Tuesday 29 June 2010

Trailer Tuesday(1) - Rules of Attraction by Simone Elkeles

Trailer Tuesday is a feature I will have every Tuesday for book trailers I currently adore, it can be a released or due to be released as long as you like it. Feel free to join in and let me know in the comments so I can come and check it out.

This weeks trailer is for Rules of Attraction by Simone



Don't you think it looks brilliant, its due to be released in January 2011(UK) & already released(USA)

What trailers have you seen recently?

Monday 28 June 2010

Giveaway - Win the Sookie Stackhouse (a.k.a True Blood) Book Collection

Giveaway now close, winners will be announced shortly

Do you want the chance to win a Sookie Stackhouse Set? Well look no further as I have an amazing giveaway right here.  It includes Dead to the World, Dead as a Doornail, All Together Dead, Club Dead, Definitely Dead, Dead Until Dark, From Dead to Worse, Living Dead in Dallas.(all brand new)
To enter all you have to do is follow the blog (if you don't already follow) and then spread the word for this giveaway, leave a comment with a link to where you have posted the giveaway, for each place you tell another entry will be added into the draw.

This giveaway is open Internationally
closing date Friday 9th July

Book Review - Night World Volume 3(Huntress, Black Dawn, Witchlight) by L J Smith

Huntress (Night World V3) by L J Smith

Synopsis(from waterstones)
In 'Huntress', Jez Redfern is wild and dangerous, and the leader of a gang of Night World vampires. But Jez discovers a shocking secret, and faces a terrifying choice: she must either remain a deadly crusader of evil, or fight to protect innocent mortals from her former friends ...But can she resist her instinct for blood? In 'Black Dawn', Maggie Neely's biggest worry is leading her soccer team to victory - until her brother, Miles, goes missing. Maggie must find him. Her search leads Maggie to the vampire, Delos, to whom she is strangely attracted. But while Delos lives, Miles could be lost forever. Can Maggie bring herself to destroy him? Or will Delos get to Maggie first? In 'Witch Light', Keller is part shapeshifter, part panther. She is searching for a new Wild Power. But can the dizzy human girl, Iliana, really be it? And then there's the dashing, romantic Galen. Keller has strong feelings for him. But he's destined to be Iliana's soulmate. Can Keller keep away? Or will she break her promise, and fall in love?

The Review

Huntress, Black Dawn and Witchlight are part of The Night World series by the amazing L J Smith, New York's best seller and author of The Vampire Diaries. I have loved L J Smith from the moment i picked up her first book, she writes with such flow, that her books engage the reader from the first page. Its a no ending race of action and her story lines are deeply engaging making you want more and more.

Huntress is about a young lady named Jezabel Redfern, one of the best and most honoured huntresses in the Night World. She is a strong and endearing throughout this story. Her attitude and willingness to do good after all the bad makes you engage with her character. The reader is brought into her world to feel every single ounce of emotion and pain and suffering as she does.

Black Dawn is about a young girl, Maggie, who's brother, Miles, is supposedly dead, according to his girlfriend, Sylvia. Maggie has strength, passion and drive like no other, she fights every obstacle that gets in her way just to help others putting her life at risk in the process. Maggie is the most un-selfish person there is and her passion to do good is continuously shown.

Witchlight is about a shapeshifter's forbidden love story. Keller is a fierce panther in her 'shifter form. She shows no emotion that could cause any sign of endangerment to those around her.I wasn't very keen on Keller's character in this book, she came across a little selfish at points and self driven but then i suppose its what has to be done in her life. Her character is different and still manages to grip ones attention throughout.

I was highly impressed by Night World No.3, the series has only got better and better with each book. It will take you on numerous gore-filled adventures and take you through a few lusty times, and every minute is action-packed and good to go. I highly recommend if you haven't read this yet.
 
Have you read Night World? Do you like the series? Which is your Favourite book so far? I would love to hear what you think too!
 
Happy Reading xxx

Saturday 26 June 2010

In my Mailbox(2)

IMM is a weekly meme that explores the contents of one's mailbox. IMM was started by Kristi at The Story Siren.

