Title: The Siren
Series: The Original Sinners
Author: Tiffany Reisz
Pages: 425
Published: July 2012
Acquired: Library
Goodreads Rating: 4.14
My Rating: 5

Goodreads Synopsis:
Notorious Nora Sutherlin is famous for her delicious works of erotica, each one more popular with readers than the last. But her latest manuscript is different—more serious, more personal—and she's sure it'll be her breakout book...if it ever sees the light of day.

Zachary Easton holds Nora's fate in his well-manicured hands. The demanding British editor agrees to handle the book on one condition: he wants complete control. Nora must rewrite the entire novel to his exacting standards—in six weeks—or it's no deal.

Nora's grueling writing sessions with Zach are draining…and shockingly arousing. And a dangerous former lover has her wondering which is more torturous—staying away from him...or returning to his bed?

Nora thought she knew everything about being pushed to your limits. But in a world where passion is pain, nothing is ever that simple.

My Thoughts: Before I begin this review I have to put it out there that this is an adult book with mature content that may not be suitable for everyone. Now that I got that out of the way..

Wow Oh Wow!!!

So guys after finishing Clockwork Princess I had been in somewhat of a reading slump for a few days. Usually I have a pretty good idea on what I am going to read next, even if I don't go directly according to my TBR list. But this week, I am not sure if my emotions after finishing a book that touched me as much as Clockwork Princess did, or just the pure chaos of school this week, but everything I picked up I just could not get into and ended up putting down. So last night after going through my endless stacks of library books I finally decided that maybe what I needed was just to take a brief hiatus from reading YA books and for lack of a better word read a SMEXY book. (I had to give credit to that classification to Stacey Jay. She mentioned it in her signing and I have been using it since). And boy this book was exactly what I needed to get me back to reading again. I started this book last night and stayed up until after 1am reading. That was not such a good idea, especially when I wake up at 5am on Saturday's and Sundays to attend my nursing clinical. I could not wait to end my shift so I could get back home and finish this book and I did!

What I Liked: The diversity of the characters and the descriptions. There are two main protagonist; Nora and Zach, Nora is a known erotica author and Zach is an editor at the publishing house that Nora is trying to sign at. Okay guys anytime you through in a male character that has anything to do with books I'M SOLD! He could be an author, a book seller, a publisher and its hook-line-and-sinker with my heart! And top it off he's BRITiSH! (Yes I am an American girl who goes weak in the knees for a British accent!) I don't want to give too much away as I am always determined to keep my reviews Spoiler Free but you are introduced to the world of BDSM and there are a few graphic scenes for anyone who may not enjoy reading such scenes. What I liked about this book, that separated from other SMEXY books, was the fact that all the sex scenes had a plot purpose and were not thrown in there like so many other books I have read lately. It was a little more intense than 50 Shades of Grey but not as disturbing as Anne Rice's Sleeping beauty series.

What I Didn't Like: Honestly there was not much I didn't like. I initially had an issue with the ending, but that was before I found out that the series continues and there are 2 other books currently out and the 4th one will be released this summer.

How do you guys feel about SMEXY books, do you enjoy them or are they not your cup of tea? I would love to know what you guys think!

Hey Guys,

I just came back from an attending an amazing giveaway in the Mysterious Galaxy in San Diego with my friends Amber and Vivian. I had been literally counting down for this event for weeks now and was so excited to finally attend. I love book signings and I absolutely love author panels. The authors always feed off of eachother's energy which makes the signing even more entertaining. This panel was incredible because it featured such great authors.

Cynthia Hand - Unearthly Series
Anna Carey - Eve Series
Tahereh Mafi - Shatter Me Series
Veronica Rossi - Under the Never Sky Series
Ransom Riggs - Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children

The book signing was in San Deigo and my friends and I live in Los Angeles, so it was a nice two hour drive to head down there. Luckily we hit no traffic so we made it there in really good time. The signing probably had a nice crowd and the authors were all super entertaining and funny!
Now Time for the GoodStuff!!!!

