Bout of Books Goals!

I've never done Bout of Books before, I'm looking forward to it though and it gives me a reason to give a little structure to my reading time and such. 

My goals:

Spend a half hour in the morning (before everyone is awake and dd has to go to school) reading.

Spend 1 hour or more reading once the kids are in bed.

I would like to read 2 books this week and listen to 3 audio books. I don't have any titles picked out I'm just going to read whatever catches my eye this week. :)

Monday:
Time Spent Reading: 3 hours
Number of Books Read: finished Apollyon
Time Spent Listening: 3 hours
Listened to: Divergent
Number of Audio Books Completed:

Tuesday:
Time Spent Reading: 4 hours
Number of Books Read: Finished The Elite
Time Spent Listening: 2 hours
Number of Audio Books Completed: Finished Divergent
Total books read/listened to: 3

Wednesday:
Time Spent Reading: 3 hours
Number of Books Read: finished Saved at Sunrise
Time Spent Listening: 2 hours
Number of Audio Books Completed:
Total books read/listened to: 4

Thursday:
Time Spent Reading: 2 hours
Number of Books Read:
Time Spent Listening: 2 hours
Number of Audio Books Completed:

Friday:
Time Spent Reading: 2 hours
Number of Books Read:
Time Spent Listening: 1 1/2 hours
Number of Audio Books Completed:

Saturday:
Time Spent Reading: 3 hours
Number of Books Read:
Time Spent Listening: 1 hour
Number of Audio Books Completed:

Sunday:
Time Spent Reading: 4 hours
Number of Books Read: Choosen at Nightfall, Prince (A Selection Novella)
Time Spent Listening: 1/2 hour
Number of Audio Books Completed:
Total books read/listened to: 6

Bout of Books!

The Bout of Books read-a-thon is organized by Amanda @ On a Book Bender and Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal. It is a week long read-a-thon that begins 12:01am Monday, May 13th and runs through Sunday, May 19th in whatever time zone you are in. Bout of Books is low-pressure, and the only reading competition is between you and your usual number of books read in a week. There are challenges, giveaways, and a grand prize, but all of these are completely optional. For all Bout of Books 7.0 information and updates, be sure to visit the Bout of Books blog. - From the Bout of Books team

I've never done this read a thon before but since it is a week long it seems low stress to me which is what I need right now :)

Follow Friday (26)

Follow Friday is a weekly meme hosted by Parajunkee and Alison Can Read. Its a way to get out there and meet new bloggers and discover new blogs. :)

Q: Happy Mother’s Day! Who is your favorite mom from fiction?

Hands down Mrs. Weasley! You could see the love she had for her family and Harry and Harmione as well. I would not want to make her angry!

Review: The List - Siobhan Vivian

Author: Siobhan Vivian
Series: N/A
Pages: 332
Publisher: Push
Release Date: 4/1/12
ISBN-10: 0545169178

Goodreads/Amazon/Barnes & Noble/Book Depository

An intense look at the rules of high school attraction -- and the price that's paid for them.

It happens every year. A list is posted, and one girl from each grade is chosen as the prettiest, and another is chosen as the ugliest. Nobody knows who makes the list. It almost doesn't matter. The damage is done the minute it goes up.

This is the story of eight girls, freshman to senior, "pretty" and "ugly." And it's also the story of how we see ourselves, and how other people see us, and the tangled connection of the two.

What to say, what to say? I was surprised that I liked this book as much as I did. I was expecting some kind of superficial fluff, but what I got was a very real story about the horrors that can plague people in high school. Thankfully this isn't exactly what my high school was like thankfully, it makes you realize, hey it could have been worse. 

One of the best parts of this was we of to see and get to know each girl on the list and we got to see there friends and in some cases family's. We got a very clear look at where the girls start this story, and a clear look at there journey and there ending. We got to see how the list effected the girls close friends, and families. And trust me when I say that each of these girls went on a journey. Being on the list changed each of them.

When I finally found out who wrote the list I was kinda surprised. Although I do see how it makes sense and it gave this whole story, a rounded feel. I'm not sure there was anything here for me to complain about, this was well written, and thought out. In the end I was moved by parts f this story and I truly enjoyed this one. This book gets 5 stars from me!

