My Book Boyfriend #24 - Doubly Delicious

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.

This week's picks is brothers:

Conrad and Jeremiah Fisher from the Summer Series by Jenny Han

~ CONRAD ~

Conrad was the older one by a year and a half.  He was dark, dark, dark, dark.  Completely unattainable, unavailable.  He had a smirky kind of mouth, and I always found myself staring at it.  Smirky mouths make you want to kiss them, to smooth them out and kiss the smirkiness away.

Conrad is the older brother by a year and half.  He is the sexy, serious and slightly moody one out of the two.  He is the type of guy who tries to do what he thinks is best for others and rarely puts his feelings first. 

"Let's test it out," Conrad said, and he went and bought me another peach.  I ate that one in four bites.
"Was it as good?" he asked me.
"Yeah. It was."
Conrad reached out and wiped my chin with his shirt.  It was maybe the most intimate thing anyone had ever done to me.
I felt light headed, unsteady on my feet.
It was all in the way he looked at me, just those few seconds.

We kissed again, but it was different than the night before.  There was nothing slow or lazy about it.  The way he looked at me - urgent, wanting me, needing me.... it was like a drug.  It was want-want-want.  But it was me who was doing the wanting most of all.

He called out, "I still love you."
I froze.  And then slowly, I turned around to look at him.  "Don't say that ."
He took a step closer.  "I don't know if I'll ever get you out of my system, not completely.  I have...this feeling.  That you'll always be there.  Here." Conrad clawed at his heart and then dropped him hand.

~ JEREMIAH ~

Jeremiah, though - he was my friend.  He was nice to me.  He was the kind of boy who still hugged him mother, still wanted to hold her hand even when he was technically too old for it.  He wasn't embarrassed either. Jeremiah was too busy having fun to ever be embarrassed.

Jeremiah is the sweet one who brings you half a sub because he knows you were to busy to eat and leaves little love notes outside your door.

"I don't ever want to be without you.  Ever.  You are the only girl for me.  I've always know it. In this whole world, I will never love another girl the way I love you."

He kissed me, hard, and his skin was stubbly and rough against my cheek.  My first thought was, I guess he didn't have time to shave this morning, and then - I was kissing him back my fingers winding through his soft yellow hair and my eyes closed.  He kissed like he was drowning and I was air.  It was passionate, and desperate, and like nothing I have ever experienced before. 

We were dancing.  I had my arms around Jeremiah's neck and the music was pulsing around us.  I felt flushed and abuzz, from the dancing and the from the alcohol.  The room was packed with people, but when Jere looked at me, there was no one else.  Just me and him.

Have you read the Summer series?

Are you a Conrad or a Jeremiah girl?

Me, well as much as I love them both I am have always been more a Conrad fan.  Even though he drove me crazy with his moods there is something so sexy about him. 

Thanks to Missie for hosting this meme.

Mini Reviews #4

Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers I thought this would not be my type of read.  It is historical christian fiction (not a huge fan of either) about the life of a woman who was sold as a child into prostitution and then later about the man who feel in love with  her.  This was just a beautiful and breathtaking read.  Oh boy did it my make my heart hurt.  I cried pretty much the whole way through this story.  Sarah (also know as Angel) is a character you become very quickly emotionally invested in and Michael is pretty much the perfect man.  I don't think you will find a character more forgiving and loving then him.   Overall,  this book deals with some intense issues but is worth the emotional journey it takes you on.  Rating: 4/5.

Sweethearts by Sara Zarr - Such a gorgeous story.  It was real, honest and a little heartbreaking.  Again some tears.  Zarr's writing is seamless. So simple yet powerful.  The characters Jenna and Cameron are well rounded and fully alive.  You really can empathise with them.  And the plot is realistic.  Overall a brilliant story.  Rating: 4.5/5

The Ex Games by Jennifer Echols - What a fun read. It has everything you need in a good romantic comedy escape.   Likeable characters, plenty of laugh out loud moments and some steamy kisses.  The kind of book you read in one sitting and grin the whole way through.   Highly recommend this book if you looking for an light and entertaining escape.  Rating: 3/5.

Book Review: Split by Swati Avasthi

Split by Swati Avasthi
Published by: Knopf Books
Publication date: March, 2010
Source: Borrowed


Sixteen-Year-Old Jace Witherspoon arrives at the doorstep of his estranged brother Christian with a re-landscaped face (courtesy of his father’s fist), $3.84, and a secret.

He tries to move on, going for new friends, a new school, and a new job, but all his changes can’t make him forget what he left behind—his mother, who is still trapped with his dad, and his ex-girlfriend, who is keeping his secret.

At least so far.

Worst of all, Jace realizes that if he really wants to move forward, he may first have to do what scares him most: He may have to go back. First-time novelist Swati Avasthi has created a riveting and remarkably nuanced portrait of what happens after. After you’ve said enough, after you’ve run, after you’ve made the split—how do you begin to live again? Readers won’t be able to put this intense page-turner down.

