Happy One Year Anniversary to ME!

I cannot believe it’s been ONE YEAR GUYS!!!

I have been off the grid for awhile but I just want to thank everyone who has supported and stayed with me through my fails and my hits… I hope you will continue on to grow with me.

In my first year I had a “to do” list of sorts and I thought it might be cool to share that now and see how I fared:

1. Reach 100 followers on my blog – BIG YES to this – thank you to everyone who follows my flog!

2. Get a Twitter Account and get 200 followers there (I thought this might be tough) – but happy to report I MADE IT! Thanks guys!!

3. Befriend one amazing author and help support their work. WOW Yes, I have so many people to thank here – Jessica Park, Emma Chase, Katie McGarry, Colleen Hoover, Lauren Oliver, and so many more! I have met via online more authors than I could ever dream – the authors I dream about taking time to talk to me on FB or Twitter has meant more than anything else, it’s why I wanted to become a blogger to support these wonderful people!

4. To get a chance to read books “before” they hit the market – so sue me, I wanted to be part of the cool kids club. and YES i have to say I don’t get every book I ask for, but I do get a good part, nothing to complain over for sure! I still buy my fare share, so Amazon never has to worry about losing me as a customer….

5. To get to know what Indie writing is all about. WOW have I really learned about this this year – some of my best reads for 2013-2014 have been the indies that were self pubslished and still stole my heart. I try to promote these as often as i can – these books and characters deserve as much love as the largest authors and stories out on the market. The indie writers have touched my heart, but more than that they have made me feel like maybe i have  a place in this world outside of blogging….

6. To evaluate my own life and what part reading plays into it. Well, like all things “me” i dove in head first and over did it. Then I had to put the breaks on, now I’m trying to work some balance into the picture – so we shall see how this goes. I still read a TON but I’m trying to be more selective of what I review and only review things I feel like I really want my readers to read and/or at least know about. No worries about my reading habits here though, I still read pretty much anything I can get my hands on…..haha…

7. To Become friends with other bloggers I can share my love of books with: Now to this I would say YES in some ways and NO in others. When I first came along I spent the time to troll other blogs and communicate. I was honestly hoping I would find a book BFF somewhere in the internet land.. No one I know shares my true love of books and especially the genres I love so much – so while I have been active on forums I haven’t found my “click” yet. The cloest thing I have to a blog I follow and would love to be a part of is the Aestas Blog – I follow them religiously and they seem like cool chicks – maybe one day I can be part of that, maybe not – for now i’m happy sharing thoughts and seeing their thoughts about my favorite subject.

8. Did I say 10 really?? Hmmm… #8 to really start looking outside of the YA genre. When I started thsi that was my main focus. If you read my blog at all, you will know that I have OVERLY achieved this. I have fallen in love with this new genre… New Adult (Iknow everyone has mixed feelings here) and I also love the adult world to a point (AKA Sylvia Day, Alice Clayton, E.L. James, and of course Emma Chase). I have been introduced to so many new authors and for that i’m thankful everyday! So keep it coming in this aspect!

9. I want to attend a BEA Conference. This is one of my biggest wishes – and I don’t know that it can happen this year…. but I want it to happen soon. All my dreams would come true here, to be part of the real blogging community and to meet some of my favorite authors – nothing would be better! It would be like Christmas and my birthday all rolled into one – are any of you guys going this year???

10. Last, but certainly, not least I would like to meet Stephanie Meyer. Without “Twilight” I don’t know that I would have gotten back into reading on this scale and fallen in love with this genre leading to my blog/etc. Meeting her would be…amazing.

11. I have to add one last one, I want to have a blurb – Yes a blurb on the back cover of a book or in a description of a book on amazo – i’m not picky, i’ll take what I can get but to see my writing helping show off soemone else’s would be amazing!

All Right guys that’s about it. I can tell you about one cool thing I did this year and why it was a “bookish” cool thing..

I was in NYC last month for Toy Fair (yes for my real job) and I had a minute, and i picked to site see the NYC Public Library – specifically the Rose Reading Room. Have you been? If not you are missing out big time! For readers, it’s like…heaven. THe smell of books, the quiet, the smell…ahhh I could have spent all day there. Most importantly i was picturing a scene from one of my favorite books there – If you have read “Beautiful Stranger” in the “Beautiful Bastard” series you know what I mean – and that scene is HOT. So, I flushed, sniffed the great smell, sat in a chair in the famous reading room and bid it a fond farewell – believe me I’ll be back. It was then I realized just how much books had become a part of my life. Here I was picking this of anywhere to sight see – and it was the best place i’ve been there in a long while. Just to enjoy the quiet for a few moments, to know all the words contained in all those books I can’t wait to read. The whole expanse of knowledge and stories I have yet to find… It’s humbling and amazing all at the same time.

