I really need to stop reading book blogs! =) Of course, I won't give them up. I enjoy them too much. I love reading other readers' must read lists and can't wait for lists, favorite authors and of course, the reviews. But seriously, my TBR list is already ginormous and it just keeps growing and growing...and there's NO WAY I can keep up. I'm doing my best to worm my way through, but... And to make things more aggravating...I mean, having an out of control TBR list is pretty aggravating, right?!?...some of these new books I keep reading about (drooling over =) are only available on Kindle!! I'm sure I've mentioned before that I work at a bookstore...and said bookstore has its own e-reader and each of my family members owns one. But I'm actually considering going over to the dark side just so I can read these dang books!! Ugh!!
I have another TBR list that's getting out of control as well...my To Be Reviewed list. I still have reviews from my TFEiC authors in the works, as well as others. Sooo, guess I better stop dreaming and drooling and get to work!
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
What I Didn't Say
What I Didn't Say
Keary Taylor
Received from publisher via NetGalley
I ended up liking this book more than I thought I would at page 50. I had very high expectations for this book. The storyline was very intriguing and I thought it would be a very compelling and emotionally draining read. It’s about a boy who, after a tragic accident, loses his ability to speak. And he has major regrets about not having said some things. He also has to learn to deal with new insecurities and figuring out a new path for his life since his injury prevents him from following the one he'd intended. But it’s also about a girl who has had her own tragedy in life. And this girl, who was THE major regret for the boy, teaches the boy to be thankful for what he does have in life and not to waste a single moment in his life. It also touched on valuable lessons for teenagers. It should have been gripping...but for whatever reason, it didn’t grab me from the beginning and make me want to keep reading. However, I was eventually drawn into the book and I ended up caring about what happened to the characters.
Keary Taylor
Received from publisher via NetGalley
I ended up liking this book more than I thought I would at page 50. I had very high expectations for this book. The storyline was very intriguing and I thought it would be a very compelling and emotionally draining read. It’s about a boy who, after a tragic accident, loses his ability to speak. And he has major regrets about not having said some things. He also has to learn to deal with new insecurities and figuring out a new path for his life since his injury prevents him from following the one he'd intended. But it’s also about a girl who has had her own tragedy in life. And this girl, who was THE major regret for the boy, teaches the boy to be thankful for what he does have in life and not to waste a single moment in his life. It also touched on valuable lessons for teenagers. It should have been gripping...but for whatever reason, it didn’t grab me from the beginning and make me want to keep reading. However, I was eventually drawn into the book and I ended up caring about what happened to the characters.
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Release Me
Release Me by J. Kenner
First in trilogy
Publication Date - Jan, 2013
I LOVE this book! It is a bit reminiscent of both the Fifty Shades and Crossfire series. However, the writing is why you should read this book. This book is very well written. The plot is well paced and it was exciting. I had hard time putting this book down. The characters are very well drawn. They both have their great qualities and they have their flaws. I'm glad this book is the first in a series but the author did a nice job of tying things up in a way that leaves the reader pretty satisfied. I WANT more of this story as I want to know all Damien's secrets (as Nikki said, it is only fair she get to know his since she's spilled all hers). We do get a glimpse into the depths of his character but I want more! =) I also like the well defined side characters - Evelyn and Blaine, and Ollie and Jamie. Again, this book is just very well written and really draws you in.
I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley.
Saturday, November 3, 2012
Ahh, Cold Hands, Warm Heart
From GoodReads
“Can the love of a lifetime be forever changed by one pink line?”
One Pink Line, by Dina Silver, is a heartwarming read. It’s one of those books that once you finish you say “ahh”. I loved it! It’s the story of a girl, Sydney, and a boy, Ethan, and the crazy path they follow into each other’s hearts. It’s also a story of another girl, Grace, who after finding out her life isn’t exactly as she thought it was, figures out it’s exactly the way it’s meant to be.
I loved the author’s use of differing points of view from different timelines. We get to see the beginning of the story and the present point in the story. I enjoyed getting to see how Sydney and Ethan come into one another’s lives and work to stay that way despite the distance of attending different colleges. It’s not always easy. They make mistakes. There were times, obviously, when I wanted to smack Sydney in the head. But then, I’m a firm believer in things working out the way they’re meant to be, and Ms. Silver definitely confirmed that belief. I also enjoyed the journey we get to take with Grace as she navigates the waters of growing up, figuring out who she is, and realizing she’s so very lucky to have the parents she has.
