Tune in Tuesday {79}: Random Playlists - SHADE series!

A weekly feature hosted by me that showcases music - my other passion in life besides books! Each week I will post a new or old song in hopes to gain more interest. Help me in spreading the love of music! Feel free to get involved with this feature by linking up at the bottom of this post, thanks!

This week kicks off the month long special edition: RANDOM PLAYLISTS!  Open up your music library and pick a song at random from your collection to feature with us.  The choice can be as eclectic as you want it to be!  Share one song, or share a couple songs.  Feature your random mixes with us all month long.

Today is a very special day because it's the pub date for SHINE (Shade series #3) by Jeri Smith-Ready.  In celebration of this fantastic book, I decided to dedicate this week's random playlist to all songs Shade series related.  If you have not read this series, I urge you to do so RIGHT NOW.  This story is beyond amazing!  Check out my reviews for Shade, Shift, & Shine - and I promise you'll be wanting to get your hands on these books very, very soon ;-) Now on to the music...


Death Cab for Cutie - "I Will Possess Your Heart"



Snow Patrol - "Chasing Cars"



Mumford & Sons - "Thistle & Weeds"



Alison Krauss - "When You Say Nothing At All"



Arcade Fire - "Ready to Start"



Coldplay - "Til Kingdom Come"



Listening to Coldplay's "Til Kingdom Come" has left me in tears... this song in particular is very special to me.  It embodies so much of this story in my mind.  I know in my heart who it's meant for, but you'll have to read the series to know which one I chose ;-)


If you'd like to join Tune in Tuesday on your blog, link-up below:

Shine (Shade, #3) by Jeri Smith-Ready

Shine (Shade, #3) by Jeri Smith-Ready
Published: May 1, 2012 by Simon Pulse
Received: ARC for review (from an awesome blogger friend!)

Life can change in an instant, and no one understands that better than Aura. It’s been almost a year since her boyfriend tragically died. She’s finally letting go of Logan’s violet-hued ghost, but not her search to uncover the truth about her past.

As the first in a generation that can see ghosts, Aura is convinced she has a connection to the Shift. She’s trusted Zachary, ever patient and ever by her side, with all that she knows. But when the government threatens his life in an attempt to learn Aura’s secrets, she will stop at nothing to protect herself and the one she loves...even if that means betraying her own heart. {goodreads.com}

This series holds everything I love about reading.  It has adventure, mystery, angst, emotion, romance, and yes.. even that musical element I adore so much in books, too.  Jeri Smith-Ready has created a story that will forever linger in my mind.  These books have become more than just something to read; they've become a part of my literary heart.  I had been anticipating the final conclusion in this most epic tale, but at the same time I was hesitant to finish because.. well.. I didn't want it all to end.  I wanted Aura, Zachary, & Logan to live forever in my mind.  I wanted to discover new adventures with them, laugh hysterically along side them, and yes.. even cry those retched tears which these three characters have a habit of making me do.  I love it all so incredibly much. 

Shine throws the punches right from the beginning.  My heart was racing, jaw on the ground, and there were many moments in those first few chapters where I thought -- this can't be happening!!  Oh but it was.  Aura is destined to figure out the secret of the Shift.  Why are her and Zachary so important to it's makeup and how can they alter that.  All of these answers did not come right away.  If anything, more and more questions sprung up as I tore through the pages.  Just when I thought I was understanding it all, a curve ball was thrown at me.  I loved the roller coaster ride Jeri took us on.  The imagination that's been so brilliantly placed inside these pages astounds me.  Jeri has the ability to intertwine a story with rich history and such a believable plot that I really started to think ghosts exist!

And then there were two boys.  Oh Zachary and Logan.  Never will I be able to choose between the two of you.  Aura has a past with Logan, that unfortunately has no future.  She's on the brink of something amazing with Zachary though.  I felt that Zachary's character really "shined" in this conclusion.  He is put through the ringer... not just physically, but emotionally too.  His ever so patient heart beats stronger than ever next to Aura.  I loved how much growth there was between Zachary and Aura in this final book.  Their relationship has evolved in to something so much more mature, something that is being tested greatly - but you know, YOU KNOW they will come out the other side - stronger than ever.

I cried.  Many times.  How could I not?! I know it's not goodbye, but it definitely felt like the close of something really special.  This is why I love reading so much because you can come back to it time and time again, whenever you need it.  Thank you Jeri for creating a world that I hold very close to my heart.

The band Frightened Rabbit is a favorite of mine (as is Jeri's) & it's been an inspiration for this series.  They are also mentioned in Shine - which I totally squealed about when I read it!  Listen to this song.. fall in love with the sound.. then prepare yourself for a truly amazing ending, to one of the best series ever.

