My Favorite Reads Giveaway Hop!

Once again, it is time for another giveaway hop! The My Favorite Reads Giveaway Hop is hosted by I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and Rachelle's Writing Spot and runs from June 1st-6th.

Usually for giveaway hops I offer a book of choice, but this time I am going to change things up a little bit. Since the point of this hop is to celebrate our favorite reads, one lucky winner is going to get to choose one book from the following list. Each of these books I've recently read and LOVED. Click on their covers to be taken to their Goodreads page.

As always, you are eligible to win as long as The Book Depository ships free to your country (check HERE). Just fill out the handy dandy Rafflecopter below and move on to the next blog on the linky!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Waiting On Wednesday (35)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Title: Ten
Author: Gretchen McNeil
Expected Publication Date: September 18, 2012

From Goodreads: 


And their doom comes swiftly.

It was supposed to be the weekend of their lives—an exclusive house party on Henry Island. Best friends Meg and Minnie each have their reasons for being there (which involve T.J., the school’s most eligible bachelor) and look forward to three glorious days of boys, booze and fun-filled luxury.

But what they expect is definitely not what they get, and what starts out as fun turns dark and twisted after the discovery of a DVD with a sinister message: Vengeance is mine.

Suddenly people are dying, and with a storm raging, the teens are cut off the from the outside world. No electricity, no phones, no internet, and a ferry that isn’t scheduled to return for two days. As the deaths become more violent and the teens turn on each other, can Meg find the killer before more people die? Or is the killer closer to her than she could ever imagine?

There isn't really anything I can say about this except that simply, it looks AWESOME! That, and I lurve this cover :) Yup, that about sums it up!

What are you waiting on this week? Leave me a link in the comments and I'll be sure to stop by and check it out!

Teaser Tuesday (35)

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

This Week's Teaser Is From:

I Couldn't Love You More

by Jillian Medoff

"A child will tell you she hates you only if she feels secure in your love and confident that you'll never leave. (Or, I suppose, if she really does hate you.) That Charlotte barely addresses me by my name after five years of living together reveals how little faith she has in our relationship." page 29

Review & Virtual Tour Stop: Trade Winds to Meluhha by Vasant Davé

Welcome to Book Cover Justice's stop on the Trade Winds to Meluhha Virtual Book Tour! You can find the list of all other blog stops by clicking the image above.

Trade Winds to Meluhha by Vasant Davé

From Goodreads:

In the year 2138 BC, Samasin worked as a stable boy with a wealthy Babylonian named NERGAL. One day he was falsely implicated in the murder of a foreign trader. Tipped off by Nergal's divorced wife ELATI about risk to his life, he fled to the distant land of Meluhha in search of SIWA SAQRA whose name the dying man had uttered. During the voyage, he met a beautiful damsel, VELLI. He fell in her love but was dismayed to find that she was still devoted to a person who had jilted her. He also met ANU, a Mesopotamian woman who concealed her identity because she was determined to search out a couple of faceless men for revenge.
On the way, Samasin learnt about a board etched with ten glyphs (actually excavated on the site of Dholavira) and with Anu's help deciphered them, leading to an adventure in the ravines of the Saraswathi. He faced a series of obstacles including a few which almost killed him. Then he found that they were manoeuvred. Finally when he met Siwa Saqra, he learnt that there was more to the murder in Babylon than met the eye.
Circumstances brought all the characters together in Babylon when with awe they discovered the stark reality about the trade between Meluhha and Mesopotamia, and the brain behind it. A trial before Babylon's Council of Elders ended in a serious counter-allegation that jeopardized the lives of the judiciary itself. That was when Anu spoke up and the villain escaped. A hot pursuit ensued beyond the Lower Sea. The narrative ends in some happy weddings.

My Thoughts:

The Characters: I'll admit that my biggest hurdle reading this book was the character's names. Thankfully the author provides us with a "Cast of Characters" to help us become familiar with them. Aside from this issue, I had no others. Each character was beautifully written with their actions and emotions believable and honest . Each has their place in the story and bring something vital to it. These could have been actual people and events.


The Setting: This novel takes place in 2138 B.C. I originally thought this might become an issue for me because honestly, history and geography aren't really my friends. I was wrong. The author does such an amazing job describing places and scenes that I could fully picture it all in my head. Down to the last detail, we are given such a clear, amazing view of what life would have been like all that time ago.

The Storyline: Even though the main storyline of this book is Samasin's search for the true murderer of the crime for which he has been blamed, so much more is happening. There's murder, adventure and even love. Samasin's travels will keep you glued to the pages and anxious to see what happens to him next.

