Happy New Year 2013 Giveaway Hop

Happy New Year to You!!



What better way to start the new year than with new books?! 



I am giving away one $10.00 Amazon Gift Certificate. 

Following is not required and up to 3 extra entries can be earned.

You must be 16 years or older to enter.

To enter, fill out the Rafflecopter below.

Winner will be selected via random.org and announced here via Rafflecopter.



This giveaway

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Books of the Month(5): Part 2

Books of the Month is where I share books I got In My Mailbox, read, and reviewed during the entire month.
This month I've added a new category: Shared from My Shelves. This includes books that I've loaned to my friends and other readers. Variations of these types of posts exist on many blogs so I am not claiming credit for this idea.

This was a huge month of books for me. I had to break this

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2012 Reads: Complete List, Goals, & Challenges

Last January I joined some challenges and set some personal reading goals. Throughout the year, I tracked my reading progress and listed below are my reading goals and accomplishments for 2012. Even though I didn't accomplish all that I set out to do, I have to say that I didn't do half bad.  

On January 1, 2013, I will have a whole new set of goals. I'm not officially joining any challenges,

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Provisions and Paperbacks Book Club: 2012 Recap

Provisions and Paperbacks, my book club, read a lot of great books this year. My friends and I started the book club in 2011 and I brought our discussions here in 2012.



Here are all of the books we read in this year. I've included some quick thoughts, links to reviews and our discussion posts. I've always thought there isn't anything lonelier than reading a book and not having anyone to

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Books of the Month (5): Part 1

Books of the Month is where I share books I got In My Mailbox, read, and reviewed during the entire month.
This month I've added a new category: Shared from My Shelves. This includes books that I've loaned to my friends and other readers. Variations of these types of posts exist on many blogs so I am not claiming credit for this idea.




Books of December















Purchased

On Writing

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Guest Post: Twisted Lit authors Kim Askew and Amy Helmes

Welcome Twisted Lit authors Kim Askew and Amy Helmes!

Hey everyone! Call
us crazy, but we happen to think English dramatist William Shakespeare
could be classified as the original YA author. Just hear us out on this
one: Be it Romeo and Juliet’s desperate passion, Hamlet’s
stepdad-directed rage, the delinquent follies of a young Henry V, or
Cordelia’s frustrations with her impossibly

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Author Interview: A. Meredith Walters

Today A. Meredith Walters, author of the new mature/young adult novel Find You in the Dark has stopped by the blog to answer some questions about writing, reading, and her favorite books. 

Welcome A. Meredith Walters!


Have
you always been a writer? Did you keep a journal or write stories or
poetry when you were younger? 

I've been a writer most of my life.  I
kept spiral notebooks

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Excerpt: Louder Than Words by Laurie Plissner

Chapter 1by Laurie Plissner,Author of Louder Than Words (Merit Press)



Every
night it's the same thing. Screeching brakes. Crunching steel. A rush
of cold, wet air as the glass crumbles, letting in the snowy night. The
chorus of screams and then nothing -- just the slow drip of fluids from
the mangled wreck and the hiss of steam escaping the crushed radiator.
And the stench --

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Book Club Discussion: Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire

Provisions and Paperbacks, my IRL book club, recently read Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire. As I said in my previous post (you can read it here), I want to share some thoughts and ideas brought up during the book club and bring my blog readers into the discussion.


Not yet, but there will be spoilers. You have been warned.






Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire

Published May 26, 2011

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Coincidences and Connections (3)

So I'm sitting here reading a book and I come across something that
seems familiar. Like I just read that in the previous book. I'm not
talking about the plot or the storyline - just little similarities like
the name of a character or the state where the book is set. There are
just too many coincidences that I couldn't help but share them.



I recently participated in a weekend long

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Blog Tour & Giveaway: THE FARM by Emily McKay

The Farm: Escape is Only the Beginning
by Emily McKay
Published by Berkley
Publication Date: December 4, 2012Goodreads   /  Amazon  /    IndieBound











  
Life was different in
the Before: before vampires began devouring humans in a swarm across
America; before the surviving young people were rounded up and
quarantined. These days, we know what those quarantines are—holding

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Review: The Believing Game by Eireann Corrigan

The Believing Game

by Eireann Corrigan


Publisher: Scholastic Press
Publication Date: December 1, 2012
Pages: 320
Source: NetGalley











A private academy. A cult leader. A girl caught in the middle.
After Greer Cannon discovers that shoplifting can be a sport and sex can
be a superpower, her parents pack her up and send her off to McCracken
Hill-a cloistered academy

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I'm Blogging for Regine and Giveaway; Regine's Book: a teen girl's last words

I'm Blogging for Regine


Right
now I'm taking my time reading Regine's Book. I want to honor her by
reading her story thoughtfully instead of rushing through it just so I
can have a review to post on my blog tour date. I knew that this book
would evoke many emotions while I read it, but I just didn't realize how
much so. I, like many readers, know someone whose life has been
affected by

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Book Lover's Holiday Giveaway Hop

Welcome to the Book Lover's Holiday Giveaway Hop. 





As a book lover, I love reading books, getting books, and gifting books.

I'm pretty sure this is the last hop I'm participating in this year and I want to

do a little something different with this giveaway. I usually offer a book that I like 

or a gift card so the winner can get whatever book they want. The only thing is 

 I never

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Books of the Month (4)

Books of the Month is where I share books I got In My Mailbox, read, and reviewed during the entire month.
Variations of these types of posts exist on many blogs so I am not claiming credit for this idea.





Books of November

 



 

 

Purchased

Flat Out Love by Jessica Park

Pretty Amy by Lisa Burstein

The Vincent Boys by Abbi Glines

Second Chance by Katie Kacvinsky

Burn for Burn by

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3rd Annual Holiday #Readathon is Coming!

It's that time of year again!!







I love participating in readathons throughout the year, but the Holiday #Readathon is my favorite. Liza at WhoRUBlog hosts this readathon and challenges her readers to make a donation to a charity or volunteer their time. This is not required to participate, but it makes our efforts as readers a little more special.

I always pledge a penny a page read and

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Review: Wild Girls by Mary Stewart Atwell

Wild Girls

by Mary Stewart Atwell

Publisher: Scribner

Publication Date: October 16, 2012

Pages: 288

Source: Publisher




































Daringly imagined, atmospheric, and original, Wild Girls is an exhilarating debut—part coming-of-age story and part supernatural tale about girls learning their own strength. Kate
Riordan fears two things as she

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From My Shelves Giveaway: Fallen by Lauren Kate

From My Shelves Giveaway



In the same vein of my Letting Go Giveaways and the Clear Your Shelf giveaway hosted by 

I Am A Reader Not a Writer, I'm going to giveaway books from my shelves that I've read, books I wanted to read but just couldn't get into, or books that have been on my shelves way too long and should go to a new reader. 



Current Giveaway:









Fallen by Lauren Kate

+

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Waiting on Wednesday: Love in the Time of Global Warming

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

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:










Love in the Time of Global Warming
by Francesca Lia Block

Published by Henry Holt and Co.

Publication Date: August 27, 2013










(from Goodreads)

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Teaser: Wild Girls by Mary Stewart Atwell

 

 

Wild Girls

by Mary Stewart Atwell

Publisher: Scribner

Publication Date: October 16, 2012


 

 

 

 "I didn't know exactly what the wild girls were, but I was pretty sure what they were not. They were not the daughters of the few professional people in town, the doctors and ministers. They were not headed for college. They were bad girls, with reputations for doing things in the

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Book Club Discussion: Ten by Gretchen McNeil

Provisions and Paperbacks, my IRL book club, recently read Ten by Gretchen McNeil. As I said in my previous post (you can read it here), I want to share some thoughts and ideas brought up during the book club and bring my blog readers into the discussion.



Not yet, but there will be spoilers. You have been warned.







Ten by Gretchen McNeil

Published on Sept. 18, 2012 by Balzer +Bray

294

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Cover Reveal + Giveaway: Forever My Girl by Heidi McLaughlin

Release: December 27th

Blurb:




I
was never supposed to be a rock star. I had my life all planned out for
me. Play football in college. Go to the NFL. Marry my high school
sweetheart and live happily ever after.

I
broke both our hearts that day when I told her I was leaving. I was
young. I made the right decision for me, but the wrong decision for us.
I’ve

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Gratitude Giveaway Hop

The Gratitude Giveaway Hop is hosted by I Am a Reader, Not a Writer. This is one of my favorite hops because it gives me the opportunity to thank all of my blog readers who stop by my blog, read my posts, comment, offer books suggestions, and participate in my giveaways. So . . . THANK YOU ALL. 



