17. Beautiful Disaster

Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

OK so here is the overview -

The new Abby Abernathy is a good girl. She doesn’t drink or swear, and she has the appropriate number of cardigans in her wardrobe. Abby believes she has enough distance from the darkness of her past, but when she arrives at college with her best friend, her path to a new beginning is quickly challenged by Eastern University’s Walking One-Night Stand.

Travis Maddox, lean, cut, and covered in tattoos, is exactly what Abby wants—and needs—to avoid. He spends his nights winning money in a floating fight ring, and his days as the ultimate college campus charmer. Intrigued by Abby’s resistance to his appeal, Travis tricks her into his daily life with a simple bet. If he loses, he must remain abstinent for a month. If Abby loses, she must live in Travis’s apartment for the same amount of time. Either way, Travis has no idea that he has met his match.

Now here is my review -

Mmmm mmm mmm....what good girl doesn't love a bad boy. Lol. I LOVED this book. Now, I'm DYING to get an autogaphed copy! If you want one too, it can be pre-ordered at Barnes and Noble.

Ok enough promotion lol. There has been a lot of talk about a movie...and I know this isn't exactly a review of the book, BUT - if anyone has seen the Maroon 5 video for One More Night - HE is how I picture Travis Maddox! All tattooed and yummy!

Ok, NOW my true review - I loved it, I didn't like the somewhat dysfunctional relationship Abby and Travis had at first...and it was a little tiresome all the ups and downs...I wanted to scream at them and say, "JUST BE TOGETHER ALREADY! Everyone else knows it's going to happen...so just let it."

However, I did like how complex the characters were. I liked the multiple story lines, I kind of wish we could see more of Travis' roommate and Abby's friend's story...but it looks like there may be a follow up and will be a series - so I can't wait to see what the author brings in next for the crazy lovebirds.

This is the my first read of any of the authors titles and I have to say that I have now founds a new favorite author!

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16. The After Wife

The After Wife by Gigi Levangie Grazer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I held off and held off on reading this book. I wanted to read "The Starter Wife" first - b/c I thought the two were related. They really aren't. I've also never seen the tv show.

I hate that I held off on reading it - b/c once I gave in and read it...I loved it!

It is the story of, Hannah Marsh, a reality television show producer who finds her world altered when her husband dies suddenly. Left to pick up the pieces and raise her daughter, her hilarious friends rally around her for support. While she tries to hold on to her life, her job, and her sanity, she questions (out loud) why this is happening to her. She actually gets an answer and a whole new world and insight into life after death opens up to her.

I was a little wary about this book - I did NOT want a sad read...but I was very supprised at how funny and lighthearted the read was. I LOVE the play on the title with the after life. Pretty clever.

Another intersting point...the husband was a stay at home dad...you don't see too much of that. I realy like that twist...but it's what's became a trial for Hannah. She had never had to stay home with her daughter - she was the one with the career.

This book definetly is on my top reads AND I enjoy books that make me want to go buy more titles from the same author.

Can't wait to read her other novels.





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15. Capital Girls

Capital Girls by Ella Monroe
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Hi, I'm a 30-something that loves young adult dramas - like Gossip Girl, One Tree Hill, and whatever other one may be on the market right now!

THIS book was right up my alley! I won it through a Goodreads Giveaway and finished it quickly. I was a little irritated at the ending...only because it left me wanting more!!

It's Gossip Girl with political ties. Yes, the characters are stereotype typical...but I think that's what makes it a good "can't put down" read...I love the catty drama tied in with a little mystery/secret!

It's like reading the game of clue. You are reading about each character and then are constantly trying to figure out what each of them is thinking/feeling...including their loyalty to one another.

The books starts with the death of one of their own "click" and seems like it starts breaking down from there - due to a "new comer".

I can not WAIT to read the second one! Look for my review on that one as well.

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14. 50 Shades of Grey - Book 1

Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I have never read "erotica" before this book, so I'm not exactly sure how it rates to other erotica reads. I started reading this because of all the hype....BIG mistake. I really can't see how this has become a bestseller...and not just this one but all three!?

Does it get better?? The storyline seemed a little off. Really, a 26 yr old "perfect" in every way billionaire? This really MUST be someone's fantasy. I can't remember - did they ever mention what Mr. Grey's company was??

