Review: Arcadia Awakens by Kai Meyer

Title: Arcadia Awakens

Author: Kai Meyer

Publisher:  Balzer + Bray

Publication Date: 2.14.12

Pages: 464

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Series: Yes (Arkadien #1)

Source: ARC from publisher

Rating: B-

Summary (from Goodreads):

To Rosa Alcantara, the exotic world of Sicily, with its network of Mafia families and its reputation for murder and intrigue, is just that—exotic and wholly unknown. But when her life in Brooklyn begins to fall apart, she must travel there, to her family’s ancestral home, where centuries of family secrets await her.

Once there, Rosa falls head over heels for Alessandro Carnevare, the son of a Sicilian Mafia family, whose handsome looks and savage grace both fascinate and unsettle her. But their families are sworn enemies, and her aunt and sister believe Alessandro is only using Rosa to infiltrate the Alcantara clan. And when Rosa encounters a tiger one night—a tiger with very familiar eyes—she can no longer deny that neither the Carnevares nor the Alcantaras are what they seem.

Hidden caves, dangerous beasts roaming the hills, and a history of familial bloodlust mean that Rosa can’t trust anyone. Torn between loyalty to her family and love for their mortal enemy, Rosa must make the hardest decision of her life: stay in Sicily with her new love…or run as far and as fast as she can.

Review:

I had honestly never heard of this book before it was sent to me, but one look at that shiver-inducing cover and I was game. I mean, combine that with mafia, Italy, and a romance? It had all the makings of something I would love forever. Unfortunately, the story fell kind of flat for me.

The first problem I had was Rosa. Right off the bat this girl irritated me with her snarkiness (bordering on bitchy) and the way she casually stole random things. Thankfully she got progressively better, but I felt it started the book on a sour note and I don’t know that I ever fully embraced Rosa. Alessandro was better: I enjoyed reading about him and the way he interacted with Rosa is what made me warm up to her. He was definitely the highlight of this book for me, but even still there were moments in their relationship that had me shaking my head.  

The book started off slow, but thankfully picked up speed by the mid-way point and I was glad I stuck with it. It did get better, but there was this constant start-stall that bogged down the story. Some parts were exciting and thrilling, but then the next chapter lagged in momentum. There was a lot of cover in this debut book of the series, so I felt that Kai Meyer should be cut some slack for that.

There really is a good story buried in here. I just takes a little digging to find it. Hopefully book 2 is better.

Buy: Amazon

Teaser Tuesday (11)

Teaser Tuesday is weekly meme hosted by Mizb at Should be Reading 

Grab your current read 

Open to a random page 

Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page 

BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS!

This week I'm reading...

 

 

Vampire's Kiss by Veronica Wolff

 

"Alcantara let his hand linger, his fingertips gently pressing down on the soft swell of my flesh. My skin always felt cool in his presence, but this time flames licked up my legs, dancing into my very core." pg. 20

 

Vampire's Kiss will be available 3.6.12 from NAL
*Quote taken from Advance Reader Copy and may not be the correct page in the finished copy*

Book Deal Alert!

If you've been craving a fun, exciting paranormal romance to warm you up on these cold winter nights, I highly recommend you check out:

Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side

by: Beth Fantaskey

Right now you can download a copy to your Nook or Kindle for FREE. Even if you lack an eReader, most smart phones can download a free app from Amazon or B&N so you can read books on the go, too!

Pick your poison: Nook or Kindle

Barnes and Noble also has the paperback on sale for $1.99!

Book Blogger Confessions (1)

This is a shiny, new blogger meme co-hosted by Tiger from Tiger's All Consuming Books and Karen at For What It's Worth Reviews. It's time to open up and share (and vent) about our blogging experiences!

Our first question is:

January 2nd: How has the "job" of book blogging changed your reading habits? Both pro and con.

Blogging has become a huge part of my world. The good part of it is that it has exposed me to new books I probably wouldn't have heard of, and it has also given me a way to converse with authors. I have also met some incredible people (bloggers) and formed friendships with them. That part was an unexpected blessing; making friends with people who share one of my biggest passions.

The worst part is I sometimes feel like I no longer read for fun. I've spent the first year of my blogging career (is that the right word?) trying to establish myself. I have contacted authors and publicists and publishers, trying to form a working relationship with them and I have found that because of that, I have little time to read what I want unless I luck out and a publisher sends it to me for review. I have also found myself overwhelmed by the amount of books I have gotten (look at this week's IMM - I got 30+ books!).

One last pro, because it's always good to end on a positive, is BEA (Book Expo America). I had never heard of this amazing event before June of this past year. Now I'm planning on going this year (I even have my hotel room booked and all!). I can't wait to interact with authors, publishers, and bloggers on a one-on-one level, instead of with a computer screen.

2011 - A Year In Review

2011 was a big year for me - namely because I actually started this blog. It was started in February, and here's what I learned in a little less than a year:

-Blogging is hard work.
 I went into blogging think this would be a piece of cake. I love reading, I love books, so why not start a blog to talk about that? I must admit that the added allure of those ever ellusive ARCs and review copies was a hige temptation.
  About 3 months in, I got tired of the work. I lagged and I put things off, but then around the beginning of June, I finally got into a more solid rhythm, which seems to have been working the last 6 months.

