April Wrap Up

I am delighted to say that my first Month as a book blogger is complete. Every time I've gotten a comment on my blog, or a like on Twitter (because adding any more social media felt too overwhelming) felt like a success. Being on vacation or swamped with work so much made it difficult to give it all my time. But time management is one of the points I will be working on for the upcoming months. As well as reaching out to my fellow bloggers. I've read numerous stories of meeting the best people through blogging, I am particularly excited to see how this will play out. Any thoughts, comments or advice are welcome and encouraged. 

Book Reviews

Man Crush Mondays 

Po from Graceling

Warner from Shatter Me

Roth from Stone Cold Touch

Lucas from Breakable

Top Ten Tuesdays

Bloggers To Follow

Every "Teen Feminist" Should Read

Books That Will Make You Cry

Waiting On Wednesday

Random Musings

#Bookfest 

Harry Potter World: Hollywood VS Orlando 

Writing Comptetions

Author Inspiration

Love Triangles Done Right!

Harry Potter Book Tag

I am A Mother

Top Ten Tuesday:

Characters I disliked Everyone Seemed To Love: 

Eleanor AND Park, were just a let down, and kind of boring. And It felt so unfinished

Rush, What a jerk! 

Maxon, what can I say. If he weren't a Prince I wouldn't date him either

Matt, a good guy sure. But he wasn't the person he'd built up. Adventurous or daring. He still rubbed me the wrong way. 

Ryan was controlling and chauvinistic. 

Jared was a legitimate stalker

Could a couple be more tragically dramatic

Characters I loved Everyone Seemed To dislike:  

I loved Ky, I loved this story of them. 

I thought Graham was so sweet. I was so happy when it worked out for them two. 

while I didn't love this story I thought Zach was seriously underrated. He got put in the friend zone fast and I wasn't sure if he'd make it out or not. 

Fangirl

Synopsis from Goodreads: A coming-of-age tale of fan fiction, family and first love. 

Cath is a Simon Snow fan.

Okay, the whole world is a Simon Snow fan...

But for Cath, being a fan is her life—and she’s really good at it. She and her twin sister, Wren, ensconced themselves in the Simon Snow series when they were just kids; it’s what got them through their mother leaving.

Reading. Rereading. Hanging out in Simon Snow forums, writing Simon Snow fan fiction, dressing up like the characters for every movie premiere.

Cath’s sister has mostly grown away from fandom, but Cath can’t let go. She doesn’t want to.

Now that they’re going to college, Wren has told Cath she doesn’t want to be roommates. Cath is on her own, completely outside of her comfort zone. She’s got a surly roommate with a charming, always-around boyfriend, a fiction-writing professor who thinks fan fiction is the end of the civilized world, a handsome classmate who only wants to talk about words... And she can’t stop worrying about her dad, who’s loving and fragile and has never really been alone.

For Cath, the question is: Can she do this?

Can she make it without Wren holding her hand? Is she ready to start living her own life? Writing her own stories?

And does she even want to move on if it means leaving Simon Snow behind?

Review: 

Where do I even begin.... This book didn't creep or stumble, it exploded into YA fiction. I mean, for a while I couldn't turn my head without seeing it. But, and sorry for this, I'd never even heard of Rainbow Rowell. Love the name, but authors with a reputation just kept coming out with new books. I had every excuse in the world to not read this thing. I wanted to, what blogger can't automatically relate to the title at least.

 I'd finally decided earlier in the day to try audible, and you know they give you that one free book. I got Fangirl, because, I honestly wasn't looking forward to trying an audio book. I mean, I really did want to read Fangirl... eventually. After like City of Heavenly Fire and Take Me On. It was there, on the list. But I found myself facing an over 50 mile ride in traffic, oh my God! The radio sucks, with their inability to play more than 10 songs. And then I remembered that audio book. This was my first time with an audio book and it was really weird. Maybe because that different voice was doing Simon Snow scenes, I'm not sure. But it took some getting used to. But once I did, I was completely immersed. Completely. The only reason I wasn't disappointed to reach my destination was because it was a OneRepublic concert (squeeeeee) 

