The Reading Hideaway

Title: Rockoholic Author: C.J. Skuse Publisher: Scholastic Rating: 5 Synopsis (via Goodreads):   She's got it bad, and he ain't good -- he's in her garage?  "I'm your biggest fan, I'll follow you until you love me..."   Gonna have to face it: Jody's addicted to Jackson Gatlin, frontman of The Regulators, and after her best bud Mac scores tickets, she's front and center at his sold-out concert. But when she gets mashed in the moshpit and bodysurfs backstage, she's got more than a mild concussion to deal with. By the next morning, the strung-out rock star is coming down in her garage. Jody -- oops -- kind of kidnapped him. By accident. With a Curly Wurly candy bar. And now he doesn't want to leave.  It's a rock-star abduction worthy of an MTV reality series...but who got punk'd?! Review: Not only did the synopsis of Rockoholic excite me, but also the fact that it was my first ARC to read and review from Scholastic. Back...

Waiting on Wednesday is a daily meme hosted by Jill at  Breaking the Spine.  It highlights what newly released books us bloggers are most excited to read. Title: Scarlet Author: Marissa Meyer Synopsis (via Goodreads):   Cinder returns in the second thrilling installment of the  New York Times -bestselling Lunar Chronicles. She’s trying to break out of prison—even though if she succeeds, she’ll be the Commonwealth’s most wanted fugitive.  Halfway around the world, Scarlet Benoit’s grandmother is missing. It turns out there are many things Scarlet doesn’t know about her grandmother and the grave danger she has lived in her whole life. When Scarlet encounters Wolf, a street fighter who may have information as to her grandmother’s whereabouts, she has no choice but to trust him, though he clearly has a few dark secrets of his own.  As Scarlet and Wolf work to unravel one mystery, they find another when they cross paths with Cinder. Together, they m...

In My Mailbox is a daily meme hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren . It features the books we got this week to read and review.  This is what I got this week:  Bought:  Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury Revived by Cat Patrick Deadly Cool by Gemma Halliday My dad was in an awesome mood yesterday since he drove me to Madison so I could purchase new drum heads for my drum set (wonder who broke them...) and go book shopping at my favorite bookstore Frugal Muse Books. I think today is going to be a reading day for me since it's so nice outside, and of course my to-read pile is growing. =) What did you get this week?

Waiting on Wednesday is a daily meme hosted by Jill at  Breaking the Spine.  It highlights what newly released books us bloggers are most excited to read. Title: Reached Author: Ally Condie Synopsis (via Goodreads):   After leaving Society and desperately searching for the Rising—and each other—Cassia and Ky have found what they were looking for, but at the cost of losing each other yet again: Cassia has been assigned to work for the Rising from within Society, while Ky has been stationed outside its borders. But nothing is as predicted, and all too soon the veil lifts and things shift once again.  In this gripping conclusion to the #1  New York Times-bestselling Matched  Trilogy, Cassia will reconcile the difficulties of challenging a life too confining, seeking a freedom she never dreamed possible, and honoring a love she cannot live without. My Thoughts: I have read both Matched and Crossed . I loved them. Now I want a copy of Reached ...

In My Mailbox is a daily meme hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren. It features the books we got this week to read and review. This is what I got this week:  From the Library:  Ana's Story: A Journey of Hope by Jenna Bush Cinder  by Marissa Meyer The Scrapbook of Frankie Pratt by Caroline Preston What did you get this week?

Title: Touch of Frost Author: Jennifer Estep Publisher: K-Teen Rating: 5 Synopsis (via Goodreads):   My name is Gwen Frost, and I go to Mythos Academy; a school of myths, magic and warrior whiz kids, where even the lowliest geek knows how to chop off somebody's head with a sword and Logan Quinn, the hottest Spartan guy in school, also happens to be the deadliest. But lately, things have been weird, even for Mythos. First, mean girl Jasmine Ashton was murdered in the Library of Antiquities. Then, someone stole the Bowl of Tears, a magical artifact that can be used to bring about the second Chaos War. You know, death, destruction and lots of other bad, bad things. Freaky stuff like this goes on all the time at Mythos, but I'm determined to find out who killed Jasmine and why; especially since I should have been the one who died... Review: This review should've been posted a long time ago. I think I finished reading this book maybe two months ago now, but I'...

Oh man. It's already the last few days of October... Anywho, since it's my birthday today, the lovely Jennifer Banash (author of White Lines ) agreed to do a giveaway as a celebration! Good luck to all the entrants! =) a Rafflecopter giveaway

In My Mailbox is a daily meme hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren . It features the books we got this week to read and review. This is what I got this week: Won: Wings of the Wicked by Courtney Allison Moulton Big thanks to Erica from The Book Cellar for the chance to win. Can't wait to read this! =) What did you get this week?

