January 8, 2012

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi over at The Story Siren. It’s awesome. Every week, we all get a chance to tell everyone what new books we’ve gotten so that we can tell you guys and we can all drool and squee together! Huzzah for squees!

After last week’s avalanche of books, things were pretty quiet over here this week. Which is…not all bad! I’m drowning over here, guys! DROWNING!! (I’d rather drown in books than anything else, though, so I’m dealing.)

FROM NETGALLEY

Jersey Angel, by Beth Ann Bauman (May 8, 2012 from Wendy Lamb Books). Summer at the Jersey Shore. Ahh, good times. Guys, I will ALWAYS read books about Jersey. I could never leave them flapping out there in the breeze; I’d feel like a traitor. But this one sounds good, with doses of relationship drama and uncertainty about the future after high school.

Lies Beneath: Lies Beneath, book 1, by Anne Greenwood Brown (June 12, 2012 from Delacorte).HOLY BANANAS, murderous mermaids in the Great Lakes?! This is awesome if only because I always associate mermaids with salt water. (Is it weird that this was my first thought? “Wait. They live in fresh water?”)In all seriousness, though, this one sounds really good: Drama, the pressures of familial duties, MERMAIDS, revenge, falling for the wrong person. The recipe for awesome.

The Demon Lover: The Fairwick Chronicles, book 1, by Juliet Dark (December 27, 2011 from Random House). Guys, I had no idea that this wasn’t a YA book until recently. But that doesn’t diminish my interest in reading it, especially when the Goodreads synopsis features the phrase “erotic dream” right there up top. In fact, the synopsis HEAVILY indicates sexytimes, which is exciting but also makes me nervous: that’s HIGH expectations. But I really am intrigued with paranormal stories for adults. Admittedly, my experience with titles like this one is limited, but for some reason, it’s sometimes easier for me to swallow TEENS being with vamps/werewolves/angels/beasties/demons/ghosts/etc. than adults.

FROM THE LIBRARY

The Survival Kit, by Donna Freitas (October 11, 2011 from Farrar, Straus and Giroux). I meant to read this book awhile ago, but never got around to it. My library came through for me again, though, so here it is. This book sounds heartbreaking and emotional and life-affirming, so I’m looking forward to it. I’ve been SLAYED by cancer books lately, though, so I need to mentally and emotionally prepare myself. (I’m looking at you through my tears, The Probability of Miracles.)

That’s it for me this week, friends. Did you guys get anything awesome in your mailboxes this week?

January 1, 2012

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi over at The Story Siren. It’s awesome. Every week, we all get a chance to tell everyone what new books we’ve gotten so that we can tell you guys and we can all drool and squee together! Huzzah for squees!

Over the last two weeks I managed to accumulate quite a haul of books, you guys. I was STOKED. But since I have more books than usual in my mailbox this week, I’m going to forgo the book covers to save some time and space. K? (UPDATE: Still took me forever to link everything to Goodreads. Oh well.)

HOLIDAY GIFTED TO MYSELF

Breadcrumbs, by Anne Ursu. This one’s out already and I CAN’T WAIT to read it. It’s a retelling (any time I see this word in a synopsis, I’m immediately in. Retellings are the business) of The Snow Queen fable, and features a young girl who must rescue her childhood bff after his heart is frozen and he is taken by the evil queen to her ICE PALACE OF COLD DOOM so she can warm his heart again and they can go back to being bffs. YAY!

The Probability of Miracles, by Wendy Wunder. This one is going to be in my hands and under my eyeballs real soon. I can’t wait to read this story about a girl who has cancer and goes to live in a crazy, mysterious town in Maine where weird possibly miraculous things happen as a matter of course. Been hearing AMAZING things about this one, guys.

Clockwork Angel and Clockwork Prince: Infernal Devices, books 1 and 2, by Cassandra Clare. I’m so excited to read these! I was a little late to the Mortal Instruments series. Truth be told, I tried to read them once, put them down and had to go back to them again later. But I’m sooooo glad I did. This world is awesome, and these prequels sound emotionally draining and fantastic and swoony. LOVE.

The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight, by Jennifer E. Smith. *Sigh* I’m reading this one right now (my copy was shipped early), and I’m loving it HARD. Oliver reminds me of Etienne from ANNA AND THE FRENCH KISS, who is like instant swoon to me.

Awkward, by Marni Bates. This got some major props from Pam @ Bookalicio.us, and it sounds funny and geeky and…awkward (go figure). But hooray for awkward and awesome characters!

