Wednesday, June 27, 2012


May 8th 2012, Simon & Schuster
240 pages, Hardcover
Bought
Young Adult
Amazon | Book Depository | Indie Bound





Hours after her brother’s military funeral, Honor opens the last letter Finn ever sent. In her grief, she interprets his note as a final request and spontaneously decides to go to California to fulfill it.

Honor gets as far as the driveway before running into Rusty, Finn’s best friend since third grade and his polar opposite. She hasn’t seen Rusty in ages, but it’s obvious he is as arrogant and stubborn as ever—not to mention drop-dead gorgeous. Despite Honor’s better judgment, the two set off together on a voyage from Texas to California. Along the way, they find small and sometimes surprising ways to ease their shared loss and honor Finn’s memory—but when shocking truths are revealed at the end of the road, will either of them be able to cope with the consequences

                                                        Opinion:
Jessi Kirby’s Moonglass was an amazing read, so I was crazy excited to read her next book. In Honor was much more than I expected. It was more than a road trip book. More than a quick read.
Honor is devastated. She’s broken without her brother, who joined the military and died too young. When she finds Finn’s letter, she sets out to fulfill his last request: attend the farewell concert of Kyra Kelley. She ditches college week for an impromptu road trip with a surprise visitor, Rusty, Finn’s ex-best friend. Reconnecting all those lost years since Finn and Rusty’s falling out is tougher than she imagined, especially when your tag-along is drunk and arrogant.

In Honor was an amazingly fast read, but it knew just where to pull on my heartstrings. Honor continues healing from her loss throughout the journey, but she also breaks through the protective shells Finn and his best friend made in her childhood. The memories both passengers share of Finn open up Honor’s eyes to the truth she was always searching for. Jessi Kirby keeps it real. She tells it as it is, which is why this was such an emotional read.

The chemistry between Rusty and Honor is undeniable. I mean, they practically only had each other for company for hours on end. Their dialogue was fun and humorous. At times I felt like Honor kept nagging and complaining. She seemed too dependent on her brother, but Rusty knew how to put her in her place. I was pulled to his tortured self and the remnants left on his soul by his drunken father. They both needed each other to heal.

The ending left things open-ended, especially concerning their relationship. I think it suited the book well enough. Honor embraced independence and lighter heart. Jessi Kirby has written another fabulous contemporary book. In Honor is for readers wanting an emotional and inspiring read.

                                                        Rating:

   


The elusive Linda-saurus:
Mover and shaker by day, book-ninja by night. Only native to Florida. Afraid of small children but has an affinity to the elderly. Beware of her sarcastic humor.

Linda's Review: In Honor by Jessi Kirby

10:00 PM Unknown

May 8th 2012, Simon & Schuster
240 pages, Hardcover
Bought
Young Adult
Amazon | Book Depository | Indie Bound





Hours after her brother’s military funeral, Honor opens the last letter Finn ever sent. In her grief, she interprets his note as a final request and spontaneously decides to go to California to fulfill it.

Honor gets as far as the driveway before running into Rusty, Finn’s best friend since third grade and his polar opposite. She hasn’t seen Rusty in ages, but it’s obvious he is as arrogant and stubborn as ever—not to mention drop-dead gorgeous. Despite Honor’s better judgment, the two set off together on a voyage from Texas to California. Along the way, they find small and sometimes surprising ways to ease their shared loss and honor Finn’s memory—but when shocking truths are revealed at the end of the road, will either of them be able to cope with the consequences

                                                        Opinion:
Jessi Kirby’s Moonglass was an amazing read, so I was crazy excited to read her next book. In Honor was much more than I expected. It was more than a road trip book. More than a quick read.
Honor is devastated. She’s broken without her brother, who joined the military and died too young. When she finds Finn’s letter, she sets out to fulfill his last request: attend the farewell concert of Kyra Kelley. She ditches college week for an impromptu road trip with a surprise visitor, Rusty, Finn’s ex-best friend. Reconnecting all those lost years since Finn and Rusty’s falling out is tougher than she imagined, especially when your tag-along is drunk and arrogant.

In Honor was an amazingly fast read, but it knew just where to pull on my heartstrings. Honor continues healing from her loss throughout the journey, but she also breaks through the protective shells Finn and his best friend made in her childhood. The memories both passengers share of Finn open up Honor’s eyes to the truth she was always searching for. Jessi Kirby keeps it real. She tells it as it is, which is why this was such an emotional read.

The chemistry between Rusty and Honor is undeniable. I mean, they practically only had each other for company for hours on end. Their dialogue was fun and humorous. At times I felt like Honor kept nagging and complaining. She seemed too dependent on her brother, but Rusty knew how to put her in her place. I was pulled to his tortured self and the remnants left on his soul by his drunken father. They both needed each other to heal.

The ending left things open-ended, especially concerning their relationship. I think it suited the book well enough. Honor embraced independence and lighter heart. Jessi Kirby has written another fabulous contemporary book. In Honor is for readers wanting an emotional and inspiring read.

                                                        Rating:

   


The elusive Linda-saurus:
Mover and shaker by day, book-ninja by night. Only native to Florida. Afraid of small children but has an affinity to the elderly. Beware of her sarcastic humor.

Monday, June 25, 2012


Today Valia Lind, author of Simplicity, stops by on the blog for an interview.
Author. Photographer. Artist. Born and raised in St. Petersburg, Russia. Valia always had a love for the written word. She wrote her first full book on the bathroom floor of her dormitory, while procrastinating to study for her college classes. Upon graduation, she has moved her writing to more respectable places, and has found her voice in YA fiction. Her first adult book Simplicity is being republished, while her YA science fiction is on submission to find a home.