The Writing: With all the information given to us in this book, I was a little surprised at how easy it was to read (after I got familiar with the names, of course lol). Davé's writing flowed nicely and was never weighed down with unnecessary "filler". Davé clearly did a lot of research for this story and it showed. Not only was it entertaining, but it also provided quite the history lesson. The blending of the two was expertly done.

Overall, Trade Winds to Meluhha was a pleasure to read. I usually don't read historical fiction so I have to say I'm glad I gave this one a chance. I believe these is something in this book for everyone, no matter what your genre of choice is!

Thank you to Vasant Davé for the opportunity to take part in Trade Winds to Meluhha's Virtual Book Tour!

Want to learn more about Trade Winds to Meluhha? Check out the Facebook page here! Or you can purchase Trade Winds to Meluhha now from Amazon, B&N, or Smashwords.










*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. This did not influence my opinion in any way and all views and opinions expressed are 100% my own

Showcase Sunday (5)

Welcome to Showcase Sunday, hosted by Books, Biscuits and Tea. The aim of this event is to showcase our newest books or book related swag and to see what everyone else received for review, borrowed form the libraries, bought in bookshops and downloaded onto eReaders this week. For more information about how this feature works and to join in, click here.

Bought:

Unwind by Neal Shusterman

The Day Before by Lisa Schroeder

Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein

How to Buy a Love of Reading by Tanya Egan Gibson

When It Happens by Susane Colasanti

Won:

Everneath by Brodi Ashton 

Sweet Evil by Wendy Higgins

Huge thanks to Debbie at Debbie's World of Books for these two (plus a pre-order of a third!) awesome books that I'd been desperate to get my hands on! Thank you, Debbie!!!

That's all for me this week. It was a rather slow week, but that's ok! I have so much reading to catch up on now that it's been nice out and I haven't wanted to be in the house much. Anyway, I hope you all enjoy your holiday weekend (for those of you in the US) and stay safe!!!

What came for you this week? Leave me a link in the comments and I'll stop by!

On My Wish List (34)

On My Wish List is a fun weekly event hosted by Cosy Books and runs every Saturday. It's where we list all the books we desperately want but haven't actually bought yet. They can be old, new or forthcoming.

Title: Dash & Lily's Book of Dares
Author: Rachel Cohn & David Levithan
Publication Date: October 26, 2010

From Goodreads:


“I’ve left some clues for you.
If you want them, turn the page.
If you don’t, put the book back on the shelf, please.”

So begins the latest whirlwind romance from the New York Timesbestselling authors of Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist. Lily has left a red notebook full of challenges on a favorite bookstore shelf, waiting for just the right guy to come along and accept its dares. But is Dash that right guy? Or are Dash and Lily only destined to trade dares, dreams, and desires in the notebook they pass back and forth at locations across New York? Could their in-person selves possibly connect as well as their notebook versions? Or will they be a comic mismatch of disastrous proportions?

I tried getting my hands on this one when it first came out but was unsuccessful in my attempts. I'm still hoping to find a copy of this hidden in the stacks at Goodwill. It looks so fun!

What is your heart's desire this week? Leave me a link in the comment and I'll be sure to stop by!

Review and Giveaway: The Strangers Outside by Vanessa Morgan

Title: The Strangers Outside
Author: Vanessa Morgan
Publication Date: September 6, 2010

From Amazon:


Two sisters, Jennifer and Louise, return to their remote holiday cabin after a day at the seaside. But little do they know they're being surrounded. Shortly after their arrival, the girls will come face to face with THE STRANGERS OUTSIDE. When the assailants make their intentions known, things take a shockingly terrible turn and an intense battle for survival will begin.

My Thoughts:

I love short stories. In fact, sometimes I prefer to sit down with a short story anthology instead of a novel. I suffer from a lack of patience and I like immediate results. Short stories give me the chance to not only read a good story, but also to read it all in one quick sitting so I don't have to constantly be thinking about when I'll get another chance to read. So when Vanessa Morgan contacted me about a review for her short story, The Strangers Outside, there was no way I was going to pass it up.

The Strangers Outside is the story of Jennifer and Louise, sisters who are taking a trip to a cabin to spend some time together. Louise is emotionally strong, while Jennifer is very pessimistic and doesn't really do anything for herself. She just lets whatever happens happen without even putting up a fight. This drives Louise absolutely crazy, as it would me. I have no tolerance for people like that.

As for the story, it was very short. Less than 20 pages. Even so, I felt Louise and Jennifer were well-developed characters. We learned a lot about them in the short amount of time and it didn't come off as rushed at all. I was very impressed. Morgan did an excellent job pacing the story quickly and still setting the scene perfectly. Not only were the characters realistic, but the story creeped me out for sure! If you are looking for a quick, creepy read, definitely check this out!!!

Once again, Vanessa Morgan has been extremely generous and has offered one of my readers the chance to read The Strangers Outside for themselves. Since the story will be sent in ebook format, this is open internationally! Just fill out the handy dandy Rafflecopter below.

