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Wednesday, December 31, 2014

December Book Haul 2014

 
(Forgive the picture. I can't rotate it.)
 
In this month's book haul:
Live Original by Sadie Robertson
The Shadowhunter's Codex by Cassandra Clare
Alice in Zombieland by Gena Showalter
Through the Zombie Glass by Gena Showalter
Queen of Zombie Hearts by Gena Showalter
Forget You by Jennifer Echols
Love Letters to the Dead by Ava Dellaira
To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han
A Little Something Different by Sandy Hall
Girl Online by Zoe Sugg
Rebels by Accident by Patricia Dunn
The Naturals by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Saturday, December 20, 2014

On the Sixth Day of Christmas My True Love Gave to Me..

6 Geese a laying!


The Seventh story in My True Love Gave to Me is Krampuslauf by Holly Black.

I really loved this story, and I wish with all my heart that it was a full novel. I've never read anything Holly Black, although I have heard of her. After reading this story, I'm going to be sure to check out her other books because this story was really great. It was mainly a New Year's story, but it did have a small amount of Christmas. I loved the plot and the characters and learning about what Krampuslauf really is. Definitely recommend.

5/5 Stars


Friday, December 19, 2014

On the Seventh Day of Christmas My True Love Gave to Me..

7 Swans a Swimming!


The sixth short story in my True Love Gave to Me is Your Temporary Santa by David Leviathan.

I've heard of David Leviathan before, but never read any of his books. After reading the short story, I don't care for his work and don't care to read any more of it. It was a shorter story than the others, and there wasn't much to it. I wasn't impressed, and I don't recommend it.

1/5 Stars

Thursday, December 18, 2014

On the Eighth Day of Christmas My True Love Gave to Me..

Eight Maids a Milking!


The fifth book in My True Love Gave to Me is It's a Yuletide Miracle, Charlie Brown by Stephanie Perkins.

I loooove Stephanie Perkins, so I couldn't wait until I got to this story. So far, this story is my favorite, and I think will probably be the favorite of others. It's so cute and sweet and is written greatly. What was unique about the story was that it was centered around hoarding and a Christmas tree lot. If for nothing else, pick up this book for this story. It's so, so worth it.

5/5 Stars

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

On the Ninth Day of Christmas My True Love Gave to Me..

9 Ladies Dancing!


The Fourth story in My True Love Gave to Me is Polaris is Where You'll Find Me by Jenny Han.

This is (so far) the shortest of all the stories, but still cute. I'm a fan of Jenny Han, so I was really excited to read the story. What I liked most about it was that it took place in the North Pole, something the previous stories haven't taken place. It had a different ending than I expected, but I liked it and I think it worked. My only wish was that it was longer.

4/5 Stars


Tuesday, December 16, 2014

On the Tenth Day of Christmas My True Love Gave to Me..

10 Lords a Leaping!


The Third story in My True Love Gave to Me is Angels in the Snow by Matt de la Pena.

Once again, I'd never heard of Matt de la Pena nor know what he's written, but after reading his short story, I've decided he's an author I want to look into. His story was sweet and I love the way he writes. It seems like his writing centers around Mexican culture, and it was interesting and educational. His story is what helped me really get thrown into the book.

3.5/5 Stars

Monday, December 15, 2014

On the Eleventh Day of Christmas My True Love Gave to Me..

11 Pipers Piping!


The second short story in My True Love Gave to Me is The Lady and the Fox by Kelly Link.

To start off, I have never heard of Kelly Link, and as I'm typing this, I still don't know who she is or what she wrote. All I know is that I never want to read any of her stuff ever again.

Don't get me wrong, the story didn't scar me for life or anything. It's just that the story was really super weird and confusing. It was just plain twilight zone or something, and I don't get what the point of it was. It's just a story from bizzaroland or something. It had a cute ending, but that can't make up for the whole of the story.

1/5 Stars

Sunday, December 14, 2014

On the Twelth Day of Christmas My True Love Gave to Me..

12 Drummers Drumming!


So the first short story in My True Love Gave to Me is Midnights by Rainbow Rowell.

I wasn't sure what to expect for this short story because I have never read anything by Rainbow Rowell. I hear that she's an amazing writer, but I've held off from reading her books because they are in third person. I really don't like third person books. They are slightly hard to relate to, and my mind wanders if it's not in first person.

Anyway, I was still excited to read the story because I wanted to know if it was worth reading her other books. After reading the story, I was a little disappointed. First of all, it's a New Years story, and I wanted to read about Christmas. Despite the setback, I didn't let that affect my opinion. I just didn't like the story all that much. I think it had a good concept, but I feel like it was lacking something although, I don't know what. And I didn't really like the characters. It was a cute enough story, just not for me.

