Monday, August 26, 2013

Review: Borrowed Dreams


Borrowed Dreams
Borrowed Dreams by May McGoldrick

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



The book was decent. I wasn't too sure if I would like this after the first few chapters, only because it seems to be a little too "mushy" for my tastes. I like romance novels, sure, but I also like to read something with substance instead of fluff.

I feel like part of this book is fluff, mostly on Millicent's part - although given the time period I suppose that this was what the authors were trying to convey.

I've noticed that in the book Lyon aka Aytoun aka Lord Aytoun is a very nice round character. He goes from being a crabby, S.O.B. to making a turn around to being a very good husband.

I wish I saw the same in Millicent. She seemed to stay pretty flat, especially in regards to her confidence. Throughout the novel she sees herself as less and that she's not worthy of the great Lord of Scandel.

However, towards the very end I see that she has changed, but only because of outside circumstances. I feel like Jo and that situation changed her drasitcally, and if not for Jo then she would've continued to be a weaker character.

Jasper Hyde was highly annoying throughout the entire book and I find it a bit annoying that we've only gotten a bit of his story on the very last pages of the novel before the Epilogue. You'd think that we'd get some of that thoughout the novel so that we can more fully understand him instead of being bored with his storyline.

Ohenewaa was decent and I loved the way her and the Dowager interacted. Reminded me of my grandmother and grandfather. Great dynamic.

Overall a decent book, the love scenes weren't too steamy if that's something that you're not into. From other books I've read (think Christine Feehan) the sex was all but nonexistent here.



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Sunday, August 18, 2013

Review: Croak


Croak
Croak by Gina Damico

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Awesome book, fast paced, funny, Lex is a character you can fall for.

Driggs and the rest of the gang, Mort included are hilarious and I adore all the creepy cute things going on like "HomiCider" at the diner. Very awesome.



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Thursday, August 15, 2013

Review: After Obsession


After Obsession
After Obsession by Carrie Jones

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



I thought after all the hype this book would be a bit better. I thought that the plot was choppy and moved a little too quickly, especially in regards to the romance between the characters.

The main character, Aimee, was a little...ditzy? She was the "peacemaker" and she was too...wimpy I guess. Not sure how else to describe it.



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Flirt Squad Challenge Week 3: Where Would Reyna Send You?

Hiya!

As you guys can tell by the title of this post, this is going to be another Flirt Squad challenge to promote A Tale of Two Centuries, the second book in the My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century series by Rachel Harris.

This week it's all about time travel, since that's a HUGE theme that runs through the novels. Reyna is the gypsy girl that has the power and pizzazz to take your hearts desires and make them come true! So, we were asked to think about where we'd want Reyna to send us!

I had a hard time thinking about this one, and then I remembered that it could be a temporary trip. So, with that in mind. I decided I want to go back to 13th/14th century Scotland.

The scenery, the kilts, the bagpipes, the accents, the castles... the bloodshed. Ok, that last one I'm not looking forward too as much, but I'm hoping that my trip would come out to be less bloody than some of the stories I hear about Scotland.

Every year here in my state of Connecticut we have a few Scottish festivals and it almost feels as if I travel back in time for those. I haven't been to one in a few years but I'm hoping to go again this year.

 Now, as for that time period - I've always liked it. I like the ruggedness, the fact that countries were still being discovered that traditions weren't THAT blended (compared to today.) Everything was more raw, more original. I want to see the roots of where people come from.

Eilean Donan Castle

Cute furry cows

Glencoe, Scotland.

Castle Ruins

The coast of Fair Isle, Scotland.


Here's a little historical video about Scottish dialects. :) 


And here's a little shout out to my favorite two Scotsman: Zachary Moore and Martin Connelly! It was Martin's birthday a few days ago so go wish him happy birthday! 


So - where in the world, or rather WHEN in the world would you have Reyna send you? I can't wait to hear about it! 









A Tale of Two Centuries (My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century #2)
Rachel Harris
Entangled Teen; August 6th, 2013
Paperback; 320 pages.


Alessandra D’Angeli is in need of an adventure. Tired of her sixteenth-century life in Italy and homesick for her time-traveling cousin, Cat, who visited her for a magical week and dazzled her with tales of the future, Alessandra is lost. Until the stars hear her plea.

