Captive by Aimee Carter

Captive by Aimee Carter
Release Date - November 25, 2014
Publisher Website - HarlequinTeen
Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages -  304 pages
My Rating - 3.5/5
**received in exchange for an honest review**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

For the past two months, Kitty Doe's life has been a lie. Forced to impersonate the Prime Minister's niece, her frustration grows as her trust in her fake fiancé cracks, her real boyfriend is forbidden and the Blackcoats keep her in the dark more than ever.

But in the midst of discovering that her role in the Hart family may not be as coincidental as she thought, she's accused of treason and is forced to face her greatest fear: Elsewhere. A prison where no one can escape.

As one shocking revelation leads to the next, Kitty learns the hard way that she can trust no one, not even the people she thought were on her side. With her back against the wall, Kitty wants to believe she'll do whatever it takes to support the rebellion she believes in—but is she prepared to pay the ultimate price?

Aimee Carter's Pawn started of her Blackcoat Rebellion series filled with promise. I was excited to get my hands on the sequel. The sequel provided a few new twists and turns to the story, but ultimately left me eager for the finale so that the events could unfold.

Aimee has captured this deadly, dark, and often nauseating world in vivid detail. The sequel does expand upon the atrocities that plague this world and the inhabitants. After the first novel it would have been hard to conceive of how it could have been made worse, but it's accomplished within these pages. The consequences and dangers are real, and swift. The truth is a rare commodity in a world filled with lies. Kitty is someone who is just trying to survive, and is floundering through. I think many will bemoan her choices and decisions, however, I felt it was within her character. She's rash, impulsive, and headstrong. She is only beginning to show change because she's too busy dealing with what is happening to her to take it all in. People want her to be a fighter, but she's just a girl who just wants a quiet life and her freedom.

Knox continues to intrigue me. He keeps you guessing. You never know his true motives or what side he's on. He kept the storyline progressing and I am hoping to see much more of him in the next installment. This is a rare scenario where I ship the 'bad' guy instead of the 'good' one. I find the chemistry between Kitty and Knox electric and filled with potential. The relationship between her and Benjy feels more sibling like in comparison. I, personally, didn't get a sense of their chemistry. It is known and comfortable, but doesn't push her the way Knox does. He's like the bridge between who Kitty was and who this world is turning her into. I am not sure he's going to fit as neatly into this new Kitty's world.

This novel felt like a placeholder to the ending, instead of really developing or changing anything in the story. In the end I felt the same about most of the characters, and the world, as when I began. I wouldn't say we end up in the exact same place, but it was a journey that didn't feel vital. I was entertained and enjoyed the story, but I am not sure how much it progressed the plot. I may, however, feel differently after reading the final book.

Aimee Carter has created a darkly dangerous world, a heroine who gets by on chance and determination, and a complicated web of deceit. This may not have been my favourite of the trilogy, but I am more than intrigued enough to finish out the series and follow this rebellion to, what will surely be, the deadly end.

New To My Book Closet

It's that time of the week again. Time to show you what bookish goodies made their way into my home and book closet (to be saved from the evil book eating cat monster named Aria). This is inspired by the various "mailbox" posts out there (eg. In My Mailbox by The Story Siren, and Stacking the Shelves by Tynga's Reviews).

Some ebooks made their way onto my Kobo this week! 

Bad Romeo by Leisa Rayven (goodreads)

Captive by Aimee Carter (goodreads)

A huge thank you to St Martin's Griffin and Harlequin Teen for these review copies. Cannot wait to read them!

What books made their way into your mailbox this week?

Happy weekend, and happy reading!

Pawn by Aimee Carter

Pawn by Aimee Carter
Release Date – November 26, 2013
Publisher Website – Harlequin Teen
Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages - 296 pages
My Rating- 4.5/5
**received from publisher for an honest review**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

YOU CAN BE A VII IF YOU GIVE EVERYTHING.

For Kitty Doe, it seems like an easy choice. She can either spend her life as a III in misery, looked down upon by the higher ranks and forced to leave the people she loves, or she can become a VII and join the most powerful family in the country.