3/5 Stars

Twelve Days of Christmas


So in honor of Christmas and the Christmas anthology book I've bought featuring authors like Stephanie Perkins, Jenny Han, Ally Carter, and many more, I've decided that I'm going to review each short story individually for the next twelve days! Be sure to check back every day to see which story I'm reviewing, and be sure to join in the holiday fun!

Friday, October 31, 2014

Creatures of the Night Book Tag!

So this tag has been going around Booktube, and I wanted to join in on the fun. There are different catagories that go along with a Halloween theme, and what you do is pick your favorite book or character to fit the category. I'm really excited about doing this one since Halloween is TODAY! So let's get started!

1. Vampire



I haven't read a whole lot of vampire books, but the ones I have read have sucked after reading Twilight. So. Twilight is definitely my kind of vampire book. (And before you ask, Team Edward ;)

2. Werewolf



I actually don't like werewolves at all. I've only read three werewolves books. Twilight, Shiver, and The Mortal Instruments series. Shiver is the most boring and pointless book I've read in my life, and The Mortal Instruments isn't really focused on werewolves, so again the Twilight series it is! But for the sake of not picking the same book over and over, I'm going to go with New Moon.

3. Zombie


I haven't read one zombie book, and I don't really want to. Zombie's aren't my thing, but I guess if I had to pick one, I would pick Alice in Zombieland because I like the idea of retelling Alice in Wonderland.

4. Ghost

By far the best ghost book I've read has been the Mediater series by Meg Cabot. I read the series when I was younger, so they really had a spooky factor to them, but nothing could make me stop reading because of the hot ghost Jesse. *Swoons*

5. Witch/Wizard

I don't read witch or wizard books, so I don't have a favorite. But for the sake of the tag, I'm going to switch witch to alchemist and say the Bloodlines seires.

6. Demigod

Of course, my favorite demigod is Percy, but because he's everyone's favorite, I'm going to name my second favorite demigod and that is Leo from the Heroes of Olympus series. He's funny and sarcastic, and I really love his character.

7. Fairies

I loooooove books on fairies, and by far my favorite series is The Iron King series by Julie Kagawa.

8. Demons

I do not read books with demons, but I do read the Mortal Instruments and Infernal Devices series, so I'm going to go with that. (I don't consider the "demons" in the books as demons demons. They seem more like monsters to me.)

9. Angels


I don't read a whole lot of books with angels, but I do really like the A Fractured Light series. I didn't like how the series ended, but it's still a good read and series overall.

10. Boyfriend

We all know boyfriends can be creatures of the night, and this category was made for Calvin from the new book Black Ice by Becca Fitzpatrick. I don't want to give much away, but once you read the book you'll see what I mean.

11. Aliens

BY FAR THE BEST BOOK IVE EVER READ THAT CONSISTED OF ALIENS IS THE LUX SERIES BY JENNIFER L. ARMENTROUT AND IM WRITING IN CAPS BECUASE ITS SERIOUSLY SO AMAZING AND MAKES ME EXCITED.

12. Human with Superpower

This is kind of a hard category because most humans with a superpower were really a supernatural that just didn't know it. So instead of picking someone that turned out to be a werewolf or fairie or shadowhunter, I'm going to pick someone that was able to face their fears... Tris from the Divergent series! Facing your fears is a superpower, right?

13. Dinosaur

To be honest, I don't know why this is in the tag, but I'm just gonna run with it. So here. Danny and the Dinosaur by Syd Hoff. This was a book I had as I child, but I didn't like it much. I don't recommend it.

And there you have it! The Creatures of the Night Book Tag! I hope you all have a fun and safe Halloween. Don't get into any trouble, and eat all the candy you can!

Sunday, October 26, 2014

Black Ice by Becca Fitzpatrick

What a crazy ride!

I first want to start off this review with a few comments about my opinion before reading.

When this book was first announced, I didn't want to read it. I thought it sounded creepy and scary and I am very much a scardy cat, so I wasn't interested. But this whole year I just kept rembering this book in the back of my mind. I had read the Hush Hush series and I loved it, so I wanted to read this book until I found out how creepy is sounded. Since it was the month of October and all things scary, and since some BookTubers I love were reading it for the book of the month, I decided to give it a try. Before I bought the book, I read and heard of a lot of people loving it. Then when I bought the book, I read and heard of a lot of people hating it.

The second thing I want everyone to know, is that while reading this book, I kept a very open mind. Now onto my review!

I looooooooved this book. And I loved it so much I put eight o's in it. I really really liked it. I'm not sure if it's just because I usually root for the underdogs, and I felt like this book was getting a lot of hate, or if it's really as good as I say it is. But anyway, I thought this book was well written with good characters and good development. Is this book creepy and scary? Not really. Is it something that I would recommend as a good Halloween read? Possibly. If you're dying for a book that will scare the crap out of you, this isn't it. But that doesn't mean the book isn't good. It's really good. It's just not a psychological read. I also think that this book would be a great movie, and I know a lot of people will hate on that comment, but I could totally see it on Lifetime.

