Mar 31, 2014

Welcome to Memory Lane Monday ~ Twilight Re-Read Recap

Memory Lane Monday is a feature that is hosted by 
Amber at Paradise of Pages 
and 

Amber and I have been talking about wanting to re-read some of our favorite books and how we feel like we never have time trying to keep up with the latest and greatest book for our blogs.  So, we came up with a great plan, let's start our own meme and get everyone else joining in on the re-reading fun as well!  We are, of course, still planning to keep up with current reads but we are intertwining old favorites at the same time.  

Here's how Memory Lane Monday will work:

  • Each week the co-hosts will trade off with recapping when it is a re-read or what they have heard so far about the book and the other co-host will put up their review. 
  • The participants can read anything that they remember reading in the past, or something that they have wanted to read that has been around for a while and just haven't gotten around to reading it yet for whatever reason.
  • Participants can decide if they want to recap the book before reading it or just put up a review of what they read.
  • Anyone can join in, just please link back to our blogs as well as add your name to the linky so we can hop around and see what everyone is reading.
  • Please put our banner on your post as well, so we all look the same!
  • We ask you kindly to follow BOTH of our blogs.
  • Most importantly remember to just have fun! :)


We will be providing each week a linky that you will be able use to link your posts for us and everyone else to see as well. All we ask is for you to put up our banner as well as a link back to both hosts on your post. 

We hope you enjoy doing this meme as much as I am sure we will!


Amber and I have decided that we want to start off by doing a re-read of the Twilight Series in April! Twilight is a very important series to both of us.  Twilight was the series that turned me into a reader after thinking reading was the most boring way to spend spare time for my entire life, and it was the series that got Amber to pick up reading again after many years.  

I will be starting off this week by giving my recap thoughts of just Twilight (not the entire series) and then next week I will be giving my review having read Twilight again to see how my before and after feelings have differed or stayed the same.  


Twilight (Twilight, #1)

About three things I was absolutely positive:

First, Edward was a vampire.

Second, there was a part of him - and I didn't know how dominant that part might be - that thirsted for my blood.

And third, I was unconditionally and irrevocably in love with him.

When Bella Swan moves to the gloomy town of Forks and meets Edward Cullen, her life takes a thrilling and terrifying turn. With his porcelain skin, golden eyes, mesmerizing voice, and supernatural gifts, Edward is both irresistible and impenetrable. Up until now, he has managed to keep his true identity hidden, but Bella is determined to uncover his dark secret.

What Bella doesn't realize is the closer she gets to him, the more she is putting herself and those around her at risk. And it might be too late to turn back...


The Memories...


My mother in law gave me this book because she said "You HAVE to read it." Okay, yes, me the non reader does not "need" to read anything that isn't written by one of her "go to" authors.  So, I let it sit.  On my counter.  For nearly a month.  And then I got bored one day and said "Why not?" That was the begining of the end for me.  


I'm excited to see if I will go through a phase of not being able to get Edward out of my mind AT ALL after reading the book this time.  I had NEVER had a book or character effect me that way before.  


As I look back and think about not being able to stop reading a book for the first time in my life.  I literally would have rather read than sleep which was completely foreign.  


I remember for the first time not being fulfilled by finishing a book.  Usually I would finish and just be done for like, a year, and I was okay with that.  Not anymore! I HAD to have more.   


I was emotionally attached to a story for the first time.  I had feelings and emotions for more than just the story but the characters as well.  


I will now go forth and read this awesome book that started it all for me!  I will be back in a week to tell you all my new feelings on Twilight, now that it has been many, many years and books later!  Let me know what you are up to this week and if you want to join in and read Twilight along with Amber and I, or even just pull something else back off of your shelf we would love for you to join in with us on Memory Lane Monday!  

Mar 28, 2014

Promise Me by Sarah Ashley Jones ~ Blog Tour, Review and Giveaway



Welcome to my stop on the Promise Me blog tour! I was able to read and review both of these fantastic books and I can't wait to share my thoughts with you on this wonderful series.



