The Clumsy Reader

Chew On This (4)

2011-08-31T23:47:00.003-05:00

Absence makes the heart grow fonder.

Yeaaaa sure....

Idk if I completly agree with this quote.

I think for a long period of time, yes it does make the heart grow fonder.

But for this day and age , absence for a few days, sometimes drives people in love CRAZY.

I can sympathize with that. Just being able to text or call each other is like a tease; what you want it RIGHT THERE yet you can't feel it. Its more annoying than "fond".

My boyfriend and I stay together for 3 days, apart for 4.

Those 4 days we bicker and everything annoys us, our families, the smell of the shampoo, yadayada.

Sometimes people, like my parents or myself and my beau, need each other.

You could be negative and say "Oh your co-dependent and thats not healthy" but... I dont believe that. If the feeling is mutual and that person doesnt want to be away from you any more than you dont want to feel them close to you then...whats so wrong about that?

If its love , if your are soul mates, there is no need for absence. None at all.

I'm Back.... ;D

2011-08-31T10:45:00.003-05:00

Well I have the worst pre-season head cold ever! So I'm stuck in bed in my pjs and drinking tea with my book and i got the Dragonfly feeling.

You know when you just feel winter settling in and you can't wait for snow, and cookies and books and sweaters and books and snuggling by the fireplace with BOOKS?

Yea well i got that dragonfly fluttering in my chest.

(Butterflies for tummy, dragonflies for your chest area)

Anywayz. So I was like "OMG! Last winter I froze my toes off , sitting in the study on the computer doing my blog! Even though it's still 80 degrees outside I wanna snuggle up and re-start my blog!!!" =)

So I'm gonna try VERY hard to keep up this time. I do officially have a boyfriend now and my world is kinda revolving around him atm BUT my reading has totally slowed down so I think it should be a pieace of pie to do at

least 1 book a week.

Also be prepared because I have a few (used, I warn you) books that i wanna give away but Im not sure how I wanna do the contests yet but if you stick around you'll find out =D

And if you have read all the way down to this sentence, Thank you and

Hope to talk to ya'll soon!

Happy Reading!!!!

CLOSING DOWN BLOG

2011-02-15T10:22:00.002-06:00

i cant figure out how to delete the blog and i kinda just wanna keep if (who knows i might have time fore this again) but i have school and home and now a bf :p i barely have time to read let alone write about what I read. Sorry ya'll <3

Wanna Be Friends?
www.facebook.com/ClusmyChristine
or
www.shelfari.com/theclumsyreader

Byeee and happy reading <333333

Ok Im 50 book reviews behind so lets just do this nice and simple...

2010-10-05T23:57:00.005-05:00

This Summer has flown by with so many great books I couldn't put them down to even write reviews on them! 0.0 i know it's bad! So my grandma just said "Compact it"
So here ya go! The Simplified version of my summer reads starting May 17 - October 6 :

Name ~ Rating ** What I Think

Masquerade ~ 5/5
Maximum Ride #1 ~ 5/5** WOW
How to Knit a Wild Bikini ~ 4/5
Wicked All Day ~ 3/5
Off Season ~ 4/5
Don't Judge a Girl by her Cover ~ 4/5
Schools out- Forever ~ 5/5 *Faaanggg*
Revelations ~ 3/5
Untamed ~ 3/5
Just One Wish ~ 5/5 **WOW**
Jessica's Guide to Dating the Dark Side ~ 5/5 **LOVE**
Half-Way to the Grave ~ 5/5 ** FUDGING LOVE** BONES! Come here now! xD
An Exchange of Gifts ~ 2/5
One Foot in the Grave ~ 5/5 ** BONESSSS**
Spanking Shakespeare ~ 5/5 *I couldnt stop LOLing*
This pen for Hire ~ 2/5
At Graves End ~ 5/5 *awwwwmigawd! Im in luv**
Fragile Eternity ~ 5/5 *GASP* Seth 0.0
Saving the World and Other Extreme Sports ~ 5/5
The Final Warning ~ 4/5
Olivia Joules and the Overactive Imagination ~ 4/5
Vampire Diaries #1 ~ 2/5
The Princess ~ 4/5
Shadow Kiss ~ 5/5
Blood Promise ~ 5/5 **Dayum....wow....*tears**
Bridget Jones' Diary ~ 3/5
Blue Eyed Devil ~ 5/5 * WOW*
Born of Fire ~ 3/5 **#100 book for 2010**
Bite Me! ~ 5/5 *AWESOME*
Mr.Darcy's Dairy ~ 3/5 *starts slow, ends awesomly*
Dead and Loving It ~ 5/5 *DROOL*
Princess and the Hound ~ 3/5
My Soul to Take ~ 5/5! * AHHMIGAWD FREAKING AWESOME!*
Skin Tight ~ 5/5
Renegade by Diana Palmer ~ 1/5 *Couldn't even finish it, just read the end xD*
The Frog Prince ~ 4/5 * Soooo cute! :D*
Destined for a Early Grave ~ 5/5 * Dayum I <3>
Last Writes ~ 2/5
What looks like Crazy ~ 5/5 * OMG I loved this book! Best NON paranormal book ever!*
If I Stay ~ 4/5 * I want more!*
Fallen ~ 5/5!!! BEST BOOK !!!
Hush, Hush ~ 5/5 !!! BEST BOOK!!!
Spirit Bound ~ 5/5 ~ wow.....
Just a Hint- Clint ~ 3/5
The Chase ~ 4/5
The Dragon Prince ~ 3/5
Once Dead Twice Shy ~ 4/5
The Summoning ~ 5/5 * DEREK!*
The Awakening ~ 5/5 * ((gaspers)) MORE DEREK!*
Shiver ~ 5/5 * Omg...that IS love....makes me ache for something that great*

Yes I know Im such beyatch for not putting the authors BUT I'm betting you can act like a grown up and google the books ;)-
So like read these books and you be happy as I was all summer!
haha later because now I gotta go buy Linger xD

I Love You, Beth Cooper

2010-08-06T19:17:00.007-05:00

Name: I Love You, Beth Cooper
Author: Larry Doyle
Pages: 253
Start Date: May 14
Finish Date: May 17
Type: LMAO High School Graduation Night Story
Status:Library
Rating:

Summary:Denis Cooverman didn't want to give a typical graduation speech, cherishing memories and embracing challenges and crap. So, instead, he stood up in front of his 512 class-mates and their 3,000 relatives and said some-thing really important: "I love you, Beth Cooper." It would have been such a sweet, romantic moment. Except that: Beth, the head cheerleader, has only the vaguest idea who Denis is. And Denis, the captain of the debate team, is so far out of her league he is barely even the same species. And then there's Kevin, Beth's remarkably large boyfriend, in town on furlough from the United States Army. Complications ensue. Denis comes of age overnight in this exhilar-ating, endearing novel that reminds us why we can't wait to escape high school but can never leave it behind.

My Review: Ok I could go on for DAYS about this book and why I loved it, but ya'll would never read it, so I'll keep it short and sweet. This book had every comical thing that could happen in it. I had to read it alone because I started snorting and laughing out loud in public. In one way I wish at least half of this stuff could happen to me and in another I just wish I could be Beth! I <3 u BC was definitely a LMAO/ROTFL book that had a romantic and crazy side. And the end...... well it leaves 'things' up in the air.... PS - The Pics are AWESOME! ::takes hat off for the artist::

Excerpt: UG! Mom took back a ton of books and I didn't get anything =( Including this one.
But go to the movie page and look a quotes, they all are from the book C=

Cover/Title: I love all the covers for this book! http://www.shelfari.com/books/496954/I-Love-You-Beth-Cooper/editions

Extras: LOTS of songs and funny sayings, but you know since I don't have the book.....
Movie Page
The Music

Hot Stuff

2010-08-06T18:51:00.005-05:00

Name: Hot Stuff
Author: Janet Evanovich and Leanne Banks
Pages: 281
Start Date: May 14
Finish Date: May 14
Type: Lovey Dovey Romantic Comedy
Status: Library
Rating:

Summary:HOT STUFF introduces Cate Madigan, a Boston native from a large and crazy Irish family. Cate has far too much going on to get involved in extracurricular activities, like men and marriage. She spends all day in school, earning her teaching degree, and all night working as a bartender in Boston’s South End. Ex-cop Kellen McBride has decided to make Cate’s bar his nightly haunt. He likes Cate’s sassy Irish spirit and wild red hair. He also has an ulterior motive for getting close to her. Cate has sworn off all things romantic, but when she comes home to a ransacked apartment, a roommate who has flown the coop, and a sleeping bull-mastiff named Beast, Cate has no choice but to ask Kellen for help. Can Kate resist the charming Kellen McBride while keeping herself out of danger? Or will Kellen turn up the heat on Cate and everything in her life?

My Review:
Ok this book was horrible writing! I mean it was literally all talk and no action. Like someone would be talking and somehow end up on the other side of the room or in a different room and it's like how the hell did they get over there??? Also the chemistry seemed SooooSOOSOSo FAKE! But the redeeming quality was that is was literally laughing of loud funny. The characters and situitaions they get into.... omg LMAO! So, I mean, you might want to read it in a day like me, but if you think it would take you a week or tow, forget it!

Excerpt: X

Cover/Title: Ok best thing about the book is the cover. Title = ok.

Extras: X

Scrambled Eggs At Midnight

2010-08-01T12:48:00.008-05:00

Name: Scrambled Eggs At Midnight
Author:Brad Barkley & Heather Hepler
Pages: 262
Start Date: May 9
Finish Date:May 14
Type: Teen Life & Love
Status:Library
Rating:

Summary:Calliope (or Cal as she calls herself) wants nothing more than to stay put; to stop traveling cross-country with her mother, sleeping in a tent, and abandoning all belongings whenever they pull up stakes. Meanwhile, Eliot misses the happy times he left behind when his father decided to open a camp for kids looking to lose weight and find Jesus. when Cal and Eliot meet by chance, they feel an immediate connection. together they must face their isolation, the threat of yet another move, and the deepening of Eliot father’s obsession. in their case, love just might be everything it’s cracked up to be.

My Review: This book ain't all it's cracked up to be. It's better.
Within the first chapter I so felt for Cal, and in the second I had a crush on Eliot. I like how all the characters have there own stories and how the authors brought religion sneakily into the book. But in a good way, people. I swear.Also it's the little things in this book that seriously made my heart ache for someone like Eliot and to be brave like Cal. And the end.... omg FINALLY an ending that ended how I would have. In writing and in real life. Trust me. Read and see what Cal does..... I know you would do it too.

Excerpt: UG! Mom took back the book before I could get anything =( SRY!

Cover/Title:
CUTE! I mean the picture and name just so fits the book! LOVE it!

Extras: Look at Excerpt. Oh but did ya'll notice the authors? B B and H H. Lmao

Sleeping Over

2010-07-13T13:18:00.005-05:00

Name: Sleeping Over
Author: Stacey Ballis
Pages: 345
Start Date: May 7
Finish Date: May 10
Type: Chick-Lit ALL the Way; Paperback
Status: Library
Rating:

Summary:Meet Jess, Robin, Anne, Lilith and Beth…five thirty-somethings living in Chicago and trying to navigate work, men, life and love with humor, intelligence, and – most of all – friendship. Though each woman is very different, and clearly on her own path of discovery, the strength they find in each other makes their individual journeys a little easier.

We meet the ladies in flashback at a Valentine’s Day slumber party, establishing the connections between them, and giving us a snapshot of where the women are in their lives. We then move to present day, two years later, and each of the five tells her own story as it happens. Part Sex and the City, part Little Women, with a dash of Slaves of New York (well, Slaves of Chicago, at the very least), Sleeping Over examines relationships both romantic and platonic, (and platonic wanting to be romantic), and looks at all the various configurations of what it means to "spend the night" with someone.

Jess has just returned from a two-year Peace Corps tour in Kenya, and is crashing at the condo of her cousin Mark’s best friend, pediatrician Harrison. Dealing with a return to Western Civilization, her long-divorced parents dating each other again, and the feelings she is trying not to develop for the dashing doctor she is living with, may in fact make her crazy at any moment. Then again, if the doctor reciprocates, she just might be on the road to real joy.

Robin relishes her job as executive sous-chef in a trendy little restaurant almost as much as she relishes her friendship with its owner, Michael. But while Michael may think that their cuddly sleepovers are just friends being affectionate, Robin knows that she wants much more. But how do you make someone who knows you so well look at you with fresh eyes? And if he does, will it spell disaster at work?

Beth and her sister, Anne, have recently opened up a boutique together which is managing to keep afloat in spite of the economy. Beth isn’t really concentrating on much besides the store, fixing up her loft, and playing with her dog Petey when unexpected reconnections with three men from her past throw everything into turmoil. Ex-boyfriend Sasha has decided they should be friends again, as has grad-school lover Eric…all while Beth is in the infancy of a romance with Jeff, a guy she detested in college who has suddenly become the opposite of detestable. It is either an embarrassment of riches, or a nightmare from the tenth circle of hell, and she will need loads of support from the girls to puzzle out her next move.

Anne loves Beth, and Beth loves their working partnership, but the store isn’t Anne’s dream, and while the sisters share almost everything, Anne’s secret desire to go back to school to pursue a career in occupational therapy is keeping her up nights. Lucky for her, these nights are no longer spent alone, after a bizarre series of events brings Chris into her life – and for the first time, Anne knows what it means to be completely swept off her feet.

Lilith has finally returned to her work in theater after nursing her father during his ultimately unsuccessful battle with cancer. But getting back in the game has her stuck in the worst kind of triangle. While she and boring boyfriend Martin are temporarily "seeing other people," she meets Noah, a deliciously enigmatic actor, for whom she falls head over heels. Problem one, Noah is married. Problem two, Noah isn’t the least bit interested in Lilith, except as a friend. But Jay, on the other hand, is very interested. He is younger, brasher, nothing Lil ever expected to want or need…but nevertheless intriguing. Lil struggles with letting go of the idea of Noah to see if she should be more open-minded about Jay.

There are surprising twists for each of the women, separately and together, including one major disaster which threatens to change their friendship forever. But at the end of the day, five is always a happier number; and sometimes, whoever else you may be sleeping with, sleeping over with your girlfriends can be the best thing to do.

My Review: Well the summary pretty much sums it up. Really all I should add is that the end is Whoa. And Harrison is the EXACT man I want to marry. But Jess needs to be slapped around a bit I think... And personally I think Stacey could have written about each women in their own book, but it would have drug out, so this was so smart on her part to intertwine their stories together. Definitely a book to add to your chick-lit reading group.

Excerpt: We wake up, still twisted together. Harrison brushes the hair off my forehead and smiles at me.
"Good morning, beautiful."
"Good morning."
"I think I have to make love to you now."
And he did. And we were, you know, inevitable. ~ page 152

Cover/Title: Love the title, because you can take it two ways.*wink wink, nudge nudge* And the cover is soooo cute but see the guy that has his legs kinda on two girls? Well, that doesn't make sense because no guy cheats on the girls! Any way I want the slippers, pants and boxers please.

