In My Mailbox: Here's what I got in my mailbox in the last few weeks:
Tuesday, March 31, 2015
In My Mailbox- March 30, 2015
In My Mailbox: Here's what I got in my mailbox in the last few weeks:
The Sunday Salon- March 29, 2015
It's been 3 weeks since I've done one of these!!
I finished and reviewed the following book in the last week:
I am currently reading Love Fortunes and Other Disasters by Kimberly Karalius and up next is A Curious Tale of the In-Between by Lauren DeStefano.
Book Review- 45 Pounds (More or Less)
I finished reading 45 Pounds (More or Less) by K. A. Barson on Thursday.
From Goodreads:
Here are the numbers of Ann Galardi’s life:
She is 16.
And a size 17.
Her perfect mother is a size 6.
Her Aunt Jackie is getting married in 10 weeks, and wants Ann to be her bridesmaid.
So Ann makes up her mind: Time to lose 45 pounds (more or less) in 2 1/2 months.
Welcome to the world of infomercial diet plans, wedding dance lessons, embarrassing run-ins with the cutest guy Ann’s ever seen—-and some surprises about her NOT-so-perfect mother.
And there’s one more thing. It’s all about feeling comfortable in your own skin-—no matter how you add it up!
45 Pounds (More or Less) deals with more than just being overweight. It encompasses a variety of weight disorders (including anorexia). This book really made me think.
I liked Ann and I felt so bad for her. I couldn't empathize with her weight problem specifically, but I could empathize with there being times that I didn't like my body.
Ann grew up in such a dysfunctional family and much of her eating problem stemmed from that. Then there was the issue of her mom's relationship with food and how it affected her 4 year old sister. That really got to me. How many times do I talk about watching my weight? It's so important to be healthy and have a healthy relationship with food. This book brings that to light in a non-preaching way.
I gave this book a rating of 3.5/5.
*FTC Disclosure: I was given this book for free for an honest review as part of the Around the World Tours.
From Goodreads:
Here are the numbers of Ann Galardi’s life:She is 16.
And a size 17.
Her perfect mother is a size 6.
Her Aunt Jackie is getting married in 10 weeks, and wants Ann to be her bridesmaid.
So Ann makes up her mind: Time to lose 45 pounds (more or less) in 2 1/2 months.
Welcome to the world of infomercial diet plans, wedding dance lessons, embarrassing run-ins with the cutest guy Ann’s ever seen—-and some surprises about her NOT-so-perfect mother.
And there’s one more thing. It’s all about feeling comfortable in your own skin-—no matter how you add it up!
45 Pounds (More or Less) deals with more than just being overweight. It encompasses a variety of weight disorders (including anorexia). This book really made me think.
I liked Ann and I felt so bad for her. I couldn't empathize with her weight problem specifically, but I could empathize with there being times that I didn't like my body.
Ann grew up in such a dysfunctional family and much of her eating problem stemmed from that. Then there was the issue of her mom's relationship with food and how it affected her 4 year old sister. That really got to me. How many times do I talk about watching my weight? It's so important to be healthy and have a healthy relationship with food. This book brings that to light in a non-preaching way.
I gave this book a rating of 3.5/5.
*FTC Disclosure: I was given this book for free for an honest review as part of the Around the World Tours.
Wednesday, March 25, 2015
Book Review- Spell Bound
I finished reading Spell Bound (Hex Hall #3) by Rachel Hawkins last night.
From Goodreads:
Hailed as “impossible to put down,” the Hex Hall series has both critics and teens cheering. With a winning combination of romance, action, magic and humor, this third volume will leave readers enchanted.
Just as Sophie Mercer has come to accept her extraordinary magical powers as a demon, the Prodigium Council strips them away. Now Sophie is defenseless, alone, and at the mercy of her sworn enemies—the Brannicks, a family of warrior women who hunt down the Prodigium. Or at least that’s what Sophie thinks, until she makes a surprising discovery. The Brannicks know an epic war is coming, and they believe Sophie is the only one powerful enough to stop the world from ending. But without her magic, Sophie isn’t as confident.
