WWW Wednesday (2)

WWW Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Should Be Reading.  

To play along...answer the following!

- What are you currently reading?

- What did you recently finish reading?

- What do you think you'll read next?

Here are my answers:

Currently Reading: 

Recently Finished:

To Read Next:

((this is subject to change...I have so many on my TBR shelf, that I need to see what mood I'm in when I finish the book I am currently reading!))

I have been SOOOO busy these last two weeks.  I got a new position at work, and I feel like all of my free time to read is virtually gone. :(  However, I am finally getting into the groove, so I will be back on track soon!!  I hope you are bearing with me, and will continue to visit me as often as possible!  I love all my readers!! 

Happy Reading!

Teaser Tuesday (3)

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by Mizb at Should Be Reading.  The rules are simple:

-Grab your current read

-Open to a random page

-Share 2 “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS!(make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

-Share the title & author, too, so that other Teaser Tuesday participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

My Teaser:

"I had already learned that human monsters could live anywhere; that some of the clever ones chose ordinary all-American-looking houses.  Just like the house I was examining now."

From: 

Happy Reading!

Review: Queen of Babble Gets Hitched - Meg Cabot

Queen of Babble Gets Hitched - Meg Cabot

Paperback / 319 Pages

Published by HarperCollins 2009

Lent to me by my best friend

GoodReads Review:  Big mouth. Big heart.

Big wedding. Big problems.

It's the wedding of the century!

Things are looking up at last for Lizzie Nichols. She has a career she loves in the field of her choice (wedding gown restoration), and the love of her life, Jean-Luc, has finally proposed. Life's become a dizzying whirl of wedding gown fittings—not necessarily her own—as Lizzie prepares for her dream wedding at her fiancé's château in the south of France.

But the dream soon becomes a nightmare as the best man—whom Lizzie might once have accidentally slept with . . . no, really, just slept—announces his total lack of support for the couple, a sentiment the maid of honor happens to second; Lizzie's Midwestern family can't understand why she doesn't want to have her wedding in the family backyard; her future, oh-so-proper French in-laws seem to be slowly trying to lure the groom away from medical school and back into investment banking; and Lizzie finds herself wondering if her Prince Charming really is as charming as she once believed.

Is Lizzie really ready to embrace her new role as wife and mistress of Château Mirac? Or is she destined to fall into another man's arms . . . and into the trap of becoming a Bad Girl instead?

My Review:  I love, love, love Lizzie...maybe because I am so like her.  I often find myself blurting things out that I know shouldn't be shared, and then thinking "where did that even come from!?" I read the first two books in this series earlier this year, and loved them too.  

Lizzie is an extremely likeable character, and throughout all her ups and downs I felt like I was right there with her.  She has fallen in love with Luke, whom she met in Paris the previous summer, and during the last book they have broken up and Lizzie spends some time with Luke's best friend, Chaz, who is also Lizzie's best friends ex boyfriend.  LOVE TRIANGLE!!! This is better than trashy tv!  Anyway, throughout all of this book, while Lizzie is engaged to Luke, everyone is rooting for her and Chaz.  

I also loved Ava Geck!!! How extremely hillarious!! All I could imagine was Paris Hilton becoming Lizzie's best friend and it was perfect!!

I think that the main thing I got from this book is just that you can't help who you love, and who you don't.  It is so true.  I know more often than not people will stay with their partner for reasons that just don't make sense, and you've got to stop and realize what you really want.  Lizzie is a fantastic character that I think most women can relate to.  I thought this was a witty (as always with Meg Cabot), fun read. 

Recommendation:  I would recommend this to anyone that has read Meg Cabot before, but also to those who haven't read Meg Cabot before.  Make sure that you read the first two Queen of Babble books before this one, or you might be a little confused.  This is a funny, sweet, great read!

Five Stars

Happy Reading!

Follow Friday (3)

Follow Friday and Book Blogger Hop are weekly events hosted by Parajunkee and Crazy-for-books respectively.  I love, love, love both of these weekly events, and you should too!  Hurry over to their sites, follow them, and link your blog to these awesome events!






This weeks question comes from Christina at The Paperback Princess.

When reading a book that you just can't get into, do you stick it out and keep reading or move to your next title?

So honestly, I'm pretty OCD when it comes to books.  If I start it, I have to finish it.  Out of the hundreds of books that I have read, I've probably only not finished maybe 5?  I say that because it really takes a lot for me to be like 'okay, no more for me'.  I get extremely frustrated when there are grammatical errors, and more often than not that will be the reason I put the book down.  I guess for me, I am always hoping that the author will redeem themselves at some point in the book.  Maybe it is also that I choose my books wisely...I mean if I know that I don't like harlequin novels, I won't buy them.  I also feel like I try to give the book a fair chance.  I will give the book about 100 pages to really grab me, and if by then it hasn't I don't feel the same passion that I do when a book does grab me. 