So now there are a few main points I want to address.

1. Britt

A lot of people are saying Britt is a spoiled brat, etc. I didn't really see her as that. I don't think she acted like a brat at all. She did talk about how she depended on the men in her life a lot, but I don't think that's really all out of the ordinary. And she wasn't annoying to me either like a lot of people are saying.

2. Britt and Koribe's friendship:
Their friendship was terrible and it sucked. The writing didn't suck. It's their relationship that did. In every single book I've read, it's always the girl and her best friend that are so close it makes you want a friend like that, and then something happens and the two hate each other and have a fight before becoming friends again in the end. This book wasn't like that. The two were friends, and considered each other as their best friend, but they didn't act like they were. I liked how the book showed a broken friendship. It was something I could relate to and I have a feeling a lot of girls can too.

3. Britt and Calvin
This section may be a spoiler depending on how you look at it. So if you don't want to know anything, then you might want to skip to point four. If you're still here, then let me just say that Britt and Calvin's relationship is exactly how a relationship shouldn't be. It was false and manipulative, and made me sick, but I am glad that Becca Fitzpatrick wrote about it. I hope that some girls will be able to relate and realize that they are so much more and worth so much more and deserve so much more.

4. Character Development
I legit saw some great character development. Sometimes when I'm reading books, I don't always catch the development happen because it's so subtle, but with this book it was greatly obvious and it was like I felt myself changing along with the characters.

5. Other Reader's Reviews:
A lot of the quotes taken from the book and put into reviews are taken out of context. I would just like everyone to know that. I read a review that took a quote out of the book, and was like 'wow okay. that's why everyone is upset.' but when I read it for myself in the book, I felt like that's not the way it should be interpreted at all. Just keep that in mind while you're reading reviews.

Overall, I thought the book was amazing with twists on every page. I definitely recommend it and think the author deserves some recognition. It's completely different from her other books, and different from what's on the market right now. A lot of people are complaining about it being slow in the middle, but I don't know what any of them are talking about. I didn't feel like it was slow at all. It had a good pace and I felt like every chapter deserved to be in there. Give it a chance, and I think you'd like it.

Tuesday, October 14, 2014

15 Book Confessions Part Two!

1. I'm currently in what I think is my worst reading slump ever.
 
2. Percy Jackson is the main reason why I like Greek Mythology.
 
3. I love travel abroad books.
 
4. If there isn't a hot guy in the book, it's hard for me to read it and really get into it.
 
5. I think that's why I'm in a reading slump. I need more fictional hot guys.
 
6. I really want to rainbow coordinate my books, but that means I'd have to split books up in a series and I just can't do that.
 
7.  Sometimes I read middle school books because I like some of their concepts.
 
8. I want to write a children's book, but I don't know how to get started.
 
9. Even though I have a nook, I still buy physical copies of books because I like them better. Also, if an ebook is $9.99 and the physical copy of the book is $9.99, then it's just better, in my opinion, to buy a physical copy.
 
10. I really love winter/Christmas anthologies.
 
11. Even though I have about twenty or so books I own but haven't read, last night I just bought two more.
 
12. I first read the Lux series by Jennifer L. Armentrout on my nook, but when they were re-released in print, I bought them again.
 
13. I've always wanted to go to a coffee shop in winter and curl up in a fluffy, warm jacket and read a book, but I haven't done it yet.
 
14. I really want the Kingdom Keepers books to be re-written or a spin off series for teens.
 
15. Even though I'm no longer a teenager, I still read young adult books, and haven't read one adult book yet.

Monday, September 22, 2014

2014 Debut Authors Bash - Of Breakable Things by A. Lynden Rolland

Hello Everyone!
 
Today is September 22 and I come to you all with a new tour and debut author! Below you will find the book and synopsis along with purchase links and an exclusive interview with the author! Check it out!

 
A captivating debut about the fragility of life, love, and perspective.

When Chase dies tragically, Alex embraces her own mortality. What she didn’t expect was that she’d have to make a choice: forget the years of pain and suffering once and for all, or linger as a spirit and get another chance at life and love.

Alex doesn’t hesitate to choose; she’d follow Chase anywhere. But the spirit world is nothing like she expected, and Alex finds she's forced to fight for her life once more. For even in a world where secrets are buried much deeper than six feet under, a legacy can continue to haunt you—and in a place this dangerous, no one is resting in peace.


Exclusive Interview with A. Lynden Rolland
 
1. Where did the inspiration for Of Breakable Things come from?

The idea for Of Breakable Things came to me gradually. I’ve always had a problem with emotions- showing either too much or too little. Emotions are so powerful. Think about how much you love something, and how much you hate something. Think about all the energy it takes to feel, and all the energy of your thoughts and intelligence and talent. I couldn’t imagine that when the body died all of that energy disappeared into thin air. What if your energy continued to exist in the form of a projection? Then, I had characters that just overtook my mind. Alex was first- breakable, tragic little Alex. Chase appeared beside her one day (fittingly) holding her hand. His brothers elbowed their way in soon after (they’re pushy like that).

