Friday, March 30, 2012

Follow Friday and TGIF: Blogger Retreat

FF 2012 Feature & Follow #80

Feature and Follow Friday is hosted by Parajunkee and Alison Can Read

Q: Do you read one book at a time or do you switch back and forth between two or more?

I try to only read one maybe two books at a time. I have a hard time not getting distracted when listening to audiobooks, otherwise I could probably manage a few more. I like to read one book at a time, so I do not get confused easily, but that is only if my schedule allows it. At the most I think if I had to I could mange reading 3 maybe 4 books at the same time.

Can you manage more than one book?
How many is the most you think you could handle?



TGIF is hosted by Ginger at Greads
The purpose is to answer the question for the week, and re-cap the weeks posts.
It is a great way to get to know other bloggers.

Q.  Book Blogger Retreat: If you could gather up a handful of book blogger friends to spend a weekend away talking books, where would you go? Tell us about it.
 Coming from Montana with gorgeous mountains and just beautiful surrounding for camping. I think the best getaway would be to rent a big cabin in the woods, with no internet or cellphone service. We could just look out at the gorgeous scenery, discuss books, and of course fight over fictional boys. Curled up in front of the fire, sharing our favorite books. Now I really wish it was summer because I need to go camping!!

Where would you have your ideal blogger retreat?

THIS WEEK ON UNABRIDGED BOOKSHELF
(GIVEAWAY ENDS APRIL 1 at 12:01 AM)


Thank you for stopping by Unabridged Bookshelf!

Thursday, March 29, 2012

Book Review: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Title: The Hunger Games
Author: Suzanne Collins
Series: The Hunger Games #1
Publication Date: October 31, 2008

BUY THE HUNGER GAMES
Synopsis: In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV.
Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister, regards it as a death sentence when she steps forward to take her sister's place in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before—and survival, for her, is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that will weigh survival against humanity and life against love.

MY REVIEW

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins is an epic, action-packed story about strength and survival in the face of horrible circumstances. Katniss Everdeen is a survivor. Katniss takes care of her mother and her little sister, Prim after her father dies in a mining accident. She braves the dangers of the forest outside the safety of the fences to poach food for her family with the help of her best friend Gale. Times are tough, but it is The Reaping that strikes fear into the children of Panem and their families’ hearts.

The Reaping is the day that one boy and one girl from each of the 12 districts will be chosen to fight in the Hunger Games. The Hunger Games is a battle to the death between all 24 tributes, where only one is allowed to survive. When Prim’s name is selected from the bowl of names, Katniss does the unthinkable, she volunteers.  Now she is about to fight for her life against extraordinary odds.

I know almost everyone has read The Hunger Games, and I am late to the game. After watching the movie trailers all over my TV, I knew I had to read the book before going to see the movie. I am beyond glad that I decided to pick up The Hunger Games after much urging from my husband. I love the inner strength and bravery Katniss shows just by supporting her family, and standing in to save her sister. The games are cruel and horrible; it is children killing other children for the enjoyment of the Capitol. Katniss manages not to let the cruelty of the games, and the horrific conditions change her into a monster.

Peeta, the other champion from District 12, or The Boy with Bread, is beyond sweet. I really love the relationship that Katniss and Peeta develop before The Hunger Games. For the ones who are like me and still have not read it, I will not spoil it. I just cannot wait to see what is going to happen in Catching Fire, and Mockingjay. If you have not had the chance to read The Hunger Games or you are not sure about it, pick it up because you will devour it. I should be going to see the movie this week, and I cannot wait!

**Unabridged Bookshelf purchased this book**


What made you read The Hunger Games?
Are you going to see the movie or have you already seen it?
If you have seen it, what did you think of the book to movie transition?


Thank you for stopping by Unabridged Bookshelf!

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Waiting on Wednesday: Revived


Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we cannot wait to get our hands on.
I am waiting on:


Title: Revived
Author: Cat Patrick
Expected Publication: May 8, 2012




As a little girl, Daisy Appleby was killed in a school bus crash. Moments after the accident, she was brought back to life.
A secret government agency has developed a drug called Revive that can bring people back from the dead, and Daisy Appleby, a test subject, has been Revived five times in fifteen years. Daisy takes extraordinary risks, knowing that she can beat death, but each new death also means a new name, a new city, and a new life. When she meets Matt McKean, Daisy begins to question the moral implications of Revive, and as she discovers the agency’s true goals, she realizes she’s at the center of something much larger — and more sinister — than she ever imagined.
Why am I waiting?
Revived sounds both awesome and a bit creepy. 
I mean, what would you do if you knew you could beat death?
The cover is beautifully creepy, and I cannot wait!

