Waterfall Wednesday - Week 3 - Chapters 12 to 17

Waterfall Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Tina's Book Review, Edgy Inspirational Romance, Supernatural Snark, The Unread Reader and me.  For the period August 31st to September 28th each week we re-read chapters from Waterfall by Lisa Tawn Bergren and answer five questions.  To find out more on this awesome event visit Tina's Books Reviews. 

1. In Siena, on her way to the ball at Palazzo Pubblico, Gabi likened her experience to being on the red carpet at the Academy Awards, the goal being "to see and be seen." If you were a peasant, watching from the crowd, what would you be thinking as this procession passed by?

I would think it was amazing!  I would be loving all the gorgeous gowns and probably daydreaming one day I will get to attend such an event with a handsome knight on my side!

2. Though quite nervous about dancing at the ball, Gabi discovers a strange feeling of connection to the time, the people, and the society through the unified beauty of the dance. Have you ever been in a position where you felt out of your element, but, in one, pinpointed moment, became a part of or connected to something bigger than your fear?

Recently when my home state was 90% under water.  We all banned together as a community and tried to help those who needed it.  

3. The kiss. Oh, the kiss. When Marcello finally kisses Gabi, he believes the experience to be proof that they are meant to be together. What did you think about his assumption? Were you surprised at Gabi's reaction to it? Have you ever experienced a kiss that seemed to be prophetic in a similar (or opposite!) way?

I thought the fact that Marcello could tell he true feelings from the heart for Gabi after that kiss was sweet.  It made my swoon.  I think today we are a bit skeptical about instant love but I do believe it does exist.   When I saw my husband for the first time I knew he was meant for.  I wouldn't say I knew I was in love but rather that there was a special connection that I hadn't ever experienced before.

4. Many go through their teen years with a subdued sense of immortality. Do you think Gabi has a sense of this teen feeling? And did you think Gabi's converse observation, "Sometimes death came hunting and there was no way to cut it off at the pass." was informed more by the experience of losing her father, her self-admitted closet hypochondria, or the forced maturation of being transported to a different time? How does this observation show Gabi's growth as a character?

I think Gabi did until her father past away.  When you lose somebody your love you realise how precious every moment is.  For me this showed Gabi was a believable character and showed a lot of depth to her character.

5. In the span of a few moments, Gabi goes from sword-wielding teen beauty to man-killing warrior. Did you think her realization of the finality of death -- and her justification for its necessity -- was realistic? And, in her slippers, could you have done the same?


Yes.  Gabi is acting with her instinct by protecting the people she cares for.  I would do the same in her shoes.

Thank you to Edgy Inspirational Romance for this week's questions.

To sign up for this week and go into the draw win the trilogy set of this series also visit Edgy Inspirational Romance.

For next weeks questions visit Supernatural Snark.

Also one of my favourite bloggers Small Book Reviews is also having an amazing River of Time Series giveaway.  Visit her blog to enter! Do it now! You must read this series!

My Book Boyfriend #30 - Lord Greco

My Book Boyfriend is 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 pick is:

Lord Rodolfo Greco

from The River of Time Series by Lisa Tawn Bergren

I fought the urge to stare back at him.  Because he appeared more the Roman god than ever, all six feet of him, his olive skin glistening with oils beneath his white toga, tied at his waist.

(Warning:  The following quotes make contain some spoilers for Torrent.  So just look at the pretty picture if you don't want any spoilers)

He stilled, staring down at me so intently that he breathed in short huffs, as if he was holding his breath for a second at a time.  He shook his head again.  "Do not tempt me, Gabriella," he whispered.  "I am doing all I can."  He leaned closer and truly--it was someone else was controlling my body--I lifted my face closer to his.

He bent and took hold of my waist in his hands and lifted me up to it, then settled my slippered feet into the stirrups.  All the while he cast me small, lingering glances with his gorgeous, smoky-hot eyes, making me shift in the saddle, feeling uncomfortably warm.

I leaned into him, resting my face against his chest, feeling the ba-dump of his heartbeat, thinking.  And he wrapped his arms around me and remained still, waiting giving me time to think, stroking my back, my arms, holding his breath as if he wanted to say more and then thought better of it. 

