A New Year Approaches --- What's your top 5 favorite books of 2011? What are you expecting in 2012?

Well, guys we only have one day left in 2011. Can you believe? So much stuff has happened in my life, probably in yours. Around the world! I read sooo many good books this year. To be honest, I can't even give a exact number as to how many I've read, and that's including books assigned to me from school. But! I do have books that I love, books that I've read more than once over the year. There my top 5 favorite picks of '11.

1. Ilona Andrews - Kate Daniels series. [ I have mentioned before I believe that these books are - gold! I love every character, love the dialogue. If I could marry, you'd receive an invitation.]

2. Rick Riordan - Percy Jackson series. [ Now, I know these books aren't exactly new; but I didn't attempt to read them until this year. And, I enjoyed it! By far, Percy is my favorite character. I can't wait for more adventures. Check it out if you haven't already.]

3. Stephanie Perkins - Anna and the French Kiss/ Lola and the Boy Next Door. [ For a good half of 2011, everyone raved about Perkins' Anna & the F.K, so of course I had to check it out. And, I admit though I do have minor issues with the books, mainly my own problem I very much enjoyed this book. Looking forward to her third one coming out next year.]

4. Rachel Hawkins - Hex Hall/Demonglass. [ I'm dying here waiting for the third book - Spellbound. Sophie is my favorite character and who can resist Archer? It's nothing new this plot, but Hawkins makes it work with Sophie and Archer's sarcastic dialogue and pop culture references. It's like she's speaking to my soul. O-O]

5. Suzanne Collins - Hunger Games trilogy. [ EVERYONE whose EVERYONE has to know about these book. I love how the books was all about this effed up society where people find enjoyment watching kids - excuse my language- beat the shit out of each other. I was like, whatttttt? There's hints of romance but it's not the main focus. How often do you find that in a YA Dystopian book? Anyone?


For 2012, there are continuations of books that I'm waiting for. I don't want to go into them here because honestly, it's a bit too much. haha.
Anyway, what's your top 5 books of the year? And, what books are you waiting for in 2012?

I know I haven't been consisten in doing book reviews, but life decided to butt in a few times. I'll try to be more active in the book community in 2012. But, thank you to everyone who decided to follow me here, and all those who take the time to read my reviews. I'll see you guys in the next year...

WHOOOOOO~ *spreads new year joy and passes out milk/cookies* :)

Book Review #10 and # 11 [Virals/Seizure by Kathy Reichs]

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Tory Brennan, niece of acclaimed forensic anthropologist Temperance Brennan (of the Bones novels and hit TV show), is the leader of a ragtag band of teenage "sci-philes" who live on a secluded island off the coast of South Carolina. When the group rescues a dog caged for medical testing on a nearby island, they are exposed to an experimental strain of canine parvovirus that changes their lives forever. 

As the friends discover their heightened senses and animal-quick reflexes, they must combine their scientific curiosity with their newfound physical gifts to solve a cold-case murder that has suddenly become very hot if they can stay alive long enough to catch the killer's scent. 

Fortunately, they are now more than friends they're a pack. They are Virals.

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I have returned with not one- but two that's right TWO book reviews in one post! Today I'm review a new favorite series of mine "Virals" by Kathy Reichs.  This happens to be Ms. Reichs very first YA book, if your not familiar with her other works; she is the author of the Temperance Brennan series  which inspired the hit-TV show "Bones."

Now, let's start with the first of the series- Virals. Here we are introduced to our heroine - Tory Brennan. Tory is a spunky, loyal, independent, and fierce 14- year old. Alongside we have her best friends; Shelton - the techie of the group, Ben - the silent strength and Hiram (or Hi) - the sarcastic funny man. Tory and the gang lives on a secluded island with their parents. Now, one day during their frequent "explorer" missions they stubble upon an experiment being done on an island animal, one that they happen to know. His name is Cooper - half-dog half wolf - Coop becomes and EXTREMELY important character in the story as he is the reason for the gang's biological change. Without prior knowledge the gang becomes infected with an airborne disease that Cooper has. Thus starting their change from normal teenagers to half-human half wolf beings.

