Travel by the Book ~ Forks & La Push Beach

Welcome to Travel by the Book. I know for most of us, reading is an escape. One of the things I love about reading it getting to travel. And I'm sure I'm not the only reader who has wished to take a trip to a place I read about in a book. I've been fortunate in that my Hubs is kind enough to indulge me and take me to said places. This is where I share those vacations that were inspired by a book.

***The Book***

Twilight - wow, this was a game changer for me. Until I read Twilight, I didn't stray from the Fiction section of B&N - high-brow literary fiction, chick-lit, historical fiction...you know the section, right? Then my older daughter asked if she could read Twilight. Being the good mommy I am ;) I decided I should give this a read first before agreeing to let her read something in the YA genre. The rest, as they say, is history. :)

It was a no-brainer that I'd want to visit the town that served as the setting for a book that changed so much for me, and so much for many readers, honestly. 

***The Travel***

We flew into Seattle and then drove to Forks, via Port Angeles. :) My hubs and I had a great time in Forks, and tide-pooling at La Push Beach, as well. Hubs was, of course, generous in driving around to see if we could locate the buildings and locations both in the book and in the movie. I think he actually had a good time - it was kinda like a treasure hunt. And tide-pooling at La Push was incredible. I had no idea the kinds of sea life you can see in tide pools. Then, we took a hike up off the beach which felt similar to the 'hiking' Bella did with Jacob and his gang. (I can't remember whether the hiking/tide-pooling took place in the books or if it was in Midnight Sun - the portion of Edward's book that was never published.)

If you haven't had the pleasure of visiting Forks, this is the sign as you enter. There is also a sign off to the right about saving local wildlife by donating blood. :)

This is a store, set up to capitalize off the Twilight craze. It had a lot of cute merchandise, actually. I really wanted to get a t-shirt that said Bite Me, because it's something I always say to Hubs...but I ended up passing on it.

This is me frowning - because I, naturally, was Team Edward. Have I mentioned I'm a sucker for serious, broody guys?!?

It's La Push, baby...it's La Push!

I liked this picture of the beach because it seemed so similar to the beach used in the movie.

Starfish, anemones, barnacles, galore!

This is a view as we hiked up from the beach along the Tsunami Evacuation route.

The driftwood is amazing...all these huge bleached-out logs. 


Tide-pooling was so much fun that when we took the kids to the Olympic Peninsula a few summers back, we made sure to take them on a beach adventure. :)

Teaser Tuesdays ~ #65

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

***

Off the Record
Record #1

Liz Dougherty has no idea a single question is about to change her life.

Her first big reporting assignment for her North Carolina college newspaper has her covering a state senator's impromptu press conference. Brady Maxwell may have everything it takes to be a politician--a winning pedigree, devastating good looks, a body made to wear suits--but his politics rub Liz the wrong way. When Liz's hard-hitting question catches the upstart senator off-guard, it impresses Hayden Lane, Liz's editor who feels she's headed for a promising career as a reporter.

But Liz is also headed into a secret romance with Brady that could destroy both their ambitions. Though he's a bachelor, potential voters might frown on Brady cozying up to a reporter. And Liz isn't sure sneaking around is enough for her--especially when things between her and Hayden might be less platonic than she thought.

Sleek, sexy, and smart, Off the Record ventures into a high-stakes campaign and an even higher-stakes affair to answer the question: When politics and love collide, can there ever be a winner?

***Teaser***

"...I've never exactly been propositioned...let alone at a diner first thing in the morning."
"As much as I enjoy hearing that...I find it hard to believe."



Oh y'all, I'm loving this story! The banter between Liz and Brady is off-the-charts funny and sexy!

Blog Tour Review & Giveaway ~ Getting Lucky Number Seven ~ Cindi Madsen

We're excited for the release of 

Getting Lucky Number Seven by Cindi Madsen! 

My post includes all the details on the book, a couple of teasers, my review, and a giveaway! Enjoy and good luck!

