Stacking the Shelves (12)

Stacking the Shelves is a new weekly meme hosted by Tynga of Tynga's Reviews. It's a weekly post where book bloggers showcase the books they received throughout the week.

This is just going to be a quick post for me this week since my family is here visiting me. Though I still have some exciting books to share.

Review:

- Katya's World by Jonathan L. Howard (2nd copy--already passed on to someone else)

Purchased:

- Onyx by Jennifer L. Armentrout

- Starling by Lesley Livingston

If you haven't already entered them, I have two giveaway currently going on the blog. You can win a finished copy of Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry or signed book of your choice from Lisa Desrochers.

Leave a comment letting me know what you got and I'll try to stop by during the course of the week!

Taken by Storm by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Title: Taken by Storm (Raised by Wolves #3)

Author: Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Publisher: Egmont

Release Date: May 22, 2012

Source: Purchased

Buy the Book: Amazon / Book Depository

In the eye of a storm stands Bryn, the alpha of the Cedar Ridge werewolf pack.

She is young. Female. Human. Physically weaker than any werewolf, she could never survive a battle with another alpha, the strongest, fiercest, and canniest of his pack.

Yet she cannot refuse a summons from the werewolf Senate, a gathering of the most powerful werewolves on the continent. The subject is a rogue werewolf, but Bryn knows the other packs want what she has.

Her territory. Her females. Her pack.

They want her death.

Werewolf law prevents the other alphas from making a direct attack. It also prevents her former alpha, the mysterious and powerful Callum, from coming to her aid.

But it doesn't prevent Bryn from knowing what she wants.

To keep her lands. To protect her pack.

To survive.

I can't even begin to describe how much I love Jennifer Lynn Barnes' Raised by Wolves series. It's seriously a great werewolf series. Ever since I finished the second book last summer, I have been dying to read Taken by Storm. After reading it, I can definitely say it didn't disappoint.

As the human alpha to a werewolf pack, Bryn knows she's vulnerable. Especially since the majority of female werewolves belong to her pack, and the other alphas want nothing more than to get their hands on those females. Now with the threat of a rabid wolf on the loose, the safety of Bryn's pack is at stake, especially if the rabid kills again. Because if that happens, the other alphas would be allowed to enter Bryn's territory, putting all her females in danger. But Bryn isn't about to back down, and this time she is determined to show everyone that just because she's human, doesn't mean she's any less of an alpha.

I absolutely love Jennifer Lynn Barnes' Raised by Wolves series and I loved the way Taken by Storm brought everything together. But that didn't happen without tears and heartbreak. Because there were plenty of times while I was reading where I felt my heart breaking or I found myself tearing up. There was so much happening in this tory and I loved every minute of it. I'm always worried when I read the last book in a series because I'm always a little scared it's going to let me down. Taken by Storm wasn't like that at all. Sure, there were plenty of times where I wasn't too happy about the way things were going, but it always worked itself out. But still, even though I was happy with how things turned out, my heart broke on more than one occasion.

Bryn is one of my favorite characters of all time. She is such a strong person. Half of what she went though in Taken by Storm would have brought me to my knees. And for that, I admire her so much. Ali is another character I love. She is, in my opinion, one of the best mother figures in YA so I was a little sad that I didn't get to see her as much in this final book. What little of her I did see, though, I loved. And then, without giving too much away, I was often tearing up whenever Devon or Chase came up. I love both of them, but with everything happening, my heart just kept on breaking over and over again. And for one more than the other. And then it was interesting to finally find out more about the background of other characters. But I'll leave it at that.

Taken by Storm only reaffirmed my love for Jennifer Lynn Barnes' Raised by Wolves series. While I am sad that the series is now over, I am happy with the way it ended. But beware of tears and heartbreak if you pick up this book. But don't worry, it's all for a good reason.

Waiting on Wednesday (60)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill of Breaking the Spine where book bloggers devote a post to an upcoming book release they are particularly looking forward to.