The Prize 

one $10.00 (ten dollar) Amazon gift card or e-card



Giveaway Rules
Must be

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Clear Your Shelf Giveaway Hop

The Clear Your Shelf Giveaway Hop hosted by I Am a Reader, Not a Writer couldn't have come at a better time. Last month I went on a buying spree and have to make room on my shelves for the new books. I'm giving away a total of four books to two winners. All of the books come from my shelves and are gently read.


Giveaway #1



ttyl and l8r, g8r by Lauren Myracle



Giveaway #2



Everyone

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Review: If I Know It's Coming by Nick Hupton

If I Know It's Coming
by Nick Hupton
Published by North Star Press of St. Cloud, Inc
Publication Date: June 1, 2012
Pages: 197
Source: Author









If I Know It's Coming is
a middle grade novel about a 13-year-old boy named Tim Hansen, who
lives in a quaint little neighborhood in South Minneapolis.  For the
most part, Tim leads a normal, preteen existence.  He is concerned about

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Blog Tour: Second Chance by Katie Kacvinsky

The Second Chance Blog Tour is stopping by Actin' Up with Books for the second time this week. This time with an excerpt. First Comes Love and Second Chance are written from multiple points of voice of the main characters Gray and Dylan. As with any story and relationship, there are always two sides so this style of writing is perfect. First Comes Love by Katie Kacvinsky is one of my

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Dear Teen Me: A Letter to My Younger Self

THE TOUR STOPS HERE.

Well it keeps on going, but it does stop here today.

Was that lame? Probably, but that's me!



How many times have you looked back on your teenage years and cringed,
wishing you could offer your younger self some guidance? That is exactly
the inspiration behind DEAR TEEN ME: Authors Write Letters to Their
Teen Selves (Zest Books, October 30, 2012) the book by E.

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Blog Tour: Second Chance Teaser

Can two drastically different, imperfect people be perfect for each other?It’s been four months since Gray and Dylan have seen each other. Dylan’s been traveling inEurope, while Gray has college, baseball, and a life rooted in one place. Gray’s determined toforget Dylan, the girl he fell in love with in First Comes Love. Besides, how do you make arelationship work with an independent loner?

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Book Club Discussion: Dark Lover by J.R. Ward

Not yet, but there will be spoilers. You have been warned.


Provisions and Paperbacks, my IRL book club, recently read Dark Lover by J.R. Ward. As I said in my previous post (you can read it here), I want to share some thoughts and ideas brought up during the book club and bring my blog readers into the discussion.




  
Dark Lover by J.R. Ward
 Published
September 6th 2005
by

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Review: Burnout by Adrienne Maria Vrettos

Burnout
by Adrienne Maria Vrettos
Published by Margaret K. McElderry Books
Publication Date: September 13, 2011
Pages 208
Source: Purchased









On the day after
Halloween, Nan wakes up in a subway car. She is not dreaming. She
doesn’t know where she’s been or what she’s done. She’s missing a whole
day from her life. And she’s wearing skeleton makeup and a too-small
Halloween

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Waiting on Wednesday: Nantucket Blue

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

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:








Nantucket Blue
by Leila Howland
Published by Disney Hyperion
Publication Date:  May 7, 2013











(from Goodreads)

For Cricket Thompson, a
summer like this one will

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Books of the Month (3)

Books of the Month is where I share books I got In My Mailbox, read, and reviewed during the entire month.
Variations of these types of posts exist on many blogs so I am not claiming credit for this idea.



Books of October








Purchased

Room by Emma DonoghueDark Lover by J.R. WardLover Eternal by J.R. Ward

That's Not a Feeling by Dan JosefsonTen by Gretchen McNeilWriting With A Heavy

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Recommend A . . . Book from the Library

(altered from Chick Loves Lit) 

“Recommend A…” will have a new prompt every week, which Shanyn will have posted ahead of time on the Recommend A… page.
All you have to do is Recommend with Chick Loves Lit on Mondays, following the
prompt, and link up so Shanyn (and everyone else) can see what you’ve
recommended!

 This week's prompt:



book checked out from the library







Stolen
by

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Giveaway: Easy by Tammara Webber

Rescued by a stranger.Haunted by a secretSometimes, love isn’t easy…
 He always saw her, but never knew her. Until thanks to a chance encounter, he became her savior…The
attraction between them was undeniable. Yet the past he’d worked so
hard to overcome, and the future she’d put so much faith in, threatened
to tear them apart.Only together could they fight the pain and guilt, face the

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Dear Teen Me - The Tour Has Begun!!

The Dear Teen Me Tour Has Begun!!


and IT IS HUGE!!!


 with 133 Stops - You just can't miss it!



Today's Blog Tour Stops:


Thursday, October 18thAnna Reads
crazyredpen
Stacey Jay-Paranormal Young Adult Romance
*Dear Teen Me Contributor!Tsk, Tsk, What to read?
The Family that Reads Together




My tour stop date is November 7th and I will be sharing a letter to my teen self. 



Until

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Review: The Lucky Kind by Alyssa Sheinmel

The Lucky Kind
by Alyssa Sheinmel
Publication Date: May 10, 2011
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers
Pages: 208
Source: Won from Random Buzzers









High school junior Nick
Brandt is intent on getting a girlfriend, and Eden Reiss is the one that
he wants. He has exactly four semesters to get the girl, but when the
phone rings on an otherwise ordinary Tuesday night, life for

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Dewey's Read-a-thon: Update #3

Time Period:5:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
# Pages Read: 369Total Pages:683
Books Read: finished Burnout by Adrienne Maria Vrettos
                          The Lovers Dictionary by David Levithan
                          started The Lucky Kind by Alyssa B. Sheinmel
 Challenges: noneThoughts:
I'm currently reading a book that wasn't in my stack of read-a-thon books. Sometimes it's ok to veer from the

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Dewey's Read-a-thon: Update #2

 Time Period: 12:00 p.m. - 5 p.m.
# Pages Read: 144Total Pages: 300
Books Read: finished How I Changed My Life by Todd Strasser
                       started Burnout by Adrienne Maria Vrettos
Challenges: Turn to Page hosted by Reflections of a Bookaholic
                     Day Break Mini Challenge hosted by I Heart Monster Thoughts:
I really enjoyed reading How I Changed My Life - it was a

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Dewey's Read-a-thon: Update #1

Time Period: 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
# Pages Read: 170Total Pages:170
Books Read: some of Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen and currently reading How I Changed by Life by Todd Strasser
Challenges: Introduction QuestionnaireThoughts:
As soon as I started the readathon, I had to take a break to attend my Weight Watchers meeting. #Priorities. I picked up some breakfast and ate with my husband.

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Dewey's Read-a-thon: Intro Questionnaire

1) What fine part of the world are you reading from today?
2) Which book in your stack are you most looking forward to?
3) Which snack are you most looking forward to?
4) Tell us a little something about yourself!
5) If you participated in the last read-a-thon, what’s one thing you’ll
do different today? If this is your first read-a-thon, what are you most
looking forward to?

My responses:
1.

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Dewey's Read-a-thon: The Game Plan

There's just one more day until Dewey's 24 Hour Read-a-thon begins. From past read-a-thons, I've found that it's important to have a plan especially with one day read-a-thons. I'm keeping the goals simple and I've selected a variety of books to choose from. Many of the books were impulse buys and a couple are books that I've wanted to reread. I do have a couple of things planned today - my

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Waiting on Wednesday: Not Exactly a Love Story

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

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:









Not Exactly a Love Story
by Audrey Couloumbis
Published by Random House Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: December 11, 2012













(from Goodreads)

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Taking Time to Reread: The DUFF by Kody Keplinger

It is a shame, but I rarely take the time to reread my books. But yesterday while I was waiting in the movie theater for Pitch Perfect to start (we arrived 45 minutes early because we didn't have anything better to do) I started rereading The Duff on my phone. Thank goodness for the nook app because unlike the girl in the ticket line behind me, I didn't bring a book with me.

 
I've wanted to

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SuperFun Announcement: Freshman Year in PAPERBACK!!

Remember Kelsey Finkelstein? She’s fourteen, she lives in Brooklyn, and she's starting her freshman year of high school?

Well... now she's coming out in paperback.

Author Meredith Zeitlin is thrilled to announce the paperback release of FRESHMAN YEAR AND OTHER UNNATURAL DISASTERS, coming to bookstores March 2013 from G.P. Putnam's Sons.

