Saturday, December 31, 2011

Review: As I Wake

As I Wake
By Elizabeth Scott
Release Date: September 15, 2011

Description:
Ava is welcomed home from the hospital by a doting mother, lively friends, and a crush finally beginning to show interest. There's only one problem: Ava can't remember any of them - and can't shake the eerie feeling that she's not who they say she is.


Ava struggles to break through her amnesiac haze as she goes through the motions of high-school life, but the memories that surface take place in a very different world, where Ava and familiar-faced friends are under constant scrutiny and no one can be trusted. Ava doesn't know what to make of these visions, or of the boy who is at the center of them all, until he reappears in her life and offers answers . . . but only in exchange for her trust.
 
Review:
I really don't know how she does it, Elizabeth Scott can go from contemporary Young Adult (Something Maybe) to something so unbelievable Dramatic (Living Dead Girl), then to a book that really was strange like As I Wake.  It was a great book. 
 
We meet Ava, who is Ava but believes she is another Ava.  With constant doctor scrutiny she's lost to this world, it just doesn't feel right.  It really weirded me out at first with Ava waking up in different worlds constantly, I was starting to think she really did just have amnesia and then was making up another world, or another Ava really.  But as you delve more into the book you can see that there really is another world and another Ava or at least there was. In comes the other Ava's friends Sophie, Olivia and Greer.  Ava sees how evil Sophie really is and how much Olivia and Greer really love each other but Greer is in denial.  Ethan is her friend, and is always so sad with sorrow, in both of her worlds. Jane her mother, or the other Ava's mother just shows how much she loves Ava even if she is the other Ava.  It's confusing but not if that makes sense.  Then there's Morgan and Clementine.  You can see the very strong emotional bond that Ava and Morgan have throughout all worlds and it's a beautiful thing.  They are the reason this Ava is in this world.  But I won't go into details so you'll have to check the book out.
 
 It's a whirlwind of a novel and really had me wondering what if life was like this if you disappear from one world can you come back in another world as you but not really you.  Truly strange but really good.  Elizabeth Scott never disappoints.  Can't wait to see what she comes up with next.
 

Goodreads - 2011 Reading Challenge

In the case of good books, the point is not to see how many of them you can get through, but rather how many can get through to you.

- Mortimer J. Adler

Motivate yourself to read more books: Enter the 2011 Reading Challenge!

I joined this challenge at the beginning of the year when I received my First Kindle for Christmas.  It was something I could challenge myself to do and I'm so proud to have achieved my goal.  I started out with 50 books.  But saw that I surpassed that so I added 30 more books and last week I finished my goal of 80 books.  And then another one on top of that.  I'm excited that I was able to join a challenge and finish it.  Next year I'm going for 100 books.  Here are the books I've read this year:

1 Gone (Dream Catcher, #3) by Lisa McMann


2 The Ex Games by Jennifer Echols

3 Hush, Hush (Hush, Hush, #1) by Becca Fitzpatrick

4 Crescendo (Hush, Hush, #2) by Becca Fitzpatrick

5 Linger (The Wolves of Mercy Falls, #2) by Maggie Stiefvater

6 Awakened (House of Night, #8) by P.C. Cast

7 Halo (Halo, #1) by Alexandra Adornetto

8 The Hunger Games (The Hunger Games, #1) by Suzanne Collins

9 Catching Fire (The Hunger Games, #2) by Suzanne Collins

10 Mockingjay (The Hunger Games, #3) by Suzanne Collins

11 City of Bones (The Mortal Instruments, #1) by Cassandra Clare

12 City of Ashes (The Mortal Instruments, #2) by Cassandra Clare

13 City of Glass (The Mortal Instruments, #3) by Cassandra Clare

14 Juliet by Anne Fortier

15 Will Work for Prom Dress by Aimee Ferris

16 Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

17 Clockwork Angel (The Infernal Devices #1) by Cassandra Clare

18 City of Fallen Angels (The Mortal Instruments, #4) by Cassandra Clare

19 Some Girls Bite by Chloe Neill

20 Friday Night Bites by Chloe Neill

21 Twice Bitten (Chicagoland Vampires, #3) by Chloe Neill

22 Unearthly (Unearthly #1) by Cynthia Hand

23 Firespell (Dark Elite, #1) by Chloe Neill

24 Hexbound (Dark Elite, #2) by Chloe Neill

25 Hard Bitten (Chicagoland Vampires, #4) by Chloe Neill

26 The Duff by Kody Keplinger

27 The Summer I Turned Pretty (Summer, #1) by Jenny Han

28 It's Not Summer Without You (Summer, #2) by Jenny Han

29 We'll Always Have Summer (Summer, #3) by Jenny Han

30 What Happened to Goodbye by Sarah Dessen

31 Hex: A Witch and Angel Tale by Ramona Wray

32 Stay by Deb Caletti

33 How to Flirt with a Naked Werewolf (Naked Werewolf, #1) by Molly Harper

34 The Art of Seducing a Naked Werewolf (Naked Werewolf, #2) by Molly Harper

35 Being Jamie Baker by Kelly Oram

36 The Extraordinary Secrets of April, May, & June by Robin Benway

37 Something Like Fate by Susane Colasanti

38 Prom and Prejudice by Elizabeth Eulberg

39 Divergent (Divergent, #1) by Veronica Roth

40 Babe in Boyland by Jody Gerhman

41 Passion (Fallen) by Lauren Kate

42 Hourglass (Hourglass, #1) by Myra McEntire

43 Ten Things We Did by Sarah Mlynowski

44 Raziel (The Fallen, #1) by Kristina Douglas

45 Demon (The Fallen, #2) by Kristina Douglas

46 Forever (The Wolves of Mercy Falls, #3) by Maggie Stiefvater

47 Love Story by Jennifer Echols

48 Forgotten by Cat Patrick

49 Major Crush by Jennifer Echols

50 Living Dead Girl by Elizabeth Scott

51 Diary of a Mad Fat Girl by Stephanie McAfee

52 16 Reasons Why My Life Sucks by Sara Walker

53 And One Last Thing ... by Molly Harper

54 Dramarama by E. Lockhart

55 Between Here and Forever by Elizabeth Scott

56 Angels' Blood (Guild Hunter, #1) by Nalini Singh

57 Archangel's Kiss (Guild Hunter, #2) by Nalini Singh

58 Glow (Sky Chasers, #1) by Amy Kathleen Ryan

59 Matched (Matched, #1) by Ally Condie

60 Epic Fail by Claire LaZebnik

61 Sometimes It Happens by Lauren Barnholdt

62 Archangel's Consort (Guild Hunter, #3) by Nalini Singh

63 So Much Closer by Susane Colasanti

64 Shut Out by Kody Keplinger

65 Anna Dressed in Blood (Anna, #1) by Kendare Blake

66 Crush Control by Jennifer Jabaley

67 Hades (Halo, #2) by Alexandra Adornetto

68 Amy and Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson

69 Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins

70 The Demon Trapper's Daughter (The Demon Trappers #1) by Jana Oliver

71 Soul Thief (The Demon Trappers, #2) by Jana Oliver

72 Possess by Gretchen McNeil

73 Drink Deep (Chicagoland Vampires, #5) by Chloe Neill

74 Silence (Hush, Hush, #3) by Becca Fitzpatrick

75 Destined (House of Night, #9) by P.C. Cast

76 Crossed (Matched, #2) by Ally Condie

77 The One That I Want by Jennifer Echols

78 Pride & Popularity by Jenni James

79 Flawless by Lara Chapman

80 Roadside Assistance by Amy Clipston

81 As I Wake by Elizabeth Scott

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Waiting on Wednesday

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week I'm "Waiting on":
Breaking Beautiful
by Jennifer Shaw Wolf 
Release Date: April 24, 2012


Allie lost everything the night her boyfriend, Trip, died in a horrible car accident—including her memory of the event. As their small town mourns his death, Allie is afraid to remember because doing so means delving into what she’s kept hidden for so long: the horrible reality of their abusive relationship.

When the police reopen the investigation, it casts suspicion on Allie and her best friend, Blake, especially as their budding romance raises eyebrows around town. Allie knows she must tell the truth. Can she reach deep enough to remember that night so she can finally break free? Debut writer Jennifer Shaw Wolf takes readers on an emotional ride through the murky waters of love, shame, and, ultimately, forgiveness.



Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Farsighted Blog Tour


Announcing the Farsighted Social Media Whirlwind Tour! As part of this special promotional extravaganza sponsored by Novel Publicity, the price of the Farsighted eBook edition is just 99 cents this week. What’s more, by purchasing this fantastic book at an incredibly low price, you can enter to win many awesome prizes, including lots of Amazon gift cards (up to $100 in amount) and 5 autographed copies of the book. Be sure to enter before the end of the day on Friday, December 30th, so you don’t miss out.  

To Win the Prizes

  1. Purchase your copy of Farsighted for just 99 cents on Amazon or Barnes & Noble
  2. Fill-out the form on Novel Publicity to enter for the prizes
  3. Visit today’s featured event; you may win an autographed copy of the book or a $50 gift card!
  4. BONUS: If you leave a comment on this blog post, you have another chance at $100!
  5. DOUBLE BONUS: If I receive more comments than any other blogger, *I* win $100.
 

...And I can win too!

Over 100 bloggers are participating in this gigantic event, and there are plenty of prizes for us too. The blogger who receives the most votes in the traffic-breaker poll will win a $100 gift card as well. So when you visit Novel Publicity’s site to fill-out the contest entry form, don’t forget to say that I referred you, so I can get a point in the poll.  

The Featured Events include:

Monday, a guest blog on Novel Publicity! Emlyn kicks off the tour on the Novel Publicity Free Advice blog by discussing her brightly burning passion for books in a guest post entitled “My journey through the pages and toward a life-long love of reading.” One commenter will win an autographed copy of Farsighted. Don’t forget to enter for the other contest prizes while you’re over there! Tuesday, Twitter sharing contest! A tweet is tiny, only 140 characters. But on Tuesday, it could win you $50. Send the following tweet across the twittersphere, and you just may win a $50 Amazon gift card. An autographed copy of Farsighted is also up for grabs. The winners will be announced Wednesday morning. Here’s the tweet: Looking for a fun read to round out your holiday break? The paranormal YA hit Farsighted is just 99 cents! http://ow.ly/81Dt1 #whirlwind Wednesday, Google+ sharing contest! Yup, there’s yet another awesome opportunity to win a $50 Amazon gift card, and this time it just takes a single click! Visit Google+ and share Emlyn Chand’s most recent post (you’ll see the Stay Farsighted book cover included with it). On Thursday morning, one lucky sharer will be $50 richer. An autographed copy of Farsighted is also up for grabs. Two chances to win with just one click! How about that? Thursday, Facebook sharing contest! Stop by Novel Publicity’s Facebook page and share their latest post (you’ll see the Farsighted book cover included with it). It’s ridiculously easy to win! On Friday morning, one lucky sharer will be $50 richer. An autographed copy of Farsighted is also up for grabs. Friday, special contest on the author’s site! Are you ready for some more fun? Take a picture of yourself with your copy of Farsighted either in paperback or on an eReading device, then post it to Emlyn Chand’s Facebook page or email a copy to author@emlynchand.com. You just way win one of three Amazon gift cards! A $100 prize will go to the photo with the most interesting setting (so put your holiday travel time to work for you). Another $50 will go the funniest photo, and one more prize of $50 will go the scariest photo—this is a paranormal YA book after all. An autographed copy of Farsighted will go to one randomly selected entrant. For more details about this contest, please visit http://www.emlynchand.com/.  

Remember, it’s all about the books!

About Farsighted: Alex Kosmitoras may be blind, but he can still “see” things others can’t. When his unwanted visions of the future begin to suggest that the girl he likes could be in danger, he has no choice but to take on destiny and demand it reconsider. Farsighted is the winner of the 2011 Dragonfly eBook Awards. Get it on Amazon or Barnes & Noble. About the Author: Emlyn Chand has always loved to hear and tell stories, having emerged from the womb with a fountain pen grasped firmly in her left hand (true story). When she’s not writing, she runs a large book club in Ann Arbor and is the president of author PR firm, Novel Publicity. Emlyn loves to connect with readers and is available throughout the social media interweb. Visit her on her website, Twitter, Facebook, or GoodReads.  

Now please enjoy this exciting excerpt from Farsighted...