Giveaway Info!
I love book signigns because it gives an oppurtunity to buy some new books, get the signed and meet the author behind the books. Since I was excited about many of these authors I thought I'd share the joy, by giving one lucky blog follower a change to win, not 1, not 2, not 3, not 4 but 5 (yes 5)  autogrpahed hard back copies! Following via BlogLovin is mandatory!

Here is what I am offering!
- Autographed copy of Through the ever Night by Veronica Rossi with some swag
- Autographed copy of Boundless by Cynthia Hand with some swag
- Autograhed copy of Unravel me by Tahereh Mafi
- Autogrpahed coyy of Rise by Anna Carey with Swag
- An extra autogrpahed copy of Prodigy from a signing I went to last month!!!!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Hey Guys! Sorry for not posting anything the last couple of days, school has been very intense so I had to concentrate on my studies. Last week, I was able to finish reading Shatter Me and Unravel me by Tahereh Mafi, which I incredibly enjoyed. I started Partials and got about 150 pages in, but had to put it down, not because I wasn't enjoying it, but it was not as quick of a read as I would have liked. And due to my time constraints I had to put it down for now, but I will pick it back up soon.

I started this week by reading and completing Clockwork Angel and just finished Clockwork Prince. My review for Clockwork Angel is up, but I am no where ready to review Clockwork Prince. I need to process the book and am dying to start Clockwork Princess, but I had to post this up before I busted open the cover.

My TBR for the week are as follows:
Clockwork Princess
Unearthly
Hallowed
Boundless

The reason I am trying to get the Unearthly series read by Thursday, is because this coming Thursday I will be attending an amazing YA panel in San Diego! I am really excited due to the amazing authors that will be there. And I'm not going to lie. EXPECT A BIG GIVEAWAY WHEN I GET BACK NEXT WEEK =D! But speaking of giveaways it is time to announce the winner of the autographed copy of Romeo Redeemed!

And the winner is.............
Sarah Elizabeth!

Thank you for everyone who participated :)

Title: Clockwork Angel
Series: The Infernal Devices #1
Author: Cassandra Clare
Pages: 476
Published: 09/06/10
Acquired: Autograph signing last summer in San Diego Mystic Galaxy
Goodreads Rating: 4.27
My Rating: 4.5

Goodreads Synopsis:
Magic is dangerous—but love is more dangerous still.

When sixteen-year-old Tessa Gray crosses the ocean to find her brother, her destination is England, the time is the reign of Queen Victoria, and something terrifying is waiting for her in London's Downworld, where vampires, warlocks and other supernatural folk stalk the gaslit streets. Only the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the world of demons, keep order amidst the chaos.

Kidnapped by the mysterious Dark Sisters, members of a secret organization called The Pandemonium Club, Tessa soon learns that she herself is a Downworlder with a rare ability: the power to transform, at will, into another person. What’s more, the Magister, the shadowy figure who runs the Club, will stop at nothing to claim Tessa's power for his own.

Friendless and hunted, Tessa takes refuge with the Shadowhunters of the London Institute, who swear to find her brother if she will use her power to help them. She soon finds herself fascinated by—and torn between—two best friends: James, whose fragile beauty hides a deadly secret, and blue-eyed Will, whose caustic wit and volatile moods keep everyone in his life at arm's length . . . everyone, that is, but Tessa. As their search draws them deep into the heart of an arcane plot that threatens to destroy the Shadowhunters, Tessa realizes that she may need to choose between saving her brother and helping her new friends save the world. . . . and that love may be the most dangerous magic of all.

