June 2014 | Book Nerds Across America

Sunday, June 29, 2014

Book Bash 2014!

Have y'all heard of this event called Book Bash?! It is mad, crazy fun!! I remember hearing about after it happened last year. Basically everyone was telling me that I had to go, but that tickets sell out really quickly. One random day I'm bumming around online and see that they're going on sale. At this point, I don't have the hotel, or people to go with, or any sort of plan, but I decided: "I'll go ahead and buy the ticket and figure it out from there!" In the short amount of time it took to make that decision, they sold out -- but then one opened up and I snatched it! I was in!

Needless to say a plan did come together, and that's how I ended up waking up at 2:30 a.m. (you read that right!) to hit the road to Orlando. I had the honor of spending the weekend with these lovely ladies from Owl Always Be Reading and Once Upon a Twilight:

I love these ladies!

We got to the hotel where the event was being held right around 6 a.m. -- and we weren't even the first people in line! Crazy, right?! I love how people love books! Around 10 a.m. the bookstore opened. I was good and only bought one new book, but the highlight was finding these absolutely perfect shirts:

Seriously. Perfection.

The doors opened just after noon and we were off! For those of you who don't know, Book Bash is a one day signing in Orlando that has over 85 amazing authors. (BookBash.net and their Facebook page.) My first stop? Jennifer Armentrout. I had a book of hers that I'd gotten at BEA, but didn't get signed. Luckily, she remedied that:

The day continued in awesomeness from there. It's hard to believe that so much amazingness can happen in 4 hours, but, alas -- it can. And: it did!

Clockwise from top right: Maya Banks, Jennifer Armentrout, Tiffany King, Tammara Webber, Cora Carmack, Nichole Chase, K.A. Tucker, Colleen Hoover, and Katja Millay. Whew!

Next up was a blogger event sponsored by Berkley Romance & Signet Eclipse. I loved the pretty red theme, as well as just having an opportunity to sit down and chat with other bloggers:

There was time for a quick nap after that before we headed to the after party. I definitely had a blast there! It was great to see everyone dancing, drinking and having fun. Not to mention, they played all my jams: the Wobble, the Cupid Shuffle, and more!

I had ridiculous amounts of fun, and if you can make it to Book Bash 2015, I recommend you try! I know I definitely will!

The Golden Lily by Richelle Mead

Book Summary
Sydney Sage is an Alchemist, one of a group of humans who dabble in magic and serve to bridge the worlds of humans and vampires. They protect vampire secrets—and human lives. Sydney would love to go to college, but instead, she’s been sent into hiding at a posh boarding school in Palm Springs, California–tasked with protecting Moroi princess Jill Dragomir from assassins who want to throw the Moroi court into civil war. Formerly in disgrace, Sydney is now praised for her loyalty and obedience, and held up as the model of an exemplary Alchemist. But the closer she grows to Jill, Eddie, and especially Adrian, the more she finds herself questioning her age–old Alchemist beliefs, her idea of family, and the sense of what it means to truly belong. Her world becomes even more complicated when magical experiments show Sydney may hold the key to prevent becoming Strigoi—the fiercest vampires, the ones who don’t die. But it’s her fear of being just that—special, magical, powerful—that scares her more than anything. Equally daunting is her new romance with Brayden, a cute, brainy guy who seems to be her match in every way. Yet, as perfect as he seems, Sydney finds herself being drawn to someone else—someone forbidden to her. When a shocking secret threatens to tear the vampire world apart, Sydney’s loyalties are suddenly tested more than ever before. She wonders how she's supposed to strike a balance between the principles and dogmas she's been taught, and what her instincts are now telling her. Should she trust the Alchemists—or her heart?

Flo's Review
This series is fantastic! Sydney is really coming into her own. She is questioning everything she has been taught to believe and is slowly creating her own belief system, based on what she has experienced and what her own heart tells her. This is very difficult for her to do, and I always find myself to be proud every time she makes a decision, has a thought, or takes an action that is truly her own. Among the whole magical story line of Moroi, Dhampirs, Alchemists, and more, there is teenage romance, which I love. At one point in the book I had to exclaim to my friends who had read it: "This book is frustrating me! I just want the people I want to get together to be together!!!"

When I first met Adrian Ivashkov in the Vampire Academy series, I was like, "Eh. He's alright." I could take him or leave him. Now, everything single word he says and thing he does makes me laugh and melt. "Oh Adrian!" I want to say. All the time. In many different tones of voice with many different meanings. I wish you didn't have such an issue with the sun, then you could come live with me in Florida. You could paint all day while I worked and then we'd get some drinks at happy hour. I agree with the girls, though, that the smoking would be a no go. Anyway, I am officially on Team Adrian.