-I hit the 1,000 follower mark!
  I swear I never, ever thought I would get there and now the number keeps on climbing! Hitting that number was a huge vote of confidence for me, and I wish I could have done something to commemorate it, but I hit it right in the middle of the holiday crunch and had zero time to pull something together. Sigh. Maybe a 1,100 follower party/giveaway?

-I learned how to use Twitter!
 I was a total Twidiot before starting my blog. Now, not only do I use Twitter (OK, not that frequently), but I know how it works!

-Bloggers really are awesome people
  I have met some crazy cool people I never would've met unless I started blogging. Here's my biggest piece of advice to new bloggers/aspiring bloggers: MAKE CONNECTIONS. 90% of bloggers genuinely want to help other bloggers succeed, so ask if you are unsure about something! Don't be afraid to email us or start a conversation!

What to expect in 2012...

1. More reviews!
2. Full BEA coverage in June - not only will I be going, but I will be taking my camera and documenting it all for those who can't go this year.
3. More author interviews!
4. Challenges!
5. Giveaways!

In My Mailbox (14)

Hosted by Kristi @ The Story Siren, this is a great way to share the reads I got this week by purchasing, trading/swapping, or for review.

I honestly think this may be my most epic IMM to date. I only do a montly IMM now, and this one is HUGE.

 

For Review:

Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver
Where It Began by Ann Redisch Stampler
Unraveling by Elizabeth Norris
Switched by Amanda Hocking
Tempest by Julie Cross
Vampire's Kiss by Veronica Wolff
Darkness Falls by Cate Tiernan
Immortal Beloved by Cate Tiernan
The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith
Why We Broke Up by Daniel Handler
Pure by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Christmas Presents:

Faking Faith by Josie Bloss
Still Waters by Emma Carlson Berne
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
The Space Between by Brenna Yovanoff
Breathless by Jessica Warman
Destined by Jessie Harrell
Saving June by Hannah Harrington
The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson

Purchased:

Last Breath by Rachel Caine
You Against Me by Jenny Downham
Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi
Legend by Marie Lu
The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater
Crossed by Ally Condie

Swapped/Traded:

Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake
The Faerie Ring by Kiki Hamilton
Possession by Elana Johnson
Clarity by Kim Harrington
The Magnolia League by Katie Crouch
Angel Burn by L.A. Weatherly
Heartbreak River by Tricia Mills
Crave by Melissa Darnell
The Time-Traveling Fashionista by Bianca Turetsky
Wildcat Fireflies by Amber Kizer

What did you get? Comment so I can stop by your blog!

Waiting on Wednesday (22)

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

This week I'm waiting on....

Fated

by Alyson Noel

Goodreads Blurb:
Lately strange things have been happening to Daire Santos. Animals follow her, crows mock her, and glowing people appear out of nowhere. Worried that Daire is having a nervous breakdown, her mother packs her off to stay in the dusty plains of Enchantment, New Mexico with a grandmother she’s never met.


There she crosses paths with Dace, a gorgeous guy with unearthly blue eyes who she’s encountered before...but only in her dreams. And she’ll get to know her grandmother—a woman who recognizes Daire’s bizarre episodes for what they are. A call to her true destiny as a Soul Seeker, one who can navigate between the worlds of the living and the dead. Her grandmother immediately begins teaching her to harness her powers—but it’s an art that must be mastered quickly. Because Dace’s brother is an evil shape-shifter who’s out to steal her powers. Now Daire must embrace her fate as a Soul Seeker and find out if Dace is one guy she’s meant to be with...or if he’s allied with the enemy she’s destined to destroy.

Why I need to read this one:

I will admit I was not a fan on The Immortals series, but there was something in the style of Alyson Noel's writing that I adore. I desperately wanted to love The Immortals, but I just couldn't. I am hoping that I will fall in love with this one. Doesn't it sound awesome?!

Fated will be released by St. Martin's Griffin on 5.22.12

Review: Bunheads by Sophie Flack

Title: Bunheads

Author: Sophie Flack

Publisher:  Poppy

Publication Date: 10.10.2011

Pages: 294

Genre: Contemporary

Series: No

Source: Finished copy from publisher

Rating: B+

Summary (from Goodreads):

As a dancer with the ultra-prestigious Manhattan Ballet Company, nineteen-year-old Hannah Ward juggles intense rehearsals, dazzling performances and complicated backstage relationships. Up until now, Hannah has happily devoted her entire life to ballet.

But when she meets a handsome musician named Jacob, Hannah's universe begins to change, and she must decide if she wants to compete against the other "bunheads" in the company for a star soloist spot or strike out on her own in the real world. Does she dare give up the gilded confines of the ballet for the freedoms of everyday life?