My Thoughts: FINALLY! FINALLY! FINALLY! These were just one of those books that I had been meaning to read for so long now and it just kept being pushed back. But now that the series is over I had no excuse to start reading this ASAP! I am a huge fun of the Immortal Instruments (especially the first 3 books) and had the privilege of meeting Cassie Claire last summer in a San Diego book signing. She herself personally could not stop raving about how much she loved writing the Infernal Devices and was really encouraging everyone to read them. I was able to pick up the first book and get it autographed :)

What I Liked: The main thing I noticed from the beginning was how much I had missed Cassie Clare's writing and the specific font that her publishers use for her books. She writes so eloquently with so much detail and description that is such a joy to read. I loved meeting the new characters and seeing glimpses of the old ones. I love how there is so much mystery behind each character and that Ms. Clare keeps you guessing with each page. Yes, towards the end some of the details of Tessa's past was revealed but there is so much more left to unravel. Then there is Will. Will oh will. There were times you couldn't help falling for him, and there are times you just want to slug him because he is being such a douce! I think his past is the one I am most anxious to find out about. And I hope he does end up redeeming himself in the next book! Then there's sweet Jem! He is pure goodness itself, but I am hoping to see him rebel a little and become more of those bad boys we all can't help to love!

What I Didn't Like: There was none of that raw passion that we all now Cassie Clare loves to write! (Common now; Jace, Clary and that back alley scene! HELLO!!!) I know that she will not disappoint and I am dying to start book 2! But Alas I have to get a good student and study for my quiz today first!

Title: Unravael Me
Series: Shatter Me #2
Author: Tahereh Mafi
Pages: 461
Published: 02/05/13
Acquired: Library
Goodreads Rating:  4.39
My Rating: 4.5

Goodreads Synopsis:

tick

tick

tick

tick

tick

it's almost

time for war.

Juliette has escaped to Omega Point. It is a place for people like her—people with gifts—and it is also the headquarters of the rebel resistance.

She's finally free from The Reestablishment, free from their plan to use her as a weapon, and free to love Adam. But Juliette will never be free from her lethal touch.

Or from Warner, who wants Juliette more than she ever thought possible.

In this exhilarating sequel to Shatter Me, Juliette has to make life-changing decisions between what she wants and what she thinks is right. Decisions that might involve choosing between her heart—and Adam's life.

My Thoughts:  This series just keeps getting better and better. I am really starting to enjoy Ms. Mafi's writing. It just flows with such ease, which allows you to be read continuously without taking any breaks. But now that its over, the wait to book 3 is going to be extremely long. However, I am looking forward to reading the novella Destroy Me and get to know more about Warner. 

What I Liked: This book really took off for me.  It was action packed, filled with good suspense and some nice hot scenes. There were also some very sad moments, moments that crushed your heart and moments were you found yourself feeling sympathetic towards someone, which you would not have before. And boy of boy there is an INTERESTING TWIST thrown at you that you will not see coming! 

What I Didn't Like:  Once again there wasn't much I didn't like, however the problem with reading so many YA books, is that after a while you are able to start predicting plot twists. And there was one scene in this book that reminded me a little too much of Cassie Claire's Immortal Instrument series, hence why I gave the book a 4.5 instead of a 5. 

Title: Shatter Me
Series: Shatter Me #1
Author: Tahereh Mafi
Pages: 338
Published: 11/15/11
Acquired: Library Book
Goodreads Rating: 4.04
My Rating: 4.0


Synopsis: 

Juliette hasn’t touched anyone in exactly 264 days.

The last time she did, it was an accident, but The Reestablishment locked her up for murder. No one knows why Juliette’s touch is fatal. As long as she doesn’t hurt anyone else, no one really cares. The world is too busy crumbling to pieces to pay attention to a 17-year-old girl. Diseases are destroying the population, food is hard to find, birds don’t fly anymore, and the clouds are the wrong color.

The Reestablishment said their way was the only way to fix things, so they threw Juliette in a cell. Now so many people are dead that the survivors are whispering war – and The Reestablishment has changed its mind. Maybe Juliette is more than a tortured soul stuffed into a poisonous body. Maybe she’s exactly what they need right now.

