[Review] The Golden Lily by Richelle Mead

Title: The Golden Lily (Bloodlines #2)
Author: Richelle Mead
Published: June 12th 2012 by Razorbill
Genre: Young Adult, Urban Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance.
Rating: ★★★★★
Goodreads summary:

Tough, brainy alchemist Sydney Sage and doe-eyed Moroi princess Jill Dragomir are in hiding at a human boarding school in the sunny, glamorous world of Palm Springs, California. The students--children of the wealthy and powerful--carry on with their lives in blissful ignorance, while Sydney, Jill, Eddie, and Adrian must do everything in their power to keep their secret safe. But with forbidden romances, unexpected spirit bonds, and the threat of Strigoi moving ever closer, hiding the truth is harder than anyone thought.

Populated with new faces as well as familiar ones, Richelle Mead's breathtaking Bloodlines series explores all the friendship, romance, battles, and betrayals that made the #1 New York Times bestselling Vampire Academy series so addictive. In this second book, the drama is hotter, the romances are steamier, and the stakes are even higher.

Emma's thoughts:

*Spoilers for Bloodlines*

I am once again awed by Richelle Mead's work. After finishing Vampire Academy, I could not wait to start Bloodlines! And that, oh gosh<3 Honestly, I was wondering how The Golden Lily could be any better, but it is utterly breathtaking! I'm constantly reminded of why I love Richelle Mead's characters so much. Each one is so different and so unique in their own ways and there's never mistaking one for another.

Sydney's such a strong, determined and admirable character. Sure, I don't always agree with her Alchemist ways, but she stays true to herself always. She's so kind, and constantly thinking of others - yes it is her job, but as her history teacher says, she always go waaay beyond what's expected. Through every hardship and problem, she's always focused and ready for anything. I particularly loved it when she signed up for self-defense classes with Adrian. (EEEEEEP CUTENESS<3) I love how her situation there is similar to the one with Eddie and Jill.

But ugh, one thing I didn't really enjoy was the new characters. Angeline is necessary, yes, but I just didn't like her. I'm not sure if we're supposed to, but I don't like her and Eddie, I don't like her and Trey. I just don't. like. her. I don't like Brayden either, but that's a given. Poor Sydney can't see that Brayden could never in a million years give her what Adrian could offer.

Adrian, Adrian, Adrian... oh Adrian... Sydney how could you not see?!?! He's so head over heels in love with Sydney and really doesn't try to hide it, at all. He's constantly making up these excuses just to see her, talk to her, and just to spend time with her. And even Sydney cares a lot for him whether she realizes it or not. Even she does things for him that shocks him, that makes him surprised to think that anybody would ever bother. That's what I love about their relationship. They do things that are unexpected to each other and they make exceptions to their usual rules for each other. I mean, who drives four hours from city to city that they had no obligations and no feelings for?

But The Golden Lily isn't about the romance (though it is the best bit), Trey comes into a big part of the story - which I really enjoyed. I loved Trey as a character in Bloodlines and it was great to see him play a vital role in this book. It was nice to see a twist involving the Alchemist's history and human magic (which yes! Sydney finally gives in to!).

And of course, there's a cliffhanger - of sorts - and unffff I am DYING to for the third book! I hope Sydney puts her morals away and make another exception for us readers (:

Overall rating: 5 stars~ Richelle Mead never ever disappoints!

First:

 Most people would find being led into an underground bunker on a stormy night scary. Not me.

Favourite:

“Isn’t it obvious, Sage? No, of course it isn’t. I did it so I’d have a reason to be around you — one I knew you couldn’t refuse.”

Teaser:

“You're in an awfully good mood," he observed. "Was there a sale at Khakis-R-Us?” 

 

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Blog Tour: |Review| Ties that Bind by Heather Huffman + Giveaway

As part of the Ties that Bind book by Heather Huffman book tour, I have a review for you!! And also a giveaway and a chance to wind the grand giveaway!! This is the Ties That Bind tour schedule, Click here to follow the rest of the tour and giveaways each day!

Title: Ties that Bind 
Author: Heather Huffman 
Published October 1st 2011 by Booktrope 
Genre: Contemporary romance, chick-lit 
Rating: ♥♥♥♥
Goodread's summary:

Kate Yager never had a father, and she never minded - until her mom died. Now, acting on the name called out on her mother's deathbed, Kate has moved to San Francisco and gotten herself hired by the man she suspects to be her dad. As if a new job, new apartment, and new parent weren't enough, Kate finds herself head-over-heels in lust with a complete stranger she met at an art show. A stranger who, she later finds out, happens to work in her office.

As her relationships with her friends and father grow stronger, Kate has to confront the decisions of her past to find out whether she can love the man who gave her up, love the man who loves her truly, and even whether she can love herself.

Racquel's thoughts:
If I had known this was chick-lit, I would have stayed away from it but thank goodness I didn't know because I would have missed out on a wonderful story. Now the reason I'm not the biggest fan of chick-lit books is because the romance is usually sometimes present but it's not very important or very developed and that's a problem for me since romance is my favorite. I need romance in my adult books! Ties that Bind however balanced the romance and "chick-lit" (family and friends) elements equally and I'm very satisfied with that.

The argument that the first half of the book is romance can be made and that's is why I gave the book 4 hearts. The second half of the book was not as good to me, as the first half, but I did enjoy the first half to much to care. Gavin, our hero, and Kate were just the perfect pair. The witty banter between them just about killed me from how awesome it is!!

"You don't brush your teeth without scheduling it on your Blackberry, do you? What about showers?"
"I am perfectly capable of tending to personal hygiene without the assistance of my handheld." 

But also, it was sweet seeing how Gavin slowly pulled Kate out of guarded life and helped her overcome a few of her insecurities. He knew just how far he could push her and when to stop and I really liked that. I hate when the heroines say NO! a million times and the hero refuses to listen but Gavin knew which "no" from Kate to question and which one was to be left alone. Like I said, they were the perfect, swoon worthy pair!

Kate's mother just died and she has moved to a new town, new job and new people so seeing her get settled in, open up to new friends (and Gavin ;D) was sweet and I really enjoyed seeing her growth as a character. I do wish that Jason, who was the catalyst of a very important plot point, would have been developed more and I feel that Jack, who is Kate's boss, forgave and forgot old wounds to quickly for my liking and that is why I can't bring myself to rate the book 5 hearts but besides that, Ties that Bind is a really enjoyable read about a women who's life is out of control and how she brought it back to sanity. If you're a fan of contemporary and romance, I highly suggest this book!

Rating: 4 hearts~ just as good as the summary promises to be!

First:

In the thirty-two years Kate Yager had been on this planet, she has never met another person with quite the same shade eyes as hers.