One mystical spell later, Alessandra appears on Cat’s Beverly Hills doorstep five hundred years in the future. Surrounded by confusing gadgets, scary transportation, and scandalous clothing, Less is hesitant to live the life of a twenty-first century teen…until she meets the infuriating—and infuriatingly handsome—surfer Austin Michaels. Austin challenges everything she believes in…and introduces her to a world filled with possibility.

With the clock ticking, Less knows she must live every moment of her modern life while she still can. But how will she return to the drab life of her past when the future is what holds everything she’s come to love?


And the wonderful author!
 Rachel Harris!
As a teen, Rachel Harris threw raging parties that shook her parents’ walls and created embarrassing fodder for future YA novels. As an adult, she reads and writes obsessively, rehashes said embarrassing fodder, and dreams up characters who become her own grown up version of imaginary friends.
She grew up in New Orleans, watching soap operas with her grandmother and staying up late sneak reading her mam's favorite romance novels. Now a Cajun cowgirl living in Houston, she still stays up too late reading her favorite romances, only now, she can do so openly. She firmly believes life's problems can be solved with a hot, powdered-sugar-coated beignet or a thick slice of king cake, and that screaming at strangers for cheap, plastic beads is acceptable behavior in certain situations.
She homeschools her two beautiful girls and loves watching reality television with her amazing husband. She writes young adult, new adult, and adult Fun, Flirty Escapes, and LOVES talking with readers!
 

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Review: Scarlet


Scarlet
Scarlet by A.C. Gaughen

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Amazing read!

I started this on the 12th at 8pm and I stayed up until 4am on the 13th to finish it. So. Good.

I was exhausted the day after, but it was well worth it.

Scar aka Scarlet aka Will Scarlet is a thief. SHE's one of the best thieves around and she belongs to Rob aka "The Hood" aka Robin Hood's merry little band. And by little I mean it's made up of Rob (21 years old and amazing), John Little (18 and a playaaa), Scar (also 18) and Much who is just 16 (love me Much.)

The band follows the history of stealing and thieving from the rich, or the not so rich, basically just stealing to help out the townspeople so that they can eat and pay taxes to the evil Sheriff.

This book was amazing, I can't say it enough. Rob and Scar and John and Much are very lovable, very relatable characters and I adore them all.





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Monday, August 12, 2013

Review: Through Her Eyes


Through Her Eyes
Through Her Eyes by Jennifer Archer

My rating: 2 of 5 stars



Not one of my favorites.

Took me a little while to get through it because it was confusing and lost my interest.



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Wednesday, August 7, 2013

Flirt Squad Challenge Week 2: Something that made you BLUSH.




Hey y'all.

This week we have a fun challenge going on over in the flirt squad! This week it's all about things that make you blush!

While reading A Tale of Two Centuries Austin definitely made me blush a bit. He's handsome, funny, smart and knows just what to say...or not, but he's still good at making Less happy.

So, today I'm posting a few pics of guys that I think could pass for Austin...maybe. Or, maybe I just like posting pics of cute guys?


I mean, come on

I'd let him teach me how to surf.

Staring into the sunset. Mmmmm. 


Body Glove huh...I could say something highly inappropriate but I'm trying to keep this rated PG-13. 



So, what do you think of these guys? Did they make you blush a little? 

And, now, just because, I'm throwing in Jamie Campbell Bower, because he is everything good in this world and I love him. And he makes me blush nonstop. UNF. 







A Tale of Two Centuries by Rachel Harris
(My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century, #2)
 Release Date: August 6, 2013
 Publisher: Entangled Teens; 320 pages
Alessandra D’Angeli is in need of an adventure. Tired of her sixteenth-century life in Italy and homesick for her time-traveling cousin, Cat, who visited her for a magical week and dazzled her with tales of the future, Alessandra is lost. Until the stars hear her plea. One mystical spell later, Alessandra appears on Cat’s Beverly Hills doorstep five hundred years in the future. Surrounded by confusing gadgets, scary transportation, and scandalous clothing, Less is hesitant to live the life of a twenty-first century teen…until she meets the infuriating—and infuriatingly handsome—surfer Austin Michaels. Austin challenges everything she believes in…and introduces her to a world filled with possibility. With the clock ticking, Less knows she must live every moment of her modern life while she still can. But how will she return to the drab life of her past when the future is what holds everything she’s come to love?