2. Would you rather the book be a movie or a show?

As long as it’s done well…either. There are so many psychedelic aspects to a mental afterworld, I’m afraid a production would either be very cheesy or very expensive.

3. Do you like to write in order or write as scenes come to you?

Typically, I write in order, but sometimes I feel the need to write a completely random scene. Usually this happens at the worst times, like when I’m driving or when I’m sleeping or at the gym. But if I have the inspiration for a new scene or idea, I run with it.

4. What advice do you have for writers?

You amaze me! Wait, that’s not advice. But I’m fortunate to meet a lot of very young writers, and I’m enamored by their talent, creativity, and enthusiasm. Don’t listen to the naysayers. If you have a story, write the freaking story. Don’t let the opinions of others change your characters or their actions. It’s yours.

5. What was the hardest thing to edit out of Of Breakable Things?

The scenes between Alex and Chase when they were little. That relationship just writes itself, and it’s a beautiful concept that two people could love one another from the second they are born. Chase won’t walk until Alex walks, and Alex won’t speak until Chase speaks. Even a critic like Chase’s older brother Kaleb says he doesn’t believe in love, but he believes in whatever exists between Alex and Chase.

6. Who was your favorite character to write about?

Oddly, Jonas because he’s such a jerk! It’s refreshing to be able to say things I don’t usually say, and think a different way than usual, as well. He’s tough, but he bleeds just like the rest of us.

7. What is in your TBR pile?

Mortal Danger by Anne Aguirre, Fiendish by Brenna Yovanoff, and Imperfect Chemistry by Mary Frame.

8. Do you create a playlist while writing?

Absolutely. I’m obsessed with music, all kinds. I finished the sequel to Of Breakable Things at the beginning of the summer, and I’ve been setting songs aside because I don’t want to listen to them until it’s time to edit (I don’t want to waste any creative juice). One of my favorites is by this band Lily and the Pearl, and the song is called Snowglobe. There’s a scene between Alex and Jonas in book 2 that this song epitomizes perfectly.

9. Tea or coffee?

Coffee! It’s my happy place and my comfort food. I happen to be drinking it now at 10 pm.

10. What can we expect from you in the future?

Hopefully, a lot. I have so many ideas, and I’m as dramatic as they come, so if you like drama, you’ll love me. I take my time though because I want my stories to be exactly what they should be. Of Breakable Things is the first in a series— Alex and Chase have much to say and do. I’m also working on a contemporary now about a kid who moves to a small town where the teenagers rule the law.

Purchase Links:
 

AbeBooks.com: http://www.abebooks.com/servlet/BookDetailsPL?bi=13869041102&searchurl=%26amp%3Btn%3DOf%2520Breakable%2520Things%26amp%3Bclickid%3DwGN1kFyi82Ie1ri2ydTs3R14UkQWkuwt3WdtUw0%26amp%3Bcm_mmc%3Daff-_-ir-_-64613-_-77798%26amp%3Bafn_sr%3Dimpact

BookDepository.com: http://www.bookdepository.com/Breakable-Things-Lynden-Rolland/9781939765154?&a_aid=goodreads

Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/of-breakable-things

!ndigo.com: http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/advancedsearch/?sc=Of+Breakable+Things&sf=Name&facetIds=321011&sortKey=Default&sortDirection=0&ps=Books_Section

Half.com: http://search.half.ebay.com/Of-Breakable-Things_W0QQtgZproductsQQmZbooks

Indiebound.com: http://www.indiebound.org/book/9781939765154

Friday, July 25, 2014

Book Blitz: XY by Shanta Everington

xy book blitz banner
 
xy

Would it possible to live without gender?

Fifteen year old Jesse lives in a world where babies are born neither male nor female – Compulsory Gender Assignment is carried out at birth. Will the secret she closely guards be found out? Boyfriend Zeus, mother Ana’s Natural Souls, and new friend Ork, leader of We Are One, pull Jesse in different directions, forcing her to make her own mind up about who she really is.
 
