Freedom Giveaway Hop, International, Book of choice 10$

Welcome to the Freedom Giveaway Hop!

This contest is international! :)

(anywhere The Book Depository ships)

Prize: 
Book of choice up to ten dollars from Amazon.com or the Book Depository.

How to enter:
Just follow this blog and leave a comment answering one of these two questions: 

What do you love most about Independence day?

(Or if you are not from the USA list why you love your national holiday)

OR

What book will you order if you win?

Extra entries:
+1 Follow me on Twitter, leave your twitter handle (I willfollow up)  
                                                     @JenniferKJovus
+1 Tweet this contest and leave the link

Contest closes on July 7th.

There are over 200 other participating blogs in the Freedom Hop, follow the links below to check them out.

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!

RIP Micron-osaurus

Last September my laptop died a horrible untimely death. I grieved for it all winter. While we saved our money for a new purchase we used an old office omputer from Kenny's work. When I say old, I mean as in fossil-like Micron that takes 4-7 minutes to load pages. I won't complain it was free and did the job. It just made commenting nearly impossible, I could not stream any video and it wouldn't recognize my Digital Cannon Rebel or iPod's. Seriously, I was surprised it didn't come loaded with pong.

So to my surprise my sweets Kenny gave me a fabulous present this weekend! A computer :) Of course now that we can stream video like the Disney channel or Penguins of Madagascar the kids want to watch it. With me and Kenny already jockeying for position at our old computer and now with the amazing speed we have its an even bigger struggle to get PC time. The newness will wear off and hopefully soon we can add another PC to the house. (That is if we can stop justifing things like new books instead of saving for it, ya'all know what I mean huh!)

Anyway, the lack of post is due in part that all my files are saved on the old computer. So I am working on getting them switched over. You would think it would be easy right? Nope that darn beast won't even acknowledge my portable hard drive. Yup, its like an old man that refuses technology by ignoring it.

I do have post scheduled for tonight (a contest, international) so until then -
Happy Reading
Jennifer

What I'm Reading & L♥ving

Trial by Fire (Raised by Wolves Series)

by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

 

There can only be one alpha.

Bryn is finally settling into her position as alpha of the Cedar Ridge Pack—or at least, her own version of what it means to be alpha when you’re a human leading a band of werewolves. Then she finds a teenage boy bleeding on her front porch. Before collapsing, he tells her his name is Lucas, he’s a Were, and Bryn’s protection is his only hope.

But Lucas isn’t part of Bryn’s pack, and she has no right to claim another alpha’s Were. With threats—old and new—looming, and danger closing in from all sides, Bryn will have to accept what her guardian Callum knew all along. To be alpha, she will have to give in to her own animal instincts and become less human. And, she’s going to have to do it alone.

Bryn faces both the costs, and the rewards, of love and loyalty, in this thrilling sequel to Raised by Wolves

We have a winner!

Congratulations to SpadesHighReads who won our

Midsummer's Eve Giveaway Hop.

I will be participating in the Freedom Giveaway Hop this Friday hosted by

Simply Stacie and I Am A Reader Not A Writer.

Happy Reading!

Jen

Awesome Author Announcements!

Kimberly Derting released the title of the third book in the Body Finder series and the cover. It is both beautiful and promising. Head over to Kim's website, read the blurb, view the beauty of TBF#3 and congratulate Kim.

There is exactly one month to the release of two of my most desired reads for the summer, Wolfsbane and Supernaturally. Today on Andrea Creamer's and Kiersten White's websites they announced a Triple Threat launch party including , Stephanie Perkins. It will be in Oceanside Ca on July 26. Never before have I ever wanted to be a California girl like I do now. (Read more about it here and here)

While checking out Rachel Caines website I found the cover and blurb for book 11 in the Morganville Vampire series. More than ever I am intrigued by the unusual color of the book cover and desperately want to know what it means for Claire. With a name like Last Breath, it guarantee's excitement and a sleepless night on its release date  of  11/1/11. Go here to read an excerpt from Last Breath.

Happy Reading!

Jen.

FF#3, Five Favorite Fairy Books

 Q. In light of the Summer Solstice. Also known as Midsummer...let's talk about fairies. What is your favorite fairy tale or story that revolves around the fae?

A. Before I started reading Paranormal books I thought a fairy to be Tinkerbell like. Now they just creep me out! With the exception of two series that is. The Dark Swan series by Richelle Mead and The Iron Fey series by Julie Kagawa. Two of my favorite male leads are in these books, Dorian and Ash.