I'd say the storyline was intriguing without all the sex...but the story line never got anywhere. Every time some sort of hint of a story came (ex: how Mr Grey became so many shades of *&*#& up) to the surface the author just watered it down with so much sex...the story just seemed to float away.

Not to mention the sex was so repeatitive...I just don't get the appeal of this book or the two that follow. I won't even bother to pick up and read the other two...it took all I had just to make it through the first one. It was just bad all the way the around.

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13. The Perks of Being a Wallflower

So, (why do I always start my reviews with so...) I finished the book in one day. It was a really good short read. I liked the style of how it was written...letters to an unknown person...or a journal type read.

Without giving away too many spoilers...I get it. I get Charlie, Sam, and Patrick. I get the story line. I get Charlie - the way Charlie felt, but can't really relate...not like so many others have.

Here's where my secret comes in....

I grew up attending private school...all the way to college even. I took for granted a lot of sacrifices my parents made for me to be able to have the experiences I did. I never had to endure or even know about the things Charlie did. My highschool experience was completely different.

I can't relate b/c while my life was NOT privledged...I never attended public school and I never had to deal with any of the incidents Charlie, Sam, or Patrick had to. I wouldn't say I was sheltered...just avoided (not sure that's the word I'm looking for) the circumstances.

The book itself is a very dark heavy read - but it keeps you hooked. It is a good "coming of age" highschool novel. There is not a happy ending...but it's real and I am glad that I had the chance to see into an alternate highschool life, the one I didn't get a chance to live - and I'm glad I had the experiences or lack of experiences I did in highschool.

If you get a chance to read it...do it!

12. The Vow

The Vow: The Kim & Krickitt Carpenter Story by Kim Carpenter

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


The Vow is based upon a true life story about Krickitt and Kim Carpenter. In 1992, the young couple met, bonded through their Christian faith and fell in love over a long distance phone call.

Shortly after, they unexpectedly survived a terrible car accident, The accident leaves Krickitt in a coma suffering severe head trauma. When Krickitt awakens, she experiences amnesia and has no recollection of meeting, dating or marrying her husband, Kim.

I always LOVE to read books before their movie counterparts come out. So, when I hear they were going to make a movie about this couple's incredible story - I instantly put this book for my eReader and VOWED (yes I meant the pun...yes I am cheesey) to read it BEFORE I caved to watching the movie. My resolve did not last long.

I really tried to push through this books so hard before seeing the movie. I was about 3/4 done when I could hold out no longer.

First of all - I had no idea how this story ended and as I was reading...they put pictures right in the middle of the sotry. This is common for most books - but seeing as how I was reading it on my eReader, I saw the outcome in pictures before I finished reading the books. I think this was a nother deterant keeping me from finishing the book. I now knew how it ended.

So, I watched the movie (yes before finishing the book) and I MUST say that after going back to finish the last 1/4 of the books - the movie was so much better than the book. Yes I realized nothing in the book was followed closely in the movie EXCEPT for the basic story line - couple involved in car crash woman gets amnesia.

However, the book was just so drawn out and at the same time repetitive...and I hated that it was supposed to be "THEIR" story but it seemed like it was more "HIS" story. There were no points of view from Krickitt - the woman who was actually involved in the accident and experienced it first hand.

Was she terrified, scared, fearing for her relationship? What was she feeling!? Not, "I'm her husband let me tell you what I think she felt."

The one thing I did love in the book and wished they had pushed more in the movie was their faith in God. I loved that they showcased how He is present when complete strangers were witness to the accident and just stopped to pray. That was my favorite part in the book.



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Reading reading reading!!!

I've been given a few books to review...so I'm sorry I haven't posted that much. I have been a READING fool! I have a few book reviews to get posted. So never fear I will have more posts!

Also, I was recently given the chance to review The After Wife by Gigi Levangie Grazer. However, I am REALLY wanting to read The Starter Wife before I read The After Wife. So, I was wondering if anyone has a copy I can share - either hard copy or ereader (Nook). Please let me know! I can be reach at email miscmaria@hotmail.com. Thanks!

11. Tell A Thousand Lies

Book Description:

In a land where skin colour can determine one's destiny, fraternal twins PULLAMMA and LATA are about to embark on a journey that will tear their lives apart.

REVIEW:

Tell A Thousand Lies by Rasana Atreya

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


I was a little hesitant with starting to read this book...I was a little unsure how I'd like it. It was a little outside of my comfort zone with the books I like to read. Once I got started, it was on!