Sophie’s bound for one hell of a ride—can she get her powers back before it’s too late?
I devoured the first two books in this series and couldn't wait to have a chance to read this one. And I wasn't disappointed.
Once again, it took me a while to remember what happened in the first two books (I feel like I'm ALWAYS saying this!) but I quickly caught up and remembered how much I loved Sophie. She seriously cracks me up. I love her sense of humor. I also loved the little love triangle between her and Cal and Archer.
There were some definite surprises in the book that I didn't see coming (although a major one was early in the book so maybe I did when I was reading the last one but I don't remember). This was the last book in the series (I think--although I know there is a spinoff series of one of the characters in this book), and it wrapped up quite nicely. A little sad, but it felt right! I can't wait to read the next series!
I gave this book a rating of 4/5.
*FTC Disclosure: I traded this book with a friend.
From Goodreads:
Hailed as “impossible to put down,” the Hex Hall series has both critics and teens cheering. With a winning combination of romance, action, magic and humor, this third volume will leave readers enchanted.Just as Sophie Mercer has come to accept her extraordinary magical powers as a demon, the Prodigium Council strips them away. Now Sophie is defenseless, alone, and at the mercy of her sworn enemies—the Brannicks, a family of warrior women who hunt down the Prodigium. Or at least that’s what Sophie thinks, until she makes a surprising discovery. The Brannicks know an epic war is coming, and they believe Sophie is the only one powerful enough to stop the world from ending. But without her magic, Sophie isn’t as confident.
Sophie’s bound for one hell of a ride—can she get her powers back before it’s too late?
I devoured the first two books in this series and couldn't wait to have a chance to read this one. And I wasn't disappointed.
Once again, it took me a while to remember what happened in the first two books (I feel like I'm ALWAYS saying this!) but I quickly caught up and remembered how much I loved Sophie. She seriously cracks me up. I love her sense of humor. I also loved the little love triangle between her and Cal and Archer.
There were some definite surprises in the book that I didn't see coming (although a major one was early in the book so maybe I did when I was reading the last one but I don't remember). This was the last book in the series (I think--although I know there is a spinoff series of one of the characters in this book), and it wrapped up quite nicely. A little sad, but it felt right! I can't wait to read the next series!
I gave this book a rating of 4/5.
*FTC Disclosure: I traded this book with a friend.
Saturday, March 21, 2015
Book Review- The Fill-In Boyfriend
I just finished reading The Fill-In Boyfriend by Kasie West for an Around the World ARC Tour.
From Goodreads:
When Gia Montgomery's boyfriend, Bradley, dumps her in the parking lot of her high school prom, she has to think fast. After all, she'd been telling her friends about him for months now. This was supposed to be the night she proved he existed. So when she sees a cute guy waiting to pick up his sister, she enlists his help. The task is simple: be her fill-in boyfriend— two hours, zero commitment, a few white lies. After that, she can win back the real Bradley.
The problem is that days after prom, it's not the real Bradley she's thinking about, but the stand-in. The one whose name she doesn't even know. But tracking him down doesn't mean they're done faking a relationship. Gia owes him a favor and his sister intends to see that he collects: his ex-girlfriend's graduation party — three hours, zero commitment, a few white lies.
Just when Gia begins to wonder if she could turn her fake boyfriend into a real one, Bradley comes waltzing back into her life, exposing her lie, and threatening to destroy her friendships and her new-found relationship.
I've read several books by Kasie West so I was excited to read this one. And once again I really loved the plot. But the writing seemed a little immature to me and there were tiny details in sentences that I really didn't need to know about.
I liked Gia and I felt bad for her. Her choice in friends was pretty crummy. Well, maybe not her choice in them but rather the fact that she just let this new girl, Jules, come in and treat her horribly. I get that it was part of her personality to not try to rock the boat but come on! She was ruining the friendship with her best friends! And I liked Hayden a lot. The theatre boy with crummy choices in friends (yes, this one fit accurately.) And I loved Bec. Everyone needs a friend like her--one who is fiercely loyal and not afraid to say what she thinks.