You can find her here:



Thanks for joining us on the blog, Valia! I’m excited to spread the good word about Simplicity. Could you describe your book in one sentence?

(This is harder than writing the book)

Workaholic Alexis is stranded on an island, where she meets the man of her dreams and discovers the true beauty of life.

Simplicity is such a unique story to tell. What inspired you to write your book?

I think my biggest inspiration behind Simplicity is the need to tell the story. When I “met” Alexis, I felt connected to her and I thought to myself “This is the type of a story that can help people.” It may sound silly, but I wanted my first book to touch people on a higher level then just entertainment. I wanted my story to stay with them and be an encouragement when times got hard.

Who is your favorite character from Simplicity and why?

Oh, this is a hard one because I love all my babies! But I have to say Gabe. He was a tiny little speck in the whole story, but I fell in love with his character and his broken heart. He actually has his own book now, because I felt like his story needed to be told. But don’t tell Lexi and Jake that! I love you guys to pieces!

Because I can only imagine, how does it feel to have your book republished and out for the world to read?

Serial? Excited? Terrifying? Mostly that last one. When I first published Simplicity, I wasn’t ready and neither was the story. I didn’t know any better so I did it anyway. Now, Simplicity is ready and I feel like the book can make a difference in peoples lives. I just hope everyone enjoys it as much as I do!

From a writer to a writer, do you currently have any writing quirks or habits?

Does my obsession with Hot Cheetos count? Seriously, I love those things, especially when I’m writing! Other than that, I don’t really know. I found some way that I need to write, like out of order for example, but that’s pretty much it.
Thanks so much Linda for having me on the blog! I hope you enjoy Simplicity!

Valia is offering a giveaway for an Amazon Giftcard and swag bags for the blog tour. Enter using the rafflecopter!

Goodreads:
Driven, beautiful Alexis Sinclair lives her life to the fullest, following her dreams of running a big company. But when her world is torn apart by a storm, everything she has ever known disappears. Now, marooned on an island with a group of men, Alexis must learn to live in a world made up of simple things. Letting go of every known convenience, she realizes how insignificant her life has become. Filled with unrequited love for her rescuer she must battle the demons buried deep inside and she must look within herself and to her faith to find the strength needed to survive.
Strong and influential, Jacob Peterson, has done all he can to survive. When the fate turned its tables on him, he learned to cope with the inevitable. Plagued by his past and secrets buried there, Jacob exerts a rigid control, refusing to succumb to the joys, and torturous pain, of strong emotions. Without considering love a gift he may never receive, he believes--he chooses to live by strict set of rules. But when a strange beautiful woman washes up on his beach, the walls that he has put up long ago begin to crumble. Is she a punishment sent from God to torment his weary soul? Or is she a gift, sent from above, there to teach him how to trust? Who is this woman? And how will he stop himself from losing his heart?
Will he learn to forgive the past in order to save the woman he loves?

Buy on Amazon.

Simplicity Blog Tour & Giveaway

9:00 PM Unknown

Today Valia Lind, author of Simplicity, stops by on the blog for an interview.
Author. Photographer. Artist. Born and raised in St. Petersburg, Russia. Valia always had a love for the written word. She wrote her first full book on the bathroom floor of her dormitory, while procrastinating to study for her college classes. Upon graduation, she has moved her writing to more respectable places, and has found her voice in YA fiction. Her first adult book Simplicity is being republished, while her YA science fiction is on submission to find a home.

You can find her here:



Thanks for joining us on the blog, Valia! I’m excited to spread the good word about Simplicity. Could you describe your book in one sentence?

(This is harder than writing the book)

Workaholic Alexis is stranded on an island, where she meets the man of her dreams and discovers the true beauty of life.

Simplicity is such a unique story to tell. What inspired you to write your book?

I think my biggest inspiration behind Simplicity is the need to tell the story. When I “met” Alexis, I felt connected to her and I thought to myself “This is the type of a story that can help people.” It may sound silly, but I wanted my first book to touch people on a higher level then just entertainment. I wanted my story to stay with them and be an encouragement when times got hard.

Who is your favorite character from Simplicity and why?

Oh, this is a hard one because I love all my babies! But I have to say Gabe. He was a tiny little speck in the whole story, but I fell in love with his character and his broken heart. He actually has his own book now, because I felt like his story needed to be told. But don’t tell Lexi and Jake that! I love you guys to pieces!

Because I can only imagine, how does it feel to have your book republished and out for the world to read?

Serial? Excited? Terrifying? Mostly that last one. When I first published Simplicity, I wasn’t ready and neither was the story. I didn’t know any better so I did it anyway. Now, Simplicity is ready and I feel like the book can make a difference in peoples lives. I just hope everyone enjoys it as much as I do!

From a writer to a writer, do you currently have any writing quirks or habits?

Does my obsession with Hot Cheetos count? Seriously, I love those things, especially when I’m writing! Other than that, I don’t really know. I found some way that I need to write, like out of order for example, but that’s pretty much it.
Thanks so much Linda for having me on the blog! I hope you enjoy Simplicity!

Valia is offering a giveaway for an Amazon Giftcard and swag bags for the blog tour. Enter using the rafflecopter!