What are you waiting on?
Leave me a link, so I can check it out!

Thank you for stopping by Unabridged Bookshelf!

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Blog Tour: Review and Giveaway of Whispering Hills by Taryn Browning


Welcome to my stop on the Whispering Hills Blog Tour.
I want to thank Supagurl Tours for letting me a part of this tour. 
Check out all the other tour stops click the banner above!

Title: Whispering Hills
Author: Taryn Browning
Publication Date: March 19, 2012




Synopsis: For as long as she can remember, 17-year-old Alexis Forbes can hear the thoughts of others. Most recently, she is disturbed by the dark, unfamiliar voice of a frightening killer: callous, cunning, charismatic…and dead.
She hears his every sinister thought. But she can’t tell anyone. No one would believe her. Alexis is suddenly being haunted by a terrifying past she doesn’t remember, and a ghost with a serious score to settle. Even Chance, the gorgeous new guy she’s falling for, has his own ghostly secret. He’s definitely not like any guy she’s ever met. Alexis soon discovers she has a connection to the dead and it runs much deeper than she could ever imagine. And if the sociopathic entity has his way, she’ll finally be sentenced to the fate she escaped thirteen years ago.


MY REVIEW

Whispering Hills by Taryn Browning is one of those books you cannot put down, not matter how hard you try. It sucks you in and holds you there through the very end. Alexis Forbes is no stranger to weird, considering she hears voices. Not just any voices, the thoughts more specifically decisions made by anyone and everyone around her. Now her problems are spinning further from “normal,” when she hears the voice of someone planning to kill someone. The problem, she does not recognize the voice.

Alexis wants to stop the killer, but she has no idea where to start. On top of it all, she is falling for the new guy Chance, but something is off, because Alexis has no idea what he is thinking. As she tries to find the person behind the disturbing voice, she discovers he may not actually be living. With secrets around every corner, and a ghostly killer on the loose, Whispering Hills is no longer safe.

I have to say I could not put Whispering Hills down. Taryn Browning has a way with words that captivated me until the very last word. Alexis is a beautifully written character, who I instantly took a liking too. She is not completely crazy from hearing the thoughts of everyone around her Alexis actually manages fairly well considering. Chance is gorgeous and protective, which are great qualities for a love interest. Reading a book with him in it was not a bad way to spend a few hours.

Alexis ends up forming a friendship with Summer, who is an outcast. She tends to wear heavy black makeup and wear dark cloths, who is sarcastic and snarky, but also very caring. I really like Summer, and I loved the relationship between her and Alexis. I absolutely loved every second of Whispering Hills. There were moments I was anxious for what would happen next, then the next moment I would laugh at something one of the character would say. If you pick up Whispering Hills, you will not regret it.

**Unabridged Bookshelf received this book from the author in exchanged for an honest review**

ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Taryn Browning writes young adult paranormal romance and urban fantasy novels. Her debut novel, DARK SEEKER, is available on Amazon and B&N.  The sequel, DARK RETURN, comes out in late, 2012.
Taryn  graduated with a BS in Education from Towson University and went on to earn a MS in Reading from Hood College. She lives in Virginia with her husband, two young sons and their dog. When she's not writing, she enjoys reading, spending time with friends and family, music, movies, and the beach. Visit her at www.tarynbrowning.com, on twitter and facebook.
PLACES TO FOLLOW TARYN
Taryn's Website

Now it is time for the Giveaway!!
There are three prizes meaning there will be three winners!!

The prizes are
1 eCopy of Whispering Hills
1 signed Dark Seeker Bookmark
1 signed Whispering Hills Bookmark
The best part is it is an INTERNATIONAL giveaway!
Just fill out the Rafflecopter form below



a Rafflecopter giveaway


Monday, March 26, 2012

Cover Reveal: Water(Elemental #3) by Shauna Granger

Water is the third book in the Elemetal Series by Shauna Granger. 
The cover design was done by Stephanie Mooney



EXPECTED PUBLICATION: June 19, 2012




Shayna's first surfing session of the summer is interrupted by the screams of a mother who has lost her little boy in the water. Without regard to her own safety, Shayna swims out, rescues the boy, but must escape the clutches of something far worse than she could have ever imagined – mermaids.
Compelled to answer the sirens' call, the boys of Shayna's town are drawn to the sea, but when they return are afflicted by an unknown illness, a sickness which is draining them of their life force. Unable to tell anyone about the mermaids, Shayna and her friends are forced to solve the mystery before it's too late, and in doing so, Shayna will finally have to face the full force of her powers. Whether she’s ready or not, she will have to face her true nature.


