Gosh... I'm Lazy

Well, I would chalk up my absence to this blog for the last three mouths to aliens abducting me, but none of you'd believe me and that would make me a liar. So, I have concluded that I'm just lazy and.... THAT I WENT TO EUROPE FOR A WHOLE MONTH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I knew that doesn't count the other two months of absence, I know. Anyway, while I was there and on a tour bus going through for more than 30 hours with my International choir, I read a lot. And I mean a lot. So.... that means tons of reviews!!!! So stay tuned and just to give you a peak of what i have been reading, here are my top five favs from the trip!

Mastiff Cover REVEALED!!!!!

       Mastiff: The Legend of Beka Cooper #3

 

Who else is excited for this?!?! I know I am and I've
been waiter for almost two years(ish). It feels that way ;) Still no summery that I can find, though. If you have found one, please leave a link in the comments!

Spring Forward, Fall Back Plus The Luxe

Hello Everyone, 

Day Light Savings time! Spring forward an hour. Now onto the review

 

Pretty girls in pretty dresses, partying until dawn.
Irresistible boys with mischievous smiles and dangerous intentions.
White lies, dark secrets, and scandalous hookups.
This is Manhattan, 1899.

Beautiful sisters Elizabeth and Diana Holland rule Manhattan's social scene. Or so it appears. When the girls discover their status among New York City's elite is far from secure, suddenly everyone—from the backstabbing socialite Penelope Hayes, to the debonair bachelor Henry Schoonmaker, to the spiteful maid Lina Broud—threatens Elizabeth's and Diana's golden future.

With the fate of the Hollands resting on her shoulders, Elizabeth must choose between family duty and true love. But when her carriage overturns near the East River, the girl whose glittering life lit up the city's gossip pages is swallowed by the rough current. As all of New York grieves, some begin to wonder whether life at the top proved too much for this ethereal beauty, or if, perhaps, someone wanted to see Manhattan's most celebrated daughter disappear...

In a world of luxury and deception, where appearance matters above everything and breaking the social code means running the risk of being ostracized forever, five teenagers lead dangerously scandalous lives. This thrilling trip to the age of innocence is anything but innocent. 

******** 

I had heard so many good things about The Luxe over this past year, so I decided to finally pick it up. It was... fine. It took awhile for me to actually get into it and the only person I really liked as a character was Dianna,  Elizabeth sister. The others seemed flat and with only... maybe one or two emotions. Penelope-- Hatred and lust. Elizabeth-- Love and sadness. I guess I heard too many good things and my expectations were a little too high. Otherwise, the novel was as dramatic and delightful as it appears to be. Great plot and semi-predictable. And I must say that I ogled the cover as much as I read the book. The covers are fantastic and I might just buy them all for that reason ;)

Read, Write, Love

Daisy

Demonglass

*********

Sophie Mercer thought she was a witch.

That was the whole reason she was sent to Hex Hall, a reform school for delinquent Prodigium (aka witches, shapeshifters, and fairies). But that was before she discovered the family secret, and that her hot crush, Archer Cross, is an agent for The Eye, a group bent on wiping Prodigium off the face of the earth.

Turns out, Sophie’s a demon, one of only two in the world—the other being her father. What’s worse, she has powers that threaten the lives of everyone she loves. Which is precisely why Sophie decides she must go to London for the Removal, a dangerous procedure that will destroy her powers.

But once Sophie arrives she makes a shocking discovery. Her new friends? They’re demons too. Meaning someone is raising them in secret with creepy plans to use their powers, and probably not for good. Meanwhile, The Eye is set on hunting Sophie down, and they’re using Acher to do it. But it’s not like she has feelings for him anymore. Does she?

***********

 The first thing I thought after finishing Demonglass was OH. MY. GOD. First off, Sophie is just as sarcastic and lovable as in Hex Hall and so is her father. Second, the storyline of Demonglass is twister and darker than Hex Hall; More betrayal, more demons, and more drama. Did Sophie say life as a demon would be easy? As for all your Archer fans out there, yes he is back. But I prefer gardeners-- that wear plaid shirts--*cough cough CAL! cough cough*.  My only hang up on Demonglass is the ending. It was a WHAT-THE-FUDGE moment. But then again, authors do enjoy giving their fans a HUGE cliffhanger ending. Or so I'm told. So for you guys holding your breath, Demonglass is a must read-- as long as you can handle the one year wait for Raising Demons after the cliffhanger. I warn you, it's going to be hard. Good luck my fellow readers!

I would also like to thank Different Area Codes Book Tours for allowing me to be apart of the ARC tour!