Oh but the next day, I may have been slightly tired from the concert, (but I'm used to late nights) and my daughter may have had a little sniffle. Good enough excuse to me to call off work and literally not move until I finished the book. I switched over to reading, sorry audio isn't for me, and it literally got so much better. I knew Levi was the one so much sooner that way. I really like how Levi was described. I think the word "hot" was used by Courtney. I don't think Cath ever said it. She never once over did how "hot" he was. He was skinny with a receding hairline, surprisingly strong but had the most amazing personality. I mean he was incredibly sweet. And my favorite part, I seriously got excited when I saw this, they get together about halfway through the book. The whole book isn't spent in some complicated relationship and finally they work it out. It was very mature. 

It sort of reminded of a cross between "We are the Goldens" because of the sister relationship. and "Anna and the french kiss" because of that dorm room aspect. 

Also, there were so many reason I enjoyed this book, it wasn't your typical college book. There wasn't one party scene, or drunk scene. I mean I love the drunk scenes because they always do something funny. But it was refreshing to read a book that came from a different aspect. I left this book feeling very inspired but I wanted more more more! I may have already gone back and reread a few scenes because I just wasn't ready to let it go yet. 

WOW: The Year of Second Chances

The Year of Second Chances by Jessica Sorensen

Synopsis from Goodreads: Isabella Anders isn't ready to accept that her mother is guilty of murder. After discovering some details about her mom’s case, she decides to take a road trip to visit her mother in jail, hoping to get some insight to what really happened. Not wanting to go alone, she asks Kai, one of her closest friends, to go with her.

Over the last month, Kai’s feelings for Isabella have grown. He knows he’s in love with her and will do just about anything to protect her. So, when she asks him to go with her to visit her mom, he easily agrees, even though he has his own problems to deal with. Problems that are putting his life at risk.

But Kai isn’t the only one in danger. Isa is being stalked by someone who knows what really happened the day her mother was accused of murder, and they’ll do just about anything to keep Isa from finding out the truth.

Why I Can't Wait: I love Jessica Sorensen. Her books are always heartfelt, full of hard love and support. She makes me want to be a better person. A counselor even. I love her writing and all the books I've read. When this series is complete, I can't wait to devour it. It's bound to be great. 

Man Crush Monday: Warner

My Man Crush Monday is Warner from the Shatter Me Series.

Warner was an amazing character with or without a love story. He was a complicated puzzle that was very much worth working through. Understanding him, how and why he did the things he did was the most satisfying part of the whole book. In my opinion Warner gave this series the positive reputation it has.

5 things I loved about Warner

1. So intense, always. He wasn't one for silly or jokes or immaturity at all. In comparison, she acted like a 5 year old with her band of equally childish misfits.

2. So vulnerable, as much as he tried to hide it, Warner was pretty breakable. He was strong, but he cared so much.

3. So complicated, He was hard to get to know and even harder to understand but when you do it explains his intensity and his vulnerability.

4. His love was fierce for Juliette and that alone made him more desirable.

5. He had this subtle way of slipping between my previous opinion of him, garnering my sympathy and joining his team rooting for him and his goals. 

Book Review: Allegiant

I just finished reading Allegiant,

and to be honest... I am speechless.

This probably wont be a very sophisticated or well organized review because I am still emotional. And this review will not, I repeat WILL NOT be SPOILER FREE. Spoiler free reviews are stifling and restricting, and I want talk about every detail from this book.

The problem?

I can only remember one detail.

TRIS DIED!!!!

No, this did not ruin the entire book nor series for me.

But I couldn't believe Veronica did that! Really?!? Why? It did not have to be. Not this time.

Tris put herself in dangerous near death situations repeatedly.

So Tris dying shouldn't have been shocking. It should have been a relief actually.

Some resemblance to reality. You can only cheat death so many times.

But I guess I just had a much better plan for them in which nobody had to die.

Tris, Caleb, and the rest of them were focused on the explosives and death serum.

Did they not consider the truth serum?

David trusted Tris. She could have asked to meet with him, jammed the truth serum in his neck. Wouldn't have been hard at all, she's dauntless and he's in a wheel chair.

Get the code for the weapons lab. He wouldn't have been in there to shoot her.