If she says yes, Kitty will be Masked - surgically transformed into Lila Hart, the Prime Minister's niece, who died under mysterious circumstances. As a member of the Hart family, she will be famous. She will be adored. And for the first time, she will matter.

There's only one catch. She must also stop the rebellion that Lila secretly fostered, the same one that got her killed, and one Kitty believes in. Faced with threats, conspiracies and a life that's not her own, she must decide which path to choose and learn how to become more than a pawn in a twisted game she's only beginning to understand.

Imagine a world where one test determined your future. One afternoon could seal your fate. Kitty Doe lives in such a society where a test determines your standing in society. Score high and reap the rewards, but score low and sentenced to a bleak future...if you have one at all.

I predict that there will be a general theme used when discussing Aimee Carter's Pawn. The idea that even if you're turned off of dystopians that Pawn is worthy of a look. This certainly proves true. Pawn was both refreshingly unique and addictive.

The premise, one where identities can be swapped surgically, immediately caught my interest. The scientific elements are not as fleshed out as the emotional ones. It's the impact on not only the person who is Masked, but the family of the deceased person as well. It's the emotional aspects that resonate, and draw you into the story. Kitty, Lila's family, friends, and those Kitty leaves behind. Each of them are left with the consequences of the choices that are made.

This dystopian world is not just playing at being dangerous. I relished in Aimee's deliberate choice to create a world that was brimming with danger, and where consequences mattered. There is no last minute reprieve. Punishment is harsh and swift, and the truth is often more sinister than you could image. I shuddered a few times, and the twists and turns left me awestruck. The chess theme of the marketing compliments this aspect of the novel perfectly. You have different players all with their own agenda. Kitty is thrust into this 'game' and has to play the part of a pawn while keeping her eyes on those around her. One wrong move could be deadly. It's this tension that plays so well, and creates an atmosphere where this world can thrive. The tension is laced in the littlest details, and you never know what each infraction will cost you.

Kitty is easily one of my favourite characters. She's brave, but not reckless. She's intelligent, but doesn't know everything. She has flaws, and yet she still tries. She works with what skills she does have and embraces what she can do rather than lament what she cannot. She takes the opportunities given to her and uses them to her advantage. She is self sacrificing, and yet at times selfish. She came across as incredibly human, and therefore came to life through Aimee's words.

The Hart family is not unlike most rich and influential families. They have secrets they want to bury. They are a classic example of power becoming addictive. They also show that family doesn't always mean loyalty. This family is flawed, and it's members are broken. The numb Greyson , ruthless Daxton, cunning Celia, and the rebellious Lila all paint a picture of fractured, and deadly family.

Knox and Benjy are the two men in Kitty's life. As Lila she inherits a fiance in Knox. Benjy is her beloved from before she was Masked. Each relationship is interesting, and I find myself enjoying this 'triangle' of sorts. It's one where I am torn. I can't pick whom I think would be better for Kitty because I see the potential in both. Benjy is the solid guy whose unwavering support and love is utterly refreshing. It's easy to see why Kitty loves him. Knox is the wild card whose motivations are uncertain. He's all seduction and allure. Yet he's also incredibly kind, and a voice of reason among the crazy. He's tempting and I wouldn't blame Kitty for giving into his charms. This seems like it may not be your typical love triangle, as I think it's obvious where Kitty's heart lies, but as Kitty changes, her desires may also. My favourite triangles are ones that come out of the character growing and changing, and this is what I can already see happening to Kitty. Her world is changing, and with it her convictions.

Pawn's world is one where things are not what they seem, people may not be who they say they are, and family doesn't automatically equal loyalty. A fast paced, jaw dropping read that took me by surprised, and rejuvenated a genre where I thought I had seen everything. This is Aimee's best work to date, and a very promising start to a new series.

New To My Book Closet

It's that time of the week again. Time to show you what bookish goodies made their way into my home and book closet (to be saved from the evil book eating cat monster named Aria). This is inspired by the various "mailbox" posts out there (eg. In My Mailbox by The Story Siren, and Stacking the Shelves by Tynga's Reviews).