Five Favorite Fairy Books

1. The Dark Swan

2. The Iron Fey

3. Wings

4. Lament

5. Entice

My favorite fairy tale is Peter Pan.

Contest, Brandon Mull and Ally Carter

Today is the last day to enter my Midsummers Eve Giveaway Hop to win Patricia Briggs River Marked, a Mercy Thompson Novel. (enter here)  Check out the links listed to enter over 200 other book giveaways!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brandon Mull author of Fablehaven, the Candy Shop Wars and Beyonders will be at the Orem Utah Costco today at noon for a book signing. Find more info here:

 

 

 

 

Ally Carter will be at The Kings English Bookshop on Saturday (tomorrow) for a book signing and tour for her new book Uncommon Criminals. you can find more information about this event here:.

What I'm Reading & L♥ving

Plagued by a war between magic and technology, Atlanta has never been so deadly. Good thing Kate Daniels is on the job.

Kate Daniels may have quit the Order of Knights of Merciful Aid, but she's still knee-deep in paranormal problems. Or she would be if she could get someone to hire her. Starting her own business has been more challenging than she thought it would be-now that the Order is disparaging her good name. Plus, many potential clients are afraid of getting on the bad side of the Beast Lord, who just happens to be Kate's mate.

So when Atlanta's premier Master of the Dead calls to ask for help with a vampire on the loose, Kate leaps at the chance of some paying work. But it turns out that this is not an isolated incident. Kate needs to get to the bottom of it-and fast, or the city and everyone dear to her may pay the ultimate price...

Young Adult

When Katarina Bishop was three, her parents took her to the Louvre...to case it. For her seventh birthday, Katarina and her Uncle Eddie traveled to Austria...to steal the crown jewels. When Kat turned fifteen, she planned a con of her own--scamming her way into the best boarding school in the country, determined to leave the family business behind. Unfortunately, leaving "the life" for a normal life proves harder than she'd expected.

Soon, Kat's friend and former co-conspirator, Hale, appears out of nowhere to bring her back into the world she tried so hard to escape. But he has good reason: a powerful mobster's art collection has been stolen, and he wants it returned. Only a master thief could have pulled this job, and Kat’s father isn’t just on the suspect list, he is the list. Caught between Interpol and a far more deadly enemy, Kat’s dad needs her help.

For Kat there is only one solution: track down the paintings and steal them back. So what if it’s a spectacularly impossible job? She’s got two weeks, a teenage crew, and hopefully just enough talent to pull off the biggest heist in her family’s (very crooked) history--and, with any luck, steal her life back along the way.

Audiobook

 

Cammie Morgan is a student at the Gallagher Academy for Exceptional Young Women, a fairly typical all-girls school—that is, if every school taught advanced martial arts in PE and the latest in chemical warfare in science, and students received extra credit for breaking CIA codes in computer class. The Gallagher Academy might claim to be a school for geniuses but it’s really a school for spies.

Even though Cammie is fluent in fourteen languages and capable of killing a man in seven different ways, she has no idea what to do when she meets an ordinary boy who thinks she’s an ordinary girl. Sure, she can tap his phone, hack into his computer, or track him through town with the skill of a real “pavement artist”—but can she maneuver a relationship with someone who can never know the truth about her?

Cammie Morgan may be an elite spy-in-training, but in her sophomore year, she’s on her most dangerous mission—falling in love.

*photos and synopsis from banresandnoble.com

Angelfire by Courtney Allison Moulton {Book Review}

First there are nightmares.

Every night Ellie is haunted by terrifying dreams of monstrous creatures that are hunting her, killing her.

Then come the memories.

When Ellie meets Will, she feels on the verge of remembering something just beyond her grasp. His attention is intense and romantic, and Ellie feels like her soul has known him for centuries.

On her seventeenth birthday, on a dark street at midnight, Will awakens Ellie's power, and she knows that she can fight the creatures that stalk her in the grim darkness. Only Will holds the key to Ellie's memories, whole lifetimes of them, and when she looks at him, she can no longer pretend anything was just a dream.

Now she must hunt.

Ellie has power that no one can match, and her role is to hunt and kill the reapers that prey on human souls. But in order to survive the dangerous and ancient battle of the angels and the Fallen, she must also hunt for the secrets of her past lives and truths that may be too frightening to remember.

My Thoughts:
Angelfire is an original story that any teen and adult can relate to, the story of finding oneself and learning to love along the way.