In honor of this joyous occasion, we've made another

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Waiting on Wednesday: The Love Song for Jonny Valentine

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

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:








The Love Song of Jonny Valentine
by Teddy Wayne
Published by Free Press
Publication Date: February 5, 2013











(From Goodreads)
Megastar Jonny
Valentine,

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Dewey's Read-a-thon is coming up!!

Dewey’s
24 Hour Readathon is coming up! Saturday, October 13th to be exact.
Join me and (at my latest check) 245 other readers for this one day
mega-reading event. In addition to reading like a fiend, there will be
challenges and giveaways. There will be cheerleaders who, along the way,
will give us that extra boost to keep up motivated. Why I’m signing up:I
usually read some every day

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Books of the Month (2)

Books of the Month is where I share books I got In My Mailbox, read, and reviewed during the entire month.
Variations of these types of posts exist on many blogs so I am not claiming credit for this idea.



Books of September














 




Purchased
Confessions of an Angry Girl by Louise Rozett
The Raising by Laura Kasischke (my review)
Speechless by Hannah Harrington
Dreamsleeves by

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Banned Books Week Hop - Giveaway

As I look over the list of the Frequently Challenged Books of the 21st Century, I notice that I have a lot of these books on my own bookshelves. It is hard for me to imagine that other readers would not have the same opportunity to read these stories. 

I've personally never had to experience a limitation to the books I've had access to and am thankful that I've always had the chance to make

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Waiting on Wednesday: Requiem

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


This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:








Requiem
by Lauren Oliver
Published by HarperTeen
Publication Date March 5, 2013














(from Goodreads)
Now an active member of
the resistance, Lena has been

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Top Ten Tuesday: Series I Haven't Finished

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish. This meme was created because they are particularly fond of lists. I am too so that is why I am participating this week.



 THE SERIES I HAVEN'T FINISHED



Reading a series is a commitment. I've finished several, but there are many that I still need to get to. Here is my list, limited to 10 (but

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Still on My Mind: Noah from Temptation

Still on My Mind is a meme hosted by Haley at Ya-Aholic where every Thursday she features a book that was "so something" that she revisits them on her blog. Haley invites other bloggers to participate. (details here)


Your heart misleads you.That's what my friends and family say. But I love Noah.And he loves me.We
met and fell in love in the sleepy farming community of Meadowview,
while

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Waiting on Wednesday: Boundless

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


This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

Boundless

by Cynthia Hand

Published by Harper Teen

Publication Date: January 22, 2o13

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The past few years

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Stolen by Lucy Christopher

Stolen
by Lucy Christopher
Published by Chicken House Ltd.
Publication Date: May 4, 2009
Pages: 299
Source: Library









(from Goodreads)

It happened like
this. I was stolen from an airport. Taken from everything I knew,
everything I was used to. Taken to sand and heat, dirt and danger. And
he expected me to love him. This is my story. A letter from nowhere. Told
in a letter to

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Waiting on Wednesday: Wild Girls

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


This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wild Girls

by Mary Stewart Atwell

Publisher: Scribner

Publication Date: October 16, 2012

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Daringly

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Second Chance by Katie Kacvinsky is available now

Yesterday author Katie Kacvinsky announced on her blog that Second Chance, the follow-up to First Comes Love, is now available. I loved reading Gray and Dylan's story in First Comes Love (my review here) and I'm more than happy to know that their story continues. 

Second Chance is currently in e-book format at Amazon for $2.99. If you loved First Comes Love and want to find out what happens

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Random Acts of Kindness: September Sign Up

I couldn't resist it. I've signed up for Random Acts of Kindness with Book Soulmates. I love sharing books with other readers who love them just as much as I do. Random Acts of Kindness is open to anyone who wants to participate. Detail and rules established by Book Soulmates are below. Sound tempting? Then sign-up!!

My wishlist: Amazon RAK Wishlist

What books are you wishing for?

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And the Winner Is . . .

 

 Giveaway for 



 The Unnaturalists by Tiffany Trent

 

The Winner Is . . . 

 

Amanda Millett



















Winner was selected using random.org and has been contacted by email. 

 

Thank you to everyone who stopped by and entered.

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Never Enough Stories is available now

I am excited to share this news. Never Enough Stories: Companion Stories & Deleted Scenes for Never Enough (e-book) by Denise Jaden is available now - FOR FREE!! Denise announced on her blog that it will be available at various online e-bookstores. Check out the details HERE. I got my copy from Smashwords and did I mention it was FREE!!

About Never Enough Stories:
(from Goodreads)

An

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Books of the Month (1)

Books of the Month is something new that I'm going to try out on the blog. I've really missed participating in In My Mailbox, which I stopped to curb my book-buying habits, and sharing my books with readers. And I want to start doing that again, but I also want to share the books that I've read and reviewed during the entire month. Variations of these types of posts exist on many blogs so credit

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Review: Temptation by Karen Ann Hopkins

 




Temptation 

by Karen Ann Hopkins

Published by Harlequin Teen

Publication Date: June 26, 2012

Pages 383
Source: Author









Your heart misleads you.That's what my friends and family say. But I love Noah.And he loves me.We
met and fell in love in the sleepy farming community of Meadowview,
while we rode our horses together through the grassy fields and in those
moments in each

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Labor Day Read-a-thon - Final Update

Amanda at Letters Inside Out is hosting a Labor Day Read-a-thon. 

Details can be found on her blog HERE.



My last read-a-thon was a bust, so I'm giving it a shot with this one. 

I'm not setting any goals except to read, read, and read some more.



If you don't have any plans (or have a couple hours to spare here and there),

sign up at Letters Inside Out!!

Updates:

Day 1, Friday: 
No

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Waiting on Wednesday: Collateral

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


This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:






















Collateral

by Ellen Hopkins

Published by Atria Books

Publication Date:  November 13, 2012

























Written in Hopkins’s stunning poetic

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Top Ten Tuesday: Bookish Confessions

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish. This meme was created because they are particularly fond of lists. I am too so that is why I am participating this week.



Bookish Confessions 



1. I failed my English final my senior year of high school.



2.
I started the series Shade by Jeri Smith-Ready, didn't absolutely love
it, gave away my copy

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Guest Post and Giveaway: Temptation by Karen Ann Hopkins

Your heart misleads you.That's what my friends and family say. But I love Noah.And he loves me.We
met and fell in love in the sleepy farming community of Meadowview,
while we rode our horses together through the grassy fields and in those
moments in each other's arms. It should be
ROSE & NOAH
forever, easy.But it won't be.Because he's Amish.And I'm not.







Temptation, the debut

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Waiting on Wednesday: Over You

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


This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:










Over You
by Amy Reed
Published by Simon Pulse
Expected Publication: Summer 2013











Max would follow Sadie anywhere, so when Sadie decides to ditch her problems and

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Guest Post and Giveaway: Feeding the YA Monster by Tiffany Trent

 









Today I am happy to host Tiffany Trent, author of the YA steampunk fantasy The Unnaturalists. Her book is out now. I have my copy! Do you? If not, check out the giveaway I am hosting at the end of this post.





Please welcome Tiffany!!







Feeding the YA Monster

I
remember the exact moment I started writing YA.  I remember that moment
because it had a particular feel—a

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Recommend A . . . book with a blue cover

(altered from Chick Loves Lit) 

“Recommend A…” will have a new prompt every week, which Shanyn will have posted ahead of time on the Recommend A… page.
All you have to do is Recommend with Chick Loves Lit on Mondays, following the
prompt, and link up so Shanyn (and everyone else) can see what you’ve
recommended!

 This week's prompt:



book with a blue cover




 

The Unbearable Book

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Bout of Books 5.0

 




 (from 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,
August 13th and runs through Sunday, August 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

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And the Winners Are . . .

The Winners Are . . . 



Cynthia R.



Summer Giveaway Hop



and 



Sharleen





Celia on the Run e-book giveaway



Winners were selected using random.org and have been contacted by email. 

Thank you to everyone who stopped by and entered.