Mailbox of awesome this week! It was a packed on filled with awesome books!

First up I won an Allegiant prize pack from Chapters (a main book retailer in Canada). It included that huge Four poster you see in the photo (it's a full sized poster, and AWESOME). I couldn't fit it all in the picture. It also included a button (not pictured).

I went to the Ontario Blogger Meet Up and my goodie bag held

The Offering by Kimberly Derting (Goodreads)

The Unlikely Hero of Room 13b by Teresa Toten (Goodreads)

Hover by Melissa West (Goodreads)

Pawn by Aimee Carter (Goodreads)

The Girl With All The Gifts by M.R. Carey (Goodreads)

Waterfell by Amalie Howard (Goodreads)

The Blessings by Elise Juska (Goodreads)

Harper sent me a title that has one of the prettiest covers EVER and is part of my 2014 Most Anticipated event. If you missed the Q & A I did with Rosamund, do check it out.

Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge (Goodreads) 

Lastly I may have squealed with this one showed up in my mailbox!

Brazen by Katherine Longshore (Goodreads)

She also included some bookmarks for Manor of Secrets in there! The cover of Brazen is prettier in person, and I am looking forward to starting it ASAP!

Happy Reading, and Happy Weekend!

New To My Book Closet

It's that time of the week again. Time to show you what bookish goodies made their way into my home and book closet (to be saved from the evil book eating cat monster named Aria). This is inspired by the various "mailbox" posts out there (eg. In My Mailbox by The Story Siren, and Stacking the Shelves by Tynga's Reviews). 

Some awesome books arrived this week! Big thank you to Penguin for Control. I won it during a Twitter contest they had. Excited to read it.

Also, a big thank you to Jess from Read My Breath Away for lending me Pawn!

Control by Lydia Kang (Goodreads)
Pawn by Aimee Carter (Goodreads)

Happy Reading, and Happy Weekend!

The Goddess Inheritance by Aimee Carter

The Goddess Inheritance by Aimee Carter 

Release Date – February 26, 2013

Publisher Website - HarlequinTeen

Publisher Social Media -  Twitter

Pages -  384 pages

My Rating- 4/5

**Provided by publisher for an honest review**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Love or life.
Henry or their child.
The end of her family or the end of the world.
Kate must choose.

During nine months of captivity, Kate Winters has survived a jealous goddess, a vengeful Titan and a pregnancy she never asked for. Now the Queen of the Gods wants her unborn child, and Kate can't stop her--until Cronus offers a deal.

In exchange for her loyalty and devotion, the King of the Titans will spare humanity and let Kate keep her child. Yet even if Kate agrees, he'll destroy Henry, her mother and the rest of the council. And if she refuses, Cronus will tear the world apart until every last god and mortal is dead.

With the the fate of everyone she loves resting on her shoulders, Kate must do the impossible: find a way to defeat the most powerful being in existence, even if it costs her everything.

Even if it costs her eternity.

Saying goodbye to a series is often bittersweet. I have a love/hate relationship with final books because as much as they break my heart, they also offer answers to questions that I’ve had since the beginning. The Goddess Inheritance wraps up Aimee Carter’s series with action, tense emotions, and romance.

Nothing ignites excitement for a book quite like a killer cliffhanger. Goddess Interrupted left off with exactly this. Those dying to find out what happens next will be thrilled to learn that the novel dives straight into the plot. The answers that the cliffhanger left us all desperately wanting are delivered quickly, and it was worth the wait.

These gods, goddesses, Titians, and everything in between are this huge, dysfunctional family. The theme of family, forgiveness, and love is such a strong one throughout the entire series. They, like many other families, may not have a perfect relationship but they do care for each other. They may hurt each other at times, but they are there for each other when it’s needed. These family bonds, that have been formed over many years, are something Kate is still getting used to. Aimee Carter flawlessly shows how Kate learns and grows within this environment.

The final battle with Cronus comes with tears, injury, and sadly some goodbyes. Death has a role not just in this novel, but the overall series. The idea of immortal life and what is truly means to have eons stretching before you is a daunting one. Aimee uses the newly immortal to contrast the ageless gods and show that living forever may have just as many pros as cons.