Goodreads:
Driven, beautiful Alexis Sinclair lives her life to the fullest, following her dreams of running a big company. But when her world is torn apart by a storm, everything she has ever known disappears. Now, marooned on an island with a group of men, Alexis must learn to live in a world made up of simple things. Letting go of every known convenience, she realizes how insignificant her life has become. Filled with unrequited love for her rescuer she must battle the demons buried deep inside and she must look within herself and to her faith to find the strength needed to survive.
Strong and influential, Jacob Peterson, has done all he can to survive. When the fate turned its tables on him, he learned to cope with the inevitable. Plagued by his past and secrets buried there, Jacob exerts a rigid control, refusing to succumb to the joys, and torturous pain, of strong emotions. Without considering love a gift he may never receive, he believes--he chooses to live by strict set of rules. But when a strange beautiful woman washes up on his beach, the walls that he has put up long ago begin to crumble. Is she a punishment sent from God to torment his weary soul? Or is she a gift, sent from above, there to teach him how to trust? Who is this woman? And how will he stop himself from losing his heart?
Will he learn to forgive the past in order to save the woman he loves?

Buy on Amazon.

Sunday, June 24, 2012

March 1st 2011, Ace
326 pages, Hardback
Borrowed from the Library
Sixth in Mercy Thompson series
Adult Fiction
Amazon | Book Depository | Indie Bound


Car mechanic Mercy Thompson has always known there was something different about her, and not just the way she can make a VW engine sit up and beg. Mercy is a shapeshifter, a talent she inherited from her long-gone father. She's never known any others of her kind. Until now.
An evil is stirring in the depths of the Columbia River-one that her father's people may know something about. And to have any hope of surviving, Mercy and her mate, the Alpha werewolf Adam, will need their help...

Favorite Quote:

“I don't break; I bounce.”-River Marked



Cover Review:

Quite honestly I hate all the covers for this series. Mercy has one tattoo. One. I have yet to read anyone describe any other tattoos on her body and as such it should be the only one portrayed and YET every single cover has her have a different tattoo that is NOT the tattoo she has.


Opinion:


Another EPIC read from Patricia Briggs! I really enjoyed this book despite the absence of the pack. Their absence was distinctly felt, but this one had so much action and SO much relationship realism that I enjoyed it all the same.

Mercy seems to be settling into her new home. Home of being near Adam. There honey moon isn’t all I love you, I love you too. It’s real. There are relationship issues that all new marriages have. Getting accustomed to not being accountable only to yourself, but to another who loves you so much can be a real struggle, especially when you are constantly in danger.

Adam struggles with what marriage should mean when you are alpha. Being married to a strong-willed woman when you are used to being dominant is a struggle for him. He so wants to just take control, but knows this would kill part of her. I love how this struggle is portrayed and shows so much of Adam’s personality.

The plot was spooky good. All the other villians in this series, I’ve simply hated, but this monster was the creepiest of them all. I loved how involved this monster was to every part of the plot.

Mercy meets some new characters that I hope we see a lot more of when book 7 finally releases in 2013. I cannot wait to read more of Mercy’s story.

Rating:








Rie (@missiontoread)
I'm a wife, student, and a dog-lover who reads when I should be folding laundry (bane of my existance), I write (rarely as academic papers consume my life), and love getting wrapped up in fiction.

River Marked by Patricia Briggs

11:29 PM Unknown
March 1st 2011, Ace
326 pages, Hardback
Borrowed from the Library
Sixth in Mercy Thompson series
Adult Fiction
Amazon | Book Depository | Indie Bound


Car mechanic Mercy Thompson has always known there was something different about her, and not just the way she can make a VW engine sit up and beg. Mercy is a shapeshifter, a talent she inherited from her long-gone father. She's never known any others of her kind. Until now.
An evil is stirring in the depths of the Columbia River-one that her father's people may know something about. And to have any hope of surviving, Mercy and her mate, the Alpha werewolf Adam, will need their help...

Favorite Quote:

“I don't break; I bounce.”-River Marked



Cover Review:

Quite honestly I hate all the covers for this series. Mercy has one tattoo. One. I have yet to read anyone describe any other tattoos on her body and as such it should be the only one portrayed and YET every single cover has her have a different tattoo that is NOT the tattoo she has.


Opinion:


Another EPIC read from Patricia Briggs! I really enjoyed this book despite the absence of the pack. Their absence was distinctly felt, but this one had so much action and SO much relationship realism that I enjoyed it all the same.

Mercy seems to be settling into her new home. Home of being near Adam. There honey moon isn’t all I love you, I love you too. It’s real. There are relationship issues that all new marriages have. Getting accustomed to not being accountable only to yourself, but to another who loves you so much can be a real struggle, especially when you are constantly in danger.

Adam struggles with what marriage should mean when you are alpha. Being married to a strong-willed woman when you are used to being dominant is a struggle for him. He so wants to just take control, but knows this would kill part of her. I love how this struggle is portrayed and shows so much of Adam’s personality.

The plot was spooky good. All the other villians in this series, I’ve simply hated, but this monster was the creepiest of them all. I loved how involved this monster was to every part of the plot.

Mercy meets some new characters that I hope we see a lot more of when book 7 finally releases in 2013. I cannot wait to read more of Mercy’s story.

Rating:








Rie (@missiontoread)
I'm a wife, student, and a dog-lover who reads when I should be folding laundry (bane of my existance), I write (rarely as academic papers consume my life), and love getting wrapped up in fiction.

Thursday, June 21, 2012





TGIF is  a Friday meme hosted by Ginger at Greads. She always has the best questions.


Today’s Question:

Authors Are Our Celebrities: Have you ever contacted an author you admired? How did that experience go?  If not, which author would you love to have a chat with?