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Review: Double Clutch by Liz Reinhardt

Double Clutch (Brenna Blixen #1)

by Liz Reinhardt

Publisher: self-published

Publication Date: September 28, 2011

Pages: 267
Source: Purchased









(from Goodreads)
What happens when you fall in love with the perfect guy... twice... in one day?Brenna
Blixen spent her freshman year homeschooling in Denmark; now that she’s
back in the States, she’s determined to make her sophomore

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Austen in August: Intro Post

When I saw that Adam from Roof Beam Reader was hosting the Austen in August reading event, I figured that I would sign up. At the beginning of the year, I added Pride and Prejudice to my 2011 reading goals list. At the end of July, I still hadn't read it. So here we are. I'm giving myself the entire month to read it and it is the only book that I plan to read for Austen in August. Adding

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Summer Giveaway Hop

The Summer Giveaway Hop is here and I'm more than happy to be offering two of my favorite books that I've read this summer: Wanderlove or On the Island. Like many, I want to have a choice in the books I read. So if you've already read On the Island or Wanderlove or you just want something different, I'm also offering a $10.00 Barnes and Noble gift card.

Thanks goes to I Am A Reader, Not a

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Two Year Blogoversary!!!!

Today is the 2 year blogoversary of Actin' Up with Books!! Blogging has brought me great joy and connected me with other book lovers from all over. I'm so happy to be a part of this bookish community.




How it all started: My very first posts were reviews of The Summer of Skinny Dipping by Amanda Howells and Broken Soup by Jenny Valentine. Two reviews in one day. Wow, I was ambitious. I

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Love My Indie with Lizzy from Cornucopia of Reviews

Love
My Indie is a feature where fellow bloggers, readers, and authors tell
me about their favorite independent bookstores. I love the feeling I get
when I go into an independent bookstore - like it is filled with hidden
treasures just waiting for me to find them. Showing some Indie Love today is:


Lizzy from Cornucopia of Reviews








There
is something magical about independent

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Review: On the Island by Tracey Garvis-Graves

On the Island

by Tracey Garvis-Graves

Publisher: self-published

Publication Date: October 11, 2011

Pages: 329

Source: Won from author twitter giveaway









When thirty-year-old
English teacher Anna Emerson is offered a job tutoring T.J. Callahan at
his family's summer rental in the Maldives, she accepts without
hesitation; a working vacation on a tropical island trumps the

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Waiting on Wednesday: The Haven

 

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






This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

The Haven

by Carol Lynch Williams

Published by St. Martin's Griffin

Publication Date: April 16, 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the

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Review: Such a Rush by Jennifer Echols

 





Such a Rush

by Jennifer Echols

Published by MTV Books

Publication Date July 10, 2012

Pages 320

Source: Southern Book Bloggers ARC tours









A sexy and poignant romantic tale of a young daredevil pilot caught between two brothers.High
school senior Leah Jones loves nothing more than flying. While she’s in
the air, it’s easy to forget life with her absentee mother at the

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Guest Post and Giveaway: Celia on the Run by Sarah Mandell

Celia on the Run Blurb


Nick Novaczek is a cautious soul, a 17-year old with a quiet
thirst for danger. On the eve of his grandmother’s funeral, danger finds him by
the motel swimming pool. Her name is Celia and she’s everything he’s not. This
foul-mouthed beauty is hitchhiking across the country to make amends with her
estranged father and doesn’t carry an ounce of fear or hesitation in her

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Review: Jersey Angel by Beth Ann Bauman

Jersey Angel 

by Beth Ann Bauman

Published by Random House Children's Books

Published May 8, 2012

Pages: 208

Source: Random Buzzers Ambuzzadors/Random House









It's the summer before senior year and the alluring Angel is ready to have fun. She's not like her best friend, Inggy, who has a steady boyfriend, good grades, and college plans. Angel isn't sure what she wants to do yet

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Ten Year Anniversary: Taken by Storm by Angela Morrison

Ten Year Anniversary

Ten years ago this week, Taken by Storm's scuba-diving
hero, Michael, swam out of 
award-winning YA author, Angela Morrison's
brain and onto her page. Join the 
anniversary celebration! Win your own copy of the brand new paperback!  Snag 
 Taken by Storm's Kindle ebook for only $ .99! Unbroken Connection (Book 2) 
and Cayman Summer (Book 3) are free on Kindle! Hurry.

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Cover Reveal: Doomed by Tracy Deebs

I am beyond thrilled to participate in the Cover Reveal for Doomed by Tracy Deebs. Last month I went to an event at Mysterious Galaxy bookstore in San Diego where Tracy Deebs was appearing. She was there for the release of her latest YA book Tempest Unleashed. There she shared her upcoming book Doomed. The excitement and enthusiasm Tracy had while describing her upcoming book makes me want to

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Once Upon A Read-a-thon Reads

Today is the start of Once Upon a Read-a-thon hosted by Lori at Pure
Imagination, Angela at Reading Angel, and Candace of Candace's Book
Blog. I'm jazzed about participating. This time around, I plan to do a
little bit of rereading. Verse novels are some of my favorites and I
have a lot that I've been meaning to revisit, so that is exactly what I
will be doing.






The books I plan to

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Wanderlove by Kirsten Hubbard

Wanderlove 

by Kirsten Hubbard

Published: Delacorte Books for Young Readers

Publication Date: March 13, 2012

Pages 338
Source: Netgalley and Purchased Copy









(from Goodreads)
It all begins with a stupid question:Are you a Global Vagabond?No,
but 18-year-old Bria Sandoval wants to be. In a quest for independence,
her neglected art, and no-strings-attached hookups, she signs

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A Cover Baby

If these two book covers got together, 






this would be their baby.




 
A
while back I featured Fangirl by Laurie Boyle Crompton as a Waiting on Wednesday when this was
the cover. 





Now the book has a new cover, a new title - Blaze (or Love in the Time of Supervillians) and a new release
date, February 1, 2013. I'm still excited to read it. 











Summary from Goodreads:

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The Friday Five

1. I'm looking for bloggers, authors, and readers who are interested in writing a guest post about their favorite independent bookstores. I'd like to breathe some new life into my Love My Indie feature. Last year, I had many wonderful guests posts from authors and bloggers, but this year I haven't been as diligent about requesting guest posts. I'd love to revive this feature on my blog. If

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Waiting on Wednesday: Confessions of an Angry Girl

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





This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:







Confessions of an Angry Girl

by Louise Rozett

Published by Harlequin
Publication Date: August 28, 2012











Rose Zarelli,
self-proclaimed word geek and angry girl,

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Recommend A . . . book I think is funny

(altered from Chick Loves Lit) 


“Recommend A…” will have a new prompt every week, which Shanyn will have posted ahead of time on the Recommend A… page.
All you have to do is Recommend with Chick Loves Lit on Mondays, following the
prompt, and link up so Shanyn (and everyone else) can see what you’ve
recommended!



 This week's prompt:

 

book you thought was funny

 



 

Kelsey

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Waiting on Wednesday: Manicpixiedreamgirl

 

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




This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:


 





Manicpixiedreamgirl

by Tom Leveen

Published by Random House Children's Book
Publication Date: April 23, 2013






 



Sometimes the most dramatic scenes in a

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Recommend A . . . an Emotional Read

(altered from Chick Loves Lit) 

“Recommend A…” will have a new prompt every week, which Shanyn will have posted ahead of time on the Recommend A… page.
All you have to do is Recommend with Chick Loves Lit on Mondays, following the
prompt, and link up so Shanyn (and everyone else) can see what you’ve
recommended!


 This week's prompt:




book that made you emotional







A young woman

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The Friday Five

1. Earlier this week I confessed that I am in a blogging rut. Something happened in making that claim that freed me and invigorated me. Who knew that it would be that simple? Part of the lull that I was experiencing had a lot to do with the fact that I wasn't sharing that much about myself in my blog posts. I need more of me on my blog. While I will continue to share mostly books at Actin' Up

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Review: Crazy by Amy Reed

Crazy

Amy Reed

Published by Simon Pulse


Publication Date: June 12, 2012

Pages: 384

Source: Simon and Schuster Galley Grab




















Connor
knows that Izzy will never fall in love with him the way he’s fallen
for her. But somehow he’s been let into her crazy, exhilarating world
and become her closest confidante. But the closer they get, the more
Connor realizes

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Hereafter by Tara Hudson

Hereafter

by Tara Hudson

Published by HarperTeen

Publication Date: June 7, 2011

Pages: 404

Source: Netgalley and purchased copy










Can there truly be love after death?

Drifting in the dark waters of a mysterious river, the only thing Amelia knows for sure is that she's dead. With no recollection of her past life—or her actual death—she's trapped alone in a nightmarish

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Book Club Discussion: The Selection by Kiera Cass

Not yet, but there will be spoilers. You have been warned.


Provisions
and Paperbacks, my IRL book club, read The Selection by Kiera Cass a while back. As I mentioned in my
previous post (you can read it here), I want to share some thoughts and ideas brought up during the book club and bring my blog readers into the discussion.



