In My Mailbox

This is a weekly meme hosted by the awesome Kristi at The Story Siren. It gives us a chance to showcase the books we got during the week.

I had a pretty crazy mailbox week....







I purchsed:

Juliet Immortal by Stacey Jay (goodreads)

It FINALLY came in this week. Stacey Jay was offering to send a signed book sticker if you preordered it and that also came this week (along with a Juliet Immortal magnet).

I won:

Die For Me by Amy Plum (goodreads)

Amy was having a contest on her Twitter for a signed copy and I won. I was so happy to get a signed copy. I have an extra copy now so I will be having a contest for that soon.

For review:

Betsy Wickwire's Dirty Secret by Vicki Grant (goodreads)

I also like the actual cover MUCH better :)



Thank you HarperCollins (and Shannon). This was a really cute book. Look for the review next week.

The Pledge by Kimberly Derting (goodreads)



The S&S GalleyGrab had this in it, and it was the only one I decided to take. Thanks to Simon and Schuster for the chance to read it.

What books did you get this week? Leave me a comment and I will check it out.

Happy reading everyone!

Movie Magic

I am sure everyone has experienced this - you’re reading a book and you can picture the characters and the world so vividly that you’re dying to see it made into a movie.

I thought with all the excitement about the Hunger Games and Mortal Instruments movies I would highlight some books that have yet to hit the big screen… but I sure hope they do.

Some of these have already been optioned for a movie (and hopefully one will be made) others I have heard nothing about. I am going to try not to give any spoilers for the books that are on my list, while still giving you an example of why I want to see it on the big screen.

1. Shatter Me

This novel is amazing and filled with moments I want to see on the big screen. The ending is so epic, and made me so excited for the next book. There is a scene in the book that involves a young child that would make my physically ill to see on screen, but that shows the power of that scene. The hot romance would play out wonderfully if the cast had great chemistry.

2. The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer

The accident would be intense to see on the big screen. The paranormal element would provide some great movie moments, and the sexy chemistry between Noah and Mara would ignite the screen.

3. Starcrossed

The fight scenes, the “dream sequences” and the beautiful island scenery are just some of the highlights I would be looking forward to. The scene where Helen and Lucas are fighting and they dent the earth would be the most insane movie moment.

4. Vampire Academy

The action alone in this book would make an fantastic movie. Getting to see the school would also be a huge movie moment for fans. I have only read one book, but already I can see the appeal of a movie. The training scenes, the ball when the Princess visits, and heart pounding end would be my “must sees”.

5. Delirium

The landscape and seeing this whole area fenced in to keep out the infection would be interesting. The first time Lena sees Alex (the scene with the cows) sticks out in my head for some reason as a great moment. If it could be shown properly seeing how everyone acts once they have the procedure would give me chills.

6. Wither

The house that Rhine lives in after becoming a Bride and the all futuristic gadgets and illusions would be on the top of my wish list for this movie. That house is so detailed that it would be fun to see it realized in a movie.

7. Die For Me -

The setting of Paris would make it visually pleasing. The sword fight scenes, and that romantic end scene would leave everyone dying to go to Paris and find their own Vincent.

8 Divergent

The whole world Veronica Roth has created begs to be made into a movie. The scene where Tris jumps off the building not knowing what awaits her at the bottom would be my most wanted scene. I would love the complicated, intense relationship between her and Four as well. Getting to see where the Dauntless live as that area was so detailed.

9. The Iron Fey Series

Getting to see the NeverNever and the Summer and Winter Courts would be amazing. I can already visualize the Winter Court and it would be stunning on screen. The magic, romance, and epic fight scenes would make this one visually captivating movie.

I am sure there are tons of books I am not thinking of right now. What is the book you hope they make into a movie?

Die For Me Winners!

I recently held my first ever contest. I should have announced the winners awhile ago but with Book Expo, visiting family and such I got distracted.

The winners -

The book and signed bookmarks winner is - The Bookish Brunette. You can see her blog here.

The other 4 winners of a set of signed bookmarks are-

Michelle - see her blog here

Nicole S - see her blog here

Lisa @ Fic Talk

Valia - see her blog here

I have emailed all the winners and they have 48 hours to send me a mailing address or I will select another winner.