Favorite:

"Well, because either you'll rip him apart in some misguided burst of chivalry that will land you in jail, or you'll be perfectly civil to him and I'll be mad at you for not ripping him apart in some misguided burst of chivalry. There's really no way for you to win that one."

Teaser:

"Yeah, well neither of them are old or insane, and I happen to like those qualities, too."

Now I have a giveaway for you!! THREE winners will get a an e-book copy of Ties That Bind. But also, EVERY SINGLE tour stop is ALSO giving away 3 copies of the e-book so make sure to stop by each blogging participating!! Here is a link to follow the rest of the tour! Good luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
and also, you have a chance to win the grand prize here! This is the same rafflecopter at every stop BUT by following me on this blog, you get a new entry!!
a Rafflecopter giveaway  

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[Review] Saving June by Hannah Harrington

Title: Saving June
Author: Hannah Harrington
Published: November 22nd 2011 by Harlequin Teen
Rating: ★★★★☆
Goodreads summary:

‘If she’d waited less than two weeks, she’d be June who died in June. But I guess my sister didn’t consider that.’

Harper Scott’s older sister has always been the perfect one so when June takes her own life a week before her high school graduation, sixteen-year-old Harper is devastated. Everyone’s sorry, but no one can explain why.

When her divorcing parents decide to split her sister’s ashes into his-and-her urns, Harper takes matters into her own hands. She’ll steal the ashes and drive cross-country with her best friend, Laney, to the one place June always dreamed of going, California.

Enter Jake Tolan. He’s a boy with a bad attitude, a classic-rock obsession and nothing in common with Harper’s sister. But Jake had a connection with June, and when he insists on joining them, Harper’s just desperate enough to let him. With his alternately charming and infuriating demeanour and his belief that music can see you through anything, he might be exactly what she needs.

Except June wasn’t the only one hiding something. Jake’s keeping a secret that has the power to turn Harper’s life upside down again.

*thanks to the publisher for providing me a review copy of this ebook (via Netgalley)*

Emma's thoughts:

How do I even begin to tell you about Saving June? Saving June is one of those book you won't really ever forget. I mean, it makes you appreciate life. And just being here, writing this, being somewhat happy is more than most people can say.

The story is exactly what it says it is. Harper, her best friend Laney, and Jake Tolan drive through state after state to deliver June's ashes to the shores of California. There's no big, huge twist (not really), and no mystery that keeps us on the edge of the seat, and yet, I couldn't stop reading! Just quite simply, the way Hannah Harrington writes is beautiful. Harper's thoughts were meaningful and completely relevant to everything in general. I could relate and I loved reading about Harper. She was a likable character and she never annoyed me! (Because plenty of MCs do!)

Her relationship(sort of) with Jake... ASDLKJHSGJKGFSKJLF.

You know it's going to happen, but it's not insta-love. It's geniune. And Jake, he's the true depiction of a boy. Always avoiding the things he doesn't want to talk about, extremely frustrating, and yet, you cannot help but to love him.

Their journey to California is an unforgettable one. They meet people, they do these crazy things, and it's just one of those things, I'd die for. To be so free, and just to go in and out of states, weaving from place to place. And on this journey, I became one of them. I experienced everything with Harper, Jake, and Laney. It's a spectacularly strange journey, but every up and every down, I was with them, and that's what made this book so utterly magical. Reading Saving June, I wasn't reading about a girl with a dead sister, I was Harper missing June.

I love the musical influence in this book. Not really the songs themselves, but to me, music is life. I'm glad Harper and Jake understand :)

I know I'll definitely be reading whatever Hannah Harrington writes next simply because her writing is absolutely beautiful.

Overall: 4.5 stars~ Unforgettable ♥

First:

 According to the puppy-of-the-month calendar, hanging next to the phone in the kitchen, my sister June died on a Thursday, exactly nine days before her high school graduation.

Favourite:

 "You keep being... nice. And then you do a total dickhead move, and then you redeem yourself by doing something stupid like letting yourself get punched in the face."

Teaser:

 “Careful, Harper. Someone might think you're actually enjoying yourself."
I can't suppress a smile. "Huh."
"Huh?" He quirks an eyebrow, "What was the 'huh' for?”

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[Review] Ghost Crown by J. Gabriel Gates & Charlene Keel

Title: Ghost Crown (The Tracks #2)
Author: J. Gabriel Gates & Charlene Keel
Published: June 5th 2012 by HCI Teens
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Paranormal
Rating: ★★★★★
Goodreads summary:

After their harrowing adventures, Middleburg's teens are hoping life will return to normal. Despite a tentative alliance between the goth Flatliners and the rich, preppie Toppers, any hope of peace is dashed when Topper girl Aimee arrives at the homecoming dance with Raphael, a Flatliner. A fight erupts between the two gangs and, in the midst of the rumble, a bizarre catastrophe occurs when Middleburg's homecoming queen discovers she has supernatural powers.
To make matters worse, Middleburg real-estate moguls who have bought up most of the land in the Flats have started evicting their tenants. They are searching for a priceless treasure prophesied in ancient Chinese writings and will stop at nothing to find it. But Raphael and his impoverished Flatliners vow to get it first and use it buy back their homes. Meanwhile, a handsome, charismatic half-angel, half-human comes to Middleburg with plans to steal Aimee from Raphael. As Raphael and his Flatliners and Zhai and his Toppers work to perfect their supernatural abilities and find the treasure, Aimee begins kung fu training, intent on becoming strong enough to locate and rescue her missing mother. When she discovers that the mysterious treasure may be the key to finding her mom, the race to find it intensifies.
But there are others who seek the treasure, too, forces powerful enough to reduce all of Middleburg, and perhaps the world, to ashes…

*thanks to the publishers for providing me a free copy of this ebook in exchange for my honest review (via Netgalley)*

Emma's thoughts:

SPOILERS FOR Dark Territory (The Tracks #1). Read my review here.

I am once again, completely AWED by Gates and Keel's work. It's not even just the way he writes, but it's the depth of the concept and each intricate detail of each character. There is no way that I could possibly tell you how amazed I am by this book. And the thing is, I started reading this with high expectations, because the first novel in the series was mind-blowing. And Ghost Crown... it's a freaking apocalypse, I just can't even explain...

The way Ghost Crown is very normal, and innocent, but if you've read Dark Territory, you just know shit's gonna go down. My heart breaks for Raphael and Aimee. I liked that their romance felt natural, it wasn't a forced relationship that I feared it might be, but I can't say the same for Nass and Dalton. Especially with Clarisse in the way (what?! why was a new character necessary?!), but it was very necessary. And on the characters aspect, I am so torn about Maggie. Is she good? Is she bad? What is she?!! For this, I have to commend Gates and Keel for handing all the best powers to the character that could really, sway in either direction.

