Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Of Sisters, Secrets, & Bonds

Imaginary GirlsImaginary Girls by Nova Ren Suma


Chloe's older sister, Ruby, is the girl everyone looks to and longs for, who can't be captured or caged. When a night with Ruby's friends goes horribly wrong and Chloe discovers the dead body of her classmate London Hayes left floating in the reservoir, Chloe is sent away from town and away from Ruby. 
But Ruby will do anything to get her sister back, and when Chloe returns to town two years later, deadly surprises await. As Chloe flirts with the truth that Ruby has hidden deeply away, the fragile line between life and death is redrawn by the complex bonds of sisterhood.

With palpable drama and delicious craft, Nova Ren Suma bursts onto the YA scene with the story that everyone will be talking about.


I feel bad because I really tried to get into this book, but I couldn't. Every time I picked it up I would lose focus or get busy. Then, when I did have time I couldn't get into the story like I normally do. This book wasn't really my style. Point blank.

Of Happy Holidays & New Year's Resolutions

We would like to wish everyone Happy Holidays! We hope you all enjoyed your time with family and friends and that it was filled with joy and happiness. We know ours was. :) 

So, we realized that in a few months it will be our anniversary! It's been a rough and busy year for us, so we are listing our New Year's Resolutions. We hope to reach all these goals starting the first week of January, to the last week of December 2012. You guys, as our loyal support group can let us know when we are not reaching the goals that we set for ourselves. We want to know if we are pleasing our audience, you, and if not what to fix, and if we are then GREAT. LOL.

We'll post the New Year's Resolutions on New Year's Eve at 8CST. That way everyone can see them before the BIG countdown begins! Have a great holiday everyone.
Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa, and Happy Holidays to all!!


- Gilbert & Gomez 

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Of Alchemy, Fey, & Relationships

The Iron Witch (The Iron Witch, #1)The Iron Witch by Karen Mahoney

Freak. That's what her classmates call seventeen-year-old Donna Underwood. When she was seven, a horrific fey attack killed her father and drove her mother mad. Donna's own nearly fatal injuries from the assault were fixed by magic—the iron tattoos branding her hands and arms. The child of alchemists, Donna feels cursed by the magical heritage that destroyed her parents and any chance she had for a normal life. The only thing that keeps her sane and grounded is her relationship with her best friend, Navin Sharma.
When the darkest outcasts of Faerie—the vicious wood elves—abduct Navin, Donna finally has to accept her role in the centuries old war between the humans and the fey. Assisted by Xan, a gorgeous half-fey dropout with secrets of his own, Donna races to save her friend—even if it means betraying everything her parents and the alchemist community fought to the death to protect.


I've come to a realization that you aren't always going to like every book you read. For awhile I enjoyed all the books I read. But I realize now that the books that you don't fall into and connect with make your favorite books that much better. I also know that just because you may not like a book doesn't mean it's a bad book- it's just not for you.


I've had a lot of epiphanies as you can see.

Of Good News

So Gomez and I survived our first semester of college!!! We are so proud of ourselves, and we are also glad that you all stuck with us through this time. 
♥ We love you all!!! 

Other good news, since we have been financially challenged, being broke college students and all, we couldn't send out the winning books. BUT, we plan on sending them out this holiday! So, if you won a book from one of our two giveaways please email us just to make sure we have the right address. Thank you for being so patient with us and understanding our struggle. We're working on a way to do future giveaways and shipping the books with our low funds, so if you have any ideas please let us know as well. Leave a comment below so that we can look at everyone's ideas.

Our giveaway winners:

100 Follower Giveaway
1st: Susan Haugland - Faerie Winter
2nd: Lucy L. - Memento Nora
3rd: Mona Garg - Bitter End
4th: Melissa Robles - So Shelly
5th: Xanda Pilley - Dark of the Moon

Bright, Young, & Luxe Giveaway
1st: Jude Henderson - Vixen
2nd: Brittany Gale - The Fitzosbornes in Exile

Please email us so that we can make sure that we send your book to the right address. Thank you again for being patient with us. We really appreciate it :)

- Gilbert & Gomez

Sunday, December 4, 2011

Of In My Mailbox (7)


Gilbert

Library:
 

I can't wait to dive into both of these! Thanks Jefferson Parish Public Library again for your services. :) 


-Gilbert

Of a Nomination

eddieslogoGilbert & Gomez have been nominated by Tinashe Blanchet, the queen of blanchetblog, as Best Student Blog for the Edublog Awards 2011! 