Extras: [ # is page # ]
The Unbearable Lightness of being - 17
Jimmy Durante - Mrs. Calabash - 39
Six Feet Under - 97
Regarding Henry - movie - 121
Annie Lennox - music - 156
Waiting for Godot - 170
Sarah Mclachlan - 215
Springtini - 287 **** and other recipes from the book!!! *****
"In my Life" - Beatles - 304
The soundtrack to "The Commitments" - 334
The Importance of Being Earnest - movie/play - 340
Fun Stuff About and From the Book

Ironside: A Modern Faery's Tale

2010-07-06T16:52:00.006-05:00

Name: Ironside:A Modern Faery's Tale
Author: Holly Black
Pages: 323
Start Date:May 9
Finish Date: May 9
Type: Romantic, Gothic Modern Faery Tale
Status: Library; 3rd in the Modern Faery Tales
Rating:

Summary:the time has come for Roiben's coronation. Uneasy in the midst of the malevolent Unseelie Court, pixie Kaye is sure of only one thing—her love for Roiben. But when Kaye drunkenly declares herself to Roiben, he sends her on a seemingly impossible quest to find a faerie who can tell a lie.Miserable and convinced she belongs nowhere, Kaye decides to tell her mother the truth—that she is a changeling left in place of the human daughter stolen long ago. Her mother's shock and horror sends Kaye back to the world of Faerie to find her human counterpart and return her to Ironside. But when Kaye returns to the faerie courts, a battle of wits and weapons is being waged over Roiben's throne, and she soon finds herself at the center of it all.

My Review: Knowing this would be the last book *sniff* I tried to savor it. Yeah, for a whole day. Once you start it, you can't put it down. A couple times I had to smack my head and say "You dumb-ass!" to Kaye or some other character but most of the time I was just enthralled. And Corny and Luis? Aw! My fave gay couple so far! I'm trying really hard to think of negative things here, but I'm in such a good mood today! So this book has no faults, except for the usual:
It ended.

Excerpt: " 'Life is like licking Honey from a Thorn' " ~ page 15

Cover/Title: Title is a 5 on a 1 to 10 scale. Cover is awesome! But remember the crown at the end of Valiant? That they had to make to save the stupid boy? Is this it? Or is it Roiben's crown???? But I like this cover more: --- Cover ---

Extras: X

Valiant

2010-06-19T13:28:00.005-05:00

Name: Valiant
Author: Holly Black
Pages: 313
Start Date: May 6
Finish Date: May 7
Type: Gothic Faery/Beauty and the Beast Story; Hardback
Status: Library; #2 in A Modern Tale of Faery
Rating:

Summary:When seventeen-year-old Valerie runs away to New York City, she's trying to escape a life that has utterly betrayed her. Sporting a new identity, she takes up with a gang of squatters who live in the city's labyrinthine subway system.But there's something eerily beguiling about Val's new friends. And when one talks Val into tracking down the lair of a mysterious creature with whom they are all involved, Val finds herself torn between her newfound affection for an honorable monster and her fear of what her new friends are becoming.

My Review: I'll admit I was pissed that it wasn't about the Faeries from the 1st one. But this book had it's own twist. It was more focused on the pure mortal part, where as "Tithe" was about a mortal turning faery. Valiant also hit the topics on addicts and homeless and even a little about gay people and wanting what you can't have. I liked that it had those elements but it dragged. I got bored when all that was going on was Val taking the Never and basically going a little insane. I personally wanted to know more about Ravus and the sword and more about Trolls. And the heat and chemistry between Ravus and Val I think needed to be turned up, because they way it is, it's like she's falling (slowly) for a teacher or boss. But... in the end, literally, it was awesome. Also I do like that Roiben and Kaye make a camo :)
And yes you kinda need to read this before Ironside. Well at least I recommend you do.

Excerpt: Gone in one faerie sigh....

Cover/Title: That sword is so bad-ass! And I like how she pulled "Valiant" into it. Much more creative than the 1st.

Extras: X

Waiting For You

2010-06-19T12:12:00.007-05:00

Name: Waiting for You
Author:Susane Colasanti
Pages: 320
Start Date: May 3
Finish Date: May 5
Type: Teen Romance/Drama; Hardback
Status:Library
Rating:

Summary:It’s sophomore year, and Marisa is ready for a fresh start and, hopefully, her first real boyfriend. But after popular Derek asks her out, things get complicated. Not only do her parents unexpectedly separate, but Marisa has a fight with her best friend, and Derek—the love of her life—delivers a shocking disappointment. The only things keeping Marisa together are the podcasts from the anonymous DJ, who seems to totally understand Marisa. But she doesn’t know who he is . . . or maybe she does.

My Review: This is the third book by Miss Colasnati that I have read and I gotta say, she KNOWS how to write. In "Waiting for You" you can really, juts... feel the feelings like it's something that's actually happened or happening to you. And this might be a spoiler but I have to say this: The mom is a bitch. I mean what she does and lets her daughters think is just completely mind blowing. But I think it was very realistic. And Nash... ug I wish I had a friend like him. He's so cute! And the DJ is freakin' awesome; he knows his music. This book is a very much a growing up and deal with story as well as a hidden love story. Plus it has great music. Good book + Great music = My seal of approval.

Excerpt: "Let me break this down for you. It's really simple, once you understand the basics. Fact: Guys are not that complicated. We're pretty simple animals. We like to sleep and eat and game. We like attention from the ladies, or from the dudes if you swing that way- it's all god. But too much attention is a turnoff. No one wants to feel crowded. Think about it like this: Does a wild animal like to be trapped in a cage? Yeah, we're tame. But we still have the same needs."
~ page 178

Cover/Title: Pretty cute cover, and as always, I love the title and how the author fits it into the story. :) Go Susane!

Extras:
Mat Kearney CD (Grey's Anatomy Song #10) - page 32
Speak, book - 33
Girl, book - 33
Arcade Fire, music - 26
My So-Called Life, show - 62
Cookie Monster Song - 75
John Mayer: Daughters - ????? sry
The Pact, book - 141
Pump Up the Volume - 152
When Harry Met Sally - 152
19 Minutes, book - 171
The Pixies, music - 182
Colin Hay, music - 183
Twisted, book - 190
The Cure ~ "Treasure" - 190
John Mayer: Slow Dancing - 257
John Mayer: Clarity - 274
Heathers (Christian Slater), movie - 286
John Mayer: 3X5 - 291

Tithe: A Modern Faerie Tale

2010-05-04T19:20:00.003-05:00

Name: Tithe: A Modern Faerie Tale
Author: Holly Black
Pages: 310
Start Date: May 2
Finish Date: May 3
Type: Romantic Urban Fantasy; Hardback
Status: 1st in Modern Faerie Tales; Library
Rating:

Summary:Sixteen-year-old Kaye is a modern nomad. Fierce and independent, she travels from city to city with her mother's rock band until an ominous attack forces Kaye back to her childhood home. There, amid the industrial, blue-collar New Jersey backdrop, Kaye soon finds herself an unwilling pawn in an ancient power struggle between two rival faerie kingdoms -- a struggle that could very well mean her death.

My Review:Ok by reading the summary above, you might see why I procrastinated reading this. But now I'm pissed I didn't read it earlier! Seriously, this is a zillions time better than Wicked Lovely! ( I still love you Melissa Marr! ) Not only did this book have ideas and twists that were mind blowing (like the kelpies!) it introduced a whole new spin on the faerie world, while making it creepy and beautiful all at the same time. It's dark, it's stunning, it.................... I don't think it has any flaws. If you think I'm wrong, please tell why. Love Roiben...

Excerpt: Roiben looked at the Seelie Queen, and his eyes closed with an exhalation of breath that was so evocative of relief, Kaye felt herself fill with dread. There was something wrong with all this. ~ page 299

Cover/Title: Of course my library has the scary version but I think this is more what she looks like than the photo they took on the other version. And the title could have been better, but because it all revolves around the "Tithe" it makes sense.

Extras:
White Rabbit - Grace Slick ~ page 55
King Pain song? - page 140 (I actually have no idea if this is right... I just don't see anyone in this book a Police fan :S)

The Nature of Jade

2010-05-04T19:15:00.007-05:00

Name: The Nature of Jade
Author: Deb Caletti
Pages : 288
Start Date: April 15
Finish Date: May 2
Type: ;Hardback
Status: Library
Rating:

Summary:I am not my illness. "Girl with Anxiety," "Trauma of the Week" -- no. I hate stuff like that. Everyone, everyone has their issue. But the one thing my illness did make me realize is how necessary it is to ignore the dangers of living in order to live. And how much trouble you can get into if you can't. Jade DeLuna is too young to die. She knows this, and yet she can't quite believe it, especially when the terrifying thoughts, loss of breath, and dizzy feelings come. Since being diagnosed with Panic Disorder, she's trying her best to stay calm, and visiting the elephants at the nearby zoo seems to help. That's why Jade keeps the live zoo webcam on in her room, and that's where she first sees the boy in the red jacket. A boy who stops to watch the elephants. A boy carrying a baby. His name is Sebastian, and he is raising his son alone. Jade is drawn into Sebastian's cozy life with his son and his activist grandmother on their Seattle houseboat, and before she knows it, she's in love. With this boy who has lived through harder times than anyone she knows. This boy with a past. Jade knows the situation is beyond complicated, but she hasn't felt this safe in a long time. She owes it all to Sebastian, her boy with the great heart. Her boy who is hiding a terrible secret. A secret that will force Jade to decide between what is right, and what feels right. Master storyteller Deb Caletti has once again created characters so real, you will be breathless with anticipation as their riveting story unfolds.

My Review: I started this book one night and then I stopped. Why? Well, it was kinda dry and blah and made you think "ok, ok, boo-hoo for you, lets here the story". But later I picked it back up and thought "Why the hell did you put this down, dummy?" Needless to say I then promptly flew through it and it was...amazing. It had everything and it was given out in good proportion. But I gotta say Sebastian really made the book for me. He is the perfect young dad. And the thing that clicked for me was Jade and her mom. In the begining, how they act, is just how my mom and I act! Also talk. Speaking of talking [har-har] I talked to my mom about what Jade's mom does, and she said that she would totally understand and give me support and NOT TELL (which Jade's mom does). What do you think? If you can, ask your mom and see what she'd think about what Jade's mom does to Jade in the end. And would you do that to your daughter, sister, niece, or maybe just a bff? Personally I wouldn't have. If you've read the book, comment. If you haven't, well read the talk to me, k?

Excerpt:

It makes you realize how basically everything we do comes down to a) mating or b) competing for resources. It’s just like Animal Planet, only we’ve got Cover Girl and Victoria’s Secret instead of colored feathers and fancy markings, and the violence occurs at the Nordstrom’s Half-Yearly Sale. ~ page 21

Cover/Title: I like this cover, because the people on the other... well I don't think that's what they looked like -_- The name is flawless because this is about the nature of Jade.

Extras:
The Life and Times of Alexander Hamilton ~ page 110
Jive Talking - Bee Gees ~ page 129

FYI & Update (3)

2010-05-04T12:45:00.005-05:00

I am so behind on reviews, I stopped laughing 3 books ago. yeah I'm soon to be 6 books behind
-_-
Here are the lucky ones:
True Confessions by Rachel Gibson
Take me there by Susane Colasanti
What Would Emma Do? by Eileen Cook
The Nature of Jade by Deb Caletti
Tithe by Holly Black
and almost done with:
Waiting for You by Susane Colasanti

Fun, huh? And I just bought 11 more books plus the galzilions I aready have plus my local libraries equals confusion (where to start?)
So istead of 'Happy Reading' let us say from now on 'Fast Reading' shall we?
Oh, wanna see the books I just bought? Huh, do you? Ok........
Click to go to where I bought most (in hardback) for .99! I know I sound like a advertisment but it's ture:

Are You for Real?
Bite Me!
Bermudez Triangle
The Princess and the Hound
Born of Fire (a League Novel)
Blue-Eyed Devil
Stupid and Contagious
Secrets
Wicked All Day
The Naked Face ( my g-ma actaully ordered this but i might read it.....)
Hell House (Ditto)

well i guess that's it. For now.................................................................................

What Would Emma Do?

2010-05-02T15:26:00.012-05:00

Name: What Would Emma Do?
Author: Eileen Cook
Pages: 307
Start Date: April 29
Finish Date: May 1
Type: Religious Teen Drama; Paperback
Status: Library
Rating:

Summary:Thou Shalt Not Kiss Thy Best Friend's Boyfriend...again...
There is no greater sin than kissing your best friend's boyfriend. So when Emma breaks that golden rule, she knows she's messed up big-time...especially since she lives in the smallest town ever, where everyone knows everything about everyone else...and especially since she maybe kinda wants to do it again. Now her best friend isn't speaking to her, her best guy friend is making things totally weird, and Emma is running full speed toward certain social disaster. This is so not the way senior year was supposed to go.Time to pray for a minor miracle. Or maybe, just maybe, it's time for Emma to stop trying to please everyone around her, and figure out what she wants for herself.

My Review: This book was so not what I expected. I thought it was about like "Jane Austen's" Emma. I did not comprehend it was religious. Well until I started reading it (duh). But I liked the book because of that; it was light hearted but still down to earth. But my favorite part was the whole lie and how far they took it. About the "popular" girls lying to cover the asses. It's so true how these girls act because I have witnessed it. So to finally find a book where the main character and I share a few things in common (want to get out of little town; popular girls are 'dogs') is very refreshing. And the whole romance part? Well I can't really give any away but it's really good...

Excerpt: What the hell would Jesus do in this kind of situation? I paused to see if any heavenly advice was forthcoming. Nothing. Jesus had a knack for staying out of these kinds of situations. I wasn't sure what Jesus would do, but I was going to run. ~ page 110

Cover/Title: Cute title but like I said I thought it was like Jane Austen's Emma. The cover it ok, but doesn't his nose look weird? lol

Extras:
Emma's Shoes -here- - 68
Castles in the air - 33
Nights in White Satin - 33
Wildfire - 33

Take Me There

2010-05-02T15:26:00.009-05:00

Name: Take Me There
Author: Susane Colasanti
Pages: 290
Start Date: April 28
Finish Date: April 29
Type: Teen Life/Romance; Hardback
Status: Library
Rating:

Summary:Rhiannon is devastated after the breakup with her boyfriend and wants him back. Nicole's ex is still pining for her, but she can’t help having a new crush. And then there is James, hopelessly in love with Rhiannon, who can’t see that their friendship can be so much more. Just when things couldn’t get more complicated, the school’s resident mean girl decides she is intent on ruining everyone’s life. James, Nicole, and Rhiannon are not going to let this slide, but will their desire to take down the mean girl bring these three friends exactly what they want?

My Review: This book wasn't all that I thought it was going to be. Like "When in Happens" I thought it'd be about crushes and growing up. But this book was more than that. It was about love and loss, hate and pain, the past and future, and even about how schools are unfair! All the characters were weaved into these complex people that all had something in common with each other, and that alone made the book to me. The end is great, because you basically know what's going to happen. There was only one hiccup: when Nicole is obsessing the teacher, at first I thought they were already having an affair. Her day-dreaming and real life clashed and I couldn't tell them apart for a minute. Other than that, this book earned four, happy daisies.

Excerpt: I thought I had control over something that went crazy. I thought following a straight road would lead me right to my destination. Like the road would just take me there because I was following all the rules. And if the road curved, I couldn't be sure about where I was going. But look where it got me.
Maybe it's time for a detour. ~ page 200

Cover/Title: Cute, an the part where 'take me there' comes in... " and even now, even after all I put him through, he's saving me. I've been trying to find my way into the light for so long, and he just comes along and takes me there." AWWWWW! So the title is perfect!