Thank you to everyone that entered. The response was fantastic. I just want to thank everyone for following my little blog, and hope that you stick around!

Character Interview - Vincent from Die For Me

Today on the blog I have Vincet from Amy Plum's amazing novel Die For Me. He kindly answered a few questions for me. Meet Vincent, hopefully you get interested enough to check out his story.

Vincent, I am so glad you could stop by. Can you tell us a little about yourself?

I would love to. But I’ve been warned by Amy not to talk about anything spoiler-y. So how about this: I’m currently 19. I live in Paris with my kindred, but am originally from Brittany. I have a law degree, but only got it in order to help out my kindred with practical concerns. (I would have studied history if I had chosen my degree myself.) I spend my down time reading, watching films, and working out (fight training).

What were you thinking when you first saw Kate?

I saw her around our neighborhood a long time before I actually met her. And I was immediately drawn to her. I don’t know if it was my saving instincts – that I saw a human who needed help – or something else, but I was mesmerized from the very first second I laid eyes on her. She was sad. And scared. And mourning. At that point I didn’t know about her parents. I just knew I had to be around her more...to figure her out.

Is there anything you would have changed about your first meeting with her?

There are so many things I would change in my life. I act without thinking most of the time. I shouldn’t have ever talked to Kate – for her sake. But I couldn’t help myself. In my mind, I regret it. But in my heart I will never be sorry that I did.

Describe the following people in one word-

Kate- strong
Georgia- amusing
Jules- loyal
Ambrose- full-on
Charlotte- huggable
Charles-lost
Lucien- depraved
　
What is the best part of living in Paris?

The people. Paris is all about living life to the utmost, and Parisians really know how to live.

If they were to make a movie out of your life who do you think is gorgeous enough to play you?

*laughs uncomfortably* You’re trying to embarrass me here. Well, my favorite actors are a lot older than me. But I’ve been told that this French-German actor, François Goeske, looks a lot like me, minus a few years.

What three things would you want with you if you were stuck on an island?

Kate (she’s not a “thing”, but I’m including her anyway). Some good books. And a telescope for stargazing.

What would we find beside your bed?

A photo of me and Kate. I like to see it when I’m going into dormancy. I always wake up to a vase of flowers that Jeanne has put there. She claims the fragrance makes awaking less unsettling. And then there’s always the requisite food tray. Water, figs, dates and almonds are my favorites for awakening.

What is your best trait? Your worst?

I’m really passionate about whatever I’m doing. And...I’m really passionate about whatever I’m doing.

Last question - this was actually the most requested question when I polled my female friends. Boxers or briefs?

*runs hand through hair/embarrassed smile* Wow, um...who are these friends of yours? Sounds like they would get on really well with Jules!

Die For Me by Amy Plum Giveaway

My first ever giveaway is for the amazing Die For Me by Amy Plum. Today is the offical release of the book and it's one of my favourites.

I have some amazing bookmarks and a copy of the book to give away.

There are multiple prizes-

1 prize consiting of 1 unsigned copy of the book (I got an extra one from a friend and wanted to share) and 2 signed bookmarks (one for the book, and one for the Dark Days of Supernatural Tour that Amy is taking part in).

4 prizes of 2 signed bookmarks (again one of each bookmark).

Simply fill out of the form below. I have also included pictures of the bookmarks.




Contest is open internationally. It closes May 30th. Winners will be announced shortly after.

Die for Me by Amy Plum

Die For Me by Amy Plum
Release Date – May 10, 2011
Publisher – HarperTeen
Pages - 352
My Rating- 10/10
Obtained from NetGalley and Harper Teen (thank you for letting me review it)


Here is the GoodReads synopsis -

My life had always been blissfully, wonderfully normal. But it only took one moment to change everything.
Suddenly, my sister, Georgia, and I were orphans. We put our lives into storage and moved to Paris to live with my grandparents. And I knew my shattered heart, my shattered life, would never feel normal again. Then I met Vincent.
Mysterious, sexy, and unnervingly charming, Vincent Delacroix appeared out of nowhere and swept me off my feet. Just like that, I was in danger of losing my heart all over again. But I was ready to let it happen.
Of course, nothing is ever that easy. Because Vincent is no normal human. He has a terrifying destiny, one that puts his life at risk every day. He also has enemies . . . immortal, murderous enemies who are determined to destroy him and all of his kind.
While I'm fighting to piece together the remnants of my life, can I risk putting my heart—as well as my life and my family's—in jeopardy for a chance at love?