You can join the Facebook Release Day Party on April 30th, too.

***

Getting Lucky Number Seven

Genre: New Adult, Contemporary Romance

Release Date: April 27, 2015

Source: I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

Rating: 4 Bookworms

Goodreads

Amazon | B&N | iTunes | Kobo

Synopsis

What's your lucky number?

Lyla Wilder is done being the shy, chemistry nerd extraordinaire. While every other college student it out having fun, Lyla is studying. With her cat. Well, she's played it "safe" quite enough, thank you. So she creates a "College Bucket List"―with item #7 being a night of uninhibited, mind-blowing sex...

But she needs some help from her man-whore best friend.

Hockey player Beck Davenport thought Lyla's transformation would be subtle. Man, was he wrong. With every item she ticks off, Beck finds himself growing seriously hot for his sweet, brainiac best friend. And if he's not careful, he'll end up risking their friendship in order to convince Lyla that he might just be her lucky #7...

**TRAILER**

I'd never read Ms. Madsen before but had always wanted to since my blogging friend, Andrea (formerly The Bookish Babe) always gushed about her. So when this came up for review, I jumped on it. And I can absolutely see what all the gushing was about. What a delightful combination of sweet and serious this was! 

I love the friends-to-lovers trope, and it is well done in Getting Lucky Number Seven. Sure, Lyla was the typical 'babe in nerd's clothing', but her social awkwardness, love of cat memes and chemistry jokes were adorable and endearing. And Beck was absolutely the hot hockey player (in both senses of the word) who saw Lyla for who she is, and I couldn't help falling for him.

They started out as chemistry lab partners but quickly struck up a strong friendship. Lyla, after a 'blind date' gone wrong, decides to reinvent herself and being a nerd, she creates a to-do list in order to accomplish it. Beck, being the good friend he is, sets about helping her accomplish those goals.

Beck seems like the stereotypical jock/player. He actually is a young man with quite a bit on his plate, so to speak. He makes some mistakes where Lyla is concerned, of course, and he has some skewed ideas about love. But he really has a heart of gold.

This story is the perfect blend of humor and sweetness, and seriousness. I was giggling and sniffling in turns. Lyla and Beck are so much fun together and I enjoyed how they supported one another, as friends do, and also how that comfort they felt together led to something more.

Getting Lucky Number Seven was my first Madsen read, but it certainly won't be my last!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

USA Today Bestselling author Cindi Madsen sits at her computer every chance she gets, plotting, revising, and falling in love with her characters.
Sometimes it makes her a crazy person. Without it, she'd be even crazier. She has way too many shoes but can always find a reason to buy a new pretty pair,especially if they're sparkly, colorful, or super tall. She loves music, dancing, and wishes summer lasted all year long. She lives in Colorado (where summer is most definitely NOT all year long) with her husband and three children.

Visit her at www.cindimadsen.com, where you can sign up for her newsletter and learn about upcoming releases.

Cindi is the author of YA books All the Broken Pieces, Cipher, Rift, Resolution, and Demons of the Sun, and adult romances Falling for Her Fiancé, Act Like You Love Me, Resisting the Hero, 
Cinderella Screwed Me Over and Ready to Wed.

My TBR List Review & Blogger Chick Chat ~ The Watson Brothers ~ Lori Foster

When Lexxie @Unconventional Book Views saw that The Watson Brothers had won the vote this month, she was quick to ask if we could buddy read this one as she adores Lori Foster's writing and hadn't met The Watson Brothers yet. So we did buddy-read it (even if she finished waaay before I did) and I get to share not only my review, but our chat about the book as well!

*****

The Watson Brothers
Watson Brothers #1-3 Compilation
One-clicked on May 17, 2010

My House, My Rules
Sweetly sexy and extremely determined Ariel drives tough, rugged cop Sam Watson over the edge. When Ariel's headstrong ways nearly wreck one of Sam's sting operations--ruining her dress in the process--he offers her a ride to his place to clean up. But Ariel seems to have her own agenda, and Sam decides it's time to show the lady that is she wants to play games of seduction, he'll be calling the shots...