Extras:
Garden State - Movie - pg. 2
Topher Grace - pg. 16
13 Going on 30 - Movie - pg. 19
Razzles - pg. 19
Joe the Art of Coffee - 20
Watchmen - 21
Lafcadio - book - 27
Spray Roses - 39
Fleetwood Mac - Rhiannon - 41
X & Y - 63
Harriet the Spy - 64
Orange Shirt - California Dreamin' - 66 [If it doesn't come up, just tell me :) ]
John Lennon in NYC tee - 66 [ just imagine it as a pin]
Fox from "The Little Prince" pin - 66 [s ry couldn't find ;( ]
Look Closer pin - 66
24 - 149
Bookslut Blog - 153
My Immortal - 171
Jet - Look What you've done - 206 <-- The Song! Fly Away- Lenny - 245
Unisex Salon (band) - 248
Beatles - Because - 274
Breakfast Club - 278

True Confessions

2010-04-26T10:13:00.010-05:00

Name: True Confessions
Author: Rachel Gibson
Pages:356
Start Date: April 25
Finish Date: April 27
Type: Romance; Hardback
Status: Library
Rating:

Summary:Welcome to Gospel, Idaho, where everyone knows that there are two universal truths. First, God did His best work when He created the Sawtooth Wilderness Area. Second, every sin known to heaven and earth—from the hole in the ozone to alien abductions—is all California's fault.This is the story of what happened when a Californian came to visit . . .Hope Spencer knows wacky: as a writer for The Weekly News of the Universe she's "spotted" Bigfoot, Elvis, and the face of Jesus on a tortilla. Arriving in Gospel hoping for some peace and quiet and normal . . . she quickly figures out that there's nothing normal going on in Gospel. From the Barnes sisters with their color-coordinated hair, to the toilet-tossing sportsmen . . . to the murder victim whose body had been found in her house years before, the Gospel truth really is stranger than fiction—even tabloid fiction. Hell, she should have stayed in L.A.And then there's local sheriff Dylan Taber. He's no made-up character from one of her stories. She could never create anything that good. Dylan's all too real . . . and soon Hope is forced to face the awful truth—she's been too long without a man. But once she gets wind of a Hollywood actress somehow mixed up in Dylan's life, Hope realizes that if they are to have any chance together, he has some true confessing to do.

My Review: I needed to read a cute romance so of course I picked up one of Rachel's books. This is now the 3rd book I've read by her and I gotta she's on a winning streak. Oh, and I am from Northern California, so my mom and I read the back and we like "Yep, that sounds like us". LOL I liked this book because it wasn't the typical romance. There was Adam, her job, his secret, and Dylan gets mad at her. Usually it's the man who has a secret and when the woman finds out, the man has to say sorry and woo her. Here, man gets mad at woman for having secret, but he's being a BIG hypocrite. So, Woman waits. Man finally comes to senses. Happy ending! I really liked this book too because it wasn't cheesy. But the one thing that threw me off was the murder that was committed in her house. There were a few things that seemed like she was going to tell more about what the hell happened there... but she didn't. I really don't know why she even had that whole thing in there other than to make you laugh and stay away from sheriffs. But that doesn't matter because if he's anything like Dylan, he can tie me up and each peaces as much as he wants! :}

Excerpt:
They were like peanut M&M's; they had a normal-looking shell but were hiding a nut inside.~57

Cover/Title: Of course my Library has the cheesy cover with the sausage fingers and an apple (I only remember an apple being in the book once [when the stop to talk on their way to camp]). But the nails, I soooooo get! But I like the new Hardback ~here~. Title fits nicely.

Extras:
Andy Griffith Deputy ~ pg. 19
Run baby Run baby run - Sheryl Crow ~ pg. 50
I Write the Songs - Barry Manilow ~ pg. 80
Hello Darlin' - Conway Twitty ~ pg. 82
What's New Pussycat? - Tom Jones ~ pg. 119
Sling Blade - Movie ~ pg. 242
Wild Ride - Dwight Yoakam ~ pg. 252*
Highway to Hell - AC/DC ~ pg. 261
Jewel ~ pg. 299
Bonnie Raitt ~ pg. 328
The star constellation Cassiopeia ~ AwEsOmE!

The Forest of Hands and Teeth

2010-04-26T10:12:00.006-05:00

Name: The Forest of Hands and Teeth
Author: Carrie Ryan
Pages: 308
Start Date: April 24
Finish Date: April 25
Type: Zombie with a little romance; Hardback
Status: Library; 1st in The Forest of Hands and Teeth Series
Rating:

Summary:In Mary's world there are simple truths. The Sisterhood always knows best. The Guardians will protect and serve. The Unconsecrated will never relent. And you must always mind the fence that surrounds the village; the fence that protects the village from the Forest of Hands and Teeth. But, slowly, Mary’s truths are failing her. She’s learning things she never wanted to know about the Sisterhood and its secrets, and the Guardians and their power, and about the Unconsecrated and their relentlessness. When the fence is breached and her world is thrown into chaos, she must choose between her village and her future—between the one she loves and the one who loves her. And she must face the truth about the Forest of Hands and Teeth. Could there be life outside a world surrounded in so much death?

My Review: This book disappointed me. But it also enthralled me. I saw it all of a sudden in the stores and thought i just had to read it because everyone else is. So I started this book not knowing what it even was about. I'll admit: I would have never picked it up if I'd read the summary. I didn't expect a bitter sweet, no just bitter, love story. I gotta say, I think my heart broke a little when it happened. It was sad; the whole 'brother leaving the girl he loves alone because she belongs to the other'. But what's unfair, it that Harry I think loved Cass but he thought he loved Mary because he always had. So Harry really jacked everything up! :( So sad.... Anyway I love the whole 'zombie apocalypse'. I was baby sitting my 5 year old sister and 9 year older brother when I started this book. I had read up to 134 when the both snuggled into me on the couch and demanded I read out loud. I read to them for 3 hours strait, but only 37 pages because I kept having to explain stuff. When I tucked them in, we all agreed on some things:
1) Mary was stupid. Who cares about the ocean and dreams when you could have your true love. Ok, yeah, you have to pick one boy but come on! The ocean?! Ice cream we could understand...
2) Team Travis
3) Most zombies in movies have some kind of power. High jumping, scary smartness, super speed... but they had nothing. Kinda boring.
4) Did the zombies have a 'home' they went to? Could they reproduce? Were they making, like, a colony and pawing at the fences was like a job?
5) The whole story is kinda like "I Am Legend". P.S.- We didn't like that movie much.
6) WTH happened to Harry, Cass, Jacob, and the dog????????????????????
7) Was the 'man' on the beach a man, or her age?
8) How old was Mary, Travis, and Cass?
9) Jed?!
and 10) Will 'Dead Tossed Waves' answer anything here?
Oh, and Rachel pointed something out: Why did the boys fight over Mary when they had Cass? Cass didn't have mommy issues or had the possiblity to be crazy. Well not to the extent of Mary's craziness. Plus Mary sounded norm. Trust me, I am border line norm and ick and boys do not fight over me.

Excerpt:
He is gone. Forever.~ pg. 276

Cover/Title:
I think the cover is so-so. I personally love the German Cover. I thought the title was just a title and maybe it was mentioned one or twice. No. The whole book literally surrounds the forest. That's ok but it sure tells ya Carrie couldn't think of a more creative title because she had to use her creative forest name as one.

Extras:
Book Page and Sequel Page
Cool, weird stuff

Sex, Lies, and Online Dating

2010-04-24T16:15:00.006-05:00

Name: Sex, Lies, and Online Dating
Author: Rachel Gibson
Pages: 352
Start Date: April 21
Finish Date: April 24
Type: Romantic Mystery; Paperback
Status: Library; ~*~
Rating:

Summary:
Sex . . .
What is it about men anyway? Bad cars, bad jobs, even bad teeth—nothing convinces them that they can't snare a Size Two Babe with a D-cup chest. And after way too many internet dates with men named "luvstick" and "bigdaddy182," Lucy Rothschild should know.
Lies . . .
But sitting across from her now is "hardluvnman," and he seems different—sensitive, honest, and hot! He says he's a plumber, while Lucy claims she's a nurse! She's really a mystery writer, dating online while researching her next book. Hey, everyone lies a little, don't they?
And Online Dating . . .
But Quinn's really an undercover cop hunting down a serial killer, and he sees Lucy as his top suspect. And while he could really go for this smart, sexy woman with the killer bod—if that's the only thing "killer" about her—he knows he needs to wine and dine her and discover the truth. Hey, he realizes the dating scene can be deadly—but this is ridiculous!

My Review: Ahmawgawd! This book was cute and kinky and funny and a tad scary. This book is exactly as it advertises so I really don't have much to add but:
1) Lucy was stupid at times. If Quinn had told me the truth, I would have understood. Lucy's a mystery writer! She should have understood! Like I said: stupid.
2) In the epilogue I wanted to hear about Lucy and Quinn NOT how Clare was acting drunk. Of course that sets up the next book, but that just pissed me off...

Excerpt: "How long have you been thinking about that?" She raised her gaze, but his attention was on the front of her shirt. "Since you walked out of the bathroom."
That's pervy. This whole time when we were talking about your dog and my cat and your former fiancee?" "Yeah, it's called multitasking." He looked up and shrugged one bare shoulder. "I can talk to you about one thing and be thinking about something totally different."
"Must be a detective thing." he chuckled and stuck his spoon in the middle of the sherbet. "More like a guy thing. We talk about shit you want to talk about, but we're really just trying to get you in bed. Again." ~ pages 291 and 292

Cover/Title: Perfect name!Except both my dad and grandma got mad about it.... Cover is = -_-

Extras:
What Quinn quotes from - pg. 17 ~ I think this is song.....?
Get Ready for This - pg. 105 ~ at the hockey game
Tubthumper - Chumbawamba ~ pg. 109 - 110
Hard to Handle - Black Crowes ~ pg. 127 Quinn listens to this
Velvet Revolver ~ pg. 297 - Quinn sings to them. Badly.
Clare Sings: pg. 351
Hot Legs
Fat Bottomed Girls

~*~ All of Lucy's friends have books after this, but it's really not a series. The author just says it's her "Writer Friend Books". But they are each independent. Anyway, here's the order of the books:
Sex, Lies, and Online Dating - Lucy
I'm in No Mood for Love - Clare
Tangled Up in You - Maddie
Not Another Bad Date - Adele

It Must Be Love

2010-04-21T15:07:00.008-05:00

Name: It Must Be love
Author: Rachel Gibson
Pages:368
Start Date:April 18
Finish Date: April 21
Type: Adult Romance
Status: Library
Rating:

Summary:Undercover cop Joe Shanahan's bad luck hit bottom the morning he stared up into the face of sexy suspect Gabrielle Breedlove. She'd blown his cover---brought him down with a can of hairspray---and now his new assignment was to pose as her boyfriend. But spending as much time as possible with the utterly irresistible New Age beauty caused unexpected complications. To make matters worse, his matchmaking sisters are picking out china patterns.Joe's brooding good looks and T-shirt-straining muscles might be easy on the eyes, but how could Gabrielle be attracted to a straight-laced detective who's determined to find evidence to arrest her? Still, he invades her dreams and when they share a transcendent lovemaking experience, Gabrielle knows it must be love. Undercover cop Joe Shanahan's bad luck hit bottom the morning he stared up into the face of sexy suspect Gabrielle Breedlove.She'd blown his cover---brought him down with a can of hairspray---and now his new assignment was to pose as her boyfriend. But spending as much time as possible with the utterly irresistible New Age beauty caused unexpected complications. To make matters worse, his matchmaking sisters are picking out china patterns.Joe's brooding good looks and T-shirt-straining muscles might be easy on the eyes, but how could Gabrielle be attracted to a straight-laced detective who's determined to find evidence to arrest her? Still, he invades her dreams and when they share a transcendent lovemaking experience, Gabrielle knows it must be love.

My Review: I picked this up right after I put Swoon by Nina Malkin down. And I gotta say, when pissed by another book's ending, grab a book that you know no matter what happens in it, it will have a great ending. Well, this book delivered! I loved Gabrielle and her like quirks and passions. And Joe?? Hot! But I have a real weakness for guys with big, crazy families, so just by throwing in Sam and I was a goner. LOL I was sure from the get go that it was Gab's business partner, so really this was all romance and no real mystery to me. But that's ok, because I loved how they couldn't just say 'I love you' and fix everything. I loved how the author threw you off on the ending, being the possibility that they might not end up together. Easily said, when I finished, I was satisfied and happy. But low and behold, I picked it up a few days after finishing it to see there is an epilogue! How the hell I missed it, shocks me. So I sat down and read the short epilogue and fell for Joe even harder. I mean it was.......... awwwwwwww! I am so reading more of this author!

Excerpt:

"You don't look at Ann the way you looked at her."

"How's that?"

"Like you could look at her for the rest of your life." ~ pg. 340

Cover/Title: Both are so cheesy it makes me blush a little. It needed to be named something with 'crazy' in it or maybe ' don't walk away' or 'looking at you' or she could have added something from Casablanca and called it "Here's Looking at You, Kid"........... that would have been good.

Extras:
Marathon Man - movie 19

Basically Gab's suntanning oil

Swoon

2010-04-21T15:06:00.004-05:00

Name:Swoon
Author:Nina Malkin
Pages:421
Start Date: April 17
Finish Date:April 18
Type: Teen Paranormal Romance
Status: Library
Rating:

Summary:Sin is coming... Prepare to Swoon.Torn from her native New York City and dumped in the land of cookie-cutter preps, Candice is resigned to accept her posh, dull fate. Nothing ever happens in Swoon, Connecticut...until Dice's perfect, privileged cousin Penelope nearly dies in a fall from an old tree, and her spirit intertwines with that of a ghost. His name? Sinclair Youngblood Powers. His mission? Revenge. And while Pen is oblivious to the possession, Dice is all too aware of Sin. She's intensely drawn to him—but not at all crazy about the havoc he's wreaking. Determined to exorcise the demon, Dice accidentally sets Sin loose, gives him flesh, makes him formidable. Now she must destroy an even more potent—and irresistible—adversary, before the whole town succumbs to Sin's will. Only trouble is, she's in love with him. What do you do when the boy of your dreams is too bad to be true?

My Review: I was so disappointed by this freaking book. This ending beats "Sweet Far Thing" 's ending by far. In that book, you kinda got the jist of what could happen and you kinda think up an end. This? No, you have no freaking idea!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Unless she comes out with a sequel I will be mad that I took my time to read this book. Maybe I missed something? Does it say where he went? But other than the end, the book was ok, but I think that if Cassandra Clare or maybe Stephine Meyer had written this, it would have been hell of a lot better. -_- But I have to admit, I love the "Sin is coming.... Prepare to Swoon."

Excerpt: It's the culture - it's twisted. Unattainable standards of beauty. Money almighty as the stamp of success. An idealized concept of romance that has little girls who can't even tie their own shoelaces pining for the handsome prince.... ~ pg. 402

Cover/Title: Ah, so sad for a great title and awesome cover to be wasted....

Extras:
The White Stripes Song ~ pg. 99
Greensleeves ~ pg. 110-111
Tubular Bells ~ pg. 122
Flannery O'Connor ~ pg. 199
Daniel Dafoe ~ pg. 269
Chuck Palahniuk ~ pg. 269
Perry Como ~ pg. 403

Charlie All Night

2010-04-17T09:29:00.012-05:00

Name: Charlie All Night
Author: Jennifer Crusie
Pages: 251
Start Date: April 14
Finish Date: April 15
Type: Romance
Status: Library
Rating:

Summary:Dumped by her boyfriend and demoted from WBBB's prime-time spot, radio producer Allie McGuffey has nowhere to go but up. She plans to make her comeback by turning temporary DJ Charlie Tenniel into a household name. And if he's willing to help her cure her breakup blues with a rebound fling, that's an added bonus.Charlie just wants to kick back, play good tunes and eat Chinese food. He's not interested in becoming famous. But he is interested in Allie. And after all, what harm in a little chemistry between friends?But suddenly their one-night stand has become a four-week addiction. Night after night on the airwaves, his voice seduces her. . .and all the other women in town. He's a hit. It looks as if Charlie's solved all Allie's problems. . .except one. What is she going to do when he leaves?