Thanks to the Bookish Brunette , I am able to reveal The Paparazzi Project book cover (written by Kristina Springer) to you all today! =) My Thoughts: I've always liked pictures where you mainly see the camera and a slight outline of the photographer's face, kinda like the cover image. I'm really interested in what this book is about not only because I'm a photographer, but the way the cover presents itself. It makes it look intriguing. So... What do you think about The Paparazzi Project cover?

Title: Five Flavors of Dumb Author: Antony John Publisher: Dial Rating: 4 Synopsis (via Goodreads): The Challenge: Piper has one month to get the rock band Dumb a paying gig. The Deal: If she does it, Piper will become the band's manager and get her share of the profits. The Catch: How can Piper possibly manage one egomaniacal pretty boy, one talentless piece of eye candy, one crush, one silent rocker, and one angry girl? And how can she do it when she's deaf? Piper can't hear Dumb's music, but with growing self-confidence, a budding romance, and a new understanding of the decision her family made to buy a cochlear implant for her deaf baby sister, she discovers her own inner rock star and what it truly means to be a flavor of Dumb. Review: It took me a while to catch on to Piper's way of communication mainly because she can sign and talk. This threw me off a few times, but I got the hang of it eventually. Just because deaf people can't hear, doe...

There has been a lot of buzz about Michelle Madow's Transcend Time Saga, but I have yet to read it. Crazy, right? Either way, this trailer for Timeless  makes me want to read it and I just had to share it. =) What did you think about it? Have you read the books? Although I like the third cover, I wish it would've stayed consistent with the other two (just a girl's face in a masquerade ball mask) but that's just me.

Title: At What Cost Author: J. Andersen Synopsis (via Goodreads): During her junior year, sixteen-year-old Maggie Reynolds expected to shop for prom dresses not maternity clothes. Now, instead of studying for the SATs, she’s reading, What to Expect When You’re Expecting. Maggie’s ‘Mother Dearest’ lives in fear that Maggie will somehow taint the family name, so Maggie can’t turn to her for help. Meanwhile, her father is oblivious to anything but his 9-9 job. And her boyfriend, Justin? She’s pretty sure he’ll stay by her side. While Maggie wrestles with her options, Justin offers a solution: abortion. It would solve all her problems quickly, easily, and effectively. And her parents would never know, which means they won’t throw her out and cut her off like they’d always threatened if she got herself knocked up. Now Maggie must decide which choice she can live with: abortion or teenage motherhood. Either way, it’ll be a tough road to travel. Author Bio: Jesse Andersen lives ...

Waiting on Wednesday is a daily meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. It highlights what newly released books us bloggers are most excited to read. Title: That Time I Joined the Circus Author: J.J. Howard Synopsis (via Goodreads): A music-obsessed, slightly snarky New York City girl, Lexi is on her own. After making a huge mistake—and facing a terrible tragedy— Lexi has no choice but to track down her long-absent mother. Rumor has it that Lexi’s mom is somewhere in Florida with a traveling circus. When Lexi arrives at her new, three-ring reality, her mom isn’t there…but her destiny might be. Surrounded by tigers, elephants, and trapeze artists, Lexi finds some surprising friends and an even more surprising chance at true love. She even lucks into a spot as the circus’s fortune teller, reading tarot cards and making predictions. But then Lexi’s ex-best friend from home shows up, and suddenly it’s Lexi’s own future that’s thrown into question… With humor, wisdom, and a dazzlin...

Title: Guardian of the Moon Pendant Author: Laura J. Williams Synopsis: The MacAlpin women are of a fierce clan, born from a rare bloodline that harbors a dark and powerful secret – a mystical heirloom called the Moon Pendant. It is the key to controlling the MääGord standing stones, a magical Portal into the Otherworld, the realm of the Fae. Anabel and Izzy’s MacAlpin are two sisters, polar opposites, living separate lives. Anabel’s life is going precisely according to her plan, a ring on her finger from her steady beau, Edgar, and medical school in the fall. Izzy’s life is filled with scars and wounds from her past. Dubbed the “spare child” by her family and treated poorly, she rebelled, and now lives life by her own rules. These two sisters’s worlds are about to explode when one of them must go to Scotland and fulfill her duty as the Guardian of the Moon Pendant, by recharging this magical heirloom with four elementals, air, earth, water, and fire, and then finally close the P...

Thanks to the Bookish Brunette , I am able to reveal The Unnaturals book cover (written by Jessica Meigs) to you all today! =) My Thoughts: From the cover, this book looks like it's going to be an epic, action filled, spy-like young adult novel. So... What do you think about The Unnaturals cover?

