Monday, December 31, 2012

Once in a Full Moon by Ellen Schreiber



GoodReads
292 pages, YA Paranormal--Werewolves
Full Moon #1

Synopsis

Beware of a kiss under the full moon. It will change your life forever.

Celeste Parker is used to hearing scary stories about werewolves--Legend's Run is famous for them. She's used to everything in the small town until Brandon Maddox moves to Legend's Run and Celeste finds herself immediately drawn to the handsome new student. But when, after an unnerving visit with a psychic, she encounters a pack of wolves and gorgeous, enigmatic Brandon, she must discover whether his transformation is more than legend or just a trick of the shadows in the moonlight.

Her best friends may never forgive her if she gives up her perfect boyfriend, Nash, for Brandon, who's from the wrong side of town. But she can't deny her attraction or the strong pull he has on her. Brandon may be Celeste's hero, or he may be the most dangerous creature she could encounter in the woods of Legend's Run.

Psychic predictions, generations-old secrets, a town divided, and the possibility of falling in love with a hot and heroic werewolf are the perfect formula for what happens . . . once in a full moon.


My 2 cents

I've always liked reading Ellen Schreiber's books.  They are light, easy fun reading.  This is a new series from her, but instead of vampires, its about werewolves.  Or, more specifically, about a girl falling in love with a werewolf!  

Overall, I liked the story.  Other than Celeste and Brandon, though, the characters were pretty flat.  I couldn't figure out why Celeste was even friends with her 2 best friends.  I got the reason she was dating Nash, to keep the peace in the group, but I couldn't understand why she cared so much about what Abby and Ivy thought.  She tried to tell them what was going on with her many of times, but they just brushed her comments under the rug and basically ignored her.  Not very good friends!

The paranormal and suspense element is really well done in this story.  I really felt the romance side of things, too.  It was an enjoyable read, if you are looking for something a bit lighter in paranormal!  3.5 stars!

End of the Year 2012 Wrap Up



So, its the end of another year!  Hard to believe!  I love being a book blogger, it has become by far one of my favorite things to do when I have free time!  I've met so many people online who share my love of reading, its been fantastic!

I made a lot of goals for myself this year.  I did well on some, not so well on others!

First of all, my year reading goal was 120 books.  I have read (almost) 150!  My GoodReads account shows 149, but I am reading Once in a Full Moon, and I will be finished today!  Here's the link if you'd like to see the books I've read this year:

http://www.goodreads.com/user_challenges/214458







The 101 Fantasy Challenge is an ongoing challenge to read as many top Fantasy books as we can.  There are 834 books on the list, I believe.  Its an ongoing thing.  I've read a total of 58 books for this challenge.  Here's the 7 books I've read this year for it;



Jenny's bookshelf: 101-fantasy-challenge


goodreads.com



The rest of the challenges I participated in were connected to different reading groups on GoodReads.  I did the Angel/Demon Challengeand  I read 11 books



Jenny's bookshelf: realistic-fiction-challenge


goodreads.com
Other Stats:

Reviews written:  55
Page views: 9,256
Post with most views:  Get Your Free Capitol ID Card from the Hunger Games--2,598 hits
http://juliababyjenreadingroom.blogspot.com/2012/03/get-your-free-capitol-id-card-from.html

March RAK Wrap Up Post--213 hits
http://juliababyjenreadingroom.blogspot.com/2012/04/march-rak-wrap-up.html

Review with most hits--Enchanted by Althea Kontis--46 hits
http://juliababyjenreadingroom.blogspot.com/2012/12/enchanted-by-alethea-kontis.html

I forgot to write down how many followers I had at the beginning of the year--but I know it was less than 50, because I did a 50 follower giveaway towards the beginning of the year.  I now have 372 followers!!!

So all in all, I think it was a great year for the blog, and a great reading year as well!  Look in the post archive for the posts I posted last week regarding the Top Ten lists of 2012!  
Don't forget to enter my New Year's Giveaway!  Look for the button on the sidebar!
Happy New Year, everyone!