My Review: I knew this was going to be a dummy-romantic comedy. And that about sums it up. Don't get me wrong, it was cute and I liked the chem. between Charlie and Allie, but it was like, "well duh they are going to fall in love" from the beginning. But I gotta say, the 'mystery' part threw me for a loop. I think it was one of the most funniest crimes ever! Oh, and how can ya resist Sam or/and Joe? Joe so fit the description of George Downes doncha thank? :)

Excerpt: "Don't chug the cream like that." He took the empty glass from her. "This isn't skim milk, you know. This is the real thing, the hard stuff. Max, another amaretto and cream for the lady. In fact, just bring over a bottle and drive in the cow." " A comedian." Allie nodded her head. "Five guys sitting at the bar, and I pick up the comedian." ~ pg. 20

Cover/Title: I love it because it has the Chinese food container, right next to the bed...

Extras:
Music from the book: (sry I didn't make an actual playlist :S )
Monster Mash - pg. 98
I want you to want me - Cheap Trick - pg. 100
Crazy - Patsy Cline- pg. 105
Still Crazy After All These Years - Paul Simon - pg. 108
Farewell to Tarwathie - Judy Collins - pg. 111
River of Dreams - Billy Joel - pg. 134 - Sam's Song :)
Can't get no satisfaction - Rolling Stones - pg. 178
Slow Hand - Pointer Sisters - pg. 182
Baby Mine - Allison Krauss - pg. 191
Sweet Baby James - James Taylor - pg. 192
Shut up and kiss me! - Mary Chapin Carpenter - pg. 201
Puppy Love - Paul Anka - pg. 227
Put your head on my shoulder - Paul Anka - pg. 227
Hildegrade von Bingen - pg. 239

American Dreamer - pg. 208 ~ Allie's fav movie
Peter Paul Rubens paintings - pg.152-153

Next Best Thing

2010-04-17T09:26:00.008-05:00

Name: Next Best Thing
Author: Kristin Higgins
Pages: 393
Start Date: April 10
Finish Date: April 14
Type: Romantic Drama
Status: Library
Rating:

Summary:Lucy Lang isn't looking for fireworks.She's looking for a nice, decent man. Someone who'll mow the lawn, flip chicken on the barbecue, teach their future children to play soccer. But most important: someone who won't inspire the slightest stirring in her heart…or anywhere else. A young widow, Lucy can't risk that kind of loss again. But sharing her life with a cat named Fat Mikey and the Black Widows at the family bakery isn't enough either. So it's goodbye to Ethan, her hot but entirely inappropriate "friend with privileges" and hello to a man she can marry.Too bad Ethan Mirabelli isn't going anywhere. As far as he's concerned, what she needs might be right under her nose. But can he convince her that the next best thing can really be forever?

My Review: I was totally blown away by this book! I thought it would be another ew-y goo-y kiss-kiss type of book. Aka a Harlequin, like it says. But this book was so deep and the hardships were so real it literally took my breath away. And if your not sure you want to read this book, let me tell you this (it's not exactly a spoiler because you find out right off the bat): Ethan is her dead husband's younger brother. See, now try not to read it :)

Excerpt: "We're glad your back," I say, knowing this will eventually be true. "Leave the luggage, Dad," Ethan says. "I'll bring it up in ten mintues." Gianni gives hima baleful look and grabs the handle of the biggest bag and begins dragging it toward the elevator. I'd rather have another coronary than let you help me. whippersnapper. ~ page 289

Cover/Title: I love it! Except - her bowls are poke-a dotted :) Also, doesn't that guys hands look yummy?

Extras:

No Woman, No Cry - Bob Marley ~ pg 86

Alone Again, Naturally ~ Gilbert O'Sullivan ~ pg 181

Angel ~ Dave Matthews ~ pg 307

Dead Girls Don't Wear Diamonds

2010-04-15T15:19:00.010-05:00

Name: Dead Girls Don't Wear Diamonds
Author: Nancy Martin
Pages: 258
Start Date: April 10
Finish Date: April 13
Type: Adult Comical, Romantic Mystery; Softback
Status: Library; 2nd in the Blackbird Sister Mysteries
Rating: 4

Summary:
When a high society jewel thief winds up drowned at the bottom of a pool with a tacky garden gnome tied to her ankles, Nora must swing into action to save her old flame from a hasty murder charge.

My Review: This book is a typical mystery. But not a stupid one. I read the 1st a year ago and fell in love with the characters and I am so happy they haven't changed at all! I love all the Blackbird sisters, and I gotta say, I bet every woman on Earth has at least one quality of each one in them. And of course, Michael Abruzzo. Sawooonnnn!!!! I get chills just saying his name! I think he might look that guy she ends up with in "P.S. I Love You" only hotter.

Excerpt: "Those Southern girls can get very peculiar once they're sexually awakened." ~ pg.50

Cover/Title: Cute title but i personally think she could have thought of something more fitting. Like something to do with her Grandma's ring that she loses. And she doesn't wear that dress in the book, but once again, it's ok. I'll let this one slide ;)

Extras:

I just had to put this on here; dedicated to page 206-208

La Femme Reader's Contest That Will Blow You Away....

2010-04-15T14:05:00.002-05:00

Check out La Femme Reader's Contest here: http://lafemmereaders.blogspot.com/2010/03/ya-contest-that-will-blow-u-away.html
And make sure to FoLlOw :)

~ The Clumsy Reader aka Christine

Bloody Bookaholic's Ridiculously Awesome Contest

2010-04-15T13:40:00.002-05:00

Anyone that happens to read this, click on BB's button OR contest link to enter her, seriously, **Ridiculously Awesome Contest**.
:) Plus I now get 15 extra points! :]

~ The Clumsy Reader aka Christine

Dead Until Dark

2010-04-11T17:49:00.005-05:00

Name: Dead Until Dark
Author: Charlaine Harris
Pages: 292
Start Date: April 6
Finish Date: April 10
Type: Paranormal Romance; Paperback
Status: Library; 1st in The Sookie Stackhouse Novels
Rating:

Summary: Sookie Stackhouse is a small-time cocktail waitress in a small-town in Louisiana. She's quiet, keeps to herself, and doesn't get out much. Not because she's not pretty. She is. It's just that, well, Sookie has this sort of "disability". She can read minds. And that doesn't make her too dateable. And then along comes Bill. He's tall, dark, handsome-- and Sookie can't hear a word he's thinking. He's exactly the type of guy she's been waiting all her life... But Bill has a disability of his own: He's a vampire with a bad reputation. He hangs with a seriously creepy crowd, all suspected of - big surprise - murder. And when one of Sookie's coworkers is killed, she fears she's next...

My Review: I have wanted to read these but could never get my hands on them, so I did the next best thing: I watched True Blood. I watched both seasons in less than 48 hours :)- So I gotta say I was shocked when i found out there is no Tara. But that's ok! Also I'm glad that it's just Sookie because in the show I was always bored by Jason. -_- But I loved the book and the whole southern thing is cool, and I liked that the vamps are 'out of the coffin' so it's not all hush-hush like most books. And I'm sorry but I am totally a Eric fan so Bill is blah to me, but whatever! OH! Was Bubba Elvis? Because I loved him!

Excerpt: "Bite, Sookie," he whispered..... This was pretty exotic stuff for a telepathic barmaid from northern Louisiana. ~ 196-197

Cover/Title: So-So. I like how all the titles have "Dead" in them. But the people on the cover look a little scary and Sookie looks young but that's ok.

Extras:

~ The Clumsy Reader aka Christine

Fairy Tale

2010-04-11T17:18:00.008-05:00

Name: Fairy Tale

Author: Cyn Balog
Pages: 248
Start Date: March 31
Finish Date: April 6
Type: Paranormal Teen Romance; Hardback
Status: Library
Rating:

Summary: Morgan Sparks and Cam Browne are a match made in heaven. They’ve been best friends since birth, they tell each other everything, and oh yeah- they’re totally hot for each other.But a week before their joint Sweet Sixteen bash, everything changes. Cam’s awkward cousin Pip comes to stay, and Morgan is stunned when her formerly perfect boyfriend seems to be drifting away.When Morgan demands answers, she’s shocked to discover the source of Cam’s distance isn’t another girl- it’s another world. Pip claims that Cam is a fairy. No, seriously. A fairy. And now his people want Cam to return to their world and take his rightful place as Fairy King.Determined to keep Cam with her, Morgan plots to fool the fairies. But as Cam continues to change, she has to decide once and for all if he really is her destiny, and if their “perfect” love can weather an uncertain future.

My Review: This book really surprised me. Of course it is a typical tale about a girl that can't see what's in front of her, so that no something new in today's books. But the emotion and the not having a sugar coating is what made the book for me. Of course she never explains what Morgan really is, because maybe the reason Cam can love her is because she's isn't human. But that doesn't matter to much, I guess....... But I gotta say, from the time Morgan is in the bathroom with the bad fairy to the end had me going "AWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!!!" Specially the end. You have to read this book so you can read the end, because Cyn prefects a good ending. Not perfect, but good. But I so wouldn't mind a sequel :)

Excerpt: "You're going to lose those powers if you stay here," I say. He frowns. "I know." "You'll be miserable here." He's silent for a moment, still looking at his hands, those smooth, dainty hands. "But I'll have you." ~ pg.215 (Once again, thanks mom)

Cover/Title: What an Awesome cover! I am so making a poster out of it! The title might be common but there is no other way to describe this book so easily.

Extras:
Author/Book Site

Picture

~ The Clumsy Reader aka Christine

Enthusiasm

2010-04-11T16:30:00.003-05:00

Name: Enthusiasm

Author: Polly Shulman
Pages: 198
Start Date: March 31
Finish Date: March 31
Type: Chick Lit; Hardback
Status: Library
Rating:

Summary: "There is little more likely to exasperate a person of sense than finding herself tied by affection and habit to an Enthusiast." Julie knows from bitter experience: her best friend, Ashleigh, is an Enthusiast. Ashleigh’s current fancy is also Julie’s own passion, Pride and Prejudice, and the heroine’s quest for True Love. And so Julie finds herself swept along with Ashleigh, dressed in vintage frocks and sneaking into a dance at the local all-boys’ prep school. There they discover several likely candidates for True Love, including the handsome and sensitive Parr. And Julie begins to wonder if maybe this obsession of Ashleigh’s isn’t so bad after all. . . .

My Review: OMGosh! I picked this book up by whim about 1.5 ago and put it down; I picked it again and couldn't put back down! I loved it! And really it's about Ash. Yeah Julie tells it, but in the end, it wraps up about Ash. Also I think i feel in love with Parr when he gives her the ginger ale. But, main lesson in this book? Communicate.

Excerpt: A long time later i woke to find myself strangely warm in my cold room, with warm, steady breaths in my ear. After a moment I remembered who was there. he had turned over sometime in the night. He had his arm over my waist, his knees bent behind mine, like a pair of spoons. I felt his chest against my back, rising and falling with his sleeping breath. Blissful, I fell asleep again.... ~ pg. 161

Cover/Title:
Cute cover, but I think it should be Ash not Juls since the title is clearly Ash, but wateva!

Extras:
Erin's Speech and her Song

Yolanda's Speech and her Song

Ashleigh's Speech and her Song

Julie's Speech and her Song

Parr's Books in his Room

Flowers in her room after Ash cleans it

~ The Clumsy Reader aka Christine

Coming Undone

2010-04-11T15:32:00.012-05:00

Name: Coming Undone

Author: Susan Adersen

Pages: 376
Start Date: March 28
Finish Date: March 31
Type: Romance; Softback
Status: My Bookshelf; 4th in Marine Series
Rating:

Summary:On the Steal the Thunder tour, the real show's offstage

It's supposed to be the biggest summer of Priscilla Jayne Morgan's life. She's on the brink of country music superstardom, yet she had to fire her crooked-manager Mama, and the tabloids are having a field day. Now her record label's hired a watchdog to escort her on her massive summer tour. And not just anyone, either -- they sicked Jared Hamilton on her, the guy she once idolized more than anyone in the world. Well, she doesn't care how hot he is. It's been too many years and too much water under the bridge, and she'll be damned if he gets to tell her what to do now. Jared remembers exactly how headstrong P.J. can be and he knows she's going to be a handful. Problem is, he'd love to have his hands full of her. But he's cool. He's professional. And he's always in control. He'd better be. Because for five long weeks he's stuck in close quarters with the wildest girl in show business.

My Review: The only reason I read this book was because I just had to see PJ get her happy ending. Ya'll really need to read 'Hot and Bothered' before you read this. Really this book was kinda blah but I liked the end where you have all the couples together and it really wraps up the series. Oh, and the side romance is soooooooo cute! But I hated all the jack with J 'holding himself back' and "I am glacier" shit was just so annoying. But it was worth, like I said, seeing PJ getting her happy ending.

Excerpt:"Jesus, Peej," he muttered and, reaching out, wrapped his hand around her nape. Bending his head, he kissed her. It was brief, hard, and full of frustration. when he lifted his mouth from hers, he stared down at her for a moment, swore under his breath, then set her loose and strode away. P.J. watched him go until Nell's heartfelt "Whew!" redirected her attention. She turned to find her friend fanning her self with her fingers. " I bet make-up sex with that man is almost worth the crap that comes before it." ~ pg. 325

Cover/Title: At least it isn't cheesy. Well, not completely....

Extras:
Book Site
What she sings in the bar:
Hicktown
Billy's Got his Beer Goggles on
I Ain't No Quitter

~ The Clumsy Reader aka Christine

Guyaholic

2010-03-27T15:15:00.039-05:00

Name: Guyaholic
Author: Carolyn Mackler
Pages: 177
Start Date: March 24
Finish Date: March 27
Type: Chick Lit; Softback

Status: My Bookshelf; 2nd in the Valentine Series
Rating:

Summary: Ever since V’s mom dumped her with her grandparents, she’s bounced from guy to guy. That is, until a fateful hockey puck lands her in the lap of Sam Almond, who is different from the start. But V makes an irreversible mistake at her graduation party and risks losing Sam forever, spurring her on a cross country road trip to visit her mom in hopes of putting two thousand miles between herself, Sam, and the wreckage of that night. With humor and compassion, Carolyn Mackler takes readers on an unforgettable ride of missed exits, misadventures, and the kind of epiphanies that come only when you’re on a route you’ve never taken before.

My Review: I loved V in Vegan Virgin Valentine so reading this was a no brainer. I gotta say, Carolyn did it again. It described teen-age feelings that i didn't even know adults realized existed. But obviously, Carolyn knows they do. The book was sad at times, but funny for many pages. And the experiences V goes through makes you scared and sometimes makes you want to beat the doggy-poo out of V.Out all the books I have ever read, this book was truly heart-warming.