THE OTHER BOOKS IS THE SERIES
  

FOLLOW THE AUTHOR

Shauna Granger's Blog
Facebook: Shauna Granger
Twitter: @dyingechoes


I love the cover for Water, and I also think the covers for Earth and Air are gorgeous too!
What do you think of the cover?

Thank you for stopping by Unabridged Bookshelf

Sunday, March 25, 2012

In My Mailbox (March 25)


In My Mailbox was created by Kristi at The Story Siren
It gives readers the chance to share the books they received over the past week.
This includes books purchased, borrowed, won, or gifted.


I forgot to do my IMM last week so this is for the last two weeks.


FOR REVIEW
Fat Assassins Perilous Light (The Afterglow Trilogy, #2)



WON
Everneath (Everneath, #1) Love and Leftovers

Thank you to Fragments of Life and Harper Teen
I cannot wait to read both of these!!

BOUGHT
The Mayfair Moon (The Darkwoods Trilogy #1) Skeleton Lake (Skeleton Lake, #1)


I love the new cover for Perilous Light, it is beautiful!!
What did you get this week?
Leave a link, and I will be sure to check out your mailbox!

Thanks for stopping by Unabridged Bookshelf

Saturday, March 24, 2012

Book Review: The Night She Disappeared by April Henry

Title: The Night She Disappeared
Author: April Henry
Publisher: Henry Colt and Co.
Publication Date: March 13, 2012


BUY THE NIGHT SHE DISAPPEARED

Gabie drives a Mini Cooper. She also works part time as a delivery girl at Pete’s Pizza. One night, Kayla—another delivery girl—goes missing. To her horror, Gabie learns that the supposed kidnapper had asked if the girl in the Mini Cooper was working that night. Gabie can’t move beyond the fact that Kayla’s fate was really meant for her, and she becomes obsessed with finding Kayla. She teams up with Drew, who also works at Pete’s. Together, they set out to prove that Kayla isn’t dead—and to find her before she is.

MY REVIEW

The Night She Disappeared by April Henry is a twisted rollercoaster ride of a story. Drew and Kayla are working a normal night at Pete’s Pizza, when Drew takes a call for a delivery. Kayla takes the delivery, but she never returns. That is not the only problem, the customer “John Robertson” wanted to know if the girl driving the Mini Cooper would be doing the delivery. Gabie is the girl with the Mini Cooper, who traded shifts with Kayla, so Kayla could have Friday off.

The guilt affects both Gabie and Drew and while the cops believe Kayla might be dead, Gabie and Drew decided to retrace Kayla’s last steps. They continue holding out hope that Kayla is still alive, even when it does not seem possible. During this time, Drew and Gabie’s relationship changes and they grow closer. Gabie is convinced that she is the one the caller wanted, and she is scared that he may come back to get her.

This book features multiple viewpoints throughout the story, including Drew, Gabie, Kayla, and “John Robertson” It gives details and completes the story in a way one or two viewpoints could not. The only thing that bugged me a little bit about this book was the way the police handled the investigation. The Sergeant completely dismisses the idea that the caller originally wanted Gabie, claiming it was just to throw investigators off. There are other things that the police do such as dismissing concerns, being close-minded and just plain rude and mean. To me, it felt like the police were written this way to dramatize and enhance the story. I know that my personal connection of being the wife of a law enforcement officer plays a large part in my irritation. Other than that one single issue, I really liked The Night She Disappeared.  

The story is never loses pace, and it is a very quick read. There are details and pictures included, that I feel make it more interesting to read. I do not want my minor irritation with the police to deter people; it is still a great book. I seriously could not put it down, because I had to know what happened next. It is a great read, especially for teens. 

