Top Ten Tuesday: Beach Reads

Man Crush Monday: Kellan

A Weekly Event here at Amethyst Blue.

As one of my favorite aspects of the book is an enticing romantic love story complete with a swoon-worthy book boyfriend I can fan-girl over I decided to create. ManCrushMonday. I invite everyone to participate. 

 Pick a book boyfriend you love, share his name, the book he was in, and why you love him. For extra points, add a picture that looks like him. I want to see who you chose! Send me your links in the comments. 

Synopsis From Goodreads:

For almost two years now, Kiera's boyfriend, Denny, has been everything she's

 ever wanted: loving, tender and endlessly devoted to her. When they head off 

to a new city to start their lives together, Denny at his dream job and Kiera at a

 top-notch university, everything seems perfect. Then an unforeseen 

obligation forces the happy couple apart.

Feeling lonely, confused, and in need of comfort, Kiera turns to a

 unexpected 

source—a local rock star named Kellan Kyle. At first, he's purely a friend that 

she can lean on, but as her loneliness grows, so does their relationship. And

 then one night everything changes... and none of them will ever be the same.

Why I Love This Book Boyfriend 

The first word that comes to mind when describing Kellan Kyle is sexy. I went in to this book apprehensive. I knew she'd be a cheater, which would annoy me. However I'd heard nothing but raving reviews and 5 stars. After finishing the series I completely understood. Kellan Kyle is panty- dropping, slobbering sexy. Drink your bath water kind of sexy!

It's in his quiet mysterious ways. His easy going laid back nature combined with the seriousness of his heart. His loyalty to his friends. His emotional music. His intense and full of angst songs and performances.

And then you find out how broken he is. And your heart melts all over again. Kellan owned this book. He was everything. I waited for any page that had him on it and read it multiple times. He's the definition of a dream. Rock musician that's laid back, easy to please and loves you as much as he did Kiera. Even after making a ton of mistakes? He will always be one of my favorites 

Wow: Furthermore

This weeks anxiously awaited book is 

Synopsis from Goodreads

There are only three things that matter to twelve-year-old Alice Alexis Queensmeadow: Mother, who wouldn’t miss her; magic and color, which seem to elude her; and Father, who always loved her. The day Father disappears from Ferenwood he takes nothing but a ruler with him. But it’s been almost three years since then, and Alice is determined to find him. She loves her father even more than she loves adventure, and she’s about to embark on one to find the other.

But bringing Father home is no small matter. In order to find him she’ll have to travel through the mythical, dangerous land of Furthermore, where down can be up, paper is alive, and left can be both right and very, very wrong. Her only companion is a boy named Oliver whose own magical ability is based in lies and deceit—and with a liar by her side in land where nothing is as it seems, it will take all of Alice's wits (and every limb she's got) to find Father and return home to Ferenwood in one piece. On her quest to find Father Alice must first find herself—and hold fast to the magic of love in the face of loss.

Why I'm Waiting

I Loved this authors writing in Shatter me. I am very excited to see what else she can come up with. Though I'm not much excited about a middle grade book. 

What to do when you've finished a Great series

Does any one else have the just finished an amazing story blues?

I'm talking about the type of series that you can't put down because you're completely immersed  in it.

When you've finished, you're sort of lost. Out of touch with reality. And you don't know what to do with yourself. 

This is how I deal with it

Reread the beginning and favorite parts of the book. And if it feels like it's the whole thing, well.

Leave a long review (rant) on goodreads, twitter,  blog

Watch a movie or two “because I can't possibly start a new series yet.”

Catch up with the friends and family I probably neglected while obsessed with the series

Fully research the author and her other books.

Add all those book and similar or suggested books to the to read list

Now I am ready to start a new series. 