What do you think of Lord Rodolfo Greco?

Have you read the River of Time series? 

Who is your favourite? Marcello? Luca? Rodolfo?

Thanks to Missie for hosting this meme!

Don't forgot to join in on Waterfall Wednesday all this month!

*** Missie, Jenny & Tina - Lord Greco is all MINE!

Book Review: Bloodlines by Richelle Mead

Bloodlines (Bloodlines #1) by Richelle Mead

Published by:  Penguin

Publication date:  23rd August, 2011

Source:  Thanks to publisher

The first book in Richelle Mead's brand-new teen fiction series - set in the same world as Vampire Academy.

When alchemist Sydney is ordered into hiding to protect the life of Moroi princess Jill Dragomir, the last place she expects to be sent is a human private school in Palm Springs, California. But at their new school, the drama is only just beginning.

Populated with new faces as well as familiar ones, Bloodlines explores all the friendship, romance, battles and betrayals that made the #1 New York Times bestselling Vampire Academy series so addictive - this time in a part-vampire, part-human setting where the stakes are even higher and everyone's out for blood.

My Review: 

Favourite Quote:  "Takes a lot of tries before you hit perfection." He paused to reconsider that. "Well, except for my parents. They got it on the first try." (Adrian)

Before starting Bloodlines I was in a reading slump.  No matter which book I tried nothing was really holding my attention.  But Bloodlines fixed that. I loved this book!  It was a incredible story that I couldn't get enough of.

Mead is one of my favourite authors.   Her writing is unbelievable.  Always intensely readable and fiercely entertaining.  Together with a plot that is full of tension and twists.  This series is a great mix of both the alchemist and vampires worlds.  And those two worlds could not be more different.

What I love about Mead's characters are that they are complicated.  No cardboard cut-outs of characters here.   I have to admit I wasn't sure if I was going to like Sydney as a main character.  She is so different from the kick-butt Rose (from Vampire Academy) who is one of my all time favourites.  But the more I read Bloodlines the more I liked Sydney.  She showed loyalty, courage, kindness and surprisingly strength.  I can definitely see her joining the ranks of my favourite characters.

Then you have Adrian.  I have always loved him in the Vampire Academy series and I am happy to see him play such a big role in this book.  He is charming, quick witted guy who is suffering from a broken heart.   At times I may have been a little tiny bit frustrated that he was playing the victim.  I know he is hurting (and I would love to make him all better *wink wink*) but it gets a little tired after a while.  So I was very happy that  as Bloodlines went on he started to show really growth and change as character and even had a hero moment or two.

Jill is such a sweet character.  One you want to hug.  I really connected with her and am looking forward to getting more of her story as this series goes on.  Then you have more some incredible secondary characters like Eddie from Vampire Academy and a bunch of newbies including Trey, Ms Terwillger and Micah.  As well as Abe who pops in every now and then and even a visit from Rose.

We all know how much I love a good romance in a story.  Well Bloodlines there is no romance yet but rather some delicious chemistry simmering.

And OH the ending!  Mead delivers her speciality - a knock-out ending that will leave you craving more. I wouldn't call it a cliffhanger as such but rather something that is going to leave you saying UH-OH this is going to be interesting.

Overall, Mead has delivered another novel that is nothing less than SUPERB.  Bloodlines is a must read!  Seriously run out and get a copy now!


Overall Rating:  5/5
Writing: 5/5
Plot: 5/5
Characters: 5/5
Romance: 5/5
Cover: 4/5

For more info:  Visit Richelle Mead's website or Between The Lines.

For more reviews:  Collections

In My Mailbox #39 & Winner of Raw Blue

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

FOR REVIEW:


There Is No Dog by Meg Rosoff - Described as a "hilarious comic teen fantasy" from an award winning author Meg Rosoff.  Thanks to Penguin Australia.


Brightest Kind of Darkness by P.T. Michelle - A YA novel about a girl who has a special gift - she dreams each night the next day events.  Sounds really good and the cover is gorgeous.  Thanks to P.T. Michelle. 