Bringing Up Baby
Gil Watson's wild night on a business trip two years ago resulted in a daughter he never know he had. Now that the girl's mother is gone, he wants to do right by his little girl, even if it means a marriage of convenience with the woman who's been raising her. Anabel Truman is totally wrong for him. But the sensations she rouses in Gil feel totally right.

Good With His Hands
As best friends, Pete Watson and Cassidy McClannahan have a "no sex" relationship. "No sex" equals continuing friendship. "Ohmygodyes" sex equals big problems. It may be a rigid rule, but it works--until Pete decides he wants to push the line and transform himself into the perfect guy he thinks Cassidy wants.

My House, My Rules
Oh, Sam Watson, you sarcastic, stubborn, swoon-worthy man!

The oldest of the Watson brothers was a hoot to watch as he tried to fend off Arial. It seems Sam misunderstood the situation between Arial and his little brother, Pete.

Arial was determined and tenacious. She knew what, or rather who, she wanted and she went after him - no holds barred.

There was a little issue over lack of experience *waggles eyebrows* on Arial's part but it didn't take away from the story. And I loved getting to meet the other Watson brothers and their fierce mama. I only wish the story had been longer.

Bringing Up Baby
Okay, Gil Watson actually overtook his brother, Sam, for the #1 spot in my heart. I guess I'm a sucker for the more serious, reserved man - at least outwardly reserved.

Gile recently found out he was the father of a 2 year old little girl. Nicole's mama died and her roommate, whom Gil has always been attracted to, shows up with his baby.

Anabel may be a little unconventional - and proves that with her offer to Gil - but she loves Nicole like she was her own. She knows what she wants where Nicole and Gil are concerned and she's determined to get it.

I enjoyed this one even more for Gil's reserved intensity, Anabel's brashness, and Nicole's adorableness - especially when she's wrapping her daddy around her little finger.

Good With His Hands
I was fully prepared not to enjoy Pete's story as much since he's the youngest Watson brother - playful, a player. But Pete's story is set ~5 years after Gil's, so he's grown up a bit. And I found him rather adorable as he falls in love.

Cassidy McClannahan essentially is Pete's best friend. They work together, live next door to one another, and do most everything together. But as they've gotten closer, Cassidy's realized that her feelings are more than friendly.

I really enjoyed getting to know Cassidy. She's a girl after my own heart - a tomboy who's very uncomfortable dressing up - she prefers jeans, sneakers, and no makeup. She's also very goal-oriented and determined enough to go after what she wants.

Pete, as I said, is playful and fun-loving. He worries he doesn't fit the idea of the perfect man that Cassidy has. It sure was fun seeing him try to win her over by being himself.


Overall, I saw a similarity between all the Watson brothers - they all fell for strong, determined women. And I enjoyed their interactions as well as their antics when it came to their brothers' love lives. I wish we'd seen more of Belinda, their mom. And I'm hopeful there are more books with these characters as I'd like to spend more time with them all.

***Blogger Chick Chat***

Okay, Lexxie...I finished Sam & Ariel's story last night...so let's chat about it. 

I adore this couple. They have such chemistry...if only Sam wasn't so dang stubborn. *ha* What did you think of his trying to stay away from Ariel? 

Ariel's "making sure" made me giggle. She seemed to have it together - a girl with a plan - even if she did put herself in some questionable situations. Did you like Ariel?

I'm thinking we're going to be happy this came as a set so we can get to know all the brothers, their mother, and their ladies, better. That was what I was wishing for with My House, My Rules...more time to get to know everyone. But I do like Foster's writing. It's very easy-to-read. Were you left wanting when you finished Sam & Ariel's story?