Answer:

When I finished Everneath by Brodi Ashton I immediately went and sent her an e-mail telling her how much I loved the book. I had contacted her previously for the event I reviewed it for,  but I had to go and tell her how much it meant to me.

So I dragged my pneumonia stricken self out of bed and went to the computer and sent her off an email before I could get all nervous about fangirling. She seemed to really appreciate it and not find it super creepy which is good!


Rie
I'm a wife, student, and a dog-lover who reads when I should be folding laundry (bane of my existance), I write (rarely as academic papers consume my life), and love getting wrapped up in fiction.

TGIF: Fangirling Over Authors

10:00 PM Unknown




TGIF is  a Friday meme hosted by Ginger at Greads. She always has the best questions.


Today’s Question:

Authors Are Our Celebrities: Have you ever contacted an author you admired? How did that experience go?  If not, which author would you love to have a chat with?

Answer:

When I finished Everneath by Brodi Ashton I immediately went and sent her an e-mail telling her how much I loved the book. I had contacted her previously for the event I reviewed it for,  but I had to go and tell her how much it meant to me.

So I dragged my pneumonia stricken self out of bed and went to the computer and sent her off an email before I could get all nervous about fangirling. She seemed to really appreciate it and not find it super creepy which is good!


Rie
I'm a wife, student, and a dog-lover who reads when I should be folding laundry (bane of my existance), I write (rarely as academic papers consume my life), and love getting wrapped up in fiction.

Wednesday, June 20, 2012



I’m in the middle of a pretty hectic month. Who knew life could be more hectic out of uni than the stability that going to grad school requires. Excuses, excuses, but anyways no review this week!

But in a completely slackery moment yesterday I found some more YouTube channels I obsess over, so I figured I’d list all the channels I simply cannot miss. If you have a favorite YouTube channel or vlog yourself please let me know! I’m always looking for awesome vloggers.




I adore Kristina! She is super sweet and has a beautiful voice! I believe the first time I was introduced to her was during Project 4 Awesome!




I found Alex Day through Charlie McDonnell and I'm sorta in love. He has been on music charts without have a record deal, but it's not his music I obess over, but his weirdness. He is a minimalist. He only owns like 12 things, doesn't use soap, and completely embraces his unique self.



Speaking of Charlie McDonnell, oh how he has introduced me to so many awesome things! Without me going insane about his accent and watching all his vlogs in like a day I would have never found Nerimon, VlogBrothers, and then there's just him! I mean how adorable is he! He's super sciencey smart and makes explaining science interesting.


I have a confession! As much as I am in love with the VlogBrothers and am a complete Nerdfighter I still haven't read a John Green book. Contemp bores me and I'm terrified that I won't love him and his puff anymore. Gotta love both John and Hank. I can never chose a favorite.



Speaking of Hank Green, here is something I've shared with you guys a couple of times before, the Lizzie Bennet Diaries! His wife loves P&P so he created this modern day retelling and I'm obsessed! The first thing I do on Monday and Thursday is check for a new video. Hank Green is made of awesome and this web series does not disappoint!


When I saw Lydia from The Lizzie Bennett Diaries in the screen capture I had to start watching. I'm glad I did, it's awesome if a bit odd. This is a Kickstarter funded project and I'm so happy it got fully funded.

So that is what I'm currently obsessing over on YouTube. What are some of your favorites?

YouTube Obsessions

10:53 PM Unknown


I’m in the middle of a pretty hectic month. Who knew life could be more hectic out of uni than the stability that going to grad school requires. Excuses, excuses, but anyways no review this week!

But in a completely slackery moment yesterday I found some more YouTube channels I obsess over, so I figured I’d list all the channels I simply cannot miss. If you have a favorite YouTube channel or vlog yourself please let me know! I’m always looking for awesome vloggers.




I adore Kristina! She is super sweet and has a beautiful voice! I believe the first time I was introduced to her was during Project 4 Awesome!




I found Alex Day through Charlie McDonnell and I'm sorta in love. He has been on music charts without have a record deal, but it's not his music I obess over, but his weirdness. He is a minimalist. He only owns like 12 things, doesn't use soap, and completely embraces his unique self.



Speaking of Charlie McDonnell, oh how he has introduced me to so many awesome things! Without me going insane about his accent and watching all his vlogs in like a day I would have never found Nerimon, VlogBrothers, and then there's just him! I mean how adorable is he! He's super sciencey smart and makes explaining science interesting.


I have a confession! As much as I am in love with the VlogBrothers and am a complete Nerdfighter I still haven't read a John Green book. Contemp bores me and I'm terrified that I won't love him and his puff anymore. Gotta love both John and Hank. I can never chose a favorite.



Speaking of Hank Green, here is something I've shared with you guys a couple of times before, the Lizzie Bennet Diaries! His wife loves P&P so he created this modern day retelling and I'm obsessed! The first thing I do on Monday and Thursday is check for a new video. Hank Green is made of awesome and this web series does not disappoint!


When I saw Lydia from The Lizzie Bennett Diaries in the screen capture I had to start watching. I'm glad I did, it's awesome if a bit odd. This is a Kickstarter funded project and I'm so happy it got fully funded.

So that is what I'm currently obsessing over on YouTube. What are some of your favorites?

Monday, June 18, 2012


In my bloggery slackery, I haven’t been keeping up with what is coming out this soon, that being said there things I’m dying for!

Previously Released:







To Be or Recently Released:


















Rie (@missiontoread)
I'm a wife, student, and a dog-lover who reads when I should be folding laundry (bane of my existance), I write (rarely as academic papers consume my life), and love getting wrapped up in fiction.