**Unabridged Bookshelf received this book from the pubisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review**


Thank you for stopping by Unabridged Bookshelf

Friday, March 23, 2012

Follow Friday: Longest Book

FF 2012 Feature & Follow #80

Feature and Follow Friday is hosted by Parajunkee and Alison Can Read

Q: What is the longest book you’ve read? What are your favorite 600+ page reads?
I would have to say that the longest book I have read to date would probably be Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix at 896 pages. I would have to say that my favorite 600+ reads would be of course the last four Harry Potters. I have not really read any other 600+ books that I can remember, so I am up for any reading suggestions. 


What long books would you recommend I add to my reading list?
Make sure you leave me a link, so I can follow you back.


Thank you for stopping by Unabridged Bookshelf!!


Wednesday, March 21, 2012

New Blog Design

I just want to let everyone one know, that the blog is currently under maintenance. I was super lucky enough to win a dress up blog template from Parajunkee Designs. I have to update all my little graphics and fix my sidebar items. I also will be customizing everything.

I do have a new blog button too!! I will try to get the Grab my Button updated right away!




Since I did the other one by hand, I love it, but I love the look and feel of this one much better.
The block quotes are so pretty, and I like how the photos and the quotes are rounded. 

Let me know what you think of the new design!!

Thank you for stopping by Unabridged Bookshelf

Waiting on Wednesday: Bitter Blood




Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we cannot wait to get our hands on.
I am waiting on:


Title: Bitter Blood
Author: Rachel Caine
Series: Morganville Vampires #13
Publisher: NAL
Publication Date: November 6, 2012













CURRENTLY NO DESCRIPTION

I just found out that this cover was revealed at the beginning of March, and I could not be more excited. I still need to read Last Breath, and Black Dawn comes out in May. 
I really love the whole Morganville series and I cannot wait to catch up on the series. 
I cannot wait to see what the crazy Myrnin is up too!

Have you read any of the Morganville books?
Are you excited for Bitter Blood?
What do you think of the cover?
Also, leave me a link so I can see what you are waiting on the wonderful Wednesday!!

Thank you for stopping by the Unabridged Bookshelf

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Blog Tour: Shore Excursion

Welcome to the Shore Excursion stop for Unabridged Bookshelf!
Thank you to the amazing Tribute Books for asking me to be a part of this tour. 
To visit other stops along the tour click the banner at the top or visit here!
I do apologize because this post should have been up yesterday morning!!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Shore Excursion
Author: Marie Moore
Series: Sidney Marsh Mystery #1
Publisher: Camel Press
Publication Date: April 1, 2012


PRE-ORDER SHORE EXCURSION


SUMMARY: Travel agents are a vanishing breed, but Sidney Marsh, a New York transplant from Mississippi, is holding her ground--at least on land. She is the tour leader on a cruise through Scandinavia for a group of eccentric senior citizens who call themselves the High Steppers. Sidney expects her days to be filled with long meals, shopping expeditions and visits to museums, churches and fjords. But this cruise is anything but routine. There is a killer on board, targeting the High Steppers and quite possibly herself.
After the first suspicious death, the captain and his crew are grimly determined to carry on as usual. Disgusted with their inaction, Sidney decides to take matters into her own hands and launch her own investigation. She enlists the halfhearted help of her friend and business partner, the flamboyant and fun-loving Jay Wilson. Suspects abound. What about those two handsome young men who stay mysteriously aloof? One of them has his eye on Sidney. So does another passenger, far too charming and again too young to fit the "High Stepper" mold. Then there's Captain Vargos, the arrogant ladies' man whose plans to thwart Sidney's investigation might include seduction.
Who is that crew member shadowing Sidney? Is the theater really haunted? Even the High Steppers themselves are not as predictable or harmless as they seem. The closer Sydney gets to the truth, the less she understands. Shore Excursion is the first book in a new mystery series featuring amateur sleuth Sidney Marsh.

REVIEW 

Shore Excursion by Marie Moore is what would have happened if Nancy Drew had decided to become a travel agent. When Sidney Marsh set out as tour leader on a cruise, she had no idea what she was actually going to stumble across. When one of her High Steppers, the group she is leading on vacation, is obviously a victim of murder, Sidney is forced to take find out what really happened. The captain, the on-board doctor, and the whole cruise line refuse to acknowledge foul play, and write it off as suicide, it really is all up to Sidney.