Cover quote:
"A highly original and thought-provoking dystopian novel. I don’t think I’ve ever read anything like it!”
Luisa Plaja, Chicklish, the UK’s Teen Fiction Site
 
Excerpt:
“I think Zeus might have a crush on you,” says Randy over breakfast the next morning.
The family are in the kitchen, sitting around the big, old, oak dining table, a hand-me-down from one of Ana’s friends. Most of their belongings are cast-offs. They are used to relying on the charity of others connected to Natural Souls. Ana has set the table with cereal, orange juice, toast and home-made preserves.
“Shut up,” says Jesse, spooning muesli into her mouth.
“Seriously. Didn’t you notice the way he kept watching you yesterday when you came out into the garden with your tight top on? I don’t think it was just your lemon ice lollies he was drooling at!”
Jesse feels her heart beating a little faster. Zeus is nice, she thinks, but nothing can happen. Zeus is one of the Nine Per Cent. He wouldn’t want her. At least not until afterwards. If she goes through with it.
“I know you like him!” continues Randy in a sing-song voice. “Don’t worry, I won’t tell him your secret!”
“Randy,” says Ana sharply, pouring milk into her bowl. “Don’t wind your sister up before school.”
“I’m not!” protests Randy, rocking his chair backwards and stuffing toast into his mouth. “I’m just saying!”
Jesse carries on eating, feeling her cheeks burn.
Randy gets up from the table and whispers to Jesse on his way out of the kitchen, “He likes you, he likes you!”
Once her brother is out of earshot, Jesse turns to her mother.
“Mum, can I ask you a question?” she says, playing with her spoon, turning it over and over and watching her reflection morph into something grotesque.
“Anything,” says Ana.
“How old were you when you had your first boyfriend? I know it was different for you. You weren’t born like us but…”
“I was fifteen,” replies Ana without hesitating. “The same age you are now. His name was Jack. He was a friend of my brother’s too. He was born like you but he was a boy by the time I met him. It didn’t last, of course.”
“What happened?”
“You mean why didn’t it last?” asks Ana, absent-mindedly picking crumbs up off the table. “We were just kids. First love. It wasn’t even love. When George died, well…  Jack’s family moved away. It’s just as well or I wouldn’t have met your father and there would have been no Randy or Jesse.”
She looks up at Jesse with a bright smile. Sometimes Jesse wonders what lies beneath her mother’s happy face.
“I wish Dad was here,” says Jesse. “I wish he hadn’t left us.”
“I know, darling, but we have to be strong for one another. Think about what I said about seeing Maya again soon. Now, you don’t want to be late for school, do you?”
Jesse gets up and takes her plates to the sink before grabbing her school bag and heading over to school. Today she has history, biology, religious education and sex education. It will not be a good day. Her bag weighs heavily on her shoulder. She thinks about the text books it contains and what they are teaching her.
About the Book:
Publication date: 5 June 2014
Genre: Young adult (Dystopia)
Author: Shanta Everington
Paperback: 152 pages
Publisher: Bridge House (Red Telephone Books)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1907335323
ISBN-13: 978-1907335327
Formats: Paperback and e-book (Mobi only)
About the Author:
Shanta Everington is the author of seven books, including three young adult novels – Give Me a Sign, Boy Red and latest release XY (joint winner of the Red Telephone Books YA Novel Competition). She has had all sorts of jobs in the past, from baking vegan muffins and working as a private tutor to appearing as a guest agony aunt and running a teen sexual health helpline. With an MA in Creative Writing with distinction, Shanta currently teaches Creative Writing with The Open University. She lives in London, UK, with her husband and two children.
Links:
Author website: www.shantaeverington.co.uk
 

Thursday, June 26, 2014

Delirium EPISODE REVIEW


So for anyone that doesn't already know, Delirium by Lauren Oliver was filmed to originally be a show, but wasn't picked up.  However, Hulu recently released the pilot episode on their website Hulu.com. Before I go into the review, I would just like to say that Delirum was one of the best books I ever read. However, the short stories and two sequels sucked butt and ruined the series.
 
Emma Roberts plays Lena Haloway. She isn't who I pictured Lena to be, but I think that she was their best option. I love Emma Roberts and after watching the episode, I think I'd be okay with her and I think she'd work her way into the role and become Lena for me. They couldn't have gotten a worse actor for Alex than Daren Kagasoff. I don't think he's a great actor, and I think he's a terrible Alex. The only character I did like was Hana.

The episode itself was pretty terrible. It was way too fast and too many things happened. It felt rushed and there was no depth to anything. Within the first twenty minutes Lena and Alex were already making out, and by the end of the episode we are already seeing the ending of the book (which is a whopping 441 pages) when Lena goes over the fence. The episode felt more of a 'Previously on...' than anything. It felt like they were showing a bunch of clips and pushed them into an episode as if they were trying to catch viewers up on what happened.

They also included characters that shouldn't have been included. They added Julian, his family, the Wilds and a bunch of government people. It mostly confused me when it came to them.

I can only speak as a viewer, but what I would have rather seen was a relationship development with not only Alex and Lena but also Lena and Hana. There was no depth to any of their relationships and I felt like I was just supposed to assume Lena and Hana were best friends. I didn't have anything to go on to believe that they were. They should have slowed down the episode. Made many episodes to develop a relationship. Take a whole season to discover about her father. End the season with her going over the fence. Not add all of these events into 43 minutes.