And the wonderful author!
As a teen, Rachel Harris threw raging parties that shook her parents’ walls and created embarrassing fodder for future YA novels. As an adult, she reads and writes obsessively, rehashes said embarrassing fodder, and dreams up characters who become her own grown up version of imaginary friends.
She grew up in New Orleans, watching soap operas with her grandmother and staying up late sneak reading her mam's favorite romance novels. Now a Cajun cowgirl living in Houston, she still stays up too late reading her favorite romances, only now, she can do so openly. She firmly believes life's problems can be solved with a hot, powdered-sugar-coated beignet or a thick slice of king cake, and that screaming at strangers for cheap, plastic beads is acceptable behavior in certain situations.
She homeschools her two beautiful girls and loves watching reality television with her amazing husband. She writes young adult, new adult, and adult Fun, Flirty Escapes, and LOVES talking with readers!

Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Review: A Tale of Two Centuries


A Tale of Two Centuries
A Tale of Two Centuries by Rachel Harris

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Hi everyone! I've missed you all! It's with great pleasure that today I'm going to be telling you all about A Tale of Two Centuries by one of my favorite authors Rachel Harris!
First I'd like to say thanks to Rachel for setting up the Flirt Squad - a fan club of sorts, that lets us fans interact with her on Facebook. It was through being in this club that I was able to get an ARC of the book so that a.) I was able to get a sneak peek at a book that I was dying to read and b.) I'm able to share my thoughts on this book with you guys!
Also, I'd like to thank Heather from Entangled Teen for hooking me up with a copy of the book! Thanks guys - you're the best!

One more quick thing before I get into the review - today is this amazing books release date! If you liked my review and think that it's something that you'd be interested in please head out and grab it today! Go say hey to Rachel too and wish her a happy book birthday!


Even though I haven't been here for a few months I still haven't changed my reviewing ways - I'm going to start with the cover.
I drooled on my ipad when looking at the cover. There's Alessandra on the left, better known as "Less," and over there on the right. *drool* That's Austin. Ahhhhhhhh Austin. More about him a little later. ;)

The cover is wonderful because it really seems to grasp the story. Less is from the past - in case you haven't gotten that bit - and so she's not used to the revealing clothing that us 21st century girls like to don. I mean, for us, flashing a little ankle would be no biggie right? If I had to keep covered up in the summer I would, well, I won't get into what I'd do; it wouldn't be pretty I can tell you that. But, for Less showing ankles and elbows would be the talk of society, and deeply frowned upon. The cover shows the girl in clothes that I could honestly picture Less in. It's modest, but cute, just like her.

Austin now...I'll try to be coherent for this. *Deep breath, wipes the drool off the keyboard* In case you haven't noticed, I've got it bad for Austin, so I think this is perfect for him. Austin on the cover is leaning towards Less, and if you look closely you can see a *bit* of a smirk going on. That's honestly what kills me. When you read this book and get to know Austin you'll see that he has this cocky facade that he hides behind, and even though he's got emotional turmoil burbling under his surface...well, his surface is HOT. The casual clothing that the model is wearing is also very Austin-like and if the shot panned downward I'm sure we'd see Austin's famous clunky boots.

The book starts off with Less pining for adventure. Her life in Renaissance Italy isn't what she needs in life. She wants freedom, equality, someone who actually loves her instead of just playing political games with her head and heart. She pleas to the skies after her heart is broken and...miraculously, her pleas are heard. Enter Reyna. If you liked Reyna in My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century, then you'll love her in A Tale of Two Centuries. She helps Less out like she helped Cat and and next thing you know Less is in 21st century Hollywood knocking on Cat's door.

After the initial shock of it all Cat takes Less to high school, and there, in her first class she meets Austin Michaels. The Austin Michaels. Bad boy Austin, the one that most of the girls swoon over and I'm sure some of the guys want to be him because of said swooning. I know I wanted to swoon and he was just in my ipad!

During class they have a little...erm...tiff, and they're paired up to work on a project together. Austin says "peace" and Less is stuck with the project. So Less pretty much hunts him down and they start to work together and Austin makes Less a little...wager. He tries to get her to loosen up from her 16th century, up-tight personality and tries to get her to be a little more carefree.

“I’ve been careful my whole life,” I tell him, surprising myself with the resentment ringing in my tone. But it’s the truth. “And you know, I think it’s about time for me to be a little…” I bite the corner of my bottom lip, searching for exactly the right word to describe the emotions and thoughts that have surfaced the last few days. When I find it, I smile and wiggle my eyebrows suggestively “Austin sucks in a breath. He searches my eyes and I boldly stare back, praying that he cannot see my knees shaking. Then, obviously concluding that I meant every word, he flashes his devilish grin. “I can work with that.”