Kiss Me I'm Irish (not really) Giveaway Hop!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!  Today I am participating in Team Kilt's Giveaway Hop!  This day is kind of special for all the Shade series fans out there because it just so happens to be Logan's favorite holiday, too.  In honor of him (one of my FAVORITE book characters) I thought I'd give away a copy of Shade to one *lucky* winner -- along with a SIGNED bookplate from Jeri Smith-Ready!

This giveaway is open international (as long as Book Depository ships to you) and will run until Wednesday, March 21st.  To make things even more Irish, I want you to tell me your FAVORITE kissing scene from any book :)

Not only are you entering to win a copy of Shade from me, but if you win this giveaway your name will also be put in to a grand prize drawing for the very last ARC of Shine!!!!  The author of this series, Jeri Smith-Ready has saved her last ARC to give away for this very special occasion.  So make sure you enter my giveaway & every one else who is participating in this giveaway hop!  You can find all the participating blogs linked up at Kilt and Keeley.  Good Luck!!!

Here are a few YA books that had some steamy kissing scenes, which literally left me breathless:

So tell me, what are some of YOUR favorite kissing scenes from a book???

GIVEAWAY CLOSED! Winner will be announced soon! Thanks for entering!!

...To Be Continued in 2012!

photo by Elements of Persuasion

While browsing my "must-reads" for 2012, I realized there are quite a few books that happen to be follow ups to a new series that I started reading this year.  Below are a few of those, second in the series, must-reads that will be published in 2012.

This past year introduced me to a lot of new authors & genres in YA lit.  I found myself immersed in some of these stories and can not freaking wait to read what happens next for these characters.  Share your thoughts in the comments if you've read any of the books prior to these. Or, if you have not read any of them yet, then perhaps this post will entice you to do so.  2012 can not get here fast enough!!!!

*WARNING: some of these book descriptions may contain spoilers if you have not read the previous book.

Hallowed (Unearthly #2) by Cynthia Hand

January 24, 2012

For months part-angel Clara Gardner trained to face the raging forest fire from her visions and rescue the alluring and mysterious Christian Prescott from the blaze. But nothing could prepare her for the fateful decisions she would be forced to make that day, or the startling revelation that her purpose—the task she was put on earth to accomplish—is not as straightforward as she thought.

Now, torn between her increasingly complicated feelings for Christian and her love for her boyfriend, Tucker, Clara struggles to make sense of what she was supposed to do the day of the fire. And, as she is drawn further into the world of part angels and the growing conflict between White Wings and Black Wings, Clara learns of the terrifying new reality that she must face: Someone close to her will die in a matter of months. With her future uncertain, the only thing Clara knows for sure is that the fire was just the beginning. {taken from goodreads.com}

Pandemonium (Delirium #2) by Lauren Oliver

March 6, 2012

Lauren Oliver captivated readers with Delirium, the first book in a thrilling dystopian trilogy in which Lena Haloway dared to fall in love with Alex and escape the cure, the government-mandated procedure that renders a person immune to the disease of love. Lena and Alex staked their lives on leaving their oppressive society, but only Lena broke free.

Pandemonium continues Lena’s gripping story. After escaping from Portland, Maine, Lena makes it to the Wilds and becomes part of an Invalid community, where she transforms herself into a warrior for the resistance. A future without Alex is unimaginable, but Lena pushes forward and fights, both for him and for a world in which love is no longer considered a disease. Swept up in a volatile mix of revolutionaries and counterinsurgents, Lena struggles to survive—and wonders if she may be falling in love again. {taken from goodreads.com}

Insurgent (Divergent #2) by Veronica Roth

May 28, 2012

One choice can transform you—or it can destroy you. But every choice has consequences, and as unrest surges in the factions all around her, Tris Prior must continue trying to save those she loves—and herself—while grappling with haunting questions of grief and forgiveness, identity and loyalty, politics and love.

Tris's initiation day should have been marked by celebration and victory with her chosen faction; instead, the day ended with unspeakable horrors. War now looms as conflict between the factions and their ideologies grows. And in times of war, sides must be chosen, secrets will emerge, and choices will become even more irrevocable—and even more powerful. Transformed by her own decisions but also by haunting grief and guilt, radical new discoveries, and shifting relationships, Tris must fully embrace her Divergence, even if she does not know what she may lose by doing so. {taken from goodreads.com}

