Infinite Days by Rebecca Maizel

"Throughout all my histories, I found no one I loved more than you...no one."

Those were some of Rhode's last words to me. The last time he would pronounce his love. The last time I would see his face.

It was the first time in 592 years I could take a breath. Lay in the sun. Taste.

Rhode sacrificed himself so I, Lenah Beaudonte, could be human again. So I could stop the blood lust.
I never expected to fall in love with someone else that wasn't Rhode.
But Justin was...daring. Exciting. More beautiful than I could dream.
I never expected to be sixteen again...then again, I never expected my past to come back and haunt me...

                                                                                -Chapters Canada


I really enjoyed this book. I have read my fair share of vampire books, but let me say that this one definitely stands out from all the rest.  Firstly, the young (well...) heroine actually chooses to be human, and therefore doesn't choose the guy. I think this concept is just revolutionary!  All joking aside, I think this was definitely a well needed change, and I have yet to read anything similar, where a vampire gets turned back into a human.

Having said that, I also want to give recognition for the plausibility of the plot. Everything seemed just a little bit more normal and relatable than in the typical vampire romance novel, which we have been seeing so much of as of late. I really enjoyed experiencing the new (to her) world that we happen to live in, and it really made me think of how far our society has come in a very short period of time. This was also gave way to some perfect little snippets of humour. The romance was actually a little bit of a downside for me, for the most part.  As much as I wanted to like, Justin, I wasn't really buying it. Which is suprising for me, because you can pretty much push any form of romance my way and I will devour it. In this case it just didn't seem sincere and believable.  It was like Justin just wasn't quite deep enough to embrace the maturity and situation in which Lenah found herself. I guess we will have to see in the follow-up how that develops.

This book was overall a good read, and I would recommend it not only for teens, but anyone who is looking for a vampire-switch-up of sorts.  You will not be disappointed.


Spoiler Alert: Don't read past this point if you don't want to know specific book details!


Right from the beginning, it is easy to see that this book is different from all of the other vampire ones out there.  Lenah Beaudonte (love the name) is an ancient vampire who is recieving the ultimate gift from her long-time soulmate: mortality.  And he is sacrificing himself to do it, a process that is hardly ever completed because it demands utter selflessness to be successful. So after hundreds of years of being a vampire, Lenah finally becomes human again, and is thrust into our world with only a few minutes guidance from her (mate?) and a few notes and gifts he leaves her.

Not long into her journey Lenah discovers Justin, who to me just seemed like glorified eye-candy. He was presented as immature right off the batt and was still dating a shallow bimbo. But he seems to fall for Lenah and embraces her past in its entirety. Trouble is always looming for Lenah, though, because her second vampire lover,Vicken, is going to realize what Rhode accomplished, and come to find what he believes is his: his Queen, Lenah.

Of course her old coven inevitably finds Lenah and takes her away. Which was pretty unexpected for me. I didn't expect for her to just hastily be ripped from the life she had built for herself at boarding school, and forced to do the ritual for Vicken.  (I was pretty confused about Vicken, whether I wanted to like him or not, and most of the time I felt myself pittying him.  Because the way that Lenah described him made him seem so noble, and like he really, truly loved her as well.  And of course he is going to come for you, he loves you and are connected by bond. Can you really blame him?)  I could have also done without Tony.  He didn't really come off as likeable, and I always feel uncomfortable whenever a pathetic stalkery dude falls for the girl that clearly only likes him as a friend. And this was one of those cases times about a thousand.

Despite a few minor setbacks, I really enjoyed this book, and think the sequel will be another hit. I recommend it to anyone who likes vampire fiction!


Sequel to come--Cheers & Enjoy♥

Elixir by Hilary Duff

Clea Raymond has felt the glare of the spotlight her entire life. The daughter of a renowned surgeon and a prominent Washington DC politician, she has grown to be a talented photojournalist who takes refuge in a career that allows her to travel to the most exotic parts of the world. But after Clea's father disappears while on a humanitarian mission, Clea's photos begin to feature eerie, shadowy images of a strange and beautiful man-a man she has never seen before.