Howl’s Moving Castle, by Diana Wynne Jones. So, this book. Sadly, I have not yet read any Diana Wynne Jones, despite LOVING FANTASY LIKE WHOA. When I was younger, fantasy wasn’t my thing (unless you count my fantasy to have a boyfriend like Todd Wilkins from Sweet Valley High). I actually bought this as a legit gift for someone else and wound up giving them other things and keeping this one for myself. Oops! I’m really looking forward to it, though.

The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making, by Catherynne M. Valente. I bought this one just so that I could have a copy. It was STUNNING and so imaginative and vibrant. It was a beauty, and now I have a copy on hand to brush up on things before the second book comes out!

GIFTS

Mastiff: Beka Cooper, book 3, by Tamora Pierce. I LOVE Beka Cooper. She’s kick-ass and smart and made of awesome. I’m gonna miss her big time.

East, by Edith Pattou. I’ve read this one already, too, but it was so gorgeous and wonderful that I NEEDED TO HAVE IT. Thanks Santa!

NETGALLEY

The Humming Room, by Ellen Potter (February 28, 2012 from Feiwel & Friends). GUYS. This is a middle-grade title that is based on THE SECRET GARDEN, in which a young girl’s parents are murdered and she is taken to live with her rich uncle in an old hospital. There’s ghosty business and a mysterious boy. This one sounds really promising.

Supergirl Mixtapes, by Megan Brothers (April 24, 2012 from Henry Holt). Southern girl moves in with estranged, wackadoo mom in NYC. It sounds like a hipster coming-of-age. The MC is probably cooler than me. 

Various Positions, by Martha Schabas (June 28, 2012 from Doubleday Canada). This book–about a young girl (I think she’s mean to be only 14) who is a ballet prodigy–sounds like it might make me a little uncomfortable. She kind of develops this “relationship” with one of her ballet instructors. I’m really intrigued to see where this one goes and how it handles what seems to be a more serious take on crushin’ on teacher. 

After the Snow, by S.D. Crockett (March 27, 2012 from Feiwel & Friends). This is a dystopian/post-apocalypse set in a second Ice Age where a young boy must go searching for his family with the help of young girl. Sounds stark and FAB. 

WON

So a little while back, Pam at Bookalicio.us ran a giveaway of books and swag from a signing she put together with Suzanne Young and Stacey Jay. This was LITERALLY the very first contest/giveaway that I HAVE EVER WON EVER, and I was so excited because these are two books I want to read in a bad way. Yay! And thanks Pam, Suzanne and Stacey!

A Need So Beautiful: A Need So Beautiful, book 1, by Suzanne Young. More angels, guys! I’m making up for lost time now, and this book sounds FANTASTIC. Can’t wait to dive in.

Juliet Immortal: Juliet Immortal, book 1, by Stacey Jay. It’s Romeo and Juliet, except they are immortal spirits who hate each other’s guts, and are locked in an unending battle for the souls of people in true love! (Juliet = for, Romeo = against.) WORD. 

Dead on the Delta: Annabell Lee, book 1, by Stacey Jay. I must confess, I had never heard of this book before this giveaway, but I’m glad it was included. It’s an adult paranormal/urban fantasy romance that takes place in Louisiana. It sounds like ALL OF THE AWESOME. 

Whew! Lotsa books this week, my lovelies! Did you guys get anything tremendous in YOUR mailboxes this holiday?

December 18, 2011

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi over at The Story Siren. It’s awesome. Every week, we all get a chance to tell everyone what new books we’ve gotten so that we can tell you guys and we can all drool and squee together! Huzzah for squees!

You guys, I got LOTS of COOL THINGS this week! From everywhere! Huzzah!

FROM NETGALLEY

Katana, by Cole Gibsen (March 8, 2012 from Flux). Two words: SAMURAI BUFFY. Say no more, Flux. I’m in. It’s a 2012 debut as well!

Pieces of Us, by Margie Gelbwasser (March 8, 2012 from Flux). Flux added some killer-sounding books to NetGalley over the last week or so, and they all sounded so great! This one is a contemporary about four teens who have complicated lives at home but manage to leave the drama behind at their lake houses each summer. OR DO THEY?? Mwaaahhaaha! (I don’t know why that just happened. This isn’t a scary book. Just lots of DRAMA.)

