EDIT: I got a bit further in POSSESS and I'm totally digging it. Cannot put it down, although I should. It's 3:23 AM. Anyway, thought I'd go ahead and add it to the giveaway...I'm a genius. I'll try to give it a full review next week. I know I still owe you a full review of LOLA and PETER NIMBLE, too. I swear, coming up! I'm totally behind.
THE UNBECOMING OF MARA DYER
by Michelle Hodkin

Summary: Mara Dyer doesn't think life can get any stranger than waking up in a hospital with no memory of how she got there.
It can.
She believes there must be more to the accident she can't remember that killed her friends and left her mysteriously unharmed.
There is.
She doesn't believe that after everything she's been through, she can fall in love.
She's wrong.
MY REVIEW
Dude. This book was NOTHING like what I thought it was. I mean, yes, okay, it was. I'm such an over-exaggerator. But really, it was nothing like what I thought. The thing is, I can't even really go into it without spoiling the whole book for you. Hm. Okay, I can tell you that freaky, unexpected stuff happens in this. You're not sure what is or isn't real--just as Mara isn't sure. It's a total mind trip that plants you firmly in the shoes of Mara Dyer. But in the midst of tripping, you will drool for one Noah Shaw.
Yes. I said it. The boy. The totally hot boy. As in, SMOking. Brains, beauty, and a killer British accent. Also, he's just cool, you know? The boy's got swag. He's the bad boy fantasy of every sixteen year old and cougar, yet he's just so nice in a totally unexpected way. So dreamy. So...hot.
But boy aside, you also have Mara, a total crack-you-up--quick-witted with a flair for the snappy comeback. Mara and Noah together is pure magic. The story in this is fantastic--mysterious, full of twists and unexpected turns--but I could've read nothing but the dialogue and loved every minute of it. It's smart and funny and dripping with innuendo. The voice in this is just out-of-the-park killer. But it's more than just voice. Hodkin captured the essence of teenagedom: the layers of emotion and the drama, the youthful insecurity and self-focus (I need, I want, what did I do wrong, it's my fault, etc.)...and blossoming desire. Ohhhhh the desire. There's just this brilliant mesh of touches and teasing and boiling hot sexual tension.
And on top of it all, you get this story that is at once a contemp and a romance and yet also a paranormal (or is it?) and a psychological thriller (or is it?)--in essence a mystery with a sizzling romance. THE UNBECOMING OF MARY DYER is a fast-paced read that will have you slowing down just to savor and breathe it in. An unforgettable read.
**************************
Win an ARC of THE UNBECOMING OF MARA DYER by Michelle Hodkin
and
POSSESS by Gretchen McNeil. I haven't finished reading this one yet, so I can't give it a full review yet. But I hope to soon! It's totally creeptastic and gripping so far.
(See its summary)
CLICK HERE to enter to win ARC of THE UNBECOMING OF MARA DYER and POSSESS International Giveaway
This giveaway is international and ends Wednesday, Aug 17, midnight EST. You must be 13 years old to enter. If you win, you will need to provide an address for shipment. Under 18's must have parent/guardian permission to enter.
Thanks for entering, and good luck!
THIS GIVEAWAY HAS CLOSED. PLEASE SEE WINNERS BELOW.
**************************
Be sure to check out what the other Bookanistas are highlighting today:
LiLa Roecker thinks Epic Fail is a great success - with giveaway
Matt Blackstone feels The Pull of Gravity
Scott Tracey is entranced by Daughter of Smoke and Bone
Carolina M Valdez marvels at The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer - with Giveaway
Carrie Harris is spellbound by Possess
*********************************
POSSESS by Gretchen McNeil
Krispy
THE UNBECOMING OF MARA DYER by Michelle Hodkin
Kaitlin S.
Congratulations, winners! Please email me an address to which I can send your book! Thanks for entering. Another giveaway coming up soon!
If you haven't entered yet, be sure to enter to win an ARC of DAUGHTER OF SMOKE AND BONE, SHIFTING, and ASHES. Ends Aug 31, 2011, midnight EST.
I can't believe you're giving this away!!! Thank you so much! Hope I win!