Mmmmmmm, don't y'all just love Austin already?

Throughout the novel we see Less grow as a person and she sheds her shell a bit. It's very exhilarating to read about and I'm sure that you'll love this book too! We get a bit of mystery, a bit of romance (well more than a bit ;D ) and a bit of magic Go out and get it! On shelves today!



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Friday, August 2, 2013

Review: The Girl with the Iron Touch


The Girl with the Iron Touch
The Girl with the Iron Touch by Kady Cross

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Ahhhhh, I'm still fangirling all over the place with this one!

Lovely addition to the Steampunk Chronicles by Kady Cross.


Will add more once I can think straight!
The book ends on QUITE a lovely note!



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Thursday, August 1, 2013

Flirt Squad Challenge: What are YOU passionate about?

Hey guys!

So, as you can see by that wonderful blog button to the right that am a part of the Flirt Squad, the street team/fan club for Rachel Harris.

Soon her second book in the My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century series will be out and to celebrate we're doing all sorts of fun stuff to prepare the world for A Tale of Two Centuries!

I've already had the privilege to read this book and my review will be out on Step Into Fiction on August 6th!

In order to get ready, like I said, we're doing a bunch of fun stuff. Namely, we're having a bunch of challenges! This week's challenge is to write about what we're passionate about, or who we are and what we do or want to do with this great big thing we call life.

So, this blog post is about what I am, what I'm passionate about. Or we could have made a collage or something or other that shows what Less is passionate about  (theater.)


I decided to combine the two. I painted. I love to paint. I'm not saying I'm super great or anything, but it's something I love to do and it makes me feel a million times better after I do.

Then I thought about Less. How she's constantly struggling to find an in-between. Highs and lows. Light and Darkness.

She reminded me of Persephone from the Greek Myth. To go or to stay...so I painted what I felt when I thought of Less, and Austin and ATOTC in general.

I call this one "Hades and Persephone."


As you can tell it's abstract. It's what you make of it. It's lightness, it's darkness, it's a little bit of something else. It's Less. It's passion thrown in the mix. It's abstract because, like theater it is what YOU make of it.

(Those little brass looking things are the bottom of the easel clips.)

So, that's my passion - painting and letting the viewer bring what they will to it. My canvas may be colored, but it's still blank - it's still waiting for what YOU add to it.

So, what is your passion?


And here's the wonderful book that inspired it all!

A Tale of Two Centuries (My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century #2)
Rachel Harris
Entangled Teen; August 6th, 2013
Paperback; 320 pages.


Alessandra D’Angeli is in need of an adventure. Tired of her sixteenth-century life in Italy and homesick for her time-traveling cousin, Cat, who visited her for a magical week and dazzled her with tales of the future, Alessandra is lost. Until the stars hear her plea.

One mystical spell later, Alessandra appears on Cat’s Beverly Hills doorstep five hundred years in the future. Surrounded by confusing gadgets, scary transportation, and scandalous clothing, Less is hesitant to live the life of a twenty-first century teen…until she meets the infuriating—and infuriatingly handsome—surfer Austin Michaels. Austin challenges everything she believes in…and introduces her to a world filled with possibility.

With the clock ticking, Less knows she must live every moment of her modern life while she still can. But how will she return to the drab life of her past when the future is what holds everything she’s come to love?


And the wonderful author!
 Rachel Harris!
As a teen, Rachel Harris threw raging parties that shook her parents’ walls and created embarrassing fodder for future YA novels. As an adult, she reads and writes obsessively, rehashes said embarrassing fodder, and dreams up characters who become her own grown up version of imaginary friends.
She grew up in New Orleans, watching soap operas with her grandmother and staying up late sneak reading her mam's favorite romance novels. Now a Cajun cowgirl living in Houston, she still stays up too late reading her favorite romances, only now, she can do so openly. She firmly believes life's problems can be solved with a hot, powdered-sugar-coated beignet or a thick slice of king cake, and that screaming at strangers for cheap, plastic beads is acceptable behavior in certain situations.
She homeschools her two beautiful girls and loves watching reality television with her amazing husband. She writes young adult, new adult, and adult Fun, Flirty Escapes, and LOVES talking with readers!