THIS WEEK'S PICK:

RAGE WITHIN BY JEYN ROBERTS

Aries, Clementine, Mason and Michael have survived the first wave of the apocalypse that wiped out most of the world's population, and turned many of the rest into murderous Baggers. Now, they're hiding out in an abandoned house in Vancouver with a ragtag group of surviving teens, and trying to figure out their next move.

Aries is trying to lead, but it's hard to be a leader when there are no easy answers, and every move feels wrong. Clementine is desperate to find her brother Heath, but it's impossible to know where he'd be, even if he is still alive. Michael is still haunted by the memories of his actions during his harrowing struggle to survive. And Mason is struggling with something far worse: the fear that he may be a danger to his friends.

As the Baggers begin to create a new world order, Aries, Clementine, Mason and Michael will have to trust and rely on each other in order to survive.

I absolutely loved Jeyn Roberts' Dark Inside (my review) when I read it last year and ever since I have been dying to know what happens next. So basically, the release of Rage Within can't come soon enough so I can find out what happens next in this apocalyptic story.

Rage Within by Jeyn Roberts will be published September 4th, 2012 by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers.

Authors ARE Rockstars: Lisa Desrochers

Today I have the immense pleasure of being a part of the Authors Are Rockstars blog tour hosted by Fiktshun and Two Chicks on Books. What makes this even better is that I get to host one of my favorite authors of recent years, Lisa Desrochers. If you don't know who Lisa Desrochers is, she is the author of the amazing Personal Demons trilogy. If you haven't already read this trilogy, you are missing out.

So why is Lisa Desrochers a Rockstar?

Lisa Desrochers wrote a book about hot demons and angels. What more could you really want? But beyond that, the story of her Personal Demons trilogy will keep you on your toes the whole way through. There's always something happening and the story goes in every direction imaginable. But in my opinion what really makes Lisa Desrochers a rockstar are the characters she created. Frannie, Luc and Gabe, who you can meet below, are all incredible people. They each have something that makes them unique and they are all among my all time favorite book characters. What makes these characters even better is that after three books, I still can't decide between Luc and Gabe and that never happens. Lisa Desrochers writes them in a way that makes it almost impossible to choose. There is no clear choice and how Frannie manages to choose one is completely beyond me.

The Interview

But that's enough about that. Today I have the great pleasure of having Frannie, Luc and Gabe here to answer a few questions about themselves and their stories. But be prepared, things can get quite intense with the three of them sitting around a table, especially if Luc and Gabe decide to start going at it.

Emilie: To start off, how about you each tell me a little about yourselves.

Gabe: *flicks wrist in a wave* Gabe. Angel.

Luc: *tips back in chair* Luc. Demon…sort of.

Frannie: *scrunches face at the boys* I think she was wanting a little more than that.

Luc: Fine. *lowers chair to ground and leans elbows on table* *stares at Emilie* All demons are born of sin. I’m a Creature of Pride, created by King Lucifer seven thousand years ago to tempt mortals down the fiery path. *winks at Frannie* Better, love?

Frannie: *glares at Luc*

Gabe: And I’m a Dominion, created after the War in Heaven to oversee the guardians for the archangel Gabriel.

Frannie: *smiles at Emilie* They’re harmless, really. So, I’m Frannie, and I’m seventeen, and I like judo and hanging out in my grandfather’s garage rebuilding vintage Mustangs. And…I guess that’s it.

Luc: *lifts eyebrows at Frannie* Really? That’s what you’re going with?

Frannie: *glares at Luc again* Shut up.

Emilie: Okay. Luc & Gabe, you've known each other for a REALLY long time, when did you actually meet? And was there ever a time when you could sort of stand each other?

Frannie: Yeah. I’ve always wondered about that.

Luc: *barks out a laugh* Go ahead, Gabriel. Fill her in.