For thirty-five girls,
the Selection is the chance of a

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What I Want (and don't want) my Blog to Be

I'm in a blogging rut. Just putting that out there from the very
beginning. In the past 2 weeks I've posted one review, one book
recommendation, and 2 giveaways and announced the winners - so not too much of anything of real substance. I've always said that you shouldn't
make apologies for lack of posting or reviewing. That is not what this
is. I've just lacked some inspiration. All of the

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And the Winners Are . . .

The Winners Are . . . 



Rierie11



Splash Into Summer Giveaway Hop



There were 374 entries and number 336 was selected.



and 



Janhvi



My Favorite Reads Giveaway Hop



There were 370 entries and number 173 was selected.



Winners were selected using random.org and have been contacted by email and accepted their prizes.



Thanks to everyone who stopped by the blog to enter. I hope

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My Favorite Reads Hop

 My Favorite Reads Hop is hosted by I'm a Reader, Not a Writer and Rachelle's Writing Spot. I have so many favorite reads that it was hard to limit it down to one, so you will get your choice from three. I have fallen in love with Jeri Smith-Ready's Shade series and want to share it with my blog readers. 



The Prize:




ONE book (paperback) from the Shade Trilogy by Jeri Smith-Ready



 

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Last Stop This Town by David Steinberg

  



Last Stop This Town

by David H. Steinberg

Published by Monkey Business Press

Publication Date: March 7, 2012

Pages: 192
Source: received from the Author/Publisher




The debut novel from
"American Pie" series screenwriter David H. Steinberg. It's the last
weekend before high school graduation, and as they prepare to go their
separate ways, four life-long friends spend a wild and

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Recommend A . . . book with a green cover

Graphic by http://GReadsBooks.com  

(altered from Chick Loves Lit) “Recommend A…” will have a new prompt every week, which Shanyn will have posted ahead of time on the Recommend A… page.
All you have to do is Recommend with Chick Loves Lit on Mondays, following the
prompt, and link up so Shanyn (and everyone else) can see what you’ve
recommended!


 This week's prompt:



a book with a

Read More

Splash into Summer Giveaway Hop

The Splash Into Summer Giveaway is hosted by I Am a Reader, Not a Writer and Page Turners Blog. There are over 200 blogs hosting giveaways so I'm sure there is a little something for everyone.



My Prize:



I want to fill up your beach bag with books and books and more books. So I am giving away a Box Of Books. Most are New, a few are used and a few are signed by the author. I'm not telling

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Spring Blog Carnival: Karaoke Booth Winner

And the Winner Is . . .



Angie!!



Angie selected Shade by Jeri Smith Ready - EXCELLENT choice!



Thank you to everyone who participated and allowed your favorite characters to enter the karaoke booth and express themselves through song. Check back later this week when I will feature from of my favorite entries.

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Bout of Books 4.0 Wrap-Up

There's still a little over an hour left of the Bout of Books read-a-thon, but my eyes are tired and my DVR is full so I'm calling it. I think I did pretty well this go-round. 



My goals were to:

Read 1500 pages - I read 1015
Read one e-book - Did this! 13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson
Read one book that has been on my shelf for over a year - Fade by Lisa McMann
Read 2 books

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Michael: The Airel Saga Blog Tour

ONE DAY BLOG TOUR! 
MAY 17th!

Michael, book two in the Airel Saga, is live on Amazon TODAY ONLY for a discounted price!!

To promote Michael I’m hosting a contest where you can win a FREE copy of Airel and win a free Kindle Fire.

To take advantage of this awesome deal, head to Amazon and check out the eBook version of MICHAEL at its promotional price, then see below to enter the contest.

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The Forgetting Curve by Angie Smibert

The Forgetting Curve

by Angie Smibert
Published by Marshall Cavendish
Available: May 15, 1012
Pages: 202
Source: Publisher














Aiden
Nomura likes to open doors—especially using his skills as a hacker—to
see what’s hidden inside. He believes everything is part of a greater
system: the universe. The universe shows him the doors, and he keeps
pulling until one cracks open

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Coincidences and Connections (2)

So I'm sitting here reading a book and I come across something that
seems familiar. Like I just read that in the previous book. I'm not
talking about the plot or the storyline - just little similarities like
the name of a character or the state where the book is set. There are just too many coincidences that I couldn't help but share them.


Here are the books:

Purity by Jackson Pearce, 

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The Unbearable Book Club for Unsinkable Girls by Julie Schumacher

The Unbearable Book Club for Unsinkable Girls 

by Julie Schumacker

Published by Random House Children's Books

Publication Date: May 8, 2012

Pages: 240

Source: Random House and NetGalley










I'm Adrienne Haus,
survivor of a mother-daughter book club. Most of us didn't want to join.
My mother signed me up because I was stuck at home all summer, with my
knee in a brace.

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Bout of Books 4.0

Bout of Books 4.0 starts on Monday and I'm looking forward to this low-pressure read-a-thon. For details on signing up, go to Bout of Books and check it out. There will be some challenges, giveaways, and twitter chats. The schedule can be found here.



My Goals

Read 1500 pages
Read one e-book
Read one book that has been on my shelf for over a year
Read 2 books for review and write the

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And the Winners Are . . .

I need to announce the winners of quite a few giveaways. The winners have already been contacted by email and most have either claimed or received their prizes.


BookWedge Winner - Amanda from Letters Inside Out



No Strings Attached Hop Winner - Natasha



Morganville Madness Glass Houses Winner - Persephone



Going Under e-book Winner -  Jen



First Comes Love Winner - Pam R.

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Waiting on Wednesday: The Believing Game

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



This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

 







The Believing Game

by Eireann Corrigan

Publisher: Scholastic Press
Publication Date: December 1, 2012







A private academy. A cult leader. A girl caught in the

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Spring Blog Carnival 2012 - The Karaoke Booth

Welcome to the Spring Blog Carnival 



Karaoke Booth



I
love books and music. I love books about bands, musicians, singers -
and their muses. I love them so much I'm giving away books about bands!



THE PRIZE

a choice of one book about music, bands, musicians, singers -
and their muses

 The Disenchantments by Nina LaCour, Zero by Tom Leveen, Freefall by Mindi Scott, Shade by Jeri

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Love My Indie with Katie from Call Me Crazy YA Reviews

Love My Indie is a feature where fellow bloggers, readers, and authors tell me about their favorite independent bookstores. I love the feeling I get when I go into an independent bookstore - like it is filled with hidden treasures just waiting for me to find them. Showing some Indie Love today is:







Katie of Call Me Crazy YA Reviews



Whenever I visit Katie's blog, I know that it

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Zero by Tom Leveen

Zero

by Tom Leveen

Published by Random House Books for Young Readers

Publication Date April 24, 2012

Pages: 304

Source: Netgalley










For aspiring artist
Amanda Walsh, who only half-jokingly goes by the nickname Zero, the
summer before college was supposed to be fun—plain and simple. Hanging
out with her best friend Jenn, going to clubs, painting, and counting
down the days

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Waiting on Wednesday: Every Day

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


This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:












Every Day

by David Levithan

Published by Knopf Books for Kids

Publication Date: August 28, 2012










Every day a different body. Every day a different life.

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First Comes Love Giveaway

First Comes Love
by Katie Kacvinsky

Like his name, Gray is
dark and stormy. Dylan, a girl always searching for what’s next,
seemingly unable to settle down, is the exact opposite: full of light
and life. On the outside, they seem like an unlikely couple. But looks
can be deceiving and besides, opposites attract.

What starts as
friendship, turns into admiration, respect and caring, until

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Giveaway and Character Interview: Jessie Boone from Going Under

  



 Synopsis: Jessie
Boone is a self proclaimed bad boy and doesn’t march to the beat of
anyone’s drum, but his own. Growing up in less than desirable
circumstances has made him no stranger to the hard knock life and his
determination to leave it behind is fierce. When he finds himself
transferred to East Franklin High School, he sees his opportunity to use
his athletic ability to

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First Comes Love by Katie Kacvinsky

First Comes Love

by Katie Kacvinsky

Published by Houghton Mifflin Books for Children

Publication Date May 8, 2012

Pages: 198

Sources: Southern Book Bloggers ARC Tours










Like his name, Gray is dark and stormy. Dylan, a girl always searching for what's next, seemingly unable to settle down, is the exact opposite: full of light and life. On the outside, they seem like an

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12 Days of Morganville Madness + Giveaway

Today begins the 12 Days of Morganville Madness all leading up to the release of Rachel Caine's latest novel in the series, Black Dawn. Each day one book of the series will be featured on a different blog with reviews, interviews and giveaways.