Review: Destined - Aprilynne Pike

Author: Aprilynne Pile
Series: Wings #4
Pages: 307
Publisher: HarperTeen
Release Date: 5/1/12
ISBN-10: 0061668125

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The conclusion to the bestselling Wings series. Laurel now knows the truth: Yuki is a rare Winter faerie, the most powerful--and deadly--of all, and she is working with Klea to conquer and destroy Avalon. With Tamani, David, and Chelsea by her side, Laurel prepares for a fight she never thought she would have to face.

I am a jumble of emotion right now, on one hand I loved this book. It was everything I hoped it would be and more, but at the same time I am so sad that this series is over! I wasn't a huge fan of book 1 but I do plan on re reading them, and I'm pretty sure that will change. But I am a huge fan of this series as a whole, I loved laurel, Tamani, Chelsea and David. The extended cast of characters even have a piece of my heart.


I'm not sure how to go about discussing this book without spoiling anything but I'm going to try very hard to cover some of my favorite things. This book started on a bang and never stopped, once the action started it never stopped. Right up to the end there was anger in the air. One of the things that I loved whole heartedly is the loyalty between laurel and her friends. No matter what they always had each others backs.


Another thing I loved was seeing Avalon again. I loved all of laurels time spent there, even in this book. The fae and Avalon always came to life for me in this series, I don't know he Mrs pike did it but it seemed to just dance off the page for me. I as much as I will miss having a new story featuring this world I am glad that I can always go back for a visit.


Again this whole book was bittersweet for me, but I still loved the ending, I felt closure, and happy with the resolution. I felt that everyone who needed to be touched upon. I finished this book with a smile on my lips and a tear in my eye. Thank you Mrs pike for sharing this world, it's characters, and their story's with us. I give this book 5 stars, and I strongly urge everyone to give this series a try!

Review: Spells (Book 2)

Review: Illusions (Book 3)

Review: Unraveling - Elizabeth Norris

Author: Elizabeth Norris
Series: Unraveling #1
Pages: 445
Publisher: Blazer + Bray
Release Date: 4/24/12
ISBN-10: 0062103733

Goodreads/Amazon/Barnes & Noble/Book Depository

Sixteen-year-old Janelle Tenner is used to having a lot of responsibility. She balances working as a lifeguard in San Diego with an intense academic schedule. Janelle's mother is bipolar, and her dad is a workaholic FBI agent, which means Janelle also has to look out for her younger brother, Jared.

And that was before she died...and is brought back to life by Ben Michaels, a mysterious, alluring loner from her high school. When she discovers a strange clock that seems to be counting down to the earth's destruction, Janelle learns she has twenty-four days to figure out how to stop the clock and save the planet.

I'm not sure where I truly stand on this book, there were things I absolutely loved, and things that I really didn't like. I guess the best place to start is the beginning, and I'll start with what I loved.


This story doesn't take long to get going, right after we meet Janelle she dies. But there is a twist, she is brought back to life. From there we spend some time trying to get answers or how, and why and we meet Ben. I liked Ben, he wasn't stalker obsessed with Janelle, but he wasn't a jerk either. From there we dive deeper into our story which at its peeks had me dying for more. There isn't much I can say without spoiling something, so I will say this go read it and figure it out hehe. Janelle's relationship with Alex made me smile, true and genuine best friends. They always had each others backs. I also liked the relationship she had with her father, brother, and Struz. They were a family and they cared about each other.


There were a few things that bothered me though. Janelle spends time snooping through FBI files, and even stealing a few with out any major repercussions. I find that to be totally unbelievable! My only other complaint is that at times the pacing seemed to really slow down, it's not something that would make me abandon a book, but it just seemed to rev up and go, the hit a lull where nothing really happened.


Overall this was an original story, it had good characters that I could connect to, and it kept me entertained. I'm going to give this one 3.5 stars and I do recommend it to you guys!

Mailbox Madness (04)

Mailbox madness is my version of In My Mailbox and Stacking the Shelves, there is nothing different here I just figure with a name like this I could participate in both memes :) The purpose of this meme is to allow everyone to show off the books and goodies they got through out the week

I didn't get any books for review this week which is actually good. There are so many new releases that have come out that I am dying to get to, and I am hooked right now on anything Game of Thrones. I just finished the first book and have dived into the second.

The Elite by Kiera Cass

The Rules by Stacy Kade

Whats in your Mailbox this week?