Buried: A Goth Girl Mystery, book 1, by Linda Joy Singleton (March 8, 2012 from Flux). This one sounds interesting, too. Thorn, the main character, is starting a new school and discovers a locket that leads her to the unmarked grave of a newborn baby (BANANAS, yes?). But Thorn has some secrets of her own to sweep up under the rug while trying to figure out what happened to the baby. Obviously, there is also man candy in the person of Phillipe, described as a “smoking hot musician.”

Me and Earl and the Dying Girl, by Jesse Andrews (March 1, 2012 from Abrams). THIS book. *sigh* Sounds amazing and heartbreaking. It’s about a socially awkward loner named Greg who likes make movies with his one buddy, Earl. Until he befriends a young girl with leukemia. And that’s about when I start CRYING. And the cover! This is the one to beat so far for my favorite cover of 2012. FYI, this is also a debut, friends participating in the DAC!

Welcome, Caller, This is Chloe, by Shelley Coriell (May 1, 2012 from Amulet). This is about a girl–Chloe–who has to join her school’s struggling radio station for credit and winds up meeting quirky, awesome misfits who become her friends and hosting a call-in show. At home, she’s dealing with her grandmother’s deteriorating health. Solace in radio, my friends. Looking forward to this one. Another debut, too!

FROM THE LIBRARY

Uncommon Criminals: Heist Society, book 2, by Ally Carter (June 21, 2011 from Hyperion). Guys, I’ve been waiting for this one to come in for MONTHS. Teenage thievery is apparently popular around here! You know what, though? I can’t even blame whoever managed to get a copy from my library before me. The first book in this series, The Heist Society, was different and enjoyable, and I’m hoping this book follows in its footsteps and ramps up the action and romance a little, too. 

Sword of the Rightful King, by Jane Yolen (May 1, 2003 from Harcourt). You guys? I am on a MISSION. A mission to find an Arthurian legend book that BLOWS MY MIND TO BITS. I’m still looking. Hopefully this one will be a step in the right direction because it’s not a contemporary retelling; it’s historical/fantastical fiction. Fingers crossed!

A Monster Calls, by Patrick Ness (September 27, 2011 from Candlewick). Oh man, I can’t wait to read this book! The number of OUTSTANDING reviews I’ve read of this one are beyond count. It’s the story of Conor, a young boy whose mother has cancer who is visited in the night by a monster. Said monster, in his own way, helps Conor come to grips with his mother’s illness. I’m ready to be heartbroken, you guys. Also, on an aesthetic note, the book itself is really nice. Slightly larger trim size, nice paper. Hooray!

BOUGHT

Vanish: Firelight, book 2, by Sophie Jordan (September 6, 2011 from HarperTeen). I recently read–and enjoyed–the first book in this series, Firelight, so I couldn’t wait to get my hands on VANISH. I read it already, too, and liked it a lot. I’m hoping to review it soon as well. Yay!

WON

The Near Witch, by Victoria Schwab (August 2, 2011 from Hyperion). So, around Thanksgiving time, Victoria Schwab ran a contest over on her blog. And lo and behold, I WON a copy of The Near Witch, which I had gotten from my library and read already and LOVED (my review action), but THIS COPY is extra special because it has a narwhal stamp in it! HUZZAH! (PS. Sorry for the tiny pics. Click to enbiggen!)

*Thanks so very much to Flux, Abrams, Amulet, and Victoria Schwab for being awesome and generous!

December 11, 2011

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi over at The Story Siren. It’s awesome. Every week, we all get a chance to tell everyone what new books we’ve gotten so that we can tell you guys and we can all drool and squee together! Huzzah for squees!

This week is not so much about the quantity, guys, but let me tell you, I am EXCITED about all of these books! In fact, I was so stinkin’ psyched that I’ve already read two of them!! Yay!

FROM NETGALLEY

Graffiti Moon, by Cath Crowley (February 14, 2012 from Knopf). This book has already been described as “literary O-face” so I’m not sure what else I can say about this one from Aussie author Cath Crowley, except that it’s about a girl, Lucy, who goes out to find the mysterious graffiti phantom (but, you know, he’s not a ghost. He’s a real person) Shadow. And then, you know, “o-face.” It’s like, oh what is that guy’s name?! Banksy! This one sounds really good guys. Can’t wait to read it!

Ripper, by Amy Carol Reeves (April 8, 2012 from Flux). I feel like there’s been an uptick in books about or related in someway to Jack the Ripper. I LOVE THIS. I once tried to write a history paper about him but there’s practically no legit information anywhere! It’s really amazing when you think about it. But this book takes place in London in 1888, right in the middle of Jack the Ripper’s murders. Abbie Sharp gets caught up in the gruesome killings when she starts having visions of the murder scenes before they happen. So this one is kind of a historical fiction with a paranormal twist! Fantastic! Plus, if you guys are doing the Debut Authors Challenge, add this one to your lists. Sounds so good.