I've had such a busy last couple of weeks, so I apologize for not writing as much as I would like to.  I got a new position at work (*yay*) but it is keeping me quite busy.


Follow me, leave me comments and most of all -- enjoy!


Happy Reading,

WWW Wednesday

WWW Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Should Be Reading.  

To play along...answer the following!

- What are you currently reading?

- What did you recently finish reading?

- What do you think you'll read next?

Here are my answers:

Currently Reading: 

  

Recently Finished Reading: 

Next to Read:

Happy Reading,

Review: Relatively Famous - Jessica Park

Relatively Famous - Jessica Park

Electronic Version - Sent to me by the author

Goodreads Review: Meet Dani McKinley: A typical teen whose world is rocked when she finds out that her father is a famous Hollywood Action star. Now meet Mark Ocean: A self-serving actor with a floundering career who sees that a daughter is just what he needs to reinvent himself as a family man and get back on track. When the two decide to spend the summer together, they must not only wrangle their own love lives, but try to figure out who they really are to themselves and to each other. 

Now armed with credit cards, club memberships, and a new wardrobe, Dani learns that what Mark has in wealth, he sorely lacks in parenting skills. Trying to show Mark that parenting is about more than loading her up with Prada bags and taking her to movie premieres is challenging enough, but she's also got her hands full with her new friends. Oh, and the boys... Dani meets Jason, a gorgeous young personal trainer who is easy on the eyes and wildly flirtatious. But is this smug hottie the one for her? Or will she ignore her friends eye-rolling and go for the goofy but sweet surfer? 

While juggling her own complicated love life, Dani tries to set her father up with someone less likely to appear on a VH1 reality show, and someone more... well, normal. And age-appropriate. And dressed in anything but a thong bikini. But whether Mark is able to heal old wounds and move forward with anything more than a meaningless fling remains to be seen. 

Can Dani fit in with this new, fast-moving California crowd without losing herself? With the world at her fingertips and hot boys now after her, staying grounded gets tough. And can Mark drop his egocentric approach to life and learn to appreciate how truly wonderful his daughter is? As driven as he is to get that A-list acting role, he's willing to do whatever it takes to get there, even if it means using his daughter. Or is he...? Mark and Dani's relationship hits a few highs, but the question becomes whether the lows are too much.

My Review:

This book was sent to me by the author, Jessica Park.  I found a tweet by her (@JessicaParkYA) saying that she was sending out copies of this book for review.  I jumped on it, and I am so glad that I did.  This is the first book that I've reviewed for the author!  

I immediately fell in love with the main character, Dani.  She is your average teenager, but there is nothing not to like about her.  Honestly, I was a little jealous of her -- I mean, REALLY, your dad is a famous actor!? How cool is that!? 

When we meet Mark, Dani's father, you can tell he is just a typical Hollywood type.  I was definitely disappointed in Mark for some of the decisions that he made in the book, but by the end, I loved him too.

I thought this was a great book about a young girl dealing with something that I think is every kid's (who doesn't know their biological father) dream!  It was great to see Dani going from a smaller town girl, to this big city, Hollywood chic girl---but it was also great to see that she still knew who she was deep down. 

I laughed a lot throughout this book and I loved all of the references to pop culture things that are going on today.  The writing style in the book is easy going, and it is a light, quick read.  The message that I think Jessica Park was trying to get across was just that no matter what, it is important to know who you are, and where you come from. I know that most teens (I'm definitely including myself in this one) go through the phase where they are trying to figure out what they want, who they are and all that fun stuff.  I think this was a great take on it!  I will certainly be looking for more books by Jessica Park, and you should too! 

Recommendation:  I recommend this to any YA lovers, and anyone looking for a great, light read.

4 stars

Happy Reading!

Follow Friday (2)

Follow Friday and Book Blogger Hop are weekly events hosted by Parajunkee  and Crazy-for-books respectively.  I love, love, love both of these weekly events, and you should too!  Hurry over to their sites, follow them, and link your blog to these awesome events!


This week's question comes from Suko who blogs at Suko's Notebook.

What's your favorite beverage while reading or blogging, if any? Is it tea, coffee, water, a glass of wine, or something else?

My Response

I love nothing more than curling up with a good book.  While blogging, I don't need a beverage, although I do like a blush wine while browsing around other blogs!  While I read I love to drink coffee!

I'm off to hop! 

Happy Reading!