Here is the schedule and a link to the tour stop:

April 20th: GLASS HOUSES (Book 1) http://www.pageturnersblog.com/

April 21: THE DEAD GIRLS DANCE

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Review: Purity by Jackson Pearce

Purity

by Jackson Pearce

Published by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Publication Date: April 24, 2012

Pages: 224

Source:Southern Book Bloggers ARC Tour










A novel about love, loss, and sex -- but not necessarily in that order.

Before her mother died, Shelby promised three things: to listen to her father, to love as much as possible, and to live without restraint.

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Waiting on Wednesday: The Elementals

 "Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.
This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:







The Elementalsby Francesca Lia BlockPublished by St. Martin's PressPublication Date October 16, 2012










The Elementals is on one level an intriguing coming-of-age novel

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No Strings Attached Giveaway

It's giveaway time again. This hop is No Strings Attached hosted by I Am A Reader, Not A Writer. Like always, following is not required. And they're any any extra entries so the odds are the same for anyone who enters. I just ask that you read the contest details below and fill out the form. See how easy that is because there are No Strings Attached.

The Prize:

Swag Pack
bookmarks

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BookWedge Review and Giveaway

BookWedge

It's not very often that I get offered to provide a product review, but when the people of BookWedge offered their product, I was very willing to accept. After experiencing poor circulation in my hands and fingers from holding my e-reader for long periods of time, I was in the market for something to prop up my e-reader and i-Pad. BookWedge is perfect!
Things I liked:easily

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And the Winners Are . . .

I had a couple of giveaways end a few weeks ago and it's about time that I announce the winners.
The Winners Are . . . .

douglass14
There were 99 entries and #67 was selected.


bn100
There were 83 entries and #4 was selected.
The winners were selected using random.org Both winners have been contacted by email and accepted their prizes.

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Forgiving Trinity Blog Tour: Guest Post by author Liz Reinhardt

 Forgiving Trinity author Liz Reinhardt has stopped by the blog today to share some of her favorite indie writers. See what some of her favorites are and maybe you will find one you may want to read too!



HUGE thanks to Joli for letting me highlight some crazy awesome indie writers out there!! I picked a few, and, I just have to say, these are only a tiny few of the many awesome

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Waiting on Wednesday: The Normal Kid

 "Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.
This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:   The Normal Kid by Elizabeth HolmesPublished by Lerner Publishing GroupPublication Date: October 1, 2012 







Sylvan has been angry ever since his parents split up. And now that an

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Top Ten Tuesday: One Day Reads

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish. This meme was created because they are particularly fond of lists. I am too so that is why I am participating this week.
Books that can be read in a day
My selection includes books that take place in a day, verse novels, some favorite one day reads, and books by David Levithan.
The Day Before by Lisa

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Life Is But a Dream by Brian James

Life Is But a Dreamby Brian JamesPublished by Feiwel and FriendsPublication Date: March 27, 2012Pages: 234Source: NetGalley









Sabrina, an artist, is diagnosed with schizophrenia, and her parents check her into the Wellness Center. There she meets Alec, who is convinced it's the world that's crazy, not the two of them. They are meant to be together; they are special. But when Alec

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Random Acts of Kindness - March Recap/April Sign Up

Random Acts of Kindness is hosted by Vanessa and Isalys at Book Soulmates. This is a time to share or give our favorite things - BOOKS. After missing a few months, I signed up again in February. As much as it makes me happy to receive books, I love to give them to.

This month I gave these books:

One Day to Briana at Bree's Books
Prince of Wolves and One Black Rose to Damaris at Good

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In My Mailbox (65)

 In My Mailbox is a weekly meme run by Kristi at The Story Siren which showcases the books that have been delivered to our mailbox or doorstep or directly into our hot little hands.
Purchased:By The Time You Read This, I'll Be Dead by Julie Anne Peters
Dead to You by Lisa McMann
Review:The List by Siobhan Vivian
Purity by Jackson Pearceboth for Southern Book Bloggers ARC Tour

What did you get in

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Love My Indie with Libby from libbysbookblog

Love My Indie is a feature where fellow bloggers, readers, and authors tell me about their favorite independent bookstores. I love the feeling I get when I go into an independent bookstore - like it is filled with hidden treasures just waiting for me to find them.
Showing some Indie Love today is:

Libby from libbysbookblog
"On a cold windswept street,

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Top Ten Tuesday: Spring Fever

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish. This meme was created because they are particularly fond of lists. I am too so that is why I am participating this week.
 Spring Fever: Top Ten Books I'd Play Hooky With
I'll admit that I've taken a day off from work, went to work late, or left a few a hours early because there was a book I wanted to read, a

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Blog Tour: Forgiving Trinity

At seventeen, Trinity McCabe has already made enough mistakes to fill a lifetime. Especially the one where she got high, drove a car, and almost killed a dog. And then let her friend Aidan take the blame.

She’s clean now and desperate to fix the messes she’s made, but first she’s going to have to get out of her pajamas.
As Trinity struggles to stop sleepwalking through life, she faces the

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Establishing a Book Budget. Finally.

It's finally happened. I've decided that it is time that I start budgeting my money for books. My new bookshelves are filling up too quickly but my wallet isn't. I don't do well with book buying bans (usually results in a book-buying binge), but I do thrive with setting goals and having a reward system.

Here is my plan:
Start each month with a $15.00 book allowance
Add $5.00 to my budget for

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In My Mailbox (64)

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme run by Kristi at The Story Siren which showcases the books that have been delivered to our mailbox or doorstep or directly into our hot little hands.


 Purchased:The Queen of Kentucky by Alecia Whitaker
In His Eyes Anthology by Various Authors e-book (free)
 The Dirt by Lori Culwell e-book

Gifted:
Fury by Elizbeth Miles
RAK from Briana at Bree's Books

Won:

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Waiting on Wednesday: Out of Reach

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.
This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

Out of Reachby Carrie ArcosPublished by Simon PulsePublication Date:  October 16, 2012
When Micah disappears from home, his sister Rachel decides to secretly take matters into her own

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Hallowed by Cynthia Hand

Hallowedby Cynthia HandPublished by Harper TeenAvailable: January 17, 2012Pages: 403Source: Borrowed from friend









For months Clara Gardner trained to face the fire from her visions, but she wasn't prepared for the choice she had to make that day. And in the aftermath, she discovered that nothing about being part angel is as straightforward as she thought. 

Now, torn between her

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In My Mailbox (63)

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme run by Kristi at The Story Siren which showcases the books that have been delivered to our mailbox or doorstep or directly into our hot little hands.




Purchased:Wanderlove by Kirsten Hubbard
The Rivals by Daisy Whitney
Ordinary Beauty by Laura Wiess (my review)
On The Fringe by Courtney King Walker e-book
  For Review: Never Enough by Denise JadenARC tour hosted

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The Friday Five

The Friday Five

I haven't posted a Friday Five in a really long time. I think I stopped after starting my Love My Indie feature, but guest posts for that are sporadic, so I think I will alternate in The Friday Five every once and again. My initial inspiration for this came from Sarah Dessen's posts when I read her blog like most people read the daily paper. Here is what I want to share with you

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TGIF: Social Networking

TGIF is hosted by Ginger at GReads! Each week she proposes a question to her readers.
This week's question:  
Social Networking: Do you use Twitter or Facebook to promote your blog?  How has it benefited your book blogging experience? If not, how do you promote your blog? Share your twitter handle and/or Facebook link!

I use Twitter to help promote my blog. I use it to share my reviews and

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And the Winner Is . . .

The Winner Is . . .Ricki at Reading Challenged
She has won my Lunar Love Giveaway -Moonlight and Oranges by Elise Stephens(winner has been contacted by email and accepted giveaway prize)
  There were 82 entries and using random.org, number 13 was selected. Congratulations Ricki! Thanks to everyone who stopped by my blog and entered.

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Waiting on Wednesday: Dear Teen Me

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.
This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:


 

Dear Teen Me
ed. by Miranda Kenneally and E. Kristin Anderson
Published by Zest Books
Publication Date: November 16, 2012
 




Dear Teen Me includes advice from over 70 YA authors (

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Spotlight On and Giveaway: Trail of the Spellmans

Trail of the Spellmansby Lisa LutzPublished by Simon & SchusterPublication Date: February 28, 2012










The fifth installment in the New York Times bestselling series by Lisa Lutz, featuring the fearless private investigator Izzy Spellman and her quirky, yet endearing, family of sleuths.
For the first time in Spellman history, Isabel Spellman, PI, might be the most normal member of

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In My Mailbox (62)

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme run by Kristi at The Story Siren which showcases the books that have been delivered to our mailbox or doorstep or directly into our hot little hands.