The scenes with Sydney and Brayden were hilarious. Because the kinds of questions Sydney was asking herself are things that I think all teenage girls ask themselves in those situations. But they ask their friends, while Sydney makes note to find a book on the topic. LOL.

The ending: I was not prepared!! My heart is still recovering. Why didn't y'all warn me?!?!? Needless to say, The Indigo Spell has been downloaded to my Nook and is ready to go!

Friday, June 27, 2014

The One by Kiera Cass

Book Summary

The highly anticipated conclusion to Kiera Cass's #1 New York Timesbestselling Selection series, The One will captivate readers who love dystopian YA fiction and fairy tales. The One is the perfect finale for fans who have followed America's whirlwind romance since it began--and a swoon-worthy read for teens who have devoured Veronica Roth'sDivergent, Ally Condie's Matched, or Lauren Oliver's Delirium. The Selection changed America Singer's life in ways she never could have imagined. Since she entered the competition to become the next princess of Illéa, America has struggled with her feelings for her first love, Aspen--and her growing attraction to Prince Maxon. Now she's made her choice . . . and she's prepared to fight for the future she wants. Find out who America will choose in The One, the enchanting, beautifully romantic third book in the Selection series.

Flo's Review

So remember how after I finished reading The Elite, I didn't really like America? Well, I'm sad to report that I didn't like her much more in this book. She was a little better, but how can she continue to doubt what is time and time again proven true? At least in this book she wasn't wishy washy -- she knew what she wanted...most of the time. That's the best we'll get from her. What made the book for me was Maxon. He and America had some super sweet romantic scenes in this book, and being the word nerd that I am, the prince said some things that made me weak in the knees. I will forever swoon over Maxon Schreave!! A few interesting revelations were made about who people were and I didn't see any of them coming. This book was a fast read -- I finished it on a nonstop flight to New York. All in all, I am quite satisfied with how the trilogy concluded. I can't really say I will miss America, but maybe Kiera Cass can just write a series of novellas entitled, "Prince Maxon says really romantic stuff to Flo all day long." You'd buy that, right?!?

Jacque's Review:

The One was everything I was hoping for and then some. The selection is down to the final four and America finally decided to fight for Maxon, which I would have been doing from the very beginning. Maxon is one of my favorite fictional males and I couldn't understand why America still doubted him.

At the beginning of the book the remaining members of the selection were still out for blood. They didn't trust each other and the possibility of lasting friendships was almost certainly out of the question. After a few events, things slowly began to change. Some characters such as the King will never change, but I was very surprised by Celeste and Kriss. Celeste was not the heartless snob I always thought she was and Kriss had been keeping a secret that I never would have anticipated.

The rebels are still out for change and attacks against the palace and the royal family are always a possibility. Violence is escalating withing the casts, but America and Maxon soon learn that one of the groups of rebels may actually be on their side.

I thoroughly enjoyed this series and can't wait to see what Kiera will be working on next. According to Goodreads she is working on a new YA series.

Here is the brief Goodreads overview:

" A new series by Kiera Cass, author of The Selection. In the as-yet-untitled YA romance, which was pitched as Matched meets Never Let Me Go, children trained in academies to be perfect friends can be purchased by the wealthy as companions, and a forbidden romance ensues."

There is an additional Selection series novella scheduled to be released this winter about Queen Amberly, which I'm anxiously anticipating. I would also love a short story that provides a little more detail on what happens after The One. A glimpse at what life is like for Maxon, his princess, and the people of Illea a few years into the future would be an excellent way of capping of this exceptional series.

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Ruin and Rising by Leigh Bardugo

Flo's Review
I opted not to put the book summary up here, as it's spoilery for Shadow and Bone and Siege and Storm which you MUST read if you haven't! There are so many things I love about this series, but I think the main thing is Alina's voice. She is this amazingly powerful woman, yet she is really a teenage girl. And you feel that, and everything, right along with her. She has amazing power, she's a big player in a major war, but she also has boy troubles and sometimes feels alone, and can relate to readers on so many different levels. These books are so unique and creative. I love the fact that I have never read anything like them and I likely won't. This exotic world comes to feel familiar and you come to hate and love these characters as you do your own family and friends. I mentioned before how I have no love for the Darkling, and I still don't. Just in case you were wondering. But I will miss the powerful, passionate, strong, dedicated people of Ravka. I cannot recommend this trilogy highly enough. Just trust me on this, and go read it!

