In My Mailbox #25

In My Mailbox was created by Kristi at The Story Siren and inspired by Alea at Pop Culture Junkie.

Well this week I have lots of books since it has been 3 weeks.  Also yesterday I attended a library books sale.  So I picked up a bunch of bargains from there.

WON:
Divergent by Veronica Roth - YA dystopia 2011 debut.  Thanks to Brodie @ Eleusinian Mysteries and Harpers Collins.
The Long Weekend by Savita Kalhan - YA thriller.  Thanks to Jacinda & Jasmine @ The Reading Housewives of Indiana.

BOUGHT:
Die For Me by Amy Plum - YA paranormal 2011 debut.  I have already read this but my copy has arrived.  Favourite read of mine.  You can check out my review here.
We Always Have Summer by Jenny Han - YA contemp and third book in the series.  Loved the other two (book #2 review will be posted tomorrow) and am excited to read the final book.
Five Flavors of Dumb by Antony John - (KINDLE) YA contemp.  Read this while I was away and it is a standout read.
The Gathering by Kelley Armstrong - (KINDLE) YA supernatural.  Love Armstrong's books so looking forward to trying this new series. 

THROUGH TRADE:
Magic Hands by Jennifer Laurens - YA contemp.  Looks like a lot of fun.
The Six Rules of Maybe by Deb Caletti - YA contemp.  I am huge fan of Caletti even though her books are hit and miss

LIBRARY SALE:
I got a bunch of books mostly older Aussie titles including Wilful Blue by Sonya Harnett which I have been searching for.  Also Dreamland by Sarah Dessen.  All for $4.50.  I won't list them all but rather just show you a picture.

What did you get in your mailbox?

300 Followers Giveaway!!!!!!

WOW I have reached 300 followers!  I still can't believe it.  It seems like only a short time ago I started my blog.  I really appreciate all your comments over the past few months.  They always make me smile.

To celebrate I am giving away ONE of the following titles. 

These are all upcoming titles that I am drooling over!

Rules of entry:

To enter please leave a comment with your name and email address.

Open internationally (wherever The Book Depository ships)

Must be a follower to enter

Open until 2nd June, 2011 (midnight AUS time) and winner will be selected by Random.org as in accordance with my giveaway policy.

Good luck to everyone!

I'm back!!!!

I'm back from Thailand.  I had such a fun holiday filled with lots of relaxing, swimming at some gorgeous beaches, jet skiing, riding around the island on  mopeds, eating delicious food, boat trips, snorkelling, exploring the crazy night life and the highlight of the trip my friend's beautiful wedding.

But I am glad to be home now.  I didn't get a chance to do much reading on my holiday so I am looking forward to getting stuck into the big pile of books waiting for me.  I also excited to check out what has been happening on my favourite blogs.

One of the gorgeous beaches I spent a couple of days at!

A view from the lookout at Phuket                               Maya Bay

Cocktails with friends                 Some of the delicious food

My friend's wedding

Stay tuned tomorrow for my 300 FOLLOWERS GIVEAWAY!

Time for Thailand

I'm off to Thailand in a few hours!  Super excited to be visiting the beautiful beaches of Thailand again.  This time I am going for a friend's wedding.  I will be gone for two weeks. 

I am not organised so I have no scheduled blog posts as things have been crazy busy lately.   I will miss visiting all your blogs while I am gone.   So feel free to leave a comment telling me what awesome books reviews I have missed so I can check them out when I get back.

I promise to post some pics of my holidays when I return plus a 300 followers giveaway. 

Until then HAPPY READING!

My Book Boyfriend #16

My Book Boyfriend is hosted by the awesome blogger Missie at The Unread Reader.   What is My Book Boyfriend you might ask.  Well it is a weekly meme where we talk about a literary crush including stats, a picture of what you imagine he looks like and some quotes from him that make you swoon.  If you are interested in participating please check out Missie blog The Unread Reader.

Cam from Sea Swept



Sea Swept by Nora Roberts is one of my guilty pleasure reads, just pure romance.  I read this book (and the whole series) years ago and feel in love with the Quinn brothers.  Cam is a race car driver turned boat builder and a bad boy who can play the guitar a little.    He is described as "long and lean sort - ripped", "Some native American blood, perhaps,....sharp bones and bronzed skin.  Hair truly black...."  "Eyes the colour of bitter storm"  - in another word delicious!

He didn't speak, didn't dare, when her hands slid limply from his back to the bed.  He felt as if he'd tumbled off a cliff and fallen hard on his heart.  Now his heart was swollen, exposed.  And it was hers.

He brought his mouth back to hers, hungrier now, more possessive.  This time her sigh caught on a trembling gasp as he jerked her jacket off her shoulders and trapped her arms.  "I'm wanting the hell out of you.  Day and night."

"I've been real careful never to tell a woman I loved her - except my mother.  I didn't tell her often enough.  Take a chance on me, Anna, and I'll tell you as often as you can stand hearing it."

Thanks again to Missie for hosting this shirtless feature! 

The winner is......

It's time to announce the winner of a copy of FRIENDSHIP ON FIRE by Danielle Weiler.

~Drum Roll~ The winner is............... Missie @ The Unread Reader.

Congratulations!  Thanks to everyone who entered.

Winner was generated by random.org

Mini Review Special #3

Desires of The Dead by Kimberly Derting - The second book in the Body Finder series.  Again another great read from Derting, although I didn't quite love it as much as the first book.  It took me a bit longer to get into it but once I did I was hooked.  The plot is intriguing and I love the way that Derting is setting up this series adding in some new elements.  It certainly has got me excited for the next book.  Jay and Violet were gorgeous as usual.  I LOVE their romance.  Sweet yet full of passion and heart.  Definitely worth a read.    Rating: 4/5 

Shift by Jeri Smith-Ready - The sequel to Shade.  It was just an okay read for me.  The concept is unique and I love the paranormal element of the storyline.  The writing was fast paced and full of suspense.   However this time I felt that there was too much relationship drama and it annoyed me to the point I thought about giving it up.  Just when you thought things would settle down with Aura and her love life and new problem would appear.  Rating: 2.5/5   

Wake Unto Me by Lisa Cach - I really wanted to like this.   I had heard so many great reviews but I was bored.  I felt like I was studying a history book.  It may have just been due to the fact that historical genre is not my thing (but then again I have just read two historical books this week and loved them).  I think the concept was good but it just needed to have writing that flowed effortless.  Rating: 2/5

The Summer of Firsts and Lasts by Terra Elan McVoy - A good coming of age story about three sisters.  Has well written characters that were easy to relate too.  The plot was a little slow at time and it seemed to drag but I liked the way all three sisters stories came together.  Also I was expected a cute read and it was surprisingly more realistic than I thought.  Rating: 3/5