I enjoyed Angelfire but there was quite a bit of teen angst involved. At the beginning of the story Ellie is one of those typical teen girls that try to be the martyr and are constantly bouncing between I hate you, I like you, wanna be friends? The different part about this teen girl is that she is a warrior. As she remembers her past lives she becomes more mature and learns to not be so narcissistic, I began to like her more.

Occasionally I will read a book that tells a unique story I enjoy, but at the close of the book I am left contemplating deeper thoughts about life or actions. Angelfire is one of those books.

We live in a busy and disposable world. I sometimes wonder if people stop and remember that life is more than just what is going on in your own personal reality. We all contribute to society and play a part in it. The world is much larger and older than me or you. Angelfire helped me to remember “that it doesn’t matter who we serve…but it’s the way we choose to do it that makes the impact.”

I believe that any book that can potentially inspire a teen to think about the bigger scale of life, right and wrong and the ramifications of intent and our actions is a good book.

Would I recommend Angelfire as a teen read? An older teen, Yes. There is underage alcohol consumption, violence and sneaking out of the country.

Would I read it again? Yes

Favorite line: “Humans are amazing creatures, but their ability to hate is as great as their ability to love.”

Waiting on Wednesday #2

Supernaturally by Kiersten White

Evie finally has the normal life she’s always longed for. But she’s shocked to discover that being ordinary can be . . . kind of boring. Just when Evie starts to long for her days at the International Paranormal Containment Agency, she’s given a chance to work for them again. Desperate for a break from all the normalcy, she agrees.


But as one disastrous mission leads to another, Evie starts to wonder if she made the right choice. And when Evie’s faerie ex-boyfriend Reth appears with devastating revelations about her past, she discovers that there’s a battle brewing between the faerie courts that could throw the whole supernatural world into chaos. The prize in question? Evie herself.
So much for normal.

Release date: July 26, 2011
Photo and blurb from The Kings English Bookshop

Why I want this book:

Paranormalcy was the perfect introduction for a young teen to start reading paranormal books. Evie is sweet, innocent and absolutely lovable. Free from any sex or swear words I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this book to a 12 year old girl. The only danger is that she may ask Santa for a pink taser for Christmas. ;) I am excited to join Evie on her next adventure.

You can find my review of Paranormalcy here.

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating. You can find the linky Waiting on Wednesday using the link above.

Top Ten Reasons I Love Book Blogging

1- I feel like I am part something big, the world’s largest book club.


2- I am constantly amazed at the generosity that I have seen from book bloggers and authors. I have found book bloggers and author auctions for victims of tsunamis, tornados, juvenile diabetes and even to help a favorite author with health expenses. We really are just a group of people who love to read and trying to make the world a better place.

3- My friends and family don’t have to listen to me talk about books (as much) anymore; I found a creative outlet for my hobby.

4- It has been fun to find so many people in the world that get excited over a book as I do.

5- I love learning that authors are people too.

6- I look forward to checking my favorite bogs everyday. I may not personally know the bloggers but I consider them friends.

7- I never wonder what I will read next. There are so many awesome book recommendations I now wonder how I will choose what to read next.

8- There is a book blog for every book lover. If I am feeling like reading a specific genre I can find a book blog for that genre that will give me suggestions on what to read.

9- I constantly give in my life. I am a stay at home mom to two small children. Everything I do is for someone else, while I love it; I also need something just for me. And that is my blog. My blog time helps me keep my sanity! LOL

10- You – the followers, readers and fellow bloggers. There is nothing like the “high” of a nice comment. Or leaving some comment love for someone else. ♥

What are your top ten reasons for loving book blogging? Head on over to The Broke and The Bookish and check out the linky to find more book bloggers top ten links.

Top Ten Tuesday is weekly meme hosted by The Broke and The Bookish.

Midsummer's Eve Giveaway Hop!

Happy first day of summer! I am celebrating the official kick off of the summer with the Midsummer's Eve Giveaway Hop hosted by I Am A Reader Not  Writer. If you are new to My Life With Books - Welcome and thanks for stopping by.

I am giving away a copy of Patricia Briggs River Marked, US and Canada only (You can find my review here) It is book 6 in the Mercy Thompson series. If you haven't started this series yet and you enjoy paranormal books run out and buy your copy or check your library because this is one series that will quickly become a favorite. I finished the Mercy Thompson series in a week. It is the perfect mix of magic, shapeshifters, love and acceptance with a little chicks kick butt mixed in. Did I mention the hot werewolves?