Monday, June 23, 2014

Faking It by Cora Carmack

Jacque's Review:

Faking It is the second book in the Losing It series by Cora Carmack. The story picks up where Losing It left off, which is shortly after graduation. Garrick and Bliss moved back to his apartment in Philly and are working at a local theater. Her best friend, Cade, also moved to Philly to attend graduate school.

Cade isn't over the fact that Bliss chose Garrick instead of him, but he knows that he needs to move on with his life. While sitting at a local coffee shop he is approached by Max with a VERY unusual proposition. Her parents made an unexpected visit and want to meet her boyfriend. She can't introduce them to her actual boyfriend because they would never approve, so she needs him to pretend to be her boyfriend for a short while. This should have been an easy role for an actor, but her parents insist that he spend Thanksgiving with them the following day. The situation becomes even more complicated when Cade and Max can't deny the attraction they feel for one another. Are they just acting or is there really something between them?

Both of these characters have difficult pasts that cause them to make very poor decisions throughout the book. They are complete opposites in just about every way, but they complement each other perfectly. They are miserable whenever they are apart, but their fears prevent them from going after what they really want.

The story is told from both Max and Cade's point of view, which worked perfectly in this situation. The reader needs to understand both of their thoughts and feelings to appreciate the decisions they make. The more they discover about each other the more they realize they aren't as different as they appear on the surface.

This was an exceptional addition to the series and I can't wait to read Finding It.

Friday, June 20, 2014

BLOG TOUR: Into the Fae by Quinn Loftis

Into the Fae (The Gypsy Healer Series, Book 1)

By Quinn Loftis

Blurb:

With peace finally descending on the Romanian Grey Wolves, longtime fae ambassador to the wolves, Perizada, has been given a new mission by the Great Luna. But Peri’s desire for revenge against her sister, Lorelle, burns in her heart. Further complicating matters, the great white wolf, Lucian Lupei, has been returned to the pack after centuries trapped in the Dark Forest, and it appears he is destined to be with Peri. Can she put aside her thoughts of vengeance long enough to accept Lucian’s love and complete her mission?

My Review:

Okay I'm not going to lie, I was nervous when I started this book. See, I have loved Quinn since the day Blood Rites (Book #2 of Grey Wolves Series) and this isn't the Grey Wolves. So, yes, I was biting my nails when I started the first page

Well, Quinn needs to kick my shin, hard, for doubting her!! How could I be so dumb?

Peri, the fairy (hehe! love that still) has been mated with Lucian (oh, wow!) but she's a bit stubborn (just a little). Oh, and let's not forget her crazy sister Peri was to seek revenge on.

Once, the Great Luna give Peri her new task, find the Healers. Wow, all the new characters that were introduced are just ... WOW!! Amazing!

This is a bit darker than the GWS, but ... but .. our favorite characters do make an appearance. AND YES SO DOES DECEBEL!! (I know Quinn did that just for me!)

Anyway, read this! You won't be disappointed!

About The Author

Quinn lives in beautiful NW Arkansas with her husband, son, Doberman and cat (who thinks she is a ninja in disguise). She is beyond thankful that she has been blessed to be able to write full time and hopes the readers know how much all of their support means to her. Some of her hobbies include reading, exercising, crochet, and spending time with family and friends. She gives all credit of her success to God because he gave her the creative spirit and vivid imagination it takes to write.

Links

Website: http://www.quinnloftisbooks.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/QuinnLoftisBooks?fref=ts

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthQuinnLoftis

GoodReads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5014564.Quinn_Loftis

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Quinn-Loftis/e/B005HJPD9C/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1370647120&sr=1-2-ent

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/quinn-loftis?store=allproducts&keyword=quinn+loftis

Add to GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21404683-into-the-fae?from_search=true

Meet Quinn:

June 20-22, 2014, UtopYAcon, Nashville TN: http://utopyacon.com/

July 21, 2014, Friends of the Library Meeting, Marion Co. Library, Yellville, AR http://www.marcolibrary.org/

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thursday, June 19, 2014

Losing It by Cora Carmack

Jacque's Review

This series has been on my TBR list for a while. My sister-in-law, who is 17 years younger and is actually a member of the NA population, asked me what I was reading over spring break. Of course it was YA (The Coldest Girl in Coldtown), so she began asking me about some other YA/NA books. She was reading the third book in this series and strongly suggested that I read it.

