Teaser Tuesdays (60)

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly meme hosted by MizB at Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

Grab your current read

Open to a random page

Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

Share the title and author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Teaser 1:

"How on earth, she wondered, could she avoid the flirtatious earl for the duration of her stay at court? She had not forgotten his temper and did not want to be near when the fuse was lit by unpleasant memories of her father."

Synopsis:

Ellie—Lady Eleanor Rodriguez, Countess of San Jaime—possesses a worthless title, but her feisty spirit captivates the elite of the Queen's court—especially the dashing new Earl of Dorset.

William Lacey, Earl of Dorset, has inherited his father's title—and his financial ruin. Now Will must seek a wealthy bride and restore his family's fortune. If only he hadn't fallen for the beautiful but penniless Ellie . . .

Sparks fly whenever Ellie and Will are together, but circumstances—and the conniving interference of others—threaten to keep them apart.

The Other Countess by Eve Edwards
p.17

Teaser 2:

"My pack was ready to fight, and I was ready to let them-but whoever the intruder was, he never crossed the threshold of the door. There was a loud thump outside, like a duffel bag being dropped onto cement, and then a high-pitched gargle-half choke, half whine-filled the air. Blood."

Trial By Fire by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

p.37

Synopsis:

There can only be one alpha. Bryn is finally settling into her position as alpha of the Cedar Ridge Pack—or at least, her own version of what it means to be alpha when you’re a human leading a band of werewolves. Then she finds a teenage boy bleeding on her front porch. Before collapsing, he tells her his name is Lucas, he’s a Were, and Bryn’s protection is his only hope. But Lucas isn’t part of Bryn’s pack, and she has no right to claim another alpha’s Were. With threats—old and new—looming, and danger closing in from all sides, Bryn will have to accept what her guardian Callum knew all along. To be alpha, she will have to give in to her own animal instincts and become less human. And, she’s going to have to do it alone. Bryn faces both the costs, and the rewards, of love and loyalty, in this thrilling sequel to Raised by Wolves.

I haven't read very much of either of these books but they are both good so far! The Other Countess is one I've wanted to read for a long time so I couldn't wait even though I'm already reading Trial By Fire.

It's Monday, What Are You Reading (75)

It's Monday What Are You Reading? is a fun weekly meme hosted by Sheila at Book Journey. I always enjoy seeing what other people have read and reviewed over the past week. It is also a great way to find new books to add to that ever-growing TBR list!


This week I will be heading to Canada to spend some time with my family. I am not sure how much reading I will get through but I plan to take my Kindle and a couple of print books.

Books read:

The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

I enjoyed rereading this book  but I realized that thanks to the movie, I'd forgotten what happens in the book. Plus I got some of the events from other books mixed up with this one. I need to reread the rest of the series too!

Juliet Immortal by Stacey Jay

This book started out well but in the end I was a little disappointed. I did like the twist with Romeo being a bad guy but I am not a big fan of the play so I didn't mind the liberties taken.

Ruby Red by Kerstin Gier

I really enjoyed this time travel novel. I liked the main character and something about her reminded me of Sophie Mercer from Hex Hall. While the surprise twist was not a surprise to me, I still can't wait till Sapphire Blue is published next year. If I could read German, I'd buy that version and read it now!

Books reviewed:

What Happened to Goodbye by Sarah Dessen

Currently reading:

Trial By Fire by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

What I plan to read next:

The Other Countess by Eve Edwards

I am so excited about this book. I read a sample of it and thought it was very promising. I love historical fiction set in the Tudor period and I am so thrilled that this is finally being published in the States. I may put Trial By Fire aside so I can get started on this!

Blue Skies Tomorrow by Sarah Sundin

I thought the other books in this series were well written and I am sure I will like this final book as well. Sarah Sundin writes interesting Christian historical fiction novels with realistic characters and plenty of historical details.

Small Town Sinners by Melissa Walker

I have a feeling I will be able to relate to the main character in this one.  I had not heard of hell houses before but I do know of a church that puts on a yearly play about heaven and hell.  I am glad to find a YA book that is not afraid to tackle the subject of religious beliefs. It is important for teens to not just blindly go along but decide what they believe for themselves.

The Beginning of After by Jennifer Castle

This premise reminds me of If I Stay, a novel I still need to read. I think it sounds like a good emotional story.

Vanish by Sophie Jordan

I loved Firelight but I am not sure I will like this one. In the first book there wasn't a love triangle with Cassian but this book hints that it will develop, which disappoints me. I kind of hoped Cassian and Tamra would end up together (and maybe she'd be a late blooming draki). Oh well. Sick of the love triangle...

