[Blog Tour] Overprotected by Jennifer Laurens -Final Stop-

I just want to THANK YOU all the bloggers that helped made this Blog Tour a success, it is our first time hosting a blog tour for a book and it was a great experience. It was fun and very hectic for a first time experience but really enjoyed it. All in all I want to thank Jennifer Laurens giving us a chance to host a book tour for her book Overprotected! More power to you Jennifer!

Don't forget you have until tomorrow to comment on all the blog stops for a chance to win:

plus Jennifers Book of Choice!

20 Jennifer - Kick Off

21 Me & Reading - Interview

22 Amaterasu Reads- Excerpt

23 Book Whisperer - Guest Post
24 Reading Angel - Guest Post
25 iLive, iLaugh, iLove Books - Excerpt
26 Reading Little Bit of Everything - interview
27 Fragments of Life - Excerpt
28 Reading Away The Days- Character Interview
29 Teen Readers Diary - Review
30 A Simple Love of Reading - Character Interview

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[Review] Cascade by Lisa Tawn Bergren

Cascade
by Lisa Tawn Bergren
Publication Date: June 1, 2011

Hardcover, 416 pages

Publisher: David C. Cook; New edition

Mom touched my underdress—a gown made six hundred years before—and her eyes widened as she rubbed the raw silk between thumb and forefinger. She turned and touched Lia’s gown. “Where did you get these clothes?”

Gabi knows she’s left her heart in the fourteenth century and she persuades Lia to help her to return, even though they know doing so will risk their very lives. When they arrive, weeks have passed and all of Siena longs to celebrate the heroines who turned the tide in the battle against Florence—while the Florentines will go to great lengths to see them dead.

But Marcello patiently awaits, and Gabi must decide if she’s willing to leave her family behind for good in order to give her heart to him forever.

-Goodreads

Amazon | Barnes & Nobles | Book Depository

My Thoughts?

Man I love this book a lot! It had me smiling from start to finish. There are just a lot of reasons to smile for this book. I mean I’ve been laughed at by my friends at school because I squeak, giggle, laugh, and get my eyes all dreamy because of this book. But it’s okay because I know I got them intrigued with what I’m reading. And so much for that... 

Cascade is the sequel to Lisa Tawn Bergren’s successful first book Waterfall of the River of Time Series. The second book picked up the story more or less than 20 minutes after the Waterfall ending. It was fast but it had to be... I mean you’ll understand when you read it.

I had mentioned in the Waterfall review how in love I am with History and with this book being a historical romance young-adult novel made it an awesome book already. It actually made me more interested with the medieval period. And I am glad for it because it’s an additional information. Now enough with the nerdy side.

I make it to a point that I don’t go crushing with the male lead characters of any book because well they’ll obviously end up with the female lead and I’d be jealous. And I mean even if that’s the case, of my so called making it to a point thing I mean, of course I’d still end  up falling in love with the heroes. But this is one of those few books that I actually fell in love with a villain. Can I mention Lord Rodolfo Greco here? I mean Gabi sees this medieval knight as a hottie already even if she’s in love with Marcello so I’m fairly certain that Lord Greco is that gorgeous. And making him a mysterious villain makes it even a lot better. Not that I’m into the bad bad bad guy type... it was just because I felt something different with him. Even if he’s like a real mean guy... I felt like there’s a reasonable thing in him. And I wasn’t wrong in a way. Yes I fell hard for him. And anyway, if you’re not into that villainous type of guy, you can still read a California surfer dude slash funny type of guy in Luca. And of course, never forget Marcello who is in every way a definition of an Italian hotness. 

(Did I sound like a real creep for being mostly only after those hotties? Because it’s usually what my friends and I search for a book. As teenagers and all stuffs like that, we mostly wanted a real nice story with swoon worthy heroes... and then we can talk about it all day.) 

Aside from the hot guys of course, the story too is brilliant. I tell you this one is full of action, just as how I like it. Really, like from the start to end, it’s all about running and fighting and running and fighting for their lives. And there is of course the occasional flirting. It’s really that exciting. I love this book a lot. It’s the story and the characters and most probably just the entirety of it.

The way Cascade ended made the third book of this series a must read. The second I finished it, I wanted to get a grip with Torrent in the instant. I really am that excited for their next life-threatening adventure. I love this book and I felt like I’ve said that a lot already but anyway... I also love the series... And maybe you guys would too... Nah you will definitely enjoy it.