Bliss Edwards is a theater major and is getting ready to start her final semester in college. She is still a virgin and made the mistake of sharing this information with her best friend Kelsey. The two girls set out for an evening of drinking with one mission....to find a guy for Bliss to hook up with. She could not graduate from college a virgin!

Bliss drinks heavily, but is not interested in any of the guys at the bar. She decides to use the restroom and sees a guy sitting by himself in the back of the bar reading Shakespeare. She comments on his choice of reading material and location and then gets to hear his AMAZING British accent. Garrick and Bliss hang out for a while, but the evening did not progress as planned. (Not that Garrick wasn't willing.)

The next day is the first day of the new semester and Bliss quickly discover that Garrick is not a student, but their newest professor. He is a recent graduate and was called in to cover for a professor who took a leave of absence.

The story details Garrick and Bliss's secret relationship along with her interactions with her best friends Cade and Kelsey. Everything would be SO much easier if Garrick weren't her teacher, but they just need to get through the semester. The characters are all actors, so there is a lot of drama that unfolds. Cade has had a crush on Bliss for a long time and now the two are cast as the leads in their final play before graduation. The situation is awkward to say the least.

I absolutely LOVED Garrick. He is an attractive blond who is charming and very direct. Oh...did I mention the accent? LOL!! There is very little room for misinterpretation when it comes to his character. Bliss on the other had....WOW. She could have ruined everything with one simple word, CAT. I know that sounds crazy, but read the book and you will understand. She over thinks just about everything, is a control freak, and can't give in to her feelings. The longer she is around Garrick, the move confident she becomes. Their relationship is not only impacting her personal life, but her "professional" life as well. She is a much better actress when she isn't so reserved.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can't wait to read Faking It, which appears to be Cade's story after graduation. I have also requested a copy of the novella, Keeping Her, which is another Bliss and Garrick story told from both of their points of view.

Tuesday, June 17, 2014

BOOK REVIEW: Lightning In My Wake (The Lightning Series #1) by Lila Felix

Goodreads description:

Colby Evans can leap from one country to the next in a heartbeat. She can see every sunset in every time zone in the same day. She can travel across the world in a flash. She defies gravity and physics with every breath she takes. She’s tested her abilities and found them limitless.
She is the lightning. She is Lucent. And nothing can stop her.
Except him.
Theodore Ramsey isn’t supposed to be able to flash like Colby. The power of travel is passed on from mother to daughter in their people. Except once in every hundred generations.
Theo is the one.
He can flash like Colby. And it makes him a target to their enemies and to himself. His abilities change everything he knows about life and throws his future into an uncertain tangent. In fact, the only thing certain in his life is the love he feels for Colby.
Their love defies time and space and has been the only constant thing in their lives since childhood. But even their infallible love will be stretched to its limits.
She will risk her life to protect him. But he will risk everything to protect them all.

Mary's Review

Lighting?? Really??

That is why Lila Felix is a genius!

What I like about this book: Well hello new Book Boyfriend Theo!! Let me stalk you daily!! haha!! Okay, in a seriousness Theo is amazing and is great for Colby! I like Colby but Theo makes this story!

What I didn't like: Well, it's a tad slow in some part, BUT .... BUT .. Lila makes up for it at the end and I would like BOOK 2 soon please

You can purchase it here

Monday, June 16, 2014

The Hunt by Stacey Kade

Book Summary
Ariane Tucker has finally escaped GTX, the research facility that created her. While on the run, Zane Bradshaw is the only person she can trust. He knows who-and what-she is and still wants to be part of her life. But accepting Zane's help means putting him in danger. Dr. Jacobs, head of GTX, is not the only one hunting for Ariane. Two rival corporations have their sights set on taking down their competition. Permanently. To protect Zane and herself, Ariane needs allies. She needs the other hybrids. The hybrids who are way more alien and a lot less human. Can Ariane win them over before they turn on her? Or will she be forced to choose sides, to decide who lives and who dies?