Writing Corner is a daily post where I highlight aspiring authors' writing. This week's piece is The Meadow written by Irene. Jewel hilted, blood stained swords abandoned, warriors lay fallen, the air once quiet again; only the pretty birdsong and bubbling creek broke the silence. Silken crisp wings brushed my face as I lay sidelong in the cool spring grass; a wet ruby drop kissed my cheek as I held him to me. He would die soon, too soon for my liking as it left an empty ragged void in my chest that could not be filled. His sea green eyes stared back as I gazed into them, only blinking on occasion. "Why Adrian, why? Is it because you are such a gentleman to shove yourself in front of me?" I murmured painfully. The bloody fight replayed over and over in my head like a bad movie, each scene broken and torn. My clear tear drops fell, soaking his green tunic as his strong hand stroked my cheek, "Apparently it is destiny my dear, I was supposed to be your eter...

Title: The Goddess Test Author: Aimee Carter Publisher: Harlequin Rating: 5 Synopsis (via Goodreads): EVERY GIRL WHO HAS TAKEN THE TEST HAS DIED. NOW IT'S KATE'S TURN. It's always been just Kate and her mom--and her mother is dying. Her last wish? To move back to her childhood home. So Kate's going to start at a new school with no friends, no other family and the fear that her mother won't live past the fall. Then she meets Henry. Dark. Tortured. And mesmerizing. He claims to be Hades, god of the Underworld--and if she accepts his bargain, he'll keep her mother alive while Kate tries to pass seven tests. Kate is sure he's crazy--until she sees him bring a girl back from the dead. Now saving her mother seems crazily possible. If she suceeds, she'll become Henry's future bride and a goddess. IF SHE FAILS... Review: I. Loved. This. Book. I was sorta hesitant about buying it during my last shopping spree when I stopped by Barnes and Noble ...

In My Mailbox is a daily meme hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren. It features the books we got this week to read and review. This is what I got this week: Bought: The Rock Star's Daughter by Caitlyn Duffy Hidden Gem by India Lee Swim by Jennifer Weiner The Girl in the Converse Shoes by Yanitza Garcia I found all of these for FREE on iBooks yesterday and thought I would give them a try. (= I do recognize the first one from Wattpad, so who knows? Maybe I will publish a book someday... (; And about the last book, I LOVE Converse. :P What did you get this week?

Title: First Frost Author: Jennifer Estep Publisher: Kensington Rating: 2 Synopsis (via Goodreads): I am Gwen Frost, and I have a Gypsy gift.  It's called psychometry - that's a fancy way of saying that I see images in my head and get flashes of other people's memories off almost everything I touch, even guys.  My gift makes me kind of nosy. Okay, okay, maybe a lot nosy--to the point of obsession sometimes. I want to know everything about everyone around me. But even I don't want to know the secrets my friend Paige is hiding or the terrible loss that will send me to a new school - Mythos Academy, where the teachers aren't preparing us for the SATs, but to battle Reapers of Chaos. Now I have no friends and no idea how my gift fits in with all these warrior whiz kids. The only thing I do know is that my life is never, ever going to be the same... Review: I have heard a lot of good things about Jennifer Estep's Mythos Academy series so I thought I wou...

Title: That Boy Author: Jillian Dodd Rating: 5 Synopsis (via Goodreads): You know, being friends with two cute boys does have its benefits. There's Danny. Danny is a golden boy in every way. He has dreamy blue eyes and blonde hair that always looks perfect, even when it’s windblown or been stuck under a football helmet. He’s the boy every girl crushes on. The boy I get into trouble with, the boy I fight with, the hot quarterback no girl can resist, not even me. Being with Danny is like being on an adventure. He has a bright, contagious smile and abs to die for. He’s pretty much irresistible. Equally crush worthy is Phillip. Adorable, sweet Phillip, who I have known since birth. Phillip has dark hair, a perfect smile, brown eyes, and the sexiest voice I have ever heard. He’s the boy I talk to every night before I go to sleep. The boy who rescues me, the boy who can read my mind, the boy who is always there for me, the boy who tries to keep me out of trouble, the boy who irr...

This week's writing is A Horse Named Solitare written by Becca. It was a beautiful, spring morning in Calgary, Alberta and Brittney and her mother were just getting ready to leave their house. "Come on, Mom," Brittney called impatiently to her mother as she walked briskly out their large, wooden front door. She stopped and turned around to face her mother as soon as she reached the end of the porch, tapping her foot anxiously. "Hold your horses," her mother said calmly, grabbing her old, weathered paddock boots from the mat that was just inside the front door. "I would, but I don’t have any to hold," Brittney replied smartly. She smiled mischievously as her mother glared at her. They both laughed after a moment as Brittney’s mother knelt down to tie her boots. Brittney Morrison, a 15-year-old teen, had always wanted her own horse. She and her mom lived on a 10 acre farm, and they had owned horses since Brittney was little, but she had never had one...