Ratings:

Review by:

 
CASCADE TRAILER

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[Review] Inside Out by Maria V. Snyder

Inside Out

by Maria V. Snyder

Paperback, 315 pages

Published April 1st 2010 by Harlequin

I'm Trella. I'm a scrub. A nobody. One of thousands who work the lower levels, keeping Inside clean for the Uppers. I've got one friend, do my job and try to avoid the Pop Cops. So what if I occasionally use the pipes to sneak around the Upper levels? The only neck at risk is my own…until I accidentally start a rebellion and become the go-to girl to lead a revolution.

-Goodreads

Amazon | Barnes & Nobles | Book Depository

My thoughts?

With a stunning cover and interesting synopsis, I found every reason to read this book. It also happens that Across The Universe, which is one of my favorites, is often compared to this, so without a doubt I knew I'm gonna give it a shot.

The thing is, maybe I should have expected it to be a little complicated. Or was it just me? Okay, I may not have the most creative, extensive and flexible imagination, so I had to google unfamiliar things which I have no idea how they look like from time to time. Maybe I'm just a sucker in these kinds of matter -- since it's a sci-fi material, I want to visualize everything and I'm very keen on small details so I had a hard time digesting the whole thing. I almost gave up reading this because seriously, the first few chapters was like a mad rush of action scenes. Bu then, after postponing this for a few weeks, the quick paced events excited me.

Trella, born as a scrub who lives in the world of Inside and somewhat a loner, is one strong, admirable character to consider. This book with this kind of heroine is just what I've always wanted to dive in. She's a firm, mature character who knows how to contain herself in different kinds of situation, yet surprisingly, she's very brave and fearless. And as events went on, I was amazed how cleverly this book was described, and how characters stand their own identity. It's packed with an extreme amount of action, and you will find yourself gripping hard, and holding your breath from exciting happenings. The romance is also well written, and I love how Trella and Riley had been dragged together in a romantic way, yet not losing the action and exciting aspect.

The ending was even more gripping, and definitely left a big room of expectations on the next book. I have read a few other dystopian and sci-fi ones, and having read this book, I guess I'm setting them into a new higher set of standards. They're just really good! And, Inside Out is definitely one of them. Can't wait to read Outside In!

Ratings:

Review by:

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[Review] Waterfall by Lisa Tawn Bergren

Waterfall (River of Time, #1)

by Lisa Tawn Bergren

Publication Date: February 1, 2011

Hardcover, 384 pages.

Publisher: David C. Cook; New edition

Lisa Tawn Bergren's new YA series, River of Time, is romantic, historical fiction in which the plucky heroine doesn't have to fear a vampire's bite but must still fight for her life.

In Waterfall, American teenager Gabi Betarrini accidently finds herself in Fourteenth-Century Italy . . . Knights. Swords. Horses. Armor. And Italian hotties. Most American teens want an Italian vacation, but the Betarrini sisters have spent every summer of their lives there with their archaeologist parents. Stuck on yet another hot, dusty dig, they are bored out of their minds... until they place their hands atop handprints in an ancient tomb and find themselves catapulted into the Fourteenth Century and in the middle of a fierce battle between knights bent on killing one another.

-Goodreads

Amazon | Barnes & Nobles | Book Depository



My Thoughts?

Oh I love this book for so many reasons. Waterfall is so wonderfully written and the story too was beautifully crafted.

This is the first book in Lisa Tawn Bergren’s young adult series, River of Time. It’s a romantic historical fiction and that’s what really captures me.

I am in love with history. I can so relate to the things that was said or mentioned in this book. I mean, I don’t know all of the things mentioned here exactly, I just feel the familiarity. And that thing makes me feel all so giddy with this book. Like I can totally absorb everything about Medieval Italy. I feel like what happened in this book is so incredible so I can’t help myself fantasizing about being there with them. I think that’s what fascinates me truly. My fondness for history really magnetized me to this book.

But it’s not just that though. The story was also so captivating. Most of us like tough ass heroines. I mean come on, those kinds of female protagonists makes our story really interesting. And for that, that I enjoyed reading Gabi. She’s so twenty-first like lady and yet she was able to actually be like a lovely medieval lass. She is so brave and darn it, she’s so tall too. Not that there’s anything wrong with that.

Oh my gosh, another thing in this book is the Italian hotness going on and about. The Italian knights here are swoon worthy. Marcello is like the god of hotness in my imagination. He’s the every definition of male beauty. I might be exaggerating him but anyway, I’m so darn jealous because it was Gabi who captures his heart. I kind of like how he speaks too. And he’s so gentlemanly, but of course, that is what is expected to every aristocratic men of their time.

Bergren wrote this book with the combination of the present and medieval tongue. It made me feel good actually that I get to read the things the way they were said in the medieval times. I mean I’m not much of a classical type of person. I don’t usually read the classical novels so I won’t have an exact idea as to how they say things, but these kinds of books have it. Bergren wrote the conversation as to how they are supposed to be said in the medieval period. And I like it.