When fate brings Clea and this man together, she is stunned by the immediate and powerful connection she feels with him. As they grow closer, they are drawn deep into the mystery behind her father's disappearance, and they discover the centuries old truth behind their intense bond. Torn by a dangerous love triangle and haunted by a powerful secret that holds their fates, together they race against time to unravel their pasts in order to save their lives-and their futures.

                                                                                                              -Chapters Canada


So I immediately wanted to buy this book when I saw it, just because of the gorgeous, artistic cover.  Unfortunately the cover can sometimes be the deciding factor for me when I choose a book to read.  And this one had all the right things going for it.  Loved the colour.  Loved the picture.  Loved the font and placement of everything!  Gorgy-gorge-gorge.

Another reason why I wanted to read it was because, let's be honest, we all know what we were thinking: Hilary Duff wrote a book?  I had to see if it was good.  And it was.  I actually love the concept, and am really looking forward to the sequel.  Probably the only bad thing I would have to say about it was that the words just seemed too big on the pages.  It went by too fast.  I guess this probably is a good idea if you are thinking of the target audience: teens.  But for me it kind of just cheapened it.  Made it too fluffy or something I can't quite put into words.

So the book is targeted to teens, but I feel that it does appeal to an older audience too.  I absolutely loved the concept (so much that I had to mention it twice-tehe), and I think it was interesting to see that someone like Hilary Duff, that I think a lot of us assume doesn't do any deep thinking, can come up with some pretty novel ideas.  I think she seriously has a future here.  The romance aspect was infectious, and kept me wanting more, and still now I'm craving Sage!  The sci-fi aspect was also perfection in my opinion, and I found it was really different from a lot of the books I've been reading lately that seem too obvious.  The synopsis didn't give away too much, and throughout the book there weren't those kinds of clues that are so obvious to the reader, but not to the character.  You know what I'm talking about!  Overall really good read.  I'll take Hilary the writer over Hilary the too-sugary actress any day!


Spoiler Alert: Don't read past this point if you don't want to know specific book details!


So let me just say that I have always loved the concept of Reincarnation.  I have yet to really read a book that has done it really well though.  I read one about a year ago, that I was anticipating for so long, and I was so disappointed.  That's why I'm glad that this book did not give away the concept right off the bat.  I always hate it when a book is too predictable.

Clea is the main character, and when we are introduced to her, her father has been missing for about a year.  Very sad, I know.  I think that Hilary conveyed this emotion beautifully, and I really felt it with Clea.  Of course there was a guy who is clearly in love with Clea, Ben, but I loved that they didn't end up together in the end.  (Knock on wood for the sequel).  It kept me guessing because the true love interest, Sage, wasn't introduced in person until much later on in the book.  I just really cannot say enough how perfect that aspect was.  I don't know if this was the desired effect, but I loved the way everything transpired.  And at the end, I nearly screamed with Clea as she very nearly broke when Sage revealed that he was going to kill himself.  The emotion evoked was so strong, and I love when I can really get into the book with the character.

Having said all these wonderful things, I didn't really enjoy the character of Rayna.  She just wasn't really developed enough for me.  Like we had the description of her in the beginning, but I think that over the course of the whole book I must have pictured her as four different people.  And she never seemed to act like she was previously described.  I actually found her annoying...  But I guess nothing can be perfect!


Until the next installment--Cheers & Enjoy♥

My Strange Addiction...

The Library ☺

Yes I am here again, broadcasting Live from the Ottawa Public Library.  Which probably is bothering some people since I seem to be stuck with the computer that has a keyboard from the 17th century. 
Click-Clickity-CLack.