Top Ten Tuesday: Feels Different Over Time

Hosted By The Broke and Bookish

When I'd read Shatter Me I was completely enthralled. I absolutely loved it. The most amazing love story. Underdog over comes. But the more and more I looked back at it, it was so unfinished. She maybe completed one battle. It took her 3 books to learn some pretty basic lessons. And Warner had messed up pretty big. It was no small thing. Just because he was nice to Juliette he was also cruel at times. If I can forget those things, I love it again,

The Hype around this book coupled with the fact that each new book I liked less and less. I also like Gale more than Peeta, so I was done by the end. And weeks later, I'd forgotten how enthralled I was with the first one to begin with.








When all I do is read for the words on the page I absolutely love Divergent. I must have read it 4 times. Like Hunger Games, I liked the second one less than the first and and the 3rd one even less than the first two. I can't even bring myself to go see the movie. The more I think about the plot, the experiment, the actions people took I felt it got less and less clever.

 The stinking movie ruined this for me too. I also couldn't finish the Bloodline series. So many of the characters from Vampire Academy were in Bloodlines and they got soured for me. Maybe I need to read it again to remember why I'd been so obsessed.

I had no idea what I was going into with slammed. I only knew it was extremely loved. I understand why. This book pulls emotions from you. And as I look back, it was a bit too emotional. And I had no respect for that teacher student relationship. Just too many characters died in an emotional dramatic way. I think the statistics work against this. Either way, I don't want that sadness in my real world or my fictional one. Still love Colleen Hoover though.

This book, series felt blase, bland, ok when I'd first read it. Poor Boy rich girl story. But underneath it was serious issues. Her disabled sister, his eagerness to get out of the life he was in. It might have been cliche but it resonated with me. It touched my heart in a real life way. And each of the follow up stories. And I think about it often.

I actually stumbled upon The Fault In Our Stars before I'd heard everyone loving it so much. A lot of attention had been around Looking For Alaska. But I loved this one so much more. Even after it became a movie. Every time I flipped through this book I'm reminded of how perfect Augustus was. How beautifully it was written. How despite the heart break, I felt warm tingly and full filled. It survived the chopping block of the TV producers. I hadn't expected to love this sad story this much.

I sort of hated Kiera, but this remains a top book in my list of romances. It was addictive. Kellan was perfect. I can re-read it over and over and hate Kiera all I want while still enjoying her story.

In many ways this is your average teenage love story. But something about it relates. Her awkward and shy times. Her confusion where friendships and relationships cross. The voice we can each find within ourselves. The mistakes and forgiveness. I found myself comparing this to others, and turning back to it for a chapter here or a chapter there.

I have this way with Jessica Sorensen. I've probably read more of her books than anyone other author. And I love every second of it. And I get caught up in the whirlwind of the series, the supporting characters stories. It can really go on and on and I have to force myself to break from her. There was no such break where this series was concerned. Every time I finished, I wanted to read it again. Each book was short, sweet, emotional, uplifting, and sucked you in in a different way. I didn't think it was that deep, that worthy of my love. But after the fourth week of still reading and browsing again through this book, its simplicity was very worth it.

I'd never heard of this book before picking it up, then I immediately fell in love with it. When it was over, I began comparing it to everything else and very little can beat it. It keeps coming out on top.

Man Crush Monday: Gage

A Weekly Event here at Amethyst Blue.

As one of my favorite aspects of the book is an enticing romantic love story complete with a swoon-worthy book boyfriend I can fan-girl over I decided to create. ManCrushMonday. I invite everyone to participate. 

 Pick a book boyfriend you love, share his name, the book he was in, and why you love him. For extra points, add a picture that looks like him. I want to see who you chose! Send me your links in the comments. 

Synopsis from Goodreads: 

Aside from her dad, who passed away when she was six, Cassidy Jameson has only ever trusted one man: her best friend, Tyler. So of course she follows him to Texas when he leaves for college. She just didn't expect to be so drawn to their new roommate, Gage, a gorgeous guy with a husky Southern drawl. The only problem? He's Tyler's cousin.

Gage Carson was excited to share an apartment off campus with his cousin. He didn't mind that Tyler was bringing the mysterious friend he'd heard about since they were kids ... until the most beautiful girl he's ever seen jumps out of his cousin's Jeep. There's something about Cassi that makes Gage want to give her everything. Too bad Tyler has warned him that she's strictly off-limits.

