Meet Me On Monday!

                                                "Meet Me On Monday!" 
      A cute weekly Meme Hosted by Java @ nevergrowingold.blogspot.com



 

Questions:
1. I really need to clean my _________?
2. What food makes you think of Christmas?
3. If you could choose to stay a certain age forever, what age would it be?
4. What was your first paying job? 
5. Have you read the Twilight series?
--------------------------------------------------------------- 
My Answers!

1. I really need to clean my _________?
Bedroom... With all the company (expected) for Thanksgiving focus has been on Food, Food, Dishes, and Food. (and keeping the downstairs clean(ish) with kids home from school all week). And stuff (aka. Mess) has been really piling up in my bedroom!

2. What food makes you think of Christmas?
Cookies!!

Because I bake cookies by the ton for friends and family every Christmas!










3. If you could choose to stay a certain age forever, what age would it be?
I think 30... The age I am now. I might think differently when I am older, but for now I think it's a very good age.


4. What was your first paying job?
Babysitter! :(
I was "pimped" out a lot as a babysitter, not to mention stuck watching my own little brothers on a daily basis, but as an up side... I had a steady income at age 13! :)


5. Have you read the Twilight series?
Ummm Is the  Pope Catholic ????

HECK YES!
LOL!
Not only did Twilight really get me back into my love of reading, it helped me ignite my Daughters too!

Moon River and Me Review

Moon River and Me By HL Zinda

Find it on Goodreads:
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13019140-moon-river-and-me

Find it on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/MoonRiverandMe

Summary
  “I didn’t want to be there anymore. I didn’t want to be anywhere familiar anymore because everywhere familiar had memories of her. And I didn’t want to remember. I had to get the hell out of there. I had to get the hell out of the city, the state, the country. Yup, Europe sounded just like what I needed.”
Mykaela, a young teen is trying to find a way to cope through life with the loss of her mother. On a whim, Mykaela decides to take a journey through Europe to figure out who she really is.

What I gave it: 4.5 outta 5!!! This book TOUCHED me!

Where I got it: From The Author HL for review

My Thoughts:
  Ok I think I've said this before but I'll say it again.... I am a SNOB... a COVER SNOB that is! I ALWAYS judge a book by its cover, I am NOT PROUD of this fact. I know its wrong, and I am ashamed of it but I can't help it. That being said... I DID NOT think I would like this book! I got it in the mail and took one look and thought BLAH and decided I was not in a rush to start it (I am very sorry for that NOW) I know Authors work their a$$es off trying to put together their work with the perfect title and perfect way to present it to readers, but sometimes I say it doesn't do their work the JUSTICE it deserves!
Why am I telling you this? Because here's my point ... I LOVE THIS BOOK!!!! I HATE IT'S TITLE AND COVER!!
But anyways.....
I don't think I ever cried as much as I did with this book with any other, And YES that was a good thing, I connected with this Character Mykaela on a level I didn't think possible. She's my new friend and she just told me the heartbreaking story of the last 4 years of her life, and I hung on her EVERY word! That's exactly what reading this book is like, a friend telling you a story (smartass comments and insults included).
The places Mykaela visits in Europe sound AMAZING and beautiful, and now I really wanna go(even more than I already did).  Mykaela is from SoCal just like me and parts are set in Cali, which I always love when a book is set at "home" for me. Some people might have a problem with the underage drinking that goes on, but personally it speaks to the reality of the story to me.... Anyone that believes teens don't drink is seriously deluding themselves :)
All in all This was a fantastic read, and I really hope this book gets a lot more attention, because it deserves it! It's storytelling at its finest, and friendships like they are MEANT to be!

Crave Review

Crave (Clann #1) by Melissa Darnell

Find it on Goodreads:
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11164626-crave

Find it on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0373210353?ie=UTF8&tag=httpwwwgoodco-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0373210353&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2

Summary:

 Savannah Colbert has never known why she's so hated by the kids of the Clann. Nor can she deny her instinct to get close to Clann golden boy Tristan Coleman. Especially when she recovers from a strange illness and the attraction becomes nearly irresistible. It's as if he's a magnet, pulling her gaze, her thoughts, even her dreams. Her family has warned her to have nothing to do with him, or any members of the Clann. But when Tristan is suddenly everywhere she goes, Savannah fears she's destined to fail.

For years, Tristan has been forbidden to even speak to Savannah Colbert. Then Savannah disappears from school for a week and comes back…different, and suddenly he can't stay away. Boys seem intoxicated just from looking at her. His own family becomes stricter than ever. And Tristan has to fight his own urge to protect her, to be near her no matter the consequences….