Mrs. Blanchet also nominated our sponsor and previous librarian, Elizabeth Kahn, for Best Librarian/ Library Blog!

Check out Tinashe's other nomination at: http://blanchetblog.net/2011/11/30/my-pick-for-the-2011-eddies/

Thank you Mrs. Blanchet! 

-Gilbert & Gomez

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Of Paris, Reverants, & Love

Die for Me (Revenants, #1)Die For Me by Amy Plum
My life had always been blissfully, wonderfully normal. But it only took one moment to change everything.
Suddenly, my sister, Georgia, and I were orphans. We put our lives into storage and moved to Paris to live with my grandparents. And I knew my shattered heart, my shattered life, would never feel normal again. Then I met Vincent.
Mysterious, sexy, and unnervingly charming, Vincent Delacroix appeared out of nowhere and swept me off my feet. Just like that, I was in danger of losing my heart all over again. But I was ready to let it happen.
Of course, nothing is ever that easy. Because Vincent is no normal human. He has a terrifying destiny, one that puts his life at risk every day. He also has enemies . . . immortal, murderous enemies who are determined to destroy him and all of his kind.
While I'm fighting to piece together the remnants of my life, can I risk putting my heart—as well as my life and my family's—in jeopardy for a chance at love? 

I have one word to say.....PARIS. That's all you need to know and it basically sums up the ambiance in the book. The city of lights & love, and apparently good looking immortals as far as Amy is telling us. 

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Of an Allegiance Rant

This is what Gomez is feeling about Allegiance by Cayla Kluver so far:


Angry Rant:


Seriously hating on Alera right now. Like legit hating. I honestly don't understand why she's so in love with Narian, which is the cause of my hatred. Stelfor seriously has improved in my sight while Alera just dropped way down. He's trying to make things work between them and is meeting her way more than half way and yet she's  treating him like trash AND she keeps twisting the dagger in his heart! UGH! I just wanted to slap her and be like "Look what's in front of you! Take a step back and look at how ridiculous you are. You insist on confining both of these men to who they were, not who they are!" Ugh, I'm just a mess here.


I seriously hate Narian. No lie. I don't like him at all.


hate her hater her hate her hate her.  I'm not reading the next book, I won't do it.


It's funny yet scary at the same time. I hope you guys enjoyed it! 

-Gilbert

Saturday, November 26, 2011

Of In My Mailbox (6)


Us

NetGalley:
Allegiance (Legacy, #2) New Girl 

We just remembered today that we had a NetGalley. Oops! Silly us. 

- Gilbert & Gomez

Of Shakespeare(s), Star-Crossed Lovers, & the Theater

The Juliet Spell by Douglas Rees
I’m Juliet.
At least, I wanted to be.
So I did something stupid to make it happen.
Well, stupid and wonderful.

    I wanted the role of Juliet more than anything. I studied hard. I gave a great reading for it—even with Bobby checking me out the whole time. I deserved the part.
    I didn’t get it. So I decided to level the playing field, though I actually might have leveled the whole play. You see, since there aren’t any Success in Getting to Be Juliet in Your High School Play spells, I thought I’d cast the next best—a Fame spell. Good idea, right?
   Yeah. Instead of bringing me a little fame, it brought me someone a little famous. Shakespeare. Well, Edmund Shakespeare. William’s younger brother.
   Good thing he’s sweet and enthusiastic about helping me with the play...and—ahem—maybe a little bit hot. But he’s from the past. Way past. Cars amaze him—cars! And cell phones? Ugh.
   Still, there’s something about him that’s making my eyes go star-crossed....

Will Romeo steal her heart before time steals him away?


A cute read. Seriously, I was grappling with how to describe The Juliet Spell and those were the words that came to mind. The Juliet Spell is like a a truffle: sweet and light. There's no paranormal drama, no dystopian society, and there isn't ridiculous relationship drama. For readers looking for something sweet and unique, this is the book for you! Anyone on a Shakespeare kick or fulfilling their theater obsession will enjoy this book. And hey, if you're enjoying some time traveling/bending books pick this one up!