So happy blog anniversary to me! And to you – thank you ALL for sticking around and making it worth my while!

Happy Thursday Everyone!

Your fellow Blogger –

Kell

ARC Review of “How To Love” by Katie Cotugno – a lesson on real life love

Book: “How to Love”

Author” Katie Cotugno

Publish Date: October 1, 2013

How I Got the Book: From a Blog tour Site – Around the World ARC Tours

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Summary:

Before: Reena Montero has loved Sawyer LeGrande for as long as she can remember: as natural as breathing, as endless as time. But he’s never seemed to notice that Reena even exists…until one day, impossibly, he does. Reena and Sawyer fall in messy, complicated love. But then Sawyer disappears from their humid Florida town without a word, leaving a devastated—and pregnant—Reena behind.

After: Almost three years have passed, and there’s a new love in Reena’s life: her daughter, Hannah. Reena’s gotten used to being without Sawyer, and she’s finally getting the hang of this strange, unexpected life. But just as swiftly and suddenly as he disappeared, Sawyer turns up again. Reena doesn’t want anything to do with him, though she’d be lying if she said Sawyer’s being back wasn’t stirring something in her. After everything that’s happened, can Reena really let herself love Sawyer LeGrande again?

In this breathtaking debut, Katie Cotugno weaves together the story of one couple falling in love—twice.

What I thought:

For starters I got the book and realized it was very long, but after the first chapter – it had me at Chapter one.. I liked the way the author went back and forth between before and now – so you could build the story in your head in a full way – without making full judgement of any character before you gave them a chance. I think had all the before scences come first it would have been WAY harder for me to like Sawyer at all – but the way she built the story and the narration was great. Maybe I read too many books now, but I really take notice of these type of things and I appreciate when someone does something different. I do wish we had heard more from Sawyer’s side, but in the end it was Rena’s story that needed to be heard – well her and Hannah’s story.

I started out thinking this would be another cute/love story in the contemporary YA world, but I was amazingly proved wrong. It was deep, real, and emotional. I felt the heart break Reena felt and the loss when Sawyer left – and the heartache and loss when she learned she was pregnant – and then the pure joy of her beautiful little girl. The book had it all. If you are looking forward to anything in October, i hope this is one of the top picks. The story covered series emotional situations – teen pregnancy, teen parenting, addiction, abandonment – troubled family relationships, and just plain fear. It’s certainly not a fairy tale teen pregnancy story, it’s real and gritty and heart breaking.

The theme I got over and over again was about love, the fact that real love is not easy by any means  – that it takes work but when you work for it, it’s one of the best parts of this world. I have gone through some difficult times in my own life, and my own love has been tested to the very limits during some of these times, and I thought this book really did justice to the real life love it takes to survive in this world. It showed a “true” love can overcome any obstacle – it really reminded me of “the Notebook” and the end where Noah and Ally believe their love can do anything – nothing worth having is ever easy – that is my two cents anyway… for what it’s worth.

Now On To The Characters:

Reena is a strong young woman. When she realizes she’s pregnant and goes to see Sawyer and walks home to face the music alone, her bravery and character astound me – for her age it’s hard to imagine having to go through that and what a tough girl. Tosss in some huge loss in her life and she is really tested beyond belief yet she keeps moving forward – making the best of what she has. She has regrets sure, but who doesn’t. Even with Sawyer, when he appears again – she is so afraid to love him and for good reason – but she doesn’t give up. Yes, she fights it, but I think after everything that went down she deerved to be fought for to some extent.

Sawyer – well from the first pages he was hot, laid back – the cool guy everyone thought they wanted to date in highschool. I like that it showed all of his sides, not just his good side – and it showed that no one is perfect. I wanted to like him, but it took me even a good part of the book to see what his purpose was when he was back in town and to allow myself to give him a chance – I have to say I was rooting for him by the end…

Shelby – Loved her. I loved her real friendship with Reena which is just what she needed. Despite her being in college and away from home she was still there for Reena and supported her no matter what – which is just what she needed. She also added fun and laughter to somme of the most difficult parts of the story.

