The end to the challenge + grandprize winner

I can't believe the Blue Bloods challenge has come to an end.  I've loved going back to the beginning and getting reacquainted with the story.  We are only 13 days from the releases of Gates of Paradise!!!!  I MUST know how this series ends!!! 

Here are the items put together for the grandprize drawing.

Scar inspired by the Blue Bloods cover
Mask
Paris Bookmarks
Paris magnets
London themed buttons
Travel inspired journal
Cityscape of NYC
Key necklace
Red flower pin
Rio de Janiero scrabble tile
Egyptian inspired bracelet
Wolf Pact
Pre-order of Gates of Paradise.

I made a list of all the entries each month.  I then used random.org to pick the winner.
Here's the list & winning number

Congrats April!!!!  I'll email you shortly! :D

Month 6 Mini Challenge

This month's mini challenge will be to read and review Wolf Pact.  You can have read it anytime during the read-a-long. :D

All you have to do is post a review on your blog, goodreads, or email us to post it on this blog. :D Doing this will provide you an extra entry for the grand prize!!!

Link up below to participate!

BBRAL Month 6 Reviews: Lost in Time

Today begins the read-a-long of the sixth book in the Blue Bloods series by Melissa de la Cruz, Lost in Time.  Join us as we enter Schuyler's world.  Liz and I will both post are reviews as we finish our read.  We can't wait to hear everyone's thoughts as we make our way through the series.

Don't forget to post your review to be eligible for the monthly drawing.  Also, if you do not have a blog, feel free to post the link for your review from goodreads.  You can also email either one of us to have your review posted on the site if you do not have a blog or goodreads account.

All reviews should be posted by midnight on December 31st.  Thank you all so much for reading along and sharing in the love we have for this series.

To post your reviews: simply add your information to the linky list below. :D

Month 5 Mini Challenge: Katrina's Review of Bloody Valentine

Published: December 28, 2010

Buy: Amazon, B&N

Source: Own

Blurb: The Blue Bloods have powers beyond human comprehension: strength that defies logic, speed that cannot be captured on film, the ability to shape-shift, and more. But in matters of the heart, no one, not even those immortal vampires, has total control. In Bloody Valentine, part of the best-selling Blue Bloods series, author Melissa de la Cruz offers three tantalizing stories that delve deep into the love lives of the all-powerful vamps (and their Red Blood friends) from New York's Upper East Side. Might a witchy new girl help cure Oliver's broken heart? How did Allegra fall in love with a human? Will Schuyler and Jack finally be bonded?

Romantic and sensual, Bloody Valentine reveals the undying love, the hope and devastation, and the lust and longing that have defined the Blue Bloods throughout history. Prepare to be swept off your feet.

I think the story I loved the most out of this novella was Oliver's.  The poor guy just wanted to be with his love.  We did get a glimpse into the witches from Witches of East End. I haven't read those books yet, but meeting Freya makes me want to.  Allegra's story is heart breaking.  I've never been one to figure out why you can't choose for love. I know the circumstances, but still.  Also, Schuyler still seems to annoy me.  She bugged me in Misguided Angel, and does so in this one.  Although, I appreciate the craftiness in making her dress.  That made my crafty side smile. :D Lost in Time is next, and was one of my faves, so I'll be happy to finally get to jump into it next weekend. 

Katrina's Review of Misguided Angel

Published: October 26, 2010

Buy: Amazon, B&N

Source: Own

Blurb:After inheriting the dark Van Alen Legacy, Schuyler fled to Florence with her forbidden love, Jack. Now the two of them must embark on the mission Schuyler was destined to complete: to find and protect the five remaining gates that guard the earth from Lucifer, lord of the Silver Bloods.

Back in New York, Mimi has been elected Regent of a crumbling coven. Struggling with her heartache over the loss of Kingsley and with her overwhelming desire to destroy Jack, she must focus all of her energy on a perilous new threat. Vampires are being abducted and their captors are planning to burn them alive online...for all the world to see. Help arrives in the form of Deming Chen, a Venator from Shanghai, who must untangle the web of deceptions before the killers strike again.

As the young vampires struggle for the survival of the coven, they uncover a deadly secret, a truth first discovered by Schuyler’s mother during the Renaissance but kept buried for centuries. And as the Blue Blood enclave weakens yet further, fate leads Schuyler to a terrible choice that will ultimately map the destiny of her heart.

