Thursday, April 28, 2011

Review - The Sweetest Thing by Jill Shalvis

Title and Author: The Sweetest Thing by Jill Shalvis
Publisher:  Mass Market Paperback
Publication Date: 28 March, 2011
Paperback/Hardcover: 400
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Summary
Two Men Are One Too Many . . .
Tara has a thousand good reasons not to return to the little coastal town of Lucky Harbor, Washington. Yet with her life doing a major crash-and-burn, anywhere away from her unfulfilled dreams and sexy ex-husband will do. As Tara helps her two sisters get their newly renovated inn up and running, she finally has a chance to get things under control and come up with a new plan for her life.
But a certain tanned, green-eyed sailor has his own ideas, such as keeping Tara hot, bothered . . . and in his bed. And when her ex wants Tara back, three is a crowd she can't control-especially when her deepest secret reappears out of the blue. Now Tara must confront her past and discover what she really wants. If she's lucky, she might just find that everything her heart desires is right here in Lucky Harbor.

Review:
The Sweetest Thing is the second book in the Lucky Harbor series and it was as amazing as Simply Irresistible. I loved Simply Irresistible and couldn’t wait to read The Sweetest Thing. Gladly it did not disappoint me.
Tara is back in Lucky Harbor after more than 10 years and, even though she initially doesn’t want to be there, she slowly realizes she’s happy there with her sisters. Plus the sexy Ford Walker, her boyfriend from when they were teenagers, is trying to win her back.
There’s a long and complicated story between the two of them and Ford is willing to fight to be with her. When Tara’s ex-husband comes to town with the intention to win her back, though, she is forced to decide with which man she wants to be.
Things get even more complicated when Tara’s past literally walks in the door.
I really enjoyed this story. Jill Shalvis knows just how to write and interesting and wonderful story. I’m still in love with Jax from Simply Irresistible and, in addiction to learning more about Tara and Ford, it was great to get glimpses of him and Maddie and their relationship.
Tara is an intriguing character. She’s strong, determined, cool and collected. She can also be vulnerable at times and, even when her life is a mess, she keeps on fighting.
Ford is the male leader in this book and, just like Jax, he is dreamy and determined. He’s also smart, understanding, caring and funny. He’s a perfect hero and all around nice guy. I loved the fact he was both patient and demanding with Tara. He knew he wanted her back and he was willing to fight for her.
The chemistry between Tara and Ford was amazingly well written. You just knew they were meant to be together.
The love triangle was well written as well and the town’s reaction to Tara and the two men after her was hilarious!
Just like in the previous book the relationship between the three sisters was great. All of them are trying to build a new life in Lucky Harbor and, even though they are very different it’s clear they love each other. Their constant bickering is extremely entertaining.
All in all The Sweetest Thing didn’t disappoint me at all. I loved the whole story and now I can’t wait for Head over Heels to be released. I can only imagine how much poor Sawyer will suffer trying to control Chloe.


Rating: Somewhere between Worth Your Time and Must Read (4 ½ Stars)


Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Review - City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare

Title and Author: City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare
Publisher:  Margaret K. McElderry
Publication Date: 5 April, 2011
Paperback/Hardcover: 424
Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal
Summary
City of Fallen Angels takes place two months after the events of City of Glass. In it, a mysterious someone’s killing the Shadowhunters who used to be in Valentine’s Circle and displaying their bodies around New York City in a manner designed to provoke hostility between Downworlders and Shadowhunters, leaving tensions running high in the city and disrupting Clary’s plan to lead as normal a life as she can — training to be a Shadowhunter, and pursuing her relationship with Jace. As Jace and Clary delve into the issue of the murdered Shadowhunters, they discover a mystery that has deeply personal consequences for them — consequences that may strengthen their relationship, or rip it apart forever.

Meanwhile, internecine warfare among vampires is tearing the Downworld community apart, and only Simon — the Daylighter who everyone wants on their side — can decide the outcome; too bad he wants nothing to do with Downworld politics. Love, blood, betrayal and revenge: the stakes are higher than ever in City of Fallen Angels.

