My Favorite Reads Giveaway Hop

Welcome to My Favorite Reads giveaway hop, hosted by I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and Rachelle's Writing Spot. This hop lasts from June 1st until June 6th. There are a ton of great giveaways in this hop and I'm excited to share some of my favorite reads with everyone.

I am giving away one of my absolute favorite books, shipped from either TBD or Amazon, to one winner. The winner will be contacted June 7th via e-mail. Here's a list of the books you can choose from:

    

    

To enter, just fill out the Rafflecopter form below. (:
Easy enough, right?!

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Here's a list of all the other great blogs participating in this hop:

Top Ten Tuesdays: Books I'd Like to See in 30 Years

Welcome to Top Ten Tuesday (: This is a weekly meme held by The Broke and the Bookish. If you want to know more, click here. This week's topic is the top ten books that I'd like to see be read in the next 30 years.

1.) Divergent by Veronica Roth- This was one of my favorite books, and I could honestly see ou future turning into something similar to the factions in Divergent and Insurgent. If you think about it, much of our society could be classified by the five factions in the book, and I love that Veronica Roth could see that.

2.) Everneath by Brodi Ashton- This is kind of a weird book to keep around, but I personally thought this book was an amazing book. This book told the myth of Persephone and Hades, which I think is an amazing Greek myth. It was retold in a modern way very well and I LOVED it.

3.) Call of the Wild by Jack London- This is a timeless story. I read this book because it was school assigned but I honestly fell in love with it. It retells Darwin and Nietzsche's theories on "survival of the fittest" and how the world really is. I love realistic books like this and I would love to see it still as a classic 30 years from now.

4.) The Nightshade series by Andrea Cremer- I absolutely adored these books. There were so unique and original and I love books like that. I think young adults even 30 years from now would still enjoy this amazing trilogy.

5.) The Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins- I read these book before they turned into a huge hit and made into a movie, and I loved Katniss and Peeta. This whole story is incredible and I enjoyed all three of these books so much. I want my grandkids to read these books and hopefully enjoy them as much as I did.

"And may the odds be ever in your favor..." <3

6.) Animal Farm by George Orwell- Again, this is a strange pick, but this was another school assigned book that I really enjoyed. It's an allegory that retells World War II (yes, I love books about history hahah). It's a timeless story and it's so creative. Orwell (also know as Eric Blair) wrote an incredible and risky novel about one of the most devasting events in history.


7.) The Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling- It's Harry Potter, nuff said. I'm sure many people agree with me on this one.


8.) Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi- I loved this book and it was extremely well written. It's a book I would want to read again 10 years from now, it was just that great.


9.) Sweet Evil by Wendy Higgins- This book was so unique and original, I don't see how it COULDN'T be around 30 years from now. I just recently read this book and I'm still having withdrawal issues. Again, this is another book I would want to read a few years from now.


10.) The Selection by Kiera Cass- This was a book I finished recently, and I loved it. I added it because it's one of my personal favorites along with a few others on here and I love the originality of it. Kiera Cass made an awesome debut novel. (:


What about you? What books would you like to see sticking around in our future? (:

Sweet Evil (Sweet Evil #1) by Wendy Higgins

Title: Sweet Evil
Author: Wendy Higgins
Genre: YA, Paranormal Romance
Release date: May 1, 2012
Publisher: HarperTeen
Series: #1 in The Sweet Trilogy
Source: Book swap
454 pages

Embrace the Forbidden.
What if there were teens whose lives literally depended on being bad influences?
This is the reality for sons and daughters of fallen angels.
Tenderhearted Southern girl Anna Whitt was born with the sixth sense to see and feel emotions of other people. She’s aware of a struggle within herself, an inexplicable pull toward danger, but Anna, the ultimate good girl, has always had the advantage of her angel side to balance the darkness within. It isn’t until she turns sixteen and meets the alluring Kaidan Rowe that she discovers her terrifying heritage and her willpower is put to the test. He’s the boy your daddy warned you about. If only someone had warned Anna.
Forced to face her destiny, will Anna embrace her halo or her horns?

Review:
I loved this book, I really did. It was so different from the other angel/aura-seeing books I've read in the past. It's original and it makes me want to think that there are people out there that actually live lives like the Neph in Sweet Evil, and I'm a very realistic person. This book was so original and I LOVED the characters. I could tell the transitions that Anna went through and every struggle she had with Kaidan felt personal to me.