PurchasedPandemonium by Lauren Oliver
The Catastrophic History of You And Me by Jess Rothenberg
The Miseducation of Cameron Post by Emily M. Danforth
Raw Blue by Kirsty Eagar

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by

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Guest Post and Giveaway - Derek the Ghost, author of Scary School

The Importance of Middle-Grade Fiction

Or

Why Reading my Book Series Scary School is Guaranteed to Turn your Kid into a Well-adjusted, Ivy League-bound, World-beater Dynamo


By Derek the Ghost

    Let’s start off with this question. Why is reading important for children? Wait. I have better question. Why is absorbing a story in the form of text considered a superior means of

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Scary School by Derek the Ghost

Scary Schoolby Derek the GhostPublished by Harper CollinsPublication Date: June 21, 2011Pages: 237Source: Author









You think your school's scary? 

Get a load of these teachers:
"Ms. Fang," an 850-year-old vampire
"Dr. Dragonbreath," who just might eat you before recess
"Mr. Snakeskin"--science class is so much more fun when it's taught by someone who's half zombie
"Mrs. T"--break

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Lunar Love Giveaway Hop

The Lunar Love Giveaway Hop is hosted by Bookworm Lisa and I Am a Reader, Not a Writer.  This hop begins on the day of a full moon and features books with paranormal, supernatural, science fiction or space travel element or books that have something to do with the moon or have a moon on their cover.The blog hop runs from March 8 through March 13. There are over 150 blogs participating. There

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Gil Marsh by A.C.E. Bauer

Gil Marshby A.C.E. BauerPublished by Random House Books for Young ReadersPublication Date: February 28, 2012Pages: 192Source: NetGalley









Good looking, athletic, and smart, Gill Marsh is the most popular kid at Uruk High School, even though he is only a junior. When Enko, a new kid from Montreal, shows up, Gil is wary. Yet Enko is easy going and matches Gil's athletic prowess

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Random Acts of Kindness - February Wrap Up/March Sign Up

Random Acts of Kindness is hosted by Vanessa and Isalys at Book Soulmates. This is a time to share or give our favorite things - BOOKS. After missing a few months, I signed up again in February. As much as it makes me happy to receive books, I love to give them to.

This month I gave these books:
Tempest by Julie Cross to Amber at The Musings of ALMYBNENR
The Deepest Cut by J.A. Templeton to Mary

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Freshman Year and Other Unnatural Disasters by Meredith Zeitlin

Freshman Year & Other Unnatural Disastersby Meredith ZeitlinPublished by G.P. Putnam's SonsPublication Date: March 1, 2012Pages: 288Source: Publisher








Kelsey Finkelstein is fourteen and FRUSTRATED. Every time she tries to live up to her awesome potential, her plans are foiled – by her impossible parents, her annoying little sister, and life in general. But with her first day of

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Waiting on Wednesday: Before You Go

  "Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.
This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:



Before You Go
by James PrellerPublished by Feiwel & FriendsPublication Date: July 17th 2012 









The summer before his senior year, Jude (yes, he’s named

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Book Club Discussion: Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

Not yet, but there will be spoilers. You have been warned.


Provisions and Paperbacks, my IRL book club, read Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs a few weeks ago. As I mentioned in my previous post (you can read it here), I want to share some thoughts and ideas brought up during the book club and bring my blog readers into the discussion.


A mysterious island. An

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Guest Post by Mary Lowry author of The Earthquake Machine

I’m excited to be guest posting for Actin’ Up with Books. I think Joli’s blog is really unique; and it’s awesome she supports indie bookstores with her Love My Indie feature.

I’m also inspired by the blog name Actin’ Up with Books. As a young girl, books allowed me to vicariously experience what it would be like to “act up” and challenge expectations for how women and girls “should” live

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Extraordinary by Nancy Werlin

Extraordinaryby Nancy Werlin Published by Dial BooksPublished by September 7, 2010Pages: 393Source: Purchased









Phoebe finds herself drawn to Mallory, the strange and secretive new kid in school. Soon the two girls are as close as sisters . . . until Mallory’s magnetic older brother, Ryland, appears. Ryland has an immediate, exciting hold on Phoebe—but a dangerous hold, for she

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Love My Indie with author Meredith Zeitlin

Love My Indie is a feature where fellow bloggers, readers, and authors tell me about their favorite independent bookstores. I love the feeling I get when I go into an independent bookstore - like it is filled with hidden treasures just waiting for me to find them.

Showing some Indie Love today is:  Meredith Zeitlinauthor of Freshman Year and Other Unnatural Disasters

 
My favorite indie

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Girl Meets Boy by various authors, ed. by Kelly Milner Halls

Girl Meets Boy ed. by Kelly Milner HallsStories by: Kelly Milner Halls, Chris Crutcher, Rebecca Fjelland Davis, Terry Davis, Terry Trueman, Cynthia Leitich Smith, Rita Williams-Garcia, Sara Ryan , more...Randy Powell, Ellen Wittlinger, James Howe, Joseph BruchacPublished by Chronicle BooksPublication Date: December 28, 2011Source:  Publisher







 
 What do guys and girls really think?

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No More Us for You by David Hernandez

No More Us for Youby David HernandezPublished by: Harper TeenPublication Date: January 27, 2009Pages: 281Source: Library






For a life to come together, sometimes it first has to fall completely apart. 

Isabel is a regular seventeen-year-old girl, still reeling from the pain of her boyfriend's tragic death exactly one year ago. 

Carlos is a regular seventeen-year-old guy, loves red

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In My Mailbox (61)

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme run by Kristi at The Story Siren which showcases the books that have been delivered to our mailbox or doorstep or directly into our hot little hands.



Purchased:  Graffiti Moon by Cath Crowley
Getting Somewhere by Beth Neff
The Butterfly Clues by Kate Ellison
Breathing by Cheryl Renee Herbsman
Calli by Jessica Lee Anderson
Split by Swati Avasthi


Swapped:
Life

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And the Winners Are . . .

I held two contest over the past few weeks and both of them ended on Tuesday. Here are the winners: catherine c

She has won a signed copy of Girl Meets Boy ed. Kelly Milner Halls from the Girl Meets Boy blog tour
There were 73 entries and using random.org, number 49 was selected. Congratulations!  #649 Krystle(US)
She has won a book valued up to $15.00 from B&N.com
#625 Primrose (Intl)
She

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In My Mailbox (60)

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme run by Kristi at The Story Siren which showcases the books that have been delivered to our mailbox or doorstep or directly into our hot little hands.


Purchased:The Disenchantments by Nina LaCourPlease Don't Be True: Dangerously Alice; Almost Alice; Intensely Alice by Phyllis Reynolds NaylorTry Not to Breathe by Jennifer R. Hubbard
For Review:Vampire's Kiss: The

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Waiting on Wednesday: Live Through This

 "Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.
This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:







 

Live Through This by Mindi ScottPublished by: Simon PulsePublication Date: October 2, 2012










Sometimes hiding the truth requires more than a lie . . .

From the outside,

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Follower Love Giveaway Hop

Welcome to the Follower Love Giveaway Hop hosted by I Am A Reader, Not a Writer and Rachael Renee Anderson. I've joined this hop to thank all of my blog followers and readers for stopping by blog, reading, commenting and sharing their love of books with me.
I've decided to giveaway a few prizes this time and I am offering some choices. There are some books that I've read this year that I would

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In My Mailbox (59)

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme run by Kristi at The Story Siren which showcases the books that have been delivered to our mailbox or doorstep or directly into our hot little hands.



 




Purchased The Edumacation of Jay Baker by Jay Clark
Incarnate by Jodi Meadows signedIf I Tell by Janet Gurtler
I'm Not Her by Janet Gurtler
In Too Deep by Amanda Grace
Listening In and Other Stories by Shauna

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The Knife and the Butterfly by Ashley Hope Perez

      The Knife and the Butterfly by Ashley Hope Perez Published by Carolrhoda Books Available February 1, 2012IndieBound  Amazon
        Azael Arevalo wishes he could remember how the fight ended. He knows his MS13 boys faced off with some punks from Crazy Crew. He can picture the bats, the bricks, the chains. A knife. But he can’t remember anything between that moment and when he woke

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The Knife and the Butterfly Blog Tour: Author Guest Post and excerpt

 
This is the fifth stop of The Knife and the Butterfly blog tour. I am beyond happy to host Ashley for a guest post. I am a fan of Ashley's and loved her debut novel What Can't Wait. (my review here) Her new novel is just as eye-opening and thought-provoking as her first and I will be reviewing it tomorrow.
The Knife and the Butterfly
Azael Arevalo wishes he could remember how the fight ended.