The parents – The relationship I felt the most for was for Reena and her Dad – in the end I had tears as they had their last conversation, how much she taught him and how far they came – I don’t want to ruin any plots here, but it’s worth the read  juswt to see this touching scene…

So Enough Blabbing on – What’s My Take Away Here?

5/5 Stars for sure!

The book had true emotion. My heart broke, mended, and grew all in one story. I loved the characters and disliked them strongly at different times. Combine that with the beautiful writing and it’s a classic for sure. The way Katie wrote the story really made all the difference, to me she let you see what you needed to and when – and not before or it may have changed your opinion of the characters – I think it let you get to know the characters in an unbyassed way as possible. This book is just so hard to review because it reallly exceeded everything I thought I would get from it. I thought this would be another YA teen pregnancy story – but boy was I wrong. I learned things about living and taking life as it comes from this strong young character – and seeing real love in action warmed my heart. It’s so easy to love when everything is perfect, so easy to feel like that anyway – but it’s not easy to realize that you have to work for what you want. All that happened here, Sawyer had to work for his family, and seeing someone seeing someone his age to that – made my heart warm.  It was just a wonerfully redeeming story.

In the end it was real, not what you expected. It had hard moments, moments that brought tears to my eyes for the shear heart break – but it also had moments that made me so happy I shed tears then too. It really had it all. In the end, I was left feeling whole – like the world was left as it shouold be and I hope you will feel this same way when you are done.  It’s one of the best “real life” love stories I’ve read in some time.  The characters had a love that won out against everything life threw at them – and that even taught them how to love again and feel what had been there all along.

In closing, I hope you get this book, it’s an absolute worthwhile read — so remember October 1st or better  yet pre-order now. Then tell me what you think! If you’ve had a chance to read and review, love your comments here too —

I will admit I’m missing my famous quote section here this time and I hate that because this book had some great ones, but when it’s “offiially” released i am already planning to go back and get some to amend this slight to all of you guys, so keep posted!

Happy early Friday Everyone and Happy reading!

Kelley

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ARC Review of “Deeper” By Blue Ashcroft

Title: “Deeper”

Author: Blue Ashcroft

Publish Date: 8/3/2013

How I Got a Copy: From NetGalley in exhcange for an honest review

Link To Purchase On Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Deeper-ebook/dp/B00EA1YDLM/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1378386971&sr=1-1&keywords=deeper

Summary From GoodReads:

Rain Wilson isn’t ever going to love again.

It’s a promise she made the day her boyfriend died in a water park accident, one she still blames herself for.  Now she’s a senior lifeguard in a new town with a new pool and she’s just going to keep her head down and everyone safe.

Until a mysterious guy follows her into the waves at the pre-season bonfire and kisses her senseless.  It’s just one mistake, and Rain is determined to put it behind her, until the dark haired, blue eyed hottie turns out to be her new co-supervisor Knight Mcallister. 

Knight is hot, tatted, and carrying baggage of his own.  He’s not happy about having Rain for a co-supervisor, and he’s even less happy about his attraction to her.  

But between lifeguard drama, hot underwater kisses, and a growing attraction between them that can’t be stopped, Knight and Rain are being pulled deeper into their pasts, and realizing that sometimes too much broken can make a relationship impossible.

Then again sometimes it’s the broken parts of us that fit together best.

My Overall Thoughts:

First Of all I have to say that Rain and Knight are awesome character names and had me interested from page one. The way the author started the story really was..hot..and catching – it 100% had me wanting to read more of that – and so I kept reading….

I absolutely have never wanted to be a life guard more in my life, it made it a HOT profession for sure. But I really liked how honest the story was and how real it was about what can happen – that all life guards do deal with serious things, not just looking hot and swimming around in the pool. Blue and Knight both had really tragic things happen to them and it left them both so hesitant to be vulnerable with other people.

So to the story. When I first started reading it, to be honest, the first chapter was catching, but in reality who does that? It was a pretty intimate moment to have with someone you don’t know at a work party who may work under you when the season starts – maybe even a little in appropriate. But all that being said, it kept me turning the pages. When they did discover who they were in relation to the job, I caught myself already silently cheering for them to continue despite the fact they shouldn’t because of their job titles. The interesting thing I think is the fact they they were both so scarred and didn’t want to trust anyone allowed them to have the intimacy with a stranger that night in the water, but it’s also that same tragedy that kept them from wanting anything more when they fully realized who the other person was. The story from there on out was sort of like a yo-yo and I will admit frustrating at some points. I think that some of the back and forth could have been eliminated, but overall I kept rooting for Knight and Rain! I really wanted them to work out, to both get over their demons. The author did a great job throwing in some plot action, while still making it believeable based on the storyline and the context of the story. So, overall I thought it was a fresh and different storyline – it had points that were frustrating but overall I thought all the moments of the book added up to a great overall story.