Let me say that while reading this book, I could really picture myself in rural India. THe author did a great job of using imagery without being blantanly descriptive. I could actually picture the house with the courtyard, the heat of the day (I imagine how hot it gets in Texas and then multipled that by 100), and what the characters looked like.

I felt the story was a little drawn out. I'm not sure if this was b/c of my irritation with the story line or just that I felt like I was reading it forever. It really irritated me that Pullamma got so close to her happiness - even being there at one point - and then having it taken away from her just like that. Throughout this story I REALLY wanted her to be happy and when she was I felt happy right there with her. Then out of nowhere BAM! I felt hurt and sad right with her.

So, I did love that the author could make me feel with the character. My emotions went up and down just as the characters did. Not many books can do this for me.

I also learned quite a bit about the indian culture and a lot of the way women were treated and some still are today makes me angry. I also really loved when Pullamma started coming out of her shell, I love that she finally started standing up for herself.

I am very happy with the way the book ended, I just wish it had gotten there sooner.



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Introductions First! (BEA Armchair Day 1)

Hi! I recently signed up to be a participant in the 3rd Annual Armchair BEA. So to all of those that have come to visit my blog...welcome and thanks for stopping by!

For those of you who have NO idea what I'm talking about. Check it out here - ARMCHAIR BEA 2012. I think it's a GREAT way for us book bloggers to get to know one another.

It's a week long event - and today the topic is, "Introductions First!"

So here it goes....

1. Please tell us a little bit about yourself: Who are you? How long have you been blogging? Why did you get into blogging?

Let's see - I'm a 32 years old, married with no children. In fact just before I started posting, my husband was over analyzing am episode of "The Big Bang Theory" (which we both love) and I had to remind him I was about to go into "me time" lol. I tend to ramble...hint hint lol. I've been blogging for a few years...just not BOOK blogging. I got into it - because I needed something of my own...and living out in the boonies there isn't much to do. Heck, we are lucky we even get internet! I started just blogging as an outlet and now I can't stop. :o)

2. What are you currently reading, or what is your favorite book you have read so far in 2012?

I'm currently reading something someone sent me for review - "Tell a Thousand Lies." So far so good! Favorite I have read so far in 2012...I'm very hooked on anything by Sarah Addison Allen.

Tell us one non-book-related thing that everyone reading your blog may not know about you.

Hmmm....I have no children, unless you count my 3 dogs and 1 cat - and I kind of do. Lol. I have a BAD habit of biting my nails...ugh. I cannot seem to stop. I absolutely LOVE Gobstoppers!! I also LOVE old fashion mail...snail mail if you please! I love getting letters, postcards, books, etc! I try to return them all.

What is your favorite feature on your blog (i.e. author interviews, memes, something specific to your blog)?

My book blog has not taken on a life of it's own. I hope to have more followers soon so that I can start offering more. Right now - I simply love book reviews.

Where do you see your blog in five years?

Hopefully with more followers, and that we just enjoy each others company. :0)

Which is your favorite post that you have written that you want everyone to read?

Ooook tough one...probably the blog about the first book I won on Goodreads. I was so excited! Or the blog about my birthday present...my most beloved Nook Tablet! (THank you husband that understands when I need my me time lol.)

If you could eat dinner with any author or character, who would it be and why?

Hmmmm right now I think I would LOVE to have dinner with Sarah Addison Allen. I'm telling you people I am hooked! I LOVE the magic her novels provide. I bet she's got all kinds of great things to talk about.

What literary location would you most like to visit? Why?

And sticking to my theme...I'd like to visit the garden in Garden Spells.
I read that book and just envisioned the most beautiful calm safe feeling...and it it was real...I'd love to feel safe there.

What is your favorite part about the book blogging community? Is there anything that you would like to see change in the coming years?

I love how many there are of us! I love how friendly everyone is and nice and just willing to befriend you. It's as if our love of books is the string that ties us all together. Like, instantly you find someone who loves the books you do and your just about instant BFFs lol. As far as change - yes I'd like to see the community grow and grow and grow. Books have saved me multiple times...and I hope the outreach grows so that someone who needs them the most finds them too!

Have your reading tastes changed since you started blogging? How?

Yes actually, I'm noticing that books I would have otherwised said no to - I'm actually reading AND enjoying!

Well there you have it ladies and gents...book lovers of all kind. My name is Maria and it's been a pleasure meeting you!