One thing I have to say about this book is that it was boring, then something very dramatic happened, then something boring, and rinse and repeat. I felt like things didn't start to get really action-y until there were 20 pages left in the book. Other than that, I can't think of much else to say that's negative. I love the diversity of the characters and the background story of the book. I'm glad to say I've never read a book that could compare to this one when it comes to the fallen angel/heaven vs. hell. It's just too original. I enjoyed reading this book and I cannot wait for the sequel.

Feature and Follow #4

Welcome to my fourth week of Feature and Follow, which is held every Friday by Parajunkee and Alison Can Read. I have to admit, I love the question/activity this week only because the main guy in my current read is SEXY.

This weeks question:

We have an activity this week! Dreamcast your current read.

My current read is Sweet Evil by Wendy Higgins. :D

Kaidan Rowe

Why in the world is he so sexy?

Here's why:

-He can read emotions

-Dark hair, blue eyes

-British accent

-Plays the drums

-Has only opened up to Anna

-Has good beneath his dark appearance

-Controls people's lustful feelings

-Works out

-Drives a hummer

and soo many more... I can't list them all. He's just... <3
I picked Adam Gregory as his look-alike.

Anna Whitt

-Super innocent

-Half-demon, half-angel

-Long blonde hair

-Southern belle

I don't know what to say about Anna. She's mostly extremely innocent and has that look to her. She's described as having waist long hair and a light complexion.

Hayden Panettiere portrays a good look-alike for Anna.

What about you? Who's your current dreamcast? (:

Wishlist Wednesday #1

Scarlet by A. C. Gaughen

Goodreads summary:
Many readers know the tale of Robin Hood, but they will be swept away by this new version full of action, secrets, and romance.

Posing as one of Robin Hood’s thieves to avoid the wrath of the evil Thief Taker Lord Gisbourne, Scarlet has kept her identity secret from all of Nottinghamshire. Only the Hood and his band know the truth: the agile thief posing as a whip of a boy is actually a fearless young woman with a secret past. Helping the people of Nottingham outwit the corrupt Sheriff of Nottingham could cost Scarlet her life as Gisbourne closes in.

It’s only her fierce loyalty to Robin—whose quick smiles and sharp temper have the rare power to unsettle her—that keeps Scarlet going and makes this fight worth dying for.

Reasons why this book is on my wishlist:

1.) I love Robin Hood

2.) I love new twists on old stories

3.) Amazing cover

4.) The main protagonist is a strong female character

What's on your wishlist this week? (:

In My Mailbox #2

Welcome to In My Mailbox, which is a weekly meme held by the Story Siren. This is my second post and I'm excited to list the great books I received this week. I'd love it if anyone could give me a few heads up on how good/bad/fantastic some of the books I got are.

Book Swap/RAK

Title: Elemental
Author: Emily White
Genre: YA, Science Fiction
Format: print, ARC
260 pages
Publisher: Spencer Hill
Goodreads rating: 4.20

More info about the book on Goodreads

Title: Fury

Author: Elizabeth Miles

Genre: YA, Paranormal

Format: print, finished paperback

370 pages

Publisher: Simon Pulse

Goodreads rating: 3.25

More info about the book on Goodreads

Title: Sweet Evil

Author: Wendy Higgins

Genre: YA, Paranormal Romance

Format: Print, ARC

454 pages

Publisher: HarperTenn

Goodreads rating: 4.28

More info about the book on Goodreads

Title: Low Red Moon

Author: Ivy Devlin

Genre: YA, Paranormal Romance

Format: Print, ARC

244 pages

Publisher: Bloomsbury USA

Goodreads rating: 3.58

More info about the book on Goodreads

Title: Insurgent
Author: Veronica Roth
Genre: YA, Dystopian
Format: Print, finished hardcover
525 pages
Publisher: HarperTeen
Goodreads rating: 4.45

More info about the book on Goodreads


Happy reading to everyone and see you next Sunday! (: Have a great week!

Feature and Follow #3

Welcome to Feature and Follow(: This meme is held by Parajunkee and Alison Can Read every Friday.

This week's question is:

Summer Break is upon us! What would be the perfect vacation spot for you to catch up on your reading & relax?