This is a YA debut by Amy Plum. I liked the pacing, and detail she put into the story. Her writing style was easy to get used to, and a pleasure to read.

My favourite part of this book was the characters. It made the story for me. Kate was troubled, grieving but strong and smart at the same time. I love that when she meets Vincent she is immediately attracted to him but does not fall into his arms automatically. They date, he has to win her over. She is unsure when she first finds out his secret. She even thinks that she might not be able to date him. This is all a new and welcome plot development in the YA genre. She made a refreshing heroine.

Vincent was equally well developed. He was troubled, strong and a nice balance to Kate. The relationship he has with he fellow revenants was also developed well. You can see how close they are, and what they would be willing to do for each other. Jules, Charlotte and Ambrose are some of my favourite characters. I liked that with so many characters being introduced at once we were still able to get a clear picture of each of them.

The mythology of the revenants was well developed and planned out. The two sides - good vs. evil - will make for interesting plot points and twists to come in the next few books. There are some things I am curious about and am looking forward to learning more about the history and mythology behind these immortals. I never thought I would think of “zombies” as sexy but they’ve never looked like (or been as romantic as) Vincent.

Paris is made even more romantic as we see Vincent and Kate fall in love. Their relationship gave me goose bumps. I have been to Paris and Amy Plum has made it just as romantic as I remember it being. The romance mixed with the revenants mythology gives Paris a dangerous, sexy, and sultry feel. The last scene of Vincent and Kate sticks out in my mind as sigh inducing. Vincent has an adorable nickname for Kate that I love. Their relationship is playful and delicious. There are some great make out scenes ( love a great make out scene). I do suspect a possible triangle happening in the future books if I am correct, so that will be interesting to see develop. I do think Vincent and Kate belong together, but there was a few times in the book that there was chemistry between Kate and someone else and I expect we’ll see it play out.

The ending of the story is not a huge cliff hanger but there are elements throughout the novel that set up the next two books nicely.

The mythology, the romance, and the characters are all things that make you immediately fall into the story. I am looking forward to the next two books and can’t wait to get my hands on them. Pick it up when it’s released and be swept away by romantic Paris, and Kate and Vincent’s story.

Trailers and Covers...Oh My...

There have been a bunch of trailers and book covers released in the last little while. I wanted to highlight some of my favourites.



First is the cover for Silence. The third book in Becca Fitzpatrick's Hush Hush series. The cover is beautiful. So striking. I love all the covers in this series. It's fantastic that both Patch and Nora are on this cover. I am excited to read this book and hope that the cover means Patch and Nora will be together in the end.



This is the trailer for Amy Plum's Die For Me. It's fantastic and fits the book perfectly. I have a review, character interview and a fun giveaway coming up next week for this book. It's one of my new favourites.



The last trailer I wanted to show is for Veronica Roth's Divergent. I was able to find a copy in my local bookstore a few days early and I am almost done reading it already. It's so good. I couldn't find a link to embed it here, but EW.com has it available on the website. Click here. It's in bookstores today so pick it up!

What book covers or trailers are on your radar? I am curious to see what I might have missed.

Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly blog hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine. It spotlights titles that we can not wait to get our hands on.

My choice this Wednesday is Die for Me (Revenants #1) by Amy Plum. The expected release date is May 10, 2011.

Here is the GoodReads synopsis

DIE FOR ME is the first of three books about Kate, a sixteen-year-old American who moves to Paris after the death of her parents. She finds herself falling for Vincent, who she discovers is not the typical French teenager he appears: he is something else entirely.

DIE FOR ME presents a new supernatural mythology presented in a city where dreams are sometimes the same as reality.

I was sold on this as soon as I realized it was a paranormal romance set is Paris. The cover is also quite pretty. There are so many amazing books coming out in the next few months; can't wait.

What are you waiting on.....