The ending of the novel can only be described as bittersweet. The survivors, while mourning their losses, are taking hopeful steps towards more fulfilling relationships. Getting to see how these characters have grown, especially when factoring in The Goddess Legacy is the true testament of the series. The changes in not just the main characters of Henry and Kate, but all the characters is staggering.

A bittersweet ending to what is a profoundly character driven story. Thank you Aimee for letting us share Henry and Kate’s journey with them to it's wonderful conclusion.

New To My Book Closet

It's that time of the week again. Time to show you what bookish goodies made their way into my home and book closet (to be saved from the evil book eating cat monster named Aria). This is inspired by the various "mailbox" posts out there (eg. In My Mailbox by The Story Siren, and Stacking the Shelves by Tynga's Reviews).

Another amazing week of awesome books making their way into my already cramped book closet. I had a wonderful time at the Ontario Blogger Meet Up (see my recap) and these novels made their way back from Toronto with me. A huge thank you to all the publishers, and the lovely bloggers who organized the event.

Magnified Word by Grace O'Connell (goodreads)

Speechless by Hannah Harrington (goodreads)

Never Knowing by Chevy Stevens (goodreads)

Fuse by Julianna Boggot (goodreads)

Red Moon by Benjamin Percy (goodreads)

Sever by Lauren DeStefano (goodreads)

Over You by Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus (goodreads)

Out of the Easy by Ruta Sepetys (goodreads)

Etiquette and Espionage by Gail Carriger (goodreads)

Envy by Elizabeth Miles (goodreads)

Next up is a review book from Netgalley

The Goddess Inheritance by Aimee Carter (goodreads)

A big thank you to HarlequinTeen and Netgalley for this. I can't wait to read it and find out how Kate and Henry's story ends.

Happy Sunday and Happy Reading!

Waiting on Wednesday....The Goddess Inheritance

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

My pick this week is The Goddess Inheritance by Aimee Carter

**SPOILERS FOR PREVIOUS TWO NOVELS IN SERIES**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Love or life.Henry or their child.The end of her family or the end of the world.Kate must choose. 

During nine months of captivity, Kate Winters has survived a jealous goddess, a vengeful Titan and a pregnancy she never asked for. Now the Queen of the Gods wants her unborn child, and Kate can't stop her--until Cronus offers a deal. 

In exchange for her loyalty and devotion, the King of the Titans will spare humanity and let Kate keep her child. Yet even if Kate agrees, he'll destroy Henry, her mother and the rest of the council. And if she refuses, Cronus will tear the world apart until every last god and mortal is dead. 

With the fate of everyone she loves resting on her shoulders, Kate must do the impossible: find a way to defeat the most powerful being in existence, even if it costs her everything.
Even if it costs her eternity

I enjoyed the first two novels in this series and I can't wait to see how this ends...especially after that insane ending to Goddess Interrupted.

Expected release date February 26, 2013

Weekly Obsessions

The awesome Kelly at KellyVision started posting a weekly post highlighting whatever she happened to be obsessed with that week. I LOVE this idea, so much in fact that I will be doing it myself every Saturday.

Here are my obsessions this week:

BOOKS

Siobhan Vivian and Jenny Han Talk Burn for Burn



I loved Burn for Burn so much. It totally surprised me and left me wanting the sequel right away. This video is super fun, and the authors let you know a little bit about the characters and setting of the novel.

The cover for After Party by Ann Redisch Stampler

So pretty! I do not even know what this novel is about and I want it. I love the cover so much. I am excited to get a synopsis so I pine even more for this one.

The cover for The Goddess Inheritance by Aimee Carter 

Aimee's novels always have such pretty covers, but I think I love this one the best. Very eye catching. Curious about the tag line 'Immortality or Love. You can't have both.' though. After the cliffhanger of Goddess Interrupted I am glad to hear that this one was pushed up a bit!

TV

Season 2 Once Upon A Time Promo Art

Magic is coming!!!! This makes me so excited. Emma looks bad ass, and the purple smoke from the season one finale is taking center stage. Can it please be the end of September already?!