I began to really like Mimi in this book.  She seems more "human."  She truly cares for the Coven, and it's members.  She also realizes that she doesn't really hate Oliver all the much.  

Oh, Deming.  She's a kick-ass Venator.  She does her job to the best of her abilities, and doesn't give up.  I completely forgot she was a key player in this book.  

Schuyler annoyed me.  I think it's because she is so needy when it comes to Jack.  I'm used to her being strong and self assured.  

We get a peek at Nephilim, and I had a ton of questions regarding possibilities with Bliss after I finished reading. 

It was great seeing a lot more of Mimi showing emotions that do not include snobbery.  I want to start Lost in Time NOW!  But I'll be a good girl, and wait until December 1st to start it.  

 

Month 5 Mini Challenge

This month's mini challenge will be to read and review Bloody Valentine.  It's the novella that comes between Misguided Angel and Lost in Time.

All you have to do is post a review on your blog, goodreads, or email us to post it on this blog. :D Doing this will provide you an extra entry for the grand prize!!!

Link up below to participate!

BBRAL Month 5 Reviews: Misguided Angel

Today begins the read-a-long of the fifth book in the Blue Bloods series by Melissa de la Cruz, Misguided Angel.  Join us as we enter Schuyler's world.  Liz and I will both post are reviews as we finish our read.  We can't wait to hear everyone's thoughts as we make our way through the series.

Don't forget to post your review to be eligible for the monthly drawing.  Also, if you do not have a blog, feel free to post the link for your review from goodreads.  You can also email either one of us to have your review posted on the site if you do not have a blog or goodreads account.

All reviews should be posted by midnight on November 30th.  Thank you all so much for reading along and sharing in the love we have for this series.

To post your reviews: simply add your information to the linky list below. :D

Month 4 Mini Challenge: Katrina's Review of Keys to the Repository

Book Review: Keys to the Repository by Melissa de la Cruz

Published: June 29, 2010

Buy: Amazon, B&N

Source: Own

Goodreads Blurb: Lavish parties. Passionate meetings in the night. Bone-chilling murders. Midterms. The day-to-day life of Schuyler Van Alen and her Blue Bloods friends (and enemies) is never boring. But there's oh-so-much more to know about these beautiful and powerful teens. Below the streets of Manhattan, within the walls of the Repository, exists a wealth of revealing information about the vampire elite that dates back before the Mayflower. In a series of short stories, journal entries, and never-before-seen letters, New York Times bestselling author Melissa de la Cruz gives her hungry fans the keys to the Repository and an even more in-depth look into the secret world of the Blue Bloods. Won't you come inside?

This novella read like a text book.  I know it's a kind of who's who among Blue Bloods, but it was kind of dry.  I did enjoy Kingsley's remarks in some areas. ;)  I was stoked about the short stories in here.  I know I've read the one with Dylan before, but it was great seeing the emotion of Jack on their last night at Perry Street.  I recommend this for those that want to know more about the characters.  Also, if you have a hard time with what the words in the Sacred Language mean, this book has a nifty little appendix with the definitions.

Katrina's Review of The Van Alen Legacy

Published:

Buy: Amazon, B&N

Source: Own

Goodreads Blurb: With the stunning revelation surrounding Bliss's true identity comes the growing threat of the sinister Silver Bloods. Once left to live the glamorous life in New York City, the Blue Bloods now find themselves in an epic battle for survival. Not to worry, love is still in the air for the young vampires of the Upper East Side. Or is it? Jack and Schuyler are over. Oliver's brokenhearted. And only the cunning Mimi seems to be happily engaged.

Young, fanged, and fabulous, Melissa de la Cruz's vampires unite in the fourth installment of the best-selling Blue Bloods series.

I forgot just how much comes to light in this book.  My heart actually aches for Mimi. She allows some of her walls to come down. And poor Bliss. She has to try so hard to be present in her own body. This is now my favorite so far. We have so many questions answered, even as we have more that have now come up. Oliver also proves how great of a friend he is to Schuyler, and how much he loves her. I'm anxious to see what happens in Misguided Angel. I don't really remember that book very well so it'll be a nice refresher.

Month 4 Mini Challenge

This month's mini challenge will be to read and review Keys to the Repository.  It's the novella that comes between The Van Alen Legacy and Misguided Angel.

All you have to do is post a review on your blog, goodreads, or email us to post it on this blog. :D Doing this will provide you an extra entry for the grand prize!!!