The ending left me a little melancholy. I mean, Gia got the boy but there was no reconciliation with her friends. I like happily ever after and I want that to mean with friends too.
Overall, it was an enjoyable book and I look forward to seeing what Kasie West has up her writing sleeve next!
I gave this book a rating of 3.5/5.
The Fill-in Boyfriend will be released on May 5, 2015.
*FTC Disclosure: I was given this book for free for an honest review as part of the Around the World Tours.
From Goodreads:
When Gia Montgomery's boyfriend, Bradley, dumps her in the parking lot of her high school prom, she has to think fast. After all, she'd been telling her friends about him for months now. This was supposed to be the night she proved he existed. So when she sees a cute guy waiting to pick up his sister, she enlists his help. The task is simple: be her fill-in boyfriend— two hours, zero commitment, a few white lies. After that, she can win back the real Bradley.The problem is that days after prom, it's not the real Bradley she's thinking about, but the stand-in. The one whose name she doesn't even know. But tracking him down doesn't mean they're done faking a relationship. Gia owes him a favor and his sister intends to see that he collects: his ex-girlfriend's graduation party — three hours, zero commitment, a few white lies.
Just when Gia begins to wonder if she could turn her fake boyfriend into a real one, Bradley comes waltzing back into her life, exposing her lie, and threatening to destroy her friendships and her new-found relationship.
I've read several books by Kasie West so I was excited to read this one. And once again I really loved the plot. But the writing seemed a little immature to me and there were tiny details in sentences that I really didn't need to know about.
I liked Gia and I felt bad for her. Her choice in friends was pretty crummy. Well, maybe not her choice in them but rather the fact that she just let this new girl, Jules, come in and treat her horribly. I get that it was part of her personality to not try to rock the boat but come on! She was ruining the friendship with her best friends! And I liked Hayden a lot. The theatre boy with crummy choices in friends (yes, this one fit accurately.) And I loved Bec. Everyone needs a friend like her--one who is fiercely loyal and not afraid to say what she thinks.
The ending left me a little melancholy. I mean, Gia got the boy but there was no reconciliation with her friends. I like happily ever after and I want that to mean with friends too.
Overall, it was an enjoyable book and I look forward to seeing what Kasie West has up her writing sleeve next!
I gave this book a rating of 3.5/5.
The Fill-in Boyfriend will be released on May 5, 2015.
*FTC Disclosure: I was given this book for free for an honest review as part of the Around the World Tours.
Tuesday, March 17, 2015
Book Review- Endlessly
I finished reading Endlessly (Paranormalcy #3) by Kiersten White tonight.
From Goodreads:
Kiersten White’s New York Times bestselling Paranormalcy trilogy comes to a breathless conclusion with a signature mix of wit, romance, paranormal creatures, and a truly original heroine.
In Endlessly, pink-loving, butt-kicking Evie has way too much on her to-do list. Paranormals are begging her to open a faerie gate so they can leave the human world, something Evie’s not sure she has the power to do. The Dark Queen is torturing humans and must be destroyed.
On top of all that, Evie’s prom is coming up. She’s not sure what to wear, and, oh, yeah, her shape-shifting boyfriend, Lend, has been cursed so that he falls into an enchanted sleep whenever he and Evie are in the same room…and even Evie’s ex-boyfriend, the faerie Reth, can’t reverse the dark magic.
An epic battle is looming, and the choices Evie makes will determine the fate of whole paranormal world—and her own life.
Paranormalcy was one of the first two series I was in love with when I first started my blog. I just couldn't get over how much I loved the characters and the writing. I even met Kiersten White one time (and yes, she's just as cool in person as you'd think she would be!). I quickly read the second book as soon as could get my hands on it. But I've been holding off on this third one. Why? I just didn't want to give it up. I didn't want the series to end. (and yet in a way, that hurt me because it's been almost 4 years since I've read the second book in the series and while I remember loving it, I don't quite remember the details. Oops!)