I got some lovely yummies in the post this week so lets start
For Review






Brought






I also recieved the wonderful True Blood Set by Charlaine Harris for next weeks giveaway...follow this blog to stay informed and to be in the chance of winning.

What did you all get in your mailbox, i would love to hear and see!

Book Review - Blood Feud (The Drake Chronicles book 2) by Alyxandra Harvey

Blood Feud by Alyxandra Harvey

Synopsis



It has been centuries since Isabeau St. Croix survived the French Revolution. Now she's made her way back to the living and must face the ultimate test by confronting the evil British lord who turned her into a vampire and left her buried for two hundred years. That's if she can control her affection for Logan Drake, a vampire whose bite is as sweet as the revenge she seeks...

My Review

Blood Feud is written as a follow on from the much loved My Heart Lies Bleeding (a.k.a Hearts at Stake). She writes similarly to the first book where we heard things from Lucy and Solange's perspective whereas in the second we hear it from Logan's and Isabeau perspective.

The Characters I found where very simple this time around, Isabeau being a hound is slightly more in depth then Logan's we learn about what life is like as a hound, she is very self preserved and tries not to show anyone her weaknesses. I was shocked how long it took me to warm up to her as I thought I would like her the most but I only warmed up to her when hers and Logan's relationship developed. Logan however was the more emotional one and he tended to want his feelings out there, it was enjoyable learning about him but I still prefer Nicholas.

Overall, I liked Blood Feud. I just wasn't enthralled in it as I was with My Heart Lies Bleeding/Hearts At Stake. I believe my loyalty lies with Lucy and Solange but I did enjoy the storyline and I'm happy to hear that the next book will be from the Hunter's perspective as I'm liking the idea that Alyxandra will have a  book on each species it will equal to a greater understanding.

3.5/5
Relesed on 5th July Order your copy now

Friday 25 June 2010

Friday Series Love - The Morganville Vampires by Rachel Caine

Friday Series Love will be the place to find out what series are hot....unbeatable.....fantastic....can't stop reading reads.....

Were gonna start this week of with  The Morganville Vampires by Rachel Caine, If your anything like me then i loved this series of books, from the moment i picked up the first book i was hooked. There was something about the danger, action and love that kept me interested and there wasn't a point i didn't want to read on

What's it all about?



When 16-year-old Claire Danvers arrives in the sleepy Texas town of Morganville for a parentally-enforced year at Texas Prairie University before heading off to MIT, her life takes a turn for the scary. First, the mean girls come after her, but a quick life-saving move to off-campus housing fixes that problem, and introduces her to three new friends: teen rocker Michael Glass, Goth Eve Rosser, and hottie/slacker Shane Collins.

But Morganville's got more secrets to reveal, starting with one very big one: It's run by vampires.

The books in order
Glass Houses
The Dead Girls' Dance
Midnight Alley
Feast of Fools
Lord of Misrule
Carpe Corpus
Fade Out
Kiss of Death

There are still another 4 books to be published in the series and i can not wait for them and the covers are all to die for.

What Series are you loving right now......I would love the suggestions as there is nothing i love more then a good series of books

Happy Friday All

Thursday 24 June 2010

Giveaway Winner

Hey Guys,

So we have a winner for the Shiver/Linger Giveaway, picked at random by Random.org
Congratulations!!
Please email me at living_free@rocketmail.com

Next giveaway will be for the complete True Blood Collection by Charlaine Harris...follow me so you dont miss out.

Don't forget the review below on the amazing Saints V Sinners
Happy Reading
xx

Book Review - Saints V Sinners by Katie Agnew

Saints V Sinners by Katie Agnew

Synopsis(from waterstones)
The LaFata family have it all - obscene wealth, talent, good fortune and beautiful genes. Or at least they used to...until the head of the family, Giancarlo 'Fatty' La Fata, vanishes over the side of his yacht one night and disappears into the dark Riviera night. His widow (and fourth wife) Jade, his son, Carlo Jr, and daughters, Francesca and Angelica, are left awash in a sea of heartbreak and confusion. Did Fatty fall, or was he pushed? But this question only leads to more - for around a strong man, are even stronger women. Mothers, daughters, lovers, wives and sisters - Fatty has left a web of women who all have their own secrets. When one of these women steps forward to clean up the mess Fatty left behind she will meet the drug dealers and illegal gamblers that lurk behind the glamour of the French Riviera, she will risk her heart as well as her life. Can she save the La Fata family from destruction? Or is it already too late?