  “Did Dad tell you? A new tenant moved into the old pharmacy next door.” “Really?” I ask, not letting on I already know. If I feign ignorance, Mom’ll divulge all the details. “What is it?” “It’s a psychic shop,” Her voice crackles with excitement like a fire that’s just beginning to burn. “The All-Seeing Miss Teak. Isn’t that cute? Miss Teak, Mystic. Ha, I wonder if that’s her real name.” I laugh. “That is funny. Never had a psychic in town before. What’s she like?” “Oh, she’s very friendly. Why don’t you go over and say ‘hi.’ I’m sure she’d like to meet you.” “Okay, I think I will.” I’m incredibly intrigued, because first off, it’s a psychic shop—how weird is that?—and second, its presence made Dad super uncomfortable—also very cool. I waste no time heading next door to check out the scene. As I step cautiously into the new shop, a recording of soft, instrumental music greets me. I can make out chimes and a string instrument I don’t recognize but for some reason reminds me of snake charmers. The smell of incense fills my nostrils, which explains the burning I detected earlier. “Hello?” I call out into the otherwise quiet room. Nobody answers. I walk in deeper, sweeping my cane out in front of me in a metronome fashion. This place is new to me, so I need to be especially careful while moving around. Thump! Despite my precautions, I stub my toe on something hard, big, and made of wood. Just my luck to stub the same toe twice in one day. I reach down to press my fingers into my throbbing foot to alleviate some of the pain. Something teeters before rolling off of the chest and across the floor; the sound it makes indicates a curved path. Suddenly, the object stops. Somebody’s stopped it. “Hello?” I call again. “Hello,” a deep, feminine voice responds, placing more emphasis on the first syllable than the second. “I- I’m sorry I knocked that thing over. I didn’t mean to…” I hope she’s not angry. Probably not a good idea to get on a psychic’s bad side. “That wasn’t just a thing, it’s a crystal ball,” she says as she walks over, sending my blood pulsing through my veins. I sense her looking at me for a moment before she places the ball back on top of the chest. “Can it see the future?” I ask, allowing my curiosity to outweigh my uneasiness. “No.” After a pause lasting several beats, she continues. “But I can see the future sometimes when I look into it.” “Oh, okay.” I tighten my hand around my cane and turn to leave. It may not be the most polite thing to do, but all of this hocus-pocus stuff is freaking me out more than I would’ve guessed. The psychic lady speaks again, stopping me cold. “Don’t run away, Alex Kosmitoras.” She must’ve spoken to Mom earlier today. That must be how she knows my name. “I’m not running away,” I say meekly. “I’m just going back over to Sweet Blossoms.” “Don’t run away,” she repeats—this time she speaks louder and with more energy. “Don’t run away from your abilities. They are gifts.” “What?” I ask in confusion. What abilities is she talking about? “You already know. Watch. Listen. Be open to your gifts.” I turn to face Miss Teak, but find she’s already gone, returning to wherever she was before I got there. Is it safe to leave? I trail my fingers across the wooden box I ran into earlier; a thick coat of dust clings to the tips as I pull away. If this shop just opened, why is it already so dirty? I wipe my hands over my shirt to get the gritty substance off. Shivers rock my whole body. Something about this place is wrong, and I’m not sticking around to figure out what. Tapping my cane along the floor, I’m able to find the exit without knocking into anything else.

Teaser Tuesday

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following: •Grab your current read •Open to a random page •Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page •BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) •Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Here's my teaser for the week:

I clutch my playbook to my chest and for a moment, I feel a pang of loneliness and wish that I had asked Henry to come over.

Catching Jordan
By: Miranda Kenneally
Release Date: December 1, 2011

Monday, December 26, 2011

Review: Roadside Assistance

Roadside Assistance
By Amy Clipston
Release Date: April 12, 2011

Description:
A very bumpy ride.


Emily Curtis is used to dealing with her problems while under the hood of an old Chevy, but when her mom dies, Emily's world seems shaken beyond repair. Driven from home by hospital bills they can't pay, Emily and her dad move in with his wealthy sister, who intends to make her niece more feminine---in other words, just like Whitney, Emily's perfect cousin. But when Emily hears the engine of a 1970 Dodge Challenger, and sees the cute gear head, Zander, next door, things seem to be looking up.

But even working alongside Zander can't completely fix the hole in Emily's life. Ever since her mom died, Emily hasn't been able to pray, and no one---not even Zander---seems to understand. But sometimes the help you need can come from the person you least expect.
 
Review:
First let me start by saying that I don't normally read books like this but I received it in the mail and thought I would give it a try.
 
We meet Emily and her father, her mom had just passed away, they've lost everything and are now off to live with her aunt Darlene.  This is a complete shell shock for Emily because her Aunt and her family are wealthy where she has just always gotten by with her dad especially after her mom's cancer became more severe.  Off to a new school for a new start but throughout this whole thing she's lost the ability to speak to God.  She can't talk to him, she's lost her faith and with that she has lost herself.  Without her mom she is lost.  I can completely relate because I don't know what I would do without my mom.  Emily is also different in that while her cousin Whitney is a Cheerleader, a super girly girl and just a perfect person in Emily's eyes, Emily is just a girl who is different because she would rather work on cars than go to the mall. 
 
The book was overall good but sometimes it got a little too churchy and preachy for me, but that's because I'm not a very religious person.  I do like the relationship that grew between Zander and Emily and how he helped her to find her way back to God and back into everyones life.  Even when life gets hard, things will only get better and you just have to move on.  It might not be what you want but it's what you have to do and with your faith you will always have that unspoken support from above. 

Friday, December 23, 2011

Happy Holidays!

I wanted to make sure I let all my followers and the blog world know that I'm wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa and any other Holiday you may celebrate!  Hope you all get what you want this year and things you didn't even expect. 


Friday 5 - Reflections

Hello, and welcome to this week’s Friday 5 hosted here! Please copy these questions to your web space. Answer the questions there; then leave a comment below so we’ll all know where to check out your responses.

1.In 2011, what did you do far too many times?

Ha, I think probably fall asleep too many times when I was putting the kids to sleep, I always meant to get up again and do things and I never made it back up again haha.  I overslept more than I'm used to.
2.In 2011, what did you rediscover?
I rediscovered my love for books and started up this blog again and it felt gooood.

3.What 2011 event will you still be paying for in 2012?
Ha - if it's not my youngest medical bills it will definitely be this Christmas.  I think I way over bought but I cannot help to spoil everyone, it's what I do best.

4.In what unexpected place did you find a friend in 2011?
Seriously at my local Kmart - I was just walking by and she's like Cathy and I'm like yea! I haven't seen her since junior year of high school many many years ago.  It was good and I tried calling her (well texting) but I could never get back to her, maybe this year I will reach out to her for real this time.

5.As 2011 comes to a close, what in your life is trending upward toward a much better 2012?
My book blog is looking better I just need more followers as soon as I can get some giveaways going it will go much smoother lol.  I'm looking forward to much better books this year too.  And more money since my car will finally be paid off. That's always a great thing

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Booking Through Thursday


A weekly meme about (mostly) books and reading. Hosted at Booking Through Thursday.

Today's question is:

Any books you’re hoping to get for the holidays this year?  How about giving? Are you giving any good ones?

Answer:
I can always hope for books but I know I won't get any because my family isn't very book savvy.  I will say that I know I'm getting a Kindle Fire which I'm excited about (especially since my five year old broke my kindle that I was using) and some amazon gift cards which I will use for good things.  There are so many books I'm looking forward to reading next year and many I never got around to this year that I will look forward to.  I was contemplating giving books away but I always share my books so it wouldn't be as fun or new. 


Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Waiting on Wednesday

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week I'm "Waiting on":
The List
by Siobhan Vivian
Release Date: April 1, 2012

Description: An intense look at the rules of high school attraction -- and the price that's paid for them.

It happens every year. A list is posted, and one girl from each grade is chosen as the prettiest, and another is chosen as the ugliest. Nobody knows who makes the list. It almost doesn't matter. The damage is done the minute it goes up.

This is the story of eight girls, freshman to senior, "pretty" and "ugly." And it's also the story of how we see ourselves, and how other people see us, and the tangled connection of the two.

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Top Ten Tuesday

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created by The Broke and the Bookish. This feature is great because everyone loves lists, including me.

This week's Top Ten is:

Top Ten Books I hope Santa Brings:

Obsidian by Jennifer Arementrout - hot alien living next door, i'm intrigued.

Catching Jordan by Miranda Keneally - I went to B&N and was staring at this book, I really should have bought it.

Amplified by Tara Kelly - anything having to do with music is a plus in my world

Want To Go Private by Sarah Darer Littman - you hear so many things and see so many movies about stuff like this, I'd like to see how they go about the story line of online predators.
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern - looks to intriguing to pass up
 
Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs - this cover is just too creepy that i have to see what it's about

Carrier of the Mark (Carrier Trilogy, #1) by Leigh Fallon - i've seen too many reviews that i want to jump on the wagon.

Remembrance by Michelle Madow - love the cover, just have to read it

Getting Over Garrett Delaney by Abby McDonald - technically this hasn't come out yet, but I'm excited!

The Fine Art of Truth or Dare by Melissa Jensen - this is also not out yet but you know with amazon gift cards (wink) I can get it as a Christmas gift lol.

Teaser Tuesday

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following: •Grab your current read •Open to a random page •Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page •BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) •Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Here's my teaser for the week:

He blew out a frustrated sigh, and I knew I'd hit a nerve.  "Don't you remember what I told you about how lucky we are to be here? Chuck and Darlene are doing more than I could ever expect.  You need to just get rid of that chip on your shoulder and suck it up until we can move out.  it's going to be a while, a long while, so just make the best of it."

 
Roadside Assistantce
By Amy Clipston
Release Date: April 12, 2011

Monday, December 19, 2011

Review: Flawless

Flawless
By: Lara Chapman
Release Date: May 10, 2011

Description:
Sarah Burke is just about perfect. She's got killer blue eyes, gorgeous blond hair, and impeccable grades. There's just one tiny-all right, enormous-flaw: her nose. But even that's not so bad. Sarah's got the best best friend and big goals for print journalism fame.

On the first day of senior year, Rock Conway walks into her journalism class and, well, rocks her world. Problem is, her best friend, Kristen, falls for him too. And when Rock and Kristen stand together, it's like Barbie and Ken come to life. So when Kristen begs Sarah to help her nab Rock, Sarah does the only thing a best friend can do-she agrees. For someone so smart, what was she thinking?
This hip retelling of Cyrano de Bergerac is filled with hilariously misguided matchmaking, sweet romance, and a gentle reminder that we should all embrace our flaws.

Review:
Thank you to Amanda from Letters Inside Out for the fabulous giveaway of this book, it's always fun to win books from other great bloggers.

This book was a fun and easy read.  These are the kind of books I look for at the end of the year when everything is so hectic I just want happy thoughts and an uncomplicated read.  So I'm sure you know the famous story of Cyrano de Bargerac about a guy who loves this girl but his nose is too big and he doesnt' have enough confidence to believe she will love him so he speaks his words through someone else.  Yes this is a modern day version of that same story but instead of a guy it's a girl in high school.  Who sounds to me like she is really beautiful but her nose holds her back.  Even though in her mind she doesn't think it holds her back to everyone else they can plainly see it (not the nose but the wall).

Because of her facial feature she puts up this wall and doesn't let anyone in, that is until Rock comes into her life, but he goes for her perfect best friend.  Her not so intelligent best friend.  While Rock is more of an intellectual type and more suited for Sarah, Kristen wants to impress him so she has Sarah write to him on face book and email.  In doing this it's really Sarah;s own words and wishes that she is expressing to Rock, it's the only way she can tell him how she really feels (by pretending to be someone else).  I'm sure you know how the story unfolds but it's great to see old stories modernized into something more relate able for younger generations.  The book was great, was glad I finally picked it up.  Remember if you think something is wrong - then you probably shouldn't be doing it and "To thy own self be true".

Musing Monday

MUSING MONDAYS… is a weekly event where MizB at Should be Reading will ask a book/reading-related question, and you answer with your own thoughts on the topic.

This week’s musing asks…

What’s one book you always recommend to just about anyone?


Going Too Far
by Jennifer Echols. 

I fell in love with this book.  i would recommend this to anyone.  It a love story about a girl who is trying to be too tough for her own good.  All she needs to do is let go and let someone in.  It's hard but it's so wroth it in the end.

This book no matter when or how many times I read it still gives me butterflies.  It's my go to book and I would recommend it to anyone and everyone.

Description:
All Meg has ever wanted is to get away. Away from high school. Away from her backwater town. Away from her parents who seem determined to keep her imprisoned in their dead-end lives. But one crazy evening involving a dare and forbidden railroad tracks, she goes way too far...and almost doesn't make it back.


John made a choice to stay. To enforce the rules. To serve and protect. He has nothing but contempt for what he sees as childish rebellion, and he wants to teach Meg a lesson she won't soon forget. But Meg pushes him to the limit by questioning everything he learned at the police academy. And when he pushes back, demanding to know why she won't be tied down, they will drive each other to the edge -- and over....

Friday, December 16, 2011

Friday Finds

This is where you share the book titles you discovered or heard about during the past week. These can be books you were told about, books you discovered while browsing blogs/bookstores online, or books that you actually purchased. This is a weekly event I discovered from Should Be Reading.

Spin by Catherine McKenzie
The Demon Lover by Juliet Dark and Carol Goodman
False Memory by Dan Krokos



Thursday, December 15, 2011

Review: Pride & Popularity

Pride & Popularity
By Jenni James
Release Date: July 13, 2011
Series: The Jane Austen Diaries

Chloe Elizabeth Hart despises the conceited antics of the popular crowd, or more importantly, one very annoying self-possessed guy, Taylor Anderson, who seems determined to make her the president of his fan club! As if! Every girl in the whole city of Farmington, New Mexico, is in love with him, but he seems to be only interested in Chloe.

This modern high school adaptation of “Pride and Prejudice” is a battle of wits as Chloe desperately tries to remain the only girl who can avoid the inevitable—falling for Taylor.