It's so hard to say anything without giving the whole story away, but basically Oberon has it in for Middleburg... so he brought his son. Now, this, I LOVE. I LOVE and I HATE Orias. I love the way Gates and Keel wrote him. I love the way he's the true depiction of the 'devil'. He's pure evil of course, but he's so. god. damn. tempting. I know I'd fall for him, I know I'd trip headfirst to him. Because hot damn. The devil is sexy, he's sweet, he's like that ultimate dessert. Oozing thick chocolate, a guaranteed heart attack with one bite.

Another thing that made me fall in love with this book? The introduction of the Bible's Watchers. Now, for those of you fantasy, paranormal lovers, you'll know what they're all about. Fallen angels. Oh, I could fall on my knees and thank Gates and Keel for making this the perfect story for me! I cannot tell you how much I love reading about fallen angels! Or just even, angels in general! Now, I'm not Christian, or even religious, but there's just something about angels that I absolutely adore, even if they're evil!

The influence of different cultures are clearly evident in this book. There's the constant reminder of 'the All', which I believe in the Chinese culture is the basis of everything, and 'Shen', translates to the soul or spirit. This whole idea of spirits, 'the All', and 'the Knowing' makes supernatural powers seem so much more natural. I mean, I'm sure you've all read books where everyone has their own 'power'. But in Ghost Crown, it makes it seem possible. It makes me believe that we all have some natural 'power' within us, something that we have that everyone else doesn't, and if we connect with 'the All', maybe our powers could manifest...

See, this is what books like these does to me! It makes me believe utter nonsense, but it's a wonderful thing truly; believing.

Reading Ghost Crown, I feel like I've died a thousand deaths. One for each character, each fight, each moment of realization. Half the time, I'm dying for more. More information, more action, more of the secrets of Middleburg. The tunnels, the powers, the possibilities. And when I read the words "To learn the truth. Come." I die again in anticipation.

Not many books affect me the way this has. I freak out, and yet beg for more. I want to cry, but out of shock or happiness? I never know. I can only thank Gates and Keel for creating such a masterpiece. 

Overall: 5 stars~ I feel like J. Gabriel Gates & Charlene Keel wrote this novel just for me :') 

First:

Raphael Kain's adversary cartwheeled forward and attacked with a barrage of flying fists and slashing elbows.

Favourite:

When one person helps another, the helper often gets even more benefit than the helper.

Teaser:

"The Magician told us that time is an illusion, that all time exists at once, but we're able to perceive only the present..."

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Tune In Tuesday [15]: Of Monsters & Men

A weekly feature hosted by GReads that showcases music.

It was thanks to this lovely feature that I found this spectacular band! So THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU KATE FROM KATE'S TALE OF BOOKS AND BANDS! Click here to read her Tune In Tuesday post :)

And because she's already featured Yellow Light, King & Lionheart, Love Love Love, Little Talks, Here are some of my other favourites.

Dirty Paws

Jumping up and down the floor,
My head is an animal.
And once there was an animal,
It had a son that mowed the lawn.
The son was an ok guy,
They had a pet dragonfly.
The dragonfly it ran away,
But it came back with a story to say.

Her dirty paws and furry coat,
She ran down the forest slope.
The forest of talking trees,
They used to sing about the birds and the bees.
The bees had declared a war,
The sky wasn't be enough for them all.
The birds, they got help from below,
From dirty paws and the creatures of snow.

And for a while things were cold,
They were scared down in their holes.
The forest that once was green
Was colored black by those killing machines.
But she and her furry friends
Took down the queen bee and her men.
And that's how the story goes,
The story of the beast with those four dirty paws.

Six Weeks

Slow, slow me down,
Her blood, on my bones.
Let go, lay to rest.

We fall, we fall, we fall,
We fall to the ground.

Sleep, sleep all night
While the young, they wait alone.
Get up, shake the rust.
We crawl, we crawl, we crawl,
We crawl on the ground.

Alone, I fight these animals.
Alone, until I get home.

A wolf, wolf and I,
We share the same cold meal.
I float on, float on down .
We ride, we ride, we ride
We ride it all out.

Coming back, I'm coming back.
She follows me into the woods,
Takes me home.

Link me your Tune In Tuesdays :D

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|Blog Tour| Darkness Comes This Way by Pixie Lynn Whitfield

The Darkness Comes This Way by Pixie Lynn Whitfield blog tour is stopping at The Book Barbies today and I have an interview with the amaaaazing Pixie today! Who's more than an author, but a book blogger and all around fantastic person :D

1. Vampires are my favorite paranormal creatures and I don't think they're overused at all. Are they your favorite paranormal creatures too? Is that why you choose to write about vampires?

Yes, they’re my favorite. They’ve been my favorite since childhood. I had an odd fascination with wanting to always learn about the legends and different mythos, along with histories behind urban legends like Countess Bathory and Vlad Dracul. They have such a wide, diverse theme to their back story, dating as far back as ancient times from good to evil, that I just naturally became in love with them. So, yeah, I guess that’s why I chose to write with vampires. Can’t get enough. ;)

2. Speaking of Vampires, what are you're favorite vampire related anything? Books, movies, TV shows?

You’re asking for a long list. Haha! I’ll try to keep it short though. Vampire Academy series by Richelle Mead (this includes Bloodlines too), True Blood--the show and the books, Underworld movies, The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova, Wuthering Bites by Sarah Gray, Black Dagger Brotherhood series by J.R. Ward. I used to really love the show Moonlight but it got cancelled. Argh. I like the new Dark Shadows movie (Johnny Depp? Yes please.) Interview With A Vampire (movie and book). Okay…I’ll cut myself off. :P

3. Can you share with us your favorite scene to write in Darkness Comes This Way, or quotes?

One of my favorite scenes to write was when Zarah shot her brother in the foot.
Another of my favorite scenes (with quotes): 

"You’re fearless.”
Draven laughed loudly and shook his head. Zarah frowned and crossed her arms over her chest.
“No, I’m not. Trust me. I’m scared all the time. You scare the living hell out of me.”
Her jaw dropped.
“I scare you?”
“Anyone who isn’t scared of you is insane."

4. Twitter style, can you tell us anything about book 2 in The Guardians of the Night series?

Romance plays a larger role. War is coming. Twists and turns abound. It’s chaotic really.

5. Your Guardians of the Night series is paranormal, do you ever see your self writing a different genre? (I ask this because I'm the contemporary whore :p)

Actually…yes. I’m writing a Contemporary YA Romance at this very moment to be honest. It’s a bit unusual writing outside my normal genre, but a nice change at the same time.