Of Legacy, Allegiance, & Hytancia

For all those Legacy fans out there, Gilbert & Gomez would like to share this map of Hytancia and the surrounding area. We just got Allegiance by Cayla Kluver and should be starting it soon thanks to NetGalley. 


2012 will be a busy year for Cayla, because Allegiance will be coming out in March and the final book Sacrifice will be coming out in November. 



Here is a little synopsis of what to expect from Allegiance:
"Only I saw Narian for who he truly was: a young man with courage and an independent mind, and made to pay for what was outside his control. He couldn’t help his past any more than he could help the way those intense, deep-blue eyes pierced me and held me captive."

AN EIGHTEEN-YEAR-OLD QUEEN IN LOVE WITH THE ENEMY AS THEIR COUNTRIES PASS THE POINT OF NO RETURN...



Bound to a man she cannot love, Queen Alera of Hytanica must forget Narian, the young man who holds her heart. For Narian is destined to conquer Hytanica at the behest of his master, the powerful magic-user known as the Overlord. Alera doesn’t truly believe Narian will fight against Hytanica—until Cokyrian troops attack with Narian commanding the charge.


Faced with the greatest betrayal a heart can know, Alera must set aside personal feelings and lead her kingdom through its darkest time. And when all hope, will and courage seem lost, she must find strength and remember that even the blackest night must have a dawn....


Hope you check out Cayla's books and be expecting our review of Allegiance soonish! :)


- Gilbert & Gomez

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Of a Cover Reveal

Endlessly (Paranormalcy, #3)
Kiersten White revealed the cover to her next book, Endlessly, the last book in the Paranormalcy trilogy. 

These are the final chapter of Evie's adventures. Old friends, new ones, all wrapped up in impossible decisions. And some ball gowns. Because what's a life of normal and paranormal drama without a ball gown or two?

Every one of the covers of Kiersten's books has a beautiful dress. The colors of the dresses corresponds with the colors of the background and surrounding settings that that always draws my attention. I'm totally feeling Endlessly's cover, so what about you? Leave a comment to let us know what you think of the cover. 

- Gilbert

Of a Cover Reveal

A Want So Wicked (A Need So Beautiful, #2) I become A Need So Beautiful fan after reading Suzanne Young's book. It lived up to it's name because every piece of that plot was so beautiful that I cried even when I shouldn't be. 

So, the cover for Suzanne's next book, A Want So Wicked, is out and I goes perfectly with the first book's cover! I'm loving the switch from golden brightness to navy darkness. It totally goes with the story line. 

Make sure to leave a comment about what you think of this cover, and check back for the review of A Want So Wicked when it comes out! 

- Gilbert

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Of Egypt, Rome, & an Imprisoned Princess

Cleopatra's MoonCleopatra's Moon by Vicky Alvear Shecter
"The Luxe" meets the ancient world in the extraordinary story of Cleopatra's daughter.
Selene has grown up in a palace on the Nile with her parents, Cleopatra & Mark Antony—the most brilliant, powerful rulers on earth. But the jealous Roman Emperor Octavianus wants Egypt for himself, & when war finally comes, Selene faces the loss of all she's ever loved. Forced to build a new life in Octavianus's household in Rome, she finds herself torn between two young men and two possible destinies—until she reaches out to claim her own.
This stunning novel brings to life the personalities & passions of one of the greatest dramas in history, & offers a wonderful new heroine in Selene.
I was so excited about this book, but its like it let me down. I went to Barnes and Nobles and read some of it, I stalked it at my public library all because it seemed like it was going to be super amazing! I mean really, a story about Cleopatra's daughter based on the real life is suppose to be totally awesome, but it was a huge let down. I'm not the biggest fan of realistic fiction, but some of the stories I've read, like Anastasia's Secret by Suzanne Dunlap, were really amazing, so I've been trying to go with women from history that interest me, but this story just fell a little short. It's killing me to be so disapproving of this book right now.