Overall, this is a lovely story and I highly recommend it.
I received this ebook from the publisher via NetGalley.
“Can the love of a lifetime be forever changed by one pink line?”
One Pink Line, by Dina Silver, is a heartwarming read. It’s one of those books that once you finish you say “ahh”. I loved it! It’s the story of a girl, Sydney, and a boy, Ethan, and the crazy path they follow into each other’s hearts. It’s also a story of another girl, Grace, who after finding out her life isn’t exactly as she thought it was, figures out it’s exactly the way it’s meant to be.
I loved the author’s use of differing points of view from different timelines. We get to see the beginning of the story and the present point in the story. I enjoyed getting to see how Sydney and Ethan come into one another’s lives and work to stay that way despite the distance of attending different colleges. It’s not always easy. They make mistakes. There were times, obviously, when I wanted to smack Sydney in the head. But then, I’m a firm believer in things working out the way they’re meant to be, and Ms. Silver definitely confirmed that belief. I also enjoyed the journey we get to take with Grace as she navigates the waters of growing up, figuring out who she is, and realizing she’s so very lucky to have the parents she has.
Overall, this is a lovely story and I highly recommend it.
I received this ebook from the publisher via NetGalley.
Friday, October 26, 2012
A Thrill Ride
I recently finished reading the Torn Trilogy by Erica O'Rourke. It's YA but doesn't feel YA...does that make sense?!? I mean, yes, it is about a girl who is in high school and I can see where the life events she's having to endure and the decisions she's having to make can be stripped down to reveal the same basic issues all teenagers struggle with. But man...the things Mo has to face are so much more than what most teenagers have to. So that's what I'm saying...
Maura "Mo" Fitzgerald first learns about a world separate from the one she lives in when she witnesses her best friend murdered. Outside her world, where she has to deal with the rumors of her family's involvement with the mob and her father's incarceration, outside of attending an elite private school where she's trying to earn early acceptance into NYU and outside of working at her mom's restaurant, Mo has learned of the Magic world and the Arcs. Her best friend, Verity, knew about the Magic and her role in an ancient prophecy. But now that Verity is gone, Mo is now to fulfill that prophecy...if she survives that long. Learning to deal with and live within the Magic world is treacherous, especially since there's a faction within that realm out to cause a revolution. And it's not only those in the Magic world who are after her. She's learned that her family is indeed involved with the mob. With a new mob leader trying to take over in town, Mo begins walking a dangerous path - playing both sides against the other.
In her corner, she has Colin, the bodyguard her uncle has assigned to watch over her in the human world. Colin is safe and solid and understands her human world as well as her dealings with the Arcs. But Colin has his own secrets. And she has Luc, who is mysterious and is drawn to Mo from the start. He's also her partner in the Magic world's prophecy. Mo tries to keep her two worlds separate. She tries to ignore her feelings for Luc (whom she believes is only interested in her for her part of the prophecy) while focusing on her feelings for Colin. Mo's trying to stay true to herself and figure out what exactly that means, find her own way in the world and what her place is in it. Mo eventually figures out how to balance her worlds, protect those she loves, and allows herself to fall in love...all while saving worlds, both human and magical.
There's a lot of angst and action and love in this series. It was exciting and heartbreaking. And it all made for great reading!
Maura "Mo" Fitzgerald first learns about a world separate from the one she lives in when she witnesses her best friend murdered. Outside her world, where she has to deal with the rumors of her family's involvement with the mob and her father's incarceration, outside of attending an elite private school where she's trying to earn early acceptance into NYU and outside of working at her mom's restaurant, Mo has learned of the Magic world and the Arcs. Her best friend, Verity, knew about the Magic and her role in an ancient prophecy. But now that Verity is gone, Mo is now to fulfill that prophecy...if she survives that long. Learning to deal with and live within the Magic world is treacherous, especially since there's a faction within that realm out to cause a revolution. And it's not only those in the Magic world who are after her. She's learned that her family is indeed involved with the mob. With a new mob leader trying to take over in town, Mo begins walking a dangerous path - playing both sides against the other.