Gabe: *shifts in chair as eyes narrow* He *juts his chin toward Luc* shows up in Pompeii after Vesuvius, thinking he’s all that. Gonna collect all these souls—

Luc: *laughs again* No, idiot. The first time. *leans in and winks* You’ll have to excuse him. Brain damage from breathing all that ozone. What he meant to say was that I kicked his ass in the inaugural games at the Colosseum.

Gabe: Stop telling her what I mean. *shakes head*

Frannie: Hold up! Did you say Colosseum? As in Rome?

Luc: I did. *eyes flash* *slow grin* And I also said I kicked his ass.

Gabe: *rolls eyes* In your dreams.

Luc: If memory serves me, I left the Colosseum under my own power.

Gabe: You don’t think Caesar would have thought it a bit strange that I should get up and walk out—

Luc: *grinning*—after I kicked your ass? Yeah, that might have raised suspicion.

Gabe: *glares again* To answer your question, Emilie: No we’ve never been able to stand each other.

Emilie: Frannie, how is it having a hot angel and a hot ex-demon basically fighting over you? Are there some benefits?

Frannie: *splits a wary glace between Luc and Gabe* I don’t think they’re really fighting over me.

Luc: *smirks at Gabe* A fight would imply an even match.
Gabe: *glares at Luc* *white sparks crackle over palm* Keep it up, brimstone breath.

Frannie: Will you guys just stop? *rolls eyes* Really, it’s more that their bosses both want my power. And, no, there are no benefits. *folds arms across chest and stares boys down*

Emilie: Luc and Gabe, what is one thing you admire about each other?

Luc: *raises eyebrow at Emilie* Seriously?

Gabe: You’re complaining?

Luc: I am.

Gabe: I’ll start. Luc is…creative.

Luc: *barks out a laugh* That’s the best you could do?

Gabe: It’s better than “seriously?”

Luc: *looks back at Emilie* See what I have to put up with? Okay, give me a second… Got it! Gabe is…bright.

Gabe: *throws up hands* You admire my brightness?

Luc: *shoots a glare at Gabe* What do you want from me?

Gabe: I guess a reasonable answer is too much to hope for?

Luc: *slumps in chair* Fine. He’s loyal, I suppose.

Gabe: *nods* And Luc is courageous…when he wants to be.

Emilie: Luc, you’ve gone through some big changes. What has been the best/worst part?

Luc: Worst part, there are some things I could do before that I can’t anymore. Things like possess people. *shoots glance at Frannie*

Frannie: *blushes*

Luc: *lifts eyebrows* Best part, Frannie and I can be together in other ways.

Frannie: *blushes deeper*

Emilie: Gabe, have there been any moments where you wished you weren't an angel and didn't have to act accordingly?

Gabe: *clears throat* *eyes flick to Frannie* There are times… *shifts in chair* *clears throat again* *swallows* Yes.

Emilie: So Frannie, ever thought you would be the key to preventing the world as you know it from ending? No pressure, right?

Frannie: The thing about that is, I don’t think it’s me. Everyone keeps saying I can do this thing, but I can’t. As a matter of fact, I’m pretty sure they have the wrong sister. I mean, if anyone’s hooked into the whole angel/demon thing, it’s Grace, not me. But every time I try to tell Luc and Gabe that, they just give me that look. *waves hand at the boys*

Luc: *purses lips and drums fingers on table*

Gabe: *sighs and scrunches face at Frannie*

Emilie: Final question, what would each of you say or do to convince people who haven't read your story to do so?

Frannie: You know, it’s actually been a little annoying to have that Lisa chick following us around taking dictation, and I’m really sort of a private person, so if you don’t want to read the books, that’s okay with me. *flicks a glance at Luc then Gabe* There are some pretty embarrassing parts, if you want the truth.

Gabe: *clears throat and diverts eyes*

Luc: *shrugs a shoulder and tips back in chair* What she said.

So thank you Luc, Frannie and Gabe for allowing me to ask you these questions. Your answers were certainly quite intriguing. 