Of In My Mailbox (5)


Gilbert

Mine:
Shatter Me

Surprisingly, I won this book and didn't even know until I found the book on my bed before my date. It totally took me by surprise, so much that I didn't even do my "I won" dance. I can't wait to read this. :)

-Gilbert

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Of a Cover Reveal

 For all the Starcrossed fans out there, Josephine Angelini, the genius behind the bestselling trilogy has just released the cover to her next book, Dreamless!

Isn't it just gorgeous!? We are definitely loving the colors and the dress is and will always be AMAZING!!!!

Leave your own comment on what you think of the Dreamless cover, and keep your eye out for more information on the release. 

-Gilbert & Gomez

P.S. - Josie is like the coolest, sweetest, most nicest person ever and we can't wait to get lost in Dreamless

Saturday, October 22, 2011

Of YALSA Teens' Top Ten

The winners have been chosen for the Teens' Top Ten! 
We were a part of YALSA's 16 reading groups across the country that nominated the books, so this is very exciting for us!


In case you didn't catch it:
1. Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare (Simon & Schuster)
2. Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins (Scholastic)
3. Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick (Simon & Schuster)
4. I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore (HarperCollins)
5. The Iron King by Julie Kagawa (Harlequin)
6. Matched by Ally Condie (Penguin)
7. Angel: A Maximum Ride Novel by James Patterson (Little, Brown & Company)
8. Paranormalcy by Kiersten White (HarperCollins)
9. Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver (HarperCollins)
10. Nightshade by Andrea Cremer (Penguin)

- Gilbert & Gomez

Friday, October 21, 2011

In My Mailbox (4)


Gilbert

Mine:
 

I received these two books this week. Starcrossed came in on Tuesday and Temptest came in on Wednesday. I can't wait to read Temptest, that is if I get through that HUGE stack of books from the library. :)

- Gilbert

Of a Cover Reveal

Michelle Madow released the official cover for her second book Vengeance, the sequel to Remembrance. Isn't the cover just beautiful!? We are totally loving the masked girl them she has going on and we hope she keeps it. 

Leave a comment about how you feel about Michelle's cover and make sure you go to Goodreads and make it as a to-read, because we sure did! :)

- Gilbert & Gomez

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Of The Best Way to Brighten a Day

So, I told you all that I was sick for a while with a horrible cold. My nose is barely hanging on  BUT, I'm using tape to keep it on, LOL. Just Kidding. :)

I'm feeling better and I am no longer one of the walking dead (metaphorically speaking), but it seems like life for Gilbert has just been getting worse and worse. I'm starting to think that I broke a mirror or walked under a ladder because my luck has been so horrible. It's like a chain of bad events:

1. My car, Heather, isn't working
2. I've got to figure out how to get $2,375 by Nov. 1 for the rest of my tuition or I will no longer be attending Loyola University (my dream school...sniffle) :'(
3. I don't have a job and my mom can't afford the rest of the money. 
4. The loan I applied for never went through or the guy didn't give me enough information or something.
5. And I have to figure out how to use the New Orleans public transportation for the first time out of my entire life living here. 

Things are really looking bleak for me right now; all this stress and sadness is affecting my reading but I will prevail! I hope. :( But, I promise that the next review will be Cleopatra's Moon and WILL happen soon.

Now, what made my day, turning bleak sadness into smiling glee was that a very special author sent me her book signed in the mail! She really didn't have to, but she did and I am really appreciative!  And do you know who that super amazing woman is?!!!!

JOSIE ANGELINI







I received my copy of Starcrossed today! It came in the mail at the perfect moment because I was just freaking over money for school and my entire facial expression changed in a millisecond. 




To show my appreciation I took ten million pictures (huge exaggeration) and I made this thank you video to Josie. 


Again, Thank you sooooooooooo much Josie! You're the bomb diggity!!! 