Review: The Power of Love - Elizabeth Chandler

Power of Love - Elizabeth Chandler

Paperback / 240 Pages

Published by Simon Pulse - 1995

GoodReads Review: A month after his death, angel Tristan is still trying to warn Ivy of impending danger. Only after narrowly escaping death does Ivy know the truth--Tristan is with her, and angels do exist. For young adult readers, this trilogy blending celestial visitors, teen romance and suspense is a match made in heaven.

My Review:  This is the second book in the trilogy Kissed by an Angel.  I really am enjoying this trilogy so far!  Basically (because I didn't get the opportunity to review the first book), the main character, Ivy has been in a car crash with her boyfriend, Tristan.  Tristan is killed in the car accident and is now an angel.  Ivy's character is a tad annoying to me....in the beginning she is a firm believer in angels, collecting statues and always praying to them.  After the accident she no longer believes in angels, because if angels did exist, her boyfriend would still be alive.  I can completely understand where she is coming from, but it annoys me because now Tristan is back (as an angel) and she doesn't believe any longer.  Obviously, because Tristan is a new angel he is still getting used to his powers and learning what needs to be done in order to get his "mission" completed.  Tristan is now super concerned with Ivy's safety, because he realizes that the accident was caused because the brakes had been disabled in the car.  Throughout the book, Tristan is trying to get through to Ivy and figure out who was after them, and who was responsible for the disabled breaks.  There are a lot of twists and turns that left me with questions, but I am hoping that they will be explained in the third book. 

Rating: 3 stars

Recommendation:  I recommend this trilogy to those that like YA paranormal romance.  It can be a little mushy here and there, but it is good!

Happy Reading!

In My Mailbox

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren.

I think this would be a great time to start participating in this meme!  I just found out about NetGalley, and spent about 2 hours on there last night requesting all sorts of books.  Over the last day or so I've received the following from NetGalley:

Drop Dead Diva - Virginia Brown

Billie Girl - Vickie Weaver

The Mermaid's Mirror - L. K. Madigan

Unearthly - Cynthia Hand

Delerium - Lauren Oliver

Once in a Full Moon - Ellen Schreiber

Angelfire - Courtney Allison Moulton

The Three Fates of Henrick Nordmark - Christopher Meades

Hope Burned  - Brent LaPorte

Butterflies in May - Karen Hart

 Under the Mercy Trees - Heather Newton

Talk Dirty to Me - Inez Kelly & Ginny Glass

Presumed Dead - Shirley Wells

No One Lives Twice - Julie Moffett

 I'll Become the Sea - Rebecca Rogers Maher

The Kiss Test - Shannon McKelden

A Lonely Death - Charles Todd

The Girl in the Green Raincoat - Laura Lipman

Adios, Nirvana - Conrad Wesselhoeft

Pigeon English - Stephen Kelman

Those that Wake - Jesse Karp

The Lemonade Crime - Jacqueline Davies

Tyger Tyger - Kersten Hamilton

Sweetie - Kathryn Magendie

Haint Misbehavin' - Maureen Hardgree

Enough About Love - Herve LeTellier

Drinking Closer to Home - Jessica A. Blau

Obviously there are a ton of books, and I'm going to start reading tonight and see what I get done.  Be on the lookout for reviews!

Happy Reading!

Could It Be...OCD?

My birthday was yesterday and my boyfriend got me a new red bookshelf for my birthday!

I already have one (in the other corner) that was STUFFED with books, so I've decided to get my books completely organized.  Now, I will admit that I am already bordering on neurotic when it comes to my bookshelf, so adding a whole second one (which was needed) threw me for a loop!  I couldn't decide which books "deserved" to be on the new bookshelf, and which ones didn't. 

I finally settled on having a bookshelf dedicated to the books that I've read, while the other bookshelf will be dedicated to the book that are on the TBR list.  So, now my books are all organized and ready to go.  I've ordered the "read" bookshelf a little differently than my TBR bookshelf, and we will have to see if I can let my OCD go enough to be okay with it.  

Since I tend to either donate, or give books away to friends/family when I am done with them, there aren't a whole lot of books that I've kept.  I couldn't get rid of any of my Jodi Picoult or James Patterson books, and I decided that they each will get their own little section instead of being in alphabetical order with the rest of the books.  The James Patterson books took up most of the last shelf, making it so I had to give him a second shelf!  I devoted that shelf to the Women's Murder Club series, because it was --- well, the best.

I am working on getting the TBR bookshelf put back together, but it is proving to be more of a challenge.  I've got a few ideas on how I want to organize it, but nothing is looking perfect yet...so we will see.  I will update to let you know what I decide.

How do you organize your books?  Do you keep all of the books that you've read, or do you share them with others?  

Happy Reading!