6. Since you’re also a blogger and you review books, has the blogsphere influenced your book, writing, characters or anything in anyway?

Blogging helps me develop as a writer, I believe. I feel like with reviewing I can craft articles and such a bit better, and it makes me feel good on that part. But honestly, blogging didn’t influence the book or characters at all. The book was almost wrapped up about the time I started blogging. My characters create themselves. Sound crazy, right? But it’s true. They form in my head, and from there they talk to me. Blogging DOES influence in the way of making some really great connections, and I have had some helpful tips along the way that I’m greatly appreciative of.

7. If you're not reading, writing or blogging, what are you doing? Is there any hidden talent (or horrifying secret) you can share with us?

When not writing or blogging, I’m usually reading or out and about. Sometimes just watching television and being bored. I actually get bored. It’s shocking. I do draw sometimes. I make some crafts (woodworking, bookmarks, journals--that’s about it), and get bullied by my cat. Hidden talent? Can’t think of any. Horrifying secret: When I was twelve, I “ran away” from home and was brought back by the police. Not really a horrifying secret, but an embarrassing moment. LOL.

8. 2012 is halfway over, what are some of your favorite reads of this year? Also, what are some of your all time favorite novels?

For 2012: Chosen Ones by Tiffany Truitt, Scarlet by A.C. Gaughen, Touch of Power by Maria V. Snyder, The Fault in Our Stars by John Green, Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins, Wither by Lauren DeStefano, and Delirium by Lauren Oliver (note: I know the last three mentioned weren’t published in 2012 but I’ve only just recently read them, and LOVED them).

Some of my all-time favorites: The Vampire Academy series by Richelle Mead, The Wicked Lovely series by Melissa Marr, Romeo & Juliet, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Macbeth, Hamlet, Twelfth Night (Shakespeare geek),Wuthering Heights, Jane Eyre, Fahrenheit 451, The Shining by Stephen King, Vampire Chronicles by Anne Rice, Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter by Seth Graham-Smith, The Hunger Games, The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, The Hobbit, Harry Potter, and more.

9. Since it's summer, do you have any summer rituals? or ideal summer plans your fantasizing about?

Not really. I’m pretty lazy during summer. And the sun hates me so I stay inside often. I would like to see the ocean one day--wearing a lot of sunblock of course. Sometimes the fam and I take vacations, or hit up baseball games when we can.

10. This is the last and most important question of all, do gingers have souls.....?

Why, yes we have souls. We run around stealing them while you sleep. It’s how we survive, by feeding on all you “normal” people with your “normal” hair colors. Oh…wait…that’s not what you meant? My bad. Forget I said that. Sleep well!

Thanks so much for the wonderful interview and for having me on your blog! :)

_____________________________________________________________________

Darkness Come This Way by Pixie  Lynn Whitfield

Published May 15th 2012

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Goodreads Summary:

Zarah Duncan is a Guardian. It’s an elite job that protects humans and the untainted vampires from the real monsters: those lost to the bloodlust. Rogues infest the city. Missing humans, unsolved cases…Zarah knows what the real cause is and she’s been trained since childhood to destroy them.

But she has a haunting past that catches up one day. Zarah was Rogue once, and until her, no one else has ever cured from the poisoned state of mind before. She’s been labeled a miracle, and the mystery only builds. She gets the awful feeling there’s more to it than just a lucky magical come-back. There are deep, dark secrets being kept. Maybe her boss Nathanial knows something? When she gets paired with a partner, Draven Kinsley, it only adds more difficulty. He hates her and swears that with a single look, she’ll poison him. To make matters worse, her Rogue brother has to show up, and he brings with him a shocking announcement. What Zarah learns from him rocks her entire world upside down. She not only begins to question who and what she is anymore, but it can possibly change the Vampire race forever.

The scary part: someone else knows too…and they’ll do anything to get her special blood, spelling disaster for the humans that Guardians have secretly been protecting for decades.

Vampires, fallen angels, war, betrayal, and romance fill this Paranormal/Urban Fantasy debut, the first book to a high-action trilogy.

Buy the book (both ebook & paperback available): Amazon | B&N

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[Review] The Glimpse by Claire Merle

Title: The Glimpse
Author: Claire Merle
Published: June 7th 2012 by Faber & Faber
Genre: Young Adult, Dystopian, & Romance
Rating: ★★★★
Goodreads summary:

In a near future, society is segregated according to whether people are genetically disposed to mental illness. 17-year-old Ana has been living the privileged life of a Pure due to an error in her DNA test. When the authorities find out, she faces banishment from her safe Community, a fate only thwarted by the fact that she has already been promised to Pure-boy Jasper Taurell.

When Jasper disappears, Ana sets off on his trail, determined to solve the mystery of his abduction. In doing so she journeys into the darkest corners of society, and uncovers some devastating truths that destroy everything she’s ever believed.

*thanks to the publishers for the free copy of this ebook (via Netgalley)*

Emma's thoughts:

Okay first, I have to talk about the ending of this book...

AAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!

 
IT JUST ENDS THERE?!?!?!

*takes a breath*

I can't bring myself to think about anything else other than the ending, and it's really, reaaaally, bugging me. Because right now, all I want to do is pull my hair out, fling my dear, old Mac across the room, hunt down Claire Merle and DEMAND her to write the second book.. NOW.

It took me a long while to get into this book. It starts off just as another other dystopian novel you find. The protagonist is this fancy new world where people are either 'crazy' or 'pure'. Now, Anna... She's both. She's a 'Sleeper' which means she has potential to be 'Crazy' but her symptoms have yet to present themselves. Now, if it was anyone else, they would've been exiled to the City to live with the rest of the Crazies, but Anna's dad is the one who invented the 'Crazy Or Pure' test.

What I found really interesting was the concept of knowing if someone's going to be mentally insane or depressed when they're five years old. It's mind-boggling to think that you could predict such a thing from such a young age. I'm talking about autism or such thing, but depression. How can you look at a child and be like 'Yep, he's bound to be depressed when he's older. Leave him in the City.'? It's interesting, and at the same time, kind of sad.

The novel is well written. It's got it's up and downs, and sometimes, kind of predictable. Of course, when it comes to Cole, anything predictable is good<3 And yes, that's right, Jasper is NOT the hero of the story. It's Cole, Cole, Cole. What is it with the name Cole? Cole in Everneath, Cole in Linger and Forever. Now, Cole in The Glimpse, he's so dreamy... At first glance, he's just a tough guy who possibly is the reason for Jasper's disappearance, but Anna wasn't expecting blue eyes and a talented pianist and composer.