Promise Me This (Promise Me, #1)Title: Promise Me This
Author: Sarah Ashley Jones
Series: Promise Me #1
Publication: June 17th, 2013
Category: New Adult (NA)
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Welcome to the South—where the tea is sweet and the accents are sweeter. This Southern way of life is all Charlie has ever known. It’s not until she loses the only person who pushed her to break free of the Southern Belle mold that she starts living the life she needs and not the life her parents forced on her.

Jhett has lived on the edge for as long as he could remember - constantly teetering back and forth between being a rock star and living a normal life. His rebellious and sometimes arrogant attitude is known to get him into trouble, especially with the girls who hang on his every move.

Charlie never thought that a trip to pack up her brother’s apartment would leave her feeling even more unsettled about the grainy details of her brother’s death. Her quest for information leads her straight to his old hangout and into arms of Jhett, who suspiciously knows more about her situation than he ever should.

Only a few questions remain: Can you trust someone based on their word alone? And if you make a promise, how far will you go to keep it?
Add Promise Me This to Goodreads   
  Amazon     Barnes & Noble   Indie Bound     


Promise Me Forever (Promise Me, #1.5)Title: Promise Me Forever
Series: Promise Me #1.5
Expected release date: March 17th, 2014
Category: New Adult (NA)
Genre: Contemporary Romance | Novella



Charlie Jennings and Jhett Hudson knew that a single moment could change everything.

It took them one song to find each other, one question to give them a chance, one kiss to fall in love, and one night to almost lose it all. But they had one thing other couples lack—pure, unconditional love—and that takes more than a moment to walk away from.

Falling in love is only the beginning. Forever is what happens next.

Add Promise Me Forever on Goodreads     


The Promise Me books were an enjoyable journey from start to finish.  I loved Charlie, and watching her change and grow throughout the story was really fun.  She took a lot of chances that she normally wouldn't have and I love characters that are willing to step out of their comfort zones to see what doing things different with their life might bring.  Sarah Asheley Jones did an excellent job building her charaters, showing the bond between Charlie and her twin brother even though he was never actually in the book was impressive.  Jhett, for me, was a character I didn't quite know what to do with at first.  I sometimes have trust issues and wasn't quite sure where I wanted to stand with him.  As the story progressed however, it was easy to build trust in Jhett and find out what a genuine and great guy he is.  

I love books that switch between both characters so I can see into both of their minds and know exactly what they are feeling.  This writing style works really well for me and Sarah really nailed it while writing both characters.  Charlie and Jhett both had a very distinct voice which is essential when taking this route while writing.  

The only issue I had with this story was the fact they fell into bed so quickly.  I would have liked a little more build up to that big moment, but it didn't detract enough that it stopped me from continuing with the book.  I would also like to note that this book is much more tame than most NA I have taken a chance on reading and I really appreciate it when I find that in a book, especially recently.  I have found most of the NA genre to be saturated with A LOT of detailed sex and it really bothers me.  Thank you Sarah Ashley Jones for keeping things steamy but in a mild manner.  

I would recommend both Promise Me books if you enjoy a great contemporary romance.  If you plan to read, or have read Promise Me This, you will want to immediately add Promise Me Forever to your collection.  The story didn't feel complete to me without reading both of them and I'm certainly glad I was able to read them back to back.  

Flamingo at 

The Sarcastic Palmtree gives

Promise Me This 
&
Promise Me Forever 

8 Pink Flamingos


About Author Sarah Ashley Jones



Sarah Ashley Jones was raised in San Diego, California, but currently wrangles her husband and three dogs in Clarksville, Tennessee. When she’s not writing she works in a pottery studio and comes home covered in paint on a daily basis. She has a slightly unhealthy obsession with cupcakes and chapstick. She is an eternal optimist and can often be found dancing and singing to music at any given time. It’s rare to see her not smiling or laughing, but if you do, just bring her a cupcake and it will cheer her up. Her huge imagination was always in overdrive as a child and now she is beyond excited to put it to good use as an adult. She plans to write as long as she has stories that need to be told.


Make sure you enter the FANTASTIC giveaway below before you leave!  