In My Mailbox (58)

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren to share what books you received for review, purchased, or checked out from the library during the past week.

For review:

Juliet Immortal by Stacey Jay

I  requested this for review from the Amazon Vine program. I liked the idea of Romeo as villain because I was not a fan of his character in the play. In this version, Romeo kills Juliet in exchange for immortality and Juliet is given immortality to become an Ambassador of Light.  Romeo has spent the last few centuries trying to break up soulmates while Juliet fights to stop him.  Sounds really good doesn't it? Unfortunately it has some flaws that keep it from being as good as it could be.

The Other Countess by Eve Edwards

I am really excited to read this one. I first saw it on blogs last year but it was only available in the UK. So happy that it is finally being published here! I was able to get an advance copy through the Amazon Vine program.

The Queen's Lady by Eve Edwards

This is the sequel to The Other Countess and it won't be released in the US till next year. I went ahead and requested it on NetGalley anyway. I do love reading historical fiction especially set in the Tudor period.

The Beginning of After by Jennifer Castle

The premise of this story reminds me of If I Stay by Gayle Forman (which I still haven't read!). I was able to get an e-ARC through NetGalley.  I have a feeling it will be really good.

Blue Skies Tomorrow by Sarah Sundin

This is the final book in the Wings of Glory series. I really like this Christian historical fiction series set during WWII.  I will be reading this one for a blog tour.

Purchased:

Dream Dark by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl


Somehow I missed hearing about this novella until another blogger posted about it. This short story features Ethan's best friend Lincoln and is set between the events of Beautiful Darkness and the upcoming Beautiful Chaos. I believe it also includes an excerpt from Beautiful Chaos. 

From the library:

Supernaturally by Kiersten White

I am not sure if I will like this book. I have read mixed reviews but I am going to give it a try anyway!

Small Town Sinners by Melissa Walker

I am really looking forward to this one. I have a feeling I will be able to relate very well to the main character. I like that this book tackles religion and I'm curious to see how conservative Christianity will be portrayed.

Die For Me by Amy Plum

This is another one I am not sure about. On the plus side it is set in Paris! I have decided to be more particular about the paranormal romance books I read but I will try this and see if I like it.

The Last Little Blue Envelope by Maureen Johnson

I picked this up on a whim at the library. I really liked 13 Little Blue Envelopes but I can't really remember the story that well. 

Illegal by Bettina Restrepo

This is a book I have been wanting to read for awhile so I finally ended up ordering a copy for my library. I think it sounds like a powerful story and hopefully I won't be disappointed.

The Postmistress by Sarah Blake

I have been curious about this book for awhile so I finally decided I wanted to read it. I've only heard good things about it.

Have you read any of these books? 

What did you think of them?

Did you get anything exciting to read this week?

Review: What Happened to Goodbye

What Happened to Goodbye

By Sarah Dessen

Publication date: May 10, 2011

My review:

Maclean Sweet moves around a lot because of her dad's job. This means that she doesn't form any close relationships with anyone but that doesn't bother her. Each new town is a chance to reinvent herself. She can decide if she wants to be a popular athlete, a drama queen, a student council president, or fade into the woodwork. She usually picks a new name to go with her persona. She has been Lizbet and Beth but she hasn't been Maclean since her parents got divorced. In their latest town, she finds herself without a persona and the opportunity to discover who she really is-if she doesn't run away from it first.

At first I did not think I would be able to relate to a character like Maclean. I cannot imagine constantly reinventing myself. I thought I might find her annoying or aloof. Instead, from the beginning I felt sorry for her and understood why she chose to live her life that way. It was a self protecting mechanism. Maclean was badly hurt by her mother's unfaithfulness and her parents' subsequent divorce. It became easier for her to leave everything behind-even her own name-when she moved with her dad. They developed a system and Maclean could even read the signs of how long they'd be staying in a particular place and if it was worth it to make any long term plans. Constant moving and creating new personas have left Maclean without any idea of who she is anymore. She also doesn't have that "2 a.m. friend", the kind of friend she can depend on to be there for her. All of this changes when Maclean and her dad arrive in Lakeview. 

Maclean still hasn't decided which persona and name to adopt when she meets next door neighbor Dave Wade. With the help of Dave and some new friends from school Maclean begins to learn what friendship and positive relationships can look like. My favorite of Maclean's new friends is Deb. Maclean sees that Deb is an outsider at her school even though she tries to be a friend to everyone so Maclean takes a chance and invites Deb to join her at lunch. Maclean may have rescued Deb in that way but it is Deb who in the end teaches Maclean about friendship. Deb is the kind of person who is true to herself regardless of how others see her and this is something Maclean needs to learn in her own life. Maclean's friendship with Dave develops slowly and only gradually becomes something more. I thought this was very well done and in keeping with Maclean's life and personality. Dave is a nice guy with a few issues of his own as a genius with overly strict parents. 