Excerpt: "I know," Mara says, rolling her eyes. "She's a different person since we got here. She met some guy, a graffiti artist. Luckily, they usually bring the handcuffs to his place." ~ pg. 121 (curtsy of My Mother :) )

Cover/Title: Perfect name, but does it describe V or her Mom?? Yeah that gives ya' somethin to think about. I like the picture, just a picture, but i thought she said her bug had leather in it? Well, it's ok. She probably just hijacked this car :)-

Extras: I emailed the author because IDKs Sam's song! Do you? WEll, comment if ya' do please and thank you. :)

Book Site

V's Croos-Country Playlist list

The Playlist I made

~ The Clumsy Reader aka Christine

Head Over Heels

2010-03-27T15:15:00.035-05:00

Name: Head Over Heels
Author: Susan Andersen
Pages: 352
Start Date: March 25
Finish Date: March 25
Type: Mystery Romance; Paperback
Status: My Bookshelf; 1st in Marine Series
Rating:

Summary:
Who said "you can't go home again"? In Veronica Davis's case,who'd want to -- especially when you hail from Fossil, Washington? But now she's back among the good-ol' boys who think she's fair game just because she's in a waitress uniform.
The truth is, Veronica's the boss -- at least until she can sell the family saloon and skip town again as fast as her feet can carry her-and nobody knows that better than Cooper Blackstock. From behind the bar, the ex-Special Forces Marines all. And his undercover agenda has made the feisty boss-lady's troubles his own.
And her troubles are considerable, what with a family in turmoil, a pseudo-bartender with dangerous secrets, a murder investigation, and death threats. Though the town surprisingly rallies in support, it's still a good thing that Cooper will be there to catch Veronica if she stumbles -- if he doesn't start falling himself.

My Review: I had read the 3rd book in this series and I already loved Susan, so when I saw this book for sale for 99 cents I had to have it! When I got it, it was a rainy day and I sat and finished the whole thing.I got to say, I liked this one compared to some other ones by Susan. The crime is really realistic and the love just didn't happen over night. It, ya' know, started as lust and worked into more over a period of time, not, like, 3 weeks. But what was "WTH?" was Coop's hair? I mean all his hair except his eyebrows, which are black, is blonde!? That's like not possible. But hey her book so her hair colors.

Excerpt:
"Hi, Coop! I'm having a Lassie dinner." "A what?" "That's what Aunt Ronnie calls milk and cookies: a Lassie dinner. She said some kid named Timmy always got milk and cookies after Lassie rescued him." She shrugged. "It was some show about a dog that she watched when she was jus' a little kid." ~ pg. 231

Cover/Title: Eh cute but boring. I am speaking of the title and cover.

Extras:
Boo Radley- where the cat's name came from (he's the third one down)
Turn it Loose - pg. 113

Patsy Cline ~ Sweet Dreams - pg.178 when Ronnie leaves Coop at bar

~ The Clumsy Reader aka Christine

Vegan Virgin Valentine

2010-03-27T15:15:00.025-05:00

Name: Vegan Virgin Valentine
Author: Carolyn Mackler
Pages: 228
Start Date: March 20
Finish Date: March 21
Type: Coming of Age/Family & Love Story; Softcover
Status: My Bookshelf; 1st in Valentine Series
Rating:

Summary:
Mara Valentine is in control. She's a straight - a student, a strict vegan and she's heading to Yale in the fall. So when her hell raising sixteen-year-old niece, V, comes to live with the family, Mara is horrified. Even more so when she starts dreaming about cheese sandwiches every night and realizes she is falling for James, her boss. Unable to ignore these unfamiliar cravings, Mara starts to give into them a little and in doing so discovers her sexuality, redefines her relationship with her over-anxious parents, and realizes that V could, in fact, be a potential friend and ally.

My Review: I had read Carolyn's "Love and Other Four Letter words" and " The earth, my butt, and other big round things" and loved both the stories and how the author sounded like a teen. I gotta say, she did it again! The way Mara acted (being a vegan, being a A+ student, and ,of course, being a virgin) was right on the dot on how teen acts. I also liked that the guy she falls for is her boss. But he was sooooooo sweet!!!!!! And V......... oh V. I gotta say, honestly I am the two Valentine girls put together. I have my wild side like V but I'm a lot more down to earth like Mara. But I do not dream of grilled cheese or smoke weed. This book is for any girl who just feels like she can't relate to all these cool heroins in books these days. Everyone can relate to V or Mara in someway. I promise you :)

Excerpt: We ended up discussing these totally random things, like how annoying it is when you cut a tag out of your shirt because it's uncomfortable but then that little remaining strip itches even more. Or why do people walk on the right in grocery stores, jut like how we drive on the road? Did walking come first and the cars follow? Or did cars dictate pedestrian patterns and, if so, how did people walk before cars came along? ~ pg. 98

Cover/Title: Cute cover but it took me forever to realize it's V's pink tank top and rhinestone letters only spelling the title instead. I think that could look like one of the girls. And the title is long but fits the book.

Extras:
Oklahoma!
What James is reading (Mara's Fave Book) pg. 110

James fave book (Mara read it and I will too!) pg. 110

Herbert the Dino - pg. 148

Boyz II Men - End of the Road (the theme song for prom *gag*) pg. 152

THE STICKER! or well close enough..

~ The Clumsy Reader aka Christine

Eternal

2010-03-27T15:15:00.020-05:00

Name: Eternal
Author: Cynthia Leitich Smith
Pages: 307
Start Date: March 18
Finish Date: March 19
Type: Gothic Romance/Fantasy; Softback
Status: My Bookshelf; 2nd in Tantalize Series
Rating:

Summary: At last, Miranda is the life of the party: all she had to do was die. Elevated and adopted by none other than the reigning King of the Mantle of Dracul, Miranda goes from high-school theater wannabe to glamorous royal fiend overnight.Meanwhile, her reckless and adoring guardian angel, Zachary, demoted to human guise as the princess’s personal assistant, has his work cut out for him trying to save his girl’s soul and plan the Master’s fast-approaching Death Day gala.

My Review: This book blew me away... I was just getting over having a 102+ fever and I was Jell-O so I just picked this up to read it and I didn't put it down till I was done. And since, like I said, was getting over being sick I am one of those who has weird, vivid dreams when sick or recovering so this book really made my dreams weird LOL. But I'll admit the beginning was kinda funny but i was waiting for something to happen. And when it did (the turning) it dragged. Only when Zach went for the job interview did I start to really fall in love with it. Oh, and yeah, Zach was *Hallelujah Chorus* hot, awesome, perfect, funny, heavenly, built, smart, and my dream guy. But really, who has read this book, and HAVEN'T dreamed of Zachary The Suspended Angel? If you haven't............... well need I say? OH! And it says on the Author's site that she is working on "Blessed, A Gothic Fantasy" but it doesn't say any more but I think we can safely say it's the sequel for this! :D

Excerpt:

Walk away from this foul place. Find solace somewhere in the shadows between good and evil. Make love till the End Days. ~ pg. 295 (!!!)

Cover/Title: The cover is simple and at first I didn't really like it. But there were so many different things it could be so the wing just kinda summarizes it I guess. The title is great because it's a love that with last for eternity , even past death,hell,and heaven. ;)

Extras:
Book Site & Info
Archangel Michael

Archangel Raphael (I don't remember if he was in this but he's a major Arch so I thought I'd put him here)

Cool Archangel Page

The Castle (It actual says this is Drac's)

A Song that relates to this book: Forever by Fireflight like it made me cry it's so good! :(

The Arkansas Razorback T-Shirt that girl was probably wearing on train! I thought that was awesome because I live like 3 hours from Little Rock! :0 ~pg. 87

Urban Cowboy - the movie they are watching on pg. 217

The "Man-eater" Lions Zach goes and sees (pg. 237) with the picture and if you read the page in the book, it's EXACTLY the same!

Just Something Cool

~ The Clumsy Reader aka Christine

Envy: A Luxe Novel

2010-03-27T15:14:00.005-05:00

Name: Envy: A Luxe Novel
Author: Anna Godbersen
Pages: 405
Start Date: March 14
Finish Date: March 17
Type: Historical Drama/Romance; Hardback
Status: Library; 3rd in Luxe Series (3/4)
Rating:

Summary:

Jealous whispers.Old rivalries.New betrayals.

Two months after Elizabeth Holland's dramatic homecoming, Manhattan eagerly awaits her return to the pinnacle of society. When Elizabeth refuses to rejoin her sister Diana's side, however, those watching New York's favorite family begin to suspect that all is not as it seems behind the stately doors of No. 17 Gramercy Park South.Farther uptown, Henry and Penelope Schoonmaker are the city's most celebrated couple. But despite the glittering diamond ring on Penelope's finger, the newlyweds share little more than scorn for each other. And while the newspapers call Penelope's social-climbing best friend, Carolina Broad, an heiress, her fortune—and her fame—are anything but secure, especially now that one of society's darlings is slipping tales to the eager press.In this next thrilling installment of Anna Godbersen's bestselling Luxe series, Manhattan's most envied residents appear to have everything they desire: Wealth. Beauty. Happiness. But sometimes the most practiced smiles hide the most scandalous secrets. . . .

My Review: This, for me, was by far the best of the books. So far. I haven't had a chance yet to read the 4th. But this one was great! The prologue was so well written, but who were all the people? I got Lina and Diana but who are the others? I'm so clueless! But I loved it when they go to Florida and the whole slave/war thing going on was awesome! OH! And the end?! AHHHHHH!!! The one thing that threw me for a loop was Diana and Grayson; I mean: HOLY CRAP!? ON A TABLE?! I never though D was like that :( But hey, when a girl has a broken heart, AnYtHiNg can happen I guess...

Excerpt: She closed her eyes and imagined that she was floating, that she was unattached to everything in the whole vast universe. That Gamercy was gone and money a game that children played at. She would have to go back to that sad house and her own sad room, but not just yet. She would go later... - pg. 283

Cover/Title: I LOVE THE DRESS! I swear for Homecoming (it's a duh I'll be in it) I want this dress! Oh um the model looks like D I guess and the title if *wink* perfect.

Extras:
THE DRESSES!

Ode to Diana and Herny

~ The Clumsy Reader aka Christine

13 Little Blue Envelopes

2010-03-13T19:50:00.011-06:00

Name: 13 Little Blue Envelopes
Author: Maureen Johnson
Pages: 320
Start Date: March 12
Finish Date: March 13 [haha]
Type: YA Travel/Adventure; Hardback
Status: Library; 1st in Little Blue Envelope Series
Rating:

Summary: Inside little blue envelope 1 are $1,000 and instructions to buy a plane ticket.In envelope 2 are directions to a specific London flat.The note in envelope 3 tells Ginny: Find a starving artist.Because of envelope 4, Ginny and a playwright/thief/ bloke–about–town called Keith go to Scotland together, with somewhat disastrous–though utterly romantic–results. But will she ever see him again?Everything about Ginny will change this summer, and it's all because of the 13 little blue envelopes.

My Review: The back made it sound like a very romantic book, but it really wasn't. It was more cute in that department. But the real story was about traveling and the dead aunt and 'the meaning of life.' I loved this book until the end. He says there diffidently something but then she states hat she's going home. WTF????????? But now I have a whole lists of things to see and places to go. Plus the sequel to look forward to....

Excerpt: On top of that, she was terrified of crossing the street, since everyone drove like a stunt extra from a movie chase. (Even the nuns, of which were plenty.) - 133

Cover/Title: The cover i disagree with. She states that she was tall and big boned. I'm like that and I am not like the cover. Plus the whole, skin-showing thing is not something I want to see. Yeah yeah I know: I'm being a grandma.

Extras:
Sequel Link
Book Page
Author Site

What she drinks in Paris --> Lillet ; Lillet Site (just fudge the date, it's FINE!)

~ The Clumsy Reader aka Christine

Update & FYI

2010-03-13T12:24:00.004-06:00

I was looking through some more blogger sites and I decided I was going to start putting in 'cover/title' little things and extras [link, videos, pictures, music, ect.] but i started going back through my old reviews and after about 7 I said: FUDGE THIS! So it's going to be a 'from now on' thing. Also I'm InSaNeLy behind on reviews. with my limited time on the laptop I am caught up to Feb. 21. But I only have 10 more reviews to put up! Yay me! Also if there is any challenges you know of that are extremely hard or/and have great prizes, contact me! Please I beg you because all the challenges, except the 451 F. one, are easy. So have a great, cookie-eating book- reading day like moi! :)

PS- My mother just informed me that I have been putting "exert" when's it's really "excerpt".
So.................sorry................

~ The Clumsy Reader aka Christine

Rumors: A Luxe Novel

2010-03-12T16:48:00.013-06:00

Name: Rumors: A Luxe Novel
Author: Anna Godberson
Pages: 423
Start Date: March 3
Finish Date: March 9
Type: Historical Romance/Drama
Status: Library; 2nd in the Luxe Series (2/4)
Rating:

Summary:After bidding good-bye to New York's brightest star, Elizabeth Holland, rumors continue to fly about her untimely demise. All eyes are on those closest to the dearly departed: her mischievous sister, Diana, now the family's only hope for redemption; New York's most notorious cad, Henry Schoonmaker, the flame Elizabeth never extinguished; the seductive Penelope Hayes, poised to claim all that her best friend left behind—including Henry; even Elizabeth's scheming former maid, Lina Broud, who discovers that while money matters and breeding counts, gossip is the new currency. As old friends become rivals, Manhattan's most dazzling socialites find their futures threatened by whispers from the past. In this delicious sequel to The Luxe, nothing is more dangerous than a scandal . . . or more precious than a secret.

My Review: This book dragged for me! I can't say much without giving spoilers but i gotta say that I think the end is screwed up! I mean what happens made me cry!!! But all in all it earned a good, solid 4 star because what happened needed to happen to move on the third book.

Exert: So this was betrayal. It was like being left alone in the desert at dusk without water or warmth. It left your mouth dry and your will broken. It sapped your tears and made you hollow. ~ pg. 375

Cover/Title: I expected Penny to be more beautiful but I guess that's close enough. The dress is OK, I personally love the thirds! And Rumors is good too, but I think "Deceit" would be more fitting.

Extras:

Book Teaser

I Can't find the dress but here is something close -Dress-

I think the meadow Elizabeth talks about might look like this or maybe this

~ The Clumsy Reader aka Christine

Mermaid Park

2010-03-12T16:48:00.011-06:00

Name: Mermaid Park
Author: Beth Mayall
Pages: 248
Start Date: March 10
Finish Date: March 11
Type: Family Life/Romance; Hardback
Status: School Library
Rating:

Summary: Sixteen-year-old Amy rush doesn’t expect much from her summer at the Jersey shore, until she stumbles on Mermaid park, an old tourist spot where girls dress in fabulous costumes and put on underwater shows. working at the park changes Amy’s life in more ways than she could have imagined. she finds romance, a new found self-confidence, and discovers breathtaking revelations about long-buried family secrets.

My Review: This was a book. Nothing that would make it like an "Oscar" nominee (in books) but I really liked the characters at the park, and the swimming part was awesome, how she described it! But I'd love a sequel about her coming back to hang with her g-pa and training the next queen. What you think?

Excerpt:

"Coke is too basic for somebody so complex."

I smiled. "Interesting. My soda horoscope. Keep going."

"The we have Sprite," he said, turning to look at me. " But that's lemon-lime, which says your sour, and you're sweet."

"Oh," I said, laughing now." You are smooth."

"Root Beer is my pick for you."

"Why?"

"It's unusual. It looks like Coke in the glass, but when you taste it - it surprises you." ~ pg. 62

Cover/Title: The title is flawless! The cover is....... not what I think she should look like. She says she is a little big in the thigh area and the model really isn't, lol. But whatever! :}

Extras:
Music from the beginning:

Rolling Stones - I can't get no satisfaction; brown sugar <-- Brown Sugar is the better one!