10. If You Ask Me (And of Course You Won't)

If You Ask Me by Betty White

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Loved it! Short but sweet. I learned a few things about Ms. White that I did not know. I believe she stated this was her third book. I will definetly check out her others.

She is a remarkable women who has accomplished lots of things in her 89 yrs.

The book had advice while sharing her experiences. She seems like a very down to earth lady. I absolutely adore that she is such an animal lover, dogs especially!

Very classy and very funny! A great read!



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9. Confessions of a Middle-Aged Babe Magnet

Confessions of a Middle-Aged Babe Magnet by Chad Stone

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Ok, so what should I say about this? I rated it three stars. It was ok, it wasn't what I was hoping for but it was a light read. Reading the reviews, I expected HILARIOUS adventures in dating.

What I got was an older gentleman's break back into the dating world coming out of a divorce. I'm not sure if I just was NOT in the right age-group to respect something of this nature.

I felt two things while reading it:

1) It felt a little awkward in the sense that I felt like I was being nosey in my father's personal romantic conquests. Again, I think this would have been enjoyed by a more mature age group.

2) I felt like the book was a complete advertisement of multiple websites. (IE: Match.com, Cupid.com, Wikipedia).

There were a few phrases throughout the book that I enjoyed and seem to connect with, but then the author would jump back in with "Wikipedia says...." and he'd lose me all over again. I'm not one for having just plain old facts spouted at me as I'm trying to read for enjoyment and humor. I felt like I was reading a research paper entirely based on online quotes. If I had wanted to know what Wikipedia says about dating...I would have just looked there myself.

I laughed out loud ONCE the entire book...and that was at his commenting on how bar lighting had failed him once again.

I did also enjoy when he just summed up dates with date names and descriptions. Yet, at the same time - I feel like he was inconsistant. I felt the short summaries with names was kind of stuffed in there becase he was running out of pages and had to get to the end before going over his page limit. The author took the first few dates and had them go on in detail for pages. It wasn't till near the end that he had to try and squeeze the others in there to just get it done.

I think it would have been more suited for the self-help section. I think it may possibly help those newly divorce after years of marriage. Men and Women...men, it'll give you tips. Women, it will give insight as to what a man is thinking.

All in all - for me a 32 yr old married lady - it was just ok...no fireworks here. 3 stars, b/c while it wasn't for me - I think it will be enjoyed by it's targeted group.


If you are interested in reading it yourself, it can be purchased at Barnes and Noble and
Amazon. Just click the link below.



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Book Haul! Week of 5/14/2012

This week I only received ONE book to review in snail mail.

I'm running low on items to review...so by all means shoot me an email if you are interested in having your book reviewed. Thanks!

The New Love of My Life....and last week's book haul!

Ok so ... guess what I got for my birthday!!!!

I am SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO excited and have BARELY put it down since I got it. I'm so excited to have an ereader again! Now I can take on more books for review...so hit me up!! I do still love signed copies! This way I can read the book and NOT risk getting my signed copy messed up!!

Speaking of book copies...I received two books in the mail last week...

And look here......a signature!!

The Concubine's Gift by K. Ford K. and Capital Girls by Ella Monroe. I cannot WAIT to start reading them. I'm currently in the middle of reading Confession of a Middle-Aged Babe Magnet by Chad Stone right now though.

Further more...I think since I am LOVING my Nook Tablet so much more than I loved my Kindle...I will be linking with Barnes and Noble the most. I just need to put some loyalty out there I think. I will still link Amazon...b/c a lot of the self published authors are on there...just expect to see more B&N related material. :o) Of course, reviews will be posted ANYWHERE I can think of and any place the author requests.

I do hope everyone is having a very Happy Mother's days, mothers of real babies and fur babies (like me)!

8.5 Promise Me Eternity

Promise Me Eternity by Ian Fox

My rating: 1 of 5 stars

Ok - I have tried REEEEEEEEEEEALLLLLY hard to finish this book. Simply put, I can't. It's bad...and I don't know if it's just not my style, because I can read just about anything and be happy. I HATED that each character seemed to have their own story inside of the main plot. Maybe I just never got to the point in the plot where the many differenct characters come to merge...but I really could not force myself to go ANY further. I read for enjoyment...and I did NOT enjoy what I read.