As far as the life guard portion of the book, I thought it was done really well. The descriptions of events that could happen, of how to save someone, and of actual job duties seemed pretty realistic to me. It’s also a great summer read – being that  it’s based in a summer setting with a water background and with YA working their summer job, so it screams summer beach read to me. It also has a “coined” summer romance.

The Romance – I really enjoyed the romance in this book. It’s hard to find a story that i haven’t seen before in some form or fashion and I haven’t seen one in awhile where both the boy and girl were fighting demons in their own ways. I rooted for them both to overcome those demons in a serious way – and I”ll get more into the characters next but I thought they were written very well. Knight – what a HOT name and Rain is refreshing – like rain.. It definetly says something about the story and not using the cliche story or names. I found that the back story for both characters was real and although intense as to what they experienced, gave the story some meat. Knight is so swoon worthy, he was absolutely my book boyfriend for the time I was reading this – and the understanding he had for Rain and her situation was beyond amazing. I also thought it pointed out that the coping was not healthy and I liked that they both ended up in therapy which is what needed to happen after what they experienced.

The Characters:

Knight —

Knight is just like his name sake, a knight in shining armor – or a shining bathing suit in this case. He was real and wasn’t afraid to admit his fears. I like that the novel was narrated by both characters so you could see what was going on in both of their minds, I think that was really key here to understanding the back story and how it affects them both now. That being said, what Knight experienced was horrific to say the least and while it was different than what Rain experienced, they both had issues being trustworhty or putting their feelings out there for someone else for fear of being hurt. The one thing I did not like about Knight was the way he acted during their small “interval” where they were not together. The whole scene with the two girls in the hot tub seemed kind of… unrealisitic, I mean really? You are single for one day and two girls maul you in a hot tub and offer to basically go all the way – that is not reality. But other than that, I have to say I thought he had layers, was honest, was genuine, and fought for what he wanted – even though it may have taken awhile to realize it. There are some serious swoon worthy quotes from Knight but we will get to those later…

Rain—

I liked Rain’s character. I thought in the begining being inside of her head that she may be a little crazy for not allowing herself to have fun, but that’s really just before i knew why she was not allowing herself that pleasure. Once I knew the whole story, my heart literally broke for her and what she had endured. I mean, seriously — that is one of the worst things I have read happening to a character in a good and long time – and the description – I mean WOW..it gave her serious issues and a real reason to have them. I was frustrated with her at the back and forth with Knight and how she kept denying what she wanted even though he was fighting so hard for her — but in the end I love the way it played out. I love that she realized what she wanted and I really love that they both did what they needed to do to get healthy.

The Other Characters—

While there were other back story characters and some played a role in the story that was important, the two most important characters I think were the exes who you never even really got to meet, but I think these are crucial characters because they made the lead characters who they are today – seeing Knight’s girlfriend’s pain over what happened and hearing how adored Rain was by her crush made me feel something for these characters, even though they were not directly in the storyline. I think the author did a great job with all the characters and blending them to make a real story.

My Take-Away:

Read it. I give this story 4/5 stars. It was one I requested, and then was not sure about, but I’m super glad I did pick it up and read it. It was different, and real – and although dark at some points, it was a great read. Again, even though it’s dark I think it’s a great beach read.

Romance and love obviously are the overall themes and what girl does not love that! I also loved how the story was narrated by both main characters so you got to see into both of their brains, as they were thinking and worrying over what was happening. Seeing this insight made a huge difference for me, and really helped me to understand both characters. The storyline and back story was realistic and believeable. I wouldn’t say this is a re-reader, but I would say check it out for sure! Right now it’s only $2.99 on Kindle – so check my link above and get it today – great story for a great price! Get it today while it’s still warm, and enjoy what may be your last summer read for this year — Or wait until the winter and enjoy while it’s freezing outside thinking of next summer already! Most importantly enjoy it – the characters and story and characters will lure you in so be prepared to do some reading, I read it cover to cover in 3 days so be ready for a true page turner here!