Overall I'm very disappointed, and if this series was actually picked up and was going to be continued, I would never watch it. Not in a million years.

Sunday, June 22, 2014

Hades by Kamery Solomon


What can I say about this book?

Well, the first word that comes to mind is disappointment.

I'm severely disappointed with this book. I was so looking forward to it because from reading the blurbs I was totally in love with Hades. However, after reading the book, I didn't love Hades. I didn't love Hades at all.

The main character Katrina isn't exactly annoying, but she could get there eventually. The idea of her was annoying however. She was a country girl that thought she was oh so tough, and I think characters like that are annoying. Don't tell me that you're tough. Show me that you're tough. Make me believe it.

Another annoying feature of Katrina was that she kept calling her Dad 'Daddy'. Never once was he called something else. To me, constantly calling your Dad 'Daddy' is just plain creepy. I mean, okay, call him Daddy every once in a while, but all the time? No, thank you.

Hades wasn't annoying either, but I don't think there was much to him. My original assumption of him was that he was going to be a bad boy, but he wasn't. He was completely different. There's nothing wrong with making him different, but I felt like there was no consistency to him in the beginning. He's perceived as evil, but then once we meet him he's not evil at all. I would have liked to see some evil in him, and then small pieces break away to show that he wasn't.

I don't normally pick on grammar because I'm not good at grammar myself, and I know that these books are indie and use beta readers, but the grammar in this book was horrible. It made me wonder what happened because in the first two, there were grammar mistakes, but not enough for me to make a comment on them. Hades, however, was full of so many mistakes it was annoying. Also, the word 'though' was used waaaay too much. It was the next annoying thing to hearing 'Daddy' every few pages.

The story itself had some potential, but not the kind that I would normally read and like. The first two books were really great because the female characters didn't know who Zeus and Poseidon was, but in Hades, Katrina knew who Hades was. I really didn't like that. I much rather read about her not knowing who he is.

Overall, what I can say about the series is Zeus had the best story, Poseidon was the best character, and Hades was just there. Even though I am not impressed with the final book, I will be reading the next book that is kind of like a spin-off. I believe it picks up where Hades leaves off. Other than that I would say, don't get your hopes up for Hades like I did. Save it for Zeus and Poseidon.

Thursday, June 12, 2014

A Radiant Sky by Jocelyn Davies


Um. What?

After finishing the series, that is my response.

The book was so, so good until we reached a certain point. I gave this book four stars out of five. If it weren't for that certain point, I would have rated it a five star book.

I really like Davies writing and I think she has a true talent, and I really hope she writes more books. I loved how this series was so different from other books. She took the angel thing and totally reworked it into something new and great. I loved the characters and the atmosphere. It was really fun to be reading about Colorado instead of some other place like New York.

I only have two complaints about this book. 1. Asher was barely in here. It was frustrating to me because he is the love interest. When there is a love interest, I want to read about the love interest. I don't want to see him in two pages in the beginning, and only have him come back on page 300. That is what this book did. We literally did not see Asher for 300 pages. We always saw Devin though. Devin Devin Devin.

My other complaint is the ending. And this could be considered a spoiler, so be warned. The big battle is going on and then it just stops. Skye has an idea that doesn't involve fighting, and all of a sudden, the fight it over and everyone gets over their hate for the sides. Like, what? That doesn't work in real life, and it shouldn't have worked in the book. I'm fine with the writer wanting to take it in a different direction, but it was the way she went about it. It was literally a light switch that went on and off.

But, fortunately, I can look past this. It was a really great series that I was just drawn to and I'm glad I picked up the books. I recommend it to everyone.

Monday, June 9, 2014

The Fault in Our Stars MOVIE REVIEW


It may come as a surprise to some people, but I actually saw the movie The Fault in Our Stars. It was kind of against my will to be honest. The only reason I saw it was because of a birthday. But anyway, I figured since I was going to see it, why not review it?

Let me start off by saying that even though I wasn't really wanting to see it, I kept an open mind throughout the whole movie.

I think the movie followed the book really well from what I remember. I was impressed by that fact, and I also assumed it would be like that because I knew John Green was very much involved in the movie making. However, one of my friends that read the book and loved it said that the movie switched back and forth with the book.

I honestly liked the movie. I was impressed by it and watching the movie made me want to read the book again and give it another try. I loved the chemistry and banter between Gus and Hazel, and I completely loved Isaac. My heart was really happy when the opening came on and the font was the same font as the book. The credits were like that too. I felt that the movie was more emotional than the book. I also assumed I would feel this way because typically I get more emotional watching something instead of reading it.

*Spoiler* When Gus died, I wasn't sad. I wasn't sad in the book either. I mean, yeah, it's a sad thing to lose someone to cancer, but I expected Gus to die in the book and of course the movie. What was sad for me was Hazel crying when she found out. At that point, I wanted to cry too. What surprised me during the movie, was everyone else crying in the theatre. I heard everyone joking about bringing tissues and things, but I didn't actually think anyone would cry. It shocked me because of all the sad movies I've seen, I've never heard anyone crying in the theatre. People were blubbering.