Since this is a follower hop, you must be a follower to enter. If you would like to grab a bonus entry follow me on twitter and an additional entry for tweeting this contest. Leave a comment answering this question: What is your favorite shifter or paranormal book? And if you go for the bonus, leave your twitter handle and link to your tweet.

You will want to stick around because on July 11, I will be having a celebration for  my one year blog anniversary. There are going to be many prizes including books and bookish gifts that I am so tempted just to keep! But I won't, they are for you my friends! :)

Don't forget to check out the other 200+ blogs participating in the Midsummers Eve Giveaway Hop. :D

River Marked Synopsis:

Car mechanic Mercy Thompson has always known there was something different about her, and not just the way she can make a VW engine sit up and beg. Mercy is a shapeshifter, a talent she inherited from her long-gone father. She's never known any others of her kind. Until now.

An evil is stirring in the depths of the Columbia River-one that her father's people may know something about. And to have any hope of surviving, Mercy and her mate, the Alpha werewolf Adam, will need their help...

To enter:
You must have a US or Canadian mailing address
Follow me via GFC and answer the question what is your favorite shifter or paranormal book?
Bonus entries:
+1 Follow me on twitter @jenniferkjovus
+1 for tweeting the giveaway

"Every Super has a secret identity"

There are a couple of things I promised myself I would do if I managed to keep my blog up for one year. One of them was to pay for a nice pretty blog design, the other is to come out and tell friends and family about this little hobby of mine.  (Only Kenny my husband who helped start this adventure and my sister know about this blog)

K Jovus is really not our name. Yeah you knew that huh? When we named this blog we didn't realize how big (not that this site is big) this project would become. We might have chosen something different.

You want to know what K Jovus stands for? When Kenny was a tiny little boy he couldn't say his middle name of Joseph. He said Jovus. He is sometimes affectionately called Kenny Jovus.

So that leads me to this week’s question. Do you have a pen name? Do your friends and family know what you do with your free time? Would you tell the world what you do or keep your secret identity?

Now I am off to save the world with my super reading powers!

Happy reading.

Jen

"Every Super has a secret identity; I don't know a single one who doesn't. I mean, who wants the pressure of being super all the time?" Mr. Incredible

"Of course I have a secret identity! Can you see me in this [indicates her super-suit] at the, at the supermarket? Come on! I don't want to go shopping as Elastigirl, you know what I mean?" Elastigirl

Happy Fathers Day!

In one corner....

I have been thinking about purchasing an ereader. I don't know much about them except it seems the two most popular are the Nook and the Kindle. I know that Nook has been out longer and Consumer Reports has listed it as the best ereader on the market. In talking to the sales associates at B and N I have learned that the color Nook does not have the same battery life as the B and W version. So today I would really like if you could share your opinion. Do you own an ereader? A Nook, Kindle or other? Do you read it as much as you thought you would, or do you read ebooks exclusively?

Reasons I DO want an ereader:
I wouldn't have to haul a dozen books on vacation. I need a separate bag just to put the books in.
I find so many amazing books on Amazon that are on sale.
I wouldn't have to wear my headlamp to read in the middle of the night. ;)
With AMAZING websites like Net Galley I NEED an ereader right? I do not enjoy reading books on my computer.
It is an awesome toy.

Here is the reasons why I DON'T want an ereader:
I love books, I love the smell of books and the feel of the pages.
I don't like how an ebook cost the same as a hardcover. Doesn't make sense to me but what do I know?
I really like to look at books on shelves. They are beautiful!
I like being able to lend a book to a friend or family member.
I like autographed copies of books. What does the author autograph when you go to a signing?
99% of the books I read come from the library. I wouldn't have the same luxury with an ereader.
What happens when your ereader is out of date? Does the software expire like it did on my iPod? And what happens when you loose your ereader? Do you loose your library too?
All these devices! A phone, a computer, an iPod, an ereader. I am going to have to have a bag to carry all the electronics instead of books.

I would love to hear what you think. What brand you prefer and if you have had any negative or positive experiences with an ereader.

Thanks for you help!
Jen

*photo from ereaderesource

Pimp My Post and Contest

I have been following my blogger stats and have found that the most hit page on my blog is Pimp My Post and Contest. So either you all like that very much - or some people are sorely disappointed that they searched for a pimp and found me.

So the time has come to resume Pimp My Post and Contest. If you have a contest or post you want linked here please leave it in the message. (Until I can figure out the Linky thing anyway)

Check back throughout the day for additional contest and commenter contest.