Despite everything keeping them apart, Cassi and Gage dance dangerously close to the touch they're both been craving. But when disaster sends her running into Tyler's arms, Cassi will have to decide whether to face the demons of her past ... or to burn her chance at a future with Gage. 

Why I Loved This Book Boyfriend:

This Texan cowboy swept me off of my feet from the first interaction. He was amazingly perfect, never rude or disrespectful. He was very straightforward with his intentions and even when everything seemed to work against him he held strong. Gage was this simple, super sweet, sincere nice guy many girls would probably pass over or walk all over or under appreciate in real life. He was unrealistically humble.

4 things I loved about Gage

1. The sweetest guy ever

2. So Patient

3. He was fun

4. So loyal even when he didn't have to be

5 completely unrealistic characteristics we love in our heroes

Handsome but humble. They aren't ever supposed to try. They never show them shopping for those simple clothes that still fit them well, or getting a haircut, or exercising to keep that amazing body.

Smart but not a know it all. As a feminist I love a strong female character. And nothing compliments her better than a strong capable hero. He might need to save the day which he can't do if he can't formulate a decent plan. But if he's a little annoying know it all I'm tempted to smack him.

Sweet but not a pushover. He HAS to be sweet. At least to her.   He has to. It's the most important rule. But if he act soft she'll friend zone him, she'll cheat, she ends up pushing him around  (and they break up momentarily)

That comfortable feeling but not too comfortable. When he can make her feel understood, and comfortable enough to share all her secrets. But not so comfortable she sees him as a friend or is confused about his intentions.

Mysterious but approachable. A quiet guy (my favorite) or one with a secret is so much more interesting than a straightforward “put it all out there” guy. Girls enjoy the chase just a little too. Not me, but it's entertaining to read. And it's like you won a prize when the two start to trust each other.  

Feature Follow: 10 Reasons I Love YA

Hosted by Parajunkee / Alison Can Read

I couldn't come up with a full 10
1. The love story is always amazing
2. I always want to root for the mc
3. they're usually fast paced
4. they're usually easy to read
5. the bookish community makes it more interesting
6. most stories feel different even if it's plots are similar
7. the mostly unbelievable plots are great ways to escape the sadness of reality
8. I think they're inspiring. Seeing all these new debut authors and independent authors inspires me. As well as seeing the mc defeat all odds with perseverance and succeed in the end.

Share your links.

Blogger Interview with Joselyn

What is something you love about yourself?

           For me it will be my perseverance, I usually try lots of times until I get done with everything I propose to do in my life, it doesn’t matters if is a success or a failure.

What is or name a few of  your favorite series?

          My favorites series in books will be: The Hasea Chronicles, Fields of Elysium Saga and Eragon Cycle.

What Hogwarts house would you be sorted into?

         Hopefully in Slytherin, I always had a fascination for it.

What is your favorite type of Bookish blog posts?

         Reviews or Promos Post since I can see what other people may think of a book and see if it does sounds interesting and the latter because it’s always fun to know what are the authors up to with their books.

What a weekly feature you enjoy participating in?

        For me weekly will be promotion of books or interviews, that I do a lot on my blog.

What are your greatest influences, book related or not?

       That is a difficult one, maybe my dad since he always taught us to fight and to achieve things on our own, to learn more everyday and to not let others discourages us from what we really like.

And my Boyfriend since he always encourages me in everything I do.

Are you on any social media sites you'd like to share? 

I’m in a lot of social media, you can follow me:

http://www.bookwormiespot.com/

https://www.facebook.com/JossReviews

https://twitter.com/bookwormiespot

https://www.instagram.com/bookwormiespot/

https://plus.google.com/u/0/b/112633036798766396933/+Bookwormiespotreviewblog/about

https://www.pinterest.com/bwormiespot/

https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/15826247-joselyn-moreno-burke

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRkOPUKgMC9md4F6Uftr04w/feed

Wow: A Million Worlds With You

This weeks anxiously awaited book is 

Synopsis From Goodreads:

A million universes. A million dangers. One destiny.