Hmm. Well, I guess I'd love to take a trip west to Montana or Colorado because I love open land and being in the woods, and I definitely wouldn't mind sitting in a cabin in the woods for a week escaping the summer heat to just read. But if I wanted to go somewhere tropical and really embrace summer, I think a trip to Jamaica or Costa Rica wouldn't be such a bad idea (:

What about you? What's you ideal summer vacation spot? (:

The Selection (The Selection #1) by Kiera Cass

Title: The Selection
Author: Kiera Cass
Genre: Romance, Dystopian, Young Adult
Release date: April 24, 2012
Publisher: HarperTenn
Series: #1 in The Selection Trilogy
Source: Won through giveaway
327 pages

For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in the palace and compete for the heart of the gorgeous Prince Maxon.
But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.
Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself- and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.

Review:When I first saw this book, I fell in love with the cover. It's just beautiful. Plus I'm a dystopian fan and America's name was so unique. At the beginning of the book, I was kind of put back because of the way some of the characters reacted to certain situations. It seemed unrealistic. They overreacted to small things, yet they also under-reacted to things that would normally cause a lot of emotional problems. As the book progressed, though, that didn't seem to happen as much as it did in the beginning.

I love how this book brings a piece of history (princes, palaces, castes, etc.) and sets it in the United State's future time. The book was placed after the Fourth World War, which was not what I was expecting. America is a great character and she's strong and can be so beautiful with the most simple things.

She doesn't come from the richest family (she's a caste Five and the lowest is an Eight) but she is extremely talented with music, which makes her even more down to earth. She seems to grow up more by the end of the book. And Maxon, who is super cute, isn't what you think of a prince; he's not stuck up and snobby, he cares about the girls in the Selection. He's handling girl problems and running a country, how amazing is that? (: I was in love with him the moment him and America first met.

Overall, I liked this book and I think it got better as I got farther into the book. I'm excited for the sequel(: I'll give it 3 and a half trees.

Insurgent (Divergent #2) by Veronica Roth

***contains Divergent spoilers***

Title: Insurgent

Author: Veronica Roth

Genre: Young Adult, Dystopian
Release date: May 1, 2012
Publisher: HarperTeen
Series: #2 in Divergent Trilogy
Source: Personally purchased

525 pages

One choice can transform you—or it can destroy you. But every choice has consequences, and as unrest surges in the factions all around her, Tris Prior must continue trying to save those she loves—and herself—while grappling with haunting questions of grief and forgiveness, identity and loyalty, politics and love.
Tris's initiation day should have been marked by celebration and victory with her chosen faction; instead, the day ended with unspeakable horrors. War now looms as conflict between the factions and their ideologies grows. And in times of war, sides must be chosen, secrets will emerge, and choices will become even more irrevocable—and even more powerful. Transformed by her own decisions but also by haunting grief and guilt, radical new discoveries, and shifting relationships, Tris must fully embrace her Divergence, even if she does not know what she may lose by doing so.
New York Times bestselling author Veronica Roth's much-anticipated second book of the dystopian Divergent series is another intoxicating thrill ride of a story, rich with hallmark twists, heartbreaks, romance, and powerful insights about human nature.

Review:

Alright, so I'm jumping off the bandwagon that's full of other reviews that gave this book a 5-star rating. This book was still an amazing book, don't get me wrong. It definitely deserves 4 and a half trees, but it had flaws. Firstly, it was hard to follow and the first half of the book seemed like a filler with a few action events. Also, the setting changed so much, it was just pointless. They jumped from one place to another and back again and it was hard to keep track of who and what were where. Secondly, the characters changed a little too much for my liking. I understand it's probably because of all the events that happened at the end of Divergent, but there are things in this book that made me think Tris was being way too melodramatic and Tobias wasn't the same as I remember him from Divergent. 

But on to the pros of this book, I'm so grateful that Veronica's writing style didn't change. I'm so sick of sophomore books being a completely different writing style than the first. This book was INTENSE .I was so happy the book started off right where Divergent ended and there was no 4 month gap we needed to be filled in on. I honestly felt crazed when I was reading this book because I was so engrossed in it and I felt like I needed to be in Tris' position, to help her, to figure out what was going on. Tobias and Tris have such a complicated and tensed relationship, but then again it's so perfect.

If they had the traditional insta-love thing going on, the book would be way less unique. There were so many twists and surprises in the second half of the novel, it was ridiculous. The ending of this book, as many of you probably already know, ends in a cliffhanger. But it's definitely a jaw dropping one. I don't know how I'm supposed to wait a year for the third book to come out, but I can't wait. Some characters you thought were just a minor part turn out to be one of the most important people in the book, it's crazy. As said above, definitely 4 and a half trees.