Queen - Another one bites the dust; We will rock you <-- If you like this song you need to see "A Knights Tale"

~ The Clumsy Reader aka Christine

Frostbite

2010-03-12T16:47:00.002-06:00

Name: Frostbite
Author: Richelle Mead
Pages: 327
Start Date: March 8
Finish Date:March 9
Type: Paranormal Romance; Softback
Status: My Bookshelf; #2 in Vampire Academy Sereis
Rating:

Summary:Rose loves Dimitri, Dimitri might love Tasha, and Mason would die to be with Rose...It's winter break at St. Vladimir's, but Rose is feeling anything but festive. A massive Strigoi attack has put the school on high alert, and now the Academy's crawling with Guardians--including Rose's hard-hitting mother, Janine Hathaway. And if handto- hand combat with her mom wasn't bad enough, Rose's tutor Dimitri has his eye on someone else, her friend Mason's got a huge crush on her, and Rose keeps getting stuck in Lissa's head while she's making out with her boyfriend, Christian! The Strigoi are closing in, and the Academy's not taking any risks....This year, St. Vlad's annual holiday ski trip is mandatory.But the glittering winter landscape and the posh Idaho resort only create the illusion of safety. When three friends run away in an offensive move against the deadly Strigoi, Rose must join forces with Christian to rescue them. But heroism rarely comes without a price...

My Review: This book was so........ ah! I got mad, sad, and hot so many times that reading this book was just really a emotional haze in my memory. It's just so whoa. Read it and you will understand.

Excerpt: " Belikov is a sick, evil man who should be thrown into a pit of rabid vipers for the great offense he committed against you this morning." "Thank you." I said primly. Then, I considered. "Can vipers be rabid?" "I don't see why not. Everything can be. I think." He held the hallway door open for me. "Canadian geese might be worse than vipers, though." I gave him a sidelong look. "Canadian geese are deadlier than vipers?" "You ever tried to feed one of those bastards?" he asked, attempting seriousness and failing. "They're vicious. You get thrown to vipers, you die quickly. But the geese? That'll go on for days. More suffering." ~ pg. 46-47

Cover/Title: The girl is Lissa but Richelle even admits she doesn't know who the guy is other than it is a Strigoi. The title fits beautifully because it's winter break and all.

Extras:
Jewelry
Book Page
Pg. 14 song ~ Video Killed The Radio Star
The perfume rose keeps --> Amor Amor <-- Warning music is LOUD!

~ The Clumsy Reader aka Christine

Chew on This (3)

2010-03-12T11:25:00.002-06:00

Bella Sara Card, "Gracie" :

A true friend is one of the most precious treasures.

~ The Clumsy Reader aka Christine

Pages Read Challenge by Secret Dreamworld of a Bookaholic

2010-03-11T16:08:00.008-06:00

GOAL: 1,000,000 Pages

Ok I' ll list month by month and then a total. And the words are going by saying there are averagely 400 per page.

January: 6,924 pages ( 22 books) [ 2,769,600 words]
February: 5,648 pages (15 books) [2,259,200 words]

March: 4,344 pages (14 books) [1,737,600 words]

April: 3,784 pages (11 books) [1,513,600 words]
May: 7,006 pages (23 books) [2,802,400]

Total: 27,706 (86) [11,082,400]

~ The Clumsy Reader aka Christine

Ranting, Reviews, & Reading

2010-03-11T12:15:00.004-06:00

Ranting:
I started the Vampire Academy series and fell in love! Well, maybe I'm just addicted!!! LOL So I went out and bought the 1st 3 in a 'box' set and then the 4th. Well, then I saw posts about "Spirit Bound" and then the last and 6th book coming out in DECEMBER!!!!! And I thought 'Wait, I'm going to finish the ones I have and then be agonizingly waiting for May and December. So why not stop when I am ahead?' So I literally stopped myself on page 38? in "Shadow Kiss" and will not pick that up again till May. I idea is that I will make the last 3 books (because, duh, I am so pre-ordering "Spirit Bound"!) stretch till December. Then I will put out of my misery!!!! Ok, I'm done ranting :)

Reviews:
I am so behind, it isn't even funny. I know probably no one is reading this but hey, i don't care. I just want to have these reviews done! And since my dad soooooooooooo disapproves vampires and anything with sexual content (but my mom says it's FINE), it's not like I can get on here anytime I want :( So just bear with me and Ill be putting up reviews soon.

Reading:
Well, I was going to put "challenges" but it start with a 'R' so..... yeah. I just entered, like, almost all of Royal Reviews challenges and I so hyped up about it!!!!! :) go and sign up!!!!!!! ;)
Also I am going to try to put these on the site soon:

TBR page
Challenges page
Music
Coming Soon (Like books coming out in 2010)
Buttons
Youtube Page (with vids about books and my vids :) )

Well, I guess that's ALL! OH!yeah, some how I am following myself....... so yeah just ignore that please!

~ The Clumsy Reader aka Christine

2010 Wish I'd Read That Challenge by Royal Reviews

2010-03-11T12:12:00.009-06:00

Ok, I went through many wishlists on Amazon and randomly picking 20 out 500+books I have on there. No-Joke. So here we go! {R} = Reading; Highlighted Red Means Finished!

My Fair Godmother by Janette Rallison
Pretty Dead by Francesca Lia Block
Masquerade (Blue Bloods, Book 2) by Melissa De la Cruz
Ten Cents a Dance by Christine Fletcher
Beastly by Alex Flinn
The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan
The Summoning (Darkest Powers, Book 1) by Kelley Armstrong
Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick
A Room With A View by Hilary Maxwell-Hyslop, E. M. Forster
Dead Girls Don't Wear Diamonds (Blackbird Sisters Mysteries, No. 2) by Nancy Martin
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (Millenium Trilogy, Book 1) by Stieg Larsson
Blood and Chocolate by Annette Curtis Klause
Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen
Take Me There by Susane Colasanti
The Host: A Novel by Stephenie Meyer
The Last Days by Scott Westerfeld
Swoon by Nina Malkin
Don't Judge a Girl by Her Cover (Gallagher Girls) by Ally Carter
Angels on Sunset Boulevard (Angels) by Melissa De la Cruz
Fire (Graceling) by Kristin Cashore

7/20

Well that's a pretty good group just for random, uh?

~ The Clumsy Reader aka Christine

1st in a Series Challenge by Royal Reviews

2010-03-11T12:08:00.006-06:00

This should be interesting.... ps - Obsessed[20]. # Name by Author - Series

Tantalize by Cynthia Leitich Smith - Tantalize OR Gothic Fantasy
8th Grade Bites by Heather Bewer - Chronicles of Vladimir Tod
Deadly Little Secret by Laurie Faria Stolarz - Touch
Sugar Daddy by Lisa Kleypas - Travis
Found by Margaret Peterson Haddix - Missing
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins - Hunger Games
Born of Night by Sherrilyn Kenyon - League
Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead - The Vampire Academy
The Luxe by Anna Godberson - The Luxe
Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris - The Sookie Stackhouse Novels
The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan - The Forest of Hands and Teeth
Tithe by Holly Black - Modern Faery Tales
The Angel Experiment by James Patterson - Maximum Ride
How to Knit a Wild Bikini by Christie Ridgway - Malibu and Ewe
Half Way to the Grave by Jeaniene Frost - Night Huntress
This Pen for Hire by Laura Levine - Jaine Austen Mysteries
The Awakening by L.J. Smith - The Vampire Diaries

17/20

2nd Reading Challenge by Royal Reviews

2010-03-11T12:06:00.006-06:00

Ok Royal said 2nd book in a series or 2nd time you have read that author. COOL! And as always: obsessed = 20 . By now I have been using the same books over and over in the other challenges and i have put the authors on them and I am just to lazy to do it a 2nd or 3rd time. Sorry. Google if your desperate for the author, or go here and find the book.

Name - S = series; A = author

Betrayed - SA
The Snow Bride - A
A Knight in Shining Armor - A
Ink Exchange - SA
9th Grade Slays - SA
The Hero and The Crown - A
Sugar Daddy -A
Sent - SA
Deadly Little Lies - SA
Frostbite -SA
Rumors -SA
Eternal- SA
Guyaholic - S
Dead Girls Don't Wear Diamonds - SA
Sex, Lies and Online Dating - A
Take Me There - A
Valiant - SA
Scrambled Eggs at Midnight - A
Masquerade - SA
Off Season - SA !!!!!DONE!!!!! May 22nd!

20/20

Finish That Series Challenge! 2010 by Royal Reviews

2010-03-11T12:00:00.011-06:00

I am going to count from January 1st, even though I just entered. I am going to put the name of the series and the # of books I have read out the # of books in the whole series (#/#, 8/9) oh, I am shooting for Obsessed = 20! If I need to put the authors, please tell.

House of Night (Novels) - 4/9
Wicked Lovely Series - 3/4
Travis Series (Lisa Kleypas) -2/3
Chronicles of Vladimir Tod- 2/6
Touch Series - 2/3
The Hunger Games Series - 1/3
The League Novels - 1/3
The Vampire Academy - 3/6
The Luxe Novels - 3/4
The Sookie Stackhouse Novels - 1/9
The BlackBird Sister Mysteries - 2/8
Modern Faery Tales - 3/3 DONE (Holly Black)
Blue Bloods - 3/6
Maximum Ride - 4/7
Malibu and Ewe - 1/3
D.J. Schwenk - 2/3
Gallagher Girls - 3/6
Night Huntress - 3/6
Jaine Austen Mysteries - 1/9
Vampire Diaries - 1/7

1/20

Romance Reading Challenge by Royal Reviews

2010-03-11T10:31:00.016-06:00

I so can do Obbsessed(20). Hell I bet I could do 100! Ok I am counting from Jan. 1st and even though I read a romance every other day, i am only putting the hard core romances. Like harlequins... *sigh* they're so cheesy they're yummy.

Champagne Girl by Diana Palmer
The Snow Bride by Debbie Macomber
A Knight in Shining Armor by Jude Deveraux
Bet Me by Jennifer Crusie
Smooth Talking Stranger by Lisa Kleypas
A Kiss Remembered by Sandra Brown
Wishes by Jude Deveraux
Strange Bedpersons by Jennifer Crusie
Sugar Daddy by Lisa Kleypas
Don't Look Down by Jennifer Crusie
Twin of Ice by Jude Deveraux
The Raider by Jude Deveraux
Born of Night by Sherrilyn Kenyon
Holly by Jude Deveraux
Head Over Heels by Susan Andersen
Coming Undone by Susan Andersen
Charlie All Night by Jennifer Crusie
It Must Be Love by Rachel Gibson
Sex, Lies, and Online Dating by Rachel Gibson
True Confessions by Rachel Gibson

20/20 Finished April 27

The Luxe

2010-03-08T11:52:00.020-06:00

Name: The Luxe
Author: Anna Godberson
Pages: 433
Start Date: Feb. 26
Finish Date: March 1
Type: Historical Romance/Drama; Hardback
Status: Library; 1st in Luxe Series (1/4)
Rating:

Summary:

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

Beautiful sisters Elizabeth and Diana Holland rule Manhattan's social scene. Or so it appears. When the girls discover their status among New York City's elite is far from secure, suddenly everyone—from the backstabbing socialite Penelope Hayes, to the debonair bachelor Henry Schoonmaker, to the spiteful maid Lina Broud—threatens Elizabeth's and Diana's golden future.With the fate of the Hollands resting on her shoulders, Elizabeth must choose between family duty and true love. But when her carriage overturns near the East River, the girl whose glittering life lit up the city's gossip pages is swallowed by the rough current. As all of New York grieves, some begin to wonder whether life at the top proved too much for this ethereal beauty, or if, perhaps, someone wanted to see Manhattan's most celebrated daughter disappear...In a world of luxury and deception, where appearance matters above everything and breaking the social code means running the risk of being ostracized forever, five teenagers lead dangerously scandalous lives. This thrilling trip to the age of innocence is anything but innocent.

My Review: I had wanted to read this and I heard that the last one was coming out so I thought I'd read them. This book was so cut-throat, and true to life had to keep reminding my self it was actually in the 1900's, which made me love it more. I hated Penny, adored Di, despised Lina, sympathized Henry, and loved Lizzy & Will. I can't say much, but I root for the true ones. Just read it even through the dry parts and then go get the others. Fast.

Exert: "Now would you care to bet her hand in marriage on the next race?"
"What a scandal that would be. 'Society Boys Horse Trade with Their Brides.' And you know how the papers recount every blow of my nose."
"I wasn't serious man." -pg. 223

Cover/Title: I love the dress and that is exactly what I think Elizabeth would look like! Title is flawless.

Extras:
The whole dress
You gotta see this!
Luxe Site (Check out everything! I got: Dianna Holland and Teddy C. What About You?)

~ The Clumsy Reader aka Christine

She's Got the Beat

2010-03-08T11:52:00.019-06:00

Name: She's Got the Beat
Author:Nancy Krulik
Pages: 303
Start Date: March 7
Finish Date:March 7
Type: Romantic Comedy; Hardback
Status: School Library
Rating:

Summary: SHE BANGS! SHE BANGS!Miranda was the quiet type...until she moved to Austin. Home of the hippest college rock bands, Austin, Texas, is a scene. And Miranda is dying to break out of her small-town shell. So she decides to do something totally un-Miranda: learn to play the drums.When crashing the cymbals, the girl's a wild child! Plus there's a perk to her new gig: a cute bass player. Unfortunately Mr. Bass Man isn't exactly looking for love. Can this rocker chick change his tune? Or does finding her own rhythm mean sacrificing true love?

My Review: This wasn't all that and i knew it wasn't going to be. I read it in, like 3 hours, so I liked it. But for someone would read it in a week or so, would probably be mad. Let me just say, the end sucks. With these kind of books it's duh that the girl will get the guy (who I LOVE in this) so I can safely say, I want to know more about them! You'll get if you once you've read it or if you already have.

Exert: "She was my yellow Texas rose," he sang. "A soft petaled beauty, who never thought to pose. She let me be myself, I could trust her with my soul. I knew she'd treat it gently, for only she could make me whole. her honesty and strength made her rise above the garden. Her genuine Texas sweetness, I never thought would harden..." ~ 292-293

Cover/Title: The face looks weird but other-wise, it's looks like Miranda. The title fits nicely.

Extras:
Songs: Me & Bobby and Try and Honey Don't

~ The Clumsy Reader aka Christine

Holly

2010-03-08T11:52:00.018-06:00

Name: Holly
Author: Jude Deveraux
Pages: 277
Start Date: March 2
Finish Date: March 4
Type: Romance; Hardback
Status: Library; 6th Taggert Book
Rating:

Summary:A relentless campaign by phone, letter, and email has persuaded Hollander Latham's parents to purchase the home of her dreams: Spring Hill, a beautiful North Carolina plantation where Holly spent her memorable thirteenth summer. Now a successful architect, Holly is intent on reuniting with Spring Hill's neighbor and her love from that long-ago summer, wealthy heir Laurence Beaumont -- she dreams of working her way into Lorrie's heart while restoring his historic estate, Belle Chere. But as Christmas fast approaches, Nick Taggert -- a mysterious stranger who makes her laugh and tempts her with a surprising passion -- turns her plans upside down. One man can seduce her with fortune and privilege; the other can promise her the simple gift of love. And on a frost-covered Christmas night, Holly's choice will unmask astonishing truths and hidden dangers -- revelations that will forever change her charmed life and her vulnerable heart.

My Review: There ain't much to say. I think the main characters hit it off way to fast and it didn't seem real. Holly was a little idiotic and Nick made the Taggerts look bad. In places it moved to fast but then some thoughts seemed to go on forever. Not Jude's best... but a good quickie.