The fate of the multiverse rests in Marguerite Caine’s hands. Marguerite has been at the center of a cross-dimensional feud since she first traveled to another universe using her parents’ invention, the Firebird. Only now has she learned the true plans of the evil Triad Corporation—and that those plans could spell doom for dozens or hundreds of universes, each facing total annihilation.

Paul Markov has always been at Marguerite’s side, but Triad’s last attack has left him a changed man—angry and shadowed by tragedy. He struggles to overcome the damage done to him, but despite Marguerite’s efforts to help, Paul may never be the same again.

So it’s up to Marguerite alone to stop the destruction of the multiverse. Billions of lives are at stake. The risks have never been higher. And Triad has unleashed its ultimate weapon: another dimension’s Marguerite—wicked, psychologically twisted, and always one step ahead.

In the epic conclusion to Claudia Gray’s Firebird trilogy, fate and family will be questioned, loves will be won and lost, and the multiverse will be forever changed. It’s a battle of the Marguerites . . . and only one can win.

Why I'm Waiting

When this book comes out I'm going to happily binge read the entire series and not have to wait to find out what happens

Top Ten Tuesday: Bought On A Whim

Hosted by Broke and Bookish

This book just came up on my Kindle app as a suggestion. The synopsis made me curious as to how the book would sound. I'd had no idea it was just released or that the author was already so accomplished. The first few pages pulled me in and I couldn't put it down.

I just really enjoyed this book and it seems to work it's way into every list I make. I'd heard nothing of the book before reading it. The synopsis and first few chapters are what hooked me. And after that I researched it to realize I'd read it years after everyone else.

I'd heard vague references and comparisons to Katsa and Po but I hadn't heard any raving reviews about Graceling. But I really enjoyed it.

Much like We Were Liars I sort of stumbled upon this title, with no idea what to expect. But the sweetness on the cover represents how sweet the story within is.

Well, you get the idea now

     

 

Man Crush Monday: Cain

A Weekly Event here at Amethyst Blue.

As one of my favorite aspects of the book is an enticing romantic love story complete with a swoon-worthy book boyfriend I can fan-girl over I decided to create. ManCrushMonday. I invite everyone to participate. 

 Pick a book boyfriend you love, share his name, the book he was in, and why you love him. For extra points, add a picture that looks like him. I want to see who you chose! Send me your links in the comments. 

Synopsis from Goodreads:

 When a gorgeous young dancer walks through his door, a strip club owner must decide whether to follow his rules or his heart in the third novel by the author of One Tiny Lie and Ten Tiny Breaths.


Owning a strip club isn’t the fantasy most guys expect it to be. With long hours, a staff with enough issues to keep a psych ward in business, and the police regularly on his case, twenty-nine-year-old Cain is starting to second guess his unspoken mission to save the women he employs. And then blond, brown-eyed Charlie Rourke walks through his door, and things get really complicated. Cain abides by a strict “no sleeping with the staff” rule. But being around Charlie challenges Cain’s self-control... and it’s been a long time since any woman has done that.

Twenty-two-year-old Charlie Rourke needs a lot of money, really fast, in order to vanish before it’s too late. Taking her clothes off for men makes her stomach curl but Charlie tells herself that at least she’s putting her acting and dancing skills to good use. And though her fellow dancers seem eager to nab their sexy, sophisticated, and genuinely caring boss, she’s not interested. After all, Charlie Rourke doesn’t really exist—and the girl pretending to be her can't get distracted by romance.

Unfortunately, Charlie soon discovers that developing feelings for Cain is inevitable, and that those feelings may not be unrequited—but losing him when he finds out what she’s involved with will be more painful than any other sentence awaiting her. 