BORROWED:

Practice Makes Perfect by Julie James - Adult contemporary romance.  I am loving Julie James' books at the moment.  Thanks to Nomes.

BOUGHT:

Torrent by Lisa T. Bergren - One of my favourite reads of this year so I had to have a print copy.  If you haven't read this series do so immediately!

The Dead Girls' Dance and Midnight Alley both by Rachel Caine - I already own both these books but I am trying to get  a matching set of the Australian edition.  And now it is complete!

What did you get in your mailbox?

WINNER OF RAW BLUE BY KIRSTY EAGAR!!!!

The winner of a signed copy of Raw Blue by Kirsty Eagar is:

Tatiana!!!!

Congratulations!  Thank you to everyone who participated during Kirsty Eagar week and a special thank you to Linds my co-host!  It was an amazing success.  Don't forget there are copies on tour if you are interested in reading Raw Blue.  If you live in the U.K. please check out My Keeper Shelf.  If you live in the U.S .the Book Harbinger has some spots left on her tour.

Mini Reviews #5

Intrinsical by Lani Woodland - Loved it.  Intrinsical is such a beautiful and haunting tale. Woodland's prose is gorgeous - "The pain in my chest returned and I gasped from it's intensity, folding myself in half.  A clammy chill kissed my skin as the light dimmed, a black fog slipping past the corner of my vision."  The plot is full of mystery and is a little creepy.  Then you have fantastic characters including a very swoon worthy crush.  Overall, an amazing start to this series.  Can't wait for Indelible (book #2).  Rating: 4.5/5 stars

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin - Unfortunately, I didn't finish this. Read two thirds and just found myself get frustrated.  I can see why people are loving this but I am having a hard time liking the characters apart from Mara and also all the drama and twists.  I don't get the attraction to Noah and would just like the girl for once to fall for the normal average boy next door.  I just don't think I am in the mood for it rather than anything wrong with the book.   Probably will pick this up again one day when I can read the series from start to finish and get a resolved ending but right now this isn't the type of book I am looking for.  Rating:  2.5/5 stars

Forgotten by Cat Patrick - Really enjoyed this.  I absolutely loved the romance in this book.   It was so sweet and tender and just made me melt and is pretty much the reason I am giving this book such a high rating.  Really, I don't remember much else about the story as I was swooned off my feet.  Forgotten is a relaxing and easy read where the romantic relationship steals the show.   Rating: 4/5 stars 

Book Review: Deception by Lee Nichols

Deception (Haunting Emma Book 1) by Lee Nichols

Published by:  Bloomsbury Publishing

Publication date:  1st September, 2011

Source:  Thanks to publisher

When Emma Vaile's parents leave on mysterious business trip, it gives her the perfect excuse to be a rebellious teen. Throw some parties, get a tattoo (or maybe just a piercing), and enjoy the first few weeks of her junior year. Then her best friend stops talking to her, the cops crash her party, and Emma finds herself in the hands of a new guardian—her college-age "knight in J.Crew armor," Bennett Stern—and on a plane to his museum-like mansion in New England.

After enrolling at Thatcher Academy, Emma settles in by making friends with the popular legacy crowd. But she can't shake the strange visions that are haunting her. She has memories of Thatcher she can't explain, as if she's returning home to a place she's never been. Emma doesn't trust anyone anymore—except maybe Bennett. But he's about to reveal a ghostly secret to Emma. One that will explain the visions . . . and make Emma fear for her life.

My Review:

Favourite Quote:  "He really was perfect.   If only he was perfect for me."

Wow!  What an impressive start to an awesome new series!  I was surprised at how much I enjoyed Deception.

Deception was so easy to get into with it's engaging writing and perfect pacing.  It is a slightly eerie tale that never has a dull moment.  At the beginning I thought the plot was going to be a little predictable (but in the enjoyable sense) but there was quite a few completely unexpected twists.  I like the fact that Nichols' manage to surprise me.  It definitely makes me craving to find out what shocking surprises Nichols' has installed for us in book two Betrayal.