The Giveaway

So if you want to find out more about those "pretty embarrassing parts" Frannie was talking about here's your chance. Lisa has offered up one signed book (of the winner's choice of Personal Demons, Original Sin or Last Rite) to be given away as part of the tour. To enter, fill out the Rafflecopter form below. Open US/CANADA ONLY.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

For more about Lisa Desrochers you can find her on Twitter or you can check out her blog. Be sure to check the Appearances page since she may be coming your way in the near future!

The Boy Recession by Flynn Meaney

Title: The Boy Recession

Author: Flynn Meaney

Publisher: Poppy

Release Date: August 7, 2012

Source: ARC from Publisher

Buy the Book: Amazon / Book Depository

Where have all the boys gone?

Down-to-earth Kelly is always the friend and never the girlfriend. But as her junior year of high school starts, Kelly is determined to finally reveal her true feelings for her long-time crush and good friend Hunter--that is, until the Boy Recession hits.

Over the past summer, and overwhelming number of male students have left Kelly and Hunter's small high school class. Some were sent to private school and others moved away. Whatever the cad,e the sudden population shift has left the already small Julius P. Heil High in desperate shape. The football coach is recruiting chess champs for his team, the principal's importing male exchange students to balance out school dances, and Hunter is about to become an unexpected heartthrob.

Content with his role as the guitar-strumming, class-skipping slacker, Hunter is unprepared to be the center of attention. Desperate coaches are recruiting him for sports teams, and the drama teacher casts him in the lead role of the school musical. Even the Spandexers, powerful popular girlsin tight pants, are noticing Hunter in a new light--with a little work, he could have potential. He might even be boyfriend material…

In order to stand out from the crowd and win Hunter's heart, Kelly needs a "stimulus package" in the form of cougar lessons from a senior girl who dates hot freshman boys and advice on the male mind from her Cosmo-addicted best friend, Aviva. As if dating wasn't hard enough without a four-to-one ratio!

When I first heard about Flynn Meaney's The Boy Recession I thought it sounded like a really interesting concept. It was something that hadn't been done before and once I started reading I found that it made for a really fun and amusing story. And once the story began, it became increasingly difficult for me to put the book down. 

Hunter has never exactly gotten that much attention from girls. For the most part, he was known as the slacker who plays guitar and the drums. But at the start of his junior year of high school, there is a massive outpour of boys, and Hunter finds himself one of the few boys left. And all of a sudden he finds himself getting a whole lot more female attention. But that doesn't mean everyone is happy. The Boy Recession isn't helping Kelly's lack of a love life. She's always had feelings for her friend Hunter. But now she has to compete with all the popular girls for his attention, and that might not work out in her favor. 

The Boy Recession was an incredibly fun story to read. I sort of knew going in to the story that it would probably lead to much smiling, if not actual laughter. And that definitely happened. Once I started reading, it didn't take very long for me to have a smile plastered on my face. The whole concept of a boy recession led to some pretty interesting situations. It's not ever day you see girls running around getting guys to sign prom contracts long before prom. So yeah, it was a fun read all around. And what was great was that the story alternated points of view so I got to see the whole thing from the perspective of both a girl and a boy. And that's why, beyond the fun concept of the story, the characters are what really made the book so fun and interesting.

While reading I got to experience the Boy Recession from both Kelly and Hunter's perspective, allowing me to see who the boys and girls each experiences the whole thing. With Hunter, I liked how it allowed him to see that he was really selling himself short. It was great to see him come out of his shell throughout the course of the story. And by the end of it, I really liked the person Hunter had become. And I'm pretty sure Kelly liked that person too. Kelly definitely also grew when it comes to self-confidence. Like with Hunter, I loved seeing the change happen in Kelly. Though the best thing about Kelly and Hunter was that they weren't the popular kids. It was a nice change of pace to have a story that focused on people who aren't part of the popular crowd.

Flynn Meaney's The Boy Recession was definitely a fun read. If you are looking for an afternoon of fun and laughter, then I strongly recommend you pick up The Boy Recession. You won't regret it.