Link up below to participate!

BBRAL Month 4 Reviews: The Van Alen Legacy

Today begins the read-a-long of the fourth book in the Blue Bloods series by Melissa de la Cruz, The Van Alen Legacy.  Join us as we enter Schuyler's world.  Liz and I will both post are reviews as we finish our read.  We can't wait to hear everyone's thoughts as we make our way through the series.

Don't forget to post your review to be eligible for the monthly drawing.  Also, if you do not have a blog, feel free to post the link for your review from goodreads.  You can also email either one of us to have your review posted on the site if you do not have a blog or goodreads account.

All reviews should be posted by midnight on August 31st.  Thank you all so much for reading along and sharing in the love we have for this series.

To post your reviews: simply add your information to the linky list below. :D

Katrina's Month 3 Mini Challange

Okay so here is my post for the month 3 mini challenge.  It's  completely silly, but it was fun. :D

Red Riding Hood made it Halway to the Grave.  She didn't want to Linger on her way to Hex Hall.  The wind blew, and she suppressed a Shiver.  "This is Supernaturally creepy," she thought.

The Blue Bloods Saga ebook Sampler

This sampler will give you a refresher of the previous 6 books.  This way you are able to go into Gates of Paradise without trying to remember what happened.  Or, you can join the Read-A-Long. ;)  You also get a first look at Wolf Pact.  The sampler has the first chapter!!!! 

As far as I can tell, this is only available on Kindle.  If you don't own a kindle, you can download the app on your phone, tablet or computer in order to read it. 

This is the link, and I believe it is free. :D

The Blue Bloods Saga ebook Sampler.

Katrina's Review of Revelations

Published: October 31, 2008

Buy: Amazon, B&N

Source: Own

Goodreads Blurb: Schuyler Van Alen's blood legacy has just been called into question: is the young vampire in fact a Blue Blood, or is it the sinister Silver Blood that runs through her veins? As controversy swirls, Schuyler is left stranded in the Force household, trapped under the same roof as her cunning nemesis, Mimi Force, and her forbidden crush, Jack Force.

When an ancient place of power is threatened in Rio de Janeiro, however, the Blue Bloods need Schuyler on their side. The stakes are high, the battle is bloody; and through it all Schuyler is torn between duty and passion, love and freedom.

Romance, glamour, and vampire lore collide in the highly anticipated third book in best-selling author Melissa de la Cruz's Blue Bloods series.

Wow, I forgot a lot of major things that went down in this book.  Revelations ends up being the turning point of the series. 

Many of the characters have to make decisions that change things forever.  Revelations is  bit more emotional than the previous books.  The characters face tougher decisions with major consequences.  Schuyler was not my favorite character in this book.  She was selfish, and only thought of herself.  She never really thought through her actions and the hurt it could cause other people.  

There's some major drama in this book also. Bliss's family has secrets. Charles Force pretty much loses his will to do anything. And Schuyler is put into a position she knew would always come.  If the first two books didn't have you hooked, this one definitely will.  I put the book down thinking, "What the hell?" 

Month 3: Revelations Mini Challenge

We interrupt the Revelations mini challenge to bring you a...

                      WOLF PACT mini challenge.

How could we not do a Wolf Pact challenge with its release being this month. :) Even though there has been much ranting (on my part) and confusion (with both of us) we have decided to go ahead with the Wolf Pact challenge.

What you will be winning? Well it is your choice. Since US only has e-copies available only (sigh, I know!)  You can have either the e-copy or we can order a UK paperback edition from TBD. The only problem with that might be major waiting. So we leave that up to you.

How can you win Wolf Pact? I am so glad you asked.

This challenge is simple, but you have to put on your thinking caps. Here are the details.

• Part One- Go through your books...find ones that have wolves or werewolves or hellhounds as main characters or part of the story. Use the titles to make a story of your own. (if there is a book you don't have, but want to use it for your story, that is fine. Just try to use books you have because it is used in part two.) The story only has to be 4-6 sentences long. Just be creative!

Example: Once in a Full Moon a girl is Stolen. She is  taken to the Sisters Red forest. There she is a Bitten and cursed to become the predator or the Prey. **cheesy, I know, but you get what we mean.

• Part Two- Take a picture of the stack of books showing the titles and add it in with your story. Also if the book is on your ereader. Just add that to the pile you take the picture of. If you have a interesting way of wanting to add in your ebooks, go ahead!!