BOUGHT

The One That I Want, by Jennifer Echols (ebook is out now; print version coming February 7, 2012 from Simon Pulse).

You guys, I’m a big Jennifer Echols fan. Her books are fun, sweet, quick reads that feature some solid sexytimes. She writes what she calls “romantic comedies” that are usually slightly younger and a little lighter on the sexytimes; her “romantic dramas” are decidedly older and are heavier on the sexytimes. I appreciate that her characters act their ages, whatever they might be. This one is a romantic comedy about two high school juniors who flirt one day from afar but wind up with other people and have to find their way back together again. I read this one already and it was SUPER CUTE. Yay!

Catching Jordan, by Miranda Kenneally (December 1, 2011 from Sourcebooks Fire). So I bought this one, guys, and read it the same day, and I’m so glad I did. I even reviewed it already! But this book, which is the first in a trilogy of companion novels, is great. If you loved The Dairy Queen books, get a copy of this book right away. You won’t be disappointed. CATCHING JORDAN is the story of a high school senior, Jordan Woods, who is the VERY GOOD quarterback of her school’s football team. The other guys on her team are her bffs, and everything is going great until a new guy shows up and threatens her role on the team and sends her personal life into chaos of the heart. It’s sooooo good!

Did you guys get anything awesome this week?

December 4, 2011

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi over at The Story Siren. It’s awesome. Every week, we all get a chance to tell everyone what new books we’ve gotten so that we can tell you guys and we can all drool and squee together! Huzzah for squees!

Lots of fun stuff from the library and my own pocketbook this week, friends! Happy December to everyone!

FROM THE LIBRARY

A Touch Mortal: A Touch Trilogy, book 1, by Leah Clifford (February 22, 2011 from Greenwillow). I’m still catching up on my angel books, and this one sounds really good. A girl, who is caught between life and death, falls in love with a fallen angel and becomes a key piece in the war between heaven and hell. I’m in.

The Magnolia League: Magnolia League, book 1, by Katie Crouch (May 3, 2011 from Poppy). Southern debutantes who make deals with hoodoo priests? Sounds like something I would LOVE.

All These Things I’ve Done: Birthright, book 1, by Gabrielle Zevin (September 6, 2011 from Farrar, Straus and Giroux).  This book sounds SO FAB! First of all, I don’t even want to THINK about a time or place when coffee and chocolate are AGAINST THE LAW. I’m fascinated by the twisted mind that could imagine such a place! But this book also sounds a little Russian-mafia-ish, and I’m loving that, too. I’ve been waiting for this one for a while from my library and I can’t wait to devour it…while drinking coffee and stuffing chocolate in my face.

Darkfever: Fever, book 1, by Karen Marie Moning (October 31, 2006 from Delacorte). This series has been floating around my brain for a LONG TIME, but I’ve always managed to grab other things–usually thing that, unlike this series, are YA books–but I decided the other day to get on it already. So I am VERY EXCITED to read about grown-up fairies!

BOUGHT

Pyxis: The Discovery: Pyxis, book 1, by K.C. Neal (November 4, 2011 from StoneHouse Ink). I’ve been hearing lots of great things about this book. It’s a paranormal fantasy about a young girl who realizes that she’s being haunted–along with her boyfriend–by a dark force, and also by a creepy lady, who may be able to give Corinne some answers to her questions about her grandmother, who has some interesting secrets.

That’s it for me this week! What about you guys?

November 27, 2011

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi over at The Story Siren. It’s awesome. Every week, we all get a chance to tell everyone what new books we’ve gotten so that we can tell you guys and we can all drool and squee together! Huzzah for squees!

I’m back from Thanksgiving! Hope everyone’s holiday was as fantastic as mine! Just a couple things this week, guys, but I’m excited about them. PLUS, my library got a shipment of some NEW STUFF (Yay!), so I’ve got great books to read.

FROM NETGALLEY

Dust Girl: The American Fairy Series, book 1, by Sarah Zettel (June 26, 2010 from Random House). A half-human, half-fairy girl from Dust Bowl-era Kansas goes on a journey to find her parents? I’m so intrigued by this! Of all the times and places you could imagine a fairy, I’ve never once thought of the Dust Bowl. I can’t wait to dig in!