I did have good reason for coming here, though, as I have yet to pick a topic for my audio-visual presentation for my Gaelic Language and Culture class.  So I thought I would mosy on over and check out some books.  Well I found lots on Scottish Highland Clans and their tartans, and also a whole slew of books that are apparently going to help me "build my own family tree".  And by that they mean discover the existing one, not giving mating tips so I can procreate.  Although how fun would that be to read?!
Anywho, I've been wanting to do this for a while, and hopefully these books will help me get started, as I really have no idea how to go about it.  If anyone else has any input, do not hesitate to share!

So anywho, now my backpack weighs about as much as a pregnant elephant...  (I am going to have so much fun toting that on the bus; hopefully it's not too crowded.)

So the Oscars were last night, and I loved them immensely.  James Franco and Anne Hathaway were pretty hilarious, and I loved all the funny extras that were incorporated in between the boring speeches made by people I don't know (unless you are famous, of course).  I especially loved the intro, with all of the Inception references, well all the movie references, really.  Also loved that they put the movies to song about mid-way through, trying to prove that this year was one for musicals.  "Don't You Own a Shirt" was simply titillating :)   I was surprised that Inception actually won so many awards, because let's be honest, it's not very often that the Academy showcases movies that I don't have to TRY to like. 
P.S.  James Franco's grandma was adorable!
P.P.S.  Gwyneth Paltrow was horrendous.

I'd also like to mention that Scarlett Johansson's dress was so gorgeous that it actually made me change my opinion on her as a person.  I am shallow; bite me.

Before I forget, I just want to get off my chest how crazy I am going not knowing casting choices for various upcoming movies stemming from some of my fav books.  Like seriously, they just keep jerking me around and I cannot stand it!  One day this guy is cast, the next another guy, neither of them being the one that it should be...  I will not rest until the desicions are made, and also will not let you rest either!  Just thought I'd let you know ☺

Keep Reading--Cheers & Enjoy♥

The Secret Life of Prince Charming by Deb Caletti

Quinn is surrounded by women with broken hearts. Between her mother, her aunt, and her grandmother, Quinn hears nothing but cautionary tales. Then she gets dumped and starts to wonder if there really are no good men. It doesn't help when Quinn discovers that her selfish, womanizing father has stolen more from the women in his life than their hearts.

Quinn joins forces with the stepsisters she's never met and sets out to right her father's wrongs. Somewhere along the way, she ends up mending her own heart as well.

                                                                              -Fantastic Fiction






I loved this book.  I must admit that it started out pretty slow, but it was so worth its weight in knowledge and wisdom.  I have only ever read one Deb Caletti book, and I admit that it doesn't really stick out in my mind, that is to say it was neither extremely dynamic nor incredibly dull.  I now know why all of her books remain on my book list!  I think it is perfect for all ages, and I have already recommended it to my Maj (which I don't do often, because I know she doesn't read as much as I would like her to, and if she does not like the first page of a book, she will not read it).  I really hope that she chooses to read this one.
So what gives it a 4½ rating, when I already mentioned that it commenced rather sleepily?  I'm not really sure if it's just one of those books that specifically spoke to me, or what, but I found it so emotionally enriching, and just completely relevant to my life right now, and really just spoke to me.  I understand that this is not the most helpful way to explain, but I cannot really put into words how much this book spoke to me, and seemed like the most accurate portrayal of love and family, and everything really.  I recommend it to every woman, though I think that if you are too young, you may not truly understand the messages, and need to read it a second time after you have lived a little more.  It just seems like one of those messages that your mom tells you, "you don't understand now, but you will later" that seemed to frustrate the heck out of me while growing up, but I totally just get now.

This was a very teen romance-ish book, but also dealt with various family dynamics, and every generation was involved, which is why I cannot stress enough that every woman, young or old, should read this book.  The portrait of love is just amazing, and something I think everyone should know and hear at least once.


Spoiler Alert: Don't read after this point if you don't want to know specific book details!


