Rewind and Review: March

Books Shown:
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Switched by Amanda Hocking
Babe in Boyland by Jody Gehrman

EDIT: Just realized that Babe in Boyland isn't actually 2010 release. MY BAD.

Hosted by:
Ginger @ GReads!
Lisa @ Lisa is Busy Nerding

ARC Review: Shooting Stars

my thoughts in a few sentences: Shooting Stars is that cute guy/girl who, although he or she isn't the most gorgeous across the planet, makes us laugh and ensnares us anyway. A cute, light, funny read that has all the appeal of a Disney movie, Shooting Stars features a sarcastic main character who unexpectedly reconnects with herself and faces long-buried issues, all while developing an adorable, though predictable crush on the teenage heartthrob of the Hollywood she knows so incredibly well, a kind boy who has secrets of his own to keep hidden. Although it has an element of unbelievability, the differentness of Jo's life makes Shooting Stars that much more of a fun, entertaining read.

interesting first line: "I crouch behind some thick green shrubbery to do my final check."

Rating: Sud-Kissed | Walker/Bloomsbury • NetGalley • Contemporary Romance • 2/28/12 • $9.49

In My Mailbox (37) + Vlog

Review: Under the Never Sky

my thoughts in a few sentences: Although Under the Never Sky is not that outstandingly special story I would clutch to my chest and never want to pry myself away from, it is a spectacular story! The unsettling alliance made between enemies who seek beyond their differences and discover the truth of their soft hearts and strong wills, the action that can range from vengeful cannibals, assailing wolves, and escaping violent storms, and the circle of varying dynamic characters all make this incessant life-or-death run of a story so unbearable to put down.

hooking first lines: "They called the world beyond the walls of the Pod "the Death Shop." A million ways to die out there. Aria never thought she'd get so close."

Rating: Perfect Bed Partner | HarperTeen • Ebook Purchase • Post-Apocalyptic • 1/3/12 • $9.65

ARC Review: Perception + Giveaway

my thoughts in a few sentences: This series is chockfull of snark and unending wit produced by one awesome main character! Clarity never ceases to surprise me with her guts, bravery, and compassion, but she wasn't the only character who did dazzle me. For the first time, I fell helplessly in love with a love interest that I had no intention of caring for, my reluctance dissolving and inside me desires were lit that entirely centered around these two characters coming together. The growth and appeal of the cast made this read that much more enjoyable, and the mystery made for a quick-paced, tension-filled story that tipped into unlikely, yet somehow attractively predictable territories. Another fun murder mystery to add to my collection, I'm deeply in like with this paranormal mystery series!

hooking first line: "I stepped forward with forced confidence. "Let's do this.""

Rating: Sud-Kissed • No spoilers! | Point • Publicist • Paranormal Romance • 3/1/12 • $10.99

Review: Graceling

my thoughts in a few sentences: I was really in the mood for some hardcore fantasy and Graceling delivered with it's fascinating facets of a world as equally well-defined as the heroine. More, I hadn't expected to enjoy the sexy romance between two characters who become the closest of friends, a sweet relationship that sucked me into the story even more than the rest. Drawn in by Cashore's vivid, imaginative prose as well as her awesome array of characters, I'm looking forward to reading on in the series.

mysterious first line: "In these dungeons the darkness was complete, but Katsa had a map in her mind."

Rating: Perfect Bed Partner | Houghton Mifflin Harcourt • Purchased • Fantasy • 10/1/08 • $9.49

ARC Review: Allegiance (#2)

my thoughts in a few sentences: ... I'm still attempting to sort out my very complex feelings toward this novel. While I did feel that the sequel served as a better, more solid novel than the first, there are so many conflicting emotions at war within me, as a result of the strangely paced plot, disappointment, surprising grief, and my equally troubling feelings toward the series' heroine. Yet I find myself still in anticipation of the final chapter to these set of books.

mysterious first line: "The hall was empty except for a cloaked figure who stood motionless upon a black marble dais."

Rating: Guilty Pleasure • No spoilers! | HarlequinTeen • NetGalley • Fantasy • 2/28/12 • about $9