I love how protective Cole is of Anna, but even he can't stop the terrors of the Mental Institution. I forget what it's really called in the novel, but it's freaky. I don't know how anybody would be able to handle being drowned and zapped on a daily basis. Anna changes, and she discovers truths hidden. The whole time, I'm freaking out for her, and praying for her, because really, there never appears to be a good outcome in anything that happens to her.

I can't say this is a particularly original novel, but I have to commend Claire Merle on her writing. It's just so wonderfully exciting and breath-taking and the ending leaves you dangling off the cliff, by a finger. If you like dystopian adventures, this is definitely a book for you!

Overall rating: 4 stars~ An intense and exhilarating journey!

First:

 Sometimes, when Ana hovered on the edge of sleep, she heard the patter of feet along the school corridor; she felt her best friend Tamsin close by - a near, warm presence like the imprint on a bed recently slept in; she saw the Board's saloon car pulling up outside the front of school, a white envelope glowing through one of their leather cases, whispering her name, her disease.

Favourite:

 Science isn't racist. Science is just an understanding of the physical workings of things. It's how we interpret and employ the knowledge that can't turn it into something corrupt.

Teaser:

 'You're joking?' she said.
'I'd never joke about kissing you.'

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|Review| Something Like Normal by Trish Doller

Title: Something Like Normal
Author: Trish Doller 
Published June 19th 2012 by Bloomsbury USA Childrens
Genre: YA realistic contemporary, romance
Rating:  ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
Goodreads summary:

When Travis returns home from a stint in Afghanistan, his parents are splitting up, his brother’s stolen his girlfriend and his car, and he’s haunted by nightmares of his best friend’s death. It’s not until Travis runs into Harper, a girl he’s had a rocky relationship with since middle school, that life actually starts looking up. And as he and Harper see more of each other, he begins to pick his way through the minefield of family problems and post-traumatic stress to the possibility of a life that might resemble normal again. Travis’s dry sense of humor, and incredible sense of honor, make him an irresistible and eminently lovable hero.

Racquel's thoughts:
Something Like Normal was my most anticipated YA book of this year and second book overall (Julie James's About That Night being the first♥) and I'm not going to lie, when the time to read it came, I was scared. It has been getting extremely positive reviews but I'm not a fan of hype because they create expectations and expectations lead to disappointment in most cases and also, Trish Doller is a debut author. With Julie James for instances, I read all four of her books and loved each one more than the other so I knew in my mind that her fifth one would be just as amazing. No room for error. Not so much for Trish Doller since I never read any of her writing but when I finally manned up and cracked open Something Like Normal, it only toke me roughly THREE HOURS (WIN!) to read it from cover to cover (or as in my Kindle case, from 0% to 100%) Yup, I LOVED IT!

So sorry for all the people who hate hype but this will be another positive review that will rave about Something Like Normal because yeah, I believe the book deserves every single 1 million star review it got and even more!! 

Without a doubt, what made the book utterly perfect is our main character, Travis. He was so realistic, extremely 100% so that I was surprised he made it to the publishing world with censoring and everything. On top of that, this is a new adult book, meaning out main characters are out of high school which I abosultely and positively loooved! I think there are not enough new adult books around, 17+ year olds deserve there story just as much as high school teens (and I'm a high school teen myself saying this!!) especially since it can be more important and mature which we see with Something Like Normal.

Travis, a US Marine, has just returned from Afghanistan and he's not in the best shape. Mentally speaking. He went through plenty of rough stuff at Aghanistan and he's not happy to be back home since he's family is not really any better.

Obviously, the emotions of this story could not be portrayed unless it is written in the mature way that it is written in and I could NOT be happier about it. Especially seeing a lot of people love the book too, I hope this will push publishers that mature books set after high school featuring teens is a BIIIG WIN.

Not only did I love the mature story, plot and such but Trish Doller is the mastermind behind it so of course her writing was great too. She made me finish her book in 3 hours and that speaks for itself!

Besides Travis, his Marine buddies, Kevlar and Moss, were my favorite characters. seeing them interact with each other made me laugh out loud but I also loved how behind all the teasing and laughs, these soldiers obviously care about each other and would do anything for one another.

Seeing Travis deal with his family was another WIN! for me. There is nothing more important than family and seeing Travis’s broken family and how he went about it was great (in the heartbreaking sense). I really saw Travis grow and change with how he grew closer to his mother and how he put his foot down against his father. *slight spoiler* I even teared up when Travis called his mom to tell her he loves her! *end of said slight spoiler*

Laughs AND tears, in the SAME book? You know this is a must read! DOUBLE WIN!

The only that wasn’t on the level of awesome as everything else is Harper. I guess since Travis just shined so much, he outshined her. I felt like I didn’t know her character very well. While Travis, his mom, his marine buddies, even Charlie and Paige were all 3D, Harper fell a little flat for me. The book is told from Travis’s POV (this is a definite WIN!) and there is no other way to tell it but I have read other books from a male POV’s and we are never in the females love interest head but that females was equally developed so it wasn’t a problem of POV and while I understand and I know the romance is not the main focus of the book and I have no problem with that, I still feel that Harper isn't as developed as she could have been.

So while I did like and even somewhat cared for Harper, I wasn’t very much connected to her like I was with the other characters which hindered my enjoyment of the romance. Just a little though because romance is my favorite and there was no room to dislike it!

Because of that, I contemplated giving the book 4.5 starts but overall, there are way too many WINS! for it to be anything but a 5 star book. Something Like Normal (the book titles ties in with the story very nicely. Another WIN!) is a book I will be rereading and recommending to everyone, even for people who don’t usually enjoy contemporary because this book is too good to pass up. Trish Doller did justice to the issues she tackles in the book and her portrayal of the teen world is spot on perfect. Something Like Normal is going straight to the FAVORITES shelf. Plus Trish Doller is an absolute treat of an author and I just LOOVE her! I STRONGLY suggest you follow her Twitter & Tumblr. (another WIN! WIN!)

Rating: 5 hearts~ my most anticipated YA book of the year was worth anticipating! An absolutely terrific read.

First:

At the end of the concourse I can see a few kids from the high school marching band playing the "Marine's Hymn" and a couple old guys- their blues straining at the waist- acting as an unofficial color guard. Jesus Christ, please tell me my mom didn't hire a band.

Favorite:

"'Dear Diary, Kenneth is my BFF. I hope he gets laid, because it's a special night when a man loses his virginity and contracts a sexually transmitted disease at the same time.'"

Teaser:

"You're not twenty-one."

"I am a veteran of a foreign war." I hand her a cup. "More importantly, I'm thirsty."