Oh my, I adored them, too! But I did get my little 'ugh, she's a virgin' thing for a little while. However, it really didn't take anything away from their story at all! And it was so funny that he thought he was too old for her! And that he would break Pete's heart if he went after her *giggles*

Ariel's making sure was great, too, and I loved her as a character, because she knew what she wanted, and just went after it full trottle.

I actually finished the whole book already... yeah, I know very quick reader. And I totally loved Pete and Gil as well, and I actually still want more of all three brothers. They are made of hot smexiness, Brandee!

*haha* When the virgin issue came up I thought, "oh boy, Lexxie isn't going to like this." But you're right, it didn't take from their story. Ariel was no shrinking violet or simpering little girl. She knew what she wanted and was very determined to have him.

Sam's thinking he was too old for her was hilarious. That he kept teasing her about being a little girl was too. Especially because he really knew how to get her riled up.

As for Gil and Anabel's story...I think maybe Gil is actually my favorite of the brothers. I guess I like 'buttoned up', reserved, and intense. *grins* And I thought Anabel was awesome with her mouthiness and unconventional style. And Nicole...she was a delight!! A little whirlwind of delight. :) Did you like Anabel? What did you think about her situation? I really admired what she did, taking on Nicole.

Pete and Cassidy's story was a pleasure, too. I was prepared not to enjoy Pete's story as much because he was the youngest and the biggest playboy. (I think) But their story was fun. It was great getting the dual POV and seeing both Pete and Cassidy thinking the other wouldn't ever want more because they didn't fit the mold. I thought it was funny that Cassidy thought she wanted a 'suit' guy when she was about as far away from a 'suit' girl as she could be.  Oh, and I giggled so much over Pete's misunderstanding what was going on in Cassidy's apartment that night. And Cassidy cutting her hair...  I identified most with Cassidy. I was (am) a tomboy and still don't enjoy dressing up that much. And I was (am) always the sensible one. :)

I liked that each of these brothers thought they knew what they wanted in a woman. And then when it came to a particular woman, they all had reasons why it wouldn't work. The best part is that they each managed to pick a strong, determined woman. I think it speaks a lot to what their mother is like and I wish we'd gotten to know her better.

LOL, you know me so well, my dear! 

I loved Gil and Anabel both! My, Anabel was so loyal, and I loved that she was willing to do anything and everything to make sure Nicole would be safe and loved. And I thought it was really funny when Anabel explained to Gil why she had the tattoos and the extra piercings :D shut him up nice and good, that did! Of course, I also love characters who are unconventional - there’s nothing wrong with being a little bit different, you know?

Nicole was the perfect child character, with her hugs and kisses AND her tiny tantrums and making spots on the white, pristine walls in Gil’s house.

Pete’s story was set a few years later, which I think was a good idea, because he seemed a little spoiled in Watson’s story, so I was happy he had grown up a little in his own story. I loved that Cass and Pete were such good friends, and that they were unsure about how to possibly change their relationship without ruining their friendship. As you know, that’s one of my favorite romance tropes! People who already know, love and respect each other make for excellent lovers in romances :D

I don’t dress up much either, I’m happiest when I can wear jeans and a t-shirt or shirt - I don’t use a lot of make-up, and I usually wear sneakers :D So yeah, the tomboy part of Cass was easy to understand. I can be sensible, but I can definitely do reckless/crazy, too, as long as the consequences aren’t too difficult to deal with ;) And you’re right, too, that all three women were strong and confident, and also that they were comfortable with their sexuality.

Oh, it would be awesome to have a book about their mom, too! She’s a widower, so it could be a later in life romance… hmm do you think we should try to send a whispering tweet to Ms. Foster about that? 

Loyal - that's a great description of Anabel. And she was quite the mama bear when it came to Nicole. As a mom, I loved that about her. Oh, and yeah, I loved her shutting Gil up with the reasons for her tattoos, etc., too. I enjoyed his reaction to Pete asking about her body parts on the internet even more. ;)

Nicole was well written and she won my heart just as easily as she won her daddy's...fingerprints on everything and all.