The Golden Lily (Bloodlines #2) by Richelle Mead

June 19, 2012

Tough, brainy alchemist Sydney Sage and doe-eyed Moroi princess Jill Dragomir are in hiding at a human boarding school in the sunny, glamorous world of Palm Springs, California. The students—children of the wealthy and powerful—carry on with their lives in blissful ignorance, while Sydney, Jill, Eddie and Adrian must do everything in their power to keep their secret safe. But with forbidden romances, unexpected spirit bonds, and the threat of Strigoi moving ever closer, hiding the truth is harder than anyone thought. {taken from goodreads.com}

More sequels to be continued in 2012:

A Want So Wicked (A Need So Beautiful #2) by Suzanne Young - July 2012
The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer #2 by Michelle Hodkin - 2012
Shatter Me #2 by Tahereh Mafi - 2012
The Eve Trilogy #2 by Anna Carey - 2012
Shine (Shade #3) by Jeri Smith-Ready - May 1, 2012 (I know it's the 3rd in the series, but it's HIGHLY anticipated in my to-be-read pile for 2012 & I wanted to mention it!) 

A list has been created on goodreads of several more 2012 YA/MG Sequels.  Click here to view that list.

I receive a small commission from books purchased through the Amazon links provided.

Shift (Shade #2) by Jeri Smith-Ready

Published: May 3, 2011 by Simon Pulse
Received: bought from Barnes & Noble

Aura’s life is anything but easy. Her boyfriend, Logan, died, and his slides between ghost and shade have left her reeling. Aura knows he needs her now more than ever. She loves Logan, but she can’t deny her connection with the totally supportive, totally gorgeous Zachary. And she’s not sure that she wants to.

Logan and Zachary will fight to be the one by her side, but Aura needs them both to uncover the mystery of her past—the mystery of the Shift.

As Aura’s search uncovers new truths, she must decide whom to trust with her secrets…and her heart. {taken from goodreads.com}

Move over vampires & werewolves because there is a new paranormal phenomenon taking over: GHOSTS!  Shift is the follow up to Jeri Smith-Ready's first novel, Shade.  And oh my what a follow up it is!  I got sucked in to this story not too long ago (thank you Jen! I owe you my LIFE).  The world that has been created is one that I can't seem to forget.  Have you ever been reading a book and you just simply couldn't put it down?  That is how I felt while reading Shift.  From the very beginning it pulls you in (and if you've read this then you know EXACTLY what I am talking about).  From the very first chapter you're like - woah! did that just really happen?!  So with that being said, this book needs to be read RIGHT NOW people.

In the first book, we learn that Logan is now a ghost (and no that is not a spoiler! it's in the book synopsis people). As that story concludes, we're left with quite a cliffhanger moment - don't worry I won't spoil THAT for you.  But let me just say that Shift picks up immediately where Shade left off, so the intensity that was building just keeps growing and growing.  I loved reading about the relationships in Shift.  The love triangle between Aura's past (Logan) and her present (Zachary) was intense as hell!  I still don't know which team to root for.  I love Logan for his totally messed up, broken, care-free attitude.  Yet I also love Zachary for his grounded, thought provoking, stable presence.  Each boy brought something to Aura that she needed.  I can't imagine having to face the choices she does.  There's no way.  Just no way.

The other relationships I really enjoyed in this book were through Aura and her friendship with Megan, as well as Logan's family members.  One word: Dylan!  Did not see that one coming one bit, but my oh my what a sweet distraction that was.  The mystery behind the concept of the Shift and what roles Aura's mother and Zachary's father played in it was interesting to uncover as well.  There was never a dull moment in this book.  Taking one turn to the next, I was completely strapped in on the biggest thrill ride!  This might be why I had a difficult time putting the book down! 

Another scene in this book I'd like to comment on: The River.  When you read this book, you will know what I am talking about.  To avoid any potential damaging spoilage I will not discuss the details of what goes down at The River.  I will say that Jeri Smith-Ready is genius when it comes to writing such scenes.  I love that she's not afraid to push the boundaries and write with such intensity.  Though some may say this is border-line inappropriate for teens to be reading about, I felt that she wrote the scene very well.  She was careful with her words and left A LOT up to your imagination!  Very well done, Ms. Jeri.  Very well.

I am on pins & needles waiting to read the 3rd and final book in this series (a whole freaking year?! WHAT??).  I'm not sure if I am ready to say goodbye to these characters either.  Now I know why Aura is so caught between holding on to Logan's ghost and moving forward with Zachary's heart.  It's a tough call to make.  If you're a music junkie like me, or just enjoy reading books with an edgy tone to it - then I suggest picking up this series.  It's real, it's emotional, it's beautiful, and it's tantalizing.  If Shade didn't already paralyze me with total love, then Shift definitely has.  Go read this book. NOW.