ReplyDeleteOHHH *Wants so bad*
ReplyDeleteThe first time I saw this book online I know I want to read this. Not just because Mara is my surname but also because it is intriguing. Now with this review, the more I wish I have a copy of the book with me now. *sigh* I'm hating our local bookstores for not having even a single copy of this book.
ReplyDeleteEEE! I am so excited for this book! I wish September would hurry up and get here! THANK YOU SOOOOO MUCH FOR PUTTING OUT A GIVEAWAY!
ReplyDeleteOh. Hm. Weird. I SWORE I was following your blog. Like, I totally knew I was. But apparently I wasn't? So I guess that's 15 points instead of 16 on the form O.o That's so strange, I knew I was....
ReplyDeleteHappy anniversary :D And thank you for this amazing giveaway. <3 I would so love to win Mara Dyer :D It seems like such a good book :)
ReplyDeleteLove, Carina
OMG!! I am DYING to read this book! x) Heard so many great things about Mara!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a fabulous story! You had me at British accent... ;)
ReplyDeleteI want this soooo stinking bad! I've heard nothing but good things!
ReplyDeleteGreat review! Don't you love/hate it when you can't define a book w/out using 5-6 genres?!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations!!! How many years if you don't mind my us asking? :)
ReplyDeleteI'm really excited to read The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your wedding anniversary! :) Thanks so much for the giveaway~! Can't wait to read The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer~
ReplyDeletethanks so much for the giveaway :) very kind of you!
ReplyDeleteDiana
ps- forgot to leave link in form, but i tweeted here:
http://twitter.com/#!/LovelyGetaway/status/101559387168051201
Happy anniversary!!! Hope it's awesome and that you get some time to chill too. :)
ReplyDeleteAs usual, thanks for the giveaway!
thanks for the contest! I really want to read these books! :D
ReplyDeleteThis is an awesome giveaway! Both books look amazing!
ReplyDeleteTwitter username (forgot to put in form): WordSpelunker
Aeicha M.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the chance!:)
ReplyDeletehttp://twitter.com/#!/sRy_/status/101577774950645760
Thanks for the giveaway!!
ReplyDeleteIve been wanting to read The Unbecoming Of Mary Dyer for a while now
http://twitter.com/#!/iluvkimi220/status/101579442358456320
I am really glad you enjoyed The Unbecoming of Mary Dyer, I am really excited to read it!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the giveaway! :) I'm excited to read Mara!!
ReplyDeleteI'm super duper excited for Mara Dyer!!! Can't wait :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway. I really want to read POSSESS.
ReplyDeleteI always found 'The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer' interesting, but after reading this review I really want to read it like right now. And Noah Shaw? Brittish accent? Bad boy/sweet boy? Oh God, this is killing me! I. Want. To. Read. This. Book. Now! :P
ReplyDeleteGreat review and thanks for the giveaway. International *squee* :D
This is another anti-gravity cover. I love those covers.
ReplyDeleteI've been looking forward to Mara Dyer! Thanks for the info!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteactenshiko8[at]gmail[dot]com
Carol, happy anniversary!!!! What are you doing onlie, you crazy woman? Drink your champagne and eat your cake :))) Shooo! Thank you for an amazing giveaway! I've shared the link as usual.
ReplyDeleteimpy80 at hotmail dot com
Thanks for the giveaway! :)))
ReplyDeleteEnter me! So want to read this one!
ReplyDeletelisa.aldin@gmail.com
thanks for the giveaway!!:)
ReplyDeleteGFC-Janhvi Jagtap
justjanhvi at gmail dot com
Those books amazing! Thank you (:
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear you're writing a lot, I wish I would but lately it doesn't work.
And, Happy anniversary!
Thank you so much for this contest! *O* Really looking forward to read those books this year. =D
ReplyDeleteI am dying to read Mara Dyer like many people here!! Thanks so much for doing this giveaway. You're awesome also funny review...the cougar thing lool
ReplyDeleteI want both of these so bad. They sound amazing. Thanks for the chance to win!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE this book so much! and Noah Shaw It's so great I can't wait for more people to read it and talk about it - because you know it will be talked about!
ReplyDeleteOoh, that review was beyond mysterious. This one has been on my TBR list for ages. Sept cannot come soon enough.
ReplyDeleteOoh, I'm so excited to hear this. I've been wanting to read TUBOMD ever since I read the first line in a contest forever ago!