While the parents in this book initially seem to be portrayed as negative (Maclean's mom had an affair, her dad doesn't deal with emotions, Dave's parents are too strict and not trusting), it quickly becomes clear that they are caring people with flaws. Maclean's mom keeps trying to reach out to her daughter even when Maclean is cruel and shuts her out. She does use guilt trips sometimes but it is obvious that she loves Maclean and wants to mend their relationship. Over the course of the novel, Maclean starts to process some of the anger and resentment she feels towards her mom. It is nice to see her start to communicate with her mom and begin to forgive her as well as realizing her own mistakes in their relationship.

On the surface What Happened to Goodbye appears to be just another novel about a broken family and angry teen but it is more than that. The theme of home is echoed throughout the novel from the constant moving of Maclean and her dad to Maclean's mom's beach house, and even the model of the community Maclean helps to build. I liked the idea that you can hold on to the good things from the past and create something new. Overall in spite of my initial hesitancy about this novel, I was really pleased with it and I consider it one of Sarah Dessen's best works. 

Readalikes: The Sweet Life of Stella Madison by Lara M. Zeises, Along For the Ride by Sarah Dessen, Perfect You by Elizabeth Scott, Moonglass by Jessi Kirby

Waiting on Wednesday (64)

"Waiting on" Wednesday is a weekly meme to discuss upcoming books we can't wait to get our hands on. Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

This week I'm waiting on:

Spell Bound by Rachel Hawkins

Publication date: March 13, 2012

I am eager for the conclusion of this trilogy. Demonglass ended with a major cliffhanger so I can't wait to find out what happens with Sophie, Archer, Jenna, and Cal.

The Death Catchers by Jennifer Anne Kogler

Publication date: August 16, 2011

Synopsis from Goodreads:

On her fourteenth Halloween, Lizzy Mortimer sees her first death-specter.

Confused at first, Lizzy soon learns from her grandmother Bizzy that as Death Catchers, they must prevent fate from taking its course when an unjust death is planned-a mission that has been passed down from their ancestor, Morgan le Fay. Only, Lizzy doesn't expect one of her first cases to land her in the middle of a feud older than time between Morgan le Fay and her sister Vivienne le Mort. Vivienne hopes to hasten the end of the world by preventing Lizzy from saving King Arthur's last descendant-humanity's greatest hope for survival. It's up to Lizzy, as Morgan's earthly advocate, to outwit fate before it's too late.

With its unique spin on Arthurian legend, this fresh, smartly written story will stand out in the paranormal genre.

This sounds really promising. I've always been interested in King Arthur and Morgan le Fay. I am hoping that this will be unique like the synopsis suggests.

Top Ten Trends I'd Like to See More or Less Of

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish. There is a new subject each week and this week's topic is "Top Ten Trends I'd Like to See More/Less Of".


Trends I'd like to see less of in YA fiction:

1. Love Triangles


I hate love triangles. Even before Edward-Bella-Jacob or Peeta-Katniss-Gale, there was Stefan-Elena-Damon. Now everywhere you look in YA fiction there is a love triangle. You'd think every teen girl in America has two boys vying for her affections. This trend is not just found in paranormal fiction though that is where it is most popular. The love triangle is the kind of theme often found in soap operas-and that is where it should stay. It is overdone in YA fiction and has lost any impact it may have had. Now when I pick up a new YA paranormal romance there is a 9 in 10 chance that the heroine is going to fall in love with two boys or have two boys in love with her. Even Sadie Kane from Rick Riordan's Kane Chronicles is in a love triangle-and she is 12! Please make it stop!

2. Vampire Romance


Are mosquitoes sexy? Chances are that most people would answer that question in the negative.Vampires may not be quite the same as mosquitoes but they both bite people and drink blood to survive. They also happen to be "undead"-like well preserved reanimated corpses. Vampires have gone from being blood thirsty monsters to tortured brooding handsome heroes with women willingly baring their necks for a bite. While I have read my share of vampire romance (and even enjoyed some of it like Vampire Academy) I have now become tired of the genre. I do not think vampires (or mosquitoes) are sexy and it is time for them to go. I especially hate the vampire/human love story. If two vampires love each other, that is their business but when an immortal (and possibly ancient) blood drinking creature falls in love with a human teen, that is kind of creepy!