After reading Waterfall, I am positive that I will finish the whole series. I don’t know but I just feel like I have to. It’s something that I must do. I love reading it. I enjoy every moment of it. So it really is a must read... a guaranteed good one too. I wanted to share the joy in reading and the beauty of this book.

Ratings:


Review by:

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Waiting on Wednesday #2 by Era Penera

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

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

Torrent
by: Lisa Tawn BergrenExpected publication: September 1, 2011 by David C. Cook

Synopsis from Goodreads

When Gabi and Lia finally learn to surf the river of time, they realize they must make hard choices about life and love in the third and final book in the River of Time series. Gabi and Lia Betarrini have learned to control their time travel, and they return from medieval Italy to save their father from his tragic death in modern times. But love calls across the centuries, and the girls are determined to return forever—even though they know the Black Plague is advancing across Europe, claiming the lives of one-third of the population. In the suspenseful conclusion of the River of Time series, every decision is about life … and death.

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[A Week Long Guest Post] Books into Movie

Welcome to A Week Long Guest Post

is a weekly spotlight hosted by We Fancy Books

today we have Mickey @ I'm A Book Shark talking about Books to Movies!

Ok Mikey the floor is yours!

Books Into Movies

I don’t know about you, but I definitely get all fangirl giddy when a movie based on a book I loved is being filmed and released. I stalk it on various movie and fan sites until it finally hits theaters. I check out the different actors playing my favorite characters and judge the choices. At that point, I’m either completely stoked or already disappointed. Then there are times when I’ve read a book and watched a movie from the past, or when I’ve already seen a movie and go back to read the book. Sometimes I love the characters and actors, sometimes I can’t stand it. Let’s look at some examples: books I’ve read, movies I’ve seen, and how I’ve felt about the actors. And if you’ve read my blog, you know that I love lists!

Times when I’ve been happy with the actors portraying my favorite characters:

  The Time Traveler’s Wife – Eric Bana as Henry DeTamble

   While this movie wasn’t everything I wanted it to be, I was pleasantly surprised by Eric Bana’s performance as Henry. He was just as handsome as I thought he would be, and when I saw some of my favorite scenes come to life, it was just like I imagined. He’s manly!

The Time Traveler’s Wife – Rachel McAdams as Clare Abshire

The same thing applies for Clare. Rachel McAdams was a fantastic Clare to me. She was whimsical in the beginning, and she struggled with putting up with Henry’s constant disappearing. Great portrayal.

 Silence of the Lambs – Anthony Hopkins as Hannibal Lecter

Who wants to disagree with me? Haha just kidding. I watched the movies long before I read the books, and the role was made for Anthony Hopkins. End of story. No one else could do it better!

Everything is Illuminated – Eugene Hutz as Alex 

I read this book, and the movie was already out, but I didn’t know. Reading Alex’s lines out loud in my head was hysterical; seeing them on the big screen was even better, and Eugene Hutz was great! If you’ve read this book, see this movie. 

Atonement – James McAvoy as Robbie Turner

This book was tough at first. So I stopped and watched the movie. Then I was inspired and fell in love with the novel, and with Robbie. James McAvoy is amazing in this (as always.)

The Devil Wears Prada – Meryl Streep as Miranda Priestly

If you’ve read this book, you’d know that Miranda is awful to Andrea. Meryl Streep nails this role! She is spot-on in her atrociousness, and I mean that in the best way possible.

Times when I’ve been disappointed with the actors portraying my favorite characters:

PS, I Love You – Hilary Swank as Holly Kennedy

There were so many things wrong with this movie. It could be that I loved this book so much nothing would do, but they changed it a lot, and Hilary Swank just isn’t Holly.

Twilight Saga – Kristen Stewart as Bella Swan

As depressing and awkward as Bella is, Kristen Stewart is so bland and unemotional sometimes. And it isn’t just in Twilight. Just not a fan of her playing Bella.

My Sister’s Keeper – Cameron Diaz as Sara Fitzgerald

Sara is supposed to be this amazingly strong woman, having to tend to a family that includes a flaky son, a terminally ill daughter, and a daughter who exists solely to treat the ill one. Cameron Diaz is not the one I pictured when reading this novel.

The Time Traveler’s Wife – Ron Livingston as Gomez

This may be petty, but Gomez is this “pretty fine specimen of guyhood” in the novel. And no offense, but Ron Livingston is.. well.. not Gomez! Plus, they totally changed his storyline and involvement with certain people. Not the best choice for the novel’s character.