Top 10 Summer TBR

10:09 PM Unknown

In my bloggery slackery, I haven’t been keeping up with what is coming out this soon, that being said there things I’m dying for!

Previously Released:







To Be or Recently Released:


















Rie (@missiontoread)
I'm a wife, student, and a dog-lover who reads when I should be folding laundry (bane of my existance), I write (rarely as academic papers consume my life), and love getting wrapped up in fiction.
I loved this book, so much that I thought I'd have a re-run of it while I finish up my current read: Maximum Ride by James Patterson.


May 8th 2012, HarperCollins Children's Books
400 pages, ARC
Received from Publisher
First in Hemlock series
Young Adult Fiction




Mackenzie and Amy were best friends. Until Amy was brutally murdered.

Since then, Mac’s life has been turned upside down. She is being haunted by Amy in her dreams, and an extremist group called the Trackers has come to Mac’s hometown of Hemlock to hunt down Amy’s killer: A white werewolf.

Lupine syndrome—also known as the werewolf virus—is on the rise across the country. Many of the infected try to hide their symptoms, but bloodlust is not easy to control.

Wanting desperately to put an end to her nightmares, Mac decides to investigate Amy’s murder herself. She discovers secrets lurking in the shadows of Hemlock, secrets about Amy’s boyfriend, Jason, her good pal Kyle, and especially her late best friend. Mac is thrown into a maelstrom of violence and betrayal that puts her life at risk.

Kathleen Peacock’s thrilling novel is the first in the Hemlock trilogy, a spellbinding urban fantasy series filled with provocative questions about prejudice, trust, lies, and love.
Opinion:

I’ve been reading a lot of “friendship” books lately and this one tops them all. I love the heart of the story being about the loyalty and devotion that a friendship should have, but often doesn’t. Mac believes she would know everything about her best friend Amy, but a year after Amy’s brutal murder she starts investigating and finds things she never knew.

Mac begins investigating due to the arrival of the Trackers. The trackers are anarchical thugs that have tattoos on the side of there neck and are basically brainless followers of the Trackers leader. They frightened, angered, and appalled me. Think KKK for the 21st century. Yeah, ignorant people that use violence to appease their fears of the unknown.

I loved Mac. She was independent, loyal, strong, and had a great sense of sarcastic humor. Mac was a great friend with one annoying overused problem. She’s blind to those around her. This is the only issue I had with this book. The cliché of being completely blind. 

She had a hard childhood and no parental guidance. Even though it was just her and her cousin you could tell they were a strong family unit. Mac was always ready to protect Tess and the same went for Tess. When Mac got hurt Tess was at her side.

Jason was a troubled “rich” boy. He could use the power he had from his father’s money in order to accomplish great strides, yet he was drunk, uncontrollable, got people hurt while being blind to it, and got tied up with big bad. Yet, he was completely loveable. I probably fell for him a bit more than I did Kyle.

Kyle, oh adorable Kyle, he is overprotective, loving, and always gentle. He broke my heart with his I’ll sacrifice so that you are safe stance.

This was one of my favorite books that I read for the Wicked Reads event and there were so many great ones!
Rating:





Rie (@missiontoread)
I'm a wife, student, and a dog-lover who reads when I should be folding laundry (bane of my existance), I write (rarely as academic papers consume my life), and love getting wrapped up in fiction.

Re-run Review: Hemlock by Kathleen Peacock

1:52 AM Unknown
I loved this book, so much that I thought I'd have a re-run of it while I finish up my current read: Maximum Ride by James Patterson.


May 8th 2012, HarperCollins Children's Books
400 pages, ARC
Received from Publisher
First in Hemlock series
Young Adult Fiction




Mackenzie and Amy were best friends. Until Amy was brutally murdered.

Since then, Mac’s life has been turned upside down. She is being haunted by Amy in her dreams, and an extremist group called the Trackers has come to Mac’s hometown of Hemlock to hunt down Amy’s killer: A white werewolf.

Lupine syndrome—also known as the werewolf virus—is on the rise across the country. Many of the infected try to hide their symptoms, but bloodlust is not easy to control.

Wanting desperately to put an end to her nightmares, Mac decides to investigate Amy’s murder herself. She discovers secrets lurking in the shadows of Hemlock, secrets about Amy’s boyfriend, Jason, her good pal Kyle, and especially her late best friend. Mac is thrown into a maelstrom of violence and betrayal that puts her life at risk.

Kathleen Peacock’s thrilling novel is the first in the Hemlock trilogy, a spellbinding urban fantasy series filled with provocative questions about prejudice, trust, lies, and love.
Opinion:

I’ve been reading a lot of “friendship” books lately and this one tops them all. I love the heart of the story being about the loyalty and devotion that a friendship should have, but often doesn’t. Mac believes she would know everything about her best friend Amy, but a year after Amy’s brutal murder she starts investigating and finds things she never knew.

Mac begins investigating due to the arrival of the Trackers. The trackers are anarchical thugs that have tattoos on the side of there neck and are basically brainless followers of the Trackers leader. They frightened, angered, and appalled me. Think KKK for the 21st century. Yeah, ignorant people that use violence to appease their fears of the unknown.

I loved Mac. She was independent, loyal, strong, and had a great sense of sarcastic humor. Mac was a great friend with one annoying overused problem. She’s blind to those around her. This is the only issue I had with this book. The cliché of being completely blind. 

She had a hard childhood and no parental guidance. Even though it was just her and her cousin you could tell they were a strong family unit. Mac was always ready to protect Tess and the same went for Tess. When Mac got hurt Tess was at her side.