Review:

I have been fascinated by dancers for as long as I can remember. Now I personally have the balance and coordination of a drunken ostrich on a good day, so dancing isn’t exactly my forte. But I love and respect the elegance of dance, both choreographed and improv. I admire the dedication people have to this sport; they constantly and consciously inflict damage and pain on their body to achieve that perfect move, that perfect moment. I found myself just as captivated by Sophie Flack’s Bunheads as surely as if I were watching a live ballet.

Watching dancers on stage or in a movie was one thing, but I wasn’t sure about how I would enjoy reading about them. I often find that when a book revolves around a specific sport or hobby that isn’t as well known, it can be somewhat offsetting to the reader. We don’t understand the technical jargon that the writer casually tosses about, but I felt Flack handled herself wonderfully. If I didn’t completely understand a move or maneuver, the rest of the description in the page was more times than not enough compensation. And while the novel does focus heavily on dance, it’s so much more than that.

Hannah struggles as a dancer translate easily to life. She’s making decisions now as a young adult that will not only shape her career, but her life. After devoting her life to dance, Hannah starts to yearn for something more. While she still loves dance, she starts to realize she’s missing the little things in life that we non-dancers take for granted regularly. When she meets Jacob she starts to really notice all those little things and that adds up into one big question: Can she have both ballet and a life of her own?

With Flack’s background as a dancer, this novel could have easily slid into the category of preachy and confusing. There is no doubt that Flack knows her stuff when it comes to ballet, but there’s a fine line between knowing and writing. I must say that Flack danced that thin line with the finesse one would expect of a ballet dancer. This book is graceful, fast, and intoxicating to watch unfold.

Buy: Amazon

Top Ten Tuesday (3)

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created by The Broke and the Bookish. This feature was created because we are particularly fond of lists here at The Broke and the Bookish. We'd love to share our lists with other bookish folks and would LOVE to see your top ten lists!

Each week we will post a new Top Ten list  that one of our bloggers here at The Broke and the Bookish will answer. Everyone is welcome to join. All we ask is that you link back to The Broke and the Bookish on your own Top Ten Tuesday post AND add your name to the Linky widget so that everyone can check out other bloggers lists! If you don't have a blog, just post your answers as a comment. Have fun!

This week is...

 

Top 10 Books of 2011!

 

 

1. Spellbound by Cara Lynn Shultz

I fell fast and hard for this heartpounding, romantic tale. Easily takes the #1 spot on this list. It has one of the best romances I have ever read in my life, and the sequel cannot arrive soon enough!

 

2. The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter

I never knew how much I loved the retelling of Greek mythologies until this book graced the screen of my Nook. And speaking of mythology retellings...

 

3. Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini

I know this was was hit or miss for a lot of people, but it was an intoxicating, heady story I became completely enthralled with.

 

4. Die For Me by Amy Plum

This was the first time I not only fell for a book and the characters, but also a city. Amy Plum did such a fantastic job describing Paris, I felt like I was there. I never wanted to visit France so badly.

 

5. Bloodlines by Richelle Mead

I was admittedly skeptic about this series. I wasn't a fan of Adrian in the Vampire Academy series, and truth be told? I never cared much for Sydney. When I finally sat down and read this months after it came out, I felt like such an idiot. How could I ever doubt Richelle Mead's inherent awesomeness?

 

6. Shatter Me by Tahareh Mafi

Few books completely consumed me the way this one did. I couldn't stop reading if my life depending on it. I was late for work because I stayed up reading this book (but of course I blamed it on crazy traffic as any good blogger knows to do).

 

7. Desires of the Dead by Kimberly Derting

I love The Body Finder series, and the second book in it was just everything a fan girl could dream out. I think Violet and Jay are my favorite book couple EVER.

 

 

8. Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi

Maybe this is cheating since this book doesn't come out until 2012, but I techincally read it in 2011, and it was EPIC. If I have one regret it's swapping this book; I wish now I could re-read it.

 

9. Waterfall by Lisa Tawn Begren

Lisa Tawn Begren tapped into my closeted fascination with time travel with the sprawling romance about a girl who, along with her sister, go back to the 1400s and fall in love.

 

10. Last Breath by Rachel Caine

I am in total awe of the Morganville Vampire series. This latest book really upped the ante in Morganville, including a major death I could have never, ever predicted. I cried, I laughed, I cheered ... Awesome.

 

 

Honorable Mentions:

 

1. Delirium by Lauren Oliver

2. Isle of Night by Veronica Wolff

3. Forbidden by Tabitha Suzuma

4. Unearthly by Cynthia Hand

Teaser Tuesday (10)

Teaser Tuesday is weekly meme hosted by Mizb at Should be Reading 

Grab your current read 

Open to a random page 

Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page 

BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS!

This week I'm reading...

Unraveling by Elizabeth Norris

"These people died alone, and they're the only ones who know how it happened - them and whoever was responsible. Someone else should know." pg. 45

Unrqaveling will be available 4.26.12 from Balzer + Bray
*Quote taken from Advance Reader Copy and may not be the correct page in the finished copy*