I'm just saying, Tris made it past the death serum to be shot by a man in a wheel chair that won't even remember. She's done much more death defying stunts.

I guess their were other factors to the book too.

Like that her mom actually came from the fringe, or Uriah dying as well. Very sad since Marlene, Lynn, and Will died. and both her parents. (and somehow Marcus lives) But it is war I suppose.

And there is the one thing that did annoy about this series.

As I tried to explain this book to my husband, it got so confusing because there was a "revolution" or "uprising" or reason for way too many people to die in each book. Power kept shifting from one bad person to another.

First the Erudite, then the factionless, then the Bureau, and the GD's feeling unjustified.

And I can't see how this will transpire to a movie...

So now I am off to read something happy and sweet.

Tell me

How did you feel about Tris dying?

Did this book remind you too much of other dystopian novels?

If so, which book do you think was best?

Have any questions you are dying to ask or points you would like to discuss?

Leave a comment.

Book Review: Birthmarked

Synopsis from Goodreads: In the future, in a world baked dry by the harsh sun, there are those who live inside the walled Enclave and those, like sixteen-year-old Gaia Stone, who live outside. Following in her mother's footsteps Gaia has become a midwife, delivering babies in the world outside the wall and handing a quota over to be "advanced" into the privileged society of the Enclave. Gaia has always believed this is her duty, until the night her mother and father are arrested by the very people they so loyally serve. Now Gaia is forced to question everything she has been taught, but her choice is simple: enter the world of the Enclave to rescue her parents, or die trying.Gaia Stone, the average girl of this dystopian society with an identifying scar across her face has suddenly understood her reality isn't as perfect as she'd grown up believing. Many of her discoveries leave Gaia looking especially naive.

My Thoughts

The plot was slow building as Gaia took a long time accepting that something was amiss in her government. She spent a lot of time thinking, remembering, debating and less time actually doing things.

Her naivete lead her to do an act of kindness that was also illegal that gained her a reputation that helped her succeed in the end.

A number of interesting points were brought up that held my interest and didn't get resolved by the end. Such as the impending uprising outside of the enclave. Or what actually happened to Leon at the end.

I had mixed feelings. Towards the end it picked up and I was gaining satisfaction with the story when it finished too quickly in a blur of running blindly. It started to become unbelievable that she wasn't caught, which made me think more about the entire plot that never really settled within me.

I can't rate this book more than 3 stars, but I enjoyed it enough to want to read the second book. I just hope I don't regret it, and it feels like a waste of my time.

Have you read Birthmarked?

Waiting On Wednesday

   "Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking The Spine 

This weeks Waiting On Wednesday is The Midnight Star by Marie Lu

Synopsis From Goodreads:

There was once a time when darkness shrouded the world, and the darkness had a queen.

Adelina Amouteru is done suffering. She’s turned her back on those who have betrayed her and achieved the ultimate revenge: victory. Her reign as the White Wolf has been a triumphant one, but with each conquest her cruelty only grows. The darkness within her has begun to spiral out of control, threatening to destroy all that she’s achieved.

Adelina’s forced to revisit old wounds when a new danger appears, putting not only Adelina at risk, but every Elite and the very world they live in. In order to save herself and preserve her empire, Adelina and her Roses must join the Daggers on a perilous quest—though this uneasy alliance may prove to be the real danger.

Bestselling author Marie Lu concludes Adelina's story with this haunting and hypnotizing final installment to the Young Elites series.

Top Ten Tuesday: Books that'll make you cry

Top Ten Tuesday: 9   Books to Read if You Are In The Mood For  Crying






I began browsing through my books, and realized, none of them were really funny. A few made me laugh here and there, but that wasn't the over all feeling I got from the book.
However, I've read tons of books that made me CRY. I'm glad to know I'm not alone in enjoying books I know will solidly bring me to tears. A few others surprised me, either way. These are the books that stay in my heart the longest.

                                                           

    The Edge of Never

I will never forget, I sat in my fathers living room in the middle of the day crying over the last few chapters of this book. I tried really hard to hide it, but after a few tissues, I had to seek an isolated corner. 