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Random Acts of Kindness - February Sign Up

Thank you Vanessa and Isalys of Books Soulmates for once again hosting Random Acts of Kindness! RAK is a fun opportunity to grant some wishes, share your books, and connect with other bloggers and readers. I've really missed participating in Random Acts of Kindness these past few months, so I've decided to join up once again. I love sharing books through this blogger/reader exchange.

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Waiting on Wednesday: Fangirl

 


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

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:













Fangirl

by Laurie Boyle Crompton

Published by Sourcebooks

Publication Date: August  2012










When comic-obsessed Blaze stands up to her evil ex he posts a racy

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Girl Meets Boy Blog Tour: Author Interview and Giveaway

 What do guys and girls really think? Twelve of the most dynamic and engaging YA authors writing today team up for this one-of-a-kind collection of he said/she said stories he tells it from the guy s point of view, she tells it from the girl s. These are stories of love and heartbreak. There s the good-looking jock who falls for a dangerous girl, and the flipside, the toxic girl who

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The Disenchantments by Nina LaCour

The Disenchantments
by Nina LaCour
Published by Dutton Juvenile
Publication Date February 16, 2012











Colby and Bev have a long-standing pact: graduate, hit the road with Bev's band, and then spend the year wandering around Europe. But moments after the tour kicks off, Bev makes a shocking announcement: she's abandoning their plans - and Colby - to start college in the fall.

But

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In My Mailbox (58)

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme run by Kristi at The Story Siren which showcases the books that have been delivered to our mailbox or doorstep or directly into our hot little hands.


Purchased:Purple Daze by Sherry Shahan
Shine by Lauren Myracle
Karma by Cathy Ostlere
For Review:The Forgetting Curve (Memento Nora) by Angie Smibert
Requested from Publisher
Won:Fracture by Megan Mirandafrom Lenore

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Girl Meets Boy Blog Tour

How excited am I about this book? So excited!! When I first discovered Girl Meets Boy, I knew that it was a book I wanted to read. Why? Because it is a collection of stories told in alternating voices - a method of storytelling that I LOVE! And the stories are written collaboratively. Now I am thrilled to participate in this blog tour!!



Here's more about Girl Meets Boy ed. by Kelly Milner

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Waiting on Wednesday - The Unnaturalists

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.
This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:




The Unnaturalistsby Tiffany TrentPublished by Simon and Schuster Publication Date:  August 14, 2012













In an alternate London where magical creatures are preserved in a

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Book Club Discussion: Unearthly by Cynthia Hand

Not yet, but there will be spoilers. You have been warned.


Provisions and Paperbacks, my IRL book club, just read Unearthly by Cynthia Hand. As I said in my previous post (you can read it here), I want to share some thoughts and ideas brought up during the book club and bring my blog readers into the discussion.


When Clara Gardner learns she’s part angel, her entire life changes. She now

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Provisions and Paperbacks - a book club

Not just yet, but there will be spoilers. You've been warned.

Provisions and Paperbacks is a book club that was started by me and a few In Real Life friends. We wanted to have a chance to get together and read some great books, mainly young adult, and share our thoughts, raves and rants. So far we've read The Near Witch by Victoria Schwab, Impossible by Nancy Werlin and Delirium by Lauren Oliver

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In My Mailbox (57)

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme run by Kristi at The Story Siren which explores the books that have been delivered to our mailbox or doorstep or directly into our hot little hands.






For Review:The Disenchantments by Nina LaCour ARC
for the Southern Book Bloggers ARC Tour

Scary School by Derek the Ghost and Scott M. Fischerfrom the author
Swapped:A Map of the Known World by Lisa Ann

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Share the Love - Independent Bookstores

Button by Ginger at GReads!
Love My Indie is where authors, bloggers and readers share their favorite independent bookstores. You can check out some past posts HERE. I have a few posts scheduled for 2012 and I'm always looking for guest bloggers and authors.

Do you have a favorite independent bookstore that you want to tell everyone about? Yes! Then just fill out the form below! I look forward

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And the Winner Is . . . .

The Winner Is . . . Stacie

She has won my Dreaming of Books Giveaway -Moonlight and Oranges by Elise Stephens(winner has been contacted by email and accepted giveaway prize)
There were 98 entries and using random.org, number 72 was selected. Congratulations Stacie! Thanks to everyone who stopped by my blog and entered.

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Waiting on Wednesday: Nothing Special

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.
This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:





Nothing Specialby Geoff HerbachPublished by Sourcebooks, IncPublication Date: May 1, 2012













Felton Reinstein thought he had it all-a great girlfriend, an athletic

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The Mind Readers: Book 2 Coming Soon!

The wait is almost over. Last January I read Lori Brighton's YA paranormal romance The Mind Readers and ever since finishing it, I wanted to know what happened to Cameron and where her mind reading abilities will take her. I thought The Mind Readers was a great start to a story which I have since learned will be a trilogy. So excited! You can read my review of The Mind Readers HERE.


The next

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Coincidences and Connections

So I'm sitting here reading a book and I come across something that seems familiar. Like I just read that in the previous book. I'm not talking about the plot or the storyline - just little similarities like the name of a character or the state where the book is set. So far this month I have read seven books and I can link six of them to at least one other in one way or another. This has happened

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In My Mailbox (56)

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme run by Kristi at The Story Siren which explores the books that have been delivered to our mailbox or doorstep or directly into our hot little hands.






 Purchased:The Fault in Our Stars by John GreenWinter Town by Stephen EmondFood, Girls, and Other Things I Can't Have by Allen ZadoffDon't Breathe a Word by Holly Cupala
For Review:Girl Meets Boy: Because There

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Love My Indie with Author Elise Stephens

Love My Indie is a feature where fellow bloggers, readers, and authors tell me about their favorite independent bookstores. I love the feeling I get when I go into an independent bookstore - like it is filled with hidden treasures just waiting for me to find them.
Showing some Indie Love today is:

Elise Stephens, author of Moonlight and OrangesMy favorite

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Dreaming of Books Giveaway Hop

The Dreaming of Books Giveaway Hop is hosted by Martha's Bookshelf and I Am a Reader, Not a Writer.  The blog hop runs from January 13 through January 18. There are over 200 blogs participating. There are so many opportunities to win some great prizes. Like this one!

The Prizeone paperback copy of Moonlight and Oranges
Moonlight and Oranges by Elise Stephens
A timeless tale of young romance.

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Waiting on Wednesday: Pushing the Limits

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.
This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:





Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarryPublished by Harlequin TeenExpected Publication: August 2012













In Pushing the Limits, two teens, brought together by their court ordered

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Bout of Books 3.0

The Bout of Books Readathon is a great way to start off the new year. I hope that it will set the bar for my reading and reviewing goals for 2012. Amanda from On a Book Bender is hosting again and there will be some fun challenges along the way. It's not too late to sign up. You can do that here.

My Goals
Read 1500 pages
Read one e-book
Read 2 books for challenges
Read at least one book for

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In My Mailbox (55)

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme run by Kristi at The Story Siren which explores the books that have been delivered to our mailbox or doorstep or directly into our hot little hands.




 

Purchased:The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight By Jennifer E. SmithThe Probability of Miracles by Wendy WunderBittersweet by Sarah OcklerWhy We Broke Up by Daniel Handler and Maira KalmanCatching

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2012 Challenges and Reading Goals

I've joined a few challenges this year. I plan to read a lot of contemporary young adult (my favorite) and I hope to discover some new authors too. I've joined the 2012 Debut Author Challenge which I posted about here and I've also joined two challenges hosted by Shanyn at Chick Loves Lit - Sophomore Author Challenge and Completely Contemporary Challenge. And the last challenge I joined is the YA

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Books Read in 2011

I like to compile a list of all of the books that I read each year. I started doing this before I started blogging. Each year my goal is to read more books that the year before. This year I read, 95 books - 11 more than in 2010. By month, here they are (I don't know what happened in February):

The date listed is when I finished the book.*Library Book**Loaned from a friend***reread
January9:

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