What I gave it: 3.5/5 Stars

Where I got it: Via NetGalley

My Thoughts:

This book had a lot more major potential in my opinion. The main character, Savannah or Sav is the daughter of a witch and vampire. Nice twist right? Yes it is, but unfortunately it just didn't have the amazing effect to the story. The author could have had thrown in a few more twist in the story, especially in the beginning which was slow. I like the idea of a half witch/vampire, but she could have thrown more of the Witch side of the character into the story little more, like adding an accidental magic fluke or something. Her character development was great though, we saw how the character progressed from the quiet girl who took her bullying, to the "Ice Princess" faze where Savannah didn't let anyone push her around and told them what was wrong, & strong female heroines who don't take crap is what I like in a book. The forbidden romance was originally drew me to request this from NetGalley, even though the cover did attract me, the forbidden romance of this book was good. As the main man in the book, Tristan kept asking even though he knew the consequences and I thought it was really sweet for him to do what he did (Sleeping outside!) just to get a little more time with the girl he like. I thought it was a great read for that aspect to the book, and her only flaw in it was how slow it was. This book is a great read to have, but it didn't have the I'm-going-to-die-wait for the second book. I look forward to the second book in the series, and I hope that maybe this will develop into a series I will look forward to seeing the third or fourth!

Hit List Review

Hit List By Laurell K. Hamilton

Find it on Goodreads:
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8935153-hit-list

Find it on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Anita-Blake-Vampire-Hunter-ebook/


Summary
       A serial killer is hunting the Pacific Northwest, murdering victims in a gruesome and spectacular way. The local police suspect “monsters” are involved, and have called in Anita Blake and Edward, US Marshals who really know their monsters, to catch the killer.

But some monsters are very real. The Harlequin have been the bogeymen of the vampire world for more than a thousand years; they are a secret so dark that even to speak their name can earn you a death sentence. Now they are here in America, hunting weretigers…and human police.

The Harlequin serve the Mother of All Darkness, the first vampire. She was supposed to be dead, but only her body was destroyed. Now she needs a new one, and she’s decided that Anita Blake’s is the body she wants. Edward thinks the serial killings are a trap to lure Anita closer to the most dangerous vampire they’ve ever hunted. The vampires call Edward “Death,” and Anita the “Executioner,” but Mommy Darkest is coming to kill one and possess the other, and she doesn’t care how many others have to die along the way.

Where I Got It: Bought it through my Book club

What I Gave It: 3.5 outta 5

My Thoughts:
  Personally as an Anita Blake Fan I was really happy to finally have her get back to real killers and crime fighting. This was book #20 in the Anita Blake : Vampire Hunter series and these days I find myself, fully endorsing the first 12 books then I follow that up with a big BUT. As in but, the next 7 books are more sex than story and I really did not like Books 17, 18, and 19 very much at all!! So I am really grateful that this book had real story to it and brought back a bunch of characters we hadn't seen in a while that are oldies but goodies!

Crossed Review

Crossed By Ally Condie (Matched Trilogy #2)

Find it on Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9794437-crossed

Find it on Amazon:http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0525423656?ie=UTF8&tag=httpwwwgoodco-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0525423656&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2

Summary:

The hotly awaited second book in the dystopian Matched trilogy

In search of a future that may not exist and faced with the decision of who to share it with, Cassia journeys to the Outer Provinces in pursuit of Ky - taken by the Society to his certain death - only to find that he has escaped, leaving a series of clues in his wake.

Cassia's quest leads her to question much of what she holds dear, even as she finds glimmers of a different life across the border. But as Cassia nears resolve and certainty about her future with Ky, an invitation for rebellion, an unexpected betrayal, and a surprise visit from Xander - who may hold the key to the uprising and, still, to Cassia's heart - change the game once again. Nothing is as expected on the edge of Society, where crosses and double crosses make the path more twisted than ever.

Where I got it: Pre-ordered it

What I gave it: 3/5 Stars

My thought:

Crossed was an ABSOLUTE let down from Matched! This book had so much more potential, and it was a total snoozefest! Crossed picked up right where Matched left off, and honestly it it seemed like it went absolutely no where. I get that this is the middle book, and that it's the bridge between the first and third book, but she could have brought so much more action in the landscape the characters are in. Besides the lack in action, I will give Condie some points in the character department with the new ones. There are four new characters introduced to us in Crossed and Condie did a fairly good job in creating them, and giving us a bit about how and why the characters ended up in the tangles of Crossed. In Crossed, we learn new secrets about both the characters Ky, Cassia, and even Xander although he has about only 7 pages of a cameo in the book. It's narrated by both Ky and Cassia, which was great, but I found myself looking back at the beginning of the chapter to see which persons view it was because honestly Cassia's and Ky's voice sounded to alike! I actually liked Ky's narration better because for a few chapters Cassia get's whiny and it annoyed the heck out of me! All I know is that the next book better be sooo much more or some fans (like me!) will be irate! I would put more in my review, but since this is a new release (and it is already kinda long..) and know some people haven't read it so I'm going to shut it! This book wasn't for me, but I hope others will enjoy it!