 I READ BANNED BOOKS is having a big blog anniversary. There are 7 days of contest to enter for some great prizes. Saturday June 18 is the last day to enter for the first day's giveaway. So go over and check it out - Its an awesome I Read Banned Books bracelet that any book lover would appreciate.

The BOOK VIXEN is having a Birthday Extravaganza giveaway.

PIRATE PENGUIN is giving away an ARC of Forever.

BOOKS ARE DREAMS is having her first blog anniversary contest!

River Marked a Mercy Thompson Novel by Patricia Briggs {book review}

River Marked a Mercy Thompson Novel by Patricia Briggs

Car mechanic Mercy Thompson has always known there was something different about her, and not just the way she can make a VW engine sit up and beg. Mercy is a shapeshifter, a talent she inherited from her long-gone father. She's never known any others of her kind. Until now.


An evil is stirring in the depths of the Columbia River-one that her father's people may know something about. And to have any hope of surviving, Mercy and her mate, the Alpha werewolf Adam, will need their help...

My thoughts:
If you have not read any of the Mercy Thompson series yet, you should order it, borrow it or head to the library and check it out. It is ultimately my first paranormal urban fantasy love. This book review is for River Marked, the 6th book in the series and will therefore contain spoilers for a Mercy virgin. One word of advice for you future Mercy addicts; don’t judge this book by the cover. I checked the first book out three times before I finally sucked it up and read it. The cover looks like a mechanic’s calendar and I figured the writing would be comparable to the “art” of said calendar. Nope the book is so much more.

River Marked started slower than the other books in the Mercy series. There is also less of the pack, Zee and Stefan. What you do get is some serious one on one Adam and Mercy time. I believe that this alone time together is vital to the continuing of the series. Adam and Mercy need to establish their relationship without the pack involvement in order for them to function as a couple within the pack.

This book is more about Mercy, who she is and where she comes from. I enjoyed the melding of Adams and Mercy’s worlds and histories. The tenderness that Adam shows Mercy is intimate and loving. It was sweet to see the new dynamics of their relationship. And fun to see Mercy handle Adam’s alpha tendencies.

The introduction of new characters in River Marked answered many questions about Mercy’s heritage but also had me asking and begging for more! More answers, more pack, more ADAM and more books in the Mercy Thompson series. (PLEASE)

Mercy fans will not be disappointed in River Marked.

Come  back on Tuesday and enter to win your own copy of River Marked!

Happy reading,

Jen

*book synopses and photo are from barnes and noble.com

Book Blogger Hop

Book Blogger Hop is sponsered by Crazy-For-Books.com. This is my first week doing BBH so hopefully I get it right. :) If your new to My Life With Books WELCOME!

This weeks question:

“How many books are currently in your To-Be-Read (TBR) Pile?”

TOO MANY! Don't we all feel that way sometimes? Currently  I have 52 books waiting. There are way more on a TBR list. I keep a list because if I physically have all my books to stare at in one giant pile I feel like the pile grows legs and eyes. Then it follows me everywhere reminding me to read, read, read. Alas, reading is no fun with the book monster tailing my every move. ;)

Thanks for stopping by and happy reading.

Jen

Follow Friday

Parajunkee is celebrating her 50th Follow Friday by giving away an awesome prize package (that I want so badly!) a blog makeover done by Parajunkee designs. Head on over to Parajunkee's web site and check it out the contest. You can learn more about Follow Friday on her website. 

This weeks  Feature  - The awesome  Rhiannon Paille  She has great insight on life, funny psychic stories and great reviews.

Don't forget to check out the other blogs on the linky list.

Q. Genre Wars! What's your favorite genre and which book in that genre made it your favorite?

A. Paranormal. I L-o-v-e The Mercy Thompson series by Patricia Briggs. It is one series that I can't get sick of.

Nighshade Surprise

Monday I posted this cover for Andrea Cremers Bloodrose, book 3 in the Nightshade series. I found the cover on Goodreads and wrote in the post a disclaimer that I didn't know if this was the official cover or not.


Andrea posted on her blog today that this is in fact the official Bloodrose cover. It was leaked to Amazon early. We Nighshade fans went crazy for it and it quickly spread all over the internet. I sincerely apologize to Penguin and Andrea Creamer for inadvertently posting it early. It is a fabulous cover and makes me anticipate the book even more.

On the topic of covers, Andrea also had a little surprise for her fans in her post today. I WILL NOT SPOIL THIS TREAT, you need to head on over to her blog STAT to get it. And believe me, you want it!