The Review


When I received this book I was first struck by that awesome cover.....they say never judge a book by its cover, but this cover pulled me in and begged me to read it, and it was anything but unfulfilling. Katie Agnew has an amazing writing style, she writes this book from several characters points of view, it never leaves you questioning what the other person was thinking and if you do question it you will soon be answered...it was an amazing and a truly intoxicating read.

The Characters ranged from the hot and sexy to the down right trashy and they cover it all sex, love, scandal and crime in such pace and flow you get entwined like its reality, its like you can taste what is happening. I loved how the character developed with change Francesca went from in control to letting go and giving in for love, Carlo went from a careless bad boy to a responsible lover boy and Angelica went from off the rails to clean and trying, Saints V Sinners just didn't miss a trick. But from them all I loved Fran and Carlo the most, there attitude to the change inspires many and its those small things that matter when things get tough...no matter what you always have family.

I can not say there is one a thing I love most about Saints V Sinners as I just love it as a whole, the plot was fantastic and the fact I was left in suspense to find the truth about what happened to Fatty Lafata was brilliant, normally by half way through a book I have kinda guessed how the rest will flow but Katie kept it hidden and the suspense made you want to find out What really happened to Fatty Lafata? She expressed things with great clearness and understanding and I must say this has been by far the best bit of Chick Literature I have read in while.

Saints V Sinners is released today so don't miss out, go get yourself a copy and be prepared to be dragged into world of the true Saints and Sinners.

Get your copy here

Wednesday 23 June 2010

Hot New/Upcoming Releases








I'm so so in love with all these covers i mean SWOOON!

OK so I'm totally whipped by all these books right now....they all sound great and one i have read The Other Girl (click the link to hear all about it), I'm also writing a review for Saints V Sinners(pure greatness may i add). The other books or so on the need to get list.

Is there anything your loving right now or can not wait to be released let me know...

Happy Reading All

xx

Tuesday 22 June 2010

Book Review: The Other Girl by Sarah Miller

The Other Girl by Sarah Miller
Synopsis



Being in Gid's head by the way ...it's different from being able to read his mind. I can read his mind, but I think of that as something you can turn on and off. I am inside his head every waking minute of our lives. Molly McGarry seems to have it all - she's smart, she attends the prestigious Midvale Academy prep school and she's finally got the guy of her dreams, Gideon Rayburn. But now everything's changing. Molly and Gid got together in a very unusual way, when Molly mysteriously entered Gid's mind, and so could 'guess' what he was thinking and exactly what he wanted. This gave Molly one-upmanship over Cullen and Nicholas, Gid's debauched and rebellious room-mates, who pressure Gid and prefer him single. By some bizarre twist of fate, Molly suddenly leaves Gid's mind and enters the mind of Pilar Benitez-Jones, possibly the hottest girl in the world, and definitely not someone whose head she wants to be inside. Pilar flirts with Gid. A lot. And she appears to be the shallowest and most spoilt rich girl on campus. No longer inside the head of her crush, Molly feels her life is spiralling out of control. Gradually Molly realises that being inside Pilar's head has its advantages as she tries to influence Pilar for her own schemes and to salvage her grades - with ensuing chaos.



My Review

The Other Girl is written by the author of Inside the Mind of Gideon Rayburn: A Midvale Academy Novel which is a prequel to The Other Girl. There was no need for me to read Inside the Mind of Gideon Rayburn as The Other Girl does no start off from a point in the previous book, its strait into a new chapter its self explanatory in its own way, but me being my own person couldn't resist the 1st in the pair as it is what sometimes gives you a better understanding of the book after.