New Girl, by Paige Harbison (January 31, 2012 from Harlequin Teen). You guys, a retelling of Rebecca?!? YES PLEASE! YES. PLEASE.

FROM THE LIBRARY

Virtuosity, by Jessica Martinez (October 18, 2011 from Simon Pulse). There seem to be a lot of books about kids who are active in the arts, no? I’m a big fan. Plus, this sounds so good and I love the cover!

The Survival Kit, by Donna Freitas (October 11, 2011 from Farrar, Straus and Giroux). I’ve been wanting to read this for ages and the library comes through in the clutch! Sounds like a great story that kind of reminds me of Maureen Johnson’s Little Blue Envelopes books. Can’t wait!

Firelight: Firelight, book 1, by Sophie Jordan (September 7, 2010 from Harper Teen). So I’m behind the times with this one. It’s been on the TBR for ages, and it’s finally come in for me. Really looking forward to this one.

Darkness Becomes Her: Gods & Monsters, book 1, by Kelly Keaton (February 22, 2011 from Simon Pulse). I have heard so many great things about this book, and I keep meaning to grab it. Paranormal romance in post-apocalyptic New Orleans? HUZZAH!

So, that’s the pile this week, my dears. Anything good in your mailboxes this week?

November 13, 2011

You guys. I’m SO EXCITED about this week’s In My Mailbox. Major, huge, sloppy thank you kisses to Random House Children’s for a killer NetGalley haul this week. I actually squealed when I got these books. Out loud. Oh man, I can’t tell you how much I am looking forward to these books! Woo Hoo!! *doing an embarrassing happy dance, which is VERY embarrassing because I have no rhythm!* Let’s get down to business!

FROM NETGALLEY

Seraphina, by Rachel Hartman. Coming on July 10, 2012 from Random House Children’s (Dragons, you guys. DRAGONS).

 Don’t You Wish, by Roxanne St. Claire. Coming on July 10, 2012 from Delacorte (sounds kind of Freaky Friday-ish. Definitely looking forward to this one).

The Gathering Storm: The Katerina Trilogy, book 1, by Robin Bridges. Coming on January 10, 2012 from Delacorte (SUPER excited about this one! It’s like a historical paranormal AND it features the Russian Imperial family?!? Somebody grab the smelling salts! I’m going down!)

The Prince Who Fell From the Sky, by John Claude Bemis. Coming on May 22, 2012 from Random House Children’s
(This is a middle grade title that sounds AMAZING. Dystopian Jungle Book?!? WORD).

Wanderlove, by Kirsten Hubbard. Coming March 13, 2012 from Delacorte (ROAD TRIP! I LOVE road trips).

Fury’s Fire: Siren’s Storm, book 2, by Lisa Papademetriou. Coming July 10, 2012 from Random House Children’s (I haven’t read the first book in this series yet, but they sound good).

Cross My Heart, by Sasha Gould. Coming March 13, 2012 from Delacorte (Historical Fiction! Italy! Betrayal! Secret societies! Yay!).

The Book of Blood and Shadow, by Robin Wasserman. Coming January 10, 2012 from Random House Children’s
(The Goodreads synopsis mentions murder, Prince Charming, blood trails, secret societies, the divine, Prague, and controlling the world. Sounds bananas. Can’t wait to get to this one).

BORROWED

Tempest: Tempest, book 1, by Julie Cross. Coming January 17, 2012 from St. Martin’s Griffin (Time travel fugitive. Yes!)

BOUGHT

Darker Still: Magic Most Foul, book 1, by Leanne Renee Hieber. Published on November 1, 2011 from Sourcebooks Fire (I’m hoping to read and review this one soon)

I’m so excited about the books I got this week! What book did YOU add to your piles this week that you’re most excited about?

November 6, 2011

Let’s see what I’m going to be adding to my already toppling piles of books this week! Click on the book covers to visit each title’s Goodreads page.

FROM NETGALLEY

Ditched, by Robin Mellom

Cinder, by Marissa Meyer

Ashfall, by Mike Mullin

The Way We Fall, by Melissa Crewe

FROM THE LIBRARY

Wildwood Dancing, by Juliet Marillier

Tighter, by Adele Griffin

Entwined, by Heather Dixon

Wicked Girls, by Stephanie Hemphill

The Poison Throne, by Celine Kiernan

East, by Edith Pattou

Pants on Fire, by Meg Cabot

I’m excited about all of them!! What did you guys get this week?