My Review:

Favourite Quote:  It's weird when someone gets you understands what you would never say not even to yourself.

WOW! Split was such a hard read but I mean that in a good way. It broke my heart and made me cry (big fat tears) within the first 15 pages but I absolutely loved it!


Avasthi has written a remarkable and powerful story.  This book definitely took me on an  emotional rollcoaster ride.  One minute I am crying, then I am grinning, then I am getting angry.   I was completely and utterly invested in this story and the characters within the first chapter.  And that because Avasthi is a talented writer.


It would have to be the most realistic book that I have read about abuse and more so what happens after.   I could really could with connect with Jace and what happened too him as I had a similar experience when growing up.    Avasthi really explore this dark area with sensitivity and honesty.    I am still amazed at how true to life this book is especially when it came to the questions Jace asked.

I try to think of something to say.  Over the years I've collected questions after question, but I can't seem to find them now.  We're not ready for them, anyway, so I go for the easy ones. 

The characters just blew me away.   Jace is everything I look for in a character multi-layered and believable.   He is an intense, flawed yet charming soul that really captured my heart.   And then there is his brother Christian my heart went out too him too.  His story and struggles were just a strong as Jace's journey.


And despite the hard subject of the story it isn't all sadness and tears.  It still has moments that make you grin especially when it come to the new friendship Jace was forming with Mirriam, Christian girlfriend and Dakota, his co-worker.


Overall Split is INCREDIBLE.  It really is a standout read.  It is story that is  going to linger in my thoughts for a long time and will happily find a home on my favourite's shelf.


Overall Rating: 5/5  
Writing: 5/5
Plot: 5/5
Characters: 5/5
Romance: 4/5 (there is a little bit in there under it all but not a major part)
Cover: 4/5 - Love how the cover matches the story.


For more info:  Visit Swati Avasthi's website.


For more reviews:  holes In My Brain and Inkcrush


Shout-out:  A big thanks to Nomes for another awesome rec!

In My Mailbox #33

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

FOR REVIEW:
Ultraviolet by R J Anderson - YA paranormal supernatural - actually not quite sure.  Reading it a the moment and it is very unique.  Thanks to Hachette Australia.
Glow by Any Kathleen Ryan - YA sci-fi.   I am loving the Aussie cover.  Thanks to Pan Macmillian Australia.
Amy & Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson - Amazing YA coming age road trip story.  Thanks to Simon & Schuster Australia.
Brother/Sister by Sean Olin - YA contemp.  On the back cover it is described as "It's Flowers in The Attic meets Natural Born Killers".  Thanks to Penguin Australia.


BOUGHT:
Bad Taste In Boys by Carrie Harris - YA debut zombie tale that has the prettiest cover I have ever seen and sounds like so much fun.

WON:
The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary E. Pearson - YA dystopia that I have been wanting for a while.  Thanks to Moonlight Reader.

What did you get in your mailbox?

Interview & Giveaway (International) with Christina Garner

Today I have Christina Garner the author of Gateway stopping by for an interview. I just recently read Gateway and really enjoyed it.  You can read my review here.      

Christina Garner began writing stories at the age of six. At eighteen, her aspirations as an actor had her loading up her Buick and setting off for Hollywood. Since then she has written and directed 10 short films, including Rewind and Reminder, both of which received acclaim on the festival circuit. In 2007 she was hired to write her first feature film. Her YA Urban Fantasy novel, Gateway, is now available. 

1.  What inspired you to write Gateway?

A fear years ago I watched a TV show on the Houska Castle in the Czech Republic which is rumored to be one of the "Gates of Hell." I have always been interested in the supernatural, and though I didn't want to write specifically about hell, I did like the idea of gateways to alternate dimensions, and who might guard them. When NanoWriMo rolled around a month or two later, I decided to explore the idea. 

2. Describe both Ember and Taren in 5 words or less.

Ember is a survivor, first and foremost. She's also mysterious and wounded. 

Taren is loyal, protective and has a strong sense of duty. 

3. What was the most challenging and also the most enjoyable part of writing Gateway?

They are one and the same: Creating a supernatural world, even one that overlays modern-day Los Angeles, is both challenging and freeing. Freeing because I get to research mythology and ancient civilizations (which I love) in order to pull together the elements that give the story context, and challenging because I need to keep track of every nuance that I've created so that I don't invalidate the world I've put forth. 

4.  There was quite a few unexpected surprises in Gateway.  When you started this story did you have a clear picture of what was going to happen or did it change in the writing process?

I'd say it was a combination of both. I knew how I wanted the story to begin and how I wanted it to end, but in my rewriting process I realized I needed to strengthen the characters' motivation. I did that by deepening their backstories and relationships with each other, which in turn created more tension and plot twists. 

5.  I loved the characters in Gateway.  If you could hang out with any fictional character for 24 hours who would it be and why? 