Flo's Review
Okay. This was my tweet to author Stacey Kade when I finished reading this one: "I just finished The Hunt and what are you trying to do to me?!?! OMG!! I CAN'T with that ending!!! *breathes into paper bag*". So now that you know my emotional state about this book, let's discuss! Ariane and Zane are basically trying to figure out what to do now that she's escaped GTX and there's still out to get her. Pretty early on in the book she received some distressing news that GTX is not the only one after her and that she is putting Zane in danger. Dilemma time! This book was rich with the dilemma and the effect of love. Zane and Ariane love each other and it's really beautiful to see how this plays at the front of their decisions and actions. Also, I love you Zane Bradshaw. So. Much. Love. I said at the end of The Rules that I needed to give him a hug, and I still do. A very long one. We learn an interesting fact about Zane's mom that changes how Zane sees her. I flew through the majority of this book in a day, only putting it down toward the end when I had to. This happily did not have middle book syndrome at all and kept me well engaged from beginning to end. Speaking of the end -- OMG. What a set up for Book 3! I need Book 3. Right now. I can't even. You guys just need to read this! Trust me!!

Jacque's Review:

The Hunt is the second installment in the Project Paper Doll trilogy. In the first book, The Rules, we were introduced to Ariane who was created in a lab. (She is half alien and half human.) On the surface she looks like a human, but she has some very unique abilities. Zane is your typical high school boy who happens to be in love with a "hybrid".

At the end of The Rules, Ariane and Zane were on the run. Ariane's creator, Dr. Jacobs, wants to keep her locked up in the lab because he thinks she is too dangerous to be out in society. She wants to be free to make her own decisions and live a normal life. When Ariane discovers there are other hybrids living near Chicago she develops a plan. She thinks they can stop the challenges between the different labs and earn their freedom if the hybrids can all work together.

On the surface this sounds like a very simple idea, but Laughlin's hybrids (Ford, Nixon, and Carter) are not quite the same as Ariane. Ariane and Zane run into some difficulty, which turns into a very dangerous situation for everyone involved.

Drs. Laughlin and Jacobs are ruthless and will stop at nothing to win the challenge. The ending was action packed and Stacey left us with a HUGE cliffhanger. I was completely shocked by the direction the series appears to be taking, but at the same time I am REALLY excited to read the final book. I don't want to give away any spoilers, but I think Zane will finally be on an even playing field with the rest of the characters. The hybrids consider humans to be inferior, which in many ways they are, but Zane has proven his loyalty and may now be able to contribute on a greater scale.

This series is highly entertaining and is not as sci-fi as it may sound. I'm not usually a fan of sci-fi, but I love all of Stacey's books. She has a great sense of humor and you can't help but love her characters. She incorporates paranormal elements into the story, but her books focus more on high school relationships and drama. Any YA fan will enjoy this series.

Tuesday, June 10, 2014

Review: Breakable by Tammara Webber

I would like to thank Tammara and her publisher, Penguin Berkley, for the advanced copy of Breakable. I absolutely LOVED Easy and couldn't wait to read Lucas's story.

Breakable is told from Lucas's point-of-view with chapters alternated between the past and present. The "Landon" chapters begin at the time of his Mother's death. We see what life was like for him through high school up until the time he left for college. He was struggling with the loss of his mother and did not receive the support he needed from his father or counselors. We also get to see how his relationship with their long time family friends, the Hellers, developed into the second family he so desperately needed.

The "Lucas" chapters provide his perspective on the events that took place in Easy. He really struggled with the moral dilemma of dating a student in a class he was tutoring, but he just couldn't find a way of telling her. She was the first person he connected with since his mother died and he didn't want to scare her away.

This is an exceptional book and one I would highly recommend to all of my friends. It is New Adult, so the subject matter is more mature than the YA books I usually read. Easy was actually my introduction into the world of NA and I absolutely love it. Cora Carmack is another outstanding NA author that I have discovered. If you have any other recommendations I would love for you to share them with me.

If you haven't read Easy, I suggest that you read it prior to Breakable. The books are stand alones, but knowing Jacqueline's story prior to Lucas's will definitely be to your benefit. They are both exceptional characters and I gave both books 5 out of 5 stars of Goodreads. If you read one of the books you will definitely want to read the other, so start with Easy.

Tammara made a comment that there are a couple of secondary characters she is considering writing about. At the time I had no idea who she could have been referring to. Kennedy and Buck were the only real secondary characters in Easy and they were not good options in my opinion. After reading Breakable, I can now see a few characters with potential. Boyce is my first choice, but Pearl or Melody could be possibilities as well. If you have read the series, please share your thoughts on possible characters you think she could be referring it

Sunday, June 8, 2014

Jacque's Trip to BEA

Day 1

My alarm went off at 2:30 AM and I caught my 5:45 flight to D.C. Unfortunately the 40 minute layover was not long enough given the fact that it took 20 minutes for the baggage crew to return my gate checked bag. I had to take the tram clear to the other side of the airport and arrived just after they closed the gate. I was able to catch a noon flight and made it to the expo center by 2:30. The only book that I would have missed based on my original schedule was Guy in Real Life, but Flo was SUPER sweet and waited in line to get me a signed copy.