The problem with trying to find a killer that no one wants to acknowledge even exists is that finding out information is difficult. It is even harder if all the officials are trying to cover up the crime, and blocking any investigation at all points. For Sidney, she also has to battle her attraction to the person standing in the middle of her investigation.

Sidney Marsh is stubborn and sassy, and I love it. Sidney loves her job as a travel agent, and she gets to visit amazing cities throughout the world. The price for doing what she loves is that she has to chauffeur a group of elderly travelers called the High Steppers. She is not doing this alone, she has her co-leader Jay working with her. He is big, and flamboyant and very funny.

I love the way Marie Moore writes Sidney, and expresses her determination to find out what is happening on her cruise. About the time I thought I knew what was going on, the story takes a twist I did not see coming. Growing up a fan of Nancy Drew, I really love a good mystery with a few twists, and Marie Moore pulls it off wonderfully. I recommend this book to any mystery fans, especially those of us who grew up on Nancy Drew.

**Unabridged Bookshelf received this book from Tribute Books, in exchange for an honest review**



ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Shore Excursion is Marie Moore’s first novel, but not her first writing experience, and like Sidney Marsh, she is a native Mississippian. She graduated from Ole Miss, married a lawyer in her hometown, taught junior high science, raised a family, and worked for a small weekly newspaper, first as a writer and later as Managing Editor. She wrote hard news, features and a weekly column, sold ads, did interviews, took photos, and won a couple of MS Press Association awards for some of her stories.

In 1985, Marie left the newspaper to open a retail travel agency. She completed agency and computer training with Airlines Reporting Corporation, Delta Airlines and TWA, earned her CTC (Certified Travel Counselor) designation, and joined the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA), International Air Transport Association (IATA), and Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). For the next 15 years, she managed her agency, sold travel, escorted group tours, sailed on 19 cruises, and visited over 60 countries. Much of the background of Shore Excursion comes from that experience.

Marie also did location scouting and worked as the local contact for several feature films, including Heart of Dixie, The Gun in Betty Lou’s Handbag, and Robert Altman’s Cookie’s Fortune.

In mid-1999, because of her husband's work, Marie sold the travel agency and moved to Jackson, MS, then New York City, Anna Maria Island, FL, and Arlington, VA. She and her husband now live in Memphis, TN and Holly Springs, MS.

Marie is a member of Sisters in Crime. 

To learn more about Marie and her upcoming novels, Visit her website
www.mariemooremysteries.com

What do you think of a travel agent turned amateur detective?


Thank you for stopping by Unabridged Bookshelf

Sunday, March 18, 2012

Apologies


 


I know I have not posted anything for almost three days. I am sorry, but the whole family including myself came down with a nasty bug. I took time off to recuperate. 
I do have a blog tour stop for Shore Excursion tomorrow, and I did manage a little bit of reading over this weekend. I have also been neglecting Twitter and returning comments like I should, it has been a crazy month over here. I am going to start creating my post ahead of time, so even if I get sick, the post I want will still go up. I will also be making a big effort to re-connect with everyone on Twitter, and not only return comments, but commenting on my favorite blogs again. 

I am sorry for the lack of organization for the past week or two. 
Any organization tips, or other helpful blogging tips would be greatly appreciated. 

Thank you for stopping by Unabridged Bookshelf!!!



Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Soul Screamers Challenge: Re-Reading My Soul To Save

Soul Screamers Reading Challenge


 My Soul to Save (Soul Screamers, #2)

MY ORIGINAL REVIEW OF MY SOUL TO SAVE

My Mini Re-Review
When I first read My Soul to Save, I was completely in love with Nash. I have to say, that I am starting to notice Tod more and more on these re-reads. I never really paid that much attention to Tod, but it is amazing what you notice about people on the second read through. Nash is still adorable and protective, and I love the relationship between him and Kaylee. 

I am also glad that Kaylee is in her own house with her father. I swear I dislike Sophie even more now that I have re-read My Soul to Save. I have only read the first three Soul Screamer series; I have heard there are big changes in the later books. I cannot wait to get caught up on the series during the Soul Screamer Challenge, before the newest installment comes out.

Have you read the Soul Screamer series?
Do you discover new love for characters, or other things when you re-read your favorite books?