Why are you still reading? Go here now! ;)

Jen

Utah Author Event - Ally Carter

June 24, 2011 at 7:00pm

Ally's first stop in Utah will be at the Provo Utah City Library. This event is free but you must have a ticket to attend. Tickets are currently available for citizens of Provo or Provo Library cardholders. On Saturday June 18th, anyone can pick up a ticket to attend the event.

Jun 25 2011 2:00 pm

The Kings English Bookshop

1511 South 1500 East
Salt Lake City,
Utah
84105
United States

Ally Carter, author of Heist Society will be at The Kings English Bookshop in SLC Utah. She will be on tour for the release of Uncommon Criminals, the second book in the Heist Society series.

Uncommon Criminals

Katarina Bishop has worn a lot of labels in her short life life. Friend. Niece. Daughter. Thief. But for the last two months she’s simply been known as the girl who ran the crew that robbed the greatest museum in the world. That’s why Kat isn’t surprised when she’s asked to steal the infamous Cleopatra Emerald so it can be returned to its rightful owners.

There are only three problems. First, the gem hasn’t been seen in public in thirty years. Second, since the fall of the Egyptian empire and the suicide of Cleopatra, no one who holds the emerald keeps it for long, and in Kat’s world, history almost always repeats itself. But it’s the third problem that makes Kat’s crew the most nervous and that is simply… the emerald is cursed.

Kat might be in way over her head, but she’s not going down without a fight. After all she has her best friend—the gorgeous Hale—and the rest of her crew with her as they chase the Cleopatra around the globe, dodging curses, realizing that the same tricks and cons her family has used for centuries are useless this time.

Which means, this time, Katarina Bishop is making up her own rules.

*This event and event information is from The Kings English Book photo and synopses from Ally Carter's website.

Waiting On Wednesday - The First

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

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

Wolfsbane by Andrea Cremer

When Calla Tor wakes up in the lair of the Searchers, her sworn enemies, she’s certain her days are numbered. But then the Searchers make her an offer—one that gives her the chance to destroy her former masters and save the pack—and the man—she left behind. Is Ren worth the price of her freedom? And will Shay stand by her side no matter what? Now in control of her own destiny, Calla must decide which battles are worth fighting and how many trials true love can endure and still survive. 

 

*synopses and photo from barnesandnoble.com

Utah Author Event - Brandon Mull

Brandon Mull author of The Beyonders, Fablehaven series and The Candy Shop wars will be at the Orem Utah Costco on June 24 at noon for a book signing.

What I Am Reading & L♥ving

Invincible by Sherrilyn Kenyon

Nick Gautier’s day just keeps getting better and better. Yeah, he survived the zombie attacks, only to wake up and find himself enslaved to a world of shapeshifters and demons out to claim his soul.

His new principal thinks he’s even more of a hoodlum than the last one, his coach is trying to recruit him to things he can’t even mention and the girl he’s not seeing, but is, has secrets that terrify him.


But more than that, he’s being groomed by the darkest of powers and if he doesn’t learn how to raise the dead by the end of the week, he will become one of them...

*synopsis and photo from BarnesandNoble.com

Chronicles of Nick - Infinity by Sherrilyn Kenyon

Chronicles of Nick - Infinity by Sherrilyn Kenyon

At fourteen, Nick Gautier thinks he knows everything about the world around him. Streetwise, tough and savvy, his quick sarcasm is the stuff of legends. . .until the night when his best friends try to kill him. Saved by a mysterious warrior who has more fighting skills than Chuck Norris, Nick is sucked into the realm of the Dark-Hunters: immortal vampire slayers who risk everything to save humanity.
Nick quickly learns that the human world is only a veil for a much larger and more dangerous one: a world where the captain of the football team is a werewolf and the girl he has a crush on goes out at night to stake the undead.

But before he can even learn the rules of this new world, his fellow students are turning into flesh eating zombies. And he’s next on the menu.

As if starting high school isn't hard enough. . .now Nick has to hide his new friends from his mom, his chainsaw from the principal, and keep the zombies and the demon Simi from eating his brains, all without getting grounded or suspended. How in the world is he supposed to do that?

My Thoughts:
I started reading Infinity before bed and thinking I would read for 20 minutes. 224 pages later it was 11:00 P.M. and I didn’t want to put the book down. Full of animated and quirky characters Infinity is the perfect introduction for teen or adult into the world of Zombies and Demons. The story is told from a 14 year old boy’s perspective and for that reason I think Infinity appeals to both young men and women.