Read, Write Love,

Daisy

Dark Mirror ARC Winner

 

As usual the winner was picked using Random.org....

April X

 Please email me your address as soon as possible!

Read, Write, Love

Daisy

Cover Revealed! Liar's Moon by Elizabeth Bunce

 

Prisons, poisons, and passions combine in a gorgeously written fantasy noir.

As a pickpocket, Digger expects to spend a night in jail every now and then. But she doesn't expect to find Lord Durrel Decath there as well--or to hear he's soon to be executed for killing his wife.

Durrel once saved Digger's life, and when she goes free, she decides to use her skills as a thief, forger, and spy to return the favor. But each new clue only opens up new mysteries. Durrel's late wife had an illegal business on the wrong side of the civil war raging just outside the city gates. Digger keeps finding forbidden magic in places it has no reason to be.

And for a thief in a town full of liars, sometimes it doesn't pay to know the truth.

*********

AHAHAHAHH!!!! After I read StarCrossed I couldn't wait for Liar's Moon. And now here is it's amazing cover!

Read, Write,  Love

Daisy

Dark Mirror ARC Giveaway

Lady Victoria Mansfield, youngest daughter of the Earl and
Countess of Fairmount, is destined for a charmed life. Soon she
will be presented during the London season, where she can choose a mate worthy of her status.

Yet Tory has a shameful secret—a secret so powerful that, if
exposed, it could strip her of her position and disgrace her family forever. Tory’s blood is tainted…by magic. When a shocking accident forces Tory to demonstrate her despised skill, the secret she’s fought so hard to hide is revealed for all to see. She is immediately exiled to Lackland Abbey, a reform school for young men and women in her position. There she will learn to suppress her deplorable talents and maybe, if she’s one of the lucky ones, be able to return to society.

But Tory’s life is about to change forever. All that she’s ever
known or considered important will be challenged. What lies
ahead is only the beginning of a strange and wonderful journey
into a world where destiny and magic come together, where true
love and friendship find her, and where courage and strength of
character are the only things that determine a young girl’s worth.

 ********

I decided to share the love and give my ARC I won and goodreads away ... SO here are the rules

( This may get confusing, but don't worry I'll explain!)

1. You must leave a comment, giving me your e-mail, twitter name ( If you have one) and extra entries
2. Each entry ( including the one you get for just entering) must have a number.
3. The number you will start with will be determined by the number LAST posted.  ( e.g Last posted 120, you start at 121...)
4. This is only for U.S ( sorry), I'm poor at the moment)

EXTRA ENTRIES:

Tweet: +2 ( must have @bookpyscho* or will not count) *I know it's spelled wrong. You can tweet every 24 hours. 

Blog post: +5 (Leave link please)

Sidebar: +3 ( Leave link please)

Follower: New +2 ,  Old +5 ( Before this Giveaway)

So.... here's an example

The person before had posted the number 69 last so....

Daisy

Email: blah ( at)  g-mail ( dot) com

Twitter: @blahtwitter

#70, 71 Tweeted: +2 

#73,74,75,76,77 Blog: +5 Link

#78 & 79: New Follower: +2

#80:Just to enter: 1!

P.S you can also leave the numbers at the bottom like so: # 70,71,72.. etc

The next person that comments will began at 81! FYI, if you tweet the next day start a new comment and number them accordingly ( if the person before you put 40... you put 41). 

Hope that makes sense, if not, e-mail me at dambloggers@gmail.com with any questions. Let the contest begin! 

********

(Copied off Nightshade Giveaway

********

Good Luck, have fun, and the contest ends Feb 22nd!

Read, Write Love

Daisy

Want to Win a Nook?!?!?

The Nook Giveaway winner will receive:    Ok! Just learned about this today, so..... Here it goes:There are fourteen blogs. Having fourteen giveaways. If you enter one of their giveaways AND win! You get an entry into the Nook Giveaway ( at least I think... It may vary from blog to blog)So the more giveaways you enter the more chances to win a NOOK!!!! And also win the other awesome giveaways! Good Luck!
Between the Covers

Novel Thoughts  Caster Girls & Boys

 In the Outhouse Hooked to Books  Books Complete Me
I'm a Reader, not a Writer
Wastepaper Prose
Page Turners
Fire & Ice Forbidden Reviews  Reading Lark  Reading Teen and I can't get the link to VLC Production!!!! 

Go forth and enter!Ends today at 11:59PM Read, Write, LoveDaisy

Dark Mirror

Lady Victoria Mansfield, youngest daughter of the Earl and
Countess of Fairmount, is destined for a charmed life. Soon she
will be presented during the London season, where she can choose a mate worthy of her status.

