene went...

Anywho, now Tayla's calling Eidolon, Hellboy and telling him how disgusting he is while Hellboy reminds her of the good time they had in this exam room. *snickers*

So far, it's good book. Certainly, not a YA novel but I love all kinds of books.

Hush, Hush Teaser Banners

2009-10-05T08:22:00.001-07:00

So, there's this really cool fansite for this really good book, that I have not read yet- because the postal service hates me and my need for good books- but trust the people who say that this book is amazing. The fansite is called Fallen Archangel. The book is called Hush, Hush and the writer is the amazing Becca Fitzpatrick. This awesome fansite also has a blog, Coldwater High eZine, and on said blog, the webmisses, Rebecca and Jenn, are giving out one teaser line/quote a day until Hush, Hush's release date, October 3rd.

Well, me being in my Paint Shop Pro mood, made a banner for the first Teaser Line. Then, I made one for the second.

View them after the jump.

Teaser #1 Banner:

Teaser #2 Banner:

I've made more stuff for Hush, Hush but I'll post those later. I'll be posting the Teaser Banners everyday, hopefully.

Emmy Rossum Before and After

2009-10-04T23:21:00.000-07:00

So, my first post feels lonely. I'll give it company.

BEFORE:

AFTER:

I used Paint Shop Pro 9 to make this, by the way.

**I do not mind if anyone uses the stuff I make. All I ask is that you tell me where you are using it and credit me. You can credit me by using my Twitter, my LiveJournal, this blog or my e-mail address, I don't care. Just credit me, please. I appreciate it. Also, not all of my images have my name on them like the AFTER photo does in the bottom corner.

You Had Me At Hello

2009-10-04T22:57:00.000-07:00

*looks at post title* Yep, corny but very famous line. Though I can't seem to recall the name of the movie it came from. Humm, *shrugs*

Oh well, after spending an hour trying to think up a good blog name and another half hour trying to worm my way around this site, I am finally making my first post.

First things first, do not ask me how I got my blog name. I'll deal with that after I post a little and get some people actually looking at the blog. If you, by chance, know how I got it, please be nice and be quiet. *big grin* The name has meaning and I want to share it with everyone at the same time- after I send them on a wild goose chase to figure out where I got it from. *another big grin*

Secondly, I will add some buttons and links later but it's 2am and I don't feel like doing all that right now!

I'm going to try to end this now because I am super tired. I want to blame Amber from Just Your Typical Book Blog for making me make this. No, she didn't literally make me make it but I have to blame someone and well, she's told me before I need to make one, so I pick her. I also realize that everyone has a blog on blogger, except me. *pout*

Wait, that's a lie. I have/had one but it's so dusty the link won't open. So, I made a new. This one. *smile*

I'm not exactly sure what I'll put on here but I know you will see a lot of stuff about books and you'll see a lot of things that I have made- i.e. banners, icons, re-mixed book covers.

Actaully, the graphics gave me that last push to make this blog. I've been making a lot recently and I want to show them off because I'm a feedback junkie and I want to hear what everyone thinks of the things that I spend hours making. That cool? Are you all going to give me feedback? If so, I promise not to add my country accent into my typing- i.e. ya'll, folks, howdy. Deal?

Okay, that's it for my first post. We are somewhat accquainted. Soon I will, hopefully, have my own header and a page full of posts. But until then...

-Brittany