I also want to take a minute to thank Vanessa for the opportunity to read not just one, but all three of her books this week, and for allowing me to give away a copy of each. I truly appreciate it, you rock!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

So what was in the box???

Not too long ago I hosted a giveaway for The Big Box of Awesome- a box filled with books! The lucky winner was Lilian from A Novel Toybox, and I'm happy to say that I finally sent the box off to her today. I know, I should have sent it weeks ago but haven't had the chance until now. Anyway, I know some of you may be wondering what exactly was in that box, right? Well, take a look!

Lilian told me that she liked a mixture of YA, dystopian, humor and adult psychological thrillers. Even though I already had some books ready to go, I did my best to add what she liked. 

Lilian is receiving a total of 28 books!

Adult:

Last Known Victim by Erica Spindler

Cell by Stephen King

The Go Between by Frederick Turner

Learning to Swim by Sarah J. Henry

Eden Close by Anita Shreve

In the Woods by Tana French

The Twisted Thread by Charlotte Bacon

The Weight of Silence by Heather Gudenkauf

Happiness Sold Separately by Libby Street

Big Boned by Meg Cabot

The Idiot Girls' Action Adventure Club by Laurie Notaro

Autobiography of a Fat Bride by Laurie Notaro

I Love Everybody by Laurie Notaro

YA:

Brisingr by Christopher Paolini

My Name is Memory by Ann Brashares

Trickster's Choice by Tamora Pierce

Fade by Lisa McMann

Wither by Lauren DeStefano

Fever by Lauren DeStefano

The Death Cure by James Dashner

Blood Red Road by Moira Young

Burden of the Soul by Kate Grace

Dead to You by Lisa McMann

Beauty Queens by Libba Bray

This Lullaby by Sarah Dessen

Bloom by Elizabeth Scott

Three Times Lucky by Sheila Turnage

Flipped by Wendelin Van Draanen

So there ya have it! Lilian, I hope you like the selection I picked out for you. For those of you who didn't win, my blogoversary is coming up in a few months and I am going to be doing another box of books as one of the many giveaways! It will be US only, since I'm paying and I'm poor, but there will be other giveaways that will be open internationally :)

Review and Giveaway: Drowned Sorrow by Vanessa Morgan

Title: Drowned Sorrow
Author: Vanessa Morgan
Publication Date: December 2, 2008

From Goodreads:


Megan Blackwood has just lost her only son in a terrible accident. Now she has come to Moonlight Creek with her teenage daughter Jenna, hoping a change of scenery might help to put her life and that of her daughter back together. But something odd is going on in Moonlight Creek. When rain falls over the village, its inhabitants commit grisly murders, leaving the place deserted with the first rays of sunshine. Beneath the lake's surface, an eerie presence watches ... and waits .... Waits to reveal a tragic past drowned in mystery and fear. One that doesn't bode well for visitors. By the time Megan realizes that her life, as well as that of her daughter, is in danger, it may be too late to escape.

My Thoughts:

The Characters: 
While we do hear from several different characters, the main focus is Megan. Megan is a wife and mother, but she is also a workaholic. Because of this, her family life is shattered and she is forced to reevaluate her life and priorities. I admit that I really didn't care for Megan at first. She was obsessed with work and cared little for her children. Thankfully, as the story went on, Megan really started to become more "human" and started portraying the right emotions towards her daughter, Jenna. Jenna is the typical teenager and I found her story convincing. Even though she loved her mother deeply and tried her hardest to keep her happy, Jenna still wanted to have her own life and I could definitely relate to her.

As for the other characters, I really would have liked to have known more about their stories, especially Giselle's, the single mother of a teenage son who's desperate to get out of town. How did they all come to Moonlight Creek? Even though I'd like to have known more, I still enjoyed all of the characters (even the not-so-nice ones).

The Setting: Morgan did an excellent job setting the scene for this book. Complete with deserted streets and small, worn down buildings, Moonlight Creek came off as pretty damn spooky. All the buildings are old and they all seem to leak and smell. Nobody is ever around, unless it rains, and the residents are just plain creepy. I could totally picture walking through this town in my head, not that I'd ever want to spend more than an hour in a place like this!

The Storyline: I know I've already said it, but I'll say it again: creepy! That's the best way to describe this story. The idea is very original, I haven't read anything like it before. Not only was this a thriller, but there was something deeper going on to give the story some real depth. The characters were faced with not only hardships physically, but each one was struggling emotionally as well. Like I said before, the only thing missing was more back story. We aren't really told how the town got this way, and I really was curious to find that out.