Also, Trish did an interview over at Reut Reads and I would like to share with you one of the questions Trish answered about the current book she's writing:

6. Can you tell us anything about projects you’re working on now?

My current project is called All That Was Lost. It’s about Callie, a girl who comes home to a dad she doesn’t remember after living most of her life on the run with the mother who kidnapped her. Callie is pretty damaged and–as one of my early readers called her–a bit feral, so the adjustment to a more stable, normal life is not without challenges.

Check out Reut's blog HERE and the full interview HERE. Thanks Reut for letting me use this! Doesn't All That Was Lost sound extremely, very GOOD?! Who's excited?!?!

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[Review] Dust Girl by Sarah Zettel

Title: Dust Girl (The American Fairy Trilogy #1)
Author: Sarah Zettel
Published: Expected publication: June 26th 2012 by Random House Books for Young Readers
Rating: ★★★★
Goodreads summary:

This new trilogy will capture the hearts of readers who adore Libba Bray's Gemma Doyle series. Callie LeRoux lives in Slow Run, Kansas, helping her mother run their small hotel and trying not to think about the father she's never met. Lately all of her energy is spent battling the constant storms plaguing the Dust Bowl and their effects on her health. Callie is left alone, when her mother goes missing in a dust storm. Her only hope comes from a mysterious man offering a few clues about her destiny and the path she must take to find her parents in "the golden hills of the west" (California). Along the way she meets Jack a young hobo boy who is happy to keep her company—there are dangerous, desperate people at every turn. And there's also an otherworldly threat to Callie. Warring fae factions, attached to the creative communities of American society, are very aware of the role this half-mortal, half-fae teenage girl plays in their fate.

Emma's thoughts: 

First of all, can I just say that the cover really creeped me out?! I didn't realize the first time I looked, but when I received it on my Kindle... 'OH. MY. GOD.' True story.

Anyways, I love stories about faeries. I remember reading about those rainbow fairies when I was in primary school, but these faeries are downright evil! I mean, reading through this entire book, I could never, ever, ever figure out who to trust. Callie meets so many curious and suspicious characters through her journey, and each were portrayed wonderfully for their parts. But, it was awfully confusing. There's the usual Seelie court, and the Unseelie court. There's all these different types of faeries, and I just couldn't get it right. Who is what? Who can you trust? Who's wants to kill you now!?

There was really not a moment in Dust Girl where you can be calm and just breeze through, because really, it seems like Jack and Callie are always on the run.  It was exciting and refreshing to not have a predictable storyline. I never knew what was going on and where Jack and Callie would end up, but boy was it intense!

Jack was seriously awesome in this book! Callie might've hated his constant chatter, but I loved it. An aspiring writer with a face that no one can resist? Sounds pretty darn close to perfect to me! I'm so glad he gets his closure in the end. 

The whole concept of faeries and wishes was truly magical. The way Sarah Zettel presented the faeries was wonderful. She brought the music, the evil beauty, and the trickery so neatly together. I was truly captured.

I really enjoyed Callie's journey and I can't wait to find out what happens next for her and Jack. So much is due to happen and I hope Callie makes the right decision!

Rating: 4 stars~ Fast-paced and action-packed. Unputdownable!  

*I received an ARC of this book so these quotes are subject to change*

First:

Once upon a time, I was a girl called Callie. That, however, ended on Sunday, April 14, 1935. 

Favourite:

 "Come on, you big bug!" I hefted the frying pan, dripping sticky Coca-Cola glaze. "You wanna take a bite outta me? Come on and try it!"

Teaser:

 “Now that you know the wishing ways, you'll feel the wishes around you. They'll make you itchy, 'cause you know you can do something about them, but that ain't always the best idea.”

Thanks to the publisher for a free copy of this ebook in exchange for my honest review (via Netgalley).

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Tune In Tuesday [14]: Lakyn Heperi

A weekly feature hosted by GReads that showcases music.

This week I present to you...

drumroll pleeeaassee!

YES LADIES IT'S LAKYN HEPERI!!!!!!

For those of you in Australia, WATCH THE VOICE! My god, he's amazing<3

It's not even the fact that he's on TV that makes me like him. But he's a true musician. His YouTube channel is full of covers and originals and mashups and amazing stuff! 

 Brother - Matt Corby (cover)

 One of my favourites :)

Kids - MGMT (blind auditions on The Voice AU)

 He's on Team Joel fyi! 

Are You There? (original)

I LOOOOVE THIS SONG! 

In case you can't tell.. I'm kind of IN LOVE with Lakyn Heperi<3 Who are you in love with? ;)

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|Adult Review| About Last Night by Ruthie Knox

Title: About Last Night
Author: Ruthie Knox
Published June 11th 2012 by Random House Publishing Group
Genre: contemporary romance
Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♡ 
Goodreads summary:

Sure, opposites attract, but in this sexy, smart, eBook original romance from Ruthie Knox, they positively combust! When a buttoned-up banker falls for a bad girl, “about last night” is just the beginning.

Cath Talarico knows a mistake when she makes it, and God knows she’s made her share. So many, in fact, that this Chicago girl knows London is her last, best shot at starting over. But bad habits are hard to break, and soon Cath finds herself back where she has vowed never to go . . . in the bed of a man who is all kinds of wrong: too rich, too classy, too uptight for a free-spirited troublemaker like her.
 
Nev Chamberlain feels trapped and miserable in his family’s banking empire. But beneath his pinstripes is an artist and bohemian struggling to break free and lose control. Mary Catherine—even her name turns him on—with her tattoos, her secrets, and her gamine, sex-starved body, unleashes all kinds of fantasies.
 
When blue blood mixes with bad blood, can a couple that is definitely wrong for each other ever be perfectly right? And with a little luck and a lot of love, can they make last night last a lifetime?

Racquel's thoughts:
I fell in love with About Last Night after I read an excerpt at Val's blog and since the book wasn't released, I settled for reading Ruthie Knox's debut, Ride With Me, which was absolutely great so when I got the chance to get a review copy of About Last Night I was so excastic and it did NOT disappoint! Ruthie Knox is just an all around fantastic addition to the contemporary romance genre.

To begin with, About Last Night's cast of characters are not recycled, the writing is definitely Ruthie Knox but I love how her new hero and heroine are brand new people. Some author's plot and characters are polished, recycled version of their old main characters but not with Ruthie Knox! City AKA Nev and Cath are brand new, delightful voices from Rutie Knox and I love their story as much as I love Tom's & Alexis from Ride With Me!

The book takes takes place in London and I loved that! I used to visit every summer break but I haven't been to London in over 7 years so it was nice revisiting the city through the book and I think Ruthie captured it's essence very well. Also, just reading a book sit outside of the U.S. is nice, who doesn't like to experience a new culture?!