Thank you for stopping by Unabridged Bookshelf 

Waiting on Wednesday: Ascend




Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we cannot wait to get our hands on.
I am waiting on:

Title: Ascend
Author: Amanda Hocking
Series: Trylle Trilogy #3
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
EXPECTED Publication Date: April 24, 2012




GOODREADS SUMMARY: Wendy Everly is facing an impossible choice. The only way to save the Trylle from their deadliest enemy is by sacrificing herself.  If she doesn’t surrender to the Vittra, her people will be thrust into a brutal war against an unbeatable foe.  But how can Wendy leave all her friends behind…even if it’s the only way to save them?The stakes have never been higher, because her kingdom isn’t the only thing she stands to lose. After falling for both Finn and Loki, she’s about to make the ultimate choice…who to love forever. One guy has finally proven to be the love of her life—and now all their lives might be coming to an end.  Everything has been leading to this moment.  The future of her entire world rests in her hands—if she’s ready to fight for it. 

Why am I waiting?
I loved Switched the first book in the series, and I am a huge fan of Amanda Hocking! I love her books!
I just bought Torn last night while shopping at Sam's Club, and I cannot wait until this one comes out so I can finish the trilogy!!

Have you read any of the Trylle Trilogy?
What did you think?
Are you excited to finish the trilogy in April?

Thank you for stopping by Unabridged Bookshelf
Make sure to leave a link, so I can check out what you are waiting for!!

Monday, March 12, 2012

US vs UK Cover Battle



IN THIS COVER BATTLE
The US version versus the UK version of The Weepers: The Other Life by Susanne Winnacker
AND
The US version versus the UK Version of Hemlock by Kathleen Peacock

First up is The Other Life by Susanne Winnacker

The Weepers: The Other Life The Other Life (The Other Life, #1)
                          THE US COVER             VS             THE UK COVER

I prefer the UK cover with the barber wire and the butterfly. 


Next up is Hemlock by Kathleen Peacock

Hemlock (Hemlock, #1)Deadly Hemlock
     THE US COVER            VS               THE UK COVER

I prefer the US cover on this one! I really like the colors better, the blues and purples!
Which ones do you prefer?
Vote for your favorite in the comments

Thank you for stopping by Unabridged Bookshelf

Sunday, March 11, 2012

In My Mailbox (March 11)


In My Mailbox was created by Kristi at The Story Siren
It gives readers the chance to share the books they received over the past week.
This includes books purchased, borrowed, won, or gifted.


FOR REVIEW
Entangled (Spellbound, #1)   Whispering Hills  Tomorrow Land
Thank you to Nikki Jefford for the copy of Entangled
received Whispering Hills a little while back, but I forgot to mention it.
I am part of the Blog Tour, come back March 27th for my stop
Thank you to the NLA Digital for Tomarrow Land!


WON
 
I won an ARC of Siege by Rhiannon Frater from Rhiannon's giveaway on her blog!
I am super excited to read this!!

EBOOKS BOUGHT
Oppression (Children of the Gods, #1)
I bought this one, because it is currently on sale for .99
I have been wanting to read this one for awhile!!


Pretty When She Dies
This is another book by the amazing Rhiannon Frater, and it is also on sale for .99!!


Are excited about something you got this week?
Leave me a link so I can check it out!!

Thank you for stopping by Unabridged Bookshelf!!

Saturday, March 10, 2012

Review: Tooth and Nail by Jennifer Safrey

Title: Tooth and Nail
Author: Jennifer Safrey
Publisher: Night Shade Books
Publication Date: February 7, 2012



BUY TOOTH AND NAIL 


SUMMARY: Gemma Fae Cross, a tough-girl amateur boxer whose fiance is running for congress, has just made a startling discovery about herself. She is half faerie - and not just any faerie, but a tooth faerie A hybrid of fae and human, Gemma is destined to defend the Olde Way and protect the fae - who are incapable of committing violence - from threats to their peaceful and idyllic way of life, which must be maintained by distilling innocence collected from children''s baby teeth. But when a threat to the fae mission emerges, Gemma is called upon to protect her heritage, and become a legendary fae warrior... even if it means sacrificing everything she knows about being human

 MY REVIEW
Tooth and Nail by Jennifer Safrey is the story of Gemma Cross, an amateur boxer, who learns a life-altering secret. She is not completely human she is actually part fae. This is not your normal fairy tale, because Gemma comes from the collecting branch. This means she is part of a specific group of fae that collects the innocence from the teeth of children. Yes, as in she is a tooth fairy. Tooth collecting is not easy, and requires a large team to make sure they get as many teeth as possible.