ReplyDeleteMost intriguing review I've read of this book yet!
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to read it!
Shelley
Sounds awesome! The cover just pulls you right in too.
ReplyDeleteGreat review! Definitely on my TBR list!
ReplyDeleteI want to read this book!! Thanks for the review and the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteAwesome book covers, can hardly wait to read the books! Thanks for the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteI am so dying for Mara! You're the best!!! :)
ReplyDeletethx for the great giveaway!
ReplyDeleteOooh... it's your anniversary! I love wedding anniversaries! The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer has been on my TBR list for a very long time.
ReplyDeleteThe Unbecoming sounds SO good! I love a great mystery and this definitely seems to have it. And Possess just looks amazing! Going to tweet now...
ReplyDeleteHahaha, your review is funny and still really good! This book sounds so fantastic!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for this really awesome giveaway! I've heard nothing but great things about The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer! It's good to hear another great review. I can't wait for all the twists this book is going to take me on! And a hot guy, count me in! :)
ReplyDeleteMara Dyer has been on my TBR list for ages, loved the review and thanks for the giveaways :)
ReplyDeleteI want to read THE UNBECOMING OF MARA DYER soooo bad! Thank you for the great giveaway!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for the giveaway, Unbecoming sounds great!
ReplyDeleteOMG, thanks so much. I want both so bad.!!!
ReplyDeleteBoth of these books just look amazing. Thanks for the chance to win them! <3
ReplyDeleteGreat review! Thanks for not spoiling the story. I'm really looking forward to it, as well as Possess.
ReplyDeleteBoth of these books are on my wishlist. Can't wait to read them!
ReplyDeleteThank you sooo much for the giveaway! :) I have both books on my to-read list. Thanks for the chance! :)
ReplyDeleteGreat contest! Thanks for making it international too!
ReplyDeletetasnim-sheikh(AT)hotmail(DOT)com
tasnim x
I've been captivated by the cover of The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer for MONTHS. Can't wait to read it.
ReplyDeleteThanks!
ReplyDeleteWow this sounds so awesome! Thanks for the great giveaway.
ReplyDeleteI would love to read the books you are giving away. Thanks for offering them.
ReplyDeletethanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteThanks for hosting this, THE UNBECOMING OF MARA DYER looks absolutely fabulous!!
ReplyDeleteI want to read both of these books SO bad!! Thanks so much for an awesome giveaway:)
ReplyDeletejwitt33 at live dot com
I am so excited about the chance to win a copy of these books - I cannot even express it. Thank you so much. I loved, loved, loved your review - it made me smile today and I so needed a smile this morning :)
ReplyDeletedz59001[at]gmail[dot]com
Awesome giveaway! Thanks so much!
ReplyDeletequixoticdreamer(at)hotmail(dot)com
Dude, I need to read this book. You have me really intrigued.
ReplyDeleteI know I enter these all the time, but, dude, I am so down for this one. Every joint crossed! Thanks:)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for another chance to win♥
ReplyDeleteAwesome giveaway! Thanks so much!
ReplyDeleteHappy anniversary! Always a lovely occasion to celebrate. :) I wish you many more happy years.
ReplyDeleteAnd thanks for the giveaway!
Tralalallaa, entering. This is the third giveaway I enter fot The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer. Lost the other two. They say three is the charm.
ReplyDelete*crosses finger*
Oh, I so want these books! Thank you so much!
ReplyDeleteHave been really looking forward to Mara Dyer- I love reviews that can't actually talk about what happens without giving it away. Books like that when done well suck me in and leave me breathless.
ReplyDeleteI so want to win this. I love the idea of both of the books. Thank you for making it international!
ReplyDeleteMara Dyer is at the top of my wishlist. Thank you so much! :)
ReplyDeleteGirl, I don't know how you keep it all up, but put my name in that hat!
ReplyDeleteSooooooooooo want to read Mara Dyer!! Sounds awesome!
ReplyDeleteBoth of these look mysterious. Great picks, Carolina. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteOh, pick me! Pick me! :) Great contest, Carol. You rock!