Our hero and heroines are also delightful!! Cath is not your average clean cut, angel heroine. Her family is a well-known Chicago mafia family (my kind of girl!) and she's all about the tattoos! I loved Cath's personality, it made me her more enjoyable. She has a past and it's bad one and she done a lot of things she regrets but I absolutely know she was a good person and that's all that matters. I also liked the fact that Cath's past wasn't dumped at us. Well actually, it WAS dumped at us (thanks Nev) but it didn't happen from page one. You know Cath went through a lot of bad things but those things are not revealed until much later in the book. This made me read and devour the book faster, I was just waiting to know what happened and it was a nice tactic.

At the opposite end of the spectrum we have who Cath calls City. Who in reality is Nev Chamberlain, banker by day, artist by night and possibly the sweetest man I read about.

"The towel on the tub was for her. A clean towel and a toothbrush, and he hadn't even gotten in her pants. What a guy."

Now, who doesn't already love Nev? (especially after drooling over the cover. YUM!) Cath and City think think they're the worst match in history but really they couldn't be more well paired. Nev understood Cath more than anybody ever could and he slowly but surely drew her out of I'm-done-with-love mentality and seeing Cath opened up to Nev was a absolutely wonderful. It just made the sexy romance so sweet. The book was all Cath and Nev and even then I couldn't get enough of them. You could really see them falling in love and opening up to each other and it couldn't have been better. So of course adored this romance story beyond words and  it's one of my favorites of the year. Ruthie Knox is an author I have my eye on!!

Rating: 4.5 hearts~ yet another hit from Ruthie Knox! A definite must read for romance fans.

First:

The Pigeon Man was uasually here by now.

Favorite:

An orgasm- just for her- ad a compliment. She would bottle him and sill him and make a fortune.

Teaser:

They has routines now, after three weeks of this whatevership of theirs.

Some great interviews from Ruthie that I HIGHLY suggest you check out!
Spilling Secrets With Ruthie Knox
Interview @ Seduced By A Book

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Book Haul |3|

Here is my version of Stacking up the Shelves, Showcase Sunday or what floats your boat ;D This is a bundle book haul of the past 2-3 weeks since I was too lazy to do one before (story of my life xD)

First of all, here is what went up this past week:

Armchair BEA Introduction

Armchair BEA: Best of 2012

Armchair BEA: Beyond the Blog 

Blog Tour: |Review| Night Sky by Jolene B. Perry 

Friday Fun: I Love A lot of People

UPDATED! [Review] The Hunt by Andrew Fukuda + Audio book clip

Onto the books:

Bought:
A Midsummer's Nightmare by Kody Keplinger- I actually got this two weeks BEFORE the publication day. Amazon shipped it early, YAY! But I will not be reading it any time soon since I have to read The DUFF & Shut Out first (I hate reading books out of order, even if they are standalones. I'll read in order of publication date)
Won:
The Story of Us by Deb Caletti- Thanks to Sharon @Fictionally Inclined!  Deb Caletti's The Nature of Jade is one of my all time favorite YA books and she's also one of the first YA authors I read so of course I have a special place for her in my heart!
Partials by Dan Wells-  The dedication to this book is AWESOME! I can't wait to read it, it's such a pretty.
Netgalley:
Narc by Crissa-Jean Chappell -I saw Hannah @Paperback Treasures reading this book and I was intrigueeeeed. It looks quite interesting.
League of Strays by by L.B. Schulman- I was excited to read this book BUT I saw some reviews on it that lead me to think that I will hate it and I will hate it a lot. I have to give it a try since it's a review book though.
Dearly, Beloved by Lia Habel- I.Can.Wait.To.Start.This.Book!! I read Dearly, Departed earlier in the year and loved it. I need more Nora & Bram!
Forever and a Day by Jill Shalvis- This book 6 in the Friday Harbor series. I need to read book 4 & 5 first but I know all three will be great since this is Jill Shalvis ;D

I think this will be my last book haul for a while. I like showing you my physical books and since I will be going out of the country on Tuesday for the entire summer, no more physical books for me. Maybe I'll do a e-book haul if I get a lot one week :D

Have a fabulous weekend! and of course, leave me links to check out your posts!

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UPDATED! [Review] The Hunt by Andrew Fukuda + Audiobook Clip

The audiobook preview is added at the bottom :)

Title: The Hunt
Author: Andrew Fukuda
Published: May 8th by St. Martin's Griffin
Rating: ★★★
Goodreads summary:

Don’t Sweat.  Don’t Laugh.  Don’t draw attention to yourself.  And most of all, whatever you do, do not fall in love with one of them.
 
Gene is different from everyone else around him.  He can’t run with lightning speed, sunlight doesn’t hurt him and he doesn’t have an unquenchable lust for blood.  Gene is a human, and he knows the rules.  Keep the truth a secret.  It’s the only way to stay alive in a world of night—a world where humans are considered a delicacy and hunted for their blood.
 
When he’s chosen for a once in a lifetime opportunity to hunt the last remaining humans, Gene’s carefully constructed life begins to crumble around him.  He’s thrust into the path of a girl who makes him feel things he never thought possible—and into a ruthless pack of hunters whose suspicions about his true nature are growing. Now that Gene has finally found something worth fighting for, his need to survive is stronger than ever—but is it worth the cost of his humanity?

*thanks to the publishers for the free copy of this ebook (via Netgalley)*

Emma's thoughts:

I had high hopes for this book. Really, I did.

It starts off a bit strangely. It's narrated in first person by a boy whose name we don't find out until near the end (which by the way, says Gene up there^). He's human, unlike the rest of the world. Every day, he has to clean, shave, and take impeccable care of himself to make sure he doesn't reveal his true self. This, I find a little disconcerting because how does a mere human survive in a world full of vampires?! And especially if vampires can smell and run and do everything twenty times than 'hepers' (humans). Like... HOW?!! And how has he managed not to run in sport classes for his entire life? How has he not managed to reveal that he needs light to read when their classrooms are in near darkness?

Getting to know Gene is an interesting journey. He's apparently good looking and really smart. I liked him alright at first, but I just kind of started to doubt him. There's no way he would've survived like a day surrounded by vampires and not have them eat him. But hey, it does say that vampires aren't all that smart, so maybe they can't smell their most craved and hunted meal right under their noses.

Gene is always reminding himself, 'Don't stand out. Don't do this. Don't do that.' His father was found out several years back, and just somehow, he's been living by himself since then. No income? No one coming to check up on him? Okay... But when he's one of the lucky ones to be a participant of 'The Hunt', he can't not stand out. He can't pretend not to crave human flesh and not salivate at the mere thought.