Review:
So I had the fortunate experience of winning this through Good Reads.  Of course I had my kindle so I didn't have time to read any of the books that I've won lately but alas my lovely five year old literally broke my kindle so off the shelf my books have started to come one by one, which is a great thing.  I've missed holding books.  Anyway on to the review...

Pride & Popularity was a really great fast read with a very familiar theme.  This is a modern version of Jane Austen's amazing book Pride and Prejudice.  Which let me just say I personally love this plot and theme and will always read a book about it just to see how they changed it up.  So we meet Chloe (Elizabeth) Hart who absolutely cannot stand the very popular Taylor (Darcy) Anderson, but he can't help but flirt with her and make her wonder about him.  She had just moved from a different town where she tried to let her guard down with a boy but he turned out to just humiliate her so she vowed not to let that happen again.  That's when she meets Taylor, but that was 3 years ago.  Now they are seniors and she still can't stand him and he can't stop flirting/bothering her.  He wears her down throughout the whole book, she just can't stop wondering why he is doing the things he is doing.  Her two best friends are constantly trying to tell her that hey maybe he really does like you.  Impossible is all Chloe can think. 

It was great to have a lot of conversation in a book.  I think conversation is very important, yes I want to know what you're thinking and how you're feeling.  But there is nothing like a heated conversation between two people where you can just feel the sparks coming off of them.  That is what Chloe and Taylor have and everyone can see it.  I think I would definitely read the book again just to relive their conversations.  There was this one part in the book where Taylor's best friends sister is reading off a list of what he wants his perfect girl to be.  Which everyone hopes it's them because everyone wants Taylor.  The description Emma gives is exactly how I saw Chloe and my heart just rang out like yes he is so in love with her, but she just can't see that.  I loved it.  This book was great, can't wait to read the next book in the Jane Austen Series.

Booking Through Thursday: Character or Plot


A weekly meme about (mostly) books and reading. Hosted at Booking Through Thursday.

Today's question is:

What’s more important to you? Real, three-dimensional, fleshed-out fascinating characters? Or an amazing, page-turning plot? (Yes, I know, they are both important. But if you had to pick one as being more important than the other?

Answer:
You know this is really hard because they really do go together and they both need to be good to make a successful book.  I've heard some people say oh the plot was great but the characters weren't relatable.  I think in my opinion even though the plot is predictable or so basic and not as fabulous as let's say The Hunger Games that it makes it all worth it if you have some amazing characters that you can connect with.  I think the characters are more important because if you don't like them then y ou are not going to continue to read about them.  Plus even if the plot is not good at least maybe the character will make you laugh or cry or really just feel anything.  So I go with Character!

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Review: The One That I Want

The One That I Want
By Jennifer Echols
Release Date: December 6, 2011

Description:
Gemma can’t believe her luck when the star football player starts flirting with her. Max is totally swoon-worthy, and even gets her quirky sense of humor. So when he asks out her so-called best friend Addison, Gemma’s heartbroken.


Then Addison pressures Gemma to join the date with one of Max’s friends. But the more time they all spend together, the harder Gemma falls for Max. She can’t help thinking that Max likes her back—it’s just too bad he’s already dating Addison. How can Gemma get the guy she wants without going after her best friend’s boyfriend?

Review:
Jennifer Echols has to be one of my favorite authors, I can't boast enough about on her on here.  Any chance I get I will mention her first book and make sure everyone knows about it.  This book did not disappoint either.  Her writing style and the story she tells keeps you captivated because you have to know what's going to happen next in the characters lives.  Let's get into the book a little.

Gemma seems like the kind of girl who doesn't believe in herself enough and her best friend Addison, which really I don't know why they are even friends doesn't encourage her only puts her down every chance she gets.  This irritates me because I hate it when people get run over like that over and over again.  They are both at Majorette camp when Gemma notices a boy (but it seems Addison happened to be looking at the same guy at the same time).  But he seemed to be noticing only one of them.  Addison pulls Gemma with her to go talk to the two guys (his friend is there with him now) and they end up grabbing something to eat.  Sure enough one thing leads to another and Gemma is told that Max (the one she likes) is going out with Addison but they all have to go out together on a double date since Addison's mom is so strict.  This is how the book begins.

Throughout the book you go out with the four of them and you just know that the balance is all wrong.  Gemma doesn't like Carter and Max doesn't like Addison.  They all try to make each other jealous and it's really quite ridiculous how much they each want the other's guy but won't voice the opinion.  In the end everything works out as it should be and discussions are had between all friends, conversations that should have happened a long time ago.  All in all the book was a great read and I already can't wait for the next one.  I know some people were complaining about this being an ebook version only - don't fret I believe the print out comes out next year on 2/7/12.  I will probably buy it because I have to have all her books in my collection.

Have you read this yet?  What did you think?

Waiting on Wednesday

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week I'm "Waiting on":
The Selection
by Kiera Cass
Release Date: April 24, 2012
Series: The Selection

Description:
For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in the palace and compete for the heart of the gorgeous Prince Maxon.

But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.
Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself- and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Quote of the Day

I usually get the Goodreads quote of the day emailed to me because sometimes you get one that is just perfect for that day.  Today is that day. 

Whenever you think or you believe or you know, you're a lot of other people: but the moment you feel, you're nobody-but-yourself.

- E.E. Cummings

The celebrated poet was born on this day in 1901.



Top Ten Tuesday

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created by The Broke and the Bookish. This feature is great because everyone loves lists, including me.

This week's Top Ten is:

Top Ten Books I Want To Give As Gifts (and to who...even if you won't actually give them!)


1.  Going Too Far by Jennifer Echols - I would give this to my friend Therese because I think it's something everyone should read and I'd love for her to share my love for Jennifer Echol's books.

2.  Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake - I'd give this to my friend Diana, because I know she would love this book, it's just a really great book that she has to read, she might like the ghost part although she scares easily.

3.  Diary of a Whimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney - I would give this to my coworkers daughter because she loves this series.  I actually read one of the books and thought it was cute, was a lot like the movie.

4.  Twilight Series by Stephanie Meyer - I would give this to my friend Javier because he's been watching the movies with me but I know he probably won't read them because well he doesn't really read and he only likes the action sequences lol.

5.  The One That I Want by Jennifer Echols - I would give this one to Diana too because I know she loves Jennifer Echols as much as I do and since it's only ebook format I know she's getting a kindle for Christmas so she'll love it.

6.  The Grinch who Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss - this I would give to my oldest daughter she's five and sometimes she takes things for granted maybe she needs to learn the meaning of Christmas a little better and that the world doesn't revolve around her.  I don't know if this book necessarily teaches that per say but she needs to learn it none the less lol.