3. Angels and Demons


This is a trend I was never a fan of. Maybe because I grew up in a devout Christian family, I do not like reading books with demons as protagonists or love interests. I also don't see angels (especially fallen angels) in that light. While I did like Unearthly, that is the exception to the rule because she is not a fallen angel but someone trying to fulfill her purpose/calling. There are two YA series with main characters that turn out to be demons. I was not happy with that development but chose to continue reading the books because I already liked the characters by that point. Still, a spade is a spade. I cannot see demons as anything other than evil creatures of darkness. I really wish this trend would fall out of popularity.

4. The Neverending Story


While I liked the movie as a child, I am not a fan of series that don't know when to quit. One prime example of this is the Blue Bloods series by Melissa de la Cruz. While it has many fans (I used to be one of them), the series has gone down hill in quality and the lack of any kind of ending in sight has made me give up. It is not the only series that has this problem. While the story of Harry Potter was perfectly stretched out over 7 books, this does not work for everything. I used to like Michael Scott's The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel series but it is just too long to keep my attention and the characters became really annoying. I wish authors would tell their stories without rambling on and on. Sometimes seven books are not needed.




5. The Plot Poaching Plague


I've seen this happen many times in YA fiction. There will be one or two excellent YA novels and suddenly there will be a rash of them with similar plots because of the success of the other books. For example the success of The Hunger Games has spawned so many dystopian novels (some of which are also excellent like Divergent) but now there are tons of dystopian novels coming out of the woodwork. I hate this trend of oversaturation. It might make some people reluctant to try a book because they think it will be just like everything else they've already read. I'd rather see some more originality. 




Trends I'd like to see more of in YA fiction:




1. The Novel Stands Alone


Sometimes it is good to just read a book without a sequel or trilogy. The character's story is wrapped up nicely in a single novel. While I do like series, now it seems that every YA book is part of a trilogy or series. Even books that don't need a sequel are getting one. Some good YA books that don't have sequels: Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver, Amy and Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson, Sea by Heidi Kling, Guardian of the Dead by Karen Healey, A Curse Dark as Gold by Elizabeth C. Bunce, and The Swan Kingdom by Zoe Marriott.

2. POC Fiction


I am glad to see more POC YA fiction being published but I'd certainly like to see this trend grow. When I was a teen there wasn't much diversity in YA fiction. I don't think I read any books with Indian or South Asian protagonists. I recently finished Shine, Coconut Moon by Neesha Meminger and thought "I wish this book was around when I was in high school". It would be nice to see YA fiction with POC characters that aren't going through cultural identity issues too. We are also underrepresented in genres like fantasy though that is changing due to the likes of amazing authors like Cindy Pon and Sarwat Chadda.

 


3. Elves, Dwarves, and Heroes


While I wasn't a huge fan of The Hobbit, I am super excited about the movie (though I don't think it will have the same magic as The Lord of the Rings films it does have Richard Armitage playing one of the main characters) so I have been thinking lately about how much I enjoy reading fanasy, especially epics. I have always liked reading about the battle between good and evil and the hero/heroine who faces overwhelming odds but triumphs in the end. The Harry Potter series and Percy Jackson and the Olympians were a phenomenal success yet unlike the vampire trend, there haven't been as many fantasy novels/series published after them. There are a few but not many. For those who want their fantasy fix, we are left to turn to classics like Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, Lloyd Alexander, etc. These are great books but we could do with some new material. The movies prove that people like this kind of story. Why aren't the publishers paying attention?

4. Pilgrims, Pirates, and Pioneers


Historical fiction was an incredibly popular genre in my teen years, especially for girls. We had books that told us what life was like during the Civil War, pioneer days, and the American Revolution. I loved history and historical fiction. While it isn't as popular with teens these days, I hope that there will be a resurgence of historical fiction. There have been some great historical novels like Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys, Pirates by Celia Rees, and The Book Thief by Markus Zusak as well as historical hybrid novels like The Agency series by Y.S. Lee, The Red Necklace by Sally Gardner, and Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly. With the popularity of the Luxe series by Anna Godbersen and Ingenue by Jillian Larkin, I hope that more readers and authors will turn to historical fiction.
  

5. To Catch a Thief or a Killer...


I love a good mystery. It is one genre that I have consistently enjoyed from my childhood with Encylopedia Brown, Mandie, and Nancy Drew to Hercule Poirot as a teen and adult. I enjoyed the recent historical mysteries A Spy in the House and The Body at the Tower by Y.S. Lee as well as Clarity by Kim Harrington and The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting which combined mystery with a touch of the paranormal in the tradition of Lois Duncan. I've also enjoyed books like Ally Carter's Gallagher Girls spy series and Heist Society. I would love to see more mystery and suspense novels for teens. I think it would do very well.