That is it. Have fun, Be Creative and don't forget to link your stories down below. Katrina and I are excited to read them and see what y'all come up with. Contest Ends: September 30th. Winner will be announced and emailed. You will have 48 hours to respond before a new person will be picked.

Month 2 Winner

The winner for month 2 of the Blue Bloods RAL is April at The Book Twins! You will be emailed shortly!  Congrats!!!!

BBRAL Month 3 Reviews: Revelations

Today begins the read-a-long of the third book in the Blue Bloods series by Melissa de la Cruz, Masquerade.  Join us as we enter Schuyler's world.  Liz and I will both post are reviews as we finish our read.  We can't wait to hear everyone's thoughts as we make our way through the series.

Don't forget to post your review to be eligible for the monthly drawing.  Also, if you do not have a blog, feel free to post the link for your review from goodreads.  You can also email either one of us to have your review posted on the site if you do not have a blog or goodreads account.

All reviews should be posted by midnight on August 31st.  Thank you all so much for reading along and sharing in the love we have for this series.

To post your reviews: simply add your information to the linky list below. :D

Katrina's Review of Masquerade

Published: May 1, 2007

Buy: Amazon, B&N

Source: Own

Goodreads Blurb: Schuyler Van Alen wants an explanation for the mysterious deaths of young vampires. With her best friend, Oliver, Schuyler travels to Italy in the hope of finding the one man who can help - her grandfather. Meanwhile, back in New York, preparations are feverishly underway for the Four Hundred Ball, an exclusive gala hosted by the city's wealthy, powerful, and unhuman - a true Blue Blood affair.

But it's at the after-party, a masquerade ball thrown by the cunning Mimi Force, that the real danger lurks. Hidden behind the masks is a revelation that will forever change the course of a young vampire's destiny.

Rich with glamour, attitude, and vampire lore, this second installment in the Blue Bloods saga will leave readers thirsting for more.

Wow! I forgot how much happened in Masquerade.  A lot of the questions I had in Blue Bloods were answered, but boy have a lot of new ones arisen.  

I thought Kingsley came into the picture later on in the series, but no. He was causing problems for the Duchesne Blue Bloods. You don't really know what to think of him.  Schuyler also begins to learn how to harness her vampiric powers.  


There are a lot of twists in this book. A shift in Oliver and Sky's relationship, as well as Mimi & Jack's. I loved re-reading this installment and found myself sympathizing with Mimi. I know, you're shocked! She's still a Queen B, but she also shows some vulnerability. It's nice to see that side of her.  Bliss finds a picture of her mother, and that raises all kinds of questions. I don't remember the explanation so I can't wait to see what it is.  I'm stoked to see the emotional ups and downs that are sure to happen in Revelations next month.  I also wonder why Jack held off on his moment with Mimi in Venice???  The answers will be waiting for me to read next month. I hope. :D

Katrina's Masquerade Mini Challenge

So this mini challenge works great for me.  My friend and I are wanting to have a masquerade for our birthday so bad, so this helped get the creative juices flowing. :D

This beautiful gown by Angela at Glamtastik is beautiful!

It's dark, yet elegant.  Exactly my style!


This mask by The Mask Menagerie is amazing. I love it, it's simple and bold.

This is totally corny, but my dream date would be my hubby. I couldn't imagine experiencing an event like that without him. :D

Dream venue would either be a library or museum.  Seriously some of my favorite places.  Now if only I could make this happen for our birthday shindig. :P

Month 2: Masquerade Mini Challenge

You have been cordially invited to a masquerade ball...

This ball isn't like any other ball you have been to or dreamed of. This is the Masquerade Mini Challenge Ball. 

Welcome to the first mini challenge! This month is all about Masquerade. We are keeping it simple for this one and only have, but a few simple questions for you! You know this takes part in the book and we want to know what your ideal Masquerade would be like.

Here are the questions, you can be as elaborate as you want and even use pictures.

• What would be your ideal costume?
• Describe what your mask would look like. Would you keep it simple, go a little funky, or even go without a disguise.
• Who would be your dream date?
• And lastly, What kind of venue would you want it to be in?

Particpating in the Mini Challenge is not only fun, but also rewarding! How you might ask? For every challenge you do, you get extra entries into the Grand Prize. Next month is a special prize, but we wouldn't want to ruin that, now would we? Just make a blog post and link it below. Good Luck, Have Fun, and Be Creative!!