Anyways, I quickly fell in love with Evie again. I just love her spunk and way of talking and thinking. And yup, I still loved how she said "bleep" all of the time. I even loved the secondary characters like Lend and Reth and Jack. I did get confused with some of the talk about the different worlds and creatures. But in the end, I found myself getting just little bit teary. It all wrapped up so nicely and just how I'd want it to but there was just a touch of sadness to it. I was happy with how it ended yet sad because it was over. It was completely bittersweet.
(And side note, once again the cover is absolutely gorgeous. I would give my right arm for any of the dresses that is on the cover of these books!!)
I gave this book a rating of 4/5.
*FTC Disclosure: I traded this book with a friend.
From Goodreads:
Kiersten White’s New York Times bestselling Paranormalcy trilogy comes to a breathless conclusion with a signature mix of wit, romance, paranormal creatures, and a truly original heroine.In Endlessly, pink-loving, butt-kicking Evie has way too much on her to-do list. Paranormals are begging her to open a faerie gate so they can leave the human world, something Evie’s not sure she has the power to do. The Dark Queen is torturing humans and must be destroyed.
On top of all that, Evie’s prom is coming up. She’s not sure what to wear, and, oh, yeah, her shape-shifting boyfriend, Lend, has been cursed so that he falls into an enchanted sleep whenever he and Evie are in the same room…and even Evie’s ex-boyfriend, the faerie Reth, can’t reverse the dark magic.
An epic battle is looming, and the choices Evie makes will determine the fate of whole paranormal world—and her own life.
Paranormalcy was one of the first two series I was in love with when I first started my blog. I just couldn't get over how much I loved the characters and the writing. I even met Kiersten White one time (and yes, she's just as cool in person as you'd think she would be!). I quickly read the second book as soon as could get my hands on it. But I've been holding off on this third one. Why? I just didn't want to give it up. I didn't want the series to end. (and yet in a way, that hurt me because it's been almost 4 years since I've read the second book in the series and while I remember loving it, I don't quite remember the details. Oops!)
Anyways, I quickly fell in love with Evie again. I just love her spunk and way of talking and thinking. And yup, I still loved how she said "bleep" all of the time. I even loved the secondary characters like Lend and Reth and Jack. I did get confused with some of the talk about the different worlds and creatures. But in the end, I found myself getting just little bit teary. It all wrapped up so nicely and just how I'd want it to but there was just a touch of sadness to it. I was happy with how it ended yet sad because it was over. It was completely bittersweet.
(And side note, once again the cover is absolutely gorgeous. I would give my right arm for any of the dresses that is on the cover of these books!!)
I gave this book a rating of 4/5.
*FTC Disclosure: I traded this book with a friend.
Tuesday, March 10, 2015
Book Review- Revenge, Ice Cream, and Other Things Best Served Cold
Last night I finished Revenge, Ice Cream, and Other Things Best Served Cold (Broken Hearts & Revenge #2) by Katie Finn for an Around the World ARC Tour.
From Goodreads:
The war rages on between Gemma and Hallie in the second installment of the Broken Hearts and Revenge series.
After the humiliating events on the 4th of July, Gemma's trying to handle the fact that Hallie knew who she was all along, and she was the one who stole Teddy from her. Gemma vows revenge, but things get more complicated than she planned. Ford, Gemma’s long-time crush, has arrived in the Hamptons cuter than ever. Josh is refusing to speak to her after she lied to him, and Teddy is playing champion to his beloved Marsh Warbler (in Gemma's backyard, no less).
Gemma and Hallie find themselves locked in an escalating revenge cycle. Just when Gemma thinks she has the upper hand, the biggest bombshell of all is dropped. And it’s one that threatens to change her life forever. This exciting sequel to Broken Hearts, Fences, and Other Things To Mend will leave you begging for the third installment.
I enjoyed the first book in the series and was excited to read this one. I remember wondering if I thought the first book would seem to young to me and it didn't. But for some reason, this one did. Maybe because all of the drama going back and forth was very high-schoolish.