Why I Loved This Book Boyfriend

    The book I am currently reading is Four Seconds to Lose by K. A. Tucker. I loved her last two books and she does not disappoint with this new one. Cain is, well, too good to be true. Unbelievably sexy, wanted by every stripper at his club, but Cain respects them too much. This man! He wants to help every girl he can which is why he opened the strip club in the first place. And he beats himself up over things that's happened in his past he couldn't even control. Seriously, Cain is perfect. 

         I like that he's serious a lot of the time which makes you appreciate his smiles more. I love his friendship with Nate and Storm. Its so natural and easy, the way they joke around. I respect how much he just wants to spill everything. Many times, in real life and in books, people don't want to admit to the bad things of their past. They gloss over them. Cain seems anxious to get everything out in the open. 

I haven't finished it yet, and I'm really excited to. But so far I'm glad that no one has professed their undying love. Seriously, they had to have talked only a handful of times. Each time was intense and memorable but they still have so much to learn about one another.

Follow And Feature Friday

Hosted by Parajunkee

This Weeks feature is

I love the power a synopsis can have. A well written synopsis can really sell the book. I'm pretty simple I think. A love story sells me the fastest. So don't leave that out! Now, to say I read a book off synopsis alone does not mean I loved it.

We Were Liars
Angelfall
Incarnate
Sweet Evil
Defiance
Birthmarked


Share your posts with me! And make sure to let me know what you followed

Why is it so hard to love our heroines

 I'm as pro-woman as the next person. At least this is what I tell myself. But too often I pick up a novel and think the heroine is simply OK. The male love interest though, who we affectionately refer to as the book boyfriend, is always undoubtedly amazing. So I ask myself, and fellow readers, especially of YA/ NA fiction, why is it so hard to love the heroine?

I read an article one in which it was categorized the "types" we don't. Such as dumb, bratty, too independent or too dependent. I know I personally can be bratty, bitchy, whiny, sensitive and still handle every responsibility expected of me. (If you know the responsibilities a mother has, you know we are super heroes)

We know these heroines are under a pressure we've never even considered, trying to save the world and all. And yet we judge them for whining about it, or not having the physical strength of a man or trained black belt in karate. We judge them for having romantic feelings in the middle of a crisis. If I really thought I'd die tomorrow while completing some dangerous mission, I am definitely telling the man I love exactly how I feel and enjoying my possibly last night with him to the fullest.

And God forbid a character to make a silly, naive, or careless mistake. Believing and trusting the wrong person. Maybe we're holding our heroines on a pedestal that is too high. Our expectations are too high. Sometimes I feel judgmental for disliking a heroine for having a feeling I would certainly have. Doesn't she know she's ruining my fantasy?

Let's look at who did it right and who could have done it better,

Strong- fighting, strategic mind, unwilling to bend

Confident- except about her looks because then she's just bitchy

Love Triangle- I LOVE reading them but it always results in me disliking the main character.

Perfect- Smart, clever, witty   

This is just off the top of my mind, my favorites who seem to embody them all without going over the top Tris (divergent) Aria (Under the Never Sky) June (Legend)

who could have done it better (Shatter me) so wishy washy, (Taking Chances) total cheater, (Beautiful Disaster) also wishy washy.

Share with me a few of your favorite heroines and least favorite. 

WOW: Heartless

This weeks anxiously awaited book is 

Synopsis from Goodreads

Catherine may be one of the most desired girls in Wonderland, and a favorite of the yet-unmarried King of Hearts, but her interests lie elsewhere. A talented baker, all she wants is to open a shop with her best friend and supply the Kingdom of Hearts with delectable pastries and confections. But according to her mother, such a goal is unthinkable for the young woman who could be the next Queen.

At a royal ball where Cath is expected to receive the king's marriage proposal, she meets Jest, the handsome and mysterious court joker. For the first time, she feels the pull of true attraction. At the risk of offending the King and infuriating her parents, she and Jest enter into an intense, secret courtship.

Cath is determined to define her own destiny and fall in love on her terms. But in a land thriving with magic, madness, and monsters, fate has other plans. 

Why I'm Waiting

I loved Cinder, I haven't finished the series yet, but I am looking forward to whatever this author has to offer.