So that's it for me this week! What are you obsessed with?

The Goddess Legacy by Aimee Carter

The Goddess Legacy by Aimee Carter
Release Date – July 30, 2012
Publisher Website –  Harlequin Teen
Publisher Social Media -  Twitter
Pages -  395 pages
My Rating- 4.5/5
**received from publisher for an honest review (via Netgalley)**

**SPOILERS FOR THE GODDESS TEST and GODDESSS INTERRUPTED**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

For millennia we've caught only glimpses of the lives and loves of the gods and goddesses on Olympus. Now Aimee Carter pulls back the curtain on how they became the powerful, petty, loving and dangerous immortals that Kate Winters knows. 

Calliope/Hera represented constancy and yet had a husband who never matched her faithfulness.... 

Ava/Aphrodite was the goddess of love and yet commitment was a totally different deal.... 

Persephone was urged to marry one man, yet longed for another.... 

James/Hermes loved to make trouble for others-but never knew true loss before.... 

Henry/Hades's solitary existence had grown too wearisome to continue. But meeting Kate Winters gave him a new hope.... 

Five original novellas of love, loss and longing and the will to survive throughout the ages

While reading The Goddess Test and it's sequel Goddess Interrupted I often found myself wondering about some of the other characters and their actions. The story is told from Kate's perspective and we only know what she is privy to. These are the kind of novellas that make you want to go back and re-read the previous novels. Each novella gives you insight into the characters and paints their actions in a new, and often changing, light.

The notion of good and bad is tossed aside as Aimee shows each character is a shade of grey. I felt for each of them, and yet disliked many of their actions, but each story brought me something new to think about.

The first story, titled The Goddess Queen deals with Hera (Calliope) and her story. Her callous and unthinkable actions from the previous novel are not excused, but rather explained. The heartbreaking, crushing betrayal from not only her husband but her sisters  had a hand in turning Hera into the cold hearted, formidable goddess we know. Her love for Henry is understandable, if somewhat intense. Her strength is shown, and I do believe she is a force to be reckoned with.

The second story titled The Lovestruck Goddess deals with Aphrodite's (Ava) story. The theme of different loves providing you with different things, and if we should expect to get everything we need from one person are explored in this story. Aphrodite is absolutely fickle, but she never hides this. She is upfront and honest about what parts of herself she can give to another person, and what she is unwilling to comprise on. The importance of finding someone who cares and loves you for who you are is also something I took away from the novella. She’s quite sure of who she is and what she needs which is not always the case for young women.

The third story title The Goddess of the Underworld happened to be my favourite. It is Persephone’s story. It resonated the most with me because we learn about events that not only motivate Persephone, but Hades (Henry) as well.  The power of love, and what you are willing to sacrifice for it was beautifully touched upon in this sad novella. The theme of not settling for anything less than someone you care deeply for, and who cares just as deeply for you is one that also ties into the present time story as well. Love can not, and should not be one sided no matter what the circumstances and letting someone go might just be the greatest act of love there is. I did enjoy seeing where the Persephone/Ava dynamic began. The heartbreak both Henry and Persephone go through in this novella really helps the reader understand Henry’s current state of mind in dealing with Kate.

The fourth story is titled God of Thieves tells of Hermes (James) relationship with a girl named Tuck. Acceptance from our family is very important, but sometimes our family can be those who are not related to use by blood. James learns the true nature of loss and love. James sought out the answer to why the gods and goddesses are fading, and I think this story may be quite important to The Goddess Inheritance. Getting to see how the relationship between Henry and James became strained was something I was happy to discover, and this novel made me look at James quite differently.

The fifth story entitled God of Darkness revolves around the path Hades (Henry) takes leading up to meeting Kate. The devastation he felt each time a small piece of hope was ripped away when one of the girls was murdered tore at my heart. His distance from Kate is not only understandable but expected. Henry’s fear of getting close, to only be hurt again, has caused him to shut down. Everyone who has had their heartbroken can relate to the pain of opening up again. The Henry we meet in The Goddess Test is already in ruins, and this tells his side of how he got to that point. Ultimately this ends on a note of hope in the form of Kate. A tentative, small step out of the darkness and towards the light.