Have you ever seen that movie, "Crash"? That's what I thought would happen...that suddenly all of the characters would reveal what each has to do with the other. It never did...or at least as far as I read it never did.


The main points are - it's slow, the conversations between characters are dull, and the characters are very unrealistic. A few other reviewers stated it was "predictable" however, I don't think I could get into it that far to be able to say that...for me...I had no idea where it was going but wanted it to get there faster!

I try to give honest reviews on each book that I read...and I am completely heart broken that this will be my first 1 star review! I also cannot figure out how he has so many GOOD reviews!

Giving the author some credit, he did let me know that english was NOT his first language. I'm sorry Ian Fox....but I simply could not continue.


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Google + ??

Question for the masses -

Is Google+ the only way to follow blogs here?? I was asked this question this morning and I'm not sure. I've tried looking through the gadgets. Let me know if someone else knows. Thanks!

Monday Magic

Ok ok. I was going to title this post Monday Madness....but Monday's already suck...so I wanted something well, a little more magical.

I for one am 100% giddy right now! I won ANOTHER book on Goodreads. This one is called Capital Girls by Ella Monroe. It is a first in a series...so I really can't wait! What's more magical than winning a book!?

I've got a list of reviews coming posted to the right. I'm really trying get a review policy written down and posted. However, the only two requests I have are that IF it is an ebook, I prefer epub as that's all my reader can handle and the other is that the author follow my blog. I'm really trying to generate more traffic here...so I would love any little help I can get!

Also right now I am accepting self-published books. So, if you are intereted in sending me your book to review you can email me @ miscmaria@hotmail.com. I look forward to hearing from you.

Let's see....OH YES! I almost forgot we have a new follower. Let me introduce Rasana Atreya. She is the author of Tell A Thousand Lies and I'm really glad to have her as a follower. Welcome Rasana!!

:o) Happy reading!

My First Blog Hop

I am REALLY new to this whole book blogging world as I am sure you can tell. SO, in an effort to find more friends involved in book blogging I am participating in a blog hop.



In doing so I was asked the following question:

Are you attending the Book Blogger Convention (aka Bea Bloggers) and/or Book Expo America in New York City in June? If not, will you participate in the online event called Armchair BEA?

Here's my answer -

Sadly, no I will not be attending the Blogger Convention in NY (one of my favorite states)! Until today, I was not even aware that it existed. I however will be checking into the online event and attending it.

8. Roadside Assistance

Roadside Assistance by Amy Clipston

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I recently won this as an ARC through Goodreads. Had I ever heard of Amy Clipston before...honestly no. As I was going through the giveaway list on Goodreads I noticed the cover/name of the book first. Yes. I know they say, "Never judge a book by it's cover" but that is exactly what I did. I then read the description and thought it sounded like something I'd enjoy.

Of course as everyone knows when you "enter to win" they encourage you to add the book to your "to-read" shelf. Well, I've been a little happy go lucky with that shelf and I thought, "Yeah...if I get around to reading it." I mean, I'm some what of a book hoarder. I love books...and just buy buy buy and can't possible read EVERY single one. My favorite is the dollar or discount book section that most bookstores have. My husband teases me b/c we will go to a bookstore and he will head straight to the section he likes...and I will head to the discount section. He will come back with 2 - 3 that he wants and I will have at LEAST 10! He says, "How do you even know if you will like those?" I reply, "I don't but I hated them sitting there like no one wanted them...and I will read WHATEVER. I'm not picky." I just love to read.

Then it happened! I received an email stating I had WON! I just couldn't believe it. I WON! My FIRST giveaway amd a NEW book on top of that. Oh and then when I got it in the mail! I was even 10x more excited b/c I LOVE getting stuff in the mail...aside from bills and junk. Another hobby of mine, for a later discussion. :o)

As I dug a little more into the book (meaning researched while I waited for it to come in the mail), I noticed that this was the author's first stand alone (for now) YA book! She is an Amish and Christian Fiction author. Previously, she has written the Kauffman Amish Bakery Series. She has also recently renewed her YA contract and on facebook has been asking her fans if they are interested in a sequel to Roadside Assistance. I for one would have to say, “YES….here’s a pen. Get started!”

Roadside Assistance is about lead character, teen tomboy Emily Curtis coping with the recent loss of her mother to cancer and the adjustment her life takes. Emily and her father are forced to move in with her wealthy aunt while they climb from the debt of hospital bills incurred while her mother was sick. On top of all this, Emily is a teen struggling with her religion, other typical highschool drama, and her aunt wanting to make her as girly as her cousin Whitney. (Clipston is interested in making the sequel about Whitney’s story.)