Review:
I was really excited for City of Fallen Angels and I really enjoyed the book. It was good and it was great to read about Clary and Jace again but I have to confess that it didn’t held my interest like the previous books in the series did, though. That doesn’t mean I was disappointed.
City of Fallen Angels starts where City of Glass ended. Valentine is dead, Simon has the Mark of Cain and Jace is given a new start. At first everything seems perfect in the shadowhunter world but suddenly there are shadowhunters being killed and the peace with the downworlders is put to test.
A large part of the story is told in Simon’s point of view and it took me a while to get used to that but I eventually realized how interesting Simon can be. Clary’s was still my favorite point of view, though.
One thing I really liked was the fact Simon and Jace somehow got a little closer and became friends. They are extremely funny together! They are always teasing each other, after all.
Another thing I liked was the new character Jordan. His past was interesting and his relationship with some of the characters we already know was surprising. I hope we get to see more of him in the next books since I love a conflicted character.
Jace is still my favorite character and his relationship with Clary in this book was, to say the least, complicated. They never seemed to truly be together. There was always something keeping Jace away from Clary and that pissed me off a little. I would’ve liked them to be together and happy for a little while.  There were some nice scenes between them, though.
I do understand why Jace was so tormented and why he gave up hope on his relationship with Clary. For the ending of this book to work, Jace had to be like that.
I don’t want to write any spoilers so I’ll just say that I was surprised by the end of the book and can’t wait to see what will happen next. Poor Jace!
I don’t think this book is as good as the previous ones but it is well written, easy to read and interesting.  It was great to read about the characters I like so much again. I’ll definitely read the next book in the series.

Rating: Worth Your Time

Sunday, April 24, 2011

Cover VS Cover

Last week the UK Hardover of If I Stay by Gayle Forman was voted as people's favorite. It's a very nice cover!
This week's cover comparison is: The Iron King by Julie Kagawa


 German Cover

US Cover

I really like the German cover of this one! I think it's very appropriate. I could imagine a fairy looking like that. Plus, I really like the colors. 
The German cover is a greeat cover!

pollcode.com free polls
Which Cover Do You Prefer?
German Cover US Cover   

Friday, April 22, 2011

Blog Hop (20) & Follow Friday (20)

Book Blogger Hop
The Book Blogger Hop is a meme sponsored by Jennifer at Crazy For Books.

This week's question is: 
"If you find a book you love, do you hunt down other books by the same author?"
Definitely yes! If I really like a book by a author I'll definitely read more of her/his books and I'll hope they are as good as the frist one I read.




HI! Welcome to my blog! I am participating in Follow Friday hosted by Parajunkee's View.
Hop on please leave comment, link your blog, and follow, and I will follow you as well.
This week's question is:  
"What is on your current playlist right now?"
King's of Leon, Muse, The Beatles and Glee.

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Review - Simply Irresistible by Jill Shalvis

Title and Author:  Simply Irresistible by Jill Shalvis
Publisher: Mass Market Paperback
Publication Date: October 1, 2010
Paperback/Hardcover: 336
 Genre: Contemporary Romance
Summary:

Maddie Moore's whole life needs a makeover.

In one fell swoop, Maddie loses her boyfriend (her decision) and her job (so not her decision). But rather than drowning her sorrows in bags of potato chips, Maddie leaves L.A. to claim the inheritance left by her free-spirited mother-a ramshackle inn nestled in the little coastal town of Lucky Harbor, Washington.

Starting over won't be easy. Yet Maddie sees the potential for a new home and a new career-if only she can convince her two half-sisters to join her in the adventure. But convincing Tara and Chloe will be difficult because the inn needs a big makeover too.

The contractor Maddie hires is a tall, dark-haired hottie whose eyes-and mouth-are making it hard for her to remember that she's sworn off men. Even harder will be Maddie's struggles to overcome the past, though she's about to discover that there's no better place to call home than Lucky Harbor.



Review:

Simply Irresistible is the first book by Jill Shalvis I’ve read, and if her other books are anything like this one; I’ll definitely have to read them soon. This is a great contemporary romance!

After breaking up with her boyfriend and losing her job Maddie Moore decides to look on the bright side and check out the inn her mother left her and her sisters. When she arrives in Lucky Harbour Maddie has confidence and esteem issues. Her life is a mess but with the help of her sister and a sexy new stranger she learns how to overcome her issues and conquer her fears.