A Single Man – Julianne Moore as Charlotte (Charley)

Besides the fact that she isn’t British (although she tries the accent), I just didn’t like her as George’s friend Charley. As I’m writing this, I’m convincing myself that she was just fine, but for whatever reason I wasn’t impressed.

Something Borrowed – Steve Howe as Marcus

Steve Howe was greasy and yuck in this movie. Yes, Marcus isn’t really any good, and while I enjoyed Howe’s performance in the movie, he was NOT Marcus in my head! Neither was Dex, for that matter, but I’ve learned to forgive that one.

There are times when Hollywood gets it so right! True Grit and The Princess Bride are examples of absolutely brilliant casting. Every single character in those movies was portrayed by a worthy actor. I can’t say enough good things about the casting in other movies like Princess Diaries and even Derailed. And everyone and their mothers loves Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy in Pride and Prejudice! But sometimes Hollywood seems to have no idea what it is doing, and I’m left wondering if they even read the original book. The Lovely Bones didn’t sit right with me at all, except for maybe Stanley Tucci as George Harvey, and I hardly want to think of him that way. Nicholas Sparks books to movies are hit or miss. The Notebook and A Walk to Remember are spot on while Dear John and The Last Song fell slightly short. And for the love of everything dark chocolate, how did they make He’s Just Not That Into You into a movie completely opposite of the lesson the book tries to teach you!?

Okay, off the soapbox. I will leave you with one recommendation. If you never want to see another movie based on a book again, do yourself a favor and watch one last one. Go out and find the 1940 version of Pride and Prejudice. Watch it and love it. Any fan of the book has to appreciate this version of the movie. I am a fan of most visual attempts of this book. I love Keira Knightley, but there is just something about this old school adaptation that makes me love the fact that Hollywood still puts forth a valiant effort to bring our favorite characters to the big screen. (Yes it’s in black and white. It’s worth it, I promise.)

Blog: http://imabookshark.blogspot.com

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Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/2490903-mickey

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/imabookshark

What can you say about Books being turned into a movie? What book are you looking forward to be made into a movie? We would love to hear from you!

A big THANKS to Mickey for participating on this feature *waves*

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It's Monday! What Are You Reading? #9 by Era Penera

It's Monday! What are you reading is a weekly meme that comes to us from Sheila at Book Journey. To participate, simply post what you finished reading in the past week and what you plan to read this week. It is a good way to find other books you may enjoy reading. After you write your post, head over to Sheila's blog to leave your post's link on the link entry form at the bottom of the What are you reading? post.

What I Finished

Waterfall (River of Time, #1) by Lisa Tawn Bergren
What I'm Reading

Cascade (River of Time, #2) by Lisa Tawn Bergren
 Gabi knows she's left her heart in the fourteenth century, and she persuades Lia to help her to return, even though they know doing so will risk their very lives. When they arrive, months have passed and all of Siena longs to celebrate the heroines who turned the tide in the battle against Florence - while their enemies will go to great lengths to see them dead.
Even in the midst of the battles, Gabi's heart is increasingly drawn to Marcello, just as Lia's is to Luca. In medieval Italy, the sisters discover things inside themselves that they couldn't seem to find in the present - connection with their mom, courage within, and the understanding that a life well lived often means encountering sacrifice. But in a world long past, many things still keep Gabi from giving Marcello her heart... and one thing in particular calls all three of the Betarrinis home.

Betrayal's Shadow (The Guardians of Eden, #1) by K.H. LeMoyne
Amazon Product Description

What would you do to save your people from extinction?

What if your race held the key to mankind’s future?

One Guardian will risk hell to change the future.

Descended from a race of Guardians created in the far edges of Eden, Turen’s people have survived the last two hundred years, quarantined by plague to Eden’s Sanctum. Risking death to save his people from eternal damnation, Turen chooses capture at the hands of his enemy to seek answers to change the future. Living in secrecy with no mates and no offspring, they fail to deliver on their covenant for mankind, the ability to replenish and heal human souls through the birth of their Guardian children. 

Mia Bowman’s full human lineage decrees her off limits for knowledge of Guardian’s secret race. But her uncontrollable nocturnal visits to Turen’s prison cell and her strong sense of justice leave her with little choice but to help. She can heed Turen’s warning and stay clear of his people’s problems or she can ferret out the lies and unravel an ancient tale of murder and deceit. As the complications escalate, the two forbidden lovers race to stop a fatal end to the Guardian line. But it may require their ultimate sacrifice to stop the betrayal and save the Guardian race. 

To Read Next

Across The Universe by Beth Revis

The Vampire Dimitri by Colleen Gleason

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