Yet Tory has a shameful secret—a secret so powerful that, if
exposed, it could strip her of her position and disgrace her family forever. Tory’s blood is tainted…by magic. When a shocking accident forces Tory to demonstrate her despised skill, the secret she’s fought so hard to hide is revealed for all to see. She is immediately exiled to Lackland Abbey, a reform school for young men and women in her position. There she will learn to suppress her deplorable talents and maybe, if she’s one of the lucky ones, be able to return to society.

But Tory’s life is about to change forever. All that she’s ever
known or considered important will be challenged. What lies
ahead is only the beginning of a strange and wonderful journey
into a world where destiny and magic come together, where true
love and friendship find her, and where courage and strength of
character are the only things that determine a young girl’s worth.

*******

Dark Mirror was a nice young adult "debut" novel for M.J Putney. Writing for adults is slightly different than writing for teens. But she pulled it off nicely. The only thing that I surprised me about this books was time travel... TIME TRAVEL!!!! I guess the cover hints at it, but my brain didn't make the connection. Although I'm not a big fan of time travel, it made for a interesting read. Two different wars to fight, magic to hide and to use in secret, and a sweet romance. But, the romance isn't that big in the story. Don't expect a lot from in that department. And I for one enjoyed that it wasn't the main focal point of the story like most YA today. My only compliant is that the characters weren't as real to me as... let's say Cassandra Clare's characters in Clockwork Angel. I didn't feel as if I knew them that well and it made them a little fuzzy. Good book and I'll have my eyes out and my ears open for the next installment.

Read, Write,  Love

Daisy

Cover Love-- Uncommon Criminals

UNCOMMON CRIMINALS:

a Heist Society Novel

in stores June 21, 2011

Katarina Bishop has worn a lot of labels in her short life. Friend. Niece. Daughter. Thief.  But for the last two months she’s simply been known as the girl who ran the crew that robbed the greatest museum in the world. That’s why Kat isn’t surprised when she’s asked to steal the infamous Cleopatra Emerald so it can be returned to its rightful owners.

There are only three problems.  First, the gem hasn’t been seen in public in thirty years.  Second, since the fall of the Egyptian empire and the suicide of Cleopatra, no one who holds the emerald keeps it for long, and in Kat’s world, history almost always repeats itself.  But it’s the third problem that makes Kat’s crew the most nervous and that is simply… the emerald is cursed.

Kat might be in way over her head, but she’s not going down without a fight. After all she has her best friend—the gorgeous Hale—and the rest of her crew with her as they chase the Cleopatra around the globe, dodging curses, realizing that the same tricks and cons her family has used for centuries are useless this time.

Which means, this time, Katarina Bishop is making up her own rules.

Mini Excerpts:

"Talent, Katarina, is a dangerous thing."  Uncle Eddie turned back to his stove, placed bacon onto cast iron, and when he spoke again it was in Russian and under his breath.

"There were always a million ways a job could go wrong but only one way to go right"

Read, Write, Love

Daisy

Books I've Read and Meaning to Review... BUT EXAMS!!!!

Julie’s best friend, Ashleigh, is an enthusiast. Julie never knows what new obsession will catch Ashleigh’s fancy, but she does know she’s likely to be drawn into the madness.

Ashleigh’s latest craze is Julie’s own passion, Pride and Prejudice. But Ashleigh can’t just appreciate it as a great read; she insists on emulating the novel’s heroines, in speech, dress, and the most important element of all—finding True Love. And so Julie finds herself with Ashleigh, dressed in vintage frocks, sneaking into a dance at the local all-boys prep school, where they discover some likely candidates.

The problem with Ashleigh’s craze this time, however, is that there is only one Mr. Darcy. So when the girls get a part in the boys’ school musical, what follows is naturally equal parts comedy and romance, as a series of misinterpreted—and missed—signals, dating mishaps, and awkward incidents make Julie wonder if she has the heart for True Love.

   ********

 Retta Lee Jones is blessed with a beautiful voice and has big dreams of leaving her tiny Tennessee hometown. With a beaten down car, a pocketful of hard-earned waitressing money, and stars in her eyes, Retta sets out to make it big in Nashville. But the road to success isn’t a smooth one in a town filled with dreamers, and Retta begins to have doubts: can she make her mark while staying true to herself?

From the breakout author of Artichoke’s Heart, this bighearted novel is a must-read for anyone who has ever chased a dream (or hummed along with Taylor Swift).

*******

Like both and I mean to review them (and I will) but it's Exam week and I've been studying. 

Read, Write,  Love

Daisy

Endless Summer: Jennifer Echols

Two irresistible boys. One unforgettable summer.