In her struggle with religion, Emily feels like God has forsaken her and remember how strong her mother faith was through her sickness. She struggles with the fact that she feels like she can’t talk to God. Instead she starts journal entries to her mother. Some of these entries had me really teary eyed. I loved these entries.

However, a lot of the time…I felt like Emily was coming off as a little rotten…but I attribute this to being a typical teenager. I dread to think how horrible I was as a teen. *Shutter!* Throughout the novel, I kept wanting her to just wake up and see the greatness of what was around her.

Her father to me was another key character. (I’d like him to have his own book too – if this were to be a series, especially to know more about his talk with the pastor.) I mean, Emily felt like she had NO one to talk to…but he just lost his wife. My husband is my best friend…no idea where I would be or how I would cope if I lost him the way her father lost his wife. I felt like Emily was being a little unfair to him and could have been more understanding…but again, she is a teen. I mean how hard must it be for him to no longer be able to provide for his child the way he once did. He had to give up his auto business and everything he knew too.

I like the turn the book took when Emily and her father met Zander (the gearhead neighbor). I also like that this book wasn’t ramming too many technical car facts down your throat. I think there was a good balance and the references weren’t hard to unerstand. Clipston kept them at a minimum with just enough inserted to make the point.

All in all, I thought this was really well written and even though it was a young adult book I still enjoyed it. It was a very good, clean, emotional read with a really happy ending.

I would like to get more in depth into Whitney, Zander, and Mr. Curtis’ storys. Hopefully, we will see more of that if Clipston decideds to make a sequel. I will definitely be reading the sequel and after seeing all the comments about the Kuaffman Bakery Series, I will be reading those as well! Though my finding this author was somewhat accidental, I am so glad I did.

On a personal note, Amy Clipston and I have had short conversations through FB chat a few times and she seems to be a very patient, caring, and giving person. Very down to earth – and I am extremly glad I came to find her by way of book!

Keep writing Ms. Clipston – you are doing great and I think those of us who have enjoyed any of your books can say we really appreciate what you do.

For those of you that have not heard of her - please check her out on Goodreads, Facebook, Amazon, Barnes and Noble or her website.


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Author Jess

Hey everyone, I just wanted to give a shout out to a new follower. Loving her book blog AND she is a travel agent. How awesome is that read a book while you're enjoying a vacation she booked you on! :o)

And if that's not enough to keep her busy...she will review your books as well!

Check out her blog below...or over to the right in the "Blogs I Love" section.

http://authorjess.blogspot.com/

Books 6 and 7!

I am very much running behind on reviews!

So in order to reduce the amount of posts, I'm combining and posting short reviews for the Hunger Games trilogy book 2 and 3. This series is soooooooo popular right now I'm sure you've already heard the reviews that will influence you to read it or not. That being said here we go...

Book 2 -
Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Ok, so here's my take on the second book. The first one was good, although unlike others...it was very easy for me to put down and continue at a later time.

The second book however, was non stop for me. I wanted to keep going and going. I couldn't put it down!

I did feel like it was a little bit of a re-run though...the whole "let's go through the games" again was a little repeatitive...but in a more compact way. Other than that it was a great read. I read it and finished it all in the same day.




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Book 3 -

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



LOVED how this series played out. Again another non stop read...I read books 2 and 3 together on the same day! I was sad about some parts of it...I REALLY don't want to give to much away. Let me just say that I feel for her on the sister issue! And she ended up with exactly who I wanted her to.




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Ok, so probably not my BEST reviews...but again, this book is so WIDELY known that I don't think you will be hurting for any reviews on it.

Love the WHOLE series!!

Where does the time go!?

Hey readers. Sorry about the lack of posts. I have been out of town in training...and have had very little time to do much.

Anyway, I have books galore to read - well tons that I want to read and five promises that I would read and review. However, some of those 5 are series that I need to start from the beginning.

I really can't wait to read them and review...I think I need to post a couple of review on goodreads as well.

So bear with me...and if you have sent me a book to review I PROMISE I will get to it! Thanks!

Destined!

Ok, well seems like I was "destined" to win this also!! :O)

Recently won a copy of a tangible audiobook entitled, "Destined" by PC Cast and Kristin Cast.