The Quotes:

“I’m a lifeguard.  A head lifeguard, and if he thinks I’m going to fall for the superhero act he probably lays out for most women he’s wrong.  I know the water like I know air.  I can’t be hurt here, and I can’t be saved here either.” ~ Rain

“I want to make her burn forever.  I want to stay here with her until the sun sets over us, painting the world in dramatic, beautiful colors.  I want everything, and I want it from a girl who has already told me her limits.” ~Knight

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I don’t want to give too much away, so I’ll end there, but I can tell you there are more swoon worthy quotes from Knight and from Rain for that matter – so check it out!

Happy Reading!

Kelley

 

Friday Finds – August 16th

Hosted by Should Be Reading @ http://shouldbereading.wordpress.com/2013/08/16/friday-finds-aug-16/

FRIDAY FINDS showcases the books you ‘found’ and added to your To Be Read (TBR) list… whether you found them online, or in a bookstore, or in the library — wherever! (they aren’t necessarily books you purchased).

So, come on — share with us your FRIDAY FINDS

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Happy Friday!

I have missed you guys this week! I’ve taken a short hiatus while I was a little under the weather, but now I’m as good as new! Check out my finds for this week – what have you found? Any great finds – I’d love to hear – share your links or a book you found! TGIF!

 “Say When” by Tara West

“Kissing Under the Mistletoe: A Sullivan Christmas” by Bella Andre

*Love this series, and I love Christmas — cannot wait to read!

 “Selling Scarlett” by Ella James

 

Share yours now — Love to see what everyone has found!

Happy Reading!

Kelley

WWW Wednesday’s – Check out what I’m reading now and next!

Hosted by Should Be Reading @ http://shouldbereading.wordpress.com/2013/07/24/www-wednesdays-july-24/

To play along, just answer the following three (3) questions…

• What are you currently reading? • What did you recently finish reading? • What do you think you’ll read next?

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This is one of my favorite weekly events – I love seeing what everyone else is reading and what they are going to read — so check my list out!

1. What am I Currently reading?

by Lauren Myracle

I’m about 55% into the book and I have enojoyed it – we shall see how the ending plays out here.. Right now it’s not a huge page turner, but I could see this being a good mindless summer read – with great romantic moments — tune in for my review!

2. What will I read next?

So I have both of these right now in my possession as part of a blog tour – but which to read first.. This might sounds nuts but I need to have both read by 7/29 when I need to mail them out — Any suggestions on what should come first??

3. What did I just finish reading?

by Jay Crownover

I absolutely loved this book – great writing and story and hot romance! I can’t wait to read the second book – “Jet” which I will right after I’m done with my 2 current blog tour books – it’s already on my Kindle and ready to go!

Happy Wednesday everyone! Let me hear what you’re reading – what you want to read – or what you’ve just read. And if you have comments on what I’m reading – tell me that too!

Kelley

Being Married to a Non-Reader – a post inspired by Jamie @ The Perpetual Page-Turner

Hello Readers!

I was checking out one of my favorite blogs today – Jamie @ The Perpetual Page-Turner and saw an awesome post she put up about being married to a non-reader and what a good choice for topic since I share the same situation! So for my Thursday Book Talk I thought I would talk this through with you — and I would LOVE to hear your feedback too!

Jamie started with a little background on herself and her husband so I’ll do the same..