This novel deepens the characters, shines new light on the previous novels, and might even get you to view beloved (and maybe not so loved) characters differently. This is the reason novella’s should exist.  It is a book for the fans in every way and for that, I say thank you Aimee.

Goddess Interrupted by Aimee Carter

Goddess Interrupted by Aimee Carter
Release Date –  March 27, 2012
Publisher Website –  Harlequin Teen
Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages - 304 pages
My Rating- 9/10
**obtained from Netgalley and publisher for review**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Kate Winters has won immortality. But if she wants a life with Henry in the Underworld, she'll have to fight for it.Becoming immortal wasn't supposed to be the easy part. Though Kate is about to be crowned Queen of the Underworld, she's as isolated as ever. And despite her growing love for Henry, ruler of the Underworld, he's becoming ever more distant and secretive. Then, in the midst of Kate's coronation, Henry is abducted by the only being powerful enough to kill him: the King of the Titans.As the other gods prepare for a war that could end them all, it is up to Kate to save Henry from the depths of Tartarus. But in order to navigate the endless caverns of the Underworld, Kate must enlist the help of the one person who is the greatest threat to her future.Henry's first wife, Persephone.

Aimee Carter’s Goddess Test series is quickly becoming one of my favourites. The first novel set up a wonderful twist on the mythology and some wonderful characters. I was eager to continue Kate’s story and was not disappointed. I enjoyed Goddess Interrupted just as much as the Goddess Test.

Kate and Henry are reunited at the beginning of the book after her summer spent travelling. Kate is hoping for a reunion that will quell some of her fears about what Henry wants from her, and her own feelings of being inadequate to rule the Underworld. However, when they meet it is less than her imagined romantic reunion. They are awkward, shy and have some issues communicating with each other. They are still getting to know each other, and their relationship is going to need work. When they both work at it they are wonderful together. There are times where you want to lock them in a room together and force them to TALK to each other.

I loved Kate’s progression in this novel. She starts off very timid, and wondering how things will be with Henry. She spends a lot of time wondering what the best choice for her is, and what exactly Henry wants from her. Throughout she is aware of what she won’t put up with and what she is willing (or not willing) to sacrifice for others. Once she’s made up her mind she is very determined, and doesn’t back down. We see that she is capable of being Queen of the Underworld, even if she may not quite believe it herself yet. She proves herself to be quite brave, and capable.

This novel introduces us to Persephone, Henry’s first wife. She wasn’t at all what I was expecting. She is complex, and she is still dealing with the mistakes she made. I am intrigued by her and hope she’s in the next book.

The action and pacing is much more intense than the previous novel. I feel that with book one Aimee introduced to her characters and world and with this one she was able to jump right into the story. We get a lot of back story, information, and even more character development.

The stakes for the characters felt real. The King of Titans is a real threat, and there are times you fear for some of our beloved characters. The consequences of what happens in this novel will be felt in The Goddess Inheritance and the battle is just beginning.

Everything I loved about the first story - the characters, romance, pacing, the twist on mythology is all here, but even more prevalent. I love what Aimee has done with the Greek mythology in this installment especially.

Prepare for an ending that packs a punch and will leave you gasping. You’ll be looking for more because you will not want THAT to be the ending. It’s going to be a long wait for the next installment and I can’t wait to see where Aimee takes the story next.

Waiting on Wednesday...Goddess Interrupted

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

My pick this week is Goddess Interrupted by Aimee Carter

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Kate Winters has won immortality.

But if she wants a life in the Underworld with Henry, she’ll have to fight for it.

Becoming immortal wasn’t supposed to be the easy part. Though Kate is about to be crowned Queen of the Underworld, she’s as isolated as ever. And despite her growing love for Henry, ruler of the Underworld, he’s becoming ever more distant and secretive. Then, in the midst of Kate’s coronation, Henry is abducted by the only being powerful enough to kill him: the King of the Titans.