Teaser Tuesday (2)

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by Mizb at Should Be Reading.  The rules are simple:

-Grab your current read

-Open to a random page

-Share 2 “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS!(make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

-Share the title & author, too, so that other Teaser Tuesday participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

My Teaser

"Ivy nodded.  She knew the story, or one like it, about losing someone before you had the chance to --"

This teaser is from:

Power of Love - Elizabeth Chandler

Happy Reading!

Happy Birthday to ME!

Obviously this isn't going to be a real post -- but --- HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME! :)

Today is going to be a fun filled day with the bestie.  Mani/Pedi's, lunch and all around fun times!

Happy Reading!

Review: Compromising Positions - Jenna Bayley-Burke

Compromising Positions - Jenna Bayley-Burke

Kindle Edition

Published 2009

Goodreads Review:

David Strong knows how to do a lot of things—run an international fitness company, finesse stock portfolios and stay out of emotional entanglements. That is, until he gets tangled up with Sophie Delfino and her Sensational Sex workout. He’s supposed to help her demonstrate Kama Sutra positions for her couples’ yoga class. The rigorous postures require more than just physical control. And his co-instructor unexpectedly tests his control to the limit.

Sophie’s been fantasizing about David since her teens, but she never dreamed she’d actually be expected to run through her intimate desires—with an audience! The class is very professional, tame even—or it would be, if she’d been in any of the positions before. But she hasn’t—except in her wildest fantasies about David. Sophie knows she wants David in every way, and she’s flexible enough to use whatever she has to get him.

David can’t afford any unexpected distractions. Besides the sensual positions he has to endure without embarrassing himself in public, there’s an embezzler stealing from his company. And then there’s Sophie—who is well on her way to stealing his well-guarded heart.

My Review:

This was a freebie on the Kindle, and I figured I would give it a chance.  Honestly, I hadn't read the summary on Goodreads, nor on Amazon....and I probably should have!  As you can tell from the Goodreads summary, this is the story of David Strong and Sophie Delfino falling in love and working out their differences.  What I didn't know/expect was all the explicit sex scenes.  I've not read any erotica before...and I don't see why not!  I might have gotten a little uncomfortable at parts, but honestly, it was a good/cute plot and I enjoyed the storyline.  

I will definitely be looking to see if there are any other books by Jenna Bayley-Burke that I might like to add to my TBR pile.

I would not recommend this book for the squirmish!  If you like a good, cute, romantic tale -- check it out!

4 stars

Have you read any erotic novels?  If so, what did you think?  Are there any that you would suggest I try?

Happy Reading!

2010 100+ Reading Challenge

The 2010 100+ Reading Challenge is hosted by J. Kaye over at Home Girl's Book Blog.  Obviously the challenge is to read 100+ books this year.  I know I'm late in finding this, but on January 1st this year I decided that I was going to challenge myself to read 100 books this year.  I figured I might as well join this challenge to make it "official"!

You can find the list of books that I've read thus far in the side bar, and as of right now I am a little behind.  I've read 63 books so far, with 3 months left. 

I encourage you to stop by J. Kaye's Book Blog and join not only this challenge, but the other challenges that she is hosting as well.  I am going to go see what other challenges she has up right now, and see if any of them are ones I would like to participate in as well.

Happy Reading!

Banned Books Week Comes to an End

So banned books week is coming to a close.  I really wanted to participate in all the festivities, but it also happened to be deadline week at work, so basically nothing else gets accomplished.  I've been going around to all of the different blogs that I follow and reading up on everyone's banned books blog posts.  It is interesting to see what everyone else has to say.  

If you aren't an avid reader, you might not know what Banned Books Week is.  

Banned Books Week (BBW) is an annual event celebrating the freedom to read and the importance of the First Amendment.  Held during the last week of September, Banned Books Week highlights the benefits of free and open access to information while drawing attention to the harms of censorship by spotlighting actual or attempted bannings of books across the United States. 

While surfing around the net, I found out a few interesting tidbits of information.  Did you know that THE DICTIONARY was banned at a California elementary school in January of 2010 because of the definition of "oral sex".  I mean COME ON people...seriously!?  I understand that people don't want their six or seven year old child reading about sexual activities and what not, but honestly -- give me a break.

I went through a bunch of different lists of banned books, and I found a bunch that I have read in the past, and that truly surprised me.  I guess I shouldn't be as surprised as I am considering...but it just blows my mind.  The First Amendment of the Constitution is freedom of speech...but it doesn't look like we really get that, does it?

I can completely understand that people wouldn't want their children exposed to books that have differing beliefs than they do, but I think that it is up to the parents to realize that they need to be monitoring their children.  I think that it is up to the parent to be responsible and pay attention to what their children are up to.

What books are you most surprised about being banned?

Happy Reading,