Thank you so much to Sarah Ashley Jones for including us on her Promise Me tour!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Feature & Follow Friday ~ A picutre's worth 1000 Words




Welcome to Feature Follow Friday!  This post is hosted by Parajunkee and Alison Can Read.  This feature is here for everyone to be able to get their blog some attention and get more followers as well as give my readers a little more fun at looking what I do for the weekly topic.  Check out the rules at the bottom if you want to join in the fun!

This week's Topic:
Snap it Time! 
A picture is worth a thousand words. Anything and everything. 
Just give us a pic.


Well, I'm not going to give you 1000 words, but I will give you a pic with me and one of my FAVORITE authors,
Richard Paul Evans.


This is actually the 2nd time I was able to meet Richard and he is the most gracious person.  His books are ones I never miss reading. Even before I became a reader I still read every book of his!

Here are some of my favorites:

The Prisoner of Cell 25 (Michael Vey, #1) 
The Sunflower

The Christmas List

What did you choose to do for your post today?  Leave me a link in the comments because I'm excited to see your posts and give you a follow as well!  Thanks for stopping by!


Mar 26, 2014

Waiting on Wednesday ~ After the End by Amy Plum



"Waiting on Wednesday" is a weekly event hosted by 
Jill at Breaking the Spine 
that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating!


After the End (After the End, #1)

World War III has left the world ravaged by nuclear radiation. A lucky few escaped to the Alaskan wilderness. They've survived for the last thirty years by living off the land, being one with nature, and hiding from whoever else might still be out there.

At least, this is what Juneau has been told her entire life.

When Juneau returns from a hunting trip to discover that everyone in her clan has vanished, she sets off to find them. Leaving the boundaries of their land for the very first time, she learns something horrifying: There never was a war. Cities were never destroyed. The world is intact. Everything was a lie.

Now Juneau is adrift in a modern-day world she never knew existed. But while she's trying to find a way to rescue her friends and family, someone else is looking for her. Someone who knows the extraordinary truth about the secrets of her past.





Release Date for After the End is
May 6, 2014

I absolutely loved Amy Plum's Revenants series and she is now one of my must read authors.  After the End looks like a whole new adventure that I can't wait to take!




Let me know what you're waiting on this Wednesday!  I would love to come and visit!



Mar 21, 2014

Cover Reveal ~ Rough Waters by Nikki Godwin

It's no secret that my favorite book last year was Book 1 in the Drenaline Surf Series: Chasing Forever Down.  

Today I am beyond excited to participate in the cover reveal for book 2 in this series:

Rough Waters
Title: Rough Waters 
Author: Nikki Godwin 
Release date: April 27th, 2014
Genre: New Adult
Cover Reveal: Irresistible Reads Book Tours

Book Description:
Haley's future has been waiting on the west coast for the past year, but she isn't the only new face in Crescent Cove this summer. When Colby Taylor's parents locate him and interrupt his surf competition, the surf star spirals out of control, dragging Drenaline Surf's reputation through the mud and into the ground with him. 
With Colby's secrets plastered across surf magazines and tabloid headlines, Haley takes on the job of playing damage control for Drenaline Surf - which isn't easy when Colby breaks everything he touches, Topher breaks the law, and Miles breaks his leg. 
Instead of chasing dreams of forever, Haley spends her summer chasing the unraveling careers of the hottest new faces in the surf world, and she's about to learn what happens when forever doesn't last.



I LOVE this cover! Just AMAZING!  
I can't wait for the release of this book!  If you haven't yet read Chasing Forever Down you are missing out.  Nikki is an exceptional author and you will fall in love with this series just like I did!  
Get Ready for Rough Waters out 
April 27, 2014!

About the Author:
Nikki Godwin is a YA/NA/LGBT author. She can't live without Mountain Dew, black eyeliner, and music by Hawthorne Heights. When not writing, she internet-stalks her favorite bands and keeps tabs on surf competitions. She adores pro surfer John John Florence and has made it her life goal to meet David Desrosiers of Simple Plan.