So as aforementioned, the book did start out pretty slowly.  We are introduced to Quinn, the main protagonist and her family.  Her mother, aunt, and grandmother, all single, and weary of men altogether.  Quinn has a younger sister, and of course a father, but her parents are divorced.  She also has a boyfriend, but we can tell right off the bat Quinn is definitely wanting more from that relationship.

So Quinn's father definitely contributes to pretty much all the plot lines going on in the book.  He is selfish, a womanizer, and is pretty much horrible to his children, but not in a physical way.  Just constantly cutting them down very subtly, just enough for Quinn to want more and more from him, which just made me hate him even more.  So basically Quinn is at her father's one day (who is quasi-famous for being in a band, but always lies to make himself look better), and after he tells her that he doesn't think he is going to pay for her to go to college (even though he is filthy rich), Quinn is in his living room and notices all the little nick-nacks that her father has always had, are in fact not his, like he has been boasting whenever he has company over.  They actually all belong to his ex-girlfriends and wives, that he has treated in the same way he treats his daughters (like trash, but just not enough for them to really realize how horrible he is).

So Quinn decides to contact her half-sister Frances Lee, whom she has only met once, and go on a "karmic road trip" to return all of these posessions that their father has stolen from the various women in his life.  I thought this was epic, because we got to see all of these women, along with the three daughters that this man neglects, and what this man did to them.  It was truly eye-opening, and I loved it.  Of course, along the way, Quinn meets Jake, a guy who looks like trouble and seems to fit her mother's criteria for the "wrong guy" to a tee.  Of course they fall in love, predictably, but in such a wholesome and true way, that it makes me smile when I think about it.

Of course the girl's journey has some bumps along the way, but in the end, they become closer than ever, and realize truly how horrible their father is, especially Quinn who is just constantly vying for his affection and love, despite that he is just too selfish to give it.

What I found truly remarkable about the book were the passages from each woman in the book, explaining love, what it means to them, and how they came to the realization, and grew to be the remarkable women that they are.  At first, the passages were a tad confusing, because they jump back and forth between all women (which there are lots), and I wasn't completely sure of who was who at first.  But then I realized that it didn't really matter; the messages were the important things to know.  Whether that woman was talking about Quinn's father or not, or abusive guys, or nice guys that weren't right for them, I think that it truly conveyed messages to all women about love, and what it means to share that with the right someone, and respect yourself.

I really cannot convey into words how amazing this book was, and the amazing writing of Deb Caletti.  She is obviously amazing, and I cannot wait to read more of her stuff!


Fulfilled--Cheers & Enjoy♥

En Route... (Greyhound I ♥ You)

Awesome!

The only word to explain how my day has turned out. So it was looking not so great at first, woke up and there was a snowstorm in progress (they seem to be emerging at the most inopportune times lately, don't they?) I always dread travelling, as it is pretty much always at least 10 hours that have been hastily stolen from my life. Today, however, I made it from London to Toronto in what I feel can only be record time, less than two hours!, allowing me to catch the bus headed to Ottawa about two hours before I had expected. Which let me tell you is just peachy for me.. I would have been completely fine with these results!

Then I see the navy-blue perfection-confection of a Greyhound bus rolling in, and I am ecstatic!

          Wifi!           Plug-ins!           Extra leg-room!
                    (it boasts on the side)

It is love at first sight. Of all the times I have made the treacherously time-consuming journey home and back, I have only been chanceuse enough like twice to ride in one of the brand new buses-and one of those times my plug was not functioning, rendering the wifi quite useless, as my computer battery quite simply sucks.

Did I mention that it has leather seats?  LOVE♥

So the weather has also turned out beautifully, and is as clear as hand sanitizer! (not really sure if this simile works).

So now I am free to blog, blog, blog!  So stay tuned for more Book reviews, as I bump along Southern Ontario!

♪On the road again--Cheers & Enjoy♥