Nick Goutier is instantly likeable. He is full of charm and feels like the boy next store you grew up playing with. The affection, responsibility and protection he shows his mother is endearing. The kid is street smart beyond his years in a way I wish I could be. Kenyon has a knack for writing dialogue that distinctly sets the main characters apart from each other, yet has the compatibility of true to life friends.

The only distractions I felt while reading Infinity is the overuse of the word “Gah” but then again, if you have ever heard a teen talk they repeatedly abuse words. (I still do it) He also has loads of friends and I had a hard time keeping track of all of them. Since they are not vital to the story I wasn’t lost when trying to recall each of them.

Would I recommend this for my teen? There was little violence; no sex and I don’t recall swear words. I will be buying Infinity to add to “my when my kids are teenagers shelf”. It is one of those books that would be a fun family read we can all enjoy.

Would I read Infinity again? Yes. I think it would make an entertaining audiobook too.

This being the first Sherrilyn Kenyon book I have read, I am off to the library to check out the Acheron/Dark Hunter series!

Happy Reading,

Jen

*photo and book synopsis from Barnes and Noble

Utah Author Event - Ally Condie

Ally Condie, will be at the Orem Utah City Library on June 21 2011 at 2:00 p.m. for the Teen Reading Program. She will be answering questions and talking about the upcoming sequel to Matched titled Crossed. The event will last one hour and is free to the public.

Matched

In the Society, Officials decide. Who you love. Where you work. When you die.

Cassia has always trusted their choices. It’s hardly any price to pay for a long life, the perfect job, the ideal mate. So when her best friend appears on the Matching screen, Cassia knows with complete certainty that he is the one… until she sees another face flash for an instant before the screen fades to black. Now Cassia is faced with impossible choices: between Xander and Ky, between the only life she’s known and a path no one else has ever dared follow — between perfection and passion.

*Information for this post is from Ally's website and the Orem City Library page.

Upcoming One Year Blog Anniversary Celebration

On July 11 My Life With Books will be one year old. I will be having some contest to celebrate this accomplishment. There will be book prizes and bookish gifts that I so badly want to keep, but I won't. It is all for you my book loving blogger friends.

If you are interested in a guest post, giveaway or participation I would love it! Just email me kjovus (at) gmail (dot) com.

The first post I wrote was a big list of awesome giveaways around the web. I have been closely monitoring My Life With Books post and the PIMP MY POST and CONTEST page is THE most popular. So Pimp My Post is going to resume this Friday. If you have a post or contest currently going on and you would like it put into Pimp My Post, leave a comment here or email me so I can put it on the list.

Happy Reading,
Jen

Torture on Tuesday

Forget about waiting on Wednesday how bout Torture Tuesday? And its not even Tuesday yet - Book two in the Nightshade series hasn't even been released yet and I found this beautiful cover on Goodreads for book 3 Bloodrose.

My first thoughts were that it was a little savage. Look at her nails. They are all pointy looking, so I am thinking maybe Calla is letting more of her Wolfy side out. I am hoping that the nice wolf in the back happens to be Ren always there to have her back BECAUSE HE IS HER MATE.

Look at me all worked up at 5:00 AM over this cover and the seriously teasy tease that Lisa Desrochers put on Goodreads.

"BLOODROSE is amazing no... fantabulous I got it...orgasmic Hmm... There's not a word to describe how good this book is. Trust me, you want to read it. Now. And feel free to hate me. ;p"

Disclaimer: I don't think this is even the official cover because I can't find it anywhere else on Andrea's pages. And no Lisa, I don't hate you, but with a description like this and the already oh its my favorite book feelings I have towards this series, you certainly give me something to look forward to in 2012!

Utah Author Events - Kristen Chandler

Kirsten Chandler, author of Wolves, Boys and Other Things That Might Kill Me, will be at the Orem Utah City Library on Tuesday June 14 at  2:00 PM. She will be available to answer questions and autograph books. This event is free.

When KJ Carson is assigned to write a column for her school newspaper about the wolves in nearby Yellowstone National Park, she’s more interested in impressing Virgil Whitman, the new kid in school and the photographer assigned as her partner, than in investigative journalism. But before long, KJ has a face-to-face encounter with a wolf that changes her and the way she thinks about wolves. With her new found passion for protecting these controversial animals, KJ inadvertently ignites the fuse of the anti-wolf sentiment in the community. First Virgil is injured during a town parade, and then her father’s store is set on fire in retribution. To stop the escalating violence, KJ follows Virgil to the cattle ranch of the most outspoken anti-wolf activists in town, against her father’s will. What she discovers there threatens everything and everyone she cares about.