Maddie is a great main character. She’s clumsy, sweet, intelligent and, unfortunately, damaged. It was easy to relate to her, especially when she’s being her clumsy and entertaining self. It was great to see her grow, take control of her life and stand up for herself.

Maddie’s reactions were very realistic, especially considering her past and that only made the plot more interesting for me.

Jax Cullen is definitely my favorite character, though. I think I feel in love with him right from the start. He is extremely sexy, kind, patient and I have to agree with Maddie when she says he’s a superhero. I loved how patient he was with Maddie and how he was able to help her overcome her problems through his support and sense of humor. I also loved the fact he had a big, lazy dog he adored.  Men and animals…

Maddie and Jax make a great couple. They were obviously meant to be together and their chemistry was amazing. Even though Maddie had planned to stay away from men there was no way she could resist Jax and his charm.

The relationship between the three sisters was also great. They are all very different but little by little they learn how to deal with one another. They are hilarious together and it is clear they love each other

Simply Irresistible is a very well-written book with great characters that are very well developed.

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys contemporary romance. The chemistry between the main characters alone was able to keep me completely interested in the story.



Rating: Somewhere between Worth Your Time and Mus Read (4 ½ Stars)


Sunday, April 17, 2011

Cover VS Cover

Last time there was a tie between the German Cover and the US Cover of Infinite Days by Rebecca Maizel.
This week's cover comparison is: If I Stay by Gayle Forman.

 
Portuguese Cover                         UK Paperback

 
US Hardcover                               US Paperback
UK Hardcover

You know I think I like all the covers in a way or another. I can't just choose one! Can you?

pollcode.com free polls
Which Cover Do You Prefer?
Portuguese Cover UK Paperback US Hardcover US Paperback UK Hardcover   

Friday, April 15, 2011

Blog Hop (19) & Follow Friday (19)

Book Blogger Hop
The Book Blogger Hop is a meme sponsored by Jennifer at Crazy For Books.

This week's question is:



HI! Welcome to my blog! I am participating in Follow Friday hosted by Parajunkee's View.
Hop on please leave comment, link your blog, and follow, and I will follow you as well.
This week's question is:  
"Do you have anyone that you can discuss books with IRL? Tell us about him/her."
Yes, my roommate and friend. We have similar tastes and once we finish reading a book we like to tell each other about it. I've read many books she found interesting and liked them as well. It's actually quite nice being able to tell someone what I think about a particular book and hear her opinion.

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Review - A Season of Eden by Jennifer Laurens

Title and Author:  A Season of Eden by Jennifer Laurens aka J.M. Warwick
Publisher: Grove Creek Publishing
Publication Date: October 20, 2008
Paperback/Hardcover: 248
Genre: YA, Romance
Summary:
He's my teacher. I shouldn't be alone with him. But I can't help that he's irresistible.
I let the door silently close at my back. He stared at me, and a taut quiet stretched between us. "I like hearing you play," I said, moving toward him. He turned, in sync with my slow approach. He looked up at me but didn't say anything. I rested my clammy hand on the cold, slick body of the baby grand. "May I?" The muscles in his throat shifted, then he swallowed. "Eden." My knees weakened, like a soft tickling kiss had just been blown against the backs of them. "Is it okay?" I asked. His gaze held mine like two hands joined. He understood what I was really asking. "Let me stay," I said. "Please." "You're going to get me in trouble," he said

Review:
The description of this book immediately intrigued me. It deals with a taboo relationship between a young teacher and a student (the student is 18 and the teacher is only 22).
I love the kind of stories you know the characters aren’t supposed to be together but can’t help being drawn to each other. This is that kind of story.
Most of the story happens during Eden’s senior year in highschool and it’s obvious how her relationship with James (the teacher) helps her grow up and become a smart young woman instead of a spoiled teenager.
Eden is the “agressor” is this story while James is somewhat innocent and all around adorable. I couldn’t help immediately liking him.
The romance between Eden and James was very well written. The whole book is a big seduction and it’s all about the anticipation of the moment they will actually get together.
All in all I really enjoyed reading A Season of Eden. The plot is interesting, the book is well written and the way the relationship between a teacher and a student was portrayed was very refreshing. Plus, I really liked the ending, even though I was left hoping for more.
Give this one a shot! :)

Rating: Worth Your Time

Book Depository

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine, It  features upcoming releases that are  eagerly awaited for.