Lori can’t wait for her summer at the lake. She loves wakeboarding and hanging with her friends--including the two hotties next door. With the Vader brothers, she's always been just one of the guys. Now that she’s turning sixteen, she wants to be seen as one of the girls, especially in the eyes of Sean, the older brother. But that’s not going to happen--not if the younger brother, Adam, can help it.

Lori plans to make Sean jealous by spending time with Adam. Adam has plans of his own for Lori. As the air heats up, so does this love triangle. Will Lori’s romantic summer melt into one hot mess? 

*******

I had recently read Forget You by Jennifer Echols and hoped to read more of her's in the future.  So I picked up Endless Summer, challenged myself to read it in two days ( which I did!). I loved the beginning book, The Boys Next Door, and instantley loved Adam and hated Sean. Great characters and premise. Loved the scenes between Adam and Lori and I wanted more. But( and you knew a big BUT was coming) at the end of the first book ( if you hadn't guessed yet, there are two books wrapped into Endless Summer) there was closure that signaled the tale had ended. However, Jennifer Echols made a sequel. I was excited, but weary to read it; with good reasons.  In my opinion, the second book was pointless. It makes Adam seem worse than he is and just adds more drama and needless heartbreak. That's just me. So if you find yourself questioning if you want to read "Part Two" of the book. Don't. You'll find you liked it better.

Read, Write, Love

Daisy

Delirium Giveaway!

Before scientists found the cure, people thought love was a good thing. They didn’t understand that once love - the deliria - blooms in your blood, there is no escaping its hold. Things are different now. Scientists are able to eradicate love, and the governments demands that all citizens receive the cure upon turning eighteen. Lena Holoway has always looked forward to the day when she’ll be cured. A life without love is a life without pain: safe, measured, predictable, and happy. But with ninety-five days left until her treatment, Lena does the unthinkable: She falls in love.

**********

Lauren Oliver is giving away 5 SIGNED copies of Delirium! All you have to is go here to Lauren's blog and see the details on the giveaway. Be sure to also check out the other Giveaway at Deliriously Falling! Both end at the end of the month. So what are you waiting for? GO ENTER NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Read, Write,  Love

Daisy

Losing Faith

  

A terrible secret. A terrible fate.

When Brie's sister, Faith, dies suddenly, Brie's world falls apart. As she goes through the bizarre and devastating process of mourning the sister she never understood and barely even liked, everything in her life seems to spiral farther and farther off course. Her parents are a mess, her friends don’t know how to treat her, and her perfect boyfriend suddenly seems anything but.

As Brie settles into her new normal, she encounters more questions than closure: Certain facts about the way Faith died just don't line up. Brie soon uncovers a dark and twisted secret about Faith’s final night...a secret that puts her own life in danger.

 *********

Losing Faith was a book that threw me for a loop. It was not at all what I had expected, but even with that I still loved it. Cute Boys named Alice-- err, I mean Alis. The thought of suicide in the air and the new surprising friend Brie finds in a girl dressed in black. It was a refreshing read that would appeal to anyone and I would recommend it. Can't really tell you a lot without spoiling it, I can only encourage you to give it a try.

Read, Write, Love

Daisy 

Cover Revealed! Passion by Lauren Kate

Before Luce and Daniel met at Sword & Cross and fought immortals at Shoreline, they lived many lives. . . .

  **********

Lauren Kate revealed the cover for Passion, the third book to the Fallen Series.  Love it and can't wait to read it!

Read, Write, Love
Daisy

The Educatoin of Hailey Kendrick

Hailey Kendrick always does exactly what's expected of her. She has the right friends, dates the perfect boy, gets good grades, and follows all the rules. But one night, Hailey risks everything by breaking a very big rule in a very public way...and with a very unexpected partner in crime. Hailey gets caught, but her accomplice does not, and Hailey takes the fall for both of them.

Suddenly, Hailey's perfect life--and her reputation--are blowing up in her face. Her friends are all avoiding her. Her teachers don't trust her. Her boyfriend won't even speak to her for long enough to tell her that she's been dumped.

They say honesty is the best policy--but some secrets are worth keeping, no matter the cost. Or are they? 

**********

Another great chick flick. Just like Anna and the French Kiss, The Education of Hailey Kendrick leaves you laughing and drooling over hot boys. But Anna and the French Kiss doesn't have paparazzi making her out to be some cruel, heartless ex-girlfriend and doesn't go to school with candy corporation heiress. Or does Anna have to clean the school with a hunk for detention. Hailey is a funny character and I liked how we got to see her change from a bud to a full bloom flower, while she under goes these sudden and humorous events that will change her forever. Great book over all and can't wait to see what Eileen Cook will write up next.