Weigh in Wednesday 2: Love Triangles VS. Insta-love

Welcome to Weight in Wednesday(: This meme is hosted by Lauren at Epilogue. Each week, we get a new topic and weigh in our opinions.

This weeks topic is:

Love Triangles vs. Insta-Love


Honestly, either is fine for me because I love romance, but I lean toward the love triangles more. It creates suspense and adds drama. The only thing that ticks me off about love triangles is when the main person doesn't pick the guy/girl I want them to be with, then I get angry. But that's okay, because what ever guy she doesn't pick, I can have (: Anyways, I like the feeling of confusion and realistic problems that come along with love triangles. It just adds drama/problems to books, and you can't have a good book without drama. Plus, I think it's cute when two guys fight over a girl(: ANYWAYS, love triangles all the way.

What's your opinion on this week's topic?

Cryer's Cross by Lisa McMann

Title: Cryer's Cross
Author: Lisa McMann
Genre: Young Adult, Horror
Release date: February 8, 2011
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Series: No
Source: Personally purchased
233 pages

Kendall loves her life in small town Cryer¹s Cross, Montana, but she also longs for something more. She knows the chances of going to school in New York are small, but she's not the type to give up easily. Even though it will mean leaving Nico, the world's sweetest boyfriend, behind.
But when Cryer's Cross is rocked by unspeakable tragedy, Kendall shoves her dreams aside and focuses on just one goal: help find her missing friends. Even if it means spending time with the one boy she shouldn't get close to... the one boy who makes her question everything she feels for Nico.
Determined to help and to stay true to the boy she's always loved, Kendall keeps up the search--and stumbles upon some frightening local history. She knows she can't stop digging, but Kendall is about to find out just how far the townspeople will go to keep their secrets buried....

Review:
I bought this book with really high hopes because I love books about small towns, plus I'm always up for a horror story. But this book fell short pretty much every expectation I had. A lot of people said it was a good book and I couldn't even finish it. I rarely ever stop in the middle of a book, but this book just felt so... monotone.
Things just seemed to drag on and on and there was no action at all. Just searching for disappearing people and Kendall's OCD problems. The only plus side I could find in this book was Jacian, just because he was exteremely good looking but he was caring as well. Plus he was awesome at soccer. Maybe I didn't like this book as much as I thought I would because it was written in third person and I'm not too much of a fan of it as I am first, but all in all, it was just boring. I pushed myself to get as far as I did, but I just couldn't finish it. 0.5 out of 5 trees.

Feature and Follow #2

Welcome to Feature and Follow(: This meme is held by Parajunkee and Alison Can Read every Friday.

This weeks question is:

Q: This Sunday in the U.S. is Mother's Day. In celebration, what are some of your favorite books with strong mother/child relationships?

Well first of all, my mother is extremely important to me and any strong mother/child relationship in books is always a great touch to a book. One of my favorite books that has a strong mother/child relationship is Divergent by Veronica Roth. Towards the end of the novel, Tris and her mom's relationship is extremely strong. Another book that has a great mom/kid relationship is Anne of Green Gables. 

Happy Mother's Day to all the great moms out there (:

Top Ten Tuesdays: Favorite Quotes

Welcome to Top Ten Tuesday (: This is a weekly meme held by The Broke and the Bookish. If you want to know more, click here. This week's topic is the top ten quotes I love from my favorite books. My list isn't in any particular order, just ten quotes I love <3

1.) "Without love, we are like birds with broken wings."- Morrie Schwartz from Tuesdays With Morrie by Mitch Albom

2.) “I never used to understand why people bothered to hold hands as they walked, but then he runs one of his fingertips down my palm, and I shiver and understand it completely.”- Divergent by Veronica Roth

3.) Peeta: "You love me. Real or not real?"

Katniss: I tell him, "Real."

-Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

4.) “...if you're trying to show off for people at the top, forget it. They will look down on you anyhow. And if you're trying to show off for people at the bottom, forget it. They will only envy you. Status will get you nowhere. Only an open heart will allow you to float equally between everyone.”- Morrie Schwartz from Tuesdays With Morrie by Mitch Albom

5.) “I also hold very strong personal convictions about censorship. I don't believe in forbidden knowledge.”- Nightshade by Andrea Cremer

6.) "Hell won't be so bad, you know. After all, I'll be there to keep you company."- Camille by Tess Oliver

7.) “He leaned forward and said, "Tell me, friend. Is there more for us?" I looked down at my feet. "There's everything for us.”- Everneath by Brodi Ashton

8.) “He let his mouth linger on mine, neither possessively nor sweetly... like his mouth just belonged there on mine. And he was right. It did. It always had.”- Abandon by Meg Cabot

 9.) Gale: “We could do it, you know."

Katniss: "What?"

Gale: "Leave the district. Run off. Live in the woods. You and I, we could make it.” 

-The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

10.) “I am an equation that only she solves, These X's and Y's by other names called, My way of division is desperatley flawed, while I multiply days without her.”- Linger by Maggie Stiefvater

How about you? What are your favorites?

Have a great Tuesday(:

and remember,

those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind (Bernard Baruch)

Divergent (Divergent #1) by Veronica Roth

Title: Divergent
Author: Veronica Roth
Genre: YA, dystopian
Release date: May 3, 2011
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books (HarperCollins imprint)
Series: #1 in Divergent Trilogy
Source: Won in giveaway
487 pages

Beatrice "Tris" Prior has reached the fateful age of sixteen, the stage at which teenagers in Veronica Roth's dystopian Chicago must select which of five factions to join for life. Each faction represents a virtue: Candor, Abnegation, Dauntless, Amity, and Erudite. To the surprise of herself and her selfless Abnegation family, she chooses Dauntless, the path of courage. Her choice exposes her to the demanding, violent initiation rites of this group, but it also threatens to expose a personal secret that could place in mortal danger. Veronica Roth's young adult Divergent trilogy launches with a captivating adventure about love and loyalty playing out under most extreme circumstances.

Review:
I'm mind-blown. Completely.
When I first saw this book, I made the mistake of judging a book by it's cover. I thought this looked like another Hunger Games wannabe, but wow, was I wrong. This book goes above and beyond every expectation I had.
I was drawn into this book, the whole plot is just so unique. I know every book is, but who comes up with stuff like this? Oh yeah, Veronica Roth did and she blew me away with it.
I love Tris. You can sense her Abnegation origin through the whole book and she's such a different character than I've ever read. She's so strong and she makes me feel like I want to be Dauntless. This book was just as intense as it was unique. There was action, romance, suspense, it was everything mixed into 487 pages. I felt the loss, happiness, love, bravery, just everything that Roth wanted every reader to feel. This book is recommended to anyone and everyone.
The plot had so many twists and turns and the characters are so amazing. Veronica put this put together perfectly, and added some fire to the puzzle. I want to go on, but I'd end up giving away spoilers because I just want to keep rambling on about this book. So overall review, READ IT.

In My Mailbox #1

So, this is my first IMM post (which is held by The Story Siren) and I'm super excited, plus the great weather is adding to my spectacular mood (:

I know there's a lot of controversy going on because of certain things pretty much everyone knows about, but I just want everyone to know I'm completely against plagiarism. It's wrong, I don't like it, and I don't allow it on my blog whatsoever. I'm excited to start this meme because it's a great way to connect with other bloggers, but in no way am I advertising plagiarism by starting to do this meme. 

Anyways, on to the fun part, I couldn't be more happy with the books I received this week and this is a great way to start off my Sunday(:

Won/Gifted

Title: Unraveling

Author: Elizabeth Morris

Genre: Science Fiction, YA

445 pages

Publisher: Balzer + Bray

Goodreads rating: 4.05 stars

Won through blog hop conest

Title: The Selection

Author: Kiera Cass

Genre: Dystopian, YA

327 pages

Publisher: HarperTeen

Goodreads Rating: 3.91

Won through blog hop contest

I'm excited for the next couple weeks to come(: I've been participating in some book swaps and hopefully my lovely packages will come soon (: I hope everyone has a great Sunday!

Feature and Follow #1

So this is my first Feature & Follow post, and I'm pretty excited. This meme is held by Parajunkee and Alison Can Read.

This week's question is:

What is one thing you wish you could tell your favorite author?

Well, this one's pretty tough for me since I don't really have a favorite author hahah. But if I had the  wonderful opportunity to meet an author I liked, I would definitely tell them I loved them, because I'm weird like that. And I'd also tell them how much I appreciate what they do because without books, my life would be incomplete. <3