I'd like to pass my winnings on to some other lucky person...post a comment below if you'd like to receive a chance at winning. Winner will be picked at random! But you must also be a follower of my blog! Contest will end March 9th at midnight!

Thanks and good luck!

And another one......

Can't wait to write the reviews! I received this email last night!


You are the winner of Destined by P.C and Kristin Cast - Tangible Audio Book

You won this prize by entering on Night Owl Reviews.

The publisher will be sending you your prize.

Have a wonderful 2012,

Tammie King
Director of Marketing

WEtap Media, LLC / Night Owl Reviews
Night Owl Reviews, 2459 SE TV HWY, #153, Hillsboro, Oregon 97123

Guess what I got in the mail today!!

Winner, Winner! Chicken Dinner!

Just won a copy of this "first reads" book on Goodreads!! I am so excited! It's the first book I've won from their site. I'm excited both to read it AND review it! I can't wait....here's to hoping our rural mail carrier gets it here! Look for the review to come. It will definitely be one of my 50 reads for this year! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

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Here's the book info:

Roadside Assistance by Amy Clipston

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 p...moreA 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 gearhead, 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.

5. Remember Me?

Remember Me? by Sophie Kinsella

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Plot Summary
When twenty-eight-year-old Lexi Smart wakes up in a London hospital, she’s in for a big surprise. Her teeth are perfect. Her body is toned. Her handbag is Vuitton. Having survived a car accident—in a Mercedes no less—Lexi has lost a big chunk of her memory, three years to be exact, and she’s about to find out just how much things have changed.

Somehow Lexi went from a twenty-five-year-old working girl to a corporate big shot with a sleek new loft, a personal assistant, a carb-free diet, and a set of glamorous new friends. And who is this gorgeous husband—who also happens to be a multimillionaire? With her mind still stuck three years in reverse, Lexi greets this brave new world determined to be the person she…well, seems to be. That is, until an adorably disheveled architect drops the biggest bombshell of all.

Suddenly Lexi is scrambling to catch her balance. Her new life, it turns out, comes complete with secrets, schemes, and intrigue. How on earth did all this happen? Will she ever remember? And what will happen when she does?

My Review
In my opinion - this is a "been there, done that" read.

Basically, someone down on their luck like the ugly girl in high school or the miserable kid, makes a wish that they were all grown up. And then presto-they are! It's X amount of years in the future and suddenly they are an adult and have become beautiful, popular and have a wonderful life.

However, it was a light read and quite funny. Yet still very predictable. Not one of my favorite Sophie Kinsella - but still a good read.


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4. One For The Money

One for the Money by Janet Evanovich

My rating: 4 of 5 stars





Plot Summary:
Stephanie Plum, an unemployed lingerie buyer, applies for a filing job with her cousin Vinnie, a bail bondsman. Vinnie's assistant, Connie, tells her the job is taken, but suggests she start apprehending some clients who have skipped out on their bonds, starting with Joe Morelli, vice cop and onetime sexual acquaintance of Stephanie. He is wanted for murder one. Stephanie is in financial trouble, and wants to take the job, as she will get a percentage of the $10,000 bail bond, so she blackmails Vinnie into employing her, by threatening to reveal his use of a duck for sexual gratification. In trying to find Morelli, Plum attracts the attention of a heavyweight boxer involved in the murders of several women.


My Review:
Loved it! I saw the upcoming movie trailer and thought about reading it before seeing the movie, but wasn't 100% crazy about it. Then as I was thinking of what to read next my sister-in-law suggests the series to me. 18 books is a lot for a series so I figured Ms. Evanovish must be doing something right.

I loved how she kept the book moving right along - it was a very fast paced read. Plenty of laugh out loud humor. I also loved how descriptive she was when mentioning the characters...I felt very creeped out just by her deacription of Ramirez. And I must say that I did not see the twist coming.

This book was originally published in 1994, so it was kind of neat to see how date the book was. Instead of cell phones, there was a car phone - oh and please watch the charges lol. Instead of voicemail it was answering machines. I like it.

All in all I thought it was a really funny, light read. I plan on reading the rest of the series soon and think you should too.


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3. The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I absolutely loved this book!

I was hesitant on reading it - because I'm not really that into action type books...and I thought thats all this was going to be. After several comments from friends mentioning I need to read it and that they read the whole series in one weekend - I took a crack at it.