Tempest ARC Review

Tempest By Julie Cross

Find it on GOODREADS:
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11455096-tempest

Find it on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Tempest-Novel-Trilogy-Julie-Cross

Summary
  The year is 2009.  Nineteen-year-old Jackson Meyer is a normal guy… he’s in college, has a girlfriend… and he can travel back through time. But it’s not like the movies – nothing changes in the present after his jumps, there’s no space-time continuum issues or broken flux capacitors – it’s just harmless fun.
That is… until the day strangers burst in on Jackson and his girlfriend, Holly, and during a struggle with Jackson, Holly is fatally shot. In his panic, Jackson jumps back two years to 2007, but this is not like his previous time jumps. Now he’s stuck in 2007 and can’t get back to the future.  
Desperate to somehow return to 2009 to save Holly but unable to return to his rightful year, Jackson settles into 2007 and learns what he can about his abilities.
But it’s not long before the people who shot Holly in 2009 come looking for Jackson in the past, and these “Enemies of Time” will stop at nothing to recruit this powerful young time-traveler.  Recruit… or kill him.
Piecing together the clues about his father, the Enemies of Time, and himself, Jackson must decide how far he’s willing to go to save Holly… and possibly the entire world.

Where I got It: An Early Reviewers copy from the Library Thing , Release date : January 17, 2012

What I gave It: 5 outta 5!! I Loved it!

My Thoughts:
I was amazed how fast this book had me hooked into the story, it had me by the first chapter! I love that its so original, unlike so many overdone concepts that keep being released over and over again! Well written, intriguing, and even heartbreaking this book has it ALL! I cannot wait to read the next book in this trilogy and I think it's going to make a fantastic action packed movie! The ONLY bad thing is the fact that this book isn't even out yet, so it will be a long wait for the next one in the series!

The Mystical Wood Review

The Mystical Wood  By Simon Jenner      Illustrated By Pierre Fihue 

Find it on Goodreads:

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12956491-the-mystical-wood

Summary


If you are looking for a fun book to read with your kids or a book to keep them entertained for ages, then look no further. Take a magical journey into 'The Mystical Wood' where a boy, searching for his lost dog, meets a wizard, a dragon, a giant bumblebee and a T-Rex. He must befriend each one to carry on the search for his pet and return back home to his Mum. Will the boy find his dog? How will he get home? “Little boy, oh little boy, what business have you here? This wood is full of monsters and other things to fear.” 'The Mystical Wood' combines a terrific adventure with everything a parent or teacher could want a child to read. It has new words, but not too many so that a child loses interest. It shows positive values, without lecturing. It can be read together, or alone. It is written in rhyme which helps your child to remember the new words. If you and your kids loved the Gruffalo then this book will give you plenty of pleasure and with three times the word count the pleasure will last for longer. At over two thousand words, the book has been broken down into five parts, so that you can read one part at a time or the whole thing if you just can’t wait to find out what happens. Don’t forget you get all of these qualities in this book:

• An exciting adventure which will keep your kids excited until the very end.
• An ideal book to read together or for your child to read alone.
• Just the right amount of new words to help your child increase their vocabulary.
• Written in rhyme to make the story more fun and the new words easier to remember.
• Over two thousand words broken into five sections so you or your child can choose how much to read at one sitting. Great value for money.
• Every page of writing has a vivid color illustration on the opposite page.
• Strong positive messages within the storyline, without lecturing.
• Ideal for ages 5 years + (for guidance only).

Where I got it: I was asked to review it by the author, and sent a copy by mail

What I gave it: 4 outta 5 , It's pretty cute!

My Thoughts:
Very cute children's book, Good repetition and rhyme, cute moral, good Illustrations! Great for Children under 9, Maybe a little more boys then girls, but still good for both. My 8 year old daughter really liked the pink dragon and the Bumblebee cracked her up.

The Juliet Spell Review

The Juliet Spell by Douglas Rees

Find it on Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10846226-the-juliet-spell

Find on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0373210396?ie=UTF8&tag=httpwwwgoodco-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0373210396&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2

Summary: I wanted the role of Juliet more than anything. I studied hard. I gave a great reading for it—even with Bobby checking me out the whole time. I deserved the part.

I didn't get it. So I decided to level the playing field, though I actually might have leveled the whole play. You see, since there aren't any Success in Getting to Be Juliet in Your High School Play spells, I thought I'd cast the next best—a Fame spell. Good idea, right?

Yeah. Instead of bringing me a little fame, it brought me someone a little famous. Shakespeare. Well, Edmund Shakespeare. William's younger brother.

Good thing he's sweet and enthusiastic about helping me with the play...and—ahem—maybe a little bit hot. But he's from the past.Way past. Cars amaze him—cars! And cell phones? Ugh.

Still, there's something about him that's making my eyes go star-crossed....

Where I got it: Harlequin Teen via NetGalley -- Thanks!

What I gave it: 2.5 out of 5

My thoughts:

Well, I got the book ARC back in the beginning of September and never really got to it (as well as many other books!), and put it off until now because there was other books that really caught my attention. I am not really sorry I put off this book until now (I honestly only read it because I needed a fast read and Barnes and Noble have yet to deliver me Crossed by Ally Condie, I am quite peeved!) because the story was cute and all, but because frankly the characters didn't really mature at all and the story line really wasn't all that interesting! I mean sure, I love a good guy with an accent in a story, but the male lead in this book annoyed, made me irate at some points. There were some great scenes in this book, when the a lot of the key pointed characters came together during the rehearsals and made me think back to my Drama/Show buddies and think 'oh yea I remember when so and so did something like this..'. But over all, this book is the type you want to check out in a library if you want a fast read or just are desperate for some reading material!