Emma was a fun and likeable character.  Despite her struggles she never really moped around but rather got on with things as best with things as she could.    I certainly don't think I would have been as strong as her with her family missing, moving into a strange town and suddenly being able to see ghosts.  Then you have the mysterious Bennett.  He was a hard to character to read at first but by the end of the book his secrets are starting to unravel.    I found the more he opened up the more I liked him.

However, the romance fell a little short for me.  Emma love life is a little complicated and I don't quite feel the chemistry with a certain guy.  I certainly see the potential of a amazing romantic relationship but I don't believe it yet.  Hopefully book #2 will change my mind.

Overall, Deception was a fun yet haunting tale with intriguing characters and a fantastic premise that kept me constantly entertained.  I can't wait for more.

Overall Rating: 4/5
Writing: 4/5
Plot: 4/5
Characters: 4/5
Romance: 2.5/5
Cover: 4/5

For more info:  Visit Lee Nichols' website.

Waterfall Wednesday - Week 2 - Chapters 7 to 11

Waterfall Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Tina's Book Review, Edgy Inspirational Romance, Supernatural Snark, The Unread Reader and me.  For the period August 31st to September 28th each week we re-read chapters from Waterfall by Lisa Tawn Bergren and answer five questions.  To find out more on this awesome event visit Tina's Books Reviews. 

1. Gabi's search for her sister is made increasingly difficult by the fight for territory between Forelli and Castello Paratore.  At this point, do you think the rivalry is warranted? Why or why not?

I don't think the rivalry is really warranted.  I think Castello Paratore is just being greedy whereas Forelli is just protecting their own.  However, it is something that will never change (although I wish it would).  People will always fight over wanting more than they need.  Even today we have wars over territory.

2.  Gabi aids Fortino by having his sickroom cleaned out and using steam to loosen the phlegm inside his lungs so he could breathe better.  Have you ever found yourself in a situation that required you to rely on home remedies to aid yourself or another?  What are some of your favourite remedies?

Yes, I have definitely used home remedies.  I have eczema and when I first got it as a teenage it was really bad.  My legs were covered and not a clear spot.  So my sister and I made this homemade paste of oatmeal, milk and water and it soothed my skin.   Even today I usual a natural cream from the chemist which is made for an oatmeal based mix.

3.  Marcello and his men don't hide their surprise when they learn that Gabi is skilled with a sword.  What did you think of this development?  Has you initial impression of Gabi changed?  Do you have any secret skills?

I loved the fact that Gabi was able to physically take care of herself!  It made her more confident and gave me another reason to admire her strength and courage as a character.  I wish I had a secret skill but unfortunately I can't think of one.

4.  "Our lips were so close, I could feel the heat of his breath on my skin."  Gabi and Marcello's feelings for one another are beginning to stir.  What do you think of Marcello as a romantic interest thus far?  What do you think of his intended?

I was definitely swooning over Marcello.  I love that he is a genuine good guy and the fact that he is a knight just makes him even sexier.  I didn't like Lady Rossi at all.  I don't think she has a good heart. 

5.  Marcello and Luca take turns teaching Gabi the dances of Toscana.  Would you have liked to attend a ball like the one Gabi was practicing for?  Do you like to dance?  Do you know any cool dance moves?  Extra (not really) points if you YouTube yourself dancing and share the video.  Come on, it will be fun!

Ohhhhh I would loved to attend the ball especially if I got to dance with Marcello.  There was something so romantic about a ball and getting to dress up in a gorgeous gown (although I am sure it was uncomfortable).  I am not a huge dancer myself.  I get a bit shy but I think dancing with a partner back then would be easier as you have set moves and you are not all alone out there.   There is no way Missie that you could get me to YouTube myself dancing.   However my dance moves go a little like this: 

Thank you to Missie from The Unread Reader for this week's questions.

To sign up for this week and go into the draw win the trilogy set of this series also visit The Unread Reader.

Also one of my favourite bloggers Small Book Reviews is also having an amazing River of Time Series giveaway.  Visit her blog to enter! Do it now! You must read this series!