Now, you may be asking "Do they turn into wolves?" Well, I wasn't going to say..but I will. The answer is no. Which when you think about it is pretty awesome, because I mean how cliche would that be, right? 

The plot of the story consists around Cooper and the kids discovering and uncovering hidden secrets in their hometown/island. They learn to deal with their newfound abilities by helping each other. In the end, there is a big fight between the Virals and the  "bad guy" where you get to see the gang in action using their half-wolf side. But, we also get to see a solid peek into the foundation within the group as well.

Onto book # 2 - Seizure!

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Ever since Tory Brennan and her friends rescued Cooper, a kidnapped wolf pup with a rare strain of canine parvovirus, they've turned from regular kids into a crime-solving pack. But now the very place that brought them together - the Loggerhead Island Research Institute - is out of funding and will have to shut down. That is, unless the Virals can figure out a way to save it. 

So when Tory learns of an old Charleston legend about a famous she-pirate, Anne Bonney, whose fortune was never found, she can't believe her luck - buried treasure is exactly what she needs to save the Institute on Loggerhead! Trouble is, she and her friends aren't the only ones looking for it. And this time, the Virals' special powers may not be enough to dig them out of trouble . . .

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In book number two the Virals are faced with a serious problem. They are being separated! You can imagine how scary this is for them, considering their change they need each other more than ever. So, of course Tory Brennan is on the case. When they learn about a legend on the island and treasure that is lost. Tory sees it as a chance to not only save her family but the pack as well. Now, to be honest when reading you'd feel as it's a bit far-fetched. But, that's the beauty of it! 

Their are "OMG" moments when the Virals secrets are so damn close to being discovered; we even get a glimpse of the Virals having bumps in the road mainly the boys v.s Tory. But, in the end (thankfully) they come back together as one. No matter what their connected and can never really leave one another. What I was a bit giddy about is we see feelings bubbling over from time to time between Tory and Ben. But, nothing to serious. I really REALLY hope their relationship develops more as the books continue.  

Seizure is a great follow up to Virals - I'm shaking with excitement for the third book in the series "Code" coming soon!

Quote:

Virals - “Baravetto was unconscious when we found him," Hi said. "What'd you do to the guy?" 
"Kicked him in the balls, then brained him with a rolling pin. Twice.”


 Seizure - "I don't wanna (listen)! You'll start talking, and pretty soon we'll all start nodding, and then the next thing you know, I'm hang gliding off the Eiffel Tower at midnight, being chased by ninja vampires!" 

Rating: 5/5 (for both)

Book Review #9 [Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire]

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The new Abby Abernathy is a good girl. She doesn’t drink or swear, and she has the appropriate percentage of cardigans in her wardrobe. Abby believes she has enough distance between her and the darkness of her past, but when she arrives at college with her best friend America, her path to a new beginning is quickly challenged by Eastern University’s Walking One-Night Stand. 

Travis Maddox, lean, cut, and covered in tattoos, is exactly what Abby needs—and wants—to avoid. He spends his nights winning money in a floating fight ring, and his days as the charming college co-ed. Intrigued by Abby’s resistance to his charms, Travis tricks her into his daily life with a simple bet. If he loses, he must remain abstinent for a month. If Abby loses, she must live in Travis’ apartment for the same amount of time. Either way, Travis has no idea that he has met his match.

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REVIEW TIME! First I want to say - sorry for being absent. But, you guys know how it is. Life and all that. Anyway, I've come back with a new book review of a new genre! It's Beautiful Disaster by Jamie Mcguire.

OMG. OMG. 

^That alone explains my reaction to this book. oh wait and this.... WHAT?

We have our two protagonists. Abby and Travis. AND OH LORD....JUST *HEADS EXPLODES*

I can't or won't rather reveal stuff about these two, because the synopsis up top there, says it all. And, please excuse my language. BUT HOLY SHIT THESE TWO ARE CRAZYYYY. Weird review right? But, trust me on this guys, when I say you will 95% likely feel the exact same way when or if you read this. 
Abby and Travis are such a destructive couple. They go through so much between each other; with all the misunderstandings, not admitting to their own feelings. 

I mean, people there are instances where you have to step back and be like..."Really, now? What the hell?" But, not exactly in a bad way. 