Wow, tough question! I could ruminate for hours, but I'll go with my first thought, which is Min, from the Robert Jordan series, Wheel of Time. I'd like to hang out in that world (Oh how I'd like to be an Aes Sedai!) and I think Min and I would get along--she's my kind of chick. 

6.  Are there going to be more books in the Gateway series? Can you tell us anything about the next book?

Yes, I'm working on Book 2 right now! The main story of Ember, Taren, and the fate of the Gateway will be told in three volumes, which I already have sketched out. Expect book 2 later this year. After that, I may explore the world through the eyes of some of the other characters as they deal with the aftermath. All I can tell you about Book 2 is that all hell (alternate dimensionally speaking) will break loose ;)


Thank you Christina for stopping by.  I am excited to hear that Gateway will be a 3 book series.


You can find out more Gateway at Christina Garner's website or buy a copy at amazon.


GIVEAWAY:   
Thanks to Christina I have one copy of Gateway in ebook format for giveaway.  
- Open internationally.  
- All you have to do to enter is fill out this FORM.
- You can gain extra entries by tweeting.
- Giveaway ends at midnight 22nd July, 2011.
- Winner will be chosen by random.org in accordance with my giveaway policy.


Good luck to everyone!

Book Review: Solid by Shelley Workinger

Solid (Solid #1) by Shelley Workinger
Publication date:  July, 2010
Source:  Thanks to Shelley Workinger

Teens who discover they were secretly genetically altered before birth are brought together at a classified site where they forge new friendships, find love, develop "super-abilities," and even unearth a conspiracy.

Mini Review:

Solid was a fun and engaging read that I devoured in one sitting.

Workinger writing had a really great flow making it an effortless read from start to finish.   The plot had a familiar feeling yet it managed to still surprise me a couple of times.  The first half of the book had great pacing but the second half felt a little rushed and I would have liked it to be a little more detailed.  That being said it is only 220 pages so I think Workinger fitted in as much as she could in that small amount of pages.

The characters are instantly likeable and definitely will bring a smile to your face.  Clio, does feel like the average girl making her easy to relate too.  While the secondary characters were an entertaining bunch.   There is also some romance. But that is were I had a little trouble.  While I thought it was sweet I couldn't understand why Clio and Jack had a instant connection.   I would have like a little more build up.

Overall Solid was a good start to the series.  It definitely left me wanting to read more.

Overall Rating: 3.5/5
Writing: 4/5
Plot: 3.5/5
Characters: 3/5
Romance: 3/5
Cover: 2.5/5 - I like the purple on the black background.  It certainly makes you look twice.

***DON'T MISS OUT ON THIS AMAZING OFFER  If you buy a copy of Settling (Solid #2) in July you can get a free copy of Solid (kindle or PDF).  Visit Shelley Workinger website for more details.

For more reviews:  Musing of YA Reader

My Book Boyfriend #24

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.

This week pick is:

Adrian Ivashkov from Vampire Academy Series and Bloodlines

We were wrapped close together now, and I titled my head to study him, the high cheekbones and artfully messy hair that made him so gorgeous.

(My gorgeous Adrian is delicious model Garett Neff)

He is quick witted guy, with gorgeous green eyes and a spirit user who can walk in dreams.  He can be extremely charming, a little bit cocky but also so sweet.  He might have some bad habits like smoking and drinking but for the right girl he would definitely quit.

It was with some surprise that I saw that the person waiting for me at the airport's exit was Adrian. A grin spread over my face, and I picked up the pace. I threw my arms around him, astonishing both of us.
"I have never been happier to see you in my life," I said.
He squeezed me tightly and then let me go, regarding me admiringly. "The dreams never do justice to real life, little dhampir. You look amazing."
"And you look . . ." I studied him. He was dressed as nicely as always. His dark brown hair had that crafted messiness he liked, but his face—ah, well. As I'd noted before, Simon had gotten a few good punches on him. One of Adrian's eyes was swollen and ringed with bruises.
Nonetheless, thinking about him and everything he'd done . . . Well, none of the flaws mattered.
" . . . Gorgeous."
"Liar," he said.
"Couldn't Lissa have healed that black eye away?"
"It's a badge of honor. Makes me seem manly."

"You've asked me out tons of times." 
"Not really. I've made inappropriate suggestions and frequently pushed for nudity. But I've never asked you out on a real date."

"Don't worry, little dhampir. You might be surrounded by clouds, but you'll always be like sunshine to me."

His lips were hot and eager against my throat, but he was careful to never once let his fangs brush my skin.  I was a little less gentle, surprising myself when I dug my nails into the bare skin of his back.  His lips moved lower, tracing the line of my collarbone....

 (Okay so my book boyfriend model has more muscles than Adrian but how could I not share this pic?)

What do you think of Adrian?

Thanks again to Missie for hosting this meme and giving me a reason to post shirtless pictures.

*** Just in case any of you get any ideas about claiming Adrian - MINE MINE MINE MINE MINE MINE MINE MINE