My Thoughts:  I FINALLY was able to read this book after having it keep getting pushed back and back on my TBR! Even though I had been wanting to read this book ever since I first saw the cover. That being the original cover. I have to admit I'm not a fan of the new ones. But I am glad I waited to read it, because now I can read the second book in the series Unravel Me right after :)

What I Liked:  I have to admit that at first I was kind of put off on how the book started.l It just seemed like just a bunch of rambeling that was not making any real sense. But slowly and surely all the pieces of the puzzle started coming together nicely. I also really liked how action packed this book was.  It was a real easy read with no dull moments. It was one of those books that you did not want to put down so you could find out what was going to happen next. And yes there were a few really nice scenes with tons of passion. And to top it off they just always seemed to happen in the shower. Hmmmmm... Yes for those of you who have already read this book, you know exactly what I am talking about.

What I Didn't Like:  Honestly there wasn't much that I didn't like about this book. The only reason it didn't get a 5, was that even though I really enjoyed the story, there was nothing about it that blew me away. But I am really looking forward to starting book 2 to see where the rest of the story goes.

Hey guys I have 4 books that I either own or borrowed from the library that I plan to read this week.

What is on your TBR this week?

Plus don't forget the Giveaway for Romeo Redeemed is still up!

Title: Requiem
Series: Delirium #3
Author: Laruen Oliver
Acquired:  Library Book
Published: March 5, 2013
Goodreads Rating: 3.86
My Rating: 4.0

Goodreads Synopsis:

They have tried to squeeze us out, to stamp us into the past.

But we are still here.

And there are more of us every day.

Now an active member of the resistance, Lena has been transformed. The nascent rebellion that was under way in Pandemonium has ignited into an all-out revolution in Requiem, and Lena is at the center of the fight.

After rescuing Julian from a death sentence, Lena and her friends fled to the Wilds. But the Wilds are no longer a safe haven—pockets of rebellion have opened throughout the country, and the government cannot deny the existence of Invalids. Regulators now infiltrate the borderlands to stamp out the rebels, and as Lena navigates the increasingly dangerous terrain, her best friend, Hana, lives a safe, loveless life in Portland as the fiancée of the young mayor.

Maybe we are driven crazy by our feelings.

Maybe love is a disease, and we would be better off without it.

But we have chosen a different road.

And in the end, that is the point of escaping the cure: We are free to choose.

We are even free to choose the wrong thing.

Requiem is told from both Lena’s and Hana’s points of view. The two girls live side by side in a world that divides them until, at last, their stories converge.

My Thoughts:

I have been waiting to read this book, from the moment I read the last page of the second book in their series, Pandemoniem. I can probably safely say that many of us were in the same boat. Lauren Oliver definately has the art of ending her books on a cliff hanger down! And once again being a broke student I couldn't buy this book right when it came out, but luckly my library got this book ASAP and I read it the first day I was able to pick it up. Pushing some other books back on my TBR. OPPS :)

What I liked:  There is a very interesting discovery in this book, which I will not go into for those you that have not read the book yet, but it really caught me by surprise and I really liked what Lauren Oliver did with it. I know a lot of people have not liked the ending to this book, but I actually loved it. Yes there a lot things that are left unanswered, but to me that is what made the ending so realistic. The back that were was no "Happily Ever After." blah blah blah. And as a writers stand point, when there is no definite ending, it also leaves it open for a possible continuation of the story later on. I'm not sure if this is what Lauren Oliver was going with exactly, but hey I just wanted to through it out there. I also really liked getting to learn about Hana some more. She grew as a character for me in this book and I really liked seeing how the cure effects her.  

What I Didn't Like:  My biggest problem with this book was the beginning. After waiting for over an year after that an amazing ending to book 2, I kind of wanted Book 3 to pick up where it ended. With that same action packed energy and it didn't. You almost had to go through about 50 pages before anything was even really discussed about the big cliff hanger. 

But alas that is another series that ended this year. 

Have you read Requiem or the Delirium series? And if so what are your thoughts? I would love to know! 