ReplyDeleteHere's the link to my blog post, as promised!
http://www.kim-franklin.com/2011/08/unbecoming-of-mara-dyer.html
Thank You So Much For The Chance To Enter!!! Can't wait to read BOTH of these books!!! :)
ReplyDeleteSo which is it? Contemp, paranormal, romance, psychological thriller? With any of those on the table, count me in! TUOMD sounds really, really good.
ReplyDeleteWoo Hoooooo!! Awesome Giveaway!!!!! Thank you so much for doing this!!! Excited!
ReplyDeletemy tweet: https://twitter.com/#!/Gisselle_Alv/status/101825411943645184
ReplyDeleteand FB link: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=176701002402108&id=1105106026
ilepachequin(at)hotmail(dot)com
I already have Possess, but I am DYING for tUBoMD. Maybe, maybe, MAYBE *crosses fingers* I'll FINALLY win.
ReplyDeleteThanks for being generous, for being delightful...for being you.
Lola-->out.
I would love to win both of these (as would the rest of the salivating authors!). Great review as always. :)
ReplyDeleteIm dying to read TUOMD!!!! They both look awesome, Thanks for the giveaway!!
ReplyDelete-Mariana S
Yeep! Thanks so much for all your lovely comments today, everyone! Good luck in the giveaway. I hope you all get a chance to read both of these books really soon!
ReplyDeleteIt ends a day after my birthday! hopefully I'll be lucky enough to have this as an awesome birthday present! <3
ReplyDeleteAwesome giveaway! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteHappy Anniversary!! What a great giveaway and I hope that the writing have been going(coming?) along amazingly!
ReplyDeleteAwesome giveaway!!! I love your reviews btw :)
ReplyDeleteIm dying to read both these books! They sound so good! Thank you for the giveaway :)
ReplyDeleteAnother superb giveaway? You are too awesome! :D
ReplyDeleteThanks so much!
Oh btw, my internet connection broke down right before I clicked on the "submit form" button. I hope I'm not entered twice now. But if I am, please delete the second entry. Thanks and sorry! :)
sabina(dot)dezman(at)gmail(dot)com
OMG I've been dying do read this book ever since I first read the blurb and saw the GORGEOUS cover! Your awesome review makes me even more excited about it! I think I already love Noah!<3
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for the giveaway!
xoxo
So glad you enjoyed Mara Dyer, I can't wait to read it! Thanks so much for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteAnother amazing giveaway! And awesome review - I always enjoy reading what your reviews - they're so passionate. :)
ReplyDeleteOMG! I so badly hope and pray that I win this! Have been desperate to read Mara Dyer and Possession for quite sometime now!
ReplyDeleteThanks!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteThis is SO FREAKING AMAZING. Thank you. I've been waiting for both these books, especially Mara Dyer since they were revealed. Also, love creepy reads *sly smile*
ReplyDeleteThis is the best giveaway I've seen in a long while, simply because it's for a book that I am foaming at the mouth to read. Seriously. Thank you so much for the great giveaway:) I would love love love to get a chance to read this book. Thanks for the chance:)
ReplyDeleteSarah
Wonderful review. I have heard such amazing things about this book that I am dying to get my hands on a copy! Thanks so much for the chance to win this as well as Possess!
ReplyDeleteDonna @ The Happy Booker
Sounds AWESOME! I can't wait to read it! Thanks for taking the time to tell us about it (and to do the giveaway!)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for the awesome giveaway! I'm dying to read Mara Dyer! And even more after your review.
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to both these book! Thanks! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway and for opening it to International entries.
ReplyDeleteCarol T
buddytho {at} gmail DOT com
Once again... nice giveaway!
ReplyDeleteGah! Want Mara so bad! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway! I can't wait for Mara Dyer- especially after your review. :)
ReplyDeleteOMG thanks for the awesome giveaway!!!!
ReplyDeleteThis is amazing! Great review! Thanks so much for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway! dying to read both of these books !
ReplyDeletewhat a great review and awesome giveaway!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for the giveaway! I've heard great things about Mara and I can't wait to read it for myself.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway! I've been dying to read BOTH of these books! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway! I really want to read these books! Especially Possess! The cover is beautiful! :D
ReplyDeletex
Sierra(:
Waaw. Thanks for this amazing Giveaway! An opportunity to read TUOMD before it's release? Amazing.