- Gilbert 

Saturday, October 8, 2011

Of Feeling Sick

So, I planned on reading Cleopatra's Moon and Imaginary Girls so that I could write reviews but I didn't plan on getting a cold. I've been sniffling and sneezing all day. I just can't read when every 2 pages in sneezing and every paragraph I'm sniffling. 
Hopefully though Gomez gets her act together soon and finds a decent public library in Utah soon so that she can write reviews. It's hard being in college, but it's even harder being in college in another state. 
Anywho, I just wanted to let everyone know that it'll be a little slow here on G&G, but never fear! We will rise again, that is if my nose doesn't fall off from all the sneezing. :)

-Gilbert, while sniffling the entire time

Monday, October 3, 2011

Of Needs, Wants, & Not Being Forgotten

A Need So Beautiful (A Need So Beautiful, #1)A Need So Beautiful by Suzanne Young
We all want to be remembered. Charlotte's destiny is to be Forgotten...

Charlotte’s best friend thinks Charlotte might be psychic. Her boyfriend thinks she’s cheating on him. But Charlotte knows what’s really wrong: She is one of the Forgotten, a kind of angel on earth, who feels the Need—a powerful, uncontrollable draw to help someone, usually a stranger.

But Charlotte never wanted this responsibility. What she wants is to help her best friend, whose life is spiraling out of control. She wants to lie in her boyfriend's arms forever. But as the Need grows stronger, it begins to take a dangerous toll on Charlotte. And who she was, is, and will become--her mark on this earth, her very existence--is in jeopardy of disappearing completely.

Charlotte will be forced to choose: Should she embrace her fate as a Forgotten, a fate that promises to rip her from the lives of those she loves forever? Or is she willing to fight against her destiny--no matter how dark the consequences.



*Spoiler Alert...Low Level*


Suzanne Young's book speaks for itself: Beautiful. I was reading it and crying because the plot, the characters, the story, EVERYTHING was beautifully written. A Need So Beautiful touched me in a way that a I couldn't help but be pulled into Charlotte's story. It was totally worth reading, and I wish I could keep the book at my house without the library noticing LOL (but my library probably has ninjas doing the dirty work). 

Friday, September 30, 2011

Of College & Low Finances

Hi everyone, we just wanted to let you all know that if you won one of our giveaways and you are worried about whether or not your prize has been sent it hasn't.

We are both freshmen in college and we live in separate states now, so it's harder for us to put money together to send the books. We are trying to get the money as soon as possible, but it seems to be taking longer than we thought. 

When we do ship out the prizes you all will be notified via email (the two people who won the Bright, Young, & Luxe hop will need to post a comment with their emails included) so that you know that the books have been given to the Post Office. 

If you could email us when your book arrives so that we know that you have received your book that would be great. 

Thank you all for your patience. 

- Gilbert & Gomez 

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Of In My Mailbox (3)




Gilbert


Swag:





Mine:




In My Mailbox this week I got prizes from giveaways that I entered!
Josephine Angelini's Starcrossed Swag arrived at my house on Monday!!! My bookmark was signed by Josie with a cute heart!
Than you Josie! You're the best! :)


Then, I won Supernaturally by Kiersten White on the Dark Days Facebook page!!!! I was so excited and can't wait for the book to come in! Check out our review of Paranormalcy


- Gilbert


P.S. - Sorry we haven't been writing a lot lately. College is getting hectic and busy and we're only fresh fish! :)

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Of Bright, Young, & Luxe Winner

We would first like to thank Lea and Tiffany for including us in this great giveaway hop! It was so much fun participating in it and checking out all the fun things on their blogs.  
THANK YOU LEA & TIFFANY!

So, now to the winners!

1st:
Jude Henderson
2nd:
Brittany Gale

CONGRATULATIONS!!!! :)
Jude, you won:

And, Brittany, you won:

Thanks again for entering the giveaway, and stop by to check on new reviews and to comment on all the fun!

- Gilbert & Gomez

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Of Winners!

We have decided that there will be 5 winners for the 100 Follower Giveaway!!!!! Yay, sooo exciting!
Let's announce those winners now.
Drum roll please...(pounds imaginary drums).

The Winners of the 100 Follower Giveaway are...
1st
 soulunsung
2nd
@llmcgillicutie
3rd
@Kulmona
4th
@MeliRobles
5th
Xandadu


Thank you all for entering the contest!!! Choosing the book you would like will go like this: first place chooses their book, then second, and so on. You each get one book and have 48 hours to reply to us in some way. please make a first, second, and third choice of book just in case someone before has already picked it. 


Book list below: 

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