Title: All These Things I've Done Author: Gabrielle Zevin Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux Rating: 5 Synopsis (via Goodreads): In 2083, chocolate and coffee are illegal, paper is hard to find, water is carefully rationed, and New York City is rife with crime and poverty. And yet, for Anya Balanchine, the sixteen-year-old daughter of the city's most notorious (and dead) crime boss, life is fairly routine. It consists of going to school, taking care of her siblings and her dying grandmother, trying to avoid falling in love with the new assistant D.A.'s son, and avoiding her loser ex-boyfriend. That is until her ex is accidently poisoned by the chocolate her family manufactures and the police think she's to blame. Suddenly, Anya finds herself thrust unwillingly into the spotlight--at school, in the news, and most importantly, within her mafia family. Engrossing and suspenseful, All These Things I've Done is an utterly unique, unputdownable read that ble...

Title: The List Author: Siobhan Vivian Publisher: Push Rating: 5 Synopsis (via Goodreads): An intense look at the rules of high school attraction -- and the price that's paid for them. It happens every year. A list is posted, and one girl from each grade is chosen as the prettiest, and another is chosen as the ugliest. Nobody knows who makes the list. It almost doesn't matter. The damage is done the minute it goes up. This is the story of eight girls, freshman to senior, "pretty" and "ugly." And it's also the story of how we see ourselves, and how other people see us, and the tangled connection of the two. Review: Everyone has an opinion about other people. We judge our peers before getting to know them. It sounds wrong, but it's true. That's just the way society is. While I read The List, it made me realize how cruel and unfair stereotypes are. Girls can be very mean. This is a fact. When I first read about the list being posted a...

In My Mailbox is a daily meme hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren. It features the books we have gotten this week to read and review. This is what I got this week: From the Library:   Touch of Frost by Jennifer Estep From Netgalley: Eve and Adam by Michael Grant and Katherine Applebee The Shadow Society by Marie Rutkoski The You Know Who Girls: Freshman Year by Annameekee Hesik What did you guys get this week?  

After failing my first Read-a-Thon, I was kinda nervous about this one. I am proud to say I feel VERY accomplished the second time around. My goal was to read five books in five days; my final result ended with four books in five days. Books Read: The List by Siobhan Vivian All These Things I've Done by Gabrielle Zevin First Frost by Jennifer Estep That Boy by Jillian Dodd I enjoyed the books that I was determined to finish and will post reviews within a couple days. This week has been crazy for me with dance pictures, dance rehearsal, dance recitals (TOMORROW!) and two swim meets. Crazy, crazy. I promise they will get done though... Eventually. =) If you participated in Katie's Back to School Read-a-Thon, how did you do? 

So just tonight I decided to change my blog design. Crazy, right? Well, thanks to  The Cutest Blog on the Block  it was easy. What do you guys think? I think the new design really brings out the whole "hideaway" theme. Plus, giraffes are amazing. =) Sorry about the pictures from the old blog, (the ones for IMM and WOW) I'm too lazy to take them down and they will eventually automatically archive themselves...

This is what I got this week: From Scholastic: Rockoholic by C.J. Skuse Confessions of the Sullivan Sisters by Natalie Standiford From Netgalley: Andy Squared by Jennifer Lavoie Confessions of an Angry Girl by Louise Rozett What I Didn't Say by Keary Taylor What did you guys get this week? 

This week's writing is Willing to Forgive a Broken Heart written by Emily . She looked around at a regretful ground, Littered with hearts that were waiting to be found. They all looked so desperately broken By words that should have been left unspoken. She asked, “Why are people left with hearts so hollow?” She said, “Take a bite of your pride, and then swallow. Now, stand up straight And shove aside your fear and your hate.” She glanced around at a painful ground, And heard nothing, not even a sound. No one had even heard her soulful words, Then she gasped at a heart, shattered in thirds, And she thought that it had belonged to her But she decided against it, and her eyes started to blur. She sighed, “We all have a life to live And we’re always willing to forgive.”

Honestly, I am kinda excited to start my freshman year of high school. Doesn't mean I wish summer would slow down, but I'm not complaining about getting prepared for the new school year. As a mini celebration, I decided I would participate in Katie's (from Katie's Book Blog ) Back to School Read-a-Thon just to get a few more books off my to-read pile. My list has changed a little from my planning post so this is what I have to read this week: Title: The List Author: Siobhan Vivian Progress: COMPLETE Title: All These Things I've Done Author: Gabrielle Zevin Progress: COMPLETE Title: First Frost Author: Jennifer Estep Progress: COMPLETE Title: That Boy Author: Jillian Dodd Progress: COMPLETE Title: The Goddess Test Author: Aimee Carter Progress: Page 1 There's the five books I hope to read and review in five days. Wish me luck!