Putting that aside, I did enjoy it. I liked getting to know more about Ford and Gwyneth (I'm don't think I spelled that right). And even Teddy seemed a little bit likeable towards the end.
There were a few twists and turns. One I guessed in the last book and found out I was right in this one. And the other one I definitely didn't see coming! I'm looking forward to third book in the series!
I gave this book a rating of 3.5/5.
Revenge, Ice Cream, and Other Things Best Served Cold will be released on May 5, 2015.
*FTC Disclosure: I was given this book for free for an honest review as part of the Around the World Tours.
From Goodreads:
The war rages on between Gemma and Hallie in the second installment of the Broken Hearts and Revenge series.After the humiliating events on the 4th of July, Gemma's trying to handle the fact that Hallie knew who she was all along, and she was the one who stole Teddy from her. Gemma vows revenge, but things get more complicated than she planned. Ford, Gemma’s long-time crush, has arrived in the Hamptons cuter than ever. Josh is refusing to speak to her after she lied to him, and Teddy is playing champion to his beloved Marsh Warbler (in Gemma's backyard, no less).
Gemma and Hallie find themselves locked in an escalating revenge cycle. Just when Gemma thinks she has the upper hand, the biggest bombshell of all is dropped. And it’s one that threatens to change her life forever. This exciting sequel to Broken Hearts, Fences, and Other Things To Mend will leave you begging for the third installment.
I enjoyed the first book in the series and was excited to read this one. I remember wondering if I thought the first book would seem to young to me and it didn't. But for some reason, this one did. Maybe because all of the drama going back and forth was very high-schoolish.
Putting that aside, I did enjoy it. I liked getting to know more about Ford and Gwyneth (I'm don't think I spelled that right). And even Teddy seemed a little bit likeable towards the end.
There were a few twists and turns. One I guessed in the last book and found out I was right in this one. And the other one I definitely didn't see coming! I'm looking forward to third book in the series!
I gave this book a rating of 3.5/5.
Revenge, Ice Cream, and Other Things Best Served Cold will be released on May 5, 2015.
*FTC Disclosure: I was given this book for free for an honest review as part of the Around the World Tours.
Sunday, March 8, 2015
The Sunday Salon- March 8, 2015
I finished and reviewed the following book in the last week:
I am currently reading Revenge, Ice Cream, and Other Things Best Served Cold (Broken Hearts & Revenge #2) by Katie Finn and up next is Endlessly by Kiersten White.
Thursday, March 5, 2015
Book Review- New Uses for Old Boyfriends
I finished New Uses for Old Boyfriends by Beth Kendrick for a Booksparks Blog Tour!
About the book:
After growing up in privilege and marrying into money, Lila Alders has gotten used to the good life. But when her happily-ever-after implodes, Lila must return to Black Dog Bay, the tiny seaside town where she grew up. She’s desperate for a safe haven, but everything has changed over the past ten years. Her family’s fortune is gone—and her mother is in total denial. It’s up to Lila to take care of everything…but she can barely take care of herself.
About the book:
After growing up in privilege and marrying into money, Lila Alders has gotten used to the good life. But when her happily-ever-after implodes, Lila must return to Black Dog Bay, the tiny seaside town where she grew up. She’s desperate for a safe haven, but everything has changed over the past ten years. Her family’s fortune is gone—and her mother is in total denial. It’s up to Lila to take care of everything…but she can barely take care of herself.
The former golden girl of Black Dog Bay struggles to reinvent herself by opening a vintage clothing boutique. But even as Lila finds new purpose for outdated dresses and tries to reunite with her ex, she realizes that sometimes it’s too late for old dreams. She’s lost everything she thought she needed but found something—someone—she desperately wants. A boy she hardly noticed has grown up into a man she can’t forget…and a second chance has never felt so much like first love.
I was happy to find myself reading about Black Dog Bay again. It was like catching up with old friends.