The Other Girl is told from Molly's point of view but with a twist of an added two minds, the love of her life Gideon and the stunning, (shes so jealous of) Pilar. When I first started reading this book I disliked Molly I found she was selfish, she only cared for herself and keeping her 'boyfriend' happy. It wasn't until the book warmed up I actually related to her, she was being taught a lesson and it seemed she was learning from it too. Her character wasn't my favourite but i understood her greatly maybe even related to her in many parts, she's a teenage girl with a complex, almost afraid of the other girl.

Pilar was the character I liked the most. I was fascinated by her and the way she pressured herself to always be better, do better, but it wasn't with studying or educational things like a normal teenager, it was only about her appearance. She was very egocentric and detached from those around her and it wasn't until later in the book that she learned to appreciate those who where not like herself and learn that the world isn't all about the way you look. Its a lesson some people don't learn until they are to old to do anything to change all the hurt.

Its true to its word if you like The OC, you will love The Other Girl by Sarah Miller. Sarah writes in the now with slang and bashing one another like you are really in the room and watching it happen although i wasn't too keen on some of the Male references....what can i say I'm old (OK 23 but the word C***weed is not my favourite word from the book). When i first began reading i was not too impressed by The Other Girl, it was only when the story warmed up i felt myself not wanting to put it down, it started to intrigue me to the emotions each character was going through and the reality of how it must of been.

The Other Girl is a must read for all those who love The OC and programmes alike. You can Relate to the characters and find that Every Cloud has a Silver Lining.

Buy your copy today

Monday 21 June 2010

Book Review - My Name Is Memory by Ann Brashares

My Name is Memory by Ann Brashares
Synopsis taken from waterstones

Daniel tells me that he's always loved me. That I feel the same. That I always have. Not just in this life, but in my last life, and all my lives before. But I don't remember him. He says he is always searching for me. Always hoping that one day I will remember. But it is only he that carries the memory of our love. I know that finding true love is never easy. Perhaps you have fought for it. Perhaps, like Daniel, you have endured the pain of it being unrequited. But I hope your quest ends happily. I hope you never have to face the heartbreak that inevitably awaits us. This is our extraordinary, unforgettable story.

My Review


My Name is Memory is the first book in a trilogy and was written by the worldwide well known author of The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants Ann Brashares and as mush as I love The Sisterhood, I love this one more.

My Name is Memory is told from two points of view both Lucy and Danial, a love story of 2 continuous souls. As I began to read the first few pages I immediately enjoyed connecting with Lucy her modern story, an average girl close to graduating high school. The qualities of her character made it easy to relate to her. She was haunted with images and dreams of a boy she had only encountered briefly and that only leads to her needing to know more.

Daniels story started around 520 A.D when he first sees Sophie and from the moment all he wants is that girl. Daniel was my favourite of the two characters from this story, Daniel is compelling and mesmerizing and from the beginning It was this history and his stories that kept me captivated, yearning and needing to know more, it was something in his memories and his love that made you realise how much he truly has lost throughout.

It has been the first book in a long time that frustrated me greatly, consuming me into the fast paced story of present and future and trying to pull me into the pages as if I was someone from Lucy's past and I could strangle her and make her see a little sense at times. Did I lose interest at all? Not in the slightest, I just wish the flow from both characters past and present flowed more easily at the beginning as it did at the end.

This book is written so uniquely that there is none like it I have read to date There are a lot of books I like and there are a lot of books i love and this is by far a love that I'm sure if  I was to read it again and again I would see it a new light each time. I can not wait to read the next in the series.

you can buy this book here

Happy Reading xxx

Sunday 20 June 2010

Book Review - Captivate by Carrie Jones

Captivate (Need 2) by Carrie Jones
Synopsis taken from author website

Zara and her friends knew they hadn’t solved the pixie problem for good. Far from it. The king’s needs grow deeper every day he’s stuck in captivity, while his control over his people gets weaker. It’s made him vulnerable. And now there’s a new king in town.


A turf war is imminent, since the new pixie king, Astley, is moving in quickly. Nick nearly killed him in the woods on day one, but Zara came to his rescue. Astley swears that he and Zara are destined to be together, that he’s one of the good guys. Nick isn’t buying it, though Zara isn’t as sure — despite herself, she wants to trust the new king. But it’s a lot more than her relationship with Nick that is at stake. It’s her life — and his.