As the other gods prepare for a war that could end them all, it is up to Kate to save Henry from the depths of Tartarus. But in order to navigate the endless caverns of the Underworld, Kate must enlist the help of the one person who is the greatest threat to her future.

Henry’s first wife, Persephone.

After the first book in this series, The Goddess Test, I've been dying to read more. I can not wait for more Henry! Swoon. I am curious about Persephone, and all the drama she will bring. I also love the covers of these books, so pretty.

Expected release date - March 27, 2012

The Goddess Test Winner......

I have chosen the winner for the signed copy of The Goddess Test by the lovely Aimee Carter. The Winner is..........

Evie from Bookish





I emailed Evie with the good news, and her reply was simply the cutest. She's so sweet. She also happens to have a fantastic blog so take a moment and visit her.

Thank you to everyone that entered. I have a giveaway coming up in September to celebrate not only my 6 month blog birthday but also the release of The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer, so check back for that.

You Want This Book Giveaway - The Goddess Test

If you read my review you'll know that I love The Goddess Test by Aimée Carter. I am very happy to be able to (thanks to Aimee) give one of you a SIGNED copy.

I also did an interview with the swoon worthy Henry. Take a moment to read his replies to the questions I asked him - Interview with Henry

Isn't this cover gorgeous??! I love it. My photo does not even begin to do the cover justice.



And it comes autographed by the awesome Aimée



I bet you're wondering how to enter right? Well, to win all you have to do is fill out this form. It is open INTERNATIONALLY so everyone can enter. Contest closes August 1st.



Thanks for entering and good luck everyone.

Character Interview - Henry from The Goddess Test

I recently was given the opportunity to ask Henry from Aimee Carter's The Goddess Test some questions. Hopefully he'll intrigue you enough to want to learn more about him..he's pretty swoon-worthy!

Thanks for stopping by Henry. Can you tell us a little about yourself?

I'm afraid I am not certain what you would like to know. I am King of the Underworld and rule over the dead, making decisions about their afterlife when they are incapable of doing so themselves or when their beliefs demand they be judged. My work is grim, but it is necessary, and I take my responsibilities quite seriously. I've been married before, and I vastly prefer dogs to cats. Contrary to the way I am depicted in popular culture, I am not a villain, and instead I spend much of my time in solitude in the Underworld.

What is the best part about being the ruler of the Underworld? The worst?

The best is the satisfaction of knowing that I have given these people the afterlife they believe they deserve. Life on the surface can be hard, but underneath, one gets what one believes they deserve. The worst is the disconnect from the rest of the world and my family. I do not have the opportunity to see them as much as I would like to.

As a God you have powers. What power do you most enjoy using?

It is not so much a question of enjoyment as it is necessity. The power I use most frequently is the ability to appear at will in any spot I am already familiar with. It makes ruling over such a vast territory much easier.

I am sure you’ve heard the expression “When hell freezes over”. Would it be possible to actually make hell freeze over?

I despise that word, 'hell'. It is an inaccurate portrayal of the Underworld as a whole, though there are some sections that resemble the stereotype. Then again, there are also sections of the Underworld full of snow. To answer your question, it is not in my power to change what the dead perceive, so no, one cannot make hell freeze over.

How did you obtain Cerberus? Was he a gift?

Yes, he was a gift from my brother, though I would not call it 'obtaining'. We've a partnership rather than an ownership, and he is my dearest friend.

What were you thinking when you first saw Kate?

I have seen Kate many times throughout her life, and my thoughts were always about her protection. Given what happened to the others girls, I knew it was paramount to ensure her security above all else. During my first conversation with her, I was spellbound by her willingness to help a girl who had been cruel to her. That is a rare trait, and it was my first inkling that perhaps Kate was different. That perhaps she had it in her to pass the tests no one else had survived.

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

Perhaps I would have brought an extra jacket for her comfort.

What would you say is your biggest regret?

My relationship with Persephone.

Describe the following people in one word

Kate- Selfless
Diana- Stubborn
Ava- Exuberant
James- Calculating
Calliope- Lonely
Ella- Strong

If you were able to select another “profession” other than Ruler of the Underworld which one would you choose?

