Gratitude Giveaway Blog Hop!

The leaves are changing color and the weather is cooler. That could only mean one thing...it's Fall y'all! It's that time of year to be thankful for all that you have now and all that will come! Today, I am thanking my followers (old and new) for reading reviews, rants about books and things I would love to own, and author stalkings. I honestly appreciate the time you take to read, comment, and enter my contests. To say thank you, I am part of the Gratitude Giveaway Book Blog Hop. There are over 175 bloggers hosting giveaways! The entire list is at the end of this post.

Here is what I am giving away.

One winner will win a hardback copy of Halo by Alexandra Adornetto:

...and one winner will win a hardback copy of Girl Parts by John M. Cusick

Contest Rules:
US addresses only
Followers receive extra points - hope you stick around!
Contest ends at midnight Sunday, November 28th CST
Winner will be chosen using Random.org
Must fill out form below to be officially be entered
Good luck!

Reminders:

Enter to win a SIGNED copy of Love Drugged by James Klise HERE

Enter to win Matched by Ally Condie and Clockwork Angel by Cassie Clare HERE

Full List of Gratitude Giveaway Hoppers!

Review - Halo by Alexandra Adornetto

I spoke about Halo in a quickie review post a while back. Today, I have my full review. Hold on to your suspenders kids...

From the Publisher:

Nothing much happens in the sleepy town of Venus Cove. But everything changes when three angels are sent from heaven to protect the town against the gathering forces of darkness: Gabriel, the warrior; Ivy, the healer; and Bethany, a teenage girl who is the least experienced of the trio. They work hard to conceal their true identity and, most of all, their wings.

But the mission is threatened when the youngest angel, Bethany, is sent to high school and falls in love with the handsome school captain, Xavier Woods. Will she defy the laws of Heaven by loving him? Things come to a head when the angels realize they are not the only supernatural power in Venus Cove. There′s a new kid in town and he′s charming, seductive and deadly. Worst of all, he′s after Beth.

Reivew:

First off, props to Adronetto for being so young and getting a book published. She's 18! When I was 18 I couldn't figure out what pairs of jeans to wear to the movies. Good for her... I think this book has good bones, but there were SO many things that went wrong that it basically ruined the story for me. Overall....too long! Why, oh why, do we need to hear half of this stuff going on with external and expendable characters. We read about the most nonsensical things that totally distract the reader. This happens too often for me. Around page 300 is where the conflict starts to happen. Yes, page 300.

The main issue I have with this book is the character Bethany. Some people call it the "Bella Syndrome" and I couldn't agree more. Bethany is an angel with zero self control, zero self esteem, and just as pathetic as Bella.  She's an angel sent from Heaven, and the first time a cute boy (Xavier) walks by, she tosses everything out the window, and basically aborts her mission from God. (huh?) I would have bought the romance between Bethany and a human if it wasn't so forced. Bethany is desperate, pitiful and useless. She even gets drunk the first time she steps out of the house along. Harsh I know...

Bethany's BFF, Molly, and her constant pining for Gabriel (yes, that angel) was over the top. When we weren't reading about Bethany's love for Xavier we were reading about Molly's scheme to win over Gabriel. Ugh! It was hinted that Molly thought she knew Gabriel before they met. Are we being set up for book 2? Every time Molly comes up with another scenario to get Gabriel's attention, Bethany puts in little attempt to sway her friend. Hello (knocks on door) is anyone buying this? I was always asking....what in the world do Molly and Bethany have in common? Why would they ever be friends? Just another premise I didn't buy. 

I like that Adornetto explains the hierarchy of angels and their divine purpose. I would have read more about this. What was Bethany's divine purpose? She couldn't focus on anything but Xavier for 5 minutes for us to find out. Cover art - amazing! 

I think a lot of teens will read this book, and for that, yay! It's a large book and if a teen can get through it, I hope they move on to better reads.  

Nutshell: read first 50 pages then skip to 300. You won't miss a thing. I will be giving this book away in the near future...

1 out of 5 stars

Making time to read and lots of quickie reviews....

I'm not sure what's going on, but I'm certain that there is less than 24 hrs in a day now. Where is the time going? We are creeping on October, and the days are going by in a blur. I don't think I'm the only one that has noticed time is flying.... Regardless, I have time to read. Even if it's for only 10 or 15 minutes, I read every single day. It's an important time of day for me. As you have probably guessed, I'm an avid YA reader. I really always have been. There are a few adult fiction books that I enjoyed (anything by Alice Hoffman), but I usually stick to the YA highway. With time passing, my kids growing up, and a husband on the road, I find that reading is my saving grace. Other side of the coin - I have to choose my reads wisely. I've been suckered in by a book with an amazing cover, but the story was a complete failure. So, here is what I've read lately paired with a down and dirty review. Here we go....

HALO by Alexandra Adornetto
2010, Supernatural Romance

Review: Angel put on Earth to save mankind decides to fall in love with a boy instead. Read to page 50 then skip to page 300. 1 out of 5 stars.

FIRELIGHT by Sophie Jordan
2010, Paranormal Romance

Review: Jacinda is a draki who is trying to live like a normal teenager, but a boy awakens her inner dragon. Sounds corny, but it isn't. Surprisingly awesome! 5 out of 5 stars.

MAZE RUNNER by James Dashner
2009, Sci-Fi Fantasy
Review: Thomas wakes up in a game where the stakes are high. With no memories, he feels a connection to the deadly place, and knows it's up to him to save himself and solve the maze. Up my alley, but tad dull in teh middle. 4 out of 4 stars

CITY OF ASHES by Cassandra Clare
2009, Paranormal Romance
Review: Clary, Simon, Jace, Alec, and Isabelle continue to battle creatures of the Underworld. Sequel to City of Bones. Twists, turns, and someone gets "turned." 4 out of 5 stars