In her corner, she has Colin, the bodyguard her uncle has assigned to watch over her in the human world. Colin is safe and solid and understands her human world as well as her dealings with the Arcs. But Colin has his own secrets. And she has Luc, who is mysterious and is drawn to Mo from the start. He's also her partner in the Magic world's prophecy. Mo tries to keep her two worlds separate. She tries to ignore her feelings for Luc (whom she believes is only interested in her for her part of the prophecy) while focusing on her feelings for Colin. Mo's trying to stay true to herself and figure out what exactly that means, find her own way in the world and what her place is in it. Mo eventually figures out how to balance her worlds, protect those she loves, and allows herself to fall in love...all while saving worlds, both human and magical.
There's a lot of angst and action and love in this series. It was exciting and heartbreaking. And it all made for great reading!
Thursday, October 25, 2012
The Perfect Game - A Perfect Read on a Snowy Day
Here is my first review of a TFEiC author.
The Perfect Game by J. Sterling
This is a little novel (190 pages) with a BIG emotional punch! I was impressed with the character development and the plotting and pacing. Cassie, a college student studying photography, just wants to get her degree and land a job doing what she loves. Jack, a college baseball player, is the epitome of the word "player". The two meet one night at a fraternity party and Jack is immediately intrigued. Cassie thinks she'd do well to avoid him, and his dimples, and his adoring fangirls. If only she could. Jack has set his sights on her like a heat seeking missile. =) She eventually agrees to a date. And that changes everything.
Cassie and Jack both have some "heavy" baggage coming into this relationship. They both have MAJOR trust issues. However, they are able to work through them and it makes their relationship strong enough to withstand a lot. I will say that there were times I was yelling, literally yelling, at Jack when he was being an idiot. But although he screwed up immensely, Cassie did some things that I wanted to shake her silly over. But in the end, these two get their HEA.
I also want to mention the very strong supporting cast. I'd love to see Dean and Melissa get their own book(s).
Oh, the ending...goodness. I loved it. It was so romantic. =) I will definitely be reading more of J. Sterling!
The Perfect Game by J. Sterling
This is a little novel (190 pages) with a BIG emotional punch! I was impressed with the character development and the plotting and pacing. Cassie, a college student studying photography, just wants to get her degree and land a job doing what she loves. Jack, a college baseball player, is the epitome of the word "player". The two meet one night at a fraternity party and Jack is immediately intrigued. Cassie thinks she'd do well to avoid him, and his dimples, and his adoring fangirls. If only she could. Jack has set his sights on her like a heat seeking missile. =) She eventually agrees to a date. And that changes everything.
Cassie and Jack both have some "heavy" baggage coming into this relationship. They both have MAJOR trust issues. However, they are able to work through them and it makes their relationship strong enough to withstand a lot. I will say that there were times I was yelling, literally yelling, at Jack when he was being an idiot. But although he screwed up immensely, Cassie did some things that I wanted to shake her silly over. But in the end, these two get their HEA.
I also want to mention the very strong supporting cast. I'd love to see Dean and Melissa get their own book(s).
Oh, the ending...goodness. I loved it. It was so romantic. =) I will definitely be reading more of J. Sterling!
What I'm Up To...
So, in August, I read a couple of books by a couple of indie authors (reviews to come, reviews to come =). When I checked out their websites, I discovered that said authors were going to be attending a signing event in Chicago on September 29. I thought to myself, "hmm, I think I'll figure out a way to make it to Chicago for that!" However, my hubby was going to be out of town that weekend and also, it was my son's birthday weekend. Again, I thought "hmm, I could make a birthday trip out of it and take all the kids...wouldn't that be fun?!?" BUT, I just couldn't justify the airfare (although it was good airfare, I'd still have hotel, etc.) I just couldn't swing it. So, I decided what I'd do instead is read one book from every author that was going to be attending TFEiC (The First Ever Indie Conference). And I HAVE NOT been disappointed yet! I'm going to be posting a list of the authors that were at the event and crossing them off as I read them. (You'll see I've already read quite a few...and honestly, I read entire series at a time because I just couldn't stop once I got started...they're that good! =) And I have reviews in the works on all the books because I can't wait to share about them. Some of the authors are no longer "indie", having been signed by publishers thanks to the sales of their awesomely written books. I couldn't be happier for them...it is really a shame that they weren't already signed but I admire them greatly for publishing for themselves...I'd have missed out on a lot of awesomeness if they hadn't. You should check them out too - wouldn't want you to miss out on greatness!