My husband’s name is David and we have been married for 10 years this December (we were babies when we got married!).  I have been off and on “obsessed” with books over the  years, but since I found “Twilight” I have been pretty constant in my love of books. Once I read that, I literally couldn’t get enough books.. I LOVE going to the book store and just “looking” although this makes him nuts.. About 4 years ago he and my mom got me  Kindle for Christmas and then it was on — i could just click and buy a book on demand (WHAT??) – I literally couldn’t help myself! To be honest my book spending got a little out of hand (this is all pre-blog). Anyways, I am rambling a little — so fast foward to this year and aroud New Years I started finding all these awesome YA book blogs while searching for my next “big read” – I guess I always thought they could be there but until I was really searching for stuff to read, I never went to one – and then I was in love. The blog that actually inspired me to start blogging was Jamie’s (http://www.perpetualpageturner.com/2013/07/married-to-a-non-reader.html#comment-109052 ) – I highly advise you check it out and then one day I did it, I spent a day setting it up, getting an email, adding a community FB page and finding out how to get books to review in coming Netgalley and Edelweiss. Wow. This totally took  me from an obsessive reader to an obsessive reader with more books and actual deadlines on reaviews! At first, I have to admit that my husbad was a little peeved (I already had more than enough books and read most of the time, I work a TON, and he i’m sure was guessing this would take my little time left for him).. But I made sure we made it work and of course he knows I love it and now is a full supporter. He even subscribed to my blog just to see what I was up to and posting (so sweet, right??). So I have the best husband, David if you read this – you are the best! He puts up with me complaining about too many books, not enough books, so many reviews, pressure to post stuff, not getting the ARC’s I want, being excited about something coming up, complaining about books I don’t like or frustrated with a storyline..and swooning over stories and characters I love. He sits through movies with me for books I love and listens patiently as I say..that’s not how the books was, or I love how they did that. He doesn’t complain when  basically go through the whole book for him before the movie starts and doesn’t complain when I get roudy over something I am frustrated about (note: My Sister’s Keeper by Jodi Picoult) During “My Sister’s Keeper” the movie I got so mad at the ending I literally made a fairly loud noise and immediately started compalining before the credits roled. Now, I know he was probably embarrassed but he let me rant, and rant for days at that before he said… maybe that’s enough? He endured my phone calls to my fellow readers about this too, new frustration and probably same discussion with each one.. I think I’m rambling again, but the point of the story is that he is amazing. I know he loves me because he’s willing to take in my bookish obsession like it’s a part of me and wouldn’t ever think of taking it away or wanting me to be different. I am quirky about opinionated about my books, and he still loves me!

How I make it work

Like Jamie, I read while he games, or watches sports. I read while he plays golf.. I never mind okaying a golf outing because that is 4-6 hours of guilt free reading or blogging! I also am a night owl so while he sleeps I read and blog. It works for us, I try to always keep in mind that he wants to actually talk to me too – not just watch me read – so we spend “book and blog free” time each night. I also try to not blog/read on nights when I have to work at home, doing both doesn’t leave time to spend with them (which is the most important thing!).

Perks of being married to a non-reader:

1. I don’t really have to share shelf space or a kindle with him

2. Since he does play golf and game – it gives me $ to spend on books

3. He can always find something else to look at while we’re at a book store and I don’t feel rushed

4. My endless hours of pouring through online blogs and Amazon to find the “next great read” don’t bother him

5. He is “ok” with me typing furiously at my desk behind our couch which alloows me to be in the same room and sort of watch tv with him together

6. He has a man cave that is a “reading free and woman free zone” so he can always get away and i have absolutely guilt free time to read

7. He really loves me – so he deals with my quirkls

8. He listens to me swoon and vent about books I love and sometimes entire stories I feel like he “has” to hear..

9. He is OK with me being mildy..well more than mildy obsessed with YA literature, especially paranormal and romances

10. He has accepted that I am a Team Edward fan – even understanding my obsessive need to got o Forks, WA (Yes, i really went there!)

 

From His Point Of View

He’s not here right now to speak for himself – but if he could I think he would say —

1. He feels like sometimes he has to share me with books and work…

2. I totally zone out when I read and it’s hard to listen or pay attention to him at all

3. I talk soo much about books

4. I obsess over my blog and it’s something I don’t get paid for (he thinks I’m working so hard on this for what money.. Of course it’s for my love of books and I always try to remind him of all the dollars he’s saving by me reviewing and getting ARC copies!)

 

Not sure on the rest, i’m sure there are more… but you get the jist..

Now let’s chat:

Are you married or in a relationship with a reader or non-reader? How does it work? How do you make everything flow? Are they supportive and doy ou also have a blog you work on in addition to the books! Talk to me!!

Kelley

 

 

 

 

“The Distance Between Us” by Kasie West ARC Review – My First Great Summer Read!

Title and Author: “The Distance Between Us” by Kasie West

Publisher: Harper Teen

Release Date: 7/2/2013

How I Got The Book: I got this as part of the book tour from Around The World ARC Blog

Link to Purchase on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/The-Distance-Between-Us-ebook/dp/B00B0VZRWO/ref=sr_1_2?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1372554433&sr=1-2&keywords=the+distance+between+us

General Summary Via GoodReads:

Seventeen-year-old Caymen Meyers studies the rich like her own personal science experiment, and after years of observation she’s pretty sure they’re only good for one thing—spending money on useless stuff, like the porcelain dolls in her mother’s shop.