Jason was a troubled “rich” boy. He could use the power he had from his father’s money in order to accomplish great strides, yet he was drunk, uncontrollable, got people hurt while being blind to it, and got tied up with big bad. Yet, he was completely loveable. I probably fell for him a bit more than I did Kyle.

Kyle, oh adorable Kyle, he is overprotective, loving, and always gentle. He broke my heart with his I’ll sacrifice so that you are safe stance.

This was one of my favorite books that I read for the Wicked Reads event and there were so many great ones!
Rating:





Rie (@missiontoread)
I'm a wife, student, and a dog-lover who reads when I should be folding laundry (bane of my existance), I write (rarely as academic papers consume my life), and love getting wrapped up in fiction.

Friday, June 15, 2012



I get promotional emails here and there for book social sites that are in beta and the majority of them I take a glance at and see a glaring fatal error that means the site is simply not going to survive past it’s infancy. These websites I don't bother to promote as I don't see a future for them.

Today, I got an email about a website and I went in expecting it to be just as bad as the others, but what I found is a website that is beautifully done and seems to actually understand the reader.

The only flaw I see is in the domain. I dream is likely to be the top search term to get into the site and it’s going to be a SEO nightmare to get into the first page of results, but if they rely on direct links instead of search for traffic they can easily overcome this.

Although, most of you probably don’t care so much about the technical side of the website and you are asking what can it do for you?

It’s in private beta currently and as such there are few people that have reviews up, equaling a great chance for the population of Dream Book Critic Reviews to click on your review which leads them directly to your website. So basically, it could lead to an increase of traffic to your reviews if you become a book critic and the ability to find books that you'll love at a glance.

The code for the private beta if you want to check it out is "discover_books".

This is not sponsored by Dream Book Critic Reviews in any way, I just thought you’d want to know about this awesome new website.

Idre.am- Dream Book Critic Reviews

5:48 PM Unknown


I get promotional emails here and there for book social sites that are in beta and the majority of them I take a glance at and see a glaring fatal error that means the site is simply not going to survive past it’s infancy. These websites I don't bother to promote as I don't see a future for them.

Today, I got an email about a website and I went in expecting it to be just as bad as the others, but what I found is a website that is beautifully done and seems to actually understand the reader.

The only flaw I see is in the domain. I dream is likely to be the top search term to get into the site and it’s going to be a SEO nightmare to get into the first page of results, but if they rely on direct links instead of search for traffic they can easily overcome this.

Although, most of you probably don’t care so much about the technical side of the website and you are asking what can it do for you?

It’s in private beta currently and as such there are few people that have reviews up, equaling a great chance for the population of Dream Book Critic Reviews to click on your review which leads them directly to your website. So basically, it could lead to an increase of traffic to your reviews if you become a book critic and the ability to find books that you'll love at a glance.

The code for the private beta if you want to check it out is "discover_books".

This is not sponsored by Dream Book Critic Reviews in any way, I just thought you’d want to know about this awesome new website.
Sleep escaped me in the middle of the night! Perhaps because I acted like an ancient person and went to bed super early or maybe it was the fishbowl from Razoo's (yum!). So I updated the design with new colors!


Let me know what you think!

Updated Design

6:12 AM Unknown
Sleep escaped me in the middle of the night! Perhaps because I acted like an ancient person and went to bed super early or maybe it was the fishbowl from Razoo's (yum!). So I updated the design with new colors!


Let me know what you think!


Question:

Happy Father’s Day! Who is your favorite dad character in a book and why?


Answer:

I’m not sure. I do like Parajunkee’s choice of Charlie, but somehow I think he should be a bit more intrusive.

Oh I know! I’m gonna go with Fletcher from the Elemental Assassin series! He may not be present very long, but his presence is felt in almost every single movement made by Gin. He did an impeccable job of both giving Gin a secure stable home and instilling some great values into her. Plus, he sorta reminds me of my grandfather.

A close second and perhaps equal to Fletcher is the father from P&P. Even though his wife is usually being a complete basket case he seems to be able to keep a calm demeanor and he truly loves his family. His humor makes him an amazing father.

Also have you seen the Lizze Bennet Diaries? I adore it!







Rie (@missiontoread)
I'm a wife, student, and a dog-lover who reads when I should be folding laundry (bane of my existance), I write (rarely as academic papers consume my life), and love getting wrapped up in fiction.

Follow Friday: Favorite Book Dad

1:45 AM Unknown


Question:

Happy Father’s Day! Who is your favorite dad character in a book and why?


Answer:

I’m not sure. I do like Parajunkee’s choice of Charlie, but somehow I think he should be a bit more intrusive.

Oh I know! I’m gonna go with Fletcher from the Elemental Assassin series! He may not be present very long, but his presence is felt in almost every single movement made by Gin. He did an impeccable job of both giving Gin a secure stable home and instilling some great values into her. Plus, he sorta reminds me of my grandfather.

A close second and perhaps equal to Fletcher is the father from P&P. Even though his wife is usually being a complete basket case he seems to be able to keep a calm demeanor and he truly loves his family. His humor makes him an amazing father.

Also have you seen the Lizze Bennet Diaries? I adore it!







Rie (@missiontoread)
I'm a wife, student, and a dog-lover who reads when I should be folding laundry (bane of my existance), I write (rarely as academic papers consume my life), and love getting wrapped up in fiction.

Thursday, June 14, 2012

May 25th 2010, Pocket Books
434 pages, Paperback
Borrowed from the Library
Second in Elemental Assassin series
Adult Fiction
Amazon | Book Depository | Indie Bound


Curiosity is definitely going to get me dead one of these days. Probably real soon.