In KJ’s fierce and funny attempt to make peace between the wolves and the people that despise them, she must first face her own long-held fears. It’s terrifying, but then, finding yourself always is.

*Book synopses and photo are from Kristen Chandlers website.

Do you review every book you read?

Follow Friday Blog Hop

Q. The magic book fairy pops out of your cereal box and says "you and your favorite character (from a book of course) can switch places!" Who are you going to switch with?

A. Mercy Thompson. Mercy can fix cars (oh how I wish I could too), command a pack of wolves and fire a weapon.She can shapeshift, kicks butt and gets to wake up next to Adam every day. Need I say more? I think not.

Jennifer

Utah Author Event - Lisa Mangum

Lisa Mangum author of The Hourglass Trilogy will be autographing books tonight at the Banres and Noble in West Jordan Utah. She will be signing at the Deseret Book in Midvale from 6-8 p.m. on Saturday June 11. (Details below)

Lisa has many book signing events in the next few months here in Utah and at ALA to promote the release of the third book in the series, The Forgotten Locket.. You can find more information on her website about the books and her tour stops. If you haven't met her or read The Hourglass Trilogy you should go buy the books and meet Lisa. She is so genuinely nice and the series is a sweet (And clean)  love story any young adult romance reader would enjoy.

BOOK SIGNING

Friday, June 10, 2011

Barnes and Noble–Jordan Landing
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
7157 Plaza Center Dr
West Jordan, UT

BOOK SIGNING

Saturday, June 11, 2011

Deseret Book–Ft. Union

6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

1110 Fort Union Blvd.
Midvale, UT

BOOK SIGNING

Thursday, June 16, 2011
Deseret Book–Bountiful
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
135 North 545 West
West Bountiful, UT

BOOK SIGNING
Friday, June 17, 2011
Deseret Book–University Village
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
1076 South 750 East
Orem, UT

***Photos and tour inormation are from Lisa's website.

Utah Author Event - Elana Johnson, Possession

In case you missed the launch party for Elana Johnsons Possession, you can meet her this Saturday June 11 2:00 p.m. at the Barnes and Noble in Orem Utah.

What I'm Reading and Loving

From #1 New York Times phenomenon, Sherrilyn Kenyon, comes the first novel in her brand new young adult series, The Chronicles of Nick.
At fourteen, Nick Gautier thinks he knows everything about the world around him. Streetwise, tough and savvy, his quick sarcasm is the stuff of legends. . . until the night when his best friends try to kill him. Saved by a mysterious warrior who has more fighting skills than Chuck Norris, Nick is sucked into the realm of the DarkHunters: immortal vampire slayers who risk everything to save humanity.
Nick quickly learns that the human world is only a veil for a much larger and more dangerous one: a world where the captain of the football team is a werewolf and the girl he has a crush on goes out at night to stake the undead.
But before he can even learn the rules of this new world, his fellow students are turning into flesh eating zombies. And he's next on the menu. . .

Utah Author Event - Elana Johnson, Possession

*Jun 8 2011 7:00 pm

The Kings English Bookshop

1511 South 1500 East
Salt Lake City,
Utah
84105
United States


Local young adult author Elana Johnson will read from and sign her debut novel, Possession.
Johnson lives and teaches elementary school in central Utah. She maintains a personal writing blog and contributes to a debut YA science fiction/dystopian blog.

About POSSESSION:

Vi knows the Rule: Girls don't walk with boys, and they never even think about kissing them. But no one makes Vi want to break the Rules more than Zenn...and since the Thinkers have chosen him as Vi's future match, how much trouble can one kiss cause? The Thinkers may have brainwashed the rest of the population, but Vi is determined to think for herself.

But the Thinkers are unusually persuasive, and they're set on convincing Vi to become one of them...starting by brainwashing Zenn. Vi can't leave Zenn in the Thinkers' hands, but she's wary of joining the rebellion, especially since that means teaming up with Jag. Jag is egotistical, charismatic, and dangerous--everything Zenn's not. Vi can't quite trust Jag and can't quite resist him, but she also can't give up on Zenn.

This is a game of control or be controlled. And Vi has no choice but to play.

*This event and event information is from The Kings English

DONT FORGET!
The Utah Festival of Books is this weekend! Learn more here!