Mara Dyer believes life can’t get any stranger than waking up in a hospital with no memory of how she got there. It can.
She believes there must be more to the accident she can’t remember that killed her friends and left her strangely unharmed. There is.
She doesn’t believe that after everything she’s been
through, she can fall in love. She’s wrong.

You can't tell by the description exactly what this book is about but it seems pretty interesting.Plus, it has an amazing cover, doesn't it?

Sunday, April 10, 2011

Six Month Blogoversary Giveaway

So, guess what? My blog turns 6 months today and I think it's time for a giveaway, don't you?
I've had a great time so far and I can't wait for the next 6 months!


Do you want to know about the giveaway?
* I'm giving away a book of your choice from the book depository up to 10 USD.
* This giveaway is International.
* You must be at least thirteen to enter.
* Giveaway is open until May 10th.
* You must fill in the form

Thank you for entering and good luck!

Friday, April 8, 2011

Blog Hop (18) & Follow Friday (18)

Book Blogger Hop
The Book Blogger Hop is a meme sponsored by Jennifer at Crazy For Books.

This week's question is:



HI! Welcome to my blog! I am participating in Follow Friday hosted by Parajunkee's View.
Hop on please leave comment, link your blog, and follow, and I will follow you as well.
This week's question is:  
"Do you judge a book by its cover?"
Yes, sometimes I do. The cover of a book is the first thing that draws my eye to a book, after all. If I really like the cover Ill find out what the book is about and if the plot interests me I will read it.
I'm not the type of person who won't read a book because of its cover, though. I won't read a book I don't find interesting because it has a great cover either.

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Review - Looking For Alaska by John Green

Title and Author: Looking for Alaska by John Green
Publisher: Puffin
Publication Date: March 3, 2005
Paperback/Hardcover: 221
Genre: YA

Summary:
Miles Halter is fascinated by famous last words and tired of his safe life at home. He leaves for boarding school to seek what the dying poet Francois Rabelais called the "Great Perhaps." Much awaits Miles at Culver Creek, including Alaska Young. Clever, funny, screwed-up, and dead sexy, Alaska will pull Miles into her labyrinth and catapult him into the Great Perhaps.

Review:
It took me a while to finally read this book. I had heard a lot of things about it and wasn’t sure it would actually be an enjoyable read.
I am definitely glad I’ve finally read Looking for Alaska, though because it is an amazing book. All the good things I heard about it are true.
Looking for Alaska is about friendship, loss, grief and learning how to deal with it. The book follows one year in the life of Miles Halter who begs his parents to enroll him in Culver Creek Preparatory School. Miles doesn’t have friends and he hopes to start a new life in Culver Creek. He dreams to seek what François Rabelais called “The Great Perhaps.”
Miles quickly befriends his roommate, Chip also known as The Colonel and falls in love with Chip’s friend, Alaska.
I loved all the characters in this book. They are all extremely well written and well drawn. They have unique backgrounds and their emotions are real. Even the secondary characters are well developed. As I read the book I got the feeling I knew exactly who each character was and how they felt. There are no card board cut-out characters in this book, which is a great plus.
I have to say The Colonel is my favorite character. I love the fact he’s a walking human encyclopedia, a good friend and a prankster.
As a narrator Miles is extremely reliable. His voice is clear. He’s honest and easy to connect to.
As the plot develops and the characters try to find out who they really are and what the answer to, for instance, Simón Bolívar’s question “How will I ever get out this Labyrinth?” is, you can’t help but feel connected to them. No wonder this book has won several awards. It is extremely well written and deals with important issues.
Looking for Alaska is a book I would recommend to anyone. John Green wrote a beautiful, heartbreaking story that will stay with you for a long time. It will make you think about life and dead and the effect some people have on your life.
It will make you think about some of lives’ most important questions.

Rating: Must Read