7.  The Hunger Game Series - I would give this to Therese because I know the movie is coming out and I need a partner in crime to watch them, but I would want her to experience the books first before she watches the movies.

8.  Sweet Dreams Collection - or at least as many as I can find I would give them to Therese because she is the one who introduced me to these books and I know it would bring good memories to her - the older we get the harder life gets sometimes you need that innocence in your life.

9.  Diabetes Cookbook - any one really - for my older brother who was just told he has diabetes and I can imagine how hard it is to find the right foods to eat and them still be delicious. 

10. The Guiness Book of World Records - for my boyfriend because he's just weird like that and loves to thumb through it.  I would get him the latest version of course.

Teaser Tuesday

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following: •Grab your current read •Open to a random page •Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page •BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) •Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Here's my teaser for the week:

"You'd better not steal me from Addison?” Max repeated, sounding confused.
“Yes, and she’d better not steal Carter from me, either.” I pretended to ponder the possibility, as if such a misfortune would be very grave indeed. Then I laughed it off like I’d convinced myself I was being ridiculous. Dearest Addison would not steal my boyfriend!

The One That I Want

By Jennifer Echols
Release Date: December 6, 2012





Monday, December 12, 2011

Musing Monday

MUSING MONDAYS… is a weekly event where MizB at Should be Reading will ask a book/reading-related question, and you answer with your own thoughts on the topic.

This week’s musing asks…

What kind of books do you like to read?

Why? Provide specific examples.

I love to read young adult, yes I realize that I am no longer a young adult but there is something about that age range that will always get to me.  It's not quite an adult but still on the way to adulthood that you learn everything.  You think you know everything there is to know but you don't.  People rarely remember how hard high school is for some people and how hard life is at that age when you're old enough for some things but not old enough for other things.  I love reading about it and author's different takes on it.  Plus you have so many great books about future societies and paranormal worlds that seem like fun to explore.

Anna and the French Kiss - great book about a girl who thinks she knows what she wants and goes off to Paris thinking one thing and comes home with a whole new prospective and a new hottie in tow.  This book just made me all happy and giddy inside.

Twilight - it bought me back into reading.  So many people were talking about it that I just had to read it and I couldn't put it down I think I read each book in the series about five times at the very least.  I couldn't get enough of it.  This is where the paranormal came into view and it introduced me into a world that I never experienced before. 

Those are just a few examples.  But there are just way too many to mention.


Sunday, December 11, 2011

Review: Crossed

Crossed
By: Ally Condie
Release Date: November 1, 2011
Series: Matched

Description:
In search of a future that may not exist and faced with the decision of who to share it with, Cassia journeys to the Outer Provinces in pursuit of Ky - taken by the Society to his certain death - only to find that he has escaped, leaving a series of clues in his wake.


Cassia's quest leads her to question much of what she holds dear, even as she finds glimmers of a different life across the border. But as Cassia nears resolve and certainty about her future with Ky, an invitation for rebellion, an unexpected betrayal, and a surprise visit from Xander - who may hold the key to the uprising and, still, to Cassia's heart - change the game once again. Nothing is as expected on the edge of Society, where crosses and double crosses make the path more twisted than ever.

Review:
We are back thrust into the dystopian society where Ky and Cassia are trying to be together against all odds.  Last time we left off in the first book of this trilogy - Matched - Ky was taken away into the outer provinces, Cassia tried to get reclassified so that she could find Ky and they could finally be together.  But she also wants to join the Rising, which she realizes is grows much stronger the closer she gets. 

There are new characters introduced in this book.  There's Eli who reminds Ky of Bram (Cassia's younger brother), Vick who is a survivor and a good person to have on your side.  Indie who is also a survivor I think that if Vick and Indie ever met they would have gotten along quite well.  Another character that was introduced into this book was Hunter, a young man who just lost his daughter and is part of the Farmers inside the Carving.  The Carving is a group of Canyons where the farmers live and everyone is searching for the Rising in there. 

Cassia and Indie manage to escape their camp and Ky and the other two escape theirs as well.  Through a number of hardships both very differently that they both must face (all characters really) both groups, the boys and the girls, do meet up with one another.  But this is not without any loss or trouble.  Xander does make a quick appearance in Cassia's life but he is thought about through the whole book, I believe the truth will be revealed to her about his secret in the beginning of the next book.

Overall this was a good book - a bridge between the path that is taken from the beginning to the end.  I just hope that the ending is what everyone hopes for, success in many areas.  Because to me so far the Rising just seems like another form of the Society that never looks to be on the winning side.  We shall see - until next time.

Friday, December 9, 2011

Friday 5: When in doubt: go to food.

Hello, and welcome to this week’s Friday 5 hosted here! Please copy these questions to your web space. Answer the questions there; then leave a comment below so we’ll all know where to check out your responses.

1.What’s your favorite ice cream topping?
Snickers - I'm addicted to Vanilla Ice Cream with Snickers in it.  I don't know what it is about it, it just works so beautifully together.  Another great topping I like is the strawberries and pound cake like a strawberry cheesecake.  Super yum.


2.What’s your favorite pizza topping?
I have found this pizza place that's close to my house that makes the most amazing pizza.  I've been addicted to their margarita pizza.  It's topped with fresh mozzerella and lots and lots of tomatos and whatever seasoning they use.  It's amazing.  So if you are even in Jeresy look up Cafe Amici it will be worth it.
3.What’s your favorite thing to sprinkle cocoa powder on?
I don't use coco powder unless I'm baking something.  So I don't really sprinkle it on anything

4.What’s your favorite thing to put whipped cream on?
Um whip cream, ice cream sometimes or some kind of warm pie.  Oh and I definitely love to dip fresh strawberries into whip cream it's totally worth it. 

5.What do you like to put upon a cracker?
Now this is a very spanish appetizer.  A square of cheddar cheese, a square of mozzerela cheese and a square of goya guava.  Eat that with a ritz or townhouse cracker all together, super yum.  Sometimes I will have that for lunch.  Not often but on the rare occassion we have any left over from parties.

Friday Finds

This is where you share the book titles you discovered or heard about during the past week. These can be books you were told about, books you discovered while browsing blogs/bookstores online, or books that you actually purchased. This is a weekly event I discovered from Should Be Reading.





Just Flirt by Laura Bowers
The Difference Between You and Me by Madeleine George
The Unquiet by Jeannine Garsee
When You Open Your Eyes by Celeste Conway
Life Is But a Dream by Brian James
The Mockingbirds by Daisy Whitney

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Booking Through Thursday: Mystery or Love


A weekly meme about (mostly) books and reading. Hosted at Booking Through Thursday.