Tooth collecting is not the only reason they have called on Gemma. When there is a threat, the fae have not way to actually fight it. Fae are incapable of fighting, which means they have to rely on rare half-human, half-fae warriors to fight their battles for them. Without Gemma, the fae have no way to protect their lifestyle, or achieve their ultimate goal of returning to the Olde Way.

I will admit that Tooth and Nail took me a little bit to get into the story, but once I did, I was hooked. I like hearing a different version of the tooth fairy story, especially when the tooth fairy can kick some serious butt. Gemma stands by her man, Avery, by quitting her job to support his run for senator. Avery is a great love interest for Gemma. Gemma and Avery balance each other emotionally and they are supportive of each other. Gemma’s fae mentor, Svein sort of plays a love interest, but it just did not feel right. It felt more like the need to have the popular love triangle element in the story.

The love triangle aside, I really loved the story as it unfolded. Without giving spoilers, the multiple parts of the story fit together nicely. While Gemma is a main character in her 30s, the story still has many elements common in the young adult genre. I would say that older young adult fans would enjoy Tooth and Nail.

**Unabridged Bookshelf received this book from the publisher, via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**

Friday, March 9, 2012

TGIF {6}: Author Promotion Featuring Michelle I. Brooks





TGIF is hosted by Ginger at Greads
The purpose is to answer the question for the week, and re-cap the weeks posts.
It is a great way to get to know other bloggers.

Q.  Promote An Author: Is there a particular author you wish got more recognition? 
Pick one author & tell us why we should read their work.


This is such a tough question, because trying to narrow it down to just one. I have actually been trying to pick just one all day. I have finally decided on MICHELLE I. BROOKS!!
She is the author of the Bone Dressing series!
The first book, BONE DRESSING is out now, and the Second book, THE DREAMING, to be released soon
(the cover takes you to Goodreads)
Time is running out & the Dark that's been chasing Syd for many lifetimes has finally caught up with her.
Sydney Roberdeau lost her parents as a young girl. Waiting for her life to start and the freedom that will come with her eighteenth birthday, Syd spends much of her time haunting the local cemetery. It is there, stretched out among the dead, that she feels most alive, most at home. Until one rainy night when Beau, Sarah and T.J. crash her ghostly sanctuary, appearing out of nowhere, turning her already inside-out world one degree past upside down.
Syd must now revisit past lives, dressing in the bodies of her previous selves & bone dressing. Her only chance to outrun the evil breathing down her neck is to face her own worst nightmares and her strongest desires. But if she can't stay out of trouble in this life, how can she possibly fix mistakes from past lives? And just how many lives has she lived, loved and lost? What is Syd exactly, and what will she risk for the life of a man she doesn't remember, the man she spent a lifetime with, the man she loves? Everything including her very own life?
Bone Dressing, the first in a series of seven books, will carry Syd and Beau on an adventure that transcends life itself.

Michelle is the first author who asked me to review their book,(which makes her awesome!!) and I love the Bone Dressing.
She is a self-published author, and she has done an amazing job with her book! I cannot wait to read The Dreaming, and anything else Michelle writes!
I loved the evolution Syd takes in the Bone Dressing, and I cannot wait for it to continue.


The Trailer



ABOUT MICHELLE I. BROOKS
Michelle I. Brooks

Michelle I. Brooks was born in the pre-dawn hours of a crisp February morning in 1966 in a little one-bedroom apartment behind the Alabama Theater in Montrose in the heart of Houston. She first saw the world as Brian Westworth Brooks until her grandmother informed Michelle’s mother that the number of protruding body parts had been drastically miscalculated, that her grandchild was a she, not a he. As it turned out, Michelle’s mother had been much too busy counting fingers and toes to bother with other jiggly bits. So, Brian Westworth became Wendy Lynn, another fine name which served Michelle well for all of two days. Upon signing the birth certificate, Michelle’s father surreptitiously changed her name one last time, ultimately introducing the world to Michelle Irene Brooks, one little girl big enough to have already lived the lives of three.

While being totally Texan and living in or near Montrose the majority of her life, Michelle has traveled the world and lived a life rich with love, laughter, heartache and adventure. She came into the world seeing it through different eyes and carries with her to this day a rich, unique perspective of the life breathing all around her and within her.

WHERE TO FIND MICHELLE

TWITTER
FACEBOOK
WEBSITE