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Ahh, It's Good to be Back!
As you know, I moved over the summer. That is the rather simplistic explanation for why I've been offline for months. Getting unpacked, settled in, getting my kids back to school, enjoying the peace and quiet offered in the mountains =) ...anyway, I've made the decision to jump back in with what I'm reading now. As I have time, I will blog about the MANY books I read over the summer, because I know you all WANT to know about what I've been reading. =)
My current self challenge is to read at least one book by each of the independent authors who are part of the TFEiC Book Signing Event. I can't make it to either of the signings (*sniff*) but as I'd already read several of the authors involved in the event, I decided to check out them all. I can honestly say that I've been so impressed and I'm hoping to see much more recognition for these authors!
The author I just finished reading is Tina Reber...I read both books in her Love series and I LOVED them both! Love Unscripted is the first in the series. We meet Taryn Mitchell, a bar owner in a small Rhode Island town who has recently had her heart broken. Taryn is very satisfied to keep her friends close and men at a distance. We also meet Ryan Christensen, a super-hunky A-list actor, who only wanted to act but has been elevated to a status that includes paparazzi, rabid fans, and absolutely no privacy. Then one day, Ryan steps into Taryn's bar while being chased and man-handled (woman-handled?) by some fans and Taryn's world is turned upside-down. Love ensues, eventually, and both Taryn and Ryan have to figure out how to balance love with all the craziness a Hollywood life brings along.
Love Unrehearsed continues Taryn and Ryan's story. They have more trials and tribulations to endure including crazy former girlfriends, a stalker-ish bodyguard, jealous friends, life changing secrets and invasive press. Is their love strong enough to last a lifetime?!? Hell, yeah!
I can't say enough about how much I enjoyed Ms. Reber's style. She took the time to really bring to life such believable characters and portray how much celebrities endure just to do the job they love. And that they really would like to just live a "normal" life. I was so proud of Taryn and Ryan for coming through it all, growing stronger as individuals and as a couple. And the cast of secondary characters was awesome - even the "evil" ones! =) Oh, and the romance...well, I love how slowly Ms. Reber built up the tension between Taryn and Ryan and how tenderly and passionately their love could be displayed. The chemistry was explosive at times! Wowza!
These were extremely addicting reads (I binged on them both, one right after the other) and I highly recommend them.
My current self challenge is to read at least one book by each of the independent authors who are part of the TFEiC Book Signing Event. I can't make it to either of the signings (*sniff*) but as I'd already read several of the authors involved in the event, I decided to check out them all. I can honestly say that I've been so impressed and I'm hoping to see much more recognition for these authors!
The author I just finished reading is Tina Reber...I read both books in her Love series and I LOVED them both! Love Unscripted is the first in the series. We meet Taryn Mitchell, a bar owner in a small Rhode Island town who has recently had her heart broken. Taryn is very satisfied to keep her friends close and men at a distance. We also meet Ryan Christensen, a super-hunky A-list actor, who only wanted to act but has been elevated to a status that includes paparazzi, rabid fans, and absolutely no privacy. Then one day, Ryan steps into Taryn's bar while being chased and man-handled (woman-handled?) by some fans and Taryn's world is turned upside-down. Love ensues, eventually, and both Taryn and Ryan have to figure out how to balance love with all the craziness a Hollywood life brings along.
Love Unrehearsed continues Taryn and Ryan's story. They have more trials and tribulations to endure including crazy former girlfriends, a stalker-ish bodyguard, jealous friends, life changing secrets and invasive press. Is their love strong enough to last a lifetime?!? Hell, yeah!
I can't say enough about how much I enjoyed Ms. Reber's style. She took the time to really bring to life such believable characters and portray how much celebrities endure just to do the job they love. And that they really would like to just live a "normal" life. I was so proud of Taryn and Ryan for coming through it all, growing stronger as individuals and as a couple. And the cast of secondary characters was awesome - even the "evil" ones! =) Oh, and the romance...well, I love how slowly Ms. Reber built up the tension between Taryn and Ryan and how tenderly and passionately their love could be displayed. The chemistry was explosive at times! Wowza!
These were extremely addicting reads (I binged on them both, one right after the other) and I highly recommend them.
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