The lead up to the Hunt is actually pretty exciting. Here's when we find out all sorts of weird tid bits of information. Like how Gene was specifically chosen to stay in the library away from the other vampires, and how The Scientist, supposedly another heper, also resided in the library once. And then there are the hepers they're to hunt. It's sad, and it's gruesome the way the hunters drool and scratch their wrists (yes, this is their way of laughing. Evidently vampires don't show emotions), thinking hepers of nothing but more than a good feeding. I wanted to slap the vampires over the head more than I did Gene, because c'mon! HE'S RIGHT THERE! And all the time, they're going about 'I smell heper! There must be a heper in here! A heper must've snuck in!'

*facepalm*

Gene, being human and all and needing to drink water and wash, unlike the other hunters, finds himself entering the Dome, where the hepers are kept. All five of them. I love and hate how he feels like he's completely superior to them. It's so realistic, but then it makes me want to hit him because honestly, he's not much better than them at all.

And I mustn't forget Ashley June! I'm torn about her honestly. She's smart, and at the same time, a bit selfish, but then, she's completely selfless too. It's a little awkward between her and Gene, but hey, since when did rubbing arms become something of the norm?

I did enjoy reading this, I did. Gene running and constantly in fear of being found was a continuous roller coaster and a rush of adrenalin.

Overall rating: 3 stars~ An interesting take on vampires!

First:

There used to be more of us. I'm certain of this.

Favourite:

She smiles the widest I've seen; a small sound escapes her throat.
"That's called 'laughter'," I tell her.

Teaser:

Never forget who you are.

 

Thank you to the lovely Esther for sending me this audiobook clip from Macmillan Audio! Do give it a listen :) 

 

The Hunt by Andrew Fukuda

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Friday Fun: I Love A lot of People

Tell us about your buddy, or even your favorite blog and feature them. You can tell them you are doing it, or you can just surprise them. Either or — it is YOUR turn to feature someone.

Buddy? Singular? YOU CRAAAY CRAAAY!! Psshhh, I'm going to tell you about my buddIES, that's right, MULTIPLE. PLURAL. MANY.  Also these are NOT in order.

I'll start with my co blogger EMMA!! Who I love as much as I love Enrique Iglesias (umm that's a lie. I love Enrique more, sorry. You're still all kinds of awesome :D) She makes my life easier, and I make hers easier. She's my bestest buddy pal and even though she lives in Australia and I live in the US, WE WILL MEET, MY LOVE!! We have similar (somewhat) tastes and she's one of the teens who loves adult as much as me :D and she's an awesome writer. And an awesome person. Her music taste rocks. And she's a perfect friend. I LOVEZZZ YA (as much as Noah love Eva :D)

Also she's taking her first ever final exams so (YOU BETTER!!!) go wish her good luck :D

Moving on to MARY! Who is the one of the nicest people I know, I don't know how she's friends with me :p She probably only puts up with me because I'm one of the few bloggers who prefer contemporary over any other genre. But really, she's mega sweet and I wouldn't be blogging if it wasn't for her.

Next awesome person: HANNAH! Who Mary introduced me to (another reason why I love Mary so much, she introduced me to so many fantastic people... I'm getting to you Celine ;D) and she's a fellow contemporary-is-the-greatest gal. Yaaay us :D Hannah lives in Germany but she's moving to the US for uni, this makes our chances of meeting ever higher! But she's been twitter MIA for a few days, COME BACK TO LIFE, HUNNY BUNS (or twitter...)

GIANNA! Who's a fellow teen blogger (I'm ALWAYS the youngest person in the group or whatever so finding someone my age is like finding treasure) and a complete, total SWEETHEART! I love love loveeeeeeeee her. I'm always talking to her on twitter.

JENNIFER my who used to be my co-blogger. Even though we don't blog together anymore I still talk to her on twitter all the time and I visit her new blog. We co-blogged together for a reason, fantastic people stick together, right?

CELINE or should I say Mrs. Etienne St. Clair. Enough said, right?

SARAH just proves that Australians are the best people ever. She's just so howehfiweh9fu923j$#&(@#nwkfboiqfn2q'hlihdpoewfj <------ that cool. No words for her besides the day you tweeted Mary and I about Fabio is the day you carved your self into my heart. Fabio loverz fa' lyfe (':

JENNIE who's a fellow make up lover! We could chat about anything, me and this girl! and she's super talented. At writing reviews, blog designs and uni (all A's OHH YEAAAH! I'm so happy for her :'D)

PIXIE who's both an author and blogger, I talk to her on twitter EVERYDAY I believe.

KARA is super honest and fun and I love her for that. She tells is like it is. Everyone should be like her.

SAM who's so good at visiting everybody blog ad replying back and talking to people, I don't know how she does it while still reading and reviewing on top of everything!! She's all kinds of sweet and lovely :D

ARI who IS my book soul mate.

MANDEE is another abosultely sweet angel.

AMELIA is the skilled designer behind The Book Barbies header.

JEN <--------- is the reason why I'm high on happiness right now as I type this post. The I'm-so-happy-I-want-to-sob-and-omg-manatees-are-so-ugly-but-cuuute-I-love-life kind of happy. I love her so much I want to hug her and squeeze the life out of her. But she has children so I'll refrain from doing so. But Jen, you really are such a JENuine  person. World peace would exist if everyone was as nice as you♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

Very honorable mentions:

I haven't know these ladies as much but I got an awesome radar that goes off like craaazy when I talk to them and visit their blogs :D

♥♥♥♥Sharon, Kayla & Courtney♥♥♥♥

 Bloggers I don't talk to very much but who I appreciate very much and I think everyone else should too:

Giselle is peeeerfeeect. Her blog is perfect, she's perfect, her reviews are perfect her son is the most adorable child in history of children.... perfect I tell ya! Hmm, I wonder how she does it. I don't know why I'm even mentioning since you probably know her xD

Lauren who I think goes above and beyond with her blog. Even when she says she's busy with uni and other things she still always posts reviews and her TotallyBooksessed videos.

Jessica, I LOVE her blog and she's always on top of it.

Jess who also goes about and beyond and she reads adult books too and reviews them. That's always a plus!
 
Wendy who is the first blogger I looked up too when I jumped onto the book blogging ship. She was a celebrity in my eyes (still kinda is). In my mind she used to be evil because her blog was so awesome. There must be a flaw right? But not really. She's 100% sweet. Another perfect blogger person♥

So I'm pretty sure I wasn't supposed to go this crazy but whatevs. There is no such thing as too many favorites!! I ALSO LINKED THESE LADIES FOR A REASON! SO YOU CAN FOLLOW THEM AND LOVE THEM AS MUCH AS I DO.

Also, if I talk to you on Twitter then you're pretty much on this list too.

Fun fact (or not really): I'm this annoyingly cheerful in real life too. I tone it down on the blog normally so I don't freak people out but Jen just made me really supaaaaa happy :D

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