Overall, I liked the movie. I liked the characters and the acting. I liked the raw emotions and truthfulness the movie had. I would recommend seeing the movie if you're hesitant to see it. It was actually pretty great.

Sunday, June 8, 2014

Crush Series Blog Tour


Crush by Lacey Weatherford
Book 1- Crush Series
 

 
Cami Wimberley has a plan, and that plan includes no room for boys—especially the big time party animal, Hunter Wilder, no matter how handsome and charismatic he is. She’s beautiful, a senior, extremely talented, gets good grades, and is working her way toward her dream college to be a musical theater major. Everything is perfect. Hunter Wilder does not want a girlfriend—that would complicate his life way too much right now. He especially doesn’t want this girl, Miss-Goody-Two-Shoes, so how come he can’t keep his eyes off her? He tries to keep her at arms length, but fate seems to keep pushing them together. Before long, it’s obvious to everyone they’re crushing on each other. As sparks begin to fly, Hunter finds himself sinking deeper and deeper into hot water. Soon he’s scrambling to keep Cami from discovering his dark secret—one that can destroy their entire relationship.
 

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Smitten by Lacey Weatherford
Book 2 - Crush Series
 
 
Life is good. Cami is away at her dream college with her dream man by her side. She thinks if she can just get through with meeting Hunter’s family that everything will be perfect. Little does she know that life’s about to turn upside down again when Hunter is called to infiltrate a gang whose specialty is chopping and racing cars. His contact happens to be a beautiful curvy girl who is the gang leader’s sister and he has to pose as her boyfriend. Communication with Cami is basically forbidden to help keep his cover. Hunter, however, can’t stand being away from the girl he really loves, and he sneaks away one night to meet her across town. He doesn’t know the gang leader, Ripper, has suspicions about him already and he’s following him to see where he goes. He surprises Hunter and Cami, and Hunter quickly introduces her as his foster sister who is having some car trouble. He thinks all is well until he discovers he has one serious problem. Ripper likes Cami and decides to pursue her, drawing her into the same dangerous world he’s supposed to bring down. Can he keep his cover without having Cami get caught in the crossfire? Will the two of them survive having to watch each other fake it in the arms of another? Or will their hot stolen kisses destroy everything?
 

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Love by Lacey Weatherford
Book 3 - Crush Series
 
 

Living happily ever after has always been part of the plan for Cami and Dylan, but when strange things begin happening around the Wilcock household, Cami simply believes she’s becoming forgetful. However, when the incidents begin to escalate, both are left feeling vulnerable. Unable to figure out what’s going on, Dylan delves deeper into the mysterious happenings. But when the truth comes out, he finds himself faced with the biggest decision of his life—how far will he go to protect the one he loves? 

 

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  Crush Excerpt
Hunter
             She lifted one and studied it with a small smile before reaching for the next one in the pile.“ These are really good, Hunter. You’re quite the photographer.”

              I held still, my heart racing, knowing if she continued far enough she’d see what I’d been doing. I would totally come off as the jealous boyfriend—something I didn’t want at all. She made her way through until she reached the images that were facing down.
“Those are the bad ones,” I said, moving to stop her. “I’m just going to put them in the shredder.” “Don’t do that.” She placed her hand over mine, stilling me.
“Let me see them first. All the others were so good.”
I was desperate, racking my brain for a way to distract her from continuing. “Cami . . . ,” I let my voice trail off, and she glanced up at me expectantly.
“Yes?”
I closed my eyes for a second. “Forgive me,” I whispered when I looked at her again. I grabbed her cheeks and pressed my lips to hers. Sparks exploded at the simple contact between us, and I found myself sliding my hands down to her shoulders so I could pull her closer. I wrapped both of my arms around her back and pressed against her, walking slowly forward until she was pinned against the door. Her fingers move upward, locking around behind my neck.
She opened her mouth, allowing me access, and I happily invaded, licking and tasting what she offered. It was heaven. She made a soft moaning sound in the back of her throat—or maybe it was me—I wasn’t sure anymore as her hands made their way up into my hair, digging in as she kept me pulled tightly to her.
My palms moved lower, cupping her bottom and lifting so she could wrap her legs around me. She did so as if she’d done it a thousand times before, and I moved to trail kisses across her face and down her neck. She tossed her head back, arching. “Finally,” she breathed out as her hands traveled over me.