Exert: "Sorry, sir. Moonlight. Old friend who's grown into a beautiful woman." - pg. 149

Cover/Title: I'd have rather seen the Belle Chere. So-so name. Could have been better

Extras: X

~ The Clumsy Reader aka Christine

Vampire Academy

2010-03-08T11:51:00.028-06:00

Name: Vampire Academy
Author: Richelle Mead
Pages: 332
Start Date: Feb. 25
Finish Date: Feb. 26
Type: Vampire Romance/Chiller ; Paperback
Status: Library; Book 1 in the Vampire Academy Series
Rating:

Summary:St. Vladimir’s Academy isn’t just any boarding school—it’s a hidden place where vampires are educated in the ways of magic and half-human teens train to protect them. Rose Hathaway is a Dhampir, a bodyguard for her best friend Lissa, a Moroi Vampire Princess. They’ve been on the run, but now they’re being dragged back to St. Vladimir’s—the very place where they’re most in danger. . . .Rose and Lissa become enmeshed in forbidden romance, the Academy’s ruthless social scene, and unspeakable nighttime rituals. But they must be careful lest the Strigoi—the world’s fiercest and most dangerous vampires—make Lissa one of them forever.

My Review: Well, I have wanted to read this since it came out, and I finally did! It was intoxicating. That is like all I can say. I was pulled in and I still can't get out. After this I went and bought it with the rest! I recommend it because if you read one, you have to read them!

Exert: A miracle unfolded before my eyes, and Alberta gasped. His wounds closed. The blood dried up. Color returned to his cheeks. His eyelids fluttered, and his eyes regained their life again. Focusing on Lissa, he smiled. It was like watching a Disney movie. I must have keeled over after that, because I don't remember anything else. ~ pg.310

Cover/Title: I don't like this cover, I like the one with her face up close (that's the one i bought) but this is the one I read. I like it because it states from the beginning what the series is called.

Extras:
Series Site
Cool Stuff
When Doves Cry - Prince ~ Dimitri listens to this one time
Something Dimitri would read...
I so can see Dimitri is this!
Dream Cast <-- The only I don't agree with is Rose -_- but everything else is perfect! Cool Trailer#1 & Cool Trailer #2
The Book Dimitri is reading is by this Guy

~ The Clumsy Reader aka Christine

Born of Night

2010-03-08T11:51:00.027-06:00

Name:Born of Night
Author: Sherrilyn Kenyon
Pages: 533
Start Date: Feb. 23
Finish Date: Feb. 25
Type: Sci-Fi Romance; Paperback
Status: Library (Buying); 1st in League Series
Rating:

Summary:In the Ichidian Universe, The League and their ruthless assassins rule all. Expertly trained and highly valued, the League Assassins are the backbone of the government. But not even the League is immune to corruption . . . Command Assassin Nykyrian Quikiades once turned his back on the League—and has been hunted by them ever since. Though many have tried, none can kill him or stop him from completing his current mission: to protect Kiara Zamir, a woman whose father’s political alliance has made her a target. As her world becomes even deadlier, Kiara must entrust her life to the same kind of beast who once killed her mother and left her for dead. Old enemies and new threaten them both and the only way they can survive is to overcome their suspicions and learn to trust in the very ones who threaten them the most: each other.

My Review: This book was so different then what I thought it would be! I thought it was just a sci-fi sappy romance but it hit so many points! Abuse, discrimination, and the right to protect one's self. Plus the grittier world in the future is amazing. And you just fall in love with Nykyrian and you just want to cry when you really learn about him. The one thing I hated was Kiara. I would have loved him right away and wouldn't have gotten mad at him when he kills to protect me! But she does! Can we say Ungrateful? But other wise it was just sexy and cool I couldn't and didn't put it down!

Excerpt: I have a couple because this book was so good:

Brothers to the end, even through the fires of hell and beyond ~ pg. 5
You can't protect yourself. No matter how safe you think you are. No matter how much precaution you take, the rodents always find a way in... ~ pg. 16
"Wonder is she sleeps naked...bet she showers that way. Every day even. Think about it. I'll bet she's even naked underneath her clothes." ~ pg. 17
"Death is just a new beginning...at least in my religion. And extreme inebriation seriously helps." ~ pg. 114
"Baby, it's either laugh or cry and crying takes way to much energy. If you can't find humor in the shit life heaps on you, you really will grow miserable." ~ pg. 115-116
"Princess, in the end, life makes victims of us all." ~ 132

Cover/Title: I like the cover because at least I knew what his strong jaw looked like. :) And the title fits nicely ;)

Extras:
Author's Cool Site
Book Site with Lots of Info.

~ The Clumsy Reader aka Christine

The Hunger Games

2010-03-08T11:51:00.026-06:00

Name: The Hunger Games
Author:Suzanne Collins
Pages:374
Start Date: Feb. 21
Finish Date: Feb. 23
Type: Sci Fi Adventure/Thriller; Hardback
Status: Library; 1st in the Hunger Games series (1/3)
Rating:

Summary:Katniss is a 16-year-old girl living with her mother and younger sister in the poorest district of Panem, the remains of what used be the United States. Long ago the districts waged war on the Capitol and were defeated. As part of the surrender terms, each district agreed to send one boy and one girl to appear in an annual televised event called, "The Hunger Games." The terrain, rules, and level of audience participation may change but one thing is constant: kill or be killed. When Kat's sister is chosen by lottery, Kat steps up to go in her place.

My Review: I didn't have any interest to read this. I mean like 0% interest. But then a teacher raved to my mom (who is a teacher) that mom should read t=it to her kids. So of course mom came back and raved to me about. And since she wouldn't read it, I did. And I think I fell in love. The way Kat thinks and acts is so close to me, it's scary. I've grown up in the elements and I know how to take care of my self and how to think. Not to Katniss's extent but pretty close. But I the whole love triangle thing i so didn't expect! I mean the guy back home is great, but the guy in the games with her? Ug, I don't know which she should have! But the writing was perfectly done and I can't wait to read more of this author!!!! PS- WTF (sry) is with the dogs/werewolves??????? Did they take the kids and like bring them back and make them dogs??? I hope they explain or I'll be pissed!

Exert: I nod. It's funny. I feel almost as if it's the first day of the Games again. That I am in the same position. Twenty-one tributes are dead but I still have yet to kill Cato. And really, wasn't he always the one to kill? Now it seems the other tributes were just minor obstacles, distractions, keeping us from the real battle of the games. Cato and me. But no, there's the boy waiting beside me. I feel his arms wrap around me... - pg. 327

Cover/Title: I am guessing it's a mockingjay and the arrows of course stand for Kat. the cover is pretty much explanatory.

Extras:
Awards and More reviews
Awesome Book Site!
Really Really Cool Unofficial Fan Site <-- Check out the German Covers! I wish they were ours!
The Best Teaser EVER!!!! OMG YOU HAVE TO SEE THIS!
Awesome Trailer! <-- Made by the same as above, but longer and more detailed. Quality is bad but I love it! ps - Steven Strait I think would be a perfect Gale! ~ The Clumsy Reader aka Christine

The Men I Didn't Marry

2010-02-22T13:26:00.006-06:00

Name: The Men I Didn't Marry
Author:Janice Kaplan & Lynn Schnurnberger
Pages: 285
Start Date: Feb. 19
Finish Date:Feb. 21
Type: Chick Lit (?) ;Softback
Status: Library
Rating:

Summary:Hallie, a fortysomething successful lawyer and mother of two college kids, is devastated when her husband of 21 years tells her that he is leaving her for a woman half her age, named Ashlee--with two e's. After wallowing in self-pity and succumbing to an Oreo cookie and QVC coma, Hallie pulls herself together and decides that the past might hold the key to her happiness. She goes looking for her old boyfriends: Eric, a college boyfriend who is now an extremely rich investment broker; Barry, a sensitive guy she met while backpacking across Europe; Kevin, her old high-school boyfriend; and Dick, the one she thought she was going to marry and would now rather forget than find again. But it is in rekindling these old relationships that Hallie rediscovers who she is and what she wants out of life. Kaplan and Schnurnberger know how to craft a fun read that is perfect for those days when the most you want to do is lie around in your pajamas, watch QVC, and eat Oreos.

My Review: I am not really into books about divorces or divorcees, adult or teen. But this book really pulled it off. Everything that happened seemed real. If someone had just given it to me and I had no info about it I might have thought it no-fiction. It gets in so many funny situations, you forget at times what it's really about: the dumped last year model for the new and improved model. Like a old TV for a flat screen. Also it hits true to home I think on how men go through their thought process. That they are superhuman gods and that women just fall at there feet, begging to come back so can fix them sandwiches. I am teen and i understand all this! Guarantee you love this book from start to finish.

Exert: X

Cover/Title: The funny thing is that the woman looks like my mom! Thin, perky boobs, legs up to her chin, and the 'I don't Care' hand thing. And the title really just states what it's about, but I think they could have been just a bit more creative but it works.

Extras:

~ The Clumsy Reader aka Christine

Deadly Little Lies

2010-02-22T13:25:00.005-06:00

Name: Deadly Little Lies
Author:Laurie Faria Stolarz
Pages: 282
Start Date: Feb 18
Finish Date: Feb. 19
Type: Paranormal Romance; Hardback
Status: My Bookshelf; 2nd in Touch Series
Rating:

Summary:Last fall, sixteen-year-old Camelia fell for Ben, the mysterious new boy at school who turned out to have a very mysterious gift--pyschometry, the ability to sense the future through touch. But just as Camelia and Ben's romance began to heat up, he abruptly left town. Brokenhearted, Camelia has spent the last few months studying everything she can about psychometry, and experiencing her own strange brushes with premonition. Camelia wonders if Ben's abilities have somehow rubbed off on her. Can the power of psychometry be transferred?
Even once Ben returns to school, Camelia can't get close enough to share her secret with him. Despite the romantic tension between them, Ben remains aloof, avoiding contact. Then when an unexpected kiss leads to a frightening argument, Camelia makes the painful decision to let Ben go and move on. Adam, the hot new guy at work, seems good for her in ways Ben wasn't. Adam is easygoing, and seems to really care about her.But when Camelia and Adam start dating, a surprising love triangle results. A chilling sequence of events upturns secrets from Ben's past--and Adam's. Someone is lying, and it’s up to Camelia to figure out who—before it’s too late.

My Review: Well, was so hyped about this book because Ben comes back and everything, but it was really a disappointment. Camelia was really stupid and got me so mad! But, I can't say to much other than she needed to trust Ben. The ending will catch you off guard and you will be, like, what??!! And really the description doesn't do the book justice. It really had a different vibe to me then what I thought it let on to have. Also, how many more people in this town are going to stalk Camelia?? But I flew through this book, so I think this is one I will need to re-read.

Exert: I close my eyes and feel Ben's hand slide up my back, underneath my shirt, sending tingles all over my skin. His fingers glide across my shoulders and down my spine, nearly stealing my breath.
And stealing his breath too.
As I start to fall asleep, I hear his breath heaving in and out. A gasp escapes his throat and he has to pull away, only to do it all over again a few moments later. At one point in the night, I think I feel his kisses at the nape of my neck, his leg against my thigh, and his body spooning me up from behind.
My blood stirs and my body churns.
But maybe it's all just a dream... ~ pg. 125-126

Cover/Title: i read this fast but i soooooooo don't remember a red umbrella. I guess it's just supposed to be a freak-y stalker-y person. The title is perfect.

~ The Clumsy Reader aka Christine

The Raider

2010-02-18T11:39:00.005-06:00

Name: The Raider
Author: Jude Deveraux
Pages: 338
Start Date: Feb. 17
Finish Date: Feb. 18
Type: Romance; Softback
Status: Library; 8th in the Montgomery Series; 1st in the Taggert Series
Rating:

Summary:
Jude Deveraux continues her beloved Montgomery saga in America with this dramatic, passion-filled tale of rebellion and love -- a breathtaking adventure to be savored all over again -- or discovered for the first time!The Raider In colonial New England, the British are hunting a fearless, masked patriot whose daring foils them at every turn. He's known simply as the Raider. Jessica Taggert, a proud-tempered beauty, thrills to the Raider's scorching midnight embrace, but despises Alexander Montgomery, the drunken town buffoon. In truth, the cleverly disguised Montgomery lives two lives...and only his triumph over the hated Redcoats will free him, at last, to know the full pleasure of Jessica's love.

My Review:I had this wanting to read a romance and here is what i picked up. And it satisfied me. It is a good book, in where the story might be familair, it takes on a less dramatic, and more historical feel. But the, quote, 'love' that the main characters suposedly have just didn't seem firey enough for me. Jess is fire-ball when she gets mad, but as the 'Raider' starts taking her clothes off, she chatters. It was a little like," Uh, chick, please get in the mood other wise your are going to put Jude to shame." And she almost did. Put Jude to shame I mean. But that's ok, because, you really needs more of that? LOL

Exert: Sorry, the book went back before I got one!

~ The Clumsy Reader aka Christine

Chew on This (2)

2010-02-18T11:31:00.006-06:00

Be yourself, be free and allow others the same freedom.
Bella Sara card: Athena~ The Clumsy Reader aka Christine

When It Happens

2010-02-17T13:32:00.021-06:00

Name: When It Happens
Author: Susane Colasanti
Pages: 310
Start Date: February 15
Finish Date: February 16
Type: Teen Romance/Coming of Age; Hardback
Status: Library
Rating:

Summary:Reminiscent of the movie Say Anything, a debut novel for all those searching for The One!Sara and Tobey couldn’t be more different. She is focused on getting into her first-choice college; he wants to win Battle of the Bands. Sara’s other goal is to find true love, so when Dave, a popular jock, asks her out, she’s thrilled. But then there’s Tobey. His amazing blue eyes and quirky wit always creep into her thoughts. It just so happens that one of Tobey’s goals is also to make Sara fall in love with him. Told in alternating points of view, Sara and Tobey’s real connection will have everyone rooting for them from the minute they meet!

My Review: WARNING: You will not be able to put this down AND it does I have sexual content! But it is AWESOME! It's so rare to read a book with the main couples 1st POV and I loved it! Tobey is exactly the kind of boy I want. And probably every other girl on this earth. Also it has a rockin' 'soundtrack'. I had a note pad beside me and kept writing down all the songs. I'll put a playlist up here sometime ;)BUt this is just a coming of age, soulmate/true love, feel good story that makes you ache for a pinch of the love that these charaters have for each other. Don't just 'borrow' this book; BUY IT!

Exert: Sara bends down to help me. "Are you okay?" she says.
I get up quickly like it's no big deal. "Yeah, I'm fine."
"Every time I see you, you're bumping your head!"
And every time I see you, I wish my headboard was bumping against the wall. With you in my bed.
The bell rings. - pg. 60

~ The Clumsy Reader aka Christine

The Door in the Hedge

2010-02-17T13:32:00.020-06:00

Name: The Door in the Hedge
Author: Robin Mckinley
Pages: 216
Start Date: February 10
Finish Date: February 17
Type: Fairy Tale (Retellings)
Status: Mom's Bookshelf
Rating:

Summary:Master storyteller Robin McKinley here spins two new fairy tales and retells two cherished classics. All feature princesses touched with or by magic. There is Linadel, who lives in a kingdom next to Faerieland, where princesses are stolen away on their seventeenth birthdays-and Linadel's seventeenth birthday is tomorrow. And Korah, whose brother is bewitched by the magical Golden Hind; now it is up to her to break the spell. Rana must turn to a talking frog to help save her kingdom from the evil Aliyander. And then there are the twelve princesses, enspelled to dance through the soles of their shoes every night. . . . These are tales to read with delight!