Enter the Rafflecopter below for your chance to win a $5 Amazon Gift Card

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Feature & Follow ~ Reading Habits


Welcome to Feature Follow Friday!  This post is hosted by Parajunkee and Alison Can Read.  This feature is here for everyone to be able to get their blog some attention and get more followers as well as give my readers some fun looking at what I do for the weekly topic.  

This week's topic:
How have your reading habits changed in the past few years? Did you get interested in a new genre? Do you read more? Less? Why do you think your habits changed, if they did.


Stack Of Books, Taller Clip ArtThe biggest way my reading habits have change is that I am reading more than I ever have in my entire life!  I make it no secret I wasn't a reader until about 8 years ago and now I ALWAYS have a book in my hands.  I think the biggest reason they changed is because after I read a few good books I realized that maybe I had been missing out by not being a reader.  I started questioning what books I had maybe passed up and because I wasn't a reader I never realized that there was a whole reading community out there.  This all eventually lead to me getting a Kindle, which lead me to indie publishing, which lead to this blog!  I know now I will always be a reader and I'm so grateful I learned how great reading can be!




So tell me about your reading habits and leave me your links for a follow back!  If you don't have a blog to follow you can still answer the question because I like to get to know all my readers as well!

Mar 19, 2014

Waiting on Wednesday ~ What I Thought Was True by Huntley Fitzpatrick

"Waiting on Wednesday" is a weekly event hosted by 
that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating!

What I Thought Was True

Gwen Castle's Biggest Mistake Ever, Cassidy Somers, is slumming it as a yard boy on her Nantucket-esque island this summer. He's a rich kid from across the bridge in Stony Bay, and she hails from a family of fishermen and housecleaners who keep the island's summer people happy. Gwen worries a life of cleaning houses will be her fate too, but just when it looks like she'll never escape her past—or the island—Gwen's dad gives her some shocking advice. Sparks fly and secret histories unspool as Gwen spends a gorgeous, restless summer struggling to resolve what she thought was true—about the place she lives, the people she loves, and even herself—with what really is.

Release Date for What I Thought Was True 4/15/14

I recently read Huntley Fitzpatrick's "My Life Next Door" and just devoured it.  I am really excited to get more of her writing as soon as possible so this book is now definitely one I can't wait for!




What books are you waiting on this week?  Let me know in the comments or leave your links and I will come visit you as well!




Mar 18, 2014

Top Ten Tuesday ~ Books On My Spring TBR List


Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly event hosted by 

This weeks topic: Books on my Spring TBR list.
In no particular order, this is what I'm planning to read this spring:
(Disclaimer: What I want to read tends to shift with my moods so the odds of this list changing is pretty high.)

Open Road Summer
See Me
Love Letters to the Dead
Take Me On (Pushing the Limits, #4)
The Iron King (The Iron Fey, #1)
Misunderstandings (Woodfalls Girls, #2)

Cinder (The Lunar Chronicles, #1)














Okay, so you are like "Why does this crazy blogger lady have Twilight on her Spring TBR list?" right?  Well here's the answer!  
Amber at Paradise of Pages and I are doing a re-read of the Twilight series in April!  This is the series that turned me into a reader (before I read literally 2-3 books a YEAR) and I don't care who does or doesn't like it, I love it and owe a lot to it. 

Keep your eyes open for news from Amber and I on our special plans for those of us that like to revisit old favorites like this periodically.


That's my Top Ten this week!  Let me know what's on your Spring TBR list and I will visit your links!

Mar 15, 2014

Crash Into You by Katie McGarry ~ Review

Here we are at the final day of Katie McGarry week.  I saved the best for last because Crash Into You was my favorite of Katie's books thus far.  If anyone hasn't read this series, I don't know what you are waiting for!  Enter the giveaway for your chance to get started with Pushing the Limits!


The girl with straight As, designer clothes and the perfect life-that's who people expect Rachel Young to be. So the private-school junior keeps secrets from her wealthy parents and overbearing brothers...and she's just added two more to the list. One involves racing strangers down dark country roads in her Mustang GT. The other? Seventeen-year-old Isaiah Walker-a guy she has no business even talking to. But when the foster kid with the tattoos and intense gray eyes comes to her rescue, she can't get him out of her mind. 