Making Faces

This was such a tear jerker, it kind of just held me in a seriously emotional place of sadness and happiness. 

We Were Liars

As the secrets of this book slowly began to reveal themselves my heart broke more and more. I was shocked with sadness as was the character when it was all said and done. 

Sea of Tranquility

I really enjoyed this book. It wasn't all sad or emotional. But I really loved these characters. So when it all started to fall apart, I wanted to cry with them. 

Hopeless                                                                                                              It's like she had to be broken down to her very lowest to gain her strength. Colleen Hoover is a master at emotional scenes. I held my breath for quite a few chapters.








Pushing The Limits
Echo and Noah both had experienced so much pain that they were still dealing with. I loved them both and when they hurt I hurt too.









Stealing Harper
OH MY GOD!!! this was Chance's story of Taking Chances. So when I picked it up I knew everything that would happen. And I still tortured myself with this story that was bound to break my heart.












Reason To Breathe
This book sat on my ebook shelf for a while before I actually read over 3 years ago. And when I started I couldn't put it down. This one seriously had me up all night. And I boo hooed at the end. I gathered my strength and immediately devoured the second book which was only slightly less tear worthy.

Man Crush Monday: Lucas from Easy/ Breakable

Today's feature for Man Crush Monday is Lucas from Easy and Breakable. 

He had this quality that was hard to identify, but grabbed onto my heart and made him an unforgettable "book boyfriend".

7 reasons I loved him and would without a doubt date him, if he were real, and I was 19 and had never met my husband.

-Physically appealing with those tattoes and piercings

-He was undoubtedly smart and on a path to do great things

-He was quiet and mysterious.

-He could fight! Being tough is one thing but having a black belt is impressive.

-Unconditionally supportive

- Secretly vulnerable, which we learned in Breakable which made him even more appealing

-He never played games. Even when he tried to be "the bad boy phase" he still took everything seriously. 

I am... A Mother

And I love being a mother.

It is the most bitter sweet existence I have ever experienced.

Bitter because neither of my two children were planned, I was unprepared and overwhelmed.

Sweet because the love is unconditional. It's so pure.

I came to look at everything in life differently. Every single day I'm pushed to be responsible. At the end of the day I'm exhausted but it's so satisfying.

I never planned to be a mom. In fact, I was content to never marry or have children. It just wasn't a life goal.

I was only 18 when I discovered I was pregnant. We'd only been together a little over a year but we were crazy in love (think the Notebook).

Becoming a mother was the life changing event. Everyone gets at least one, where their whole world is rocked in that moment forever and you can't take it back.

Everything about everything changed and I quickly grew up.

I was sick the entire pregnancy, with no jobs, no experience and out of town friends. It wasn't a great place mentally.

And then I was handed this baby. This tiny warm writhing thing. I couldn't change a diaper or make a bottle. Understanding burping came after a lot of crying (from both of us) And riding in the car was the only way I could think to put her to sleep. And when all else failed, I was at a complete loss when she wouldn't stop crying.

My daughter was a difficult baby, the last thing my inexperienced mommy status needed. She didn't want to be breastfed, she didn't want to sleep, she didn't want to be in her crib, she never wanted to left with other people.

But the moment I took her back into my arms she'd calm down and hold on to me extra tight. She had these slanted eyes that sparkled like diamonds.

I was over whelmed by her love and her trust. I was her comfort zone, something I'd never been before. I didn't deserve her faith in me when really I was lost and never knew what I was doing. She was like the guinea pig that had to be tested on throughout my mishaps as I tried to get a handle on mothering.

She was never patient with my ineptitude. Even before she could talk she was opinionated. She never hesitated to tell me (or her father) whenever I messed up or forgot something. She understood the concept of sarcasm way too young. Just to deal with her, I was forced to step up to the plate. No more sleeping in and junk food. I wanted to be worthy of her faith. I wanted to protect her, teach her, guide her, comfort her, encourage her and listen to her.

I started to recognize the things she needed of me to be a better person. Patience, reassurance, understanding. telling her a personal story of mine makes her feel heard and more inspired than just it'll be ok. She likes details.

I want her to be proud of me.

Most of all I want her to know undoubtedly that she is loved and very much worthy of my love. 