ReplyDeleteGAH! I need, need, NEED to get my hands on The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer already!! Every single review I've read has gushed about the sexiness of Noah and been frustratingly vague about the plot, which only drives me want it even more LOL. Love your review!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for the incredible giveaway!!
Wonderful giveaway.
ReplyDeleteThank you very much!! =)
-Lissette Martinez
It seems like everyone has already ready The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer! I really want to read it and Possess as well! Awesome giveaway! Thank you so much!!
ReplyDeleteGuen @ Ezine of a Random Girl
The word 'unbecoming' grosses me out a little, but I like your review.
ReplyDeleteI've had my eye on Mara for a long time. I can't wait to get my hands on a copy.
ReplyDeleteHi, Carol! So happy to see your blog exploding! You're my hero! *hugs*
ReplyDelete♥.•*¨Elizabeth¨*•.♥
Can Alex save Winter from the darkness that hunts her?
YA Paranormal Romance, Darkspell coming fall of 2011!
Thanks for the giveaway :)
ReplyDeleteI've been dying to read The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer since everyone seems to be raving about it.
ReplyDeleteThanks for holding the giveaway!
Both of these books sound amazing. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteBoth books sound great! I really want to read Mara Dyer. Both of the covers look bea-U-tiful!.:D
ReplyDeleteThese books have been on my list for ages and I can't wait to get my hands on them - ONE DAY! Thanks for this contest!!
ReplyDeleteBoth books sound amazing. Thanks for the contest.
ReplyDeleteI want to participate! Thank you for this giveaway.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThe reason I'm waking up so late this morning is because I stayed up until 2.30 finishing Mara Dyer. The book blew my mind. Note to readers: you might not want to read this one late at night, it will leave you churning and unable to thinking and sleep!
ReplyDeleteThat said I'd love to have my own copy. :)
Wow, some more great books. I am burning through all of mine at a pretty good pace. I can't wait to read these. They are on my TBR list. You always have such great giveaways. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteAnother book to add to my to-read list!!! This sounds very enticing, Carolina.
ReplyDeleteI really can't wait for either of these novels! Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteBlog sidebar: http://raychellesmith.blogspot.com
Tweet: https://twitter.com/raychellej/status/103237660168040448
Thanks for the giveaway!!!
ReplyDeleteGreat giveaway!
ReplyDelete- Nicole
loveless1415
Thank you for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteAWESOME! Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteWow, thanks so much for this giveaway. I would love to read these.
ReplyDeleteJennelle S*
A GIVEAWAY!!!! YOU ARE THE BEST!!!! TXKS A TON!!!
ReplyDeleteSounds sooo awesome. I had to do a lot of scrolling past all of these awesome comments from amazing people!
ReplyDeleteAwesome giveaway! I already own and read Mara Dyer, but I haven't read Possess! Thanks for the giveaway :)
ReplyDeleteThis is so cool. Thanks Carolina. =)
ReplyDeleteThanks for hosting the giveaway! Sounds interesting and hoping to win... :)
ReplyDeleteSo glad it was more than expected - The Unbecoming sounds so good and is getting such rave reviews!
ReplyDeleteI've been dying to read the Unbecoming of Mara Dyer. I wish this book would just come out already!! I've heard nothing but awesome reviews for it. I just read an interview by Gretchen McNeil and she said the scariness of the exorcist gave her the idea for Possess so I'm a little scared to read it but I beat it's great as well!
ReplyDeleteThanks for an awesome giveaway!
awesoe contest! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI can't WAIT to read this book!!!!! Thanks for the giveaway :D
ReplyDeleteThanks for the awesome giveaway!
ReplyDeleteI hope you had the most beautiful anniversary Cee xxx
ReplyDeleteSounds really good.
ReplyDeleteThank you everyone for stopping by and commenting! These books are amazing. I wish I had enough for all of you. All the same, I hope you will all get to read them soon!
ReplyDeleteahhhh i'm so excited for MARA! Soooo excited!
ReplyDeleteso thanks for the giveaway!<3
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Great review! I was a little nervous about reading this book after reading some reviews online but I decided to read it anyway and I'm really glad I did. It was amazing. I loved Noah and Mara, and everything that happened with the alligators and such all needed to happen for this story. I don't want to wait for the second book I wish I could have it now!
ReplyDelete