So when Xander Spence walks into the store to pick up a doll for his grandmother, it only takes one glance for Caymen to figure out he’s oozing rich. Despite his charming ways and that he’s one of the first people who actually gets her, she’s smart enough to know his interest won’t last. Because if there’s one thing she’s learned from her mother’s warnings, it’s that the rich have a short attention span. But Xander keeps coming around, despite her best efforts to scare him off. And much to her dismay, she’s beginning to enjoy his company.

She knows her mom can’t find out—she wouldn’t approve. She’d much rather Caymen hang out with the local rocker who hasn’t been raised by money. But just when Xander’s attention and loyalty are about to convince Caymen that being rich isn’t a character flaw, she finds out that money is a much bigger part of their relationship than she’d ever realized. And that Xander’s not the only one she should’ve been worried about…

My First Thoughts:

I haven’t read anything yet written by Kasie West, so I wasn’t sure what to think. I have to admit though, the cover really lured me in. For me, some covers are just so-so, bu tthen some come along and forwhatever reason appeal to me and make me want to check the book out – and this is one of those books. Then I started reading and from the first page Caymen had me laughing. I really loved her dry sense of humor. Then there was Skye – who I also enjoyed. Of course, it does go without saying that Xander was hot from the first minute –and sweet, and dreamy! So, my first thought of this book is that it was a typical YA love story, good characters, some humor, and would be a great summer read! I also thought from chapter one, well more so knew I would end up enjoying the story. I liked West’s writing and I really enjoyed the character POV changes, even slight, to see somethings from other perspectives. It certainly had me hooked, I think I read the whole book in 3 days – with my work load lately – that is fast!

The Characters:

We can start with Caymen. As I said before, I loved her dry sense of humor.  It made some more…slow parts of the book humorous, and you never really knew what she would say or what she was thinking – so that made her interesting. I also enjoyed that she was a strong character, a do-er.. She saw a problem, like with her Mom, and started thinking of how to help, she wasn’t helpless and didn’t whine like a normal teenager – which made her a great character and a strong female character. I enjoyed her relationship with her Mom and with Skye. She may have not had a ton of friends, but you could tell she was loyal to those she loved. I have seen some other reviews that posed the question why Mason was even brought into the story, but I think he served a vital role.. it was to allow Caymen to have a choice – to choose to go for her Prince Charming or to choose someone “safe” that she did like and she saw on her own level.  I think it was she that told Xander that every now and then you have to take a chance and be willing to fail, and this was her chance, stepping out of her comfort zone. When you think of her character – you understand why this would be her challenge. Then enter Zander – the boy with the perfect life (per se), dreamy looks, and sweet heart. I really wanted her to give him a chance from the first minute.  I was frustrated when she wouldn’t open up to him and just give him a chance.. But he saw that and didn’t run away – he wanted to know her so much he took the baby steps and waited it out while they got to know each other. One of my favorite scenes is the scene where they dig the grave.. This is totally weird scenerio – I know – but Xander jumped right in and dug into it, even getting blisters and not complaining trying to show her he was different, he wasn’t a pretty boy without a back bone. I just really enjoyed the way they were when they were together.  It’s like they fit and completed each other. Toward the end, you see new characters enter into Caymen’s life and it does stir things up, but it brings good change..you’ll see. I don’t want to add any spoilers about the new characters, but I will say I really enjoyed the ending this book and I really loved the characters, they were full and believeable. I am kind of hoping Kasie West will add another addition into this series, i would love to see Sky’e story and of course see more of Xander and Caymen!

Overall Thoughts:

Overall, I really enjoyed the book. This is my first “official” summer read and this is a perfect summer read. If you’re headed to the beach, or just by the pool — or even looking for a great read – check it out! It’s the kind of book that can follow something really serious or something very deep. This book has enough meat to make it interesting, enough steam to make you swoony, and enough humor to make you laugh – it’s the perfect combination for a summer read! I highly reccommend it! So I give the book 4/5 Sunshines!

This book is a great, fun read for your summer “to-read” list – so check it out today. It comes out on July 2nd via Amazon.  I’ll post the link to purchase it above next to the book cover. I really like to always include a quote (I’m a quote girl!) so check that out below! I coudln’t find a great quote that doesn’t give anything away, so i decided to give a tid-bit. Hope you enjoy! Love to hear your thoughts if  you’ve read it or if you want to – just post in the comment section below!