Isaiah has secrets, too. About where he lives, and how he really feels about Rachel. The last thing he needs is to get tangled up with a rich girl who wants to slum it on the south side for kicks-no matter how angelic she might look. 

But when their shared love of street racing puts both their lives in jeopardy, they have six weeks to come up with a way out. Six weeks to discover just how far they'll go to save each other.


I don't know if I can convey in words how much I loved Crash Into You.  I loved Isaiah from the other books in the series. He was a character I wanted to know more about from the start, so I was so excited to read Crash Into You as soon as I could.  

Isaiah is so fiercely protective once we got to know him better that I loved his character even more than I thought I already did right away. He does what he thinks is best which usually means taking care of things on his own when he really should ask for help.  Once he starts working with Rachel things start to come together better and make their crossed paths come together extremely well. 

Rachel was someone I connected with easily as she was riddled with panic attacks, something I have suffered from my entire life.  The pressure Rachel's parents put on her made me just want to shake them and say "Hey! You need to give this girl what she needs not put extra pressure on her!" The fact they made her feel like she shouldn't have the issues she did and expected her to push through them without help made me die inside for her.  

I loved the aspect of street racing that was a focal point of the story.  It made the situation Rachel and Isaiah found themselves in together intense and a bit stressful and scary as well.  I love it when I can feel the "what would I do" factor while reading a book.  I love getting emotionally attached to situations and characters as I am reading and Crash Into You definitely did that for me.

It has been a while since I have found a "must read" author to add to my list and I feel so lucky to have found that once again in Katie McGarry.  I would recommend her books to anyone High School age and up.  I look forward to reading her future works so much.  

Flamingo
at The Sarcastic Palmtree gives
Crash Into You
by Katie McGarry

10 Palm Trees

Make sure to enter our giveaway for the first book in this fantastic series
Pushing the Limits
   
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Mar 14, 2014

Feature Follow Friday ~ Favorite Outdoor Reading Spot

Welcome to Feature Follow Friday!  This post is hosted by Parajunkee and Alison Can Read.  This feature is here for everyone to be able to get their blog some attention and get more followers as well as give my readers a little more fun at looking what I do for the weekly topic.  Check out the rules at the bottom if you want to join in the fun!

This week's Topic:
Spring is in the air! Show off your favorite outdoor reading spot. If you don’t go outside...well where else do you read that isn’t inside your house? We want pics!

I don't read outside much at home, but I do spend 
A LOT of time reading while I'm on vacation!  So I thought I would show you a few pictures of the view from the deck where I read most of the time while on vacation in beautiful Carolina Beach!



Here's my view on a sunny day.














My view on a cloudy day at dusk  
 



And a nice view in the evening.

















So now it's your turn!  Tell me about your favorite outdoor reading spots or leave me your link to your feature so I can stop by and visit for a follow!  I can't wait to see them!



Feature and Follow Friday Rules


To join the fun and make new book blogger friends, just follow these simple rules:

~(Required) Follow the Follow My Book Blog Friday Hosts {Parajunkee & Alison Can Read}

~(Required) Follow our Featured Bloggers

~Put your Blog name & URL in the Linky thing. You can also grab the code if you would like to insert it into your posts.

~Grab the button up there and place it in a post, this post is for people to find a place to say "hi" in your comments and that they are now following you.

~If you are using WordPress or another CMS that doesn't have GFC (Google Friends Connect) state in your posts how you would like to be followed

~Follow Follow Follow as many as you can, as many as you want, or just follow a few. The whole point is to make new friends and find new blogs. Also, don't just follow, comment and say hi. Another blogger might not know you are a new follower if you don't say "HI"

~If someone comments and says they are following you, be a dear and follow back. Spread the Love...and the followers

~If you're new to the follow friday hop, comment and let me know, so I can stop by and check out your blog!

We also have a giveaway going on this week so make sure you enter while you're here!

a Rafflecopter giveaway