Book Review: Nowhere But Here

Synopsis From Goodreads: 

Seventeen-year-old Emily likes her life the way it is: doting parents, good friends, good school in a safe neighborhood. Sure, she's curious about her biological father—the one who chose life in a motorcycle club, the Reign of Terror, over being a parent—but that doesn't mean she wants to be a part of his world. But when a reluctant visit turns to an extended summer vacation among relatives she never knew she had, one thing becomes clear: nothing is what it seems. Not the club, not her secret-keeping father and not Oz, a guy with suck-me-in blue eyes who can help her understand them both. 

Oz wants one thing: to join the Reign of Terror. They're the good guys. They protect people. They're…family. And while Emily—the gorgeous and sheltered daughter of the club's most respected member—is in town, he's gonna prove it to her. So when her father asks him to keep her safe from a rival club with a score to settle, Oz knows it's his shot at his dream. What he doesn't count on is that Emily just might turn that dream upside down. 

No one wants them to be together. But sometimes the right person is the one you least expect, and the road you fear the most is the one that leads you home.

Review

Nowhere but here is probably your most typical average teenage story, until suddenly its not.

I truly enjoyed "Pushing The Limits" and the follow up books in that series. Therefore, I happily started this book. I was excited and happy to get into it. I was intrigued at the beginning.

Emily believes she is the product of a one night stand, and therefore has no love for her biological father, and hates anything that has to do with him. Him consisted of a crazy and terminally ill mother, a boisterous but loving bikers club and his over protectiveness. She is hurt and angry, though it's rarely acknowledged every move she made seemed to be out of fear or pain.

There were so many lies. A background story no one knew the whole truth about. A story that didn't surface until the very end of the book.

Oz played his role perfectly. He was tough, because his father was in the motorcycle club. (slight role of the eye) But sensitive, because Olivia, the bikers club designated club mom pretty much raised him. He's fun to read about, but sort of forgetful.

I am a strong believer that outside influences affect your opinion of a book. And this book felt recycled. It was entertaining while in front of me, but not the level of good to keep me up at night. Especially coming from Katie McGarry. Maybe she set the bar too high with Pushing The Limits. Maybe, if another author wrote this as her debut novel I'd be less critical. But in the end, I was left with an OK feeling. 

I absolutely loved The Winners Series. I laughed, I cried, I was completely captivated with this book. I couldn't put it down.

Of course, it wasn't perfect, or I would change a thing or two if I could. So I've created a Discussion page for it. I've started with a few questions. Feel Free to add your own questions and I'll answer them. 

1. Was Kestral justified in her anger towards Arin, even though she didn't remember him? 

                  I don't think so. Yes, she was in a difficult situation and there was no easy solution. But it wasn't Arin's fault. Sometimes she forgot he had feelings too. 

2. Should Arin have killed Kestral's father?

                I sat there, reading this part over and over and couldn't pick an answer. Everything in me screamed yes! He was awful. Sending her to that camp as punishment *shivers* was super low. He definitely didn't love her like a father should, because the daughter he once had was officially gone. Ruined. And he didn't even pretend to care. But wouldn't her revenge be equally as low. 

I was slightly annoyed at this part. So many soldiers died, in an explosion, or by arrow, or one of the guns. Some injury they couldn't come back from. And yet they had a choice for him. He should've died in an explosion too! 

3. Was Roshar secretly in love with Arin?

                  It was never plainly said. And I hate to soil a good friendship with a messy romance. Obviously Arin would not be interested in Roshar, But Roshar really loved Arin. Maybe his loyalty spurred from the guilt of his sister. But Roshar was overly nice, sacrificing so much in the war to help Arin. He convinced his sister as well, even when she pressured him to take the city from Arin. He was very protective of Arin's heart as far as Queen Inisha and Kestral. Just made me say hmmmm. 