I'm Gin Blanco.

You might know me as the Spider, the most feared assassin in the South. I’m retired now, but trouble still has a way of finding me. Like the other day when two punks tried to rob my popular barbecue joint, the Pork Pit. Then there was the barrage of gunfire on the restaurant. Only, for once, those kill shots weren’t aimed at me. They were meant for Violet Fox. Ever since I agreed to help Violet and her grandfather protect their property from an evil coalmining tycoon, I’m beginning to wonder if I’m really retired. So is Detective Donovan Caine. The only honest cop in Ashland is having a real hard time reconciling his attraction to me with his Boy Scout mentality. And I can barely keep my hands off his sexy body. What can I say? I’m a Stone elemental with a little Ice magic thrown in, but my heart isn’t made of solid rock. Luckily, Gin Blanco always gets her man . . . dead or alive.

Favorite Quote:

“Too bad the smile was on the face of the wrong man.”



Cover Review:
 

The cover isn’t as good as the first, but it is still outstanding. The rune on her hand, although it should be silver is there, the mine, the knife it’s all great. I would have liked to see it perhaps be in another setting though because she was most certainly not wearing that when she was in the mine.

Opinion:

Squee! I just finished this one and I’m dying for the next one! Like right FREAKING now!Halfway through the first book I added the next two on my request list from the library and two days later I drove out of my way to go pick it up. For a person that mostly reads whatever she may have at hand this is devotion. And I was NOT disappointed. I’m IN LOVE!!!

Gin is still a bit judgmental for my tastes. She has A LOT of issues herself and she seems to look down on others at times. She is incredibly strong, but most people are and it can seem at times that she’s a bit immature in her way of thinking she is the only strong one. She is incredibly hard on herself as well. She is devoted and loyal to her foster family and that endears her to me, but I would love for her to mature a bit in her opinions about others. Don’t get me wrong I love Gin, flaws and all. She is smart, independent, and doesn’t whine, but most importantly she is so loving even if she doesn’t think she is.

Her foster family is one of the best supporting character cast in books that I’ve read. One of the reason I love werewolf books is the pack mentality and she may not be a wolf, but she MOST CERTAINLY has a pack surrounding her.

Can I say I am ABSOLUTELY not Team Donavan? OMFG!!! This boy drives me up the wall. I so want to scream at him “Get over yourself already. Your morals are just as effed up as Gin’s and you DO NOT hold the authority on what is wrong and what is right! There is a whole sea of grey in the middle that you clearly are too dimwitted to see!”

Now Grayson is a completely different story. Even when he thinks she’s in a certain profession he doesn’t judge, doesn’t try to take advantage, but simply is still his gentlemanly self. He seems ultra-sophisticated, but not in that money hungry way that Finn is.

The plot was slower that Spider’s Bite, but it had a huge build up culminating in one of the best climaxes of all times. I mean it was almost orgasmic! As a result, I hope Gin becomes more confident in herself and perhaps she’ll stop reflecting bad attributes onto people she doesn’t know. If that’s the case there is going to be some astounding character growth in the next book.

Did I say that I’m in love? Yeah, well I am. It’s edging it’s way in for top love of the year award in the book department! I CANNOT wait until Venom is available.

Rating:








Rie (@missiontoread)
I'm a wife, student, and a dog-lover who reads when I should be folding laundry (bane of my existance), I write (rarely as academic papers consume my life), and love getting wrapped up in fiction.

Web of Lies by Jennifer Estep

4:56 AM Unknown
May 25th 2010, Pocket Books
434 pages, Paperback
Borrowed from the Library
Second in Elemental Assassin series
Adult Fiction
Amazon | Book Depository | Indie Bound


Curiosity is definitely going to get me dead one of these days. Probably real soon.


I'm Gin Blanco.

You might know me as the Spider, the most feared assassin in the South. I’m retired now, but trouble still has a way of finding me. Like the other day when two punks tried to rob my popular barbecue joint, the Pork Pit. Then there was the barrage of gunfire on the restaurant. Only, for once, those kill shots weren’t aimed at me. They were meant for Violet Fox. Ever since I agreed to help Violet and her grandfather protect their property from an evil coalmining tycoon, I’m beginning to wonder if I’m really retired. So is Detective Donovan Caine. The only honest cop in Ashland is having a real hard time reconciling his attraction to me with his Boy Scout mentality. And I can barely keep my hands off his sexy body. What can I say? I’m a Stone elemental with a little Ice magic thrown in, but my heart isn’t made of solid rock. Luckily, Gin Blanco always gets her man . . . dead or alive.

Favorite Quote:

“Too bad the smile was on the face of the wrong man.”



Cover Review:
 

The cover isn’t as good as the first, but it is still outstanding. The rune on her hand, although it should be silver is there, the mine, the knife it’s all great. I would have liked to see it perhaps be in another setting though because she was most certainly not wearing that when she was in the mine.

Opinion:

Squee! I just finished this one and I’m dying for the next one! Like right FREAKING now!Halfway through the first book I added the next two on my request list from the library and two days later I drove out of my way to go pick it up. For a person that mostly reads whatever she may have at hand this is devotion. And I was NOT disappointed. I’m IN LOVE!!!

Gin is still a bit judgmental for my tastes. She has A LOT of issues herself and she seems to look down on others at times. She is incredibly strong, but most people are and it can seem at times that she’s a bit immature in her way of thinking she is the only strong one. She is incredibly hard on herself as well. She is devoted and loyal to her foster family and that endears her to me, but I would love for her to mature a bit in her opinions about others. Don’t get me wrong I love Gin, flaws and all. She is smart, independent, and doesn’t whine, but most importantly she is so loving even if she doesn’t think she is.