It was great and I am so glad that I did! I'm holding off on reading the second book (and believe me it's tough) because of the fact that I'm meeting with a book group soon and this is what they are reading. I don't want to accidently ruin the next book or mix in the plots.

It is written in first person and introduces sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives in a post-apocalyptic world in the country of Panem where the countries of North America once existed. This is where the government, working in a central city called the Capitol, holds power. In the book, the Hunger Games are an annual event where one boy and one girl aged 12 to 18 from each of the 12 districts surrounding the Capitol are selected to compete in a televised battle in which only one person can survive.

It was good from the very beginning - my only regret is that it took me so long to read it. I snuck it in every chance I got - lunch breaks, before bed time (often times being so tired at the end of the day I'd fall asleep reading it and smack myself in the face with my eReader on accident), any place I could think of.

My husband and I started reading it the same time - he's the faster reader and ofcourse finished it before me. He loved it just as much as I did and would constantly ask "where are you at now" just so we could discuss what had happened so far.

It is a young adult novel - but it didn't seem like it, it's great and there are so many views to be had on the "government" in this book and the things they force their citizens to do.

I highly recommend this book to everyone!

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2. Sister

Sister by Rosamund Lupton

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Let me start by saying that what drew me to this book was the whole idea of "a sister's bond". I have a younger sister and even though we aren't twins - there is still a very strong connection/bond we share. For instance, I will call her to tell her something funny that happened and she will mention, "I so needed to hear that story. I needed that laugh. It must be our sister thing." She has always been the free spirit and I strongly admire her for that.

Now, on to the review - the book is written as a long, soul-searching letter Beatrice (the elder sister) writes to her dead sister (Tess), in which she retraces the her struggle to learn how and why Tess died. It was a little slow - but mostly because I was really wanting to put all the pieces together. I love how it was written, a sweet letter to her sister. I can only imagine the grief Beatrice felt.

I also love that there were so many ways this story could have gone! However in saying that, most people found the ending to be a shocking twist. Without wanting to reveal too much, I saw it coming.

Also there were little weird things that just didn't add up - for instance Beatrice moves into her sisters flat and can barely afford much (including the sisters flat) but can afford two plane tickets to Poland?! She has a job - but it's apparently part time as she focuses on figuring out what happened to sister. She only mentions working "at the Coyote" a couple of times.

After reading the book I looked at a few reviews online - some stated it was "over the top emotionally". I don't agree. I think the emotional aspect was written perfectly and perhaps the readers that mentioned it was "over the top emotionally" are only children that have not experience that sisterly bond.

It's the authors first novel and think she did a splendid job and I can't wait to read the her next novel. At the end of this book, there is a Q&A qith the author and it mentions she is working on another "thriller" showcasing the bond between mother and children and a fire at a school.

Can't wait!


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1. Miss Peregrin's Home for Peculiar Children

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I marked the review as it may have spoilers.

Let's see - I heard about the book and it's photographs, loved the idea. I love old photos creepy or not...but I thought this book would initially be a creepy thriller and less of an X-men remake.

Initially I could NOT put the book down, after a while - after knowing where it was going it was still interesting to me - just less so.

I liked the whole "down the rabbit hole" type feel it had to it, with a twist of time travel.

I kind of have mixed feelings about it - I LOVED it starting out and then towards the end I was like, "eh". In saying that, I can't wait for the movie (heard Tim Burton) is looking into it and I can't wait to read the sequel.

I read this on my e-reader, some have complained that reading it on a Kindle is no good because the pics and the letters written do not show up well. I have a Pandigital, which is comparable to the Nook Color and I was able to see all photos and letters nicely.

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50 Book Challenge

So, here is what I have gotten myself into!!

The Rules:

1. Choose an amount of books that you want to read in 2012 (e.g. 25, 50, 75, 100)
2. Read, read, read!

There isn’t a rule about what type books these have to be; read anything you want. You decide what you want to include (novels, short stories, non-fiction, school books…).

To keep track of how much you’re reading, you can use the Goodreads Reading Challenge, create a list (on Tumblr, LiveJournal, LibraryThing, your computer), write book reviews, post about each book you’re reading - it’s up to you. It may be a good idea to use the #50 book challenge tag so that others can read posts about your progress.

Although this is a quantifiable challenge, the most important thing is that you’re reading and that you’re having fun doing it :)