*ha* I wrote in my mini-review about Pete's story taking place a few years after Gil's. I liked that too because I wasn't so sure I was going to like Pete's playboy ways. He did seem spoiled when we met him previously. But he definitely grew up. 

Honestly, I can't decide which of the boys' stories is my favorite. I was deadset in thinking Pete's would be my least favorite. But I like the friends to lovers trope as well. And Pete and Cassidy were made for each other. But then so were Gil and Anabel. And Sam and Ariel. Can it be a tie? *haha*

Good point about the ladies all being confident in their sexuality...even Ariel, with the least experience. Just goes to show what the 'right' guy will bring out in a woman. I think Anabel was the most confident though. She did hold herself back a little out of fear but the 'real' Anabel was awesome.

We should definitely whisper tweet Ms. Foster for a story about Belinda Watson. A later-in-life romance for her would be great. I'd be especially interested in seeing how her boys handled that. ;)

Oh if only Ms. foster was going to RT!!

Sure, go ahead and post our chat - our conversations are kind of fun!

I actually think Ariel and Sam’s story is my favorite, possibly because Sam was in his late thirties, so I didn’t feel creepy loving him ;)

Oh, I didn't feel creepy at all crushing on Gil! ;)

Thanks for the buddy-read and for chatting, Lexxie! 17 more days and we'll be doing it person! :)

Brandee's Bookish Babble ~ #1

Welcome to my first Brandee's Bookish Babble post. There are many, many similar posts to this one - but basically I wanted a place to discuss bookish and/or blogging stuff and I needed a title. :) So this is my new discussion meme. (And thanks to my daughter, Sky, for drawing my banner!)

***

I don't consider myself to be a very organized person. I mean, my kids are always fed, clean, in clean clothes, and where they need to be when they need to be. So in some areas of my life, I'm organized...well, as organized as I can be. But when it comes to my blog...not so much. Add to that I'm a procrastinator and... :)

After reading Terri @Second Run Reviews Blogging Routine posts and Nyx @Nyx Book Reviews' post on how they manage their blogs, I got to wondering. And so I thought I could pose some of my questions here (admittedly lots of questions) and see how you all manage your blog. 

First of all, do y'all have a routine? Do you have a certain day where you sit at your computer and create/schedule posts for the upcoming week or month? 

How many posts to you publish a week? Why? Do you participate in blog tours, cover reveals, etc.?

How do you keep track of which books you'll be reading next and your reviews of them? Do you have an app or use a spreadsheet to manage a list of the books you'll be reading, and whether or not you've posted your review on your blog and/or cross-posted it?

How do you keep up with commenting on others' blogs as well as commenting back on your own blog?

How do you use social media? Are there apps you use to pre-schedule facebook posts or tweets?

Is there a certain food or beverage you keep beside you while taking care of bloggy stuff? Do you listen to music?


As for how I'm doing things, I'm more of a fly by the seat of my pants type of blogger. I have historically prepared and published blog posts as I go. This year, for the first time since I started blogging, I have a backlog of prepared posts. And I admit, it's a rather nice feeling. But I still end up spending time daily to prepare posts, cross-post reviews, etc. And social media? Yep, I do that on a daily basis...if I remember to do it. 

All this means, I'm usually rather stressed about blogging. And I don't want it to be stressful since I blog simply because I want to read, share, and discuss books (and other stuff). And I think that if I could approach it in a more organized fashion, maybe it wouldn't be quite as stressful.

So, I'd really appreciate any pointers y'all can offer. :)

Release Day Blitz & Review ~ Everything ~ Melissa Pearl

Happy Release Day, Melissa Pearl!
Everything releases today. 
To celebrate, you can grab Fever for only 99 cents!