The Writing: My only issue with the writing in this book was that sometimes the characters spoke in ways which didn't seem appropriate. I don't mean bad language or anything in that area. This story takes place in the United States but sometimes the characters would phrase things more in a way someone from London would. Was this a huge issue? No, just something I noticed a few times that stuck out. Aside from this, I found Morgan's writing to be evenly paced, straight-forward and clever. She really sets us up for some shockers here and brilliantly so. Even though Drowned Sorrow is a rather short book at only about 150 pages, you still get quite the ride. Everything fits into place perfectly and there aren't any "wait a minute, but then how does..." moments. You know the type I mean.

Overall, Drowned Sorrow is a spooky, yet emotionally charged, story all wrapped up into one little bundle. I truly enjoyed it. So much so that I read it all in one sitting! It kind of reminded me of a Stephen King (one of my faves) story that I read years ago about tourists who go to a small town on vacation only to be trapped when it starts raining frogs. Of course, these stories are completely different but the writing is similar. I definitely recommend you give Drowned Sorrow a read!

And guess what? Today is your lucky day because Vanessa Morgan has generously offered one of my readers the chance to read it for themselves! One lucky winner will receive their own download of Drowned Sorrow, and since this is an ebook, it's open internationally! So go ahead and enter below, good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway









*I received this ebook for free in exchange of my honest review. This did not influence my opinion in any way and all views and opinions expressed are 100% my own.

Waiting On Wednesday (34)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Title: Every Day
Author: David Levithan
Expected Publication Date: August 28, 2012

From Goodreads:


Every day a different body. Every day a different life. Every day in love with the same girl. 

Every morning, A wakes in a different person’s body, a different person’s life. There’s never any warning about where it will be or who it will be. A has made peace with that, even established guidelines by which to live: Never get too attached. Avoid being noticed. Do not interfere.

It’s all fine until the morning that A wakes up in the body of Justin and meets Justin’s girlfriend, Rhiannon. From that moment, the rules by which A has been living no longer apply. Because finally A has found someone he wants to be with—day in, day out, day after day.

Can you believe I have yet to read a book by David Levithan? I know, I really need to get on that! I'm hoping to start with this one though because it looks AMAZING! Have you read any of his books? Which others should I be pining for?

What are you waiting on this week? Leave me a link in the comments and I'll be sure to check it out!

Teaser Tuesday (34)

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

This Week's Teaser Is From:

Drowned Sorrow 

by Vanessa Morgan

"The air seemed to freeze around her when

she saw her daughter Jenna talking to an inspector. Time pooled and

stopped, and a terrible, clammy fear gripped her throat." pg. 14 ebook

Review and Giveaway: A Good Man, a screenplay by Vanessa Morgan!

Title: A Good Man
Author: Vanessa Morgan
Publication Date: April, 2012

From Goodreads:


Loved DEXTER and AMERICAN PSYCHO? Then you'll love A GOOD MAN.

Louis Caron is a good man - vegetarian, he feeds the homeless, takes care of animals and is even concerned with the ecological future of the planet. But his altruism has a sinister edge - he's a vampire - and local detective Taglioni is becoming increasingly suspicious. Louis' attempt to escape the police takes him on a journey into his own private hell where he is not only forced to confront his worst fears, but also to destroy the lives of those he cares about most.

My Thoughts:

Louis Caron is a vampire, but he doesn't like being one. To make up for it, he tries his best to be a good man in all other aspects of his life, whether it be donating money and clothes to the homeless or just helping out his friends in need. When Detective Taglioni suspects him in the disappearance of a woman, Louis has some tough decisions to make.


I have never read a screenplay before, so I was excited when this opportunity came about. I'm always up to try new things, and I'm happy to say that I was not disappointed in A Good Man. Louis was an interesting character. A vampire who wants to do good? Not very common. He really seemed to care for his friends and wanted what was best for them. Did he always make the best decisions? Of course not, but he definitely struggled with his choices.

The best part about reading the screenplay was the writing. Each new scene is set up at the beginning to give you a clear view of the character's surroundings. Once the scene is set, you can fully concentrate on the dialog and immerse yourself into the story. The story is believable, which is a huge thing for me when I'm reading about something paranormal (vampires, werewolves, angels...), and I enjoyed the interaction between characters.

My only issue with A Good Man was that I wanted more!It was a rather quick read, and I'd love to know more about Louis's life before he became a vampire and about his beginnings as one. I could totally see this becoming a tv series, one that I would definitely watch!

Overall, I really enjoyed A Good Man. I'm hoping there will be more to come from this story and I recommend it to everyone!

Have you ever read a screenplay? No? Well, why not start with this one? Thanks to Vanessa Morgan, one lucky reader is going to win a download of A Good Man of their own! Since this is a digital copy, it is open internationally. Just fill out the handy dandy Rafflecopter!



a Rafflecopter giveaway