Review: Dark Frost - Jennifer Estep

Author: Jennifer Estep
Series: Mythos Academy #3
Pages: 336
Publisher: Kensington
Release Date: 5/29/12
ISBN-13: 9780758280039

Goodreads/Amazon/Barnes & Noble/Book Depository

I've seen so many freaky things since I started attending Mythos Academy last fall. I know I'm supposed to be a fearless warrior, but most of the time, I feel like I'm just waiting for the next Bad, Bad Thing to happen. Like someone trying to kill me--again.

Everyone at Mythos Academy knows me as Gwen Frost, the Gypsy girl who uses her psychosymetry magic to find lost objects--and who just may be dating Logan Quinn, the hottest guy in school. But I'm also the girl the Reapers of Chaos want dead in the worst way. The Reapers are the baddest of the bad, the people who murdered my mom. So why do they have it in for me? It turns out my mom hid a powerful artifact called the Helheim Dagger before she died. Now, the Reapers will do anything to get it back. They think I know where the dagger is hidden, but this is one thing I can't use my magic to find. All I do know is that the Reapers are coming for me--and I'm in for the fight of my life.

The more of these books I read the more I love them. They re so rich in mythology and a solid story with great characters to back it up. I'm not sure how Mrs Estep does it but I hope she keeps it up.

There wasn't much that happened here that I didn't enjoy. Daphne and Carson were still with us and they both had a few interesting things happen to them. Logan of course was still here and the tension between him and Gwen is perfect. Our professors are all still with us, and we even got o learn a little more about Nicomedeas, which I enjoyed very much. I love how these characters all have depth they aren't just filler on the page.

Our villains were also creepy and very well written. I had my guesses at who our bad guy was in this one a for once I turned out to be right, but getting to that part in the story was a bumpy ride that had me a little stressed out for Gwen. One thing I will say is hat these books pull no punches. Our bad guys are truly bad and nasty, and while they will dish it out, they also get it back sometimes in spades. 

This story really lays it all out on the line for Gwen. The stakes can't get any higher, or the pressure much heavier. Everyone stands to lose something, and some stand to lose everything. This was an amazing addition to his wonderful series. I give this book 5 stars and am willing to go out and give this whole series 5 stars. Please, go read these books if you haven't already

Waiting on Wednesday (32)

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

My Pick This Week Is:

The Program by Suzanne Young

In Sloane’s world, true feelings are forbidden, teen suicide is an epidemic, and the only solution is The Program.

Sloane knows better than to cry in front of anyone. With suicide now an international epidemic, one outburst could land her in The Program, the only proven course of treatment. Sloane’s parents have already lost one child; Sloane knows they’ll do anything to keep her alive. She also knows that everyone who’s been through The Program returns as a blank slate. Because their depression is gone—but so are their memories.

Under constant surveillance at home and at school, Sloane puts on a brave face and keeps her feelings buried as deep as she can. The only person Sloane can be herself with is James. He’s promised to keep them both safe and out of treatment, and Sloane knows their love is strong enough to withstand anything. But despite the promises they made to each other, it’s getting harder to hide the truth. They are both growing weaker. Depression is setting in. And The Program is coming for them.

I have been dying to read this book for a long time. The blurb has me hooked and I can't wait until the 30th.

Review: The Girl in the Clockwork Collar - Kady Cross

Author: Kady Cross
Series: Steampunk Chronicles #2
Pages: 416
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Release Date: 5/22/12
ISBN-10: 0373210531

Goodreads/Amazon/Barnes & Noble/Book Depository

In New York City, 1897, life has never been more thrilling - or dangerous.

Sixteen-year-old Finley Jayne and her "straynge band of mysfits" have journeyed from London to America to rescue their friend Jasper, hauled off by bounty hunters. But Jasper is in the clutches of a devious former friend demanding a trade-the dangerous device Jasper stole from him...for the life of the girl Jasper loves.

One false move from Jasper and the strange clockwork collar around Mei's neck tightens. And tightens.

This series has solidified my love of the steam punk genre. There is something about these books don't intimidate me like most other steam punks do. I'm not sure what it is that has me hooked but I am.


Finley and the gang are an awesome group of characters. They remind me of the League of Extraordinary Gentlemen which I loved. Finley is my kinda girl she will run off half coked to try to help the people she cares about. She is also pretty kick ass, if I was in a tight spot and needed some muscle I would call her. Griffin, Emily, Sam and jasper all have there own strengths an weaknesses and they all work so well together. Part of what makes them so special is that they are like a family and all care about each other.