My Review: I'll admit i didn't want to read this. The only story in this I wanted to read was "The Golden Hind" because I didn't know what that was! But, when I had read them all, the princess and the frog was my favorite. It was also the shortest. The last story, about the 12 princesses dragged for me. But in my book [haha] it was just a book. Nothing spectacular but not bad.

Exert: The world turned, and new stories rose up, and the legends of the old days faltered a little, or turned themselves in their course to keep up with the lives of their people, and the lives of their great-grandchildren of those they had first known. Perhaps even the immortal ones beyond the borders of this last land felt the change in some fashion: for that they ventured at all, and for what ever reason into mortal realms risked them to some sense of mortal lives and cares. Perhaps. - pg. 9

~ The Clumsy Reader aka Christine

Twin of Ice

2010-02-17T13:30:00.025-06:00

Name: Twin of Ice
Author: Jude Deveraux
Pages: 303
Start Date: February 14
Finish Date: February 15
Type: Adult Romance; Paperback
Status: Library; 1st in the Chandler Twins Series; 2nd in the Taggert series
Rating:

Summary:Happily betrothed to Dr. Lee Westfield, Houston is every bit the good girl she was raised to be. So when faced with Kane Taggert's brash marriage proposal, Houston is outwardly shocked. But beneath her gracious demeanor lies a woman of hidden longings -- and her defenses begin to melt the second this rugged stranger touches his hungry lips to hers.

My Review: AwwwwwAhhhh!!!!! That was my reaction when I finished this book! LOL I really didn't want it to end. This is one of Jude's better books. And it has a twist: The other book Twin of Fire is, like,what i call a 'side car book' because it's the other side of the story. Like, in this book there is part when the other twin comes in and she is saying something about 'Indians' but you never find out what! Well, read Fire and you will. Well, I still need to read it too. Anywho, this is also about how the 'marble mansion' in Colorado got built and why. (In the other Mont. boooks they usally mention it). And, just good ol' love story that makes you curl your toes. Read.

Exert:"I got all a man can ask for," Kane said, moving to his side. "I got a naked woman in my arms she's smilin' at me." He put his big thigh between hers. "Hey, lady, you wanta get tumbled by the stableboy?" She rubbed her hips against his. "Only if he's very gentle and doesn't frighten me with his barbarian ways." Kane gave a grunt as his mouth followed his hand. "When a man wants somethin', he uses a gun or a knife, but, honey, the weapons you scare me to death." "You look terrified," she said, as she took his ear lobe between her teeth...... -pg. 258-259

~ The Clumsy Reader aka Christine

Coffehouse Angel

2010-02-17T13:30:00.024-06:00

Name: Coffeehouse Angel
Author: Suzanne Selfors
Pages: 276
Start Date: February 13
Finish Date: February 14
Type: Teen Supernatural Romance
Status: Library
Rating:

Summary:From the author of Saving Juliet comes a romantic comedy that is good to the last drop. When Katrina spots a homeless guy sleeping in the alley behind her grandmother’s coffee shop, she decides to leave him a cup of coffee, a bag of chocolate-covered coffee beans, and some pastries to tide him over. Little does she know that this random act of kindness is about to turn her life upside down. Because this adorable vagrant, Malcolm, is really a guardian angel on a break between missions. And he won’t leave until he can reward Katrina’s selflessness by fulfilling her deepest desire. Now if only she could decide what that might be . . .

My Review: I was going to buy this but then I saw it at the library and just couldn't help but grab it! I couldn't even waititn to get home to read it, so i braved it and risked getting car sick and started it. I LOVED it! There is not one thing I would change, and the story and ideas she comes up with are original and fantastic!!!!!!! You fall in love with everyone(!!!! Malcolm!!!!!). My mom even liked it, because in the truck I started reading it to her, while eating Oreos. And I recommend that part about the Oreos. Oh yeah, you need to read the book too ;}

Exert: Why do we drink coffee? As kids we hate it. It's disgusting. But somewhere along the way we learn to accept the bitter flavor, even crave it. When does that happen exactly? I think it happens right around the time we realize that maybe nothing exceptional will ever come our way. That maybe we should just forget about Shirley Temples and pineapple punch and limeade, throw away the festive paper umbrellas and the maraschino cherries, and settle for a mug of brown liquid. - pg. 36

Cover/Title: Well, I just realized there is a heart in the coffee mug lol. I think the cover works but I wish the cat or one of the coffee-beans was included. The title is simple and sweet, and straightforward. Perfect.

Extras:

~ The Clumsy Reader aka Christine

Kissed by an Angel (Trilogy)

2010-02-17T13:30:00.023-06:00

Name: #1 Kissed By An Angel; #2 The Power of Love; #3 Soulmates
Author: Elizabeth Chandler
Pages: 230;225;235; = 690
Start Date: February 8
Finish Date: February 10
Type: YA Romantic Suspense Mystery; Paperback
Status:My Bookshelf; All 3 books in the Kissed by an Angel Trilogy
Rating:

Summary:A love beyond life...a danger beyond doubt.
In a romantic and suspenseful collection of the New York Times bestselling trilogy, love's unbreakable bonds are put to the test.When her boyfriend, Tristan, died, Ivy thought she'd lost everything, even her faith in angels. But now she's discovered that he's her guardian angel -- his presence so strong that she can feel the touch of his hand, the beat of his heart. Ivy needs Tristan now more than ever because he knows she's in terrible danger. Only Ivy's guardian angel can save her now that his killer is after her.But if Tristan rescues Ivy, his mission on earth will be finished, and he must leave her behind forever. Will saving Ivy mean losing her just when he's finally reached her again?

My Review:Whoa. There isn't much to say but that it made me cry. It's like Ghost and another movie named The Invisible put together with a more of a teen twist. But the thing that got me mad was that, unlike Ghost, Tristan didn't get to become 'whole' for Ivy one last time. That might have been too copy-catty but it needed to happen. And that might be giving away to away much..... oh well, cry if you want; I did. Also the whole, all of a sudden she could hear him, made me think the author just wanted to get this over with but that needed to happen first. I had "Arms of the Angel" by Sarah M. on repeat on my ipod and computer the whole time i read this, and that even enhanced the mood more. It was good, but I don't really recommend it for people that take 6 months to read a book like this.

Exert: "How does she look to you?' Lvy asked Tristan. He hesitated. "Yes, tell us both, how do I look to you?" Lacey asked. Tristan tried to think of an objective description. "Like...five foot something... with brown eyes, I think... and a roundish nose, and sort of thick hair."
"Good job, Tristan," Lacey remarked. "You've just described a bear." ~pg. 79 in Soulmates

~ The Clumsy Reader aka Christine

Forever...

2010-02-17T13:29:00.005-06:00

Name: Forever... A novel of good and evil, love and hope
Author: Jude Deveraux
Pages: 359
Start Date: February 7
Finish Date: February 8
Type: Romantic Supernatural Mystery; Hardback
Status: Library; 1st in the Forever Trilogy/ #18 in the Montgomery Series
Rating:

Summary: Darci Monroe overcame a childhood of neglect with an ebullient spirit, a positive attitude...and extraordinary determination. Now the resourceful young woman, hired as Adam Montgomery's personal assistant, devotes more than just professional attention to this devastatingly handsome millionaire. But one thing bars Adam from accepting Darci's love: he is intent on discovering the secret of his parents' disappearance, for she possesses the otherworldly abilities needed to help him fight a terrifying mistress of the dark arts. What Darci ends up offering is a gift greater than Adam ever hoped for, for Darci loves with all her heart, and all her soul, forever...

My Review: My mother had the 2nd book so we both read this and both got the same result: Disappointment. This is a bad book compared to Jude's other books. It was cute and funny and a little misterious but it was VeRy flat and so irritating. And it had THE WORST ending! It needed about another 30+ pages and she needed to forget writing 2 more books. And I'll tell you right now, in the other 2 SHE DOES NOT FIND ADAM!!!! and there is no inkling of there be any more books in series. The only reason that this get 3 daises is because I am imagining the end of this book is 'the end'. Truthfully I couldn't wait for this to be over, and will not be reading the others.

Exert: For a moment, Daci had a vision of transforming herself into Awesome Woman, creature of massive strength, and pulling stones from the walls and bombarding his head with them. But when Adam turned back to look at her she smiled sweetly and finished her third candy bar. ~ pg. 73

~ The Clumsy Reader aka Christine

If Tomorrow Comes

2010-02-17T13:28:00.019-06:00

Name: If Tomorrow Comes
Author: Sidney Sheldon
Pages: 404
Start Date: February 5
Finish Date: February 7
Type: Adult Mystery/Drama; Hardback
Status:My Bookshelf
Rating:

Summary:Lovely, idealistic Tracy Whitney is framed into a fifteen year sentence in an escape-proof penitentiary. With dazzling ingenuity she fights back to destroy the untouchable crime lords who put her there. With her intelligence and beauty as her only weapons, Tracy embarks on a series of extraordinary escapades that sweep her across the globe. In an explosive confrontation Tracy meets her equal in irresistible Jeff Stevens, whose past is as colorful as Tracy's.

My Review: My dad's mom sent me a box of books from California, and this was in it. And so far it is my favorite in the box! The beginning hit the ground running and it didn't stop till the end, and I actually followed it. It was a great book; kinda like a 1-woman version of the Ocean movies. I loved the romantic banter with Jeff, the anger in the prison, and completely admired the brain power and creativity with the heists. I think Sidney was a thief in another life! It was just so believable and had so much emotion. I great read you won't want to put down! Trust me: put on your bookshelf.

Exert: My grandmother has the book right now so I have to somehow get the book back to get a exert. So sorry.....

~ The Clumsy Reader aka Christine

Chosen

2010-02-17T13:28:00.017-06:00

Name: Chosen

Author(s): P.C. & Kristin Cast
Pages: 307
Start Date: February 4
Finish Date: February 5
Type: Teen Vampiric Romance/Horror; Paperback
Status: My Bookshelf; 3rd in House of Night Series
Rating:

Summary:Bloodlust and dark forces are at work at the House of Night… Fledgling vampyre Zoey Redbird’s adventures at the school are about to take a mysterious turn. Those who appear to be her friends are turning out to be enemies. And oddly enough, sworn enemies are also turning into friends. So begins the gripping third installment of this “highly addictive series” (Romantic Times), in which Zoey’s mettle will be tested like never before. Her best friend, Stevie Rae, is undead and struggling to maintain a grip on her humanity. Zoey doesn’t have a clue how to help her, but she does know that anything she and Stevie Rae discover about the secretive and sinister power that’s turning dead fledglings into bloodsucking monsters must be kept secret from everyone else at the House of Night, where trust has become a rare commodity. Speaking of rare: Zoey finds herself in the very unexpected position of having three boyfriends. Mix in more than a little forbidden desire to the equation and the situation has the potential to spell social disaster of massive proportions. Then, vampyres start turning up dead. Really dead. It looks like the People of Faith, and Zoey’s horrid step-loser in particular, are tired of living side-by-side with vampyres. But, as Zoey and her friends find out, things are not always what they seem…

My Review: This was little more O.M.G. than the others. I don't really know what i can say with out giving the book away.... Well I will say that Zoey has issues and she is stupid/naive! I'm smarter than her, and that's saying something! With her 'bf' situation, I would have picked Erik, hands down. But her? No, she has to have them all, then loose them all. So, just, read it.

Exert:"If that's what you think, then why did you memorize them?"
"Know thy enemy," she quoted.
"Who said that, anyway?"
She shrugged. "Someone back in the day. The 'thy' gives it away as from the olden back in the day." ~ pg. 147
~ The Clumsy Reader aka Christine

Sent

2010-02-17T13:27:00.008-06:00

Name: Sent
Author: Margaret Peterson Haddix
Pages: 308
Start Date: January 31
Finish Date: February 1
Type: Mystery/ Sci Fi; Hardback
Status: Library; 2nd in The Missing Series
Rating:

Summary:Thirteen-year-olds Jonah and Chip are reeling from the news that they're both missing children from history, kidnapped from their proper time period. Before they can fully absorb this revelation, a time purist named JB zaps Chip and another boy, Alex, back to the fifteenth century, where they supposedly belong. Determined not to lose their friends, Jonah and his sister, Katherine, grab Chip's arms just as he's being sent away. The result? Jonah and Katherine also end up in the fifteenth century, where they decidedly do not belong.Chip's true identity is Edward V, king of England, and Alex is his younger brother, Richard, Duke of York. But Chip is convinced that his uncle, Richard of Gloucester, plans to kill them and seize the throne for himself.JB promises that if the kids can "fix time," he will allow them to return to the present day. But how can they possibly return home safely when history claims that Chip and Alex were murdered?In a riveting tale that climaxes on the battlefield at Bosworth, master storyteller Margaret Peterson Haddix brings readers back in time to an unforgettable moment in history and plunges them into the adventure of a lifetime.

My Review: I was hoping this would be good as the first, but I was sadly disappointed. I mean it was OK, but it was just 'blah'. The concept and the plot was kinda good,but, just, for some reason, I didn't like it. The ending is the only good part to me, and of course it doesn't answer your most burning question: Who is Jonah? Well, you can read it and maybe correct me, on thinking this is a -_- book, or you can agree with me. Your choice.

Exert: "Stop it!" Katherine said. "Stop fighting! If we've got any hope of getting out this place, we'll all have to work together."

"Fighting? Who's fighting?" Chip asked.

"Squabbling, then," Katherine said, " You know what I mean."

"We're in the 15th century. In 1483 even squabbling involves bows and arrows or giant spears." Chip said harshly.

"Or lances." Alex said.

"Swords." Chip said.

"Battering Rams." Alex said.

"You're not making me feel any better about the 15th century." Katherine said. -pg. 168

~ The Clumsy Reader aka Christine

The Clumsy Reader

Chew On This (4)

I'm Back.... ;D

CLOSING DOWN BLOG

Ok Im 50 book reviews behind so lets just do this nice and simple...

I Love You, Beth Cooper

Hot Stuff

Scrambled Eggs At Midnight

Sleeping Over

Ironside: A Modern Faery's Tale

Valiant

Waiting For You

Tithe: A Modern Faerie Tale

The Nature of Jade

FYI & Update (3)

What Would Emma Do?

Take Me There

True Confessions

The Forest of Hands and Teeth

Sex, Lies, and Online Dating

It Must Be Love

Swoon

Charlie All Night

Next Best Thing

Dead Girls Don't Wear Diamonds

La Femme Reader's Contest That Will Blow You Away....

Bloody Bookaholic's **Ridiculously Awesome Contest**

Dead Until Dark

Fairy Tale

Enthusiasm

Coming Undone

Guyaholic

Head Over Heels

Vegan Virgin Valentine

Eternal

Envy: A Luxe Novel

13 Little Blue Envelopes

Update & FYI

Rumors: A Luxe Novel

Mermaid Park

Frostbite

Chew on This (3)

Pages Read Challenge by Secret Dreamworld of a Bookaholic

Ranting, Reviews, & Reading

2010 Wish I'd Read That Challenge by Royal Reviews

1st in a Series Challenge by Royal Reviews

2nd Reading Challenge by Royal Reviews

Finish That Series Challenge! 2010 by Royal Reviews

Romance Reading Challenge by Royal Reviews

The Luxe

She's Got the Beat

Holly

Vampire Academy

Born of Night

The Hunger Games

The Men I Didn't Marry

Deadly Little Lies

The Raider

Chew on This (2)

When It Happens

The Door in the Hedge

Twin of Ice

Coffehouse Angel

Kissed by an Angel (Trilogy)

Forever...

If Tomorrow Comes

Chosen

Sent

Bloody Bookaholic's Ridiculously Awesome Contest