They have a lot of obstacles, though when I say that you may think "Oh, you mean like people coming between them?" 

Well...no not necessarily. The obstacles are created by Abby and Travis themselves. The side characters and best friends to our main - Shepley and America - are really good in helping the two come together. 

I'll be honest the plot of the book is nothing new and has been done a hundred times over. 

BUT! There is just something that keeps you from closing the book, from putting it down (to be honest I think it mostly has to do with Travis..but whatever lol).

If your looking for a hot steamy, UTTERLY frustrating but quite a page turner of a contemporary/chick lit romance. This is your book.

Rating: 5/5

This Friday's Question:

When You're Not Reading: What occupies your time 

when your nose isn't stuck in a book?

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Mmmm...well. I'm usually doing homework since I'm a student in college or I'm watching television. Sometimes I don't have time to watch my favorite shows so I try to just catch up on recent missed episodes. There are other times when I go with old high school classmates, I mean usually or occasionally we talk to each other on Facebook; and then we try and make plans or something to meet up. I actually did that today. XD. We went to go see Breaking Dawn, even stopped at Barnes and Noble. LOL. I made her buy one of my favorite UF books, Moon Called by Patricia Briggs. Now, I'll just wait for her thoughts on it.

If I'm not doing any of that ^.....I'm usually sleeping. A human version of a sloth. For real. LOL

HAPPY TURKEY DAY!

Just wanted to say Happy Turkey Day to everyone! Enjoy spending time with your families and eating all that good food. I haven't been active as a late, but I'll be back around Saturday..maybe. haha.
But, anyway. Be safe everyone!

Wicked Winter Read-a-thon

Here comes another read-a-thon!  Hosted by: Rebecca @ Kindle Fever, April @ My Shelf Confessions
click here for more info! Let's go go!

Book Review #8 [Lola and The Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins]

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Budding designer Lola Nolan doesn’t believe in fashion . . . she believes in costume. The more expressive the outfit -- more sparkly, more fun, more wild -- the better. But even though Lola’s style is outrageous, she’s a devoted daughter and friend with some big plans for the future. And everything is pretty perfect (right down to her hot rocker boyfriend) until the dreaded Bell twins, Calliope and Cricket, return to the neighborhood. 

When Cricket -- a gifted inventor -- steps out from his twin sister’s shadow and back into Lola’s life, she must finally reconcile a lifetime of feelings for the boy next door.
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Yo ho ho! Hey everyone! Here I am with a new review! This time it's Stephanie Perkins' second novel, Lola and the Boy Next Door.

Let's start off with our main characters, shall we? First we have Lola, our spunky plucky oh-so fashionable heroine. Lola is an independent young woman, who loves to express herself through fashion. At let me tell you it's never a dull moment for Lola when it comes to what outfit she wears today. From the wigs to the shoes, it's a show-stopper. Along with her plans to have THE best outfit at her school dance and her bad-boy boyfriend Max, everything in Lola's life is perfect. Until, the Bell twins return!

Now, Lola had history of course with the Bell Twins. But, the one she's most worried about? Cricket Bell.

*GUSHES AND SWOONS* Can I say that I LOVE Cricket? Can I please get a Cricket Bell for Christmas, Santa? Cricket is a gifted inventor, just as creative and innovative as Lola is. He's adorable, thoughtful, sweet, fidgety, imaginative, a bit nerdy...I can go on and on. Basically? Cricket is the man.Throughout the story, we have Lola battling her past feelings for Cricket creeping back in now that he's back with her current connection with Max. Lola is no way perfect, and she makes a lot of mistakes.

Now, if I had to say I only liked Lola when she was with Cricket. I know, I know weird right? But, it's true. Lola at times got me a bit irritated and the only time I could truly stand her even a bit is when she's with Cricket. We have side characters have Lola's parents, Cricket's twin sister andddd two familiar characters from S. Perkins' first book. *hint-wink*

Suffice to say the book is still really good. So, if your a fan of contemporary YA romance, or even of S. Perkins' previous book, the companion to this one - Anna and the French Kiss - you'll enjoy this.

Rating: 3.5/5