Tid Bit From The Story:

he stops suddenly, becoming very still.  I’m confused.  I was sure he was coming to some sort of powerful conclusion that I really want him to make.  Something that’ll make me say, “It’s okay. Love conquers all.” But instead he offers me his lower-lip biting smile and I almost rush into his arms.  For the first time since I walked away from him the other night my heart feels whole.

There are some amazing quotes in the book and I deliberated over them, but I don’t want to spoil the great story for anyone! I don’t want to spoil the sweetness, and innocense as Caymen and Xander form their story.  This quote I think shows the story is real.. In real life, people (for the most part – there may still be those prince charming’s out there) don’t make large grandiose speeches that change lives, or change feelings.. In real life, we just forgive each other, when you love someone, you just can’t stay angry.. and being with them is more important than anything else!

SO – check it out – “The Distance Between Us” by Kasie West is a great story, fun and romantic, humorous and real. It’s a great summer read, or anytime read.. Get it and check it out – that’s what I reccommend! You won’t regret it!

Kell

 

 

 

 

 

Top Ten Tuesday – Top Books of 2013!

Hosted by The Broke and The Bookish @ http://brokeandbookish.blogspot.com/

Happy Tuesday! This week’s Top Ten list is yout top list of 2013 so far~ now.. I have read 55 books so far this year – and while I was looking back for the life of me I couldn’t limit this to 10 books (I know, I know – but I just couldn’t!) so I have my Top 13 (unlike many people 13 is a lucky number for me..go figure!) books of 2013 – check it out! Love to hear back about yours too – post your link below or just post your list as a comment if you don’t have a blog – or feel free to comment on mine! Hope Everyone has an awesome day and here we go!

Top 13 Books of 2013 Thus Far:

My first book (or book and a half) are these two from Jessica Park – these are also on my all time favorite list! Reccommend highly!

Book #2 is also by Jessica Park – I got an ARC and LOVED it! Publish date is 7/16 – check it out!

Book #3 is Delirium (the whole series actually) – by Lauren Oliver – Amazing!! Definetly Reccommend!

Book #4 – had to throw in something lighter and I thought this book was written so well by Emma Chase.. Romantic and Funny a must read for 2013!

Book #5 by J. Kenner. These series, the Stark Series is amazing and this final book releases on 7/19 – Love the characters and the romance – fun adult read!

Book #6 is the Beautiful series by Jamie McGuire – amazing! Disaster is the female POV and Walking Disaster is the male POV. Love how the story is told from both sides – and I loved each book equally!

Book #7 is the French Kiss series by Stephanie Perkins. I was just introduced to her writing this year – how have I missed this for so long?? She’s so great and I can’t wait for “Isla and the Happily Ever After” to come out!

Book #8 is by Suzanne Young – this may be the best first book of a series I’ve read in a long time – cannot wait for book 2 now! Dark topic but written so well that it’s still a great read.

Book #9 is the Breathless series by Maya Banks — Great reading and the 3rd book comes out this fall! Great adult romance.

Book #10 is the Pushing the Limits series by Katie McGarry. New YA writer for me this year and I absolutely enjoyed both books and looking forward to the 3rd – no release date on the 3rd yet, but the first two are on the market right now – they are the perfect mix of dark and light fun – not too light but still have great humor and light, fun romance – higly reccomend!

Book #11 – by Kiera Cass. The first book came out last year and really wowed me, so I was excited for the follow up and it did not dissappoint, the only negative here is that we have to wait an entire year (yes 1 year!) before book #3 comes out… and without doubt I absolutey cannot wait!

Book #12 is this series by Veronica Roth – now this book had the absolute best 2nd book ending I’ve read in awhile – and it certainly left me wanting more and excited about book #3 – don’t have an ETA on that yet, but I’m sure I’ll want to get my hands on it right away~

and last, but not least is Book #13 the Awaken series by Katie Kacvinsky – now I haven’t found a ton of people who have read this, the first book came out last year, but the second book “Middle Ground” came out March this year and I really love the writing in these books, if you are a fan of “Matched” and “Divergent” or any of the dystropian series, I would reccommend this – great reading!

So that’s all for me today folks – now I know I am way over the “top ten” technical term, and most of my “books” are series, but I’ve read so many wonderful things this year, I absolutely could not limit it down – so I hope you enjoyed! And love to hear your feedback and your top 10 for this year too!

Happy Tuesday!

Kelley