Read, Write, Love

Daisy

Prom and Prejudice

After winter break, the girls at the very prestigious Longbourn Academy become obsessed with the prom. Lizzie Bennet, who attends Longbourn on a scholarship, isn’t interested in designer dresses and expensive shoes, but her best friend, Jane, might be — especially now that Charles Bingley is back from a semester in London.

Lizzie is happy about her friend’s burgeoning romance but less than impressed by Charles’s friend, Will Darcy, who’s snobby and pretentious. Darcy doesn’t seem to like Lizzie either, but she assumes it’s because her family doesn’t have money. Clearly, Will Darcy is a pompous jerk — so why does Lizzie find herself drawn to him anyway?

Will Lizzie’s pride and Will’s prejudice keep them apart? Or are they a prom couple in the making? Whatever the result, Elizabeth Eulberg, author of The Lonely Hearts Club, has concocted a very funny, completely stylish delight for any season — prom or otherwise.
**************

I thought the Lonely Heart's Club was a great read and I can surely say this one is too. The only thing I wished the author had done was add a few extra chapters to the end. Will is darling ( some of the time),  Jane is lovely and kind, and Lizzie is talented and funny. Surprising twists in the story keep you on your toes and laughing through out this delightful read. Bravo , Elizabeth Eulberg. Bravo.

Read, Write Love

Daisy

Personal Demons

If you had to choose between Heaven and Hell, which would it be?

Are you sure about that...?

Frannie Cavanaugh is a good Catholic girl with a wicked streak. She's spent years keeping everyone at a distance--even her closest friends--and it seems her senior year will be more of the same...until Luc Cain enrolls in her class. No one knows where he came from, but Frannie can't seem to stay away from him. What she doesn't know is that Luc works in Acquisitions--for Hell--and she possesses a unique skill set that has the king of Hell tingling with anticipation. All Luc has to do is get her to sin, and he's as tempting as they come. Frannie doesn't stand a chance.

Unfortunately for Luc, Heaven has other plans, and the angel, Gabe, is going to do whatever it takes to make sure that Luc doesn't get what he came for. And it isn't long before they find themselves fighting for more than just her soul.

But if Luc fails, there will be Hell to pay...for all of them.

Sounds interesting, right? It is and nicely written and over all a good debut novel for Lisa Desrochers. The characters are real and vivid. BUT and my only BUT is that the book only had two perspectives instead of three: Frannie, Luc, and Gabe. Yet, there is only Frannie's and Luc's. Which saddens me because I would have liked there to be some suspense in the love triangle (a satisfying one no less). Hopefully in the next installment, she'll allow us a peak inside Gabe's head to even out the playing field.

Enough about romance! The book keeps a fast past after the first chapters are done painting the characters and the setting.  Villains from Hell come to visit after Luc falls for Frannie while Gabe's trying to convince Frannie to forgive herself and falls as well.

Interesting "things" that the author put into the story such as Luc smelling certain fragrances to mean different emotions. Who know chocolate meant love! I liked how it played into the story and made it flow nicely and didn't point blank tell you the characters emotions. Frannie practice Judo for years, so without that power, Luc would have a hell of a time reading her ( did you see my pun ;) ?).

Four out of Five stars from me

Read, Write, Love

Daisy

Uncommon Criminals blurb!

Just thought I'd post this on here. Loved Heist Society. Can't wait for Uncommon Criminals.

UNCOMMON CRIMINALS:

a Heist Society Novel

in stores June 21, 2011

Katarina Bishop has worn a lot of labels in her short life. Friend. Niece. Daughter. Thief.  But for the last two months she’s simply been known as the girl who ran the crew that robbed the greatest museum in the world. That’s why Kat isn’t surprised when she’s asked to steal the infamous Cleopatra Emerald so it can be returned to its rightful owners.

There are only three problems.  First, the gem hasn’t been seen in public in thirty years.  Second, since the fall of the Egyptian empire and the suicide of Cleopatra, no one who holds the emerald keeps it for long, and in Kat’s world, history almost always repeats itself.  But it’s the third problem that makes Kat’s crew the most nervous and that is simply… the emerald is cursed.

Kat might be in way over her head, but she’s not going down without a fight. After all she has her best friend—the gorgeous Hale—and the rest of her crew with her as they chase the Cleopatra around the globe, dodging curses, realizing that the same tricks and cons her family has used for centuries are useless this time.

Which means, this time, Katarina Bishop is making up her own rules.

 Read, Write, Love,

Daisy