My Review

After reading the first book to this series Need I was in love, it was a shock that I could actually love a book about pixies and it doesn't change in this book. The relationships between the characters grow and the need to protect each other is stronger.....although Zara isn't the only one to be protected now, there is also Wolf boy Zack who is in more danger in this book and it leads to a twist not many authors would be willing to take so early in a series...but its how Carrie is different from many other Authors, she's willing to be different, I think its one of the reasons  I love her style so much.

There were some new additions in Captivate that I really enjoyed, too. Astley was an excellent new character, and I’m definitely curious to find out more about him, and what his true motives are. The build up to the end of the book is blood-tingling and if that isn't enough Carrie leaves you with the meanest cliffhanger ever :o( I was totally dragged into the pace and action in this book, fighting the fight and flying the flight.... maybe I wished for the kisses here and there too (a girl can dream right). Who would have thought that I would want to be a Pixie Queen to the King Astley and live happy ever after (sigh)

I have to admit I'm absolutely, without a shadow of a doubt Captivated by the Need series so far, Need is my favourite from the 2 books released to date, but i feel Captivate is a lead up to something bigger and better and that's what makes me love it more then i would of if i didn't believe that....my hopes where high of this series and still are. Roll on January for the release of The 3rd book in the need series Entice.

Happy Reading xxx

Saturday 19 June 2010

In my Mailbox(1)

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren. (It was inspired by from Alea of Pop Culture Junkie.)

I got some lovely yummies for review this week which to be honest i have already started reading, (sorry i couldn't resist temptation)




Could you no just totally drool over book covers i mean 'they ROCK'
What lovely yummies did you get in the mail? Whats on your wish list? feel free to share

Happy Reading!

Friday 18 June 2010

Book Review - Need by Carrie Jones

Need by Carrie Jones

Zara collects phobias the way other high school girls collect lipsticks. Little wonder, since life’s been pretty rough so far. Her father left, her stepfather just died, and her mother’s pretty much checked out. Now Zara’s living with her grandmother in sleepy, cold Maine so that she stays “safe.” Zara doesn’t think she’s in danger; she thinks her mother can’t deal.


Wrong. Turns out that guy she sees everywhere, the one leaving trails of gold glitter, isn’t a figment of her imagination. He’s a pixie—and not the cute, lovable kind with wings. He’s the kind who has dreadful, uncontrollable needs. And he’s trailing Zara.

My Review

When i read the synopsis of this book i thought UGH! Pixies, surely pixies cant be bad and make a good book! Well what can I say I was proved wrong as I thoroughly enjoyed this book from the moment I picked it up to the moment I put it down .

I was easily won over by the characters in this book, Zara with her phobia obsession, Issy with all her cuteness, Devyn with his smartness, Nick and how hes the protector, and Gram because shes a bad ass and I would love a hip nan like her but those small things only added to who they really are or should i say what. Although i love the characters It didn't stop my brain shouting out at me when Zara would go into the woods or when 'the cute doggy' was lying in the hallway because he was hurt...but that only confirmed my earlier suspicions I'm hooked like a fish after bait.

Carrie writes uniquely and I can not compare that with any other author as she has a hip way of doing it that keeps you intrigued and wanting to know more 'like shes one of the teens' with all there hip and bad ass attitudes. I'm so excited to get started on Captivate..

Thursday 17 June 2010

Giveaway

To celebrate the New Blog im going to kick it off with a giveaway.

I love Maggie Steifvaters book Shiver and as many know her sequal Linger is to be released in 18 days so for the chance to win both books follow the instructions below


All you have to do to win these yummies is

1. Follow Me and then spread the word of the giveaway via your blog/facebook or another network site
3. Tell me in the comments section where you spread the word (with the link)
the more places you tell the more times you get entered into the prize draw.

*I understand many may already have Shiver and if this is the case i will send another Yummy book from one of my sponsers

Contest ends Wednesday 23rd June
and is open to all(no matter where you are on the map or off)

New and Upcoming Releases

For a weekly look into the latest releases here in the uk and to see whats hot now







Is there any releases you are looking forward to in the coming week or two? Feel free to share!