This story picked up where the other ended, the gang is coming from London to America to help jasper. It isn't until they get there that they find out that jasper isn't with the police. From there they enter a world of scientists, gangs, social events, and criminals. There is always something happening here. It was impossible to get bored with this book. My favorite part though was getting to know jasper, and his past. I was also happy to find out who the chick on the cover was and where this clockwork collar came into play.


This was definitely a great installment in this series, and really as long as these books keep coming out I will keep reading them. This is a great intro into the team punk genre and I would suggest these books to anyone who is on the fence with it. I give this one 4 stars!

The Strange Case of Finley Jayne Review (Book 0.5)

The Girl in the Steel Corset Review (Book 01)

Mailbox Madness (3)

Mailbox madness is my version of In My Mailbox and Stacking the Shelves, there is nothing different here I just figure with a name like this I could participate in both memes :) The purpose of this meme is to allow everyone to show off the books and goodies they got through out the week

Afterglow by Karsten Knight

The Truth About You & Me by Amanda Grace

A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin

Game - Barry Lyga

Whats in your mailbox this week?

Review: The Selection - Kiera Cass

Author: Kiera Cass
Series: The Selection #1
Pages: 327
Publisher: HarperTeen
Release Date: 4/24/12
ISBN-10: 0062059939

Goodreads/Amazon/Barnes & Noble/Book Depository

For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in a palace and compete for the heart of gorgeous Prince Maxon.

But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.

Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself--and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.

I was prepared to hate this book, after all the controversy and negative reviews I saw. What I wasn't prepared for was to absolutely love this book. I was wowed from the start. I'm not sure where to start with this review, but well give it a try.

The World - this was not your typical dystopian. It wasn't the Hunger Games. This was a light dystopian. The caste system was something that I couldn't help but question. Why? How did the world become so segregated? I do hope to learn more about the how's and whys in the next book. Other than my questions this is something that I think could happen if we aren't careful, people labeled by there skills or money. I enjoyed the fact that it was a lighter dystopian, not everything has to be death and war. I think being on the light side left room in the story for other aspects to shine.

The Girls - we didn't get to know each and every girl in the selection, but we got the general idea of the different personalities and outlooks. I for one adore Marlee, and desperately want to know her secret! Celeste infuriates me, I would love to see her be sent home and have that I'm better than you attitude destroyed. One of the things I liked was the girls were a mix of castes, but the choices of the prince don't seem to be based on a number. I feel that how things were portrayed for this group of girls is probably very accurate, especially when the stakes are so high, to win a prince and a crown how far would you go?

Maxon - I love you! He always came off as sweet and kind. America does things that make you think that she should be going home, but for some reason he keeps her around. Maxon also appears to be an honest man, not wanting to get the girls hopes up if he knows hey aren't a good match, while some might see it as cruel I see it as a small mercy. Being sent away must be heart breaking, but. The longer you are lead on, given hope that he truly cares for you the harder it would be. I also really loved how be listened to what America said about the starving people and immediately tried to come up with a way to help. 

America - oh little lady there is so much to say. One of her best qualities is she stats true to herself, she refuses to be made over into someone she isn't. She is brutally honest even with the prince. And all around she comes off as a good caring person. She worries and tries to help her family, even while the palace she doesn't stop thinking about them. She refuses to abandon her maids drying a time of danger. When I think of America, I can see her as a princess, she goes through the selection looking for certain qualities in the other girls, but overlooks them in herself. 

Aspen - you my friend are an idiot. I get why you did what you did and yes that sacrifice might be the truest form of love, but you are still an idiot. I don't think you are a bad guy, I just don't think that you are the one for America. Actually that is the worst part of this triangle, both our men are good men. There's no good guy versus the rebel bad boy. I do have to agree if I was America I would have trouble choosing too.

The Romance - this was my favorite part. Watching what I truly believe was these who falling love. You can see clear as day that he cares very deeply for America, but she denies her feelings, or writes the off as an unknown feeling. But I feel that this is what I saw. There was chemistry, flirting, fun, and happiness. They are good together and the balance each other out. I lied every part f this book that they were together. This was a sweet story of friendship and attraction. 

I give this book 5 stars, and strongly urge you guys to give this a try, you may be pleasantly surprised. You my want to go in expecting a light dystopian feel with a romance to it. I open you guys try it and enjoy it!