4. Would Kestral's life had been easier if she hadn't told so many lies?

                   Kestral weaved a dangerous web of delicate lies from the first book. Only digging herself in a hole deeper and deeper. There was a point in The Winners Kiss in which she regretted her lies. Also a part in which Arin regretted making her life so hard. I don't think so. The only reason she agreed to marry Verex was to keep up a false pretense of loyalty to Valoria and hate for Arin. Without that, if she'd told her father how she felt before the Herrani attacked the Valorians I simply can't imagine what he would've done. Sent her off to the prison then?  Forbid her and put her on house arrest? War was inevitable, it was bigger than Kestral and Arin's relationship. Everything was going to be impossibly difficult regardless of her lies. 

Harry Potter Book Tag

No one tagged me but I thought it was cool and wanted to participate so I tagged myself. I first noticed this awesome tag at Bookidote 

Flagrate: A Book you found interesting but like to Rewrite

The One by Kiera Cass: This book was probably my biggest disappointment. It wasn't particularly bad, I just felt so much more could have been done with this premise. Each of the first two lead up to something explosive. But the book was anti-climatic. 

Alohamora: The first book in a series that got you hooked

Under The Never Sky by Veronica Rossi

I really can't rave about this series enough. I felt like it was simple but perfectly timed, some what believable, heartwarming romance and enough action to keep me on my toes. 

Confundo: A Book you found confusing

The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larson

I'm embarrassed to say I've never read this world wide loved book. I tried reading it once and just couldn't grasp it fast enough. I guess I just wasn't patient and never came back to it. 

Expecto Patronum: Spirit Book

Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

I could really relate to this book. I'm not much for fangirling outside of the internet, but in my head reading and writing are the only things I really care about. I understood her fear of making new friends and feeling like she's crazy. The quiet girls need love too. 

Sectum Sumpra: A Dark and twisted book

Bitterblue by Kristin Cashore

I've just finished this book a few weeks ago so it's still new to me and one of my favorites. Though as this series is wrapped up, and the horrors the villain made his city go through are coming to light and they are dark and twisted. I wanted to cry for these characters. I seriously had to stop and think for a while about how that type of trauma can in fact never leave you. PTSD. 

Aparacium: A Book that surprised you in a good way

Making Faces by Amy Harmon

The synopsis referenced the army, which turned me off this book for a long time. I eventually read it and realized it was amazing. I love a book that can take a hold of my heart and clinch it, make it feel things and heal it all over again in one book. 

I'm only going to tag a few bloggers on this BookLoversAlliance  InToriLex Raven & Beez 

If you participate comment below so I can check it out. Agree or Disagree with my choices? 

Book Review: The Winners Curse

Synopsis From Goodreads :

Winning what you want may cost you everything you love... 

As a general’s daughter in a vast empire that revels in war and enslaves those it conquers, seventeen-year-old Kestrel has two choices: she can join the military or get married. But Kestrel has other intentions.

One day, she is startled to find a kindred spirit in a young slave up for auction. Arin’s eyes seem to defy everything and everyone. Following her instinct, Kestrel buys him—with unexpected consequences. It’s not long before she has to hide her growing love for Arin.

But he, too, has a secret, and Kestrel quickly learns that the price she paid for a fellow human is much higher than she ever could have imagined.

Set in a richly imagined new world, The Winner’s Curse by Marie Rutkoski is a story of deadly games where everything is at stake, and the gamble is whether you will keep your head or lose your heart. 

Review

Sigh... Where do I began my sermon on how amazing I thought this book was?

I have a theory. A theory I hope offends no one. It's the writing more than the story. The talent of the author to capture you with prose and beautiful depictions and this incredible world that the most amazing characters reside. That is the key ingredient to an amazing book. Or maybe this dystopia, other world genre is just my favorite.

Either way, the Winners Curse was it.

It was everything.

It gave me life.

Kestral, daughter of the general is a privileged little know it all. But she's slick and she's independent minded.

She's accidentally bought a slave, but she's too proud to ever admit it wasn't her own choice. After weeks of denial, she makes the new slave her escort.

Arin may have had the title slave, but he was too smart and too bold. Kestral recognized that and a mutual respect grew between the two. It progressed into love. Until Arin did something (can't ruin it) he pretty much couldn't come back from.

This book held my full attention straight through. Even the slow parts weren't boring

I rooted for them, and their individual goals.

I was left salivating for more.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would suggest it to all dystopia readers.

Read Review of The Winners Kiss