***

Everything

A Songbird novel, Book 3

April 23, 2015
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review
Rating: 4 Bookworms
Goodreads ~ Amazon ~ B&N ~ iTunes ~ Kobo

Synopsis

Jody Pritchett had a dream...but life had other plans. Instead of singing and dancing on Broadway, Jody's a twenty-year-old single mom, living at home with her disapproving father and overbearing sister. The choice to keep her little Angelia came with a high price and although she adores her baby girl, it doesn't take away the sting of kissing goodbye her chance at a career on the stage. 

Leo Sinclair had his own dream...but got lost along the way. After a failed marriage that left him hollow and downtrodden, the Australian songwriter wonders what joy his future could possibly hold. Encouraged by the one family member who doesn't think he's a failure, Leo decides to stop living the life everyone expects him to and start chasing his dreams again. 

When the perfect opportunity comes knocking, Leo leaves Australia behind and hops a flight to LA. With his sights set on selling a musical to a Broadway producer, Leo is determined to finally realize his life-long dream. But life gets in the way again, when he spots a young mother outside his apartment in tears. He never realized how one person, one voice, and one Angel could have him contemplating abandoning his dreams once again. 

As these two burned hearts wrestle to overcome their past struggles, Leo and Jody must decide what dreams are worth clinging to...because, sometimes, everything you want is not everything you need. 

The Songbird series continues to be a delight to read. It hits all my NA buttons and I was excited to be getting Jody's story in Everything.

I met Jody in the earlier novels, as she's Ella's best friend and Morgan's little sister, from Fever and Bulletproof respectively. Jody is an incredibly talented singer and was in school bound for Broadway until she got pregnant. My heart broke for her having to give up her education, her dreams to raise her baby. But I also really admired her decision to keep her baby and figure out a way to make a new life for herself. That took so much courage and for the most part, Jody remained positive about her situation -- a ray of sunshine.

Leo Sinclair has come to the States from Australia for a clean start and a chance to pursue his dreams. He's a composer and has his sights set on Broadway. Things seem to be falling into place but he happens upon a sad, single mom. Things change -- for the better -- at that point as Jody sparks his creative light and maybe something else.

I enjoyed Jody and Leo's story. The dynamics between them and Jody's little girl, Angel, made for an engaging read. Having Ella and Cole, and Morgan and Sean, Mr. Pritchett, and Grandma Deb also added to the realistic feel. I have to admit to not liking Mr. Pritchett, Jody's dad, all that much for awhile, as he wasn't as supportive for Jody as I felt he should be. I also felt like things moved a little too quickly for Jody and Leo, even though chronologically it didn't. I can't put my finger on why I felt that way -- it just did.

Even though this is a romance, I feel like it was more a story of Jody's finding a way to balance her wants, needs, and those of Angel. She made me very proud as she took charge of her life -- all on her own. She's a good mama and handled motherhood at her young age with maturity.

Once again, Ms. Pearl drew me into a comfortable story, with great characters. Her use of music -- a song for every moment, really ties everything (ha!) together. Music has played an important part throughout this series, but especially in Everything. And I adored the songs and their placement, as well as the original lyrics for Leo's musical. I also liked that Ms. Pearl took two characters, who were afraid their past choices meant the future they'd dreamed of was unreachable, and proved that there is always a chance to get everything you need.

Melissa Pearl was born in Auckland, New Zealand, but has spent much of her life abroad, living in countries such as Jordan, Cyprus and Pakistan... not to mention a nine month road trip around North America with her husband. "Best. Year. Ever!!" She now lives in China with her husband and two sons. She is a trained elementary teacher, but writing is her passion. Since becoming a full time mother she has had the opportunity to pursue this dream and her debut novel hit the internet in November 2011. Since then she has continued to produce a steady stream of books. Recently she signed with Evatopia Press and her first Evatopia book is coming out in February 2014 - True Colors, The Masks Series #1. She is very excited to be trying out new things this year while continuing to publish under her own name as well. She has six books planned for 2014 and is excited about writing each and every one of them.