Today's question is:

All things being equal, which would you prefer–a mystery? Or a love story?

I will always choose a good love store like Anna and the French Kiss or Going Too Far,  There is nothing as great as a really good love story,  It can be a happy one, sad one, exciting one, or even just a comedic one.  I will take anything because I want to feel something when I read not find out who did it. (It was the butler in the kitchen lol.)

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Waiting on Wednesday

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week I'm "Waiting on":
Before You Go
By James Preller
Release Date: July 17, 2012

Description:
The summer before his senior year, Jude (yes, he’s named after the Beatles song) gets his first job, falls in love for the first time, and starts to break away from his parents. Jude’s house is kept dark; no one talks much—it’s been that way since his little sister drowned in a swimming pool when Jude was supposed to be watching her.


He was watching her. He looked away for just a moment. He was only nine years old. And he’s never truly grieved for her, or for the emotional deaths of his parents, who refuse to talk about what happened. Seven years later, Jude is finally, finally starting to live. Really live. And then life spins out of control. Again.

Acclaimed author James Preller explores life, death, love, faith, and resilience in a story that will grip readers from the book’s dramatic first few pages to its emotional end.

--------------

This is something different and I just happen to come across it.  Looks interesting I want to know how his life spins out of control - again.

What are you waiting for?

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Review: Destined

Destined
By P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast
Release Date: October 25, 2011
Series: House of Night

Description:
In Destined, the forces of Light and Dark collide as their epic struggle focuses on Tulsa's House of Night. Zoey is home where she belongs, safe with her Guardian Warrior, Stark, by her side and preparing to face off against Neferet. Kalona has released his hold on Rephaim, and, through Nyx's gift of a human form, he and Stevie Rae are finally able to be together if Rephaim can truly walk the path of the Goddess and stay free of his father's shadow.

But is Zoey really safe? Does she truly know those who are closest to her? And will love win when it is tested by the very soul of Darkness? Find out what s destined in the next thrilling chapter of the House of Night series.
Review:
So this book did not disappoint.  It had the typical House of Night properties that made all the other books good.  In this book we find Rephaim as a boy during the day and a bird at night, Dragon is still mad at him for killing his mate.  Stevie Rae is very much against Rephaim and Kalona having any relationship whatsoever.  Neferet has a new slave boy named Aurox who was given to her by the White Bull.  Who is her consort (weird and gross and so very wrong). Erin and Shaunee are at odds with each other, twins no more.  Damien is still grieving the loss of Jack.  Stark is still surrounded by darkness because Kalona is still visiting him in his dreams he just doesn't know this yet, although maybe in the next book things like this will change, but I doubt it because after all it is Kalona.  Aphrodite is still her bitchy self but you have to love her.  There are new characters introduced into this book.  Lenobia is given a larger part especially now that there are humans working at the Tulsa House of Night.  Thanatos is back again in search for Neferet's real agenda.  There is also a new student that Erik marks who has True Sight after being blind.

A major part of this book has to do with the murder of Zoey's mother, and the reason behind it.  In this part of the series all the core group goes to Grandma Redbirds Lavender farm to relive the murder of Zoey's mother to see the truth behind it, who murdered her.  There are small things that happen here and there but I really don't want to give away too much if you haven't had a chance to read it yet.  I will say this the ending is not a major cliffhanger but it is.  It's definitely not as bad as previous cliffhangers.  All in all it was a good addition to the series and may the stories continue.  I'm ready for Neferet to be gone or at least taught a really good lesson because she is starting to get a little too cocky.

Top Ten Tuesday

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created by The Broke and the Bookish. This feature is great because everyone loves lists, including me.

This week's Top Ten is:

Top Ten Childhood Faves

1.  The Cat in the Hat - This is going very far back of course in my Childhood.  I still love this book, I read it to my five year old all the time.  I think I just really love the whole rhyming of the entire book.  Dr. Seuss what a genius. 

2.  Sweet Dreams Series - My friend got me addicted to this series.  She had me literally roaming every single Library in our surrounding area for these books.  We would literally read them in a day and then return them to get more books.  It was fun to share something with a friend.

3.  Christopher Pike - I used to read anything by Christopher Pike I was obsessed with those scary stories.  The who did it kind of things.  Now that I think about it almost reminds me of Scream or movies like that.  Because they were all about teens.  Oh to go back to those days, sigh.

4.  R.L. Stine - This was pre-Goosebumps when his books were much like Christopher Pike's books think the Fear Street Series.  I don't know how Goosebumps is because I've never really read them but I heard they were good too.

5.  Flowers in the Attic - V.C. Andrews was really big when I was younger - seeing Flowers in the Attic on TV was a crazy movie.  It's like did they really just do that.  My girlfriends used to get me into these series and it's just like soap opera drama.  I never got to read all of them and probably wouldn't have time to now but I have fond memories.

That's all for my list now because really I focused on these books a lot and they were all mainly series so I was addicted.  Sure sometimes I'd pick up a Babysitters Club book or something along those lines but nothing could beat these authors or books when I was younger.  Memories!

Teaser Tuesday

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following: •Grab your current read •Open to a random page •Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page •BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) •Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Here's my teaser for the week:

I wake up inside a machine. I can’t see anything, I’m in a tube and its insides are pressed up against me and the noise, so much noise, a harsh rhythmic clanging. I’ve dreamed myself inside a grave, I’ve dreamed myself dead, and I scream and scream and scream.

As I Wake
By Elizabeth Scott
Release Date: September 15, 2011

Monday, December 5, 2011

Monday Musing

MUSING MONDAYS… is a weekly event where MizB at Should be Reading will ask a book/reading-related question, and you answer with your own thoughts on the topic.

This week’s musing asks…

How many books do you read in a week? Month? Year?

Answer:
Seriously I wish I could say I read more than one book a week, and sometimes I do but usually it's been a little tough with the holidays and everything that's going on lately.  Sometimes I finish a book in a two days, sometimes it takes me two weeks it all depends on what I'm reading and the amount of time I have to read it.  I'm not a fast reader, I like to enjoy my book and savor it so I take my time with it.  In a week average 1-2 books, in a month average 4-5 maybe and a year well I am doing the good reads challenge right now I'm up to 75 out of 80 so I'm not doing too bad, I don't think. 

Friday, December 2, 2011

Friday 5 - Winter (Cold Weather)

So I never really share much about myself I think i did this meme once but I think i will make it a little more regular just so my followers can learn a little bit more about me every day.  Enjoy and share your responses, thanks!

Hello, and welcome to this week’s Friday 5 hosted here! Please copy these questions to your web space. Answer the questions there; then leave a comment below so we’ll all know where to check out your responses.