Guy In Real Life by Steve Brezenoff

Trial by Fire by Josephine Angelini

Famous in Love by Rebecca Serle

This was the first time I was able to meet Rececca Serle, so I had to get a photo with her. She had to stamp all of her books because, as you can see, she injured her shoulder.

That evening Flo and I attended the Kensington party.

Day 2

My top priorities of the day were to get a copy of Landline and to meet Cora Carmack. I've read three of Cora's books in the past few weeks and was really excited to see that she was signing the final book in the series, Faking It, which is the only book in the Losing It series that I still need to read.

After reading The Coldest Girl in Coldtown I really wanted to meet Holly Black as well. I then had to schedule the rest of my day around these events and did a remarkable job of getting most of the books on my list.

To make up for Flo picking up a copy of Guy In Real Life yesterday, I waited in line for Since You've Been Gone and got the copy signed for her. I really would have liked a copy of this book, but she had another commitment and I owed her one.

The Fine Art of Pretending by Rachel Harris

The Darkest Part of the Forest by Holly Black

The Fire Artist by Daisy Whitney

Landline by Rainbow Rowell

Even In Paradise by Chelsey Philpot

We Were Liars by E. Lockhart

Sublime by Christina Lauren

Unmaking Hunter Kennedy by Anne Eliot

Finding It by Cora Carmack

Breathe, Annie, Breathe by Miranda Kenneally

Biggest Flirts by Jennifer Echols

Unhinged by A.G. Howard

Wait For You by J. Lynn

With Cora Carmack

With A.G. Howard

Holly Black

Day 3

Day three was very chaotic with Book Con, but I was still able to get all of the books on my list. Maggie Stiefvater was very sweet and I found out that she is only planning on releasing four books in the Raven Cycle series. Book three will be released this fall, so we only have one more year to wait for the final installment!!

Flo is one of the admins for Down with the Capital, a Hunger Games fan site, so we had to participate in the Hunger Games trivia session. Fortunately it was a team effort because I didn't know any of the answers. I've read the books and seen both of the movies, but the questions were REALLY specific. Flo and her other DWTC admin who was in attendance were all stars and won the competition. They received Book Con t-shirts and a tote bag, but the victory was the real prize.

Be With Me by Jennifer Armentrout

The Iron Trial by Cassandra Clare and Holly Black

Sinner by Maggie Stiefvater

Rot & Ruin by Jonathan Maberry

Cassandra Clare

Maggie Stiefvater

Monday, June 2, 2014

Flo Does BEA 2014!

The Book Nerds are back from BEA 2014! Now that we've had some adequate time to recover and rest our feet, let's dish! I (Flo) will share my adventures here, and you can read about Jacque's in the next post.

Thursday

I flew in Thursday morning and headed straight to the Javits. Did not pass Go, did not collect $200, just straight to the show! I really wanted to be there for this:

Success!

Here's Rainbow signing

Now that I had that, I was free to pursue the rest of my schedule. Unfortunately, Jacque ran into some flight trouble (which she will tell you about I'm sure), so I made sure to pick up one of her "must have" books of the day:

Bloodlines by Richelle Mead

Flo's Review
I didn't want to put the summary up because I think it's spoilery if you haven't finished the Vampire Academy series yet. My plan after finishing Vampire Academy was to take a break before starting this series. But after you've been with these characters for five books, it's hard to say goodbye. So here I am, jumping into Bloodlines.

Sydney Sage, who we meet in Book 4 of the Vampire Academy series, narrates this series. I had heard that her voice is much different from Rose's and it is. I enjoyed it though. I really got an insight into Sydney -- why she is the way she is, what she thinks, how she reacts, and so forth. I think I relate more to Sydney than I do to Rose, so it wasn't hard for me to become attached and feel her struggles.

The book started off a little slow for me, but I don't know if that's just because I listed to the first part on audio. For whatever reason, scenes seemed to drag out a bit that could have been a bit shorter. But once we got into the meat of the story, I enjoyed reading about the high school drama and the vampire mystery. And yes, because I know everyone is wondering, I even got a greater appreciation for Adrian Ivashkov.

I'm really looking forward The Golden Lily and the rest of the series -- I feel like now that we are settled with the new narrator and new surroundings, the story is really going to take off.

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