This time we are introduced to Lila. I loved her story and the idea of opening up a vintage clothing boutique. Fashion is always fun. I liked reading about her mom. It broke my heart how upset she was. I feel like my mom would be like that without my dad. High school sweethearts and still crazy in love. And of course there was a little romance. This time between Ben, her high school sweetheart, and Malcolm, a guy she doesn't remember going on a date with in high school.
This book was light, and fun, and just what I needed. I'm hoping that there will be more books set in Black Dog Bay. And I still say there needs to be a real Black Dog Bay!
I gave this book a rating of 3.5/5.
*FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review as part of a blog tour.
Tuesday, March 3, 2015
Book Review- Unleashed
I finished reading Unleashed (Uninvited #2) by Sophie Jordan tonight.
From Goodreads:
Unleashed, the romantic, high-stakes sequel to New York Times bestselling author Sophie Jordan's Uninvited, is perfect for fans of James Patterson's Confessions of a Murder Suspect.
Davy has spent the last few months trying to come to terms with the fact that she tested positive for the kill gene HTS (also known as Homicidal Tendency Syndrome). She swore she would not let it change her, and that her DNA did not define her . . . but then she killed a man.
Now on the run, Davy must decide whether she'll be ruled by the kill gene or if she'll follow her heart and fight for her right to live free. But with her own potential for violence lying right beneath the surface, Davy doesn't even know if she can trust herself.
I really enjoyed the first book, Uninvited, so I was eager to read this next book. And while it interested me, I didn't like it as much as the first one.
I don't feel that Davy was a kick-butt in this one as she was in the first one. And that's okay I guess. I still liked her. And I liked her new love interest, Caden. I thought he was a pretty stand-up guy, especially when we find out his secret. But I'm not sure I buy their relationship. I feel like her feelings for Caden came on pretty quickly. Then again, I think I felt that way about Sean in the first book. So maybe that's just her personality. :)
I still had some questions though. Just how did this gene come about? And how did they discover it? I also feel that the ending that deals with this kill gene wrapped up too quickly. I don't want to give too much away, but I didn't really buy that either.
Overall I enjoyed it, just not with the intrigue and interest that I had with the first one.
I gave this book a rating of 3/5.
*FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review..
From Goodreads:
Unleashed, the romantic, high-stakes sequel to New York Times bestselling author Sophie Jordan's Uninvited, is perfect for fans of James Patterson's Confessions of a Murder Suspect.Davy has spent the last few months trying to come to terms with the fact that she tested positive for the kill gene HTS (also known as Homicidal Tendency Syndrome). She swore she would not let it change her, and that her DNA did not define her . . . but then she killed a man.
Now on the run, Davy must decide whether she'll be ruled by the kill gene or if she'll follow her heart and fight for her right to live free. But with her own potential for violence lying right beneath the surface, Davy doesn't even know if she can trust herself.
I really enjoyed the first book, Uninvited, so I was eager to read this next book. And while it interested me, I didn't like it as much as the first one.
I don't feel that Davy was a kick-butt in this one as she was in the first one. And that's okay I guess. I still liked her. And I liked her new love interest, Caden. I thought he was a pretty stand-up guy, especially when we find out his secret. But I'm not sure I buy their relationship. I feel like her feelings for Caden came on pretty quickly. Then again, I think I felt that way about Sean in the first book. So maybe that's just her personality. :)
I still had some questions though. Just how did this gene come about? And how did they discover it? I also feel that the ending that deals with this kill gene wrapped up too quickly. I don't want to give too much away, but I didn't really buy that either.
Overall I enjoyed it, just not with the intrigue and interest that I had with the first one.
I gave this book a rating of 3/5.
*FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review..
In My Mailbox- March 2, 2015
The Sunday Salon- March 1, 2015
The Sunday Salon
It's been another month since I've done these...geez!
I finished and reviewed the following book in the last month:
I am currently reading Revenge, Ice Cream, and Other Things Best Served Cold (Broken Hearts & Revenge #2) by Katie Finn and if I don't get another tour book in time, then up next is Endlessly (Paranormalcy #3) by Kiersten White.
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