Shade by Jeri Smith-Ready

Published: May 4, 2010 by Simon Pulse
Received: gifted by Jen from Makeshift Bookmark

Love ties them together. Death can't tear them apart.

Best. Birthday. Ever. At least, it was supposed to be. With Logan's band playing a critical gig and Aura's plans for an intimate after-party, Aura knows it will be the most memorable night of her boyfriend's life. She never thought it would be his last.

Logan's sudden death leaves Aura devastated. He's gone.

Well, sort of.

Like everyone born after the Shift, Aura can see and hear ghosts. This mysterious ability has always been annoying, and Aura had wanted nothing more than to figure out why the Shift happened so she can undo it. But not with Logan's violet-hued spirit still hanging around. Because dead Logan is almost as real as ever. Almost.

It doesn't help that Aura's new friend Zachary is so understanding—and so very alive. His support means more to Aura than she cares to admit.

As Aura's relationships with the dead and the living grow ever complicated, so do her feelings for Logan and Zachary. Each holds a piece of Aura's heart...and clues to the secret of the Shift. {taken from goodreads.com}

This book has been mentioned quite a few times, but for whatever reason it kept being forgotten (I know!! how is that even possible??!!).  Shade is like the diamond in the sand that keeps getting buried each time the wind blows.. but it just takes one person to unearth it & let it shine in all it's glory!  That one person would be Jen from Makeshift Bookmark - she gifted me with this book & what a gift it's been!  The story that takes place between these pages is one not to be forgotten.  It's originality & depth went further than I expected.  This book was a pleasant surprise for me.  And to think, I may have still been waiting around to read it if it hadn't been for one of Jeri's biggest cheerleaders.. Miss Makeshift Bookmark herself!

The story starts out about a teenage girl, who has a boyfriend (a hot Irish-American boyfriend) in a band.  Said boyfriend, named Logan, is on the brink of making it big with his band, and said girlfriend, Aura, is on the brink of feeling as though she's going to lose her boyfriend to stardom.  Meanwhile there are ghosts.  Yes, ghosts.  They are floating around as if this is normal.  However, it wasn't always this way.  These ghosts are only seen by those who are Post-shifters (meaning: under the age of 17).  So here we have a bunch of kids (under the age of 17) who can see those who have died, but haven't quite passed on.  A ghost has two options: they can find peace & pass on in the more natural way, or they become violent & angry & turn in to Shades - a form of being that is never able to pass on.  So with that being said, we understand the make-up of this ghostly world that Jeri Smith-Ready has created; and ironically made believable amongst this story.

Then something bad happens.  Something terribly awful.  SPOILER ALERT!!!!!  Logan dies -- I won't go in to detail so that I won't completely spoil the story for you.  Aura is left grief stricken.  What was once her perfect life, has now been shattered in to a million pieces.  Her future with Logan wiped completely off the map.  And in it's wake stands Logan's ghost, in which Aura can see & hear since she is a Post-shifter.  At first it's a sign of hope, something for Aura to cling to.  Maybe Logan really isn't gone?  But how long can one cling to a ghost?  And how long can Logan last as a ghost, but not be able to experience life the way he once used to?

In walks Zachary (hot Scottish boy).  Did I mention there's a lot of hot Scottish/Irish boys in this book? because there ARE!  Immediately Aura is drawn to Zachary & the secrets he hides.  The two are paired up to work on a school project together, but this project is meant for Aura to uncover bits & pieces of her past in hopes of finding out the origin of the Shift.  During this time spent together Aura is being tested.  Does she continue this unhealthy relationship with Logan, her dead boyfriend?  Or pursue these unknown feelings she's developing for Zachary, the mysterious boy for whom she can actually touch?  The pull that Aura feels seeps off the pages.  I found myself caught between which way she should go.  Logan is the boy she grew up with, the young man she fell in love with, the same guy she was meant to live forever with.  But when circumstances arise, her dreams & wishes are altered. 

The creepiness of the ghosts intrigued me.  The fact that not everyone could see or hear them was interesting to me too.  This allowed the younger generation to be more vulnerable to the ghosts.  I know what it's like to lose someone very close to you, the hurt & awful pain that goes with it.  I could not imagine what it would be like to see their ghost again, only to realize that it's not permanent & you must endure the pain all over again when they do decide to pass on.  The world in which Jeri has created is one that is believable through it's characters, yet mesmerizing due to it's para-normalcy.  The ending left me grasping for more.  Good thing Shift, the second installment in this series is almost out.  I'm not sure I could have waited an entire year with THAT sort of cliffhanger ending!  Much praise to Jeri Smith-Ready for writing this tantalizing tale.  I need more hot Irish-American & Scottish boys!  Oh & ghosts? perhaps??