 
Smitten Excerpt
Cami
I opened the door into the bay and felt a hand roughly close around my upper arm. I gasped as Hunter shoved me up against the wall, pinning me there with his body as his lips descended to mine. His mouth assaulted, laced with possessiveness and desperation as his tongue invaded, sweeping inside with delicious abandon. My knees shook, and I fisted his shirt in my hands, trying to pull him closer as I drowned in the sensations he was creating inside me.            
This is dangerous! My brain shouted, reminding that Ripper could walk through the door any second and catch us. The thought quickly left as one of Hunter’s hands tangled in my hair, and the other drifted down my body. A soft moan escaped from me, and he growled in return, pressing harder.
“I can’t take this anymore,” he whispered harshly against my lips. “Seeing you in his arms—watching him touch you. It’s driving me insane. I want to rip him apart.” He claimed my mouth again, denying me any chance to reply, but I didn’t care. I didn’t want him to stop—I wanted him to continue his ravishing. My blood pounded in my ears, rushing with both fear and desire as I continued to clutch at him, desperate to keep this connection. Heat streaked through my veins and threatened to melt every part of me . . . I couldn’t get enough.
“Cami, where are you?” Ripper’s voice floated in from the hall, interrupting the moment, and Hunter released me abruptly, stepping away, his breathing rapid as he stared hotly.
“You are mine,” he whispered, glancing once over me before he swallowed thickly, then fled the room through the far door that led outside.


Love Excerpt
Hunter


She never ceased to take my breath away. I couldn’t believe how much my love for her had grown in the short time we’d been together, every day more than the last.

“I recognize that look. Heaven knows I’ve seen it often enough before you drag me off to bed.”

“Drag you.” I folded my arms. “I can’t think of one time you haven’t been a perfectly willing partner. In fact, there have been plenty of times when you’ve done the dragging.”

Bending to kiss her, I gave myself over to the shock that always zinged through my lips whenever we touched, instantly lighting a fire inside me.


 All thoughts of dinner went quickly flying out the window as I devoured her lips, my tongue sliding smoothly in between them to taste her sweetness. Kissing wasn’t enough to convey my emotions to her though, I simply wanted to melt into her and be one.


 “I love you Dylan,” she whispered before pressing her lips to mine. “Thank you for loving me back.”

“I couldn’t breathe without you,” I said against her skin, wondering if she really knew she was my whole world.
Bending over, I kissed her cheek and whispered, “Goody, if you were in a line up with every other girl in the world, I’d still pick you out first.”
 
Cami
Kissing Dylan had to be the best experience ever, his full lips pressing firmly against mine as he held me.
 
Everything about him made me feel safe—the flexing muscles of his arms, the hardness of his chest and abdomen, and his height towering over me. He seemed so strong, so invincible.
 “Bite your tongue,” I said, playfully slapping at his shoulder.
“How about you bite it for me?” Sweeping me into his arms he gave me a wink as he carried me out of the room.

“Dylan should be in here any time. They just relieved Engine Nine­dash­three so they could take a break.” As if on cue, I saw my husband come through the door. His hair was wet and matted thickly to his head, and dark streaks of black ran over his cheeks. Even with his darker complexion, it was easy to see his skin was flushed and he looked worn out.

 “Kiss me and get out of here.”
I shook my head slowly as I moved closer. “So demanding.”
“You love it and you know it.” He grinned, our faces close as we stared at each other, and I could see the love shining from his eyes, even through all the grime that covered him.


My Review for Love:
 
Lacey Weatherford is one of my favorite authors. I think she has amazing, incredible talent, and she's always able to transfer that into her books. Crush, the first book in the series, completely blew me away. I had never fangirled so much about a book before in my life, and it contained what I have deemed the ''plot twist of the century''.  Smitten, the sequel, was just as amazing. It didn't contain any plot twists of the century, but it certainly threw me around, and Love was no exception either. In fact, when I first heard about Love and read the synopsis, I completely freaked out and here is your proof:
 
 
 
I was so stinking excited for the book to come out and when it finally did, I devoured it in a day. It was so sweet how Dylan/Hunter took care of Cami and how much they loved each other. It was a bit hard for me to get used to Dylan's career, and I wish he had stuck with his original job, but that's something I can look over. Another hard thing for me to get used to was Cami being pregnant. It was a bit hard for me to relate to because I'm no where near that part in my life, but it didn't kill the book for me. As always, Lacey's writing kept me on the edge wondering what was going to happen next. I had so many suspects on my list I didn't know what to do with myself, and when we found out who the real culprit was, I was shocked! Love really was a great book and I loved how realistic the book was. There was a cause and effect that would happen in real life and not some made up fantasy. It was great to see Russ again and I can't wait to read his book when it comes out. Overall, this was another great book written by the great Lacey Weatherford. I definitely recommend this book to anyone and everyone, and certainly hope there will be more Cami and Dylan books in the future.
 
 

*I would personally like to thank Lacey and Michelle for allowing me this opportunity to be a part of the Crush Blog Tour. It was a great privilege and something that I took very seriously. I hope I made you two proud! :)