I would prefer to spend my time reading. Perhaps a librarian.

What book would we find beside your bed?

The classics. I've a particular fondness for Shakespeare and, I must admit, Jane Austen.

What 3 things would you want with you if you were stranded some where?

It would be quite unlikely for me to be stranded somewhere, but I would prefer three good books above all else.

What do you consider your best trait? Your worst?

I believe my best trait to be my loyalty and my worst to be the distance I put between myself and others despite how I might feel about them. Showing my emotions does not come easily to me.

Last question - by popular demand from my friends- Boxes or briefs?

I couldn't possibly say.

The Goddess Test by Aimée Carter

The Goddess Test by Aimée Carter
Release Date – April 19, 2011
Publisher – HarlequinTeen
Pages - 304
My Rating- 10/10

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

It's always been just Kate and her mom—and her mother is dying. Her last wish? To move back to her childhood home. So Kate's going to start at a new school with no friends, no other family and the fear her mother won't live past the fall.
Then she meets Henry. Dark. Tortured. And mesmerizing. He claims to be Hades, god of the Underworld—and if she accepts his bargain, he'll keep her mother alive while Kate tries to pass seven tests.
Kate is sure he's crazy—until she sees him bring a girl back from the dead. Now saving her mother seems crazily possible. If she succeeds, she'll become Henry's future bride, and a goddess.

It took me forever to find a copy of this book. Our bookstores here in Ottawa, for whatever reason, don’t seem to be carrying it. I finally found it at Walmart and was THRILLED. I am delighted to say that my effort was for a good cause - this book is AMAZING.

Aimée Carter has weaved romance, suspense, humour and heart pulling storylines into a fantastic debut novel.

The characters are so rich and well developed. Kate was amazing. She was strong, willing to help out others, caring and capable. She is exactly what you would want out of your heroine. Everything she did for her mother, for Ava and Henry all impressed me. Her strength may not be a physical one but it’s one that is there and should be celebrated.

Henry….Swoon! He seems cold and aloof at first, but underneath he is sweet, kind and swoon-worthy. Once you understand his motivations and why he acts the way he does you can’t help but feel for him. He’s lonely and has been for a long time. That kind of loneliness can take a toll and we see that in Henry.

I loved that when we found out what the tests actually were I hadn’t even guessed them. I kept waiting for Kate to be told that a test was coming, or something similar. It was brilliance to have the tests be what they were.

I cried quite a few times during the novel. The heart breaking scenes with Kate and her mom tugged at me. I could only imagine how awful it would feel and could sympathize with Kate. I was pleased to see the humour in the book as well though. It balanced out nicely. One of my favourite lines is the following -

"Maybe you'll win when hell freezes over."

He raised an eyebrow.

"That could be easily arranged."

I was chuckling out loud at various parts in the book. It shows what a fantastic writer Aimée is that she can have me crying on minute and laughing the next.

This is one of my top 2011 releases. I can not wait for Goddess Interrupted. If you haven’t already picked this one up RUN to the bookstore and get yourself a copy. You’ll love it.

Waiting on Wednesday

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.
My selection this Wednesday is The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter.


Here is the GoodReads synopsis

Every girl who has taken the test has died.

Now it's Kate's turn.

It's always been just Kate and her mom--and now her mother is dying. Her last wish? To move back to her childhood home. So Kate's going to start at a new school with no friends, no other family and the fear her mother won't live past the fall.

Then she meets Henry. Dark. Tortured. And mesmerizing. He claims to be Hades, god of the Underworld--and if she accepts his bargain, he'll keep her mother alive while Kate tries to pass seven tests.

Kate is sure he's crazy--until she sees him bring a girl back from the dead. Now saving her mother seems crazily possible. If she succeeds, she'll become Henry's future bride, and a goddess.

If she fails...

The cover is so pretty. It's being published by Harlequin Teen and they did a fantastic job. Also, Henry...he already sounds like he might just be my next book boyfriend. haha.

The premise is unique and I do love Greek mythology. I am VERY excited to get my hands on this one.

Expected release date is April 26th.