Title: The Indigo Spell
Series: Bloodlines
Author: Richelle Mead
Pages: 401
Acquired: Library book
Published: February 12, 2013
Goodreads Rating: 4.51
My Rating: 4.5

Goodreads Synopsis:
In the aftermath of a forbidden moment that rocked Sydney to her core, she finds herself struggling to draw the line between her Alchemist teachings and what her heart is urging her to do. Then she meets alluring, rebellious Marcus Finch--a former Alchemist who escaped against all odds, and is now on the run. Marcus wants to teach Sydney the secrets he claims the Alchemists are hiding from her. But as he pushes her to rebel against the people who raised her, Sydney finds that breaking free is harder than she thought. There is an old and mysterious magic rooted deeply within her. And as she searches for an evil magic user targeting powerful young witches, she realizes that her only hope is to embrace her magical blood--or else she might be next.


Populated with new faces as well as familiar ones, the Bloodlines series explores all the friendship, romance, battles, and betrayals that made the #1 New York Times bestselling Vampire Academy series so addictive—this time in a part-vampire, part-human setting where the stakes are even higher and everyone’s out for blood.(less)

My Thoughts: After all that waiting I finally got to the third book in this series. Book 2 had ended on a good note and I am excited to say that vibe continued to this one as well. Now I'm glad that the fourth book will be released later this year.

What I liked: Well of course the budding relationship between Sydney and Adrian was a major plus. I loved that we finally got a little sneak peak of Lissa, but I am really hoping that in the next few books we get to see them develop a sisterly connection, but I really do feel that Jill is owed that based on everything that she has been put through. When we met Marcus Flinch in the second book I was worried that they were going to use him as another triangle for Sydney and Adrian and I am glad that I was proved wrong. And lastly I am just going to end this section by saying "The sorority house seen" ENOUGH SAID!

Favorite Quote:

Hey Guys!

So last Thursday I went to a book signing with my friend Viv and my friend Ginger who I hadn't seen in a VERY long time! It was so nice to finally be able to catch up with her. The signing was at our local Barnes and Noble at the Americana in Glendale. I was really excited to go for two reasons. First I had LOVED Stacey's first book Juliet Immortal and had been desperately waiting for my local library to get a copy of the sequel in. And Second, I had yet to go to a book signing at my local Barnes which I have practically lived at since they opened 5 years ago.

So Viv and I got there about and hour or so early to purchase our books and get good seats. I was very sad to see that there were only a handful of people who showed up for the signing. I am starting to notice this being a trend with Thursday signings. But regardless of this we still had a really good time and were able to have an intimate conversation with the author.

Stacey was so hilarious and go gracious and absolutely ADORABLE! She did not let the fact that very few people showed up discourage her and made the most of the signing for the people that had showed up. She began to tell us about how she came up with the idea of Juliet Immortal and Romeo redeemed. For those of you who have not read Juliet Immortal is an interesting twist on the classic Romeo and Juliet. I will add links to Goodreads for you guys to check them out.

Stacey also had another book coming out this summer, called Of Beast and Beauty, which will be another interesting twist on the original story, with the beast, actually being the girl! Stacey gave an interesting quote that I want to share with all of you. She said that she liked to take classic stories that we all knew and grew up with and add a "humanist and feminist" twist to them. Since those words stuck with me since the signing I decided to incorporate them into this months giveaway:

GIVEAWAY RULES:
1) Follow this blog via either NetworkBlogs or Google Friend Connect
2) Tell me if you could rewrite a classic story, how would you change it and why? This is a trend that we are starting to see that I am LOVING! I loved Cinder and Juliet Immortal and am anxious to read more!
3) Extra Credit will be those who bring followers to my blog. Make sure to have your friends tell me in there comment who sent them to my blog!
4) Lastly make sure to include your email address so I can contact you in your win!

CONTEST WILL BE OVER: Thursday, April 11th at 11:59pm

~*~*~Caxxke~*~*~

Please e-mail me at livelaughlove1984@gmail.com with your mailing address 

so I can get your book to you! Congrats!