Her foster family is one of the best supporting character cast in books that I’ve read. One of the reason I love werewolf books is the pack mentality and she may not be a wolf, but she MOST CERTAINLY has a pack surrounding her.

Can I say I am ABSOLUTELY not Team Donavan? OMFG!!! This boy drives me up the wall. I so want to scream at him “Get over yourself already. Your morals are just as effed up as Gin’s and you DO NOT hold the authority on what is wrong and what is right! There is a whole sea of grey in the middle that you clearly are too dimwitted to see!”

Now Grayson is a completely different story. Even when he thinks she’s in a certain profession he doesn’t judge, doesn’t try to take advantage, but simply is still his gentlemanly self. He seems ultra-sophisticated, but not in that money hungry way that Finn is.

The plot was slower that Spider’s Bite, but it had a huge build up culminating in one of the best climaxes of all times. I mean it was almost orgasmic! As a result, I hope Gin becomes more confident in herself and perhaps she’ll stop reflecting bad attributes onto people she doesn’t know. If that’s the case there is going to be some astounding character growth in the next book.

Did I say that I’m in love? Yeah, well I am. It’s edging it’s way in for top love of the year award in the book department! I CANNOT wait until Venom is available.

Rating:








Rie (@missiontoread)
I'm a wife, student, and a dog-lover who reads when I should be folding laundry (bane of my existance), I write (rarely as academic papers consume my life), and love getting wrapped up in fiction.

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

I just realized yesterday that I’m almost  (if almost means 4 months away) a quarter of a century old!!! I’ve been seeing this floating around lately, so I figured I’d join in the fray!


Not my graphic. I would credit it, but I don’t know the original source.

30. Be strong enough to smile even when I’d rather cry and to cry without shame.
27. Run a 5k.
26. Remember to give back to the community and make an effort to help others.
29. Help to uphold those things I love and disregard those things I don’t.
28. Get healthy mentally and physically.
25. Try to remember to do something nice for someone else everyday. Even if that’s just a smile.
24. Go wakeboarding.
23. Drive across the country and do Colonial America.
22. Go to Rome or Greece and do a history tour.
21. Go to Egypt and do both touristy things and experience Alexandria and hubs family.
20. Spend a few months alone in Ireland.
19. Go to a bookish or geekish conference.
18. Read 20 classic novels I haven’t read in the past.
17. Complete a Nanowrimo with rules intact.
16. Finish and query a book in both the YA genre and adult genre.
15. Be on the writing staff for a console game.
14. Build a graphic design portfolio with clients.
13. Grow and maintain the book blog.
12. Create another blog with some measure of success.
11. Learn more about graphic design and coding languages.
10. Plan and teach children a love of history in a fun volunteer environment.
9. Assist with the acquisition of antiques for and enlarging of a rural museum.
8. Go on a archaeological dig in a foreign land.
7. Get published in a academic journal.
6. Complete my Masters and at least most of my doctorate.
5. Learn to cook some Egyptian classic dishes.
4. Have a vow renewal with the hubs.
3. Create a loving home environment with love, understanding, and stability.
2. Learn how to communicate better with others while upset. Including how to confront someone.
1. Start a family.

Off Topic: 30 before 30

11:44 PM Unknown
I just realized yesterday that I’m almost  (if almost means 4 months away) a quarter of a century old!!! I’ve been seeing this floating around lately, so I figured I’d join in the fray!


Not my graphic. I would credit it, but I don’t know the original source.

30. Be strong enough to smile even when I’d rather cry and to cry without shame.
27. Run a 5k.
26. Remember to give back to the community and make an effort to help others.
29. Help to uphold those things I love and disregard those things I don’t.
28. Get healthy mentally and physically.
25. Try to remember to do something nice for someone else everyday. Even if that’s just a smile.
24. Go wakeboarding.
23. Drive across the country and do Colonial America.
22. Go to Rome or Greece and do a history tour.
21. Go to Egypt and do both touristy things and experience Alexandria and hubs family.
20. Spend a few months alone in Ireland.
19. Go to a bookish or geekish conference.
18. Read 20 classic novels I haven’t read in the past.
17. Complete a Nanowrimo with rules intact.
16. Finish and query a book in both the YA genre and adult genre.
15. Be on the writing staff for a console game.
14. Build a graphic design portfolio with clients.
13. Grow and maintain the book blog.
12. Create another blog with some measure of success.
11. Learn more about graphic design and coding languages.
10. Plan and teach children a love of history in a fun volunteer environment.
9. Assist with the acquisition of antiques for and enlarging of a rural museum.
8. Go on a archaeological dig in a foreign land.
7. Get published in a academic journal.
6. Complete my Masters and at least most of my doctorate.
5. Learn to cook some Egyptian classic dishes.
4. Have a vow renewal with the hubs.
3. Create a loving home environment with love, understanding, and stability.
2. Learn how to communicate better with others while upset. Including how to confront someone.
1. Start a family.

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme by Broke and Bookish.

I believe the best beach reads are those that you can read in one sitting while getting a tan, so fast moving books that keep the pages turning. Here are some reads I couldn’t put down.














Top Ten Books I'd Recommend As Good Beach Reads

5:09 AM Unknown

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme by Broke and Bookish.

I believe the best beach reads are those that you can read in one sitting while getting a tan, so fast moving books that keep the pages turning. Here are some reads I couldn’t put down.














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