1.What’s your favorite thing about cold weather?
Lots and Lots of blankets, snuggling under the covers and sleep late on weekends.  Watching TV while lying on the bed reading.  Oh so blissful.  At least until the kids come in screaming and throwing everything around the room he he.

2.Soups and hot beverages seem to be everyone’s favorite cold-weather culinary combatant, but what’s another food that seems to take the bite out of the cold?
Well, I'm not really into hot drinks such as Tea or Coffee or Hot Cocoa, nope not for me.  I'll eat soup no problem but that's about it.  During the winter what do I like to keep me warm?  A good old bowl of Ravioli ha ha I haven't had some in so long I just gave myself a craving.

3.When the weather is just starting to turn cold but is not yet in full frigidity, what do you add to your bed until it’s time to break out the heavy artillery? (I said what, not whom!)
Ha ha who can I add, that would be a nice question lol.  I don't add anything to my bed but I do add something to my room.  Even though we have a central heater I always bring in my little space heater to make my room just that much more extra nice and toasty.  Oh it feels so nice especially in the morning when the temperature has really dropped.

4.What household chore seems especially unkind in these colder months?
Probably mowing the lawn but luckily I don't do it ha ha.  Other than that I don't know chores are chores you know. 

5.Among people you know, who seems most oblivious to cold weather?
Probably my oldest, she's five and thinks she rules the world.  Will get home from school put on some shorts and a tank top - mind you it's fifty degrees out.  She makes me cold sometimes ha ha.  I didn't think I would ever say that because my mother would always tell me that. Ha too funny how things come around again.

Friday Finds

This is where you share the book titles you discovered or heard about during the past week. These can be books you were told about, books you discovered while browsing blogs/bookstores online, or books that you actually purchased. This is a weekly event I discovered from Should Be Reading.



   


Open Minds by Susan Kaye Quinn
Shattered Souls by Mary Lindsey
Remembrance by Michelle Madow
My Soup to Keep by Rachel Vincent
You have Seven Messages by Stewart Lewis
Pine Light by Jillian Perry

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Booking through Thursday - Mood Reading


A weekly meme about (mostly) books and reading. Hosted at Booking Through Thursday.

Today's question is:

Do you find that your mood affects the things you read? Like, if you’re in a bad mood, do you tend to indulge in reading that will support it or do you try to read things that will cheer you up? Do you pick different types of books on dreary, rainy days than you do on bright sunny ones? For that matter, does your mood color what you’re reading, so that a funny book isn’t so funny or a serious one not so deep?

I do believe that moods affect everything we do, it affects the books we pick up, the TV we watch, the music we listen to and they influence new moods as well.  Usually if I'm in a bad mood I won't read I'll just watch TV.  But if everything around me is insane and complete chaos and all I want to do is escape then I will definitely pick up a book.  It's been so busy with the holidays that I haven't had much time to read but I'm pushing forward trying to, as soon as these holidays are over (and I have my new Kindle Fire) I will be back on the ball again.  It's been tough though.  So my mood has been busy hectic and crazy with no time to read.

But back to the question at hand, yes I pick books depending on my moods sometimes.  Especially if I want to go to a happy place then I will have to read something super cute and fast that will get me all giddy inside, with much much swoonworthiness, such as Anna and the French Kiss or Going too Far.

How about you - are you a moody reader?

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Waiting on Wednesday

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week I'm "Waiting on":
The One That I Want
By Jennifer Echols
Release Date: 12/6/11

Description:

Gemma can’t believe her luck when the star football player starts flirting with her. Max is totally swoon-worthy, and even gets her quirky sense of humor. So when he asks out her so-called best friend Addison, Gemma’s heartbroken.


Then Addison pressures Gemma to join the date with one of Max’s friends. But the more time they all spend together, the harder Gemma falls for Max. She can’t help thinking that Max likes her back—it’s just too bad he’s already dating Addison. How can Gemma get the guy she wants without going after her best friend’s boyfriend?

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Teaser Tuesday

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following: •Grab your current read •Open to a random page •Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page •BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) •Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Here's my teaser for the week:
She bit her inner cheek.  "You shouldn't hold onto your emotions, is all I'm saying.  It isn't healthy.  I know that your period of mourning is over and that no one will make exceptions for you any longer.  But just don't let that make you go ... cold."

Dearly Departed
By Lia Habel
Release Date: October 18, 2011

Top Ten Tuesday

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created by The Broke and the Bookish. This feature is great because everyone loves lists, including me.

This week's Top Ten is:
Top 10 books on your TBR list for Winter

1.  Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare (12/6/11) the much anticipated next book in the series, need to see what happens next.

2.  The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith (1/2/12) The title alone gets me and the cover.  Really - what are the odds of finding someone great at the airport?

3.  The Fine Art of Truth or Dare by Melissa Jensen (2/16/12) Who hasn't had a crush on the cutest guy in school before - but then it working out - always makes it better and I can't wait to go through the motions of this book.

4.  Kiss Crush Collide by Christina Meredith (12/27/11) This is like a Romeo and Juliet story, good girl, bad guy, shouldn't be dating, secrets.  All good things for a good plot.

5.  Catching Jordan by Miranda Keneally (12/1/11) female quarterback, can we say girl power - nuff said.

6.  Tempest by Julie Cross (1/3/12) - I've seen this book around so much that I just have to read it.

7.  Obsidian by Jennifer Arementrout (12/6/11) Hot alien boy next door - could be interesting reminds me of that TV show a long time ago ugh I can't remember the name.  I'm sure someone can remind me.

8.  Don't Breath a Word by Holly Cupala (1/3/11) This seems like a really interesting book, to get away from it all she becomes a new person with the help of a homeless boy she meets. 

9.  Everneath by Brodi Ashton (1/24/12) a book about the underworld, I'm in.

10. The One I Want by Jennifer Echols (12/6/11) I will read anything by this author that's how much I love her books. 

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Waiting on Wednesday

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week I'm "Waiting on":
Fracture
By Megan Miranda
Release Date: January 17, 2011

Description:
Eleven minutes passed before Delaney Maxwell was pulled from the icy waters of a Maine lake by her best friend Decker Phillips. By then her heart had stopped beating. Her brain had stopped working. She was dead. And yet she somehow defied medical precedent to come back seemingly fine

-despite the scans that showed significant brain damage. Everyone wants Delaney to be all right, but she knows she's far from normal. Pulled by strange sensations she can't control or explain, Delaney finds herself drawn to the dying. Is her altered brain now predicting death, or causing it?

Then Delaney meets Troy Varga, who recently emerged from a coma with similar abilities. At first she's reassured to find someone who understands the strangeness of her new existence, but Delaney